S/SS and drag racing in general

[Richard Grant]

In order for Sportsman racing to survive overall cost must be lowered. I can race locally to win $1000 at a $55 dollar entry fee with a $5000 to $10000 car. If I race NHRA or IHRA it's $150 plus travelling and overnight stay cost for very little more return. As our cost to race have gone up contingency payouts are falling. I won't go into the new car vs. old car heads up fisco.
As I remember NHRA stated a few years ago that Stock/Super Stock precipation was on the increase. By most accounts it is now on the decrease and nothing is being done to address the problem. Building a successfull program is made up of making a lot of small important decisions that improve the status quo. I don't see that happening. Unless something is done Sportsman racing is dieing.

[cutta]

Cost is some of it but its definitely not all of it. I'm 25 and grew up racing at the track but I'm young enough that I know why so many young people latch on to the heads up stuff. First, its way more accessible to the local fan. Every track has local outlaw racing and fans love it(including the younger generation). Second, its easy to understand and people always like not having very many rules. Third, this generation has a certain fondness of power adders because in their minds that is whats exciting.


I'm a weirdo however, I loved Super Stock/Stock/Comp Eliminator from the first moment I saw these classes when I was little. It was love at first site and now I can't get enough of this stuff and will be there as long as all of you continue to keep the class going. Money is an issue but when you get into racing and you really want to do it, I mean reeeaaaallllllyyyyy want to do it, you realize that your going to spend more than you expected to in order to race this class. Hell, I want to race Comp Eliminator and I'm very aware that I will probably have to invest well over $70,000 to play in that sandbox so I'm doing all I can to learn alot so I don't become a buyer but rather a builder.

In my opinion however, wayyyyyyyyyy too many people are infatuated with being 1.20under players or have some crazy expectation that this class will start paying them back and are forcing themselves to retire or quit because of it. If you love it, you will continue to race and do your best to make things better. I for one would not let a soul on earth force me to quit racing if I love it and can afford it.


PS: We all know that times are hard and if its not financially feasible for you to travel and race, you have to make the decision thats best for you and your family.