NHRA, Atco and my thoughts

[Greg Hill]

Originally Posted by Ken Miele

I know some members will not be happy with my thoughts on NHRA and the Atco D1 race. It is so tiring to here the same old bitching and crying and griping. I understand the frustration that some people have, but the constant bashing of NHRA is getting old.

I think Bob Lang and Joe Sway did an outstanding job with what they had to work with. Some of things said on this forum are so out of line. Unless you walk in someone shoes, how could you possible know what the right decisions are. There have been many suggestions on what the right calls for the Atco race should have been along with the reschedule. Some have to work, some have other racing events to attend. We all know we are at the mercy of the weather. This is nothing new to most racers, why do the racers that are so unhappy with how they are treated by NHRA continually return. D1 made the decision to reschedule next week, now we all have to live with it, right or wrong.

You all could give suggestions on what the right thing to do is, but with all do respect those suggestions are self serving for your own needs. If you think I am out of line with my opinion, your only kidding yourself. Some times we as racer need to look at the big picture and not just are own needs. You guys that are upset with NHRA can think I am just an *** kisser, but it does not matter to me. I am happy I have a place to race, I feel blessed that I can race. Sure I get upset with NHRA at times, but I know here in D1 they are doing the best they can. I have nothing but praise for guys like Dave Ley, Ryck Campbell and all the rest of the D1 officials.

Did anyone take the time to thank D1 for going around to everyone's trailer and teching us in at atco? I guess its easier to slam them on here than to just say thanks when they go out of there way.

I don't apologize for supporting and racing NHRA, its not perfect but it is were on want to race. I have tons of respect for our D1 guys, they're paid minimum wage, and we all know its a thankless job. I am here to make sure they know I am one racer that is more than grateful for the work they do..

The next time you want to bitch and whine about how your were treated, think of the guys in D1 that do this for the love of the sport and the time they put in. They are here before we get ready to race and are still working after we are done. They want us to have a safe place to race and believe it or not that want us to have fun. We should all learn to except what we can't change. This after all is racing, were not forced to do this. We do it for the fun and there are way to many things in life that are so much more important than racing. We are lucky we have the means to enjoy this hobby. Many people dream of what we have. Is it that big of a deal that we miss a race or we don't get enough time shots.

Sure everyone has lots invested, but we all know racing is a very poor investment.

Please try to think of someone other than yourself before you come on here and start hammering NHRA. If you don't like NHRA, they don't support them.

One last note after this rambling. Judging by all the racers that are here at Maple Grove, I would have to believe even with loosing a day of qualify and time shots, it is still worth being at the race track.

Thanks D1, you guys are the best and you have my support.

Ken, even though you and I don't agree a lot of the time you are right on with this post. I feel the same way about our d3 guys. For the most part they are friendly, courteous and work their butts off at a points race. No human controls the weather.

[Byron Worner]

Ken, I agree with alot of things in your post but there still alot of unanswered questions about the track prep not only at Atco but at all of our division races. I never had so many issues with the track than I did this year. Can anybody answer the question??????????

[Billy Nees]

Well I spent last weekend at the Atco "Alternative Lifestyles Weekend" and I went to the Toyo Tires "RV Rodeo" yesterday just for the Stockers. I haven't been to many races (any) this year simply because they aren't fun for me anymore. NHRA racing has changed so much over the years that I don't even recognize it anymore. That's not to say that an awful lot of people (racers?) aren't enjoying themselves, it's just me saying that I'm not enjoying myself.
Getting that off of my chest, Div.1 (imho) made the correct decision last weekend in pulling the plug. They can't control the weather, they are stuck in a position of having to schedule their races (Alternative Lifestyle Weekends) around Track Owners schedules that (I'm sure) includes more lucrative events than LODRS Events and the same for the Raindates.
In their success as a Santioning Body it seems to me that the NHRA and it's Divisions have actually become "secondclass citizens" when it comes to dealing with it's member tracks in regard to it's own meets. Track operators are, after all, businessmen and the bottom line is making money and if a track operator can schedule a Super Something Show or Swapmeet on a nice, midsummer weekend then so be it, that's business.
Track prep, I think that it's about time that NHRA did a study on the long term effects of spraying a porous surface sitting on an aquifer (asphalt sitting on a sandy surface) with a sealant (traction compound). Our recent problems don't seem to be on the starting line where we are dealing with concrete (less porous). What is the effect of running a squeegee (big tire) over this and what effect does temperature have? Should we start cancelling events if the temp drops below 60 degrees or if it rained 2 days prior?
I hate to even think this but my local track and it's weekly Bracket program sure seem to be a better fit for me than what NHRA Events have become.

[skills]

I cant really agree or disagree as much since I am just a spectator and not a racer, but I have grown up watching many of you guys. Most of you I have never met but know your cars as soon as I see them. I like NHRA, but do have some issues with how they put out the image of what drag racing is. Some people just think its just the fuelers and not much else, which drives me insane. Yeah a lot of fans come to see the John Forces of the world but the fact you can see 10-15 classes and some 800 cars in a weekend is the best bang for your buck in motor sports. Compare a day at the drag strip to a day at a Nascar race: less for tickets a longer day more cars and close contact with the drivers. Think about that yesterday at the Grove I talked to David Rampy for about 15 minutes. It was the first time I have seen him in the pits, after seeing him race for a few years. It was a joy and something I enjoyed sure he isnt Force but how may Nascar fans have stood and talked to Dale Jr? Maybe the fans like myself need to remind Glendora that we enjoy sportsmen racing too and to push it a little more or email Lucas Oil and tell them the same. I thank the people at the gate in Englishtown and Maple Grove everytime I visit since if they go where would I get to enjoy the sound of John Shaul's max wedge?

[cicero819]

I have to agree with Billy Nees NHRA is slowly moving away from what made it great, a participant sport! I have to lift my hat to all the racers and track workers who have had to deal with a sanctioning body that doesn't really care about it's grass roots. Ken I was in attendance in Reading this week-end and never did I hear a single word from NHRA about the problem they were having on the track, for two hours the microphone were shut off! Many spectators just couldn't believe that no explanation was forthcoming. I think that a better communication between the upper echelon of NHRA and the racers would go a long way in reestablishing a worthwhile relation between parties. Maybe a Divisional committee with racers input would be the right direction to move in. NHRA has a long way to go in this economy to bring back some of the racers and spectators that they've peeved off. What type of spectator am I? well the type that stayed throught stock second round elimination(congratulation to Ed, great win) watch Sc,Sg and super streetpast 9pm where I had to leave due to freezing of my ___ off weather on Saturday. Remember that if an organization stinks from the top it will stink even worse at the bottom. Claude Ruel