I Got Beat By The Division Director In Round 1

[MR DERBY CITY]

Originally Posted by Carl Battis

A heads up to my fellow racers - don’t let this happen to you!

Yesterday’s First Round at the Tulsa LODRS event was a bit of a goat rope. The 3rd Round of qualifying on Saturday was thrown out. The Final Qualifying Sheet and Ladder Sheet were invalidated; and a “voluntary” 4th qualifying pass was offered instead of the scheduled Round 1 of Eliminations. 1st Round was rescheduled for Sunday morning, with Stock being the first class out at 8:30am. So far, so good.

After Q-4 for whatever reason the NHRA officials couldn’t get the Qualifying Sheet or Ladder Sheet finished. All classes had finished running - still no sheets for anybody. Finally around 8:30pm they announced sheets were available. When I was waiting to pick up my sheet a racer pointed out to the NHRA Div 4 official that both sheets contained an error. So back to the drawing board....more waiting as the FINAL FINAL FINAL Qualifying Sheet and Ladder were redone and issued around 9:00pm. So far, so good....albeit messy.

Sunday morning the NHRA Div 4 officials changed the schedule and moved Super Street to first up at 8:30. Stock was up next. There were 48 cars entered - meaning 46/22, 47/23, and 48/24 were the first 3 pairs scheduled. Since I was qualified #27 I wasn’t affected....or so I thought. Unknown to the racers, it turns out the NHRA Div 4 officials were reworking the Qualifying Sheet and Ladder for the 4th time - hence the delay. They wound up with 2 reworks that morning and numerous cars were changed at the last minute. So far, not so good.....and getting worse.

Miraculously, I moved up 4 slots - which made me a first three pairing car who should have run #47 on the sheet. I was unaware of the FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL FINAL change. I drove up to the staging lanes fairly early - but was told by the Lane Director that I was late, and my opponent had already gone up the starting line. Needless to say I was totally taken aback and could not believe it. At this point there only about 8 cars getting paired up, and the rest had yet to arrive.

I had a discussion with the Lane Director about my situation. He was ambiguous until I asked him directly what my status was: “You’re DQ as a no-show.” I then went over and talked to the Div 4 Tech Official who happened to be standing in the lanes. He was sympathetic, but pointed me in the direction of one of the Operations officials. I walked to the head of the lanes and had a discussion with that gentleman. He listened to me, and told me I would have to take it up with the Division Director Trey Capps in the tower.

I walked to Race Control in the tower and made my case to Division Director Trey Capps. He blew me off, not really making eye contact with me. He told me that the changes were announced, and pairing sheets were given to racers as they arrived in the lanes. He also pointed out their text notification system. I informed him the loudspeakers didn’t work in my pit area, and I was enrolled in their text system but it wasn’t working at this event. “Rules are rules” was his reply.... I was DQ as a no show.

I could see the cars on the starting line as I spoke to him. After all the time that had elapsed for those discussions with the various officials, only 7 pairs had gone down the track. As I walked back to my car and got in about 15 cars were arriving at the back of the lanes. Some cars had yet to arrive - let alone be paired up. I was really upset at this point - but with no clear path to resolve my dilemma. If I had been originally scheduled as a first 3 pair I would take 100% of the blame. But that’s not what happened.

Strike One - the inability to prepare a correct Qualifying Sheet and Ladder on time.
Strike Two - last minute changes on race day made in the lanes - unsat.
Strike Trey - knowing that this is an unusual situation being arbitrary and capricious.

I noticed on the run order for the round that #47 on the sheet was allowed to run in the 12th pair down the track.....well after I had arrived, had my discussions, been DQ and returned to my car. It seems the “Rules are rules” are applied differently for other people. I’m having a hard time believing that the treatment I got would have been given to the Emmons brothers, the Hildagos, the Tuetons, or Cummings family. I traveled 1700 miles to come to this race. I’m currently tied for 2nd in points in Division 7. I deserved better treatment than this.

I’ve never been to a poultry farm before - but I know chicken sh1t when I see it. That’s what this was.

Final note: if I’m ever in the first three pair again and you’re my opponent - I won’t go down the track without you if you’re late arriving. I waited at Sonoma for another racer who was having problems starting his car. I got out of line, got out of my car and waited. Eventually all the cars had run except us. The Lane Control guy told me I had to go or be DQ. I got in my car, and moved slowly up - which allowed my opponent enough time to drive up, and we went down the track together. It’s called “Sportsman” Racing for a reason. Respect your opponent and do the right thing.

Run order, “published” Q sheet and “published” ladder below:

https://www.dragracecentral.com/DRCS...r=100#indextop

https://www.dragracecentral.com/DRCS...r=100#indextop

https://www.dragracecentral.com/DRCS...r=100#indextop

A bad deal for sure CARL ....Brought to you by the same DIVISION that had no working win lights at a divisional last year. Remember the screwing they gave LANCE LINE ......and other racers .....
We don’t DESERVE to be treated this way .....sucks the FUN right out of racing ....

[GTX JOHN]

I am glad that I am in Div. 7 out here in the West.

Our Division Director = Mike Rice has bent out
backwards to be fair with me on a large number of occasions.

I may not always agree with his decisions BUT
I always get a Honest Hearing on the involved Issues!

[Carl Battis]

I thought I’d close the loop on this thread and provide an update for those who were interested.

The day after my original post I received an email from Division 4 Director Trey Capps that included a quasi apology for the confusion and the multiple errors that led to the 5 changes to the Qualifying Sheet and Ladder. He also provided an explanation as to the nature of the glitches that led to such a discombobulated series of errors. He did not offer to make any amends for the outcome.

I responded via email thanking him for his reply, and outlined how I felt it should have been handled. My response was based on my nearly four decades of running a large operation dependent on both mechanical integrity and the human interaction dynamic - specifically trying to strike a balance between operational needs and Customer Service. I asked for some accommodation since he and his staff were largely the cause for the problem. He did not agree in his responses to me, and ultimately left me standing on the curb empty handed.

I’ll paste his final reply below, and my final thoughts back to him.

Trey wrote:

“Here is the ladder and qualifying that you requested. We will continue to use all the available resources we have to inform the racers on site of changes during the day. There will not be any adjustments made to the points, refunds, credits, etc. That is the resolution that we can move forward with.”

My reply:

“Thank you for your prompt response and the documentation that I requested. I am a little disappointed in your continued posture of inflexibility aimed at a patron of your organization who was on the receiving end of a series poor decisions.

In over five decades of providing customer service since I started my first job I can’t recall being so inflexible and unyielding in the treatment of a customer while dealing with a problem that was mostly of my or my staff’s making. The particulars of a specific event may fade over time, but the memory of how you’ve been treated will last forever.

I can promise you that if you ever find yourself overseas trying unsuccessfully to board one of my flights to return home to the United States that I will personally step in to assure you get top notch treatment and are accommodated. All you need to do is to bring it to my attention and it will get fixed. I am in the habit of walking out to the gate before departure to ensure everyone gets accommodated….after all, they pay my salary. I believe with all my heart that we should always do the right thing and strive to find the balance between operational integrity and event schedules. Nobody should be left behind.

Regards,

Carl Battis
720 A/SA”

One final note......racing can be a cruel mistress. Let’s all look out for each other so that we can keep the “Sportsman” element in Sportsman Racing. See you all at the track.

[HR9121]

Originally Posted by Carl Battis

I thought I’d close the loop on this thread and provide an update for those who were interested.

The day after my original post I received an email from Division 4 Director Trey Capps that included a quasi apology for the confusion and the multiple errors that led to the 5 changes to the Qualifying Sheet and Ladder. He also provided an explanation as to the nature of the glitches that led to such a discombobulated series of errors. He did not offer to make any amends for the outcome.

I responded via email thanking him for his reply, and outlined how I felt it should have been handled. My response was based on my nearly four decades of running a large operation dependent on both mechanical integrity and the human interaction dynamic - specifically trying to strike a balance between operational needs and Customer Service. I asked for some accommodation since he and his staff were largely the cause for the problem. He did not agree in his responses to me, and ultimately left me standing on the curb empty handed.

I’ll paste his final reply below, and my final thoughts back to him.

Trey wrote:

“Here is the ladder and qualifying that you requested. We will continue to use all the available resources we have to inform the racers on site of changes during the day. There will not be any adjustments made to the points, refunds, credits, etc. That is the resolution that we can move forward with.”

My reply:

“Thank you for your prompt response and the documentation that I requested. I am a little disappointed in your continued posture of inflexibility aimed at a patron of your organization who was on the receiving end of a series poor decisions.

In over five decades of providing customer service since I started my first job I can’t recall being so inflexible and unyielding in the treatment of a customer while dealing with a problem that was mostly of my or my staff’s making. The particulars of a specific event may fade over time, but the memory of how you’ve been treated will last forever.

I can promise you that if you ever find yourself overseas trying unsuccessfully to board one of my flights to return home to the United States that I will personally step in to assure you get top notch treatment and are accommodated. All you need to do is to bring it to my attention and it will get fixed. I am in the habit of walking out to the gate before departure to ensure everyone gets accommodated….after all, they pay my salary. I believe with all my heart that we should always do the right thing and strive to find the balance between operational integrity and event schedules. Nobody should be left behind.

Regards,

Carl Battis
720 A/SA”

One final note......racing can be a cruel mistress. Let’s all look out for each other so that we can keep the “Sportsman” element in Sportsman Racing. See you all at the track.

Kudos to you Mr Battis, you showed incredible restraint and sportsmanship during this whole debacle and I commend you for taking the high road. Good luck to you in the future.

[MR DERBY CITY]

Originally Posted by Carl Battis

I thought I’d close the loop on this thread and provide an update for those who were interested.

The day after my original post I received an email from Division 4 Director Trey Capps that included a quasi apology for the confusion and the multiple errors that led to the 5 changes to the Qualifying Sheet and Ladder. He also provided an explanation as to the nature of the glitches that led to such a discombobulated series of errors. He did not offer to make any amends for the outcome.

I responded via email thanking him for his reply, and outlined how I felt it should have been handled. My response was based on my nearly four decades of running a large operation dependent on both mechanical integrity and the human interaction dynamic - specifically trying to strike a balance between operational needs and Customer Service. I asked for some accommodation since he and his staff were largely the cause for the problem. He did not agree in his responses to me, and ultimately left me standing on the curb empty handed.

I’ll paste his final reply below, and my final thoughts back to him.

Trey wrote:

“Here is the ladder and qualifying that you requested. We will continue to use all the available resources we have to inform the racers on site of changes during the day. There will not be any adjustments made to the points, refunds, credits, etc. That is the resolution that we can move forward with.”

My reply:

“Thank you for your prompt response and the documentation that I requested. I am a little disappointed in your continued posture of inflexibility aimed at a patron of your organization who was on the receiving end of a series poor decisions.

In over five decades of providing customer service since I started my first job I can’t recall being so inflexible and unyielding in the treatment of a customer while dealing with a problem that was mostly of my or my staff’s making. The particulars of a specific event may fade over time, but the memory of how you’ve been treated will last forever.

I can promise you that if you ever find yourself overseas trying unsuccessfully to board one of my flights to return home to the United States that I will personally step in to assure you get top notch treatment and are accommodated. All you need to do is to bring it to my attention and it will get fixed. I am in the habit of walking out to the gate before departure to ensure everyone gets accommodated….after all, they pay my salary. I believe with all my heart that we should always do the right thing and strive to find the balance between operational integrity and event schedules. Nobody should be left behind.

Regards,

Carl Battis
720 A/SA”

One final note......racing can be a cruel mistress. Let’s all look out for each other so that we can keep the “Sportsman” element in Sportsman Racing. See you all at the track.

Carl, I don’t know you BUT I sure like your style. Let me put D4 in perspective. Many years ago the DD stated that we (the racers) should be sooooo happy that we have a place to race AND should not be concerned with the PURSE. …….. nuff said……..

Life is about CHOICES …CHOOSE WISELY ..

Regards…..

[BG56]

Originally Posted by Carl Battis

I thought I’d close the loop on this thread and provide an update for those who were interested.

The day after my original post I received an email from Division 4 Director Trey Capps that included a quasi apology for the confusion and the multiple errors that led to the 5 changes to the Qualifying Sheet and Ladder. He also provided an explanation as to the nature of the glitches that led to such a discombobulated series of errors. He did not offer to make any amends for the outcome.

I responded via email thanking him for his reply, and outlined how I felt it should have been handled. My response was based on my nearly four decades of running a large operation dependent on both mechanical integrity and the human interaction dynamic - specifically trying to strike a balance between operational needs and Customer Service. I asked for some accommodation since he and his staff were largely the cause for the problem. He did not agree in his responses to me, and ultimately left me standing on the curb empty handed.

I’ll paste his final reply below, and my final thoughts back to him.

Trey wrote:

“Here is the ladder and qualifying that you requested. We will continue to use all the available resources we have to inform the racers on site of changes during the day. There will not be any adjustments made to the points, refunds, credits, etc. That is the resolution that we can move forward with.”

My reply:

“Thank you for your prompt response and the documentation that I requested. I am a little disappointed in your continued posture of inflexibility aimed at a patron of your organization who was on the receiving end of a series poor decisions.

In over five decades of providing customer service since I started my first job I can’t recall being so inflexible and unyielding in the treatment of a customer while dealing with a problem that was mostly of my or my staff’s making. The particulars of a specific event may fade over time, but the memory of how you’ve been treated will last forever.

I can promise you that if you ever find yourself overseas trying unsuccessfully to board one of my flights to return home to the United States that I will personally step in to assure you get top notch treatment and are accommodated. All you need to do is to bring it to my attention and it will get fixed. I am in the habit of walking out to the gate before departure to ensure everyone gets accommodated….after all, they pay my salary. I believe with all my heart that we should always do the right thing and strive to find the balance between operational integrity and event schedules. Nobody should be left behind.

Regards,

Carl Battis
720 A/SA”

One final note......racing can be a cruel mistress. Let’s all look out for each other so that we can keep the “Sportsman” element in Sportsman Racing. See you all at the track.

Well now. That was a pretty cold and abrupt, and short response. Sounds like he's on his way (down) assimilating the leftist politicians out there!

[Dave Gantz]

Mr Battis:

It seems you caught Mr. Capps at a disadvantage. That is; you know what you're doing, and he doesn't.

[Cbrinson47]

Originally Posted by MR DERBY CITY

A bad deal for sure CARL ....Brought to you by the same DIVISION that had no working win lights at a divisional last year. Remember the screwing they gave LANCE LINE ......and other racers .....
We don’t DESERVE to be treated this way .....sucks the FUN right out of racing ....

They way things are today why bother spending your money at NHRA races ? I sure as heck wont ! Join a nostalgia circuit or something similar !

[RJ Sledge]

Appropriate quote
“The customer is not always right......but it’s best to remember that they are always the Customer”.

RJ

[James Perrone]

Sound like the guys a robot and is never wrong.
How about sorry about you situation. Geez