Pro Sportsman Racers

[Jeff Lee]

Originally Posted by chevy620

Hey guys I didn't just throw out a "problem" without solutions or at least some ideas for solutions.
The follow-up article will outline several ideas of ways that will offer Divisional racers a much more level playing field chance to actually have a chance at a national Championship without travelling all over the Country or having to have two or three cars to increase your chances of a payday.
The primary idea of this article is not to tear down people but to figure out and look for better ideas on increasing participation in NHRA and IHRA Sportsman categories.
The ideas I have are not new, at least I hope they aren't, but they have been run over by stacker trailers full of Sportsman cars so one driver can run three classes at a race. I know there is no rule against it because NHRA/IHRA needs every entry fee they can get. But does that make it the right way to approach it?

I do feel I am being pulled in two directions on this but the reasoning behind Editorials is to make people think and step back and see if an idea out of the ordinary might be a new way to approach things.

The new issue of ETDragRacing comes out the 22nd, the different ideas I have and those of others will be shared at that time.

Until then, you know how it works and if you are happy about the current program what I have to say about doesn't matter. I have participated in this sport at levels most of you cannot; as track owner, manager and having raced in every category but S/Stock I am not "blowing smoke" or "whining". I am concerned it is headed the wrong way; some agree and some don't... that is how Freedom works, we all have and get to express our opinion.

I think some of you will like the ideas I have about a true National Championship plan.

Thanks and good luck to you guys who are still racing this year,

Jok

I've always felt the problem with the "Touring Pro's" concept is not the racers but the foundation upon which they can race and pick the events where they obtained the most points and ad them to the points tally.
The fact they can run from one event to the other across the country, throw out the not so good and keep the best towards the championship is the real advantage. Those that do not have the lifestyle that allows them to race all year and be away from home / school / family (or whatever) can almost never succeed against the driver that has the ability to travel all year.
The non Pro Sportsman has a limited amount of races he / she can attend and if he wins half of them and looses half of them, it wont go well against the Pro Sportsman that can go to 3x as many races; when his average rounds won is exceedingly higher when you can throw away the races that you lost first or second round.
The solution? You claim a race as you enter it. Not after the fact. That goes against the allotted Divisional & National events your entitled to run towards the championship. I understand that was once the way it was done. Under this proposal hitting every race in the country is no longer an advantage (other than potential win money), and a non-touring sportsman is on equal footing against the Pro Sportsman.
Additionally, there should be points given to top qualifiers (top 10?) as well as national records set. That gives a reward for your efforts and could upset the balance at the end of the year. These are supposed to be "performance based classes" so reward those that do.
There, I've offered my opinion and possible solutions.

[D.Johns]

Someone will always have an advantage period. Someone will be better, smarter, more skilled, more money, more time, better resources. That is just the way it is.

Stop trying to penalize the people that are where you want to be and figure out how to get to the place you want to be yourself.