What would it take for you to attend a Sportsman Race

[SDT1DYI]

I read all the responses and I can only share what we have learned running NWCR in the PNW.
We formed Northwest Class Racers Association with the goal of providing a Stock, Super Stock series for class cars. We held three races in 2022. Paying from the bottom up, first round winners got some cash. Winner 2,000, RU 1,000 and some very nice custom made throphys.
What we found was , there were a group of class cars, ( mostly Stockers) that were very supportive and attended all the races.
Fewer SS cars and no very high end and expensive to maintain Super Stock cars.
Keeping in mind in the West it can be a long tow between tracks.
I did talk with some of the SS guys. Some indicated the cost to run their equipment, saving it for NHRA races etc. I as well felt there was a reluctance to run against 14 -15 second, 5,000 dollar stockers for some.
We did have one race the conflicted with NHRA Divison 6 rescheduled Divisonal at Mission it caused a lower car count at both races.
What we found was paying more guaranteed money , does not guarantee a larger car count.
Class cars that can make 100-150 plus runs in a season will make as many races as time permits. Class cars that can make 30-40 runs a season will not show up.
Different I believe than tracks back East, schudling a Stk/SS event at a West coast track has been very challenging and frustrating. I will not mention tracks, but when tracks kick back part of the entry fee for Bracket events and refuse to do the same for a Stk/SS combo event
it says a lot.
Lastly, the effort to put a class association together, manage it etc is very time consuming. All involved do it "Pro Bono". Many of the racers are very appreciative of the effort but lip service does nothing. if you run a Class car and you want to see Class racing continue and grow outside of NHRA, I urge you to get involved with your local association and help make it happen.

Steve Teeter NWCR Stk/SS 620

[B Parker]

To Tim, Ken and all that were involved in running the race I apologize. Theirs not a good enough excuse why I was not there last year. Especially for someone like myself that loves racing Stock as much as I do. It doesn't matter where the race was held. The Management from NHRA was smart enough years ago to devise a point system and hooked most of us in. But when you look at it what really are the points worth? Unless you are really putting in the effort to go after the Division Championship or a National top ten. The points in the end are worthless. Then years later they came up with the grade point system. I get they wanted the participation at the Divisional level in order to get into National Events. But now with the low car numbers allowed at the Nationals unless you have a grade of eight or more what are grade points really worth. Lets face it unless we do something to help ourselves our classes have an expiration date. You guys gave us an opportunity to race at an Event with a good pay day and no BS about points to get in. All of us Class racers need to take a better look at races like this one. And realize the people putting them on are doing it for us. These races should not only be at the top of our list to make but also sponsor in anyway we can. BP

[Larry Hill]

I think the promoters do it to make a profit and all of us racers want them to make a profit so we can race with them again the next time.

[Dave Muller]

About all I would need is for the race to be less than a thousand miles away from me and not conflict with a division 7 race.

Sometimes other schedule or budget constraints might stop me but generally that would do it. But out west here it's not so likely.

[Eric Merryfield]

Perhaps a bit of perspective from a outsider here would be helpful.

I'm a outsider? Well I didn't grow up watching my dad do it, I just started doing it 15 or so years ago.

So I don't have the same experiences that 98% of the forum does. I run a small business like many and 100% of the money in it is mine and at risk so I can relate to the promoters, tracks, sponsors and the racers. At least I should be able too!


BUT, I have supported a lot of these races, over the years that were listed when I could. Big $ opens too in Canada which also suffered from poor turnout but have not been previously mentioned......got grade points and got to compete for up to 25K at one open...........10K many times at Napierville, Beards, Tylers, Kens, the allstar race that paid 10K for $100(right Barry?), etc etc etc


Why? How could I not? Its just fiscally irresponsible to not go and try to compete for the best return on your ahem investment, support fellow racers, and go and experience the labors of love that have been put on.....Some of the best times at the track have been at these events, they are so enjoyable in so many ways.

I do think its possible though for a race of this nature to be successful....but it would have to have a different focus.....Stock and Superstock may just need a 501 c 3 formed to try and preserve the heritage. Putting on a race for the benefit of the charity.....Support it or it will go away......

Perhaps the racers can support Tyler's race......I'll try. Its another labor of love event. Its not like he can pencil in a rate of return for like his other races that cater to their bracket racing events...

FYI racers, actually the NHRA experience isn't as bad as you paint it to be, considering whats involved with putting on a event. Don't like the national event crowds, and schedule etc, go to a divisional, don't like them, go to the opens, go to the the association races........

Go to stay sharp, for the independent races that you WILL be attending in the future correct?

Eric