Fontana divisional rumor

[novassdude]

I think 2 days on Saturday and Sunday is fine if they have a test and tune Friday it is pretty much like a 3 day race. I do disagree with having Friday Saturday 2 day races. That hurts the working guy trying to make the races.

[Jim Caughlin]

Originally Posted by novassdude

I think 2 days on Saturday and Sunday is fine if they have a test and tune Friday it is pretty much like a 3 day race. I do disagree with having Friday Saturday 2 day races. That hurts the working guy trying to make the races.

Explain to me how this is the same? Under this situation, you have to pay the extra test and tune fee to get the runs on Friday that used to be included in the previous three day entry fee plus they don't count toward qualifying and that's fair?

Jim Caughlin
SS 6019

[Mike Rice]

At almost all D7 LODRS events, racers in each category get three qualifying/time trial runs. This event's expected car count (based on previous years) is such that we can accomplish this in a single day and allow for all eliminations on Sunday (no Saturday first rounds for fields over 64). This WAS done to help racers with saving time off and lowering the overall cost of competing in this event/series. I spoke with a number of racers about this last year explaining that I wanted to try and do a couple more events in this format to help everyone and hopefully increase participation a bit. Nobody I spoke with was against this idea.

Will the track make a little more $$? I certainly hope so as they are saving a day of insurance, wages, track prep materials, etc. Will it make NHRA more money? Not really, as the amount saved by not having a few tech personnel on Thursday, plus the associated costs (wages, hotel, etc.) will most likely be offset by running an extra three hours with a full crew on Saturday, and possibly make Sunday a little longer as well.

For those that haven't noticed, we've also made some changes at the previous two events to try and grow participation in the SST and SMC categories by only having one run on Friday and two Saturday. While I didn't expect an overnight increase, I'm still positive that this format will increase those classes going forward.

The events at Phoenix and Las Vegas have car counts large enough that this format would not work. For those events that this would work, I can't see any negative it. I appreciate all comments as to why you would be for/against, just want to make sure that facts are laid out as Kyle did.

Mike

[Ed Wright]

At our three day points races, several guys just show up Sat morning, that could not get off work for Friday. Why should the guys that can be there Friday be penalized?

[Leroy Duran]

Am I the only one wondering who Onestocker is?

[wagonboy]

So..... here is one guys take. Im a working class dude with a family. And a budget. I personally like a 3 day divisional. However, this idea of a Sat/Sun format allows people to take less vacation time to attend races.

With the demise of car counts allowed at National events, acquiring more grade points (for those who care) is more important than it used to be. This system may make it easier for people who are not retired to attend more divisionals.

As more tracks close, I have a hard time watching people gripe and complain about this and that. If you enjoy drag racing, all the great people and memories you have compiled with them, stop looking for reasons to NOT attend races. Start looking at what you value in the sport and go have fun.

No place, thing, person or situation is perfect. If we don't put up with the little things. There will be no where left to race, and that would suck!

Also, I LOVE to hang out at the races. But admittedly being done with one time hit on Friday morning at 8:26am then watching all my buddies can sometimes be a long day. I like the idea of getting 3 hits one day, and having the entire eliminator in one day. It helps with the rythem part of competing sometimes.

Please....... Please.......... Please......... keep it all 1/4 mile!!!!!

I could'nt stomach a continuous dose of 1/8 mile.

[Huffster]

Mike, Thanks for the response but why does a crew member pass still cost the same when you are losing a day of racing

[Mike Gray]

Originally Posted by D7D

At almost all D7 LODRS events, racers in each category get three qualifying/time trial runs. This event's expected car count (based on previous years) is such that we can accomplish this in a single day and allow for all eliminations on Sunday (no Saturday first rounds for fields over 64). This WAS done to help racers with saving time off and lowering the overall cost of competing in this event/series. I spoke with a number of racers about this last year explaining that I wanted to try and do a couple more events in this format to help everyone and hopefully increase participation a bit. Nobody I spoke with was against this idea.

Will the track make a little more $$? I certainly hope so as they are saving a day of insurance, wages, track prep materials, etc. Will it make NHRA more money? Not really, as the amount saved by not having a few tech personnel on Thursday, plus the associated costs (wages, hotel, etc.) will most likely be offset by running an extra three hours with a full crew on Saturday, and possibly make Sunday a little longer as well.

For those that haven't noticed, we've also made some changes at the previous two events to try and grow participation in the SST and SMC categories by only having one run on Friday and two Saturday. While I didn't expect an overnight increase, I'm still positive that this format will increase those classes going forward.

The events at Phoenix and Las Vegas have car counts large enough that this format would not work. For those events that this would work, I can't see any negative it. I appreciate all comments as to why you would be for/against, just want to make sure that facts are laid out as Kyle did.

Mike

This was the way I remember it back in the 80's and 90's. I would leave Friday after work (LA area) and I could make any Division 7 track by 1 or 2 am catch some sleep in the truck, tech Saturday morning 3 time trials and race on Sunday. Head home Sunday afternoon and be back early enough to get some sleep before work on Monday. No time off from work except when I went to Nationals.
When did it change?
I guess I would be one not to ask what is best because I'm going to retire in 19 months and it looks like the new car won't be completed until then. Just keep the tracks open and I'll be there any day.

[Jim Caughlin]

OK so I will use Sears Point as an example as I have run that divisional numerous times and intend to run it this year also. No matter how hard I try, it seems like it takes 12 hours travel time to get there. Based on that, leaving at 6AM, I still don't get in the gate before it closes and end up stuck in the holding pen until the following morning. Based on that, you better be ready to move in at the crack of dawn in order to get a pit spot, get everything unloaded and ready, get inline for tech and (as Stock and SS usually run early) hope that the tech line moves quickly. Of course this all assumes that nothing unexpected comes up. Next, maybe you haven't noticed but Stockers and Super Stockers 'occasionally' break things (at least mine does), better hope that doesn't happen because there is no contingency timewise to get it fixed and still get a legitimate qualifying run (or maybe one at all). All in all, this doesn't sound like a fun filled weekend to me. Not exactly a friendly proposition that encourages car count for the long haul racers to participate in. Please explain again, if there is no financial benefit to cutting the schedule down to two days, what do we get out of this?

Jim Caughlin
SS 6019

[novassdude]

Originally Posted by Jim Caughlin

Explain to me how this is the same? Under this situation, you have to pay the extra test and tune fee to get the runs on Friday that used to be included in the previous three day entry fee plus they don't count toward qualifying and that's fair?

Jim Caughlin
SS 6019

Jim notice I said pretty much the same not the same. Is it perfect nope but in My opinion (witch means absolutely nothing) it is at least better than the Friday Saturday 2 day plan.