Z-Max Sportsman Racers will finish at Gainesville

[Dan Fletcher]

Obviously, its a horrible situation for many, including me. The only lucky ones are those that were planning on attending the Gainesville race. Its 1150+ miles one way for me to get there! Like Herbie said, I paid to attend a national event in Charlotte, NC in September, not a points race in friggin' Gainesville, FL in October!

NHRA is in a tough spot, and there probably isn't an answer that makes everyone happy, but there has to be a better solution than this. I hadn't really considered a thought like Bristol, but that would certainly be a lot closer to a "happy medium" for all. I'd probably be willing to throw 20 hours round trip at it. 40 hours? That's going to take some serious thinking.

[HR9121]

On another note concerning NHRA's dwindling fan base, I talked to a couple guys this morning that attended the race that were told they would receive 50% off next year's race if they attended. They were not very happy as they said they did not get to see 50% of the race. I told them they were lucky to be getting anything.

[Mike Pearson]

overall a bad situation for all involved especially for the racers from the northeast. I am guessing NHRA's thoughts might have been attend the Gainesville completion of the Charlotte race. Run the div 2 points race on that same weeekend and then go to Reynolds the next weekend on the way home for the last div 2 points race so you get 3 races in a 2 weekend time frame. Luckily I am not one involved. Maybe I will see some of you at the Reynolds race. Good luck to all!!

[Bryan Worner]

Originally Posted by Mike Pearson

overall a bad situation for all involved especially for the racers from the northeast. I am guessing NHRA's thoughts might have been attend the Gainesville completion of the Charlotte race. Run the div 2 points race on that same weeekend and then go to Reynolds the next weekend on the way home for the last div 2 points race so you get 3 races in a 2 weekend time frame. Luckily I am not one involved. Maybe I will see some of you at the Reynolds race. Good luck to all!!

May be a great idea, for the Pros! Like most sportsman, I have a job that I must go to to earn a living so I can race! I really don't think much more thought went into this, other than: "this national event is in Division 2, lets finish sportsman at the next Division 2 race." Instead of "lets try to figure out what may be best for those racers left in the event."

[RJDUDEK]

Originally Posted by HR9121

On another note concerning NHRA's dwindling fan base, I talked to a couple guys this morning that attended the race that were told they would receive 50% off next year's race if they attended. They were not very happy as they said they did not get to see 50% of the race. I told them they were lucky to be getting anything.

__________________________________________________ ___

I read that B. Smith WILL honor the fan's ticket purchase price toward any zMax Dragway event in 2015. That seems fair...mother nature , not withstanding.

AND the track will be "fixed"... >
http://www.competitionplus.com/drag-...do-to-fix-this

[HR9121]

I think Bruton Smith is doing some damage control because they were initially told 50%. One thing he isn't is stupid. I was there in the spring and saw super gas cars getting out of at 1000' so something ain't right, it sure ain't from over use whatever it is.

[Larry Sullivan]

NHRA's policy is 50% after one round of Nitro, the track is making it 100% because they are interested in the spectators' good will. Besides, that will spread the impact because they have several events at the Concord complex every year.

[doglover44]

It dosent make sense why all the way down there ? how about a closer venue like Maple Grove that be my track to make it up at

[Charles Myers]

While I don't agree with the location that NHRA has chosen, you have to look at it from a sanctioning body point of view.

1.) Gainesville is an NHRA owned track
2.) Gainesville has the capability of hosting the Top Alcohol Cars if necessary
3.) Z-Max Dragway is considered a Division 2 track

I really feel bad for the sportsman racers that are Division 1 competitors and the IHRA racers planning on going to Memphis. There are no winners in this situation. I agree with some of the post that said they could have chose a more practical track; however, with that comes the cost of preparing a new surface (not to mention if it had any problems) and the cost of running another facility.

The fact is, we cant control mother nature and we don't want to risk our cars going down an unsafe race track. Its like the old saying goes when you lose a close race, "That's just drag racing".

[HR9121]

Originally Posted by Dan Fletcher

Obviously, its a horrible situation for many, including me. The only lucky ones are those that were planning on attending the Gainesville race. Its 1150+ miles one way for me to get there! Like Herbie said, I paid to attend a national event in Charlotte, NC in September, not a points race in friggin' Gainesville, FL in October!

NHRA is in a tough spot, and there probably isn't an answer that makes everyone happy, but there has to be a better solution than this. I hadn't really considered a thought like Bristol, but that would certainly be a lot closer to a "happy medium" for all. I'd probably be willing to throw 20 hours round trip at it. 40 hours? That's going to take some serious thinking.

Another event at another venue would cost NHRA way too much money, they would nevwe consider this. Afraid it doesn't matter much how it cost the racers.