Did Anybody Else Catch This?!

[Jim Wahl]

In the interview of Warren Johnson Saturday at Pomona, he stated he thought the sport was in it's waining days! The only real reason he gave was cost to race. 2.5 to 3 million per year for Pro Stock. What are your thoughts on his statement? Jim


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[7423]

He never bitched about the cost when he was going rounds at every race. He lost his edge and is too stuborn to admit it or quit.
It's a shame. He is a much better engine builder than he is a driver. If he wants to keep playing, maybe he should try Comp.

[Alan Roehrich]

He didn't lose his edge so much as he lost all his backing. That tends to stop the wins and the development in a class that costs as much as Pro Stock does.

Unfortunately, he may be right. This country is not the "car loving" society/nation it once was, there are not even that many real "car people" in the OE automotive businesses. The economy is not great, and will not be for a while, if not a long while. NHRA has been trying to strangle all of the geese laying the golden eggs for a while.

I'm not saying it's time to pack it in. I am saying that we've seen far better days, and will not see them again without changes. And the changes are not likely so long as some of the people now in power remain there.

[chris ok]

Well said Alan.

Warren won the national championship in comp eliminator as the engine builder for Alan Ellis, pretty darn good in my book.
NHRA has to wake up and "adjust the show and the admission price to survive".
The show is quick and smooth on Sundays like never before, thats the best it's been ever.
Was at E Town and The Grove Sundays this year.
I will not state my opinion here on what should change, except price at the gate and 1/4 racing in all classes. There is more. I will let others who compete give their ideas on how to change it up to put fannys in seats.
Our administration is giving a crushing blow to all entertainment dollars for every working average American now, and that is the biggest change we need.

Chris.

[Gary Smith]

The cost of survival has surpassed the common interest, passion, and returns within most means. As long as NHRA continues to lend a blind eye to that reality, the big show will surely meet it's demise. However, as long as there's willing passion, the sport itself will continue to survive in one form or another.

[442OLDS]

You can get lucky and go rounds.

KJ from the #16 spot is once again headed to the semi finals.

[nickh]

Alan nailed it. Without Corporate Funding the first things that get cut are R&D, Testing, etc....

Until there is a way to wrangle in the cost of PS the numbers will continue to dwindle.

With the economy the way it is, it will be interesting in 2014 on Pro Car Counts. JMO

[H Hoover]

Our administration is giving a crushing blow to all entertainment dollars for every working average American now, and that is the biggest change we need.


Amen,

[Alan Roehrich]

Originally Posted by nickh

Alan nailed it. Without Corporate Funding the first things that get cut are R&D, Testing, etc....

Until there is a way to wrangle in the cost of PS the numbers will continue to dwindle.

With the economy the way it is, it will be interesting in 2014 on Pro Car Counts. JMO

It isn't just Pro Stock that is hurting.

We're hurting too, and we're not alone, either. I know a lot of long time racers who are struggling to keep their program afloat and justify the costs. Sportsman racers are hurting. A lot of them. Many are hurting badly.

[nickh]

Alan,

Yes it is across the board, even bracket racing. Sorry I didn't disclose that in my post but do agree.