Len Imbrogno.....Seriously now

[sg1838]

Dwight...very well put. Though I'm still hoping for an increase in the payout (not from the monies NHRA just received, but simply as a correction to the lack of payout over the last 20 years.

Ed, I would bet money that NHRA Pro Racing will put money into those tracks, and I would bet money that Columbus will have it's National event back in the near future. NHRA's largest source of revenue is ticket sales. NHRA Pro Racing has already stated that they plan on expanding the schedule at least another 2 or 3 events, and as long as the racers will support it, there's probably no reason not to expand to another 10 events (i.e. like NASCAR). There are still plenty of locations in the US where races could be added that are currently lacking from a drag racing standpoint. The Northwest (Portland) and New England (something in the Boston area immediately come to mind. If you look at the map of the US that shows the locations of the existing events, it's quite obvious. Here's a link to the HD Partners presentation as to why they were interested in NHRA, and the map is shown on page 11 of the presentation:

http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/da...68_2ex99d1.htm

So, the quickest and easiest way to add events would be to go to existing facilities: Columbus (especially since they already own it and all the money goes in their pocket, and it has supported a national event for the last 30 years), Woodburn, and I don't know, maybe make a play for Epping?

They've also said that they would like to move outside of North America, but for the time being I really think that just means Canada. I know there's a drag strip in Monterey, Mexico, but traveling to Canada is still much easier than Mexico. Though, I'm not sure that either country really offers a great location to host an NHRA National Event. Sanair in Quebec (where they used to hold the NHRA national event), is the only facility that I think it currently a viable option, but if you were going to pick a location, I really think they'd want it to be much closer to Niagara Falls / Toronto than Montreal. But, Toronto Motorsports Park is the only track anywhere near there, and even then it's not really where you'd like it to be, and the facilities simply aren't up to snuff for an NHRA event. Maybe somebody will build something...who knows...

So, in summary, I'm going to look for improvements at the tracks they own (specifically Atlanta, Columbus, and Gainesville), otherwise they wouldn't have purchased them. In addition, I think you'll see Columbus and Woodburn get national events very quickly, with another added to a to-be-named track in the New England area (where there's a large population base that's currently not being served the NHRA product).

Now make it so!

Jason Oldfield
S/G & S/ST 1838

[Ed Fernandez]

Jason;
Do you think they would try to make a move on Rockingham?Clear Channel doesn't seem to be showing much interest in IHRA as faras acquiring new track affiliations.

Ed

[sg1838]

Jason;
Do you think they would try to make a move on Rockingham?Clear Channel doesn't seem to be showing much interest in IHRA as faras acquiring new track affiliations.
Ed

Ed,

Rockingham is an interesting proposition, as NHRA certainly could use the exposure in the auto racing capital of the US, Charlotte, NC. Charlotte is halfway between the races at Virginia and Atlanta, but even those are about 150 miles away. There's a good population base in that area too, so I think geographically it makes sense.

That said, I don't know if Rockingham is NHRA caliber or not currently, or if it could be made NHRA caliber. I'm not 100% certain of the history of the track, but I think at one point not too long ago it was NHRA sanctioned but then switched back to IHRA. But, maybe I'm remembering another track.

Regardless, maybe somebody else could chime in on the current condition of the track, but I think it would make sense from NHRA's standpoint. Of course, IHRA might not be so willing to let them go either (I don't think there is another track in the Charlotte area that is even remotely close to being big enough to host an IHRA or NHRA national event).


Jason Oldfield
S/G & S/ST 1838

[Michael Beard]

>>That said, I don't know if Rockingham is NHRA caliber or not currently,

Rockingham hosted the NHRA Winston Invitational.

>> Regardless, maybe somebody else could chime in on the current condition of the track,

The track was great this year. I've been racing there since the beginning of last year. The tinkered with some new traction compound stuff, and the hook was always there. Like some other tracks, it can get treacherous at night and although the track itself is among the widest on the circuit, the groove is fairly narrow. A good bit of paved pit area, some nice areas under trees. The 'back 9' (again, like most places) is so-so. Watch for sand spurs. Boatloads of shutdown, parking, etc. Aluminum grandstands on one side, concrete set into the hill on the other side.

>> (I don't think there is another track in the Charlotte area that is even remotely close to being big enough to host an IHRA or NHRA national event).

Darlington. And they want one, I believe. I covered the last Bracket Finals at Darlington, where they hosted over 800 cars.


Michael Beard
Staging Light Graphic Design & Printing
Duck Tape/Loctite Racing
H - I - J/CM '80 Volare 360 Magnum

[76 RACER]

Could any of this go back to 1988 when Billy Meyer tried to buy NHRA and then tried to bring litigation after NHRA didnt want to deal? Wasnt the pro side of NHRA a for profit business after everything was said and done by Billy Meyer and NHRA in 1988?

[JDEMARZO]

What would be interesting would be to see the indivdual bonus management recieved. Non Profits can give out a bonus, Or what was the signing bonus or shares of stock in the new corp. It is within the IRS rules, let us not think this is about money.

J.DeMarzo

[tgriffith]

its crooked,,,

[LNorton]

I wouldn't call it crooked. If they follow what the press releases have said things will improve, but you gotta give it time. This will be at least a 2 year process of getting started on the improvement process. These things cant happen overnight.

Lee Norton
Slowtime Motorsports
I/PS '02 Firebird 231 V6

[Jim Wahl]

This does make very interesting reading! All racers should read the whole thing and be informed:

http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/da...68_2ex99d1.htm

Jim Wahl
6 Time National record Holder
2239 BF/S
I miss Buster Couch also! 'cause Div.2 will always be "Buster's Rebels"

[Jim Wahl]

Superstockc....Thank you for your kind words to me and the others here. After Lee's 2nd post I sort of figgured he was not as knowledgeable as he would have us believe. I have had my run-ins with NHRA and found them unreasonable at times and have also found them very sympathetic to my concerns at other times. When they were going to abolish FWD classes, they could very well have said "that's it, no ifs ands or buts" but they listened to me and we went back and forth for almost a year. Ultimately we were able to come to an agreement. The new deal with HD Partners could be the begining of a new era in NHRA racing! Only time will tell. No matter what, we have to give them a chance, we really have no other choice. Jim

Jim Wahl
6 Time National record Holder
2239 BF/S
I miss Buster Couch also! 'cause Div.2 will always be "Buster's Rebels"