Div 2 Pts Meet @ South Ga.

Mike Crutchfield · 12-03-2009, 09:15 PM

Guys
Like it or not Alcohol is part of the NHRA Div. Sportsman Racing Program. To suggest throwing them out is not the answer. I don't want any class to get the news your not welcome here anymore because you cost too much. That's not to say that they should'nt pay there way the same as all sportsman racers do. If we were racing for 5 times the money and two or three less rounds as they are they should'nt mind paying a fair entry fee and crew passes proportionate to the payout. The problem would not be near as bad and the track operator could deal with it a little better.
I think we all agee the problem is real and NHRA needs to deal with it.
Throwing them out is not the answer. Be carefull what you wish for your class may be next.

Mike

Larry Ericksmoen · 12-03-2009, 09:36 PM

I don't think that the Alcohol classed should be deleted either. I do agree that they should pay the same entry fee/pit passes as the other classes AND race for the same purse as the other classes. If the Alcohol classes don't draw spectators to the event, for the benefit of the event and other competitors, then why the extra payout, and burden on the track owner and other competitors?
Of course these cars cost a lot to run, but look around the pits, people spend a lot on their cars in every class.

Jeff Goss · 12-03-2009, 09:44 PM

Boise, ID runs a Divisional without Alcohol cars.

They, instead, run a very entertaining Nitro Nostalgia deal.

It might be of interest to contact Firebird Raceway and ask the "New Crew" how they make money without Alcohol cars.

Jeff

Chad Rhodes · 12-03-2009, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larry Ericksmoen

I don't think that the Alcohol classed should be deleted either. I do agree that they should pay the same entry fee/pit passes as the other classes AND race for the same purse as the other classes. If the Alcohol classes don't draw spectators to the event, for the benefit of the event and other competitors, then why the extra payout, and burden on the track owner and other competitors?
Of course these cars cost a lot to run, but look around the pits, people spend a lot on their cars in every class.

I'd venture to say that some comp cars could easily be as expensive as a TAD

Woodro Josey · 12-04-2009, 09:48 AM

Well Mike, our days are numbered anyway and of all people you should know this! It's just a matter of time. Put yourself in these track operators shoes, knowing you have to pay out $16,000 for no return on your investment. If the track operators don't get some help, it won't be long before there won't be any Divisional's!

Chad Rhodes · 12-04-2009, 10:17 AM

Woodro, I think you're right, unfortunetly. NHRA has ignored class racers as a spectator draw for as long as I can remember (i'm 31). During that time, the 10.5 and street car guys have done a very good job of promoting themselves, they can carry their own show.

Divisionals need to be revamped completely. there is very little incentive for the racers (2 grade points would have got you in anywhere this year, and the payout is worse than a local bracket race), there is no perceived spectator draw, and the track owners take a bath. Its no small wonder that after shelling out $16k to NHRA and fronting the purse for the "mechanical rain delays" that most track owners don't do any TV, radio, or other local advertising.

The first thing that has to happen is it has to be a WIN for the track owner, without him having to rely on spectator gate fee. Secondly, there has to be something in it for the racer besides a grade point and the opportunity to set a record. Costs aren't getting any cheaper, and the purse is a joke. Third, the NHRA needs to give an advertising incentive to the racers and do some promotion for the track owner. After all they are getting paid to bring the race there.

Its really not that hard. Give Mike Fuqua and Pat Joffrion an evening and a cooler full of beer and you would have a plan that works, period.

Trevor Weiss · 12-04-2009, 07:40 PM

I know this does not apply to the division race but wouldnt be nice to have a South East Sports Nationals at South Georgia Motor Sports Track!

Jim Wahl · 12-04-2009, 08:04 PM

Several years ago I was told by Len Imbrogno that the big plan was that each Division would have their own SportsNationals. That plan has seemed to stall for some reason. I plan on discussing just this to the NHRA powers that be at the PRI. Jim

12-03-2009, 09:15 PM	#1
Mike Crutchfield Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 84 Likes: 3 Liked 4 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Div 2 Pts Meet @ South Ga. Guys Like it or not Alcohol is part of the NHRA Div. Sportsman Racing Program. To suggest throwing them out is not the answer. I don't want any class to get the news your not welcome here anymore because you cost too much. That's not to say that they should'nt pay there way the same as all sportsman racers do. If we were racing for 5 times the money and two or three less rounds as they are they should'nt mind paying a fair entry fee and crew passes proportionate to the payout. The problem would not be near as bad and the track operator could deal with it a little better. I think we all agee the problem is real and NHRA needs to deal with it. Throwing them out is not the answer. Be carefull what you wish for your class may be next. Mike

12-03-2009, 09:36 PM	#2
Larry Ericksmoen Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: sparta tn Posts: 37 Likes: 0 Liked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Div 2 Pts Meet @ South Ga. I don't think that the Alcohol classed should be deleted either. I do agree that they should pay the same entry fee/pit passes as the other classes AND race for the same purse as the other classes. If the Alcohol classes don't draw spectators to the event, for the benefit of the event and other competitors, then why the extra payout, and burden on the track owner and other competitors? Of course these cars cost a lot to run, but look around the pits, people spend a lot on their cars in every class.

12-03-2009, 09:44 PM	#3
Jeff Goss Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Burlington, WA Posts: 361 Likes: 1 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Div 2 Pts Meet @ South Ga. Boise, ID runs a Divisional without Alcohol cars. They, instead, run a very entertaining Nitro Nostalgia deal. It might be of interest to contact Firebird Raceway and ask the "New Crew" how they make money without Alcohol cars. Jeff

12-04-2009, 09:48 AM	#5
Woodro Josey Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 805 Likes: 0 Liked 3 Times in 1 Post	Re: Div 2 Pts Meet @ South Ga. Well Mike, our days are numbered anyway and of all people you should know this! It's just a matter of time. Put yourself in these track operators shoes, knowing you have to pay out $16,000 for no return on your investment. If the track operators don't get some help, it won't be long before there won't be any Divisional's! __________________ Woodro Josey 2002 STK

12-04-2009, 10:17 AM	#6
Chad Rhodes VIP Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Where the Green Grass Grows, AL Posts: 2,375 Likes: 0 Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Re: Div 2 Pts Meet @ South Ga. Woodro, I think you're right, unfortunetly. NHRA has ignored class racers as a spectator draw for as long as I can remember (i'm 31). During that time, the 10.5 and street car guys have done a very good job of promoting themselves, they can carry their own show. Divisionals need to be revamped completely. there is very little incentive for the racers (2 grade points would have got you in anywhere this year, and the payout is worse than a local bracket race), there is no perceived spectator draw, and the track owners take a bath. Its no small wonder that after shelling out $16k to NHRA and fronting the purse for the "mechanical rain delays" that most track owners don't do any TV, radio, or other local advertising. The first thing that has to happen is it has to be a WIN for the track owner, without him having to rely on spectator gate fee. Secondly, there has to be something in it for the racer besides a grade point and the opportunity to set a record. Costs aren't getting any cheaper, and the purse is a joke. Third, the NHRA needs to give an advertising incentive to the racers and do some promotion for the track owner. After all they are getting paid to bring the race there. Its really not that hard. Give Mike Fuqua and Pat Joffrion an evening and a cooler full of beer and you would have a plan that works, period. __________________ Chad Rhodes 2113 I/SA

12-04-2009, 07:40 PM	#7
Trevor Weiss Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 67 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Div 2 Pts Meet @ South Ga. I know this does not apply to the division race but wouldnt be nice to have a South East Sports Nationals at South Georgia Motor Sports Track! __________________ Trevor Weiss 2891 STK

12-04-2009, 08:04 PM	#8
Jim Wahl Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Central Florida Posts: 5,845 Likes: 670 Liked 683 Times in 129 Posts	Re: Div 2 Pts Meet @ South Ga. Several years ago I was told by Len Imbrogno that the big plan was that each Division would have their own SportsNationals. That plan has seemed to stall for some reason. I plan on discussing just this to the NHRA powers that be at the PRI. Jim __________________ Jim Wahl....NHRA #2239 S/SS - IHRA # 8 Stock, D2 Stock Champion (forever I guess) 2019 Baby Gators Stock Champion 2009 NHRA D2 National Open Stock Champion 1982 NHRA D2 West Palm Beach LDRS SS Runner Up Past President, Southern Stock / Super Stock Association.