Fontana divisional rumor

Mike Rice · 05-10-2018, 08:24 PM

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

05-10-2018, 08:24 PM	#23
Mike Rice Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: NHRA World Headquarters Posts: 14 Likes: 0 Liked 13 Times in 3 Posts	Re: Fontana divisional rumor 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