Suppose they gave a race and nobody came

[Chuck Weissberg]

I was just wondering what would happen if they gave a race and no class racers showed up? NORMA RAE?

[NHRA1926]

Boy wouldn't that send a message! I truly believe this is exactly what needs to happen at a NHRA National Event to make the executives realize just how important the Sportsman Racers and Sportsman Classes are for their business. They act like its a privilege for us to attend their events, instead of us being their customers, and wanting to make sure we know that they appreciate our business. It surely seems that they've become numb to the concerns of the Sportsman Class Racers and their concerns. To them, we are just a filler for down time during the pro's maintenance. Entry fees have doubled over the years, and payouts have remained stagnate in comparison. When you get more money for winning a Divisional Event than a National Event, there is something REALLY wrong. Millions of dollars flow into the National Events, Divisional races have a fraction of this kind of money flowing in, but the payout is bigger at the Divisional? How is this possible? I know most of the payout money for the divisional races come from the local track. But can someone explain why there isn't a bigger purse for sportsman racers at the National Events with all that revenue coming in? I remember getting down to the last 5 cars at Atlanta National event, and I only received $250! That didn't even cover the cost of the entry fee of the event! Again, how can that be justified?

[Tim Barrett]

There's an old saying that says,Enjoy what you have today,,cause it won't last forever. This is a prime example of how things change from the good old days to what exists today. When you have people running the show that really know nothing about the Sport and run it the way they want,,then we'll see a slow partial demise. They wouldn't miss the Sportsman, I think the only thing that's saving us right now are the support companies that Dragracers like me use that support those people at the top. There will always be a Sportsman show at National Events for now,,but I think Divisional races will be the major events for Dragracers who love that type of Dragracing. Linda and I will keep doing it,,for a cpl more years anyway,and when we retire,,we can enjoy our accomplishments and success.
Just listened to an interview with the Stock Eliminator World Champion. One thing he said that I've said and believe in,,
"We don't go to a Dragrace to Party,,We Goes to WIN!! And it works.
NHRA Sportsman Dragracing will be around for quite a few more years,,but we have to deal with what we are offered for us.

[Jim Caughlin]

Man, you are living in a dream world. Hate to be Debby Downer here but NHRA would love to replace Stock and SS with twice as many Top Sportsman and Top Dragster entries that require minimal tech and don't whine as much. The average spectator at a national event wouldn't even notice that we are gone. Be careful what you wish for.

Jim Caughlin
SS6019

[63corvette]

Most of the increases of entry?s over the years comes from the insurance costs.
Not many know and it is not publicized that the Sportsmen entry fees cover the entire events insurance coverage.
When you enter a National the cost is broken down for entry and insurance. Most think that insurance is for the racers and it does cover them but it also covers everyone on the property during the event. Spectators and everyone else. Most don?t realize that.
After the spectator lost her life at Phoenix/Chanler AZ a few years ago the entry fees went up the following year.
Just my 2 cents.
Rick Cates
Canyon,TX

[1320racer]

Originally Posted by Jim Caughlin

Man, you are living in a dream world. Hate to be Debby Downer here but NHRA would love to replace Stock and SS with twice as many Top Sportsman and Top Dragster entries that require minimal tech and don't whine as much. The average spectator at a national event wouldn't even notice that we are gone. Be careful what you wish for.

Jim Caughlin
SS6019

quoted for the TRUTH and the FACTS!

Originally Posted by Tim Barrett

"We don't go to a Dragrace to Party,,We Goes to WIN!! .

EXACTLY!

[Jeff Stout]

Worked in FL. with the muffler deal. Blocked the outside gate and worked it out.

[Lyn Smith]

[QUOTE=Jim Caughlin;709175]Man, you are living in a dream world. Hate to be Debby Downer here but NHRA would love to replace Stock and SS with twice as many Top Sportsman and Top Dragster entries that require minimal tech and don't whine as much. The average spectator at a national event wouldn't even notice that we are gone. Be careful what you wish for.

I love to see those Top cars who you say are going to replace Stock trying to get down the track at the US Nationals at 7am.LOL

[Jim Caughlin]

[QUOTE=Lyn Smith;709179]

Originally Posted by Jim Caughlin

Man, you are living in a dream world. Hate to be Debby Downer here but NHRA would love to replace Stock and SS with twice as many Top Sportsman and Top Dragster entries that require minimal tech and don't whine as much. The average spectator at a national event wouldn't even notice that we are gone. Be careful what you wish for.

I love to see those Top cars who you say are going to replace Stock trying to get down the track at the US Nationals at 7am.LOL

Ok, then throw in Super Street instead, they have to go out first most of the time at Divisionals anyway so they won't mind. Just saying plenty of filler material dog and pony show stuff to take our place. As far as that goes, without us they can just sleep in and not start at 7AM! Win Win for them.

[1320racer]

Originally Posted by Jim Caughlin

without us they can just sleep in and not start at 7AM! Win Win for them.

EXACTLY, they won't miss the crybabies.