Division 6 double header at Pacific

[partsbob67]

thanks for the videos and congrats to your brother!!

[mt]

I’m not sure my opinion is really worth anything other than I attended this cluster of a race. It seemed like a good idea to have a double header race but the execution was lacking. It was unfortunate that rain put a dent in the schedule on Thursday and the Division Director was forced to make some difficult decisions about the schedule going forward-having said that-you live in the Northwest where it rains 9 months out of the year-have a back up plan ready. A 3rd qualifier for the Alcohol classes (when everyone one else managed to get their race on with just one) was probably not the best decision. Then there were the Top Fuel Harleys. I’m sure the track thought this was a big draw for spectators and I have no doubt that the 7-10 fans in the stands really enjoyed it but seriously…it was a big unnecessary time drain.
There is no way when you assemble 400 plus racers at an event that you are going to make everyone happy especially when you throw rain delays in the mix. But here’s the thing…NHRA is a business-they provide a service so that you can race or enjoy attending. The racers (and crews) are NHRA’s customers-from Top Fuel on down. You want to stay in business-you better have some people skills and learn to handle these challenging situations with some integrity. I firmly believe the racers have valuable input and suggestions but from what I saw this weekend and in Division 6 races this year, you voice a concern respectfully it is viewed as something derogatory and it is belittled. What upset me the most was not the schedule changes, delays etc. because some things are just out of your control but I’m referring to the reactions and actions as there were inflammatory remarks, yelling and screaming by the NHRA division officials and the inconsistency in the way the race was run and the “on the fly” new rules that were not enforced but constantly being crammed down our throats. I’m not saying that officials and Directors should kiss the racer’s *** and say pretty please pair up and move on-but what went on this weekend was unacceptable and uncalled for. Racers are adults and if you treat them with respect, you should expect to get their respect in return. I know the officials get frustrated and I can certainly appreciate the long hours they put in at each race and I appreciate all the efforts-but racers do put in a lot of effort from building their cars to traveling to the races. They pay very high entry fees and for that, some sort of decent treatment should be expected-just general regard for opinions and input and know that there are frustrations and address them as you would want to be addressed.
I’ve been involved in this sport in some capacity since 1990 and have been through ups and down-been discouraged and disappointed in myself and sometimes in the NHRA itself. But we adapt and we persevere and we come back to the next race with a renewed spirit and hope. Here’s hoping our that the Division Director understands that racers are not the problem and want to be a part of the solution. Racers are not the enemy so quit attacking them.
My disclaimer-these are solely MY opinions.

[Geerhead55]

Originally Posted by mt

I’m not sure my opinion is really worth anything other than I attended this cluster of a race. It seemed like a good idea to have a double header race but the execution was lacking. It was unfortunate that rain put a dent in the schedule on Thursday and the Division Director was forced to make some difficult decisions about the schedule going forward-having said that-you live in the Northwest where it rains 9 months out of the year-have a back up plan ready. A 3rd qualifier for the Alcohol classes (when everyone one else managed to get their race on with just one) was probably not the best decision. Then there were the Top Fuel Harleys. I’m sure the track thought this was a big draw for spectators and I have no doubt that the 7-10 fans in the stands really enjoyed it but seriously…it was a big unnecessary time drain.
There is no way when you assemble 400 plus racers at an event that you are going to make everyone happy especially when you throw rain delays in the mix. But here’s the thing…NHRA is a business-they provide a service so that you can race or enjoy attending. The racers (and crews) are NHRA’s customers-from Top Fuel on down. You want to stay in business-you better have some people skills and learn to handle these challenging situations with some integrity. I firmly believe the racers have valuable input and suggestions but from what I saw this weekend and in Division 6 races this year, you voice a concern respectfully it is viewed as something derogatory and it is belittled. What upset me the most was not the schedule changes, delays etc. because some things are just out of your control but I’m referring to the reactions and actions as there were inflammatory remarks, yelling and screaming by the NHRA division officials and the inconsistency in the way the race was run and the “on the fly” new rules that were not enforced but constantly being crammed down our throats. I’m not saying that officials and Directors should kiss the racer’s *** and say pretty please pair up and move on-but what went on this weekend was unacceptable and uncalled for. Racers are adults and if you treat them with respect, you should expect to get their respect in return. I know the officials get frustrated and I can certainly appreciate the long hours they put in at each race and I appreciate all the efforts-but racers do put in a lot of effort from building their cars to traveling to the races. They pay very high entry fees and for that, some sort of decent treatment should be expected-just general regard for opinions and input and know that there are frustrations and address them as you would want to be addressed.
I’ve been involved in this sport in some capacity since 1990 and have been through ups and down-been discouraged and disappointed in myself and sometimes in the NHRA itself. But we adapt and we persevere and we come back to the next race with a renewed spirit and hope. Here’s hoping our that the Division Director understands that racers are not the problem and want to be a part of the solution. Racers are not the enemy so quit attacking them.
My disclaimer-these are solely MY opinions.

Your opinion is well put,,, whoever you are. Most of us DO identify ourselves on here. Theres a few officials, around here, that certainly have less than stellar people skills,, actually, the main one I had in mind was very nice to me when I hopped in the NHRA trailer at Boise earlier this year, I was shocked. As for our current division director, I wasn't around to witness what happened this weekend, but from what limited time I've spent around him, its a big step up from where we were before him. I think hes still growing into the job and there again, that's just one guys opinion.
Danny Durham

[Dion Hildebrandt]

Originally Posted by Geerhead55

Your opinion is well put,,, whoever you are. Most of us DO identify ourselves on here. Theres a few officials, around here, that certainly have less than stellar people skills,, actually, the main one I had in mind was very nice to me when I hopped in the NHRA trailer at Boise earlier this year, I was shocked. As for our current division director, I wasn't around to witness what happened this weekend, but from what limited time I've spent around him, its a big step up from where we were before him. I think hes still growing into the job and there again, that's just one guys opinion.
Danny Durham

Haha Danny, reading this thread that "official" is the first person I thought of...haha "people Skills" Indeed!!

[Geerhead55]

Dion,,,, theres an old saying,,,, something about "Great minds think alike"! Take care,, I hope that build is going well.
Danny Durham

[Dion Hildebrandt]

The Acadian is coming along, I should be firing it up in a week or so. Man I tell you I sure am missing racing ,poorly run event or not... Thanx to Toby for allowing us that aren't able to attend these races for a glimpse of the action.

[Carguy49]

Originally Posted by Geerhead55

Your opinion is well put,,, whoever you are. Most of us DO identify ourselves on here. Theres a few officials, around here, that certainly have less than stellar people skills,, actually, the main one I had in mind was very nice to me when I hopped in the NHRA trailer at Boise earlier this year, I was shocked. As for our current division director, I wasn't around to witness what happened this weekend, but from what limited time I've spent around him, its a big step up from where we were before him. I think hes still growing into the job and there again, that's just one guys opinion.
Danny Durham

People skills is probably the biggest need "IF" you are going to be in charge of a race situation. From what I have heard the race was lacking direction and communication. I have seen the D.D. tell people to stay in the pits until called and then when they show up tell them to hurry up and go. Doesn't sound organized to me, but I wouldn't want the job. The idea of double header races sounds like an economical idea that should work very well. Two races, one event, limited traveling needed. Sounds like a great plan that can be expanded on in the future.


Side note: Great pictures Toby, especially of your mom, still miss her.