What would U change @ IHRA - Page 7

Dan Fahey · 10-21-2008, 04:46 PM

Here is an Idea.
There are several Eliminators
Market one Eliminator to ONE Track.
Spread them out.
One Eliminator Meet at ONE track.
ON the same Weekend
Spread out over several tracks.
Maybe have two Eliminator at one track.
But you get my idea.

Have One Big
Stock
Super Stock
Modified
Competition
ET, .x90 races.
Pro Classes at another.
More time for each class
Each class has a different unique draw and inspection routine.
Make and market each Eliminiator as special as the Pro Categories.

Each Class can be Marketed for that Track.
Make it a big deal rolling the Divisional and Points meets from one track to another.
If more business is brought to a smaller track they can afford upgrades the following year.

Being a ole' Stockers guy myself.
Advertise the old Jr Stock mysteries...Increase incentives.
Turnout would be large enough that Class Run Offs could be a major thing again.
Each class would being in a different set of fans.
Instead of a grinding hurry up and wait 3 -4 day Meet.
Now it is a better paced 2 day Meet.

The advantages would be a in National in scope but more manageable.
Make them each Eliminator special to the fans.
More runs, more bragging, more run offs, Class Records.
Make a big Deal out of it.

Think BIG.

Have the IHRA Media post the races results in the NYT, WPost, Sun, USA Today
With a small blurb to describe the event.
Build the volume of fans and attendee's

If you can reduce the time, costs and increase the fun factor.
You can suck the business away from NHRA.
AND get home for work Monday morning..

Dan Fahey
(my old nick name was "Mr. Flat Tow". Because that is how I got to the track with my car.)

cambria · 10-22-2008, 03:13 PM

Lots of great ideas but in the end the sportsmen got F'ed.The theory is the pros put people in the seats.That is probably true but there is a way to make all of this better.First as they did in Epping run the sportsmen after the pros at night especially when you know it is going to rain the next day..Take advantage of the weather every time you can.Especially if they are right and the fans don't care about sportsmen no reason not to run them as long as you can after the pros at night it would just be a bonus for the fans who stayed.
Next cut out all the side show crap.Run your jet truck or school bus but that is it one of those not the whole dog and pony show.
Next bring back TOP Stock and run it with the pros.People like to see real cars do big wheelstands probably more than a jet motorcycle(although that guy was nuts)
I agree start friday and have one time shot saturday morning for those who come late.
Try to find a big track.We lost Virginia and Norwalk and they were great.Too bad the tracks are not neutral and open to both sanctioning bodies.So you could run IHRA ans NHRA at Norwalk or anywhere else for that matter in the same year.
As far as Scooter,Baker,Aaron I don't have any beef with them they are doing the best they can with what they have and what we are facing.Fuel and the **** economy has hurt all tracks on both sides of the isle.From what I saw happened to BO it does not look like it is much fun to race NHRA,its like being in catholic school every time you turn around somebody is slapping your hand or paddling your *** or telling you how to live or run your life.Who needs that ****.I go to the races to race my car and hang with my family and friends and have fun.My biggest beef is wasting time by not racing the sportsmen after the pros.
Shoot out races are great for the shooters but frankly I dont think the fans give a **** about those either.Fans want to see speed,crashes, and wheelstands and that is the truth face it.

jdfpam · 10-22-2008, 08:54 PM

I can tell you one thing that fans and racers are tired of seeing................Pro's oiling down the track. I think it is as simple as that. Until someone can find a way to cover the race tracks and pits to eliminate rain delays, the next best time saver would be to cut back on oil downs. I am not sure how to go about that, maybe giving some sort of penalty to repeat offenders to start.
Rockingham was a real disappointment. It only rained from 3 pm Friday until about 1 am Saturday. That is something that usually happens at 3 day races. It should have been able to be absorbed, but it couldn't because of all of the oil downs and all of the cars that had to be run down the track. I don't know what the best answer is, but something has got to change. If it doesn't, I know a few people including myself that will be doing something different next year.

Jeff Day
#3731

PS...Kudo's to Hank and company for lobbying for the stockers not to go down the slick Sunday night track. I think that most of us were not all that disappointed to have put them away for the evening.

fatshoe · 10-22-2008, 09:38 PM

i hope mr feld was paying attention at rockingham after the last promods ran on sat night the stands almost emptied i was kind of suprised but after watching several runs of the shake and bake crowd i too left the stands who wants to sit in the stands and watch the cleanup equipment make laps? being a long time sportsman fan and racer i was dissipointed also that when i got there at 10.45 am the sportsman cars were done they ran the pros and i did not see any other sportsman runs except the sss cars make 1 run, just a bad show for me even though i did get to hang with some of my buds in the pits oh well maybe next year will be better signed,Steve Wilson

THE LEGEND · 10-22-2008, 10:06 PM

Jeff,
It rained Saturday morning around 5:00 a.m.
Paul,
That time of year it's hard to run after the pro's. I have been down that track more than most of ya'll have been down every track. When it's damp and cold it gets slick.

I think IHRA needs to look at 4 day events at the bigger races: Rockingham-Milan-Martin. Do 1 run Thursday. 1 run Friday a.m. 1st rd friday afternoon. 2 rds on saturday. I talked to Earwood on Tuesday and he was all for it.

The bigger picture:
More Sportsnationals I Like that Idea
More races in the South. I like that one too.
Doubles in ALL divisions. I like that.
All divisions need the same amount of races.
Shootout for the world championship: If that rumor is true I don't like that.
Chip Johnson

THE LEGEND · 10-22-2008, 10:19 PM

I just reread some of the post. Some of you guys are clueless idiots. How many of you were even racing at Rockingham? How many of you have even raced this year. Give these IHRA guys a break. They work about as hard as anyone can and yall still Bitch about something.
I think the SSS guys had every right in the world to be there. These guys race for years to get a shot at their 10 seconds of glory. It was only 16 cars 3 tt and 3 rds thats a total of 38 runs. Thats less than 1 rd of stock qualifying.
You want to fuss about oildowns what about the stocker that left gear oil from the 60 ft to the et shack and a buddy of mine grenaded a motor in his HR car. Look at the positives No wrecks this year, and we got to race.
Chip Johnson

Mike Galuk · 10-22-2008, 10:47 PM

I think they (IHRA) did about the best they could have done under the circumstances dealing with the weather. I agree that they should go to 4 days for a race. For a three day race to succeed, everything has to be perfect. IHRA made sure everyone got two time runs and safety was a big concern for all cars. I think that no matter what they would have done, a select few would BITCH. Hope everyone has a good off season and find a few tenths under the tree on Christmas morning. Mike

Mike Galuk
JOE COOL RACING

Bryan Worner · 10-22-2008, 11:18 PM

There are 7 sportsman eliminators in IHRA!!! If you are going to run 7 eliminators along with the pro show (4 or 5 classes) at a national event......I don't care where you are.....unless you have 10 cars in each eliminator, you need 4 days to get that race in at a decent hour on Sunday! Not running 1st round until Sunday night is totally unacceptable, rain or no rain! Get your 2 time runs on Thursday, 1 on Friday and run 1st round Friday afternoon! Just think......half the field could be home, or at another race by Saturday!

What is the difference if you take off on Thursday or Monday???? At least you can plan on taking off Thursday in advance! You're still taking another day off! IHRA does not allow for down time at their national events! Every oil down, crash or rain delay sets Sunday's finish time back!

This is not a bust on IHRA, just my reasoning why I would either have the nationals be 4 day events, or cut some eliminators at the Nationals! When the car counts get high, they can't get them all down the track in 3 days! This has been proven time after time!

THE LEGEND · 10-23-2008, 05:12 AM

Bryan,
Were you there NO
In my opinion if you were not there then you don't get a vote.
Chip

danny waters sr · 10-23-2008, 07:44 AM

I was there and working everyday and busting my *****. For one thing ,when we call a class to the lanes you should start your way to the lanes ,instead of waiting to here the first car to go down and then coming to the lanes .if you think about it there is a lot of" waisted" time waiting for some of the laid backs to get to lanes before we start .suppose we start running the first pair and at the same time close the lanes for that class .that would be unfair then because we did not wait for you before we start.i cannot help for down time,that at some point and time is going to happen .you do not understand the other side of running and working an event like this . I will invite any one of you to come and hang with me and other offficials when it is time to pair or run cars at these events .it takes both sides to make this work .some things such as oil downs and breakage we cannot help! I am sorry if you do not agree with me ,but sometimes it is hard to get on this site and read all this complaining and a lot from people or racers that do not even go or were not at certain events.we are more racer friendly than you make it out .you just cannot please everyone .sorry for this long letter.it was meant to be shorter than this .everyone have a great off season.hope to see you next year, thanks to those who understand!!!!!!

10-21-2008, 04:46 PM	#61
Dan Fahey VIP Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 2,128 Likes: 1,084 Liked 184 Times in 113 Posts	What would U change @ IHRA Here is an Idea. There are several Eliminators Market one Eliminator to ONE Track. Spread them out. One Eliminator Meet at ONE track. ON the same Weekend Spread out over several tracks. Maybe have two Eliminator at one track. But you get my idea. Have One Big Stock Super Stock Modified Competition ET, .x90 races. Pro Classes at another. More time for each class Each class has a different unique draw and inspection routine. Make and market each Eliminiator as special as the Pro Categories. Each Class can be Marketed for that Track. Make it a big deal rolling the Divisional and Points meets from one track to another. If more business is brought to a smaller track they can afford upgrades the following year. Being a ole' Stockers guy myself. Advertise the old Jr Stock mysteries...Increase incentives. Turnout would be large enough that Class Run Offs could be a major thing again. Each class would being in a different set of fans. Instead of a grinding hurry up and wait 3 -4 day Meet. Now it is a better paced 2 day Meet. The advantages would be a in National in scope but more manageable. Make them each Eliminator special to the fans. More runs, more bragging, more run offs, Class Records. Make a big Deal out of it. Think BIG. Have the IHRA Media post the races results in the NYT, WPost, Sun, USA Today With a small blurb to describe the event. Build the volume of fans and attendee's If you can reduce the time, costs and increase the fun factor. You can suck the business away from NHRA. AND get home for work Monday morning.. Dan Fahey (my old nick name was "Mr. Flat Tow". Because that is how I got to the track with my car.)

10-22-2008, 03:13 PM	#62
cambria Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Buffalo Posts: 235 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: What would U change @ IHRA Lots of great ideas but in the end the sportsmen got F'ed.The theory is the pros put people in the seats.That is probably true but there is a way to make all of this better.First as they did in Epping run the sportsmen after the pros at night especially when you know it is going to rain the next day..Take advantage of the weather every time you can.Especially if they are right and the fans don't care about sportsmen no reason not to run them as long as you can after the pros at night it would just be a bonus for the fans who stayed. Next cut out all the side show crap.Run your jet truck or school bus but that is it one of those not the whole dog and pony show. Next bring back TOP Stock and run it with the pros.People like to see real cars do big wheelstands probably more than a jet motorcycle(although that guy was nuts) I agree start friday and have one time shot saturday morning for those who come late. Try to find a big track.We lost Virginia and Norwalk and they were great.Too bad the tracks are not neutral and open to both sanctioning bodies.So you could run IHRA ans NHRA at Norwalk or anywhere else for that matter in the same year. As far as Scooter,Baker,Aaron I don't have any beef with them they are doing the best they can with what they have and what we are facing.Fuel and the ** economy has hurt all tracks on both sides of the isle.From what I saw happened to BO it does not look like it is much fun to race NHRA,its like being in catholic school every time you turn around somebody is slapping your hand or paddling your * or telling you how to live or run your life.Who needs that **.I go to the races to race my car and hang with my family and friends and have fun.My biggest beef is wasting time by not racing the sportsmen after the pros. Shoot out races are great for the shooters but frankly I dont think the fans give a ** about those either.Fans want to see speed,crashes, and wheelstands and that is the truth face it. __________________ BS/A,A/FIA 00 Camaro- CS/A, B/FIA 94 Camaro .2012 copo 4.0 Last edited by cambria; 10-22-2008 at 03:16 PM.

10-22-2008, 08:54 PM	#63
jdfpam Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 186 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: What would U change @ IHRA I can tell you one thing that fans and racers are tired of seeing................Pro's oiling down the track. I think it is as simple as that. Until someone can find a way to cover the race tracks and pits to eliminate rain delays, the next best time saver would be to cut back on oil downs. I am not sure how to go about that, maybe giving some sort of penalty to repeat offenders to start. Rockingham was a real disappointment. It only rained from 3 pm Friday until about 1 am Saturday. That is something that usually happens at 3 day races. It should have been able to be absorbed, but it couldn't because of all of the oil downs and all of the cars that had to be run down the track. I don't know what the best answer is, but something has got to change. If it doesn't, I know a few people including myself that will be doing something different next year. Jeff Day #3731 PS...Kudo's to Hank and company for lobbying for the stockers not to go down the slick Sunday night track. I think that most of us were not all that disappointed to have put them away for the evening.

10-22-2008, 09:38 PM	#64
fatshoe Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 1 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: What would U change @ IHRA i hope mr feld was paying attention at rockingham after the last promods ran on sat night the stands almost emptied i was kind of suprised but after watching several runs of the shake and bake crowd i too left the stands who wants to sit in the stands and watch the cleanup equipment make laps? being a long time sportsman fan and racer i was dissipointed also that when i got there at 10.45 am the sportsman cars were done they ran the pros and i did not see any other sportsman runs except the sss cars make 1 run, just a bad show for me even though i did get to hang with some of my buds in the pits oh well maybe next year will be better signed,Steve Wilson

10-22-2008, 10:06 PM	#65
THE LEGEND VIP Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Fayetteville, n.c. Posts: 1,411 Likes: 0 Liked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: What would U change @ IHRA Jeff, It rained Saturday morning around 5:00 a.m. Paul, That time of year it's hard to run after the pro's. I have been down that track more than most of ya'll have been down every track. When it's damp and cold it gets slick. I think IHRA needs to look at 4 day events at the bigger races: Rockingham-Milan-Martin. Do 1 run Thursday. 1 run Friday a.m. 1st rd friday afternoon. 2 rds on saturday. I talked to Earwood on Tuesday and he was all for it. The bigger picture: More Sportsnationals I Like that Idea More races in the South. I like that one too. Doubles in ALL divisions. I like that. All divisions need the same amount of races. Shootout for the world championship: If that rumor is true I don't like that. Chip Johnson

10-22-2008, 10:19 PM	#66
THE LEGEND VIP Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Fayetteville, n.c. Posts: 1,411 Likes: 0 Liked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: What would U change @ IHRA I just reread some of the post. Some of you guys are clueless idiots. How many of you were even racing at Rockingham? How many of you have even raced this year. Give these IHRA guys a break. They work about as hard as anyone can and yall still Bitch about something. I think the SSS guys had every right in the world to be there. These guys race for years to get a shot at their 10 seconds of glory. It was only 16 cars 3 tt and 3 rds thats a total of 38 runs. Thats less than 1 rd of stock qualifying. You want to fuss about oildowns what about the stocker that left gear oil from the 60 ft to the et shack and a buddy of mine grenaded a motor in his HR car. Look at the positives No wrecks this year, and we got to race. Chip Johnson

10-22-2008, 10:47 PM	#67
Mike Galuk Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 328 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: What would U change @ IHRA I think they (IHRA) did about the best they could have done under the circumstances dealing with the weather. I agree that they should go to 4 days for a race. For a three day race to succeed, everything has to be perfect. IHRA made sure everyone got two time runs and safety was a big concern for all cars. I think that no matter what they would have done, a select few would BITCH. Hope everyone has a good off season and find a few tenths under the tree on Christmas morning. Mike Mike Galuk JOE COOL RACING

10-22-2008, 11:18 PM	#68
Bryan Worner Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Duncannon, PA Posts: 822 Likes: 132 Liked 488 Times in 83 Posts	Re: What would U change @ IHRA There are 7 sportsman eliminators in IHRA!!! If you are going to run 7 eliminators along with the pro show (4 or 5 classes) at a national event......I don't care where you are.....unless you have 10 cars in each eliminator, you need 4 days to get that race in at a decent hour on Sunday! Not running 1st round until Sunday night is totally unacceptable, rain or no rain! Get your 2 time runs on Thursday, 1 on Friday and run 1st round Friday afternoon! Just think......half the field could be home, or at another race by Saturday! What is the difference if you take off on Thursday or Monday???? At least you can plan on taking off Thursday in advance! You're still taking another day off! IHRA does not allow for down time at their national events! Every oil down, crash or rain delay sets Sunday's finish time back! This is not a bust on IHRA, just my reasoning why I would either have the nationals be 4 day events, or cut some eliminators at the Nationals! When the car counts get high, they can't get them all down the track in 3 days! This has been proven time after time!

10-23-2008, 05:12 AM	#69
THE LEGEND VIP Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Fayetteville, n.c. Posts: 1,411 Likes: 0 Liked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: What would U change @ IHRA Bryan, Were you there NO In my opinion if you were not there then you don't get a vote. Chip

10-23-2008, 07:44 AM	#70
danny waters sr VIP Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: lagrange,nc Posts: 2,224 Likes: 1 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: What would U change @ IHRA I was there and working everyday and busting my *****. For one thing ,when we call a class to the lanes you should start your way to the lanes ,instead of waiting to here the first car to go down and then coming to the lanes .if you think about it there is a lot of" waisted" time waiting for some of the laid backs to get to lanes before we start .suppose we start running the first pair and at the same time close the lanes for that class .that would be unfair then because we did not wait for you before we start.i cannot help for down time,that at some point and time is going to happen .you do not understand the other side of running and working an event like this . I will invite any one of you to come and hang with me and other offficials when it is time to pair or run cars at these events .it takes both sides to make this work .some things such as oil downs and breakage we cannot help! I am sorry if you do not agree with me ,but sometimes it is hard to get on this site and read all this complaining and a lot from people or racers that do not even go or were not at certain events.we are more racer friendly than you make it out .you just cannot please everyone .sorry for this long letter.it was meant to be shorter than this .everyone have a great off season.hope to see you next year, thanks to those who understand!!!!!! __________________ Danny Waters, Sr / 73 Duster "340"