How about severely limiting "Super" class entries?

[fordteacherguy]

Originally Posted by Billy Nees

People keep assuming that the NHRA is a normal business. It is not! It is a not-for-profit organization. It's sole purpose (as per it's orig. charter) is to keep all of us hooligans (Sportsmen, in the 21ST century) from racing on the streets and killing innocent women and children. Whether "they don't want us" or not, they can't make us go away without major changes to their organization or business model or what ever you want to call it. I can only imagine how much the thoughts of an organized, well supported "Sportsmen Organization" must terrify them.

Remember: Not-For-Profit can mean you just spend it all!

[Ron Ortiz]

I've been involved with this sport since 1968. After my first trip down the quarter and winning the first event I entered, I've been hooked. Started working at Miami Hollywood with just about everything, lanes, scales tower, etc. Got to work with Buster Couch and John Biedenkamp a lot. Was recommended by them for tech advisor of a new track, DeSoto Memorial. Won tech crew of the year. Got to do national events. Always wanted to run U/SA due to low maintenance, less breakage, reasonable index, etc. Finally bought one in 1987. So I've been on both sides of this sport.

The super classes were brought about with the concept that racers could build a race car without a lot of the restrictions that Stock/SS have and use speed parts to go fast, yet be affordable by having indexes that are fairly easily attainable. While performance based eliminators indexes are much stouter. NHRA was bringing in more racers and revenue while increasing its base, it was a great idea.

Then they got faster and faster and discovered the concept of wanting to chase for a better view, so along came throttle adjusters and the dreaded delay, that spectators are not fond of. Understood.

Solution. Super category classes run eighth mile at nationals and divisional. Tighten indexes.

We are all racers wanting to race. Everyone has their own choice of vehicle, motor and class of competition. If sanctioning bodies are looking at $$$, that's the way it is in todays world. We have to work together or come up with a newer format. The first Cajun Sportsnationals under Pat Joffrion to me was the blueprint of how sportsman racing could be. The conflict with the pros freed up both sides. Can a pure Sportsman system survive, I think so, would the pros like it, I think so. Can they both survive separately, I think so, if not then both side will seek out each other with different stances.

As a racer I can honestly say that is was way more fun at National events 20 years ago than now, too many restrictions and circus like now. And that's not counting other topics, fees, parking, schedule, contingencies, etc.

Ron Ortiz
U/SA ...............

[Tom P]

Originally Posted by Ron Ortiz

Solution. Super category classes run eighth mile at nationals and divisional. Tighten indexes.

Excellent idea Ron. I would think they could still stumble along at idle but it wouldn't be for several seconds. Cuts the annoyance. Also lessens the risk of 1200hp cars getting loose launching again far from the starting line.

[Keith 944]

Not a problem, you do it to! all stock and super stock cars 8th mile, see how you like it!!!!!

[Mike Pearson]

Originally Posted by Keith 944

Not a problem, you do it to! all stock and super stock cars 8th mile, see how you like it!!!!!

If that was the solution to more people being able to compete Personally I would not have a problem with that. I like 1/8th mile racing.

[kansas stocker]

Take away all of the electronic devises and it would make a much better spectator event. Same people would win most of the time but it would be a lot better to watch and add a couple of new skills.
Pete

[Lenny5160]

Originally Posted by kansas stocker

Take away all of the electronic devises and it would make a much better spectator event. Same people would win most of the time but it would be a lot better to watch and add a couple of new skills.

If the electronics are the reason that no spectators watch the Super classes, what are the reasons they don't watch Comp, Super Stock, and Stock?

[cmracing]

Originally Posted by kansas stocker

Take away all of the electronic devises and it would make a much better spectator event. Same people would win most of the time but it would be a lot better to watch and add a couple of new skills.
Pete

It might, but there are a lot of companies that sell the stuff needed for this type of racing. What do they do if all this stuff is outlawed........

Anyway, for the spectators going to a National Event, do you think most of them care too much about the Sportsman Racing? Face it, no one is going to sit still for 10-14 hours a day and never leave their seats. I know when I go, when my friends running the .90 Classes come out, I go find food! I get to watch them most weekends at our local tracks, and the Divisional Races. I certainly don't need to sit and watch them until the late rounds if I still have some friends in.

What we don't get to see a lot is the Stock and Super Stock racers. They rarely Bracket Race due to the cost of wear and tear on their stuff. They aren't built for that type of racing. So when they are running at a National my butt is parked in the stands watching them! I have a lot of friends in those two classes and used to drive a Stocker myself.

[Bruce Noland]

Originally Posted by fordteacherguy

Remember: Not-For-Profit can mean you just spend it all!

It "can" mean all monies taken in can be spent. But not always. Depends on the charter, mission statement and other statements made by the not for profit.