NHRA - Stick vs Auto

[stk758]

Well, NHRA has enhanced us again ! Combining the Auto and Stick classes and changing weight per HP. Whats next ? Combine FI and Carbs?? Wearing me out I tell ya... The truck guys are already combined with cars, not good!! I think they are pushing us towards non management classes. Pure Stock is looking good Rob !! I'm bouncing off the limiter, time to move the chip up another 1k. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bs.gif

Barry

[Salvatore]

You mean an A/SA will have to run an A/Stocker heads up? That goes for the other classes as well? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif

[John Brown]

I had similar complaints years ago when I campainged a NHRA stocker. They see everything as fill in material between rounds of funny - pro stock - top fuel. NHRA http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsdown.gif is the biggest factor in the growth of IHRA tracks, imo.

[Kim_Howie]

That SUCKS They need to get their heads out their A--- http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bs.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsdown.gif

[Chevy454]

Are you really surprised? They've been in full panic mode for a while now, from the plummeting car counts to the surging IHRA...they're simply acting out what we've known all along, and that's that they are (now) an organization dedicated to the Pro ranks. They've basically handed over the Sportsman reigns to IHRA. And it's only gonna snow ball from here, as the combined classes and fewer National events are only gonna drive away the Sportsman guys. I say give the NHRA what they want, and let them starve because of it...

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

I agree, I've found a nice environment at a 'local' IHRA track about an hour away, Numedia Dragway! Cool!

[Salvatore]

Right again, Kim. They want the professional catagories and S/G, S/C and S/S. thats all. Sam http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bs.gif

[Salvatore]

[ QUOTE ]
I agree, I've found a nice environment at a 'local' IHRA track about an hour away, Numedia Dragway! Cool!

[/ QUOTE ] That is NHRA Marlin if you are talking the same track. It is 125 miles one way from me. Bloomsburgh, Pa. Closest IHRA may be Budds Creek, or they may call it Maryland International Raceway.

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Sorry, got them confused!

Sam, are you going to the Dutch Classic?

[Mr70]

That sounds like a Fun Event!
Let me Guess,all drivers have to wear these?
http://www.rete-amicorum.de/projekte/sachkultur/diverses/bilder/holzschuhe.jpg

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

You're as close as Mars!

Formally known as the Pennsylvania Dutch Classic http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

http://www.nhradiv1.com/

[Salvatore]

Absolutely!!! Friday and Sunday I hope. Stock and Superstock is where I'll be! Wiping off Jerry's E/Stocker! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

[stk758]

Rob's right, they are pushing for the pro show with less maintenance classes. I have sent numerous e-mails asking them to reconsider or at least give the lower class cars a weight break for auto. Not so bad for A & B cars but murder for the slower cars. If you look at the Stock forum you see only 99 total votes with a heavy NO vote. You would think this would throw up a flag. I asked them for a 7-8lb class to spark stock like the SS/AA class has done for SS. I would love to see more Chevy/Ford/AMC/Merc/Mopar battles in A/auto/stick and the fans would love it. Right now.... I removed the sidebar for easy accsess and have a cold one or two and think of the last pass! AHHH.
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif
Barry

[Salvatore]

I feel NHRA has to leave things alone. Don't fix whats not broken. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif Sam

[Kim_Howie]

Sam say Hello to Jerry for me. Kim

[Salvatore]

Will do Kim. How is the Harrell car coming? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[Chevy454]

Anyone watch "Wind Tunnel" with Dave Despain or whoever on Speedvision this morning? I about fell over. He was interviewing car owner (and former racer) Don Schumacher...he runs like 7 Pro cars in various classes (think "Army" cars). Anyway, Dave ever so briefly mentioned an email from Alex Denysenko concerning the recent Sportsman troubles, but cornered Don on the rumor that the Pro classes are gonna boycott their "low payouts" by sitting out a qualifying round at an upcoming NHRA event...man, you shoulda seen that guy squirm! Schumacher quickly jumped into denial mode but had to claim allegiance to the P.R.O. (Professional Racers Organization) and said he'd do what P.R.O. told him to do, as it's bascially like their "union".

So, we've got the Pro guys, who are getting paid to race yet PAY NO ENTRY FEE, griping about the "low payouts"? While the Sportsman guys pay like a couple hundred bucks per event JUST TO ENTER and are losing events and ultimately being squeezed out of NHRA? Am I missing something here?

These Pro guys have been dazzled by the corporate footwork and ultimately forgotten where they came from. How many horror stories have you heard of a Pro team or teams (Top Fuel or otherwise) showing up at a track and ultimately taking over? I've not only heard 'em, but seen it with my own eyes! It's like the world oughtta stop when they wanna make a pass!!

Will NHRA wake up and realize it's running off the very racers that made it what it is (was)? Or do they even care??

[stk758]

Ok I am happy now! NHRA has voted for no changes for 2005 and get more input for future changes. VOTE !!!We have the power. My hat is off to the commitee and no more stressing over rumor BS. Now where is that side bar, Rhonda ...bring me a BEER please!! I am celebrating.

Barry http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[retengw31]

[ QUOTE ]
Will NHRA wake up and realize it's running off the very racers that made it what it is (was)? Or do they even care??

[/ QUOTE ]

And NMCA, NSCA, etc. etc. ..........suddenly it's the 70's all over again.

[Kim_Howie]

Sam havn't touched since the reunion. Maybe next week http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Chevy454]

Ran across this article over at Drag Racing Online concerning the Pro classes striking over "low payouts" http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif... Strike One (http://www.dragracingonline.com/analysis/vi_9-boycott-1.html)

I say let' em sit out an event, or two, or whatever makes 'em feel special, and then maybe, just *maybe*, for a few moments the Sportsman guys won't be treated as second class citizens...

[Kim_Howie]

Tom, I would rather watch Stock & Super stock any day http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/scholar.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif Let them set out a year.

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Tell 'em to stay home completely, bring on the Stock and Super Stockers.

And another thing, the sponsors should bring back the catchy names that racecars used to have back in the day. They could incorporate their product name into it, but what a way to promote brand recognition.

[Chevy454]

Definitely a cool idea, M...unfortunately I'm not sure how much interest the sponsors have in S/SS. It's my understanding that it's getting nearly impossible for racers to get any of their contingency money... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

[Schonyenko2]

Old reliable, sponsored by Viagra? S.

[Mr70]

Grumpys Toy
Sponsored by Preperation H. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

See, very creative names that would definitely put some spark into the events.

I was trying to explain to Karen the reason why a golfer wins a $1M payout, whereas a top fueler will win $100k. How much money does it take to pamper a golfer with equipment and perks for a year, compare that to the equipment/crew/travel etc... to pamper a top fueler. Here's your sign...

[copo69]

Marlin, Maybe TV revenue?

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

Yea, that's one source of revenue, but there is far more tv revenue from a golf event vs. a drag racing event - that's why the golf is carried by the big 3 networks. So, I don't think the NHRA gets a lot of revenue from a tv contract. Maybe we should chase a little white ball down the 1320 http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Mr70]

As opposed to Chasing Frank...... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

[Chevy454]

Ouch! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

[Salvatore]

Marlin, You are........ speechless! WOW! Hitting below the belt, I'd say. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

[Salvatore]

I don't think NHRA can compete with NASCAR. Not as many people go, and NO real promotional tools like the NFL or NASCAR. NASCAR commercials are on all the time. My wife knows who Jeff Gordon and Dale Jr. is. She knows who Grumpy is and John Force period. They kind of missed the boat somewhere in my opinion. Stock/SS= http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif P.S. The chevy guys... Charlie Westcott and his dad killed the hemi guys with there 8.56 run in SS/AA Sunday at the Grove. He ran consistent 8.50's pretty much all day for the hemi challenge. It takes a chevy man to do that!! That is why he has a big bow tie emblem painted on the roof of his 68 hemi cuda. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

And what Yenko were you driving/racing? Oh, that's right.... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/Charley.gif

[Kim_Howie]

Sam I have watched the Westcotts run for years. Two men of very few words. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/scholar.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[Salvatore]

Absolutely few words. The kid will talk to you if you approach him correctly. He is selling T-shirts that say WAR FISH on the front and back with army camoflage. Also has a sign that says made in USA! Very serious and very fast people. They are dialed in!! Sam

[hvychev]

[ QUOTE ]
And what Yenko were you driving/racing? Oh, that's right.... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Hey Marlin fought a good fight. He might even smoke me next year......if he gets a new car and a new driver! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif