Moparts
The future of Drag Racing...
Posted By: Jeepmon
The future of Drag Racing... - 05/31/11 04:46 PM
I think everyone will agree here that car counts for drag racing is down by a considerable amount.. I've only been racing for a couple of years and I've seen the numbers dwindle steadily...
Which leads me to wonder if its due to this economic recession we're in.. or is this a trend that will continue and that drag racing is pretty much on its last leg... as we know it..
I'm thinking the high costs to build a car, transport a car, maintain a car and to actually race the car is so far out of control that the backyard... grass roots racer is having second thoughts..
I know for me I love racing, but at the same time am getting quite concerned about the amount of money I've put out in just this last year..
Posted By: MR_P_BODY
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 05/31/11 04:51 PM
To me its all the economy... lets face it... when the
price of fuel drops there tends to be more cars out there
Posted By: Guitar Jones
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 05/31/11 05:00 PM
It's the economy.
Posted By: Boosted
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 05/31/11 05:07 PM
I would say the economy also but I would add that I went to the race track this past weekend for the first time in about 5 years. Was about 30 cars/bikes/rails there total and this was a points race for Super Street, 6:50 and 7:50 1/8th mile and motor cycle race. Great track and a nice place but there where maybe 6 people in the stands including myself and a friend there to watch.
I think if they brought back true heads up racing maybe it would help. I watched for 4 hours and just got bored and went home. There is just osmehting about watching a car leave and hit the stop and then take back off that is dead boring to watch.
Will I go back and watch another race? Most likley not unless it is an ORSCA or NMCA race...
This is just a spectators point of view...
Posted By: Steve1118
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 05/31/11 05:11 PM
To me, the sport appears to be slowly returning to it's roots.
For a long time, guys were getting into racing like yuppies were into Harleys. It was the thing to do..and they turned it into an intense business that frankly was not much fun. You had the gadgets and electronics, the stackers, etc. Now that times are tough, those guys are bailing and what is left over are the guys who are passionate about the sport and will find a way to race. I find it refreshing, actually.
Some of the tracks have helped by toning it down a bit, too. I know PRP has stopped round money for buy backs (I like it, as I think that having to beat the same guy twice to win is somehow an injustice), but this has really sped up the show and maybe opened the way to draw some more spectators because not everyone find it "cost effective" to buy back in. It's become more of a race than a business enterprise.
It seems like the whole deal is just slowing down, ramping down into reality. The Nostalgia shows, which is our forte, are booming...it's absolutely incredible. A lot of young folks are involved, too.
I quit going to NHRA National events years ago, but at the recent IHRA Nitro Jam at Pittsburgh it was standing room only, and then some. There were more little kids there than I've seen at the drags in years....they were everywhere. Young families were everywhere...it was a great show, and affordable. Again, ramped down from a $100 a seat NHRA event, and the folks responded. The racing was good, close, fast....and I've heard from some that they will attend PRP as spectators in the future.
So, I think the sport is in good shape....but, the future looks a bit different to me than it did in the eighties and nineties. I'm optimistic.
Posted By: 70VcodeCoronetRT
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 05/31/11 05:15 PM
The economy and high fuel prices. That's why my car has sat for 2 years going on three.
Posted By: SLOW67
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 05/31/11 05:37 PM
I stopped racing and attending when they got rid of the "street" car events. Our track (1/8) had alot of heads up street stuff all the way from 8.0-9.0 to 5 sec classes that all paid good. All of that is gone now and bracket racing to me is not fun to watch or race
When my turbo stuff is finished and tuned I'll take it to the track for tnt and probably will never take it back
Posted By: hemicop
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 05/31/11 05:55 PM
I'm sort of quitting & I'll tell you exactly why----NHRA!
Several years ago I built a car for S/C & despite my dislike for electroncs figured it would be a good, fun class to run. Then NHRA started in with all their ridiculous (yes, that's right!) safety rules which made it almost impossible to run the car without having to watch for expiration dates on something. Couple that with the evr increasing costs of of the latest "trick of the week" in the Super classes, increased fuel & entry costs & the"@#$%^ you" attitude of track personnel & I see no reason to support NHRA. Now I'm not talking about extremes here---there's plenty of reasona NOT to require belts, shields, firesuits not to have expiration dates on them and only one reason TO have them---MONEY! NHRA has gotten greedy, self-centered & arrogant, catering only to professionals & disregarding the very people (hobby racers) that got them where they are in the first place.
As a result I prefer to favor nostalgia events, PSCA, ORSCA, that kind of stuff that that is geared more to the "little guy" & hobbyists than pros. That & street cars seem to be my latest "afflication" which are proving far more fun & a bit more affordable.........
Posted By: MegaDart
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 05/31/11 06:14 PM
Quote:
I'm sort of quitting & I'll tell you exactly why----NHRA!
Several years ago I built a car for S/C & despite my dislike for electroncs figured it would be a good, fun class to run. Then NHRA started in with all their ridiculous (yes, that's right!) safety rules which made it almost impossible to run the car without having to watch for expiration dates on something. Couple that with the evr increasing costs of of the latest "trick of the week" in the Super classes, increased fuel & entry costs & the"@#$%^ you" attitude of track personnel & I see no reason to support NHRA. Now I'm not talking about extremes here---there's plenty of reasona NOT to require belts, shields, firesuits not to have expiration dates on them and only one reason TO have them---MONEY! NHRA has gotten greedy, self-centered & arrogant, catering only to professionals & disregarding the very people (hobby racers) that got them where they are in the first place.
As a result I prefer to favor nostalgia events, PSCA, ORSCA, that kind of stuff that that is geared more to the "little guy" & hobbyists than pros. That & street cars seem to be my latest "afflication" which are proving far more fun & a bit more affordable.........
I agree with all the posts above.
For me the poor economy/high fuel cost is the main reason to stay home. It costs twice as much just to get there and enter the race as it did 2 years ago. With the lack of disposable income I can't justify the added expense. The bang for the buck is not there.
More time with friends and especially family is not a bad thing either!!
And I will second the NHRA thing. I'm all done supporting them....
Posted By: julian2007
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 05/31/11 06:59 PM
Its only the economic recession were are in for people who don't do simple math.They look at the gas marquee and when it goes up a quarter they pi$$ there pants.If you use 100 gal of fuel going to the track and back and gas goes up .25 that's only 25 bucks,he11 if it goes up a dollar its only 100 bucks.If anyone person is so broke that they can't afford and extra 100 dollars for gas They have no business going racing in the first place.I see so many people showing up in monster motor coaches with super fast cars and have no cash to eat.Here is a Idea race a car you can afford,I could have a stacker an a 6 second ride If I wanted but it would suck up all my extra money.I would rather keep What I got and eat steak at the track and when I need gas look for the station that is easy to get in and out of with a 44fT trailer in stead of looking to save 1.30 on a fill up.Its funny when you see someone with a 600 inch hemi in a bickel chassis car b1tching about how it cost him an extra 30 bucks to get to the track.Remember people some day you will be laying in a hospital bed dieing with thousands of dollars in the bank wishing you would have spent an extra 25 dollars on gas to go racing with your son,daughter,wife,dad,grandpa,brother, ect,ect just one more time.Don't let life get you down Kick lifes Ass.I don't thing are fallen hero's of all military branches would want us to hide at home I think they would want us to enjoy the gift they died to give us and that's life Freedom and The USA.Go racing,Go racing,Go racing,and enjoy your life for tomorrow may never come.
Posted By: MR_P_BODY
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 05/31/11 07:54 PM
Quote:
Its only the economic recession were are in for people who don't do simple math.They look at the gas marquee and when it goes up a quarter they pi$$ there pants.If you use 100 gal of fuel going to the track and back and gas goes up .25 that's only 25 bucks,he11 if it goes up a dollar its only 100 bucks.If anyone person is so broke that they can't afford and extra 100 dollars for gas They have no business going racing in the first place.I see so many people showing up in monster motor coaches with super fast cars and have no cash to eat.Here is a Idea race a car you can afford,I could have a stacker an a 6 second ride If I wanted but it would suck up all my extra money.I would rather keep What I got and eat steak at the track and when I need gas look for the station that is easy to get in and out of with a 44fT trailer in stead of looking to save 1.30 on a fill up.Its funny when you see someone with a 600 inch hemi in a bickel chassis car b1tching about how it cost him an extra 30 bucks to get to the track.Remember people some day you will be laying in a hospital bed dieing with thousands of dollars in the bank wishing you would have spent an extra 25 dollars on gas to go racing with your son,daughter,wife,dad,grandpa,brother, ect,ect just one more time.Don't let life get you down Kick lifes Ass.I don't thing are fallen hero's of all military branches would want us to hide at home I think they would want us to enjoy the gift they died to give us and that's life Freedom and The USA.Go racing,Go racing,Go racing,and enjoy your life for tomorrow may never come.
I see you dont live on a fixed income 
but right now I'm building another car so my money
is going that way..... MOST of the guys on here race
as a hobby and IF they blew the engine MOST would
be done for the year(maybe longer), so that $100
for fuel does mean alot
Posted By: joedust451
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 05/31/11 08:02 PM
Our track has "midnight drags" on Sat once a month, they get a good 200 cars through the gate, Races like these are nice, just your basic grudge racing, you can run as fast as you want in the 1/4 mile, but only with street tires or DRs or ET streets, no slicks in the 1/4, you can race for $$$/girlfriends/wives whatever, anything goes
.
Posted By: hemicop
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 05/31/11 08:06 PM
Quote:
Its only the economic recession were are in for people who don't do simple math.They look at the gas marquee and when it goes up a quarter they pi$$ there pants.If you use 100 gal of fuel going to the track and back and gas goes up .25 that's only 25 bucks,he11 if it goes up a dollar its only 100 bucks.If anyone person is so broke that they can't afford and extra 100 dollars for gas They have no business going racing in the first place.I see so many people showing up in monster motor coaches with super fast cars and have no cash to eat.Here is a Idea race a car you can afford,I could have a stacker an a 6 second ride If I wanted but it would suck up all my extra money.I would rather keep What I got and eat steak at the track and when I need gas look for the station that is easy to get in and out of with a 44fT trailer in stead of looking to save 1.30 on a fill up.Its funny when you see someone with a 600 inch hemi in a bickel chassis car b1tching about how it cost him an extra 30 bucks to get to the track.Remember people some day you will be laying in a hospital bed dieing with thousands of dollars in the bank wishing you would have spent an extra 25 dollars on gas to go racing with your son,daughter,wife,dad,grandpa,brother, ect,ect just one more time.Don't let life get you down Kick lifes Ass.I don't thing are fallen hero's of all military branches would want us to hide at home I think they would want us to enjoy the gift they died to give us and that's life Freedom and The USA.Go racing,Go racing,Go racing,and enjoy your life for tomorrow may never come.
Lemme guess-----you're a consistent NHRA participoant. GOOGD FOR YOU!
That's all well & good, except what's "missing" from your argument is the "mandatory" seatbelt replacement, shield replacement costs, etc., etc. He11, even the Air Force only replaces the seatbelts in the F16/18s every SEVEN 
years. You mean we're racing stuff more powerful & dangerous than them!!! I don't think so! And the facts are some people just like putting their money into a faster car than into NHRA's pockets. I have more fun at nostalgia events than ANY NHRA event so again, why support them? They abuse the "little guy", take their money, put unreasonable, expensive demands on them & use them as "filler" for the pros.
Nope, 
just can't see any reason to support them any longer.......
Posted By: Steve1118
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 05/31/11 08:10 PM
The key is to make it fun again.
You go to a big money bracket race it's like going to a business convention...so much money is involved, the semi pro and professional bracket guys push any kind of regular local racers right out of the picture. You walk around, and no one is having fun...it's like work.
Cut back the purse, cut back the entry. Get rid of the round money for buy backs...or, better yet, do what they do at the Beaver, run a consolation race separately. The sharks won't like it, but the masses will, and will encourage participation by more folks.
Promote the local racers in the papers, run a program that doesn't run until the wee hours of the morning, simplify it. I'm one of those who still believe that bracket racing can draw some, I mean some, spectators.
Make the whole experience fun for everyone. That's what has gone away, and that is what can make up for the loss of the yuppie racers.
Posted By: TC@HP2
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 05/31/11 08:13 PM
Car counts are down, really?
I've quit going because there are too damn many people at the tracks I frequent. I go in, pay my $40 entry fee, make 2 practice runs if things go smoothly, which they rarely do, then go in to eliminations. Since I don't get out very often, I'm often 1st or 2nd round fodder in a 100+ car field of guys who go multiple times a week and are much better with their reaction times and dial ins.
So I'm in $100 for tow rig gas, $40 for race gas, $40 race fee, figure another $20 for food and drinks and all that is for less than 60 seconds of racing while dealing with hordes of people, constant track maintanence and a lot of sitting in the car waiting to be called or sitting in the lanes after being called. Sorry, not interested any more.
Open track day or autocross are much more fun. Sure, they cost more, $200 vs $40, and I still have tow gas of $100, sometimes more, but actual seat time is vastly improved and can be measured in hours instead of seconds. Sure it isn't always racing with a winner and my odds of ever winning there are as slim, maybe less so, as they were at drag racing, but it is still loads more fun.
Posted By: dennismopar73
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 05/31/11 08:14 PM
there has been a decrease in attendance for number of years,
shows up in youre local tracks first, then the big events,
look at the emty seats even on the big shows,
yes the economy, pricing of building a car, and all that goes into it,
it is changing every year, these younger kids not going into racing like i did , nor or they involved in it ,
i see this getting worse not better, even if fuel was 1.00$ gal, it wouldnt change ,
and it funnyn that most say its because of not having desposable income ,, mm dont stop going to tavern everyday, or the casino,
i agree that the sport is going back to the roots, and the guys who do it just for the love of the sport, will keep doing it , and certain ares like super stock and heads up classes and special events will prevail, but it will be at the risk of tracks going away and such
Posted By: julian2007
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 05/31/11 08:49 PM
I re read my post many times and never saw where I said anything about the nhra or seat belts or f-16's. All is said is in a nut shell is live within your income and you will not be stuck at home!
Posted By: julian2007
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 05/31/11 09:12 PM
Quote:
Quote:
Its only the economic recession were are in for people who don't do simple math.They look at the gas marquee and when it goes up a quarter they pi$$ there pants.If you use 100 gal of fuel going to the track and back and gas goes up .25 that's only 25 bucks,he11 if it goes up a dollar its only 100 bucks.If anyone person is so broke that they can't afford and extra 100 dollars for gas They have no business going racing in the first place.I see so many people showing up in monster motor coaches with super fast cars and have no cash to eat.Here is a Idea race a car you can afford,I could have a stacker an a 6 second ride If I wanted but it would suck up all my extra money.I would rather keep What I got and eat steak at the track and when I need gas look for the station that is easy to get in and out of with a 44fT trailer in stead of looking to save 1.30 on a fill up.Its funny when you see someone with a 600 inch hemi in a bickel chassis car b1tching about how it cost him an extra 30 bucks to get to the track.Remember people some day you will be laying in a hospital bed dieing with thousands of dollars in the bank wishing you would have spent an extra 25 dollars on gas to go racing with your son,daughter,wife,dad,grandpa,brother, ect,ect just one more time.Don't let life get you down Kick lifes Ass.I don't thing are fallen hero's of all military branches would want us to hide at home I think they would want us to enjoy the gift they died to give us and that's life Freedom and The USA.Go racing,Go racing,Go racing,and enjoy your life for tomorrow may never come.
Lemme guess-----you're a consistent NHRA participoant. GOOGD FOR YOU!
That's all well & good, except what's "missing" from your argument is the "mandatory" seatbelt replacement, shield replacement costs, etc., etc. He11, even the Air Force only replaces the seatbelts in the F16/18s every SEVEN years. You mean we're racing stuff more powerful & dangerous than them!!! I don't think so! And the facts are some people just like putting their money into a faster car than into NHRA's pockets. I have more fun at nostalgia events than ANY NHRA event so again, why support them? They abuse the "little guy", take their money, put unreasonable, expensive demands on them & use them as "filler" for the pros.
Nope, just can't see any reason to support them any longer.......
You should really read completely before you respond to someone I never promoted the NHRA nor Did I say anything about how cheep seat belts were If you want to attack the NHRA THEN ATTACK THE NHRA not me.My point is that staying at home because of an extra 20-100 dollars in gas money means you spent too much on your car or cars. Whats the point in having a fast car if you can't afford to use it?? .If you spent all you have its your fault not the NHRA's or anyone else.If more people went out and lived life instead of b1tched about how bad it is maybe It would not be So bad.
BTW I am glad you don't like the NHRA because when I race and one of there events I don't have to worry about seeing you or people like you throwing a wet blanket on an otherwise good time.
I take it your screen name means you have a hemi? if so no wander you can't afford to race 
Posted By: MRMOPAR622
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 05/31/11 09:59 PM
julian2007,post a picture of your race-car.Bet its nice having the $$$ to not only have a nice car but race like you want.
Me I'm just a O'll wanna be Bracket-Racer but a Fast-One so I put all my $$$ in the dragster and where it used to be write a check for the entry fee it now has to be for the fuel also to get to the race.And hope I win enough to cover the check.
But when I get to the track & unload the Dragster its worth every penny spend & the long hours I put in the car to be there.
So I hope the future of Drag-Racing will be as Bright as my eyes are when I make a pass.
Posted By: oldtimer5151
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 05/31/11 10:09 PM
I`ve been racing since `62 and raced numerous brands of cars. NHRA has become sponsor or more correctly lobbyist oriented. It is not driver/car against driver/car. It is about money. Bracket started in the late 60`s and early 70`s, and you could race on the weekends and not strap your family budget. Then the index came along and nearly every car could have a place to race. It is not only the economy. NHRA is big business and only cares about selling media coverage. Race when you have the money and greed will take care of NHRA.
Posted By: Anonymous
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 05/31/11 10:16 PM
"greed will take care of NHRA."
I hope the IRS will take care of the five currently in charge (for life) of NHRA
Posted By: Kindafast
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 05/31/11 11:29 PM
I have read everybodys post on here and agree with the majority of them. Economy is hurting the sport more than any other reason. With that being said even with the poor economy events like Pinks All Out brought tons of people out for a chance to shine. I really feel like a new format to drag racing is due , something that will make the racers and spectators feel like they are part of something more exciting than watching a throttle stop car or a fast car try to scrub off time to edge another car out. I have no problems with index races or bracket racing but it sure is not exciting to watch. Someone needs to come up with a fair but exciting racing venue.
Posted By: Leon441
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 05/31/11 11:54 PM
I don't know where people used to buy gas and where they buy it now. But, I can't argue the price of fuel has really slowed me down. In 1999 I bought gas for $1 a gallon and had a truck that was doing good getting 8 MPG. Then I bought a deisel that gets 14 and I can go 24 hours on the generater with about 10-15 gallons. The generater has not changed but I do run an AC unit on the trailer now and stay in it to save a hotel bill. Fuel has been close to the $4 a gallon mark for a while. To say it doesn't make a difference is insane. The total fuel bill for 1999 was less than $5K, I race all over the east of the Mississippi and a couple times across. Last year I ran a local deal that was only 2 hours from home. Total fuel bill was over $5K. Some of the hotest race fuel available in 99' was only around 7$ a gallon now it is $15-20 a gallon.
Here is the straw that broke the camels back. Won the points and the guys running the deal acted as if $1,200 in product was gold. I want some of the stuff they are smoking. My engine routine maintenance was over $5,000. There is just no appreciation towards the racer anymore. And this was a good points fund compared to others.
I like going fast but, face it, a little pat on the back never ran me off.
The truth will set you free.....
Leon
Posted By: hemicop
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/01/11 12:01 AM
good time.
I take it your screen name means you have a hemi? if so no wander you can't afford to race
You DO have a point there-congrats! 
Not meaning to attack anyone,really, if it seemed that way I apologize. The point I failed to make, I guess, is that there simply is no room or consideration for the little guy anymore. Another poster explained it best--2 passes (hopefully) & you're on your way to Eliminations.if you go out in first round,, you're done. Allow for one buy-back (20-$40) and you're now into your day for 4 passes, (say $60), gas ($100) race fuel ($8.50/gal. x 5gals per pass) plus misc race car parts (plugs, gaskets, etc. (say $50) & wear- tear on the tow vehicle & racecar & you see that in an arena where "they" obviously only want "pros" it's hardly worth it for the little guy to support the event. For the guys that can afford it evry weekend, I say GREAT! I'm jealous! But you won't see me supporting NHRA anytime soon..........
Posted By: rickraw
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/01/11 12:03 AM
it's the economy. one thing i noticed though, when gas dropped down to 2.80( the last time it was 4.00 gal) nobody lowered their prices on food, car parts, events, or anything else. i think it's only going get worse. i call it greed. all they are doing is draining our wallets. stay safe, seeya.
Posted By: AAR-B4
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/01/11 12:31 AM
"The future of Drag Racing......."
Next time your waiting in the staging lanes look around. What would you guess to be the average drivers age? Late 40's? early 50's?
Sad but drag racing for amateurs may not be around much longer.
Posted By: Quicktree
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/01/11 12:40 AM
Quote:
"The future of Drag Racing......."
Next time your waiting in the staging lanes look around. What would you guess to be the average drivers age? Late 40's? early 50's?
Sad but drag racing for amateurs may not be around much longer.
Posted By: MegaDart
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/01/11 12:43 AM
I could've raced twin $2500 to win races on saturday but chose to go boating instead. My wife and kids hate the track and my girls will only be young once so...
over 500 boats and 8 live bands on a local sandbar!
It is not that I can't afford it, but chose to spend my money elsewhere. Different strokes for different folks.
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Posted By: cgall
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/01/11 12:44 AM
We went through this in the mid-70's and there were a lot of changes, brackets took over and class racing was only held at the points meets. Tracks had 2 or 3 brackets and then got up to 4 by the end of the decade. Many tracks are back to 3 or even 2 money brackets any more. There are still a lot of cars in garages on Sunday, it might be a few years before they come back out. When things get better, there will be major change again, I'm thinking IHRA will be gone and NHRA will have a lot fewer races. Probably 30 to 50% of the local tracks will close up.
Posted By: Mr. T
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/01/11 01:28 AM
I don't believe it's mainly the economy. I believe that the track owners and operators have got to do something to get young people involved in our sport. I turned 16 in 1970, and at that time there were a LOT of nice cars on the street. There were a lot of young people driving their Camaro's, Gto's, Mustang's,Roadrunner's etc. It is NOT that way today. How many young people today can afford a new Challenger, Mustang or Camaro. Without the support of young people, our sport WILL die.
I first got my "feet wet" in bracket racing by entering the pure street class. Today, that class is almost nonexistent. Here we have 6 different tracks within a 2 hour drive, yet only 1 of those tracks even offers a pure street class.
Like it or not, many of young people today drive "ricers", and most of those cars are not automatics. The young people need a class for strictly straight shift cars. That way, the "ricers" could compete on a equal basis against the straight shift Mustangs, Camaros and Challengers in a bracket program. Many young people will bring their cars to a TNT, but will not compete in a regular bracket race. And who can blame them?
Posted By: Steve1118
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/01/11 01:59 AM
I may be flamed for this, but I do think that the demise of match racing and the number of National events has also hurt the sport.
When I was growing up in the sixties, the biggies came to where the folks were. The biggest names in would visit the local tracks...I remember absolutely packed houses to see S&M vs Grumpy, Jungle, etc....the folks didn't have to drive 300 miles and spend $750 to see these guys. As a result, the sport, on a local level was well publicized and the interest was high.
The guy who has this all figured out is Bob McCardle at Beaver Springs. Bob George, especially Mike Beard can tell you about this...he hails from up there. The place is packed, with competitors and spectators. He has the blend of "shows" along with a good bracket program that moves along and ends at a reasonable hour. And, the place is in the middle of nowhere.
The sport will survive...the guys who love it will always do it. Someone mentioned the median age, in the 40's and 50's, but the faster classes were always older guys. They were the only ones who had any money.
I realize that all this is just an excercise in theory...it will take years of this to force a change.
Posted By: 383man
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/01/11 02:16 AM
Its the economy. I can honestly say I see alot more people building high dollar cars then I used to see years ago. I cant believe where some people get the money to build their cars as it seems like in the 60 and 70's only the Pro's had high dollar cars but now I see local guys with big high dollar cars. And if I can build a street/strip car then just about anyone can because I am poor.
And I love how popular the NSS type racing is getting as I love that style racing. You could take racing back to the 60's and I would be happy.
Ron
Posted By: MR_P_BODY
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/01/11 02:22 AM
When was the last time you heard any kind of advertisement
on the local radio or TV station about any drag racing event...
the only thing I ever hear about racing is some
street BS or they crashed and someone died... alot
of this falls right in the laps of the track owners,
they dont advertise squat....
I remember a statement... if you want to make money
you have to spend money
Posted By: Sixpak
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/01/11 02:23 AM
Quote:
I may be flamed for this, but I do think that the demise of match racing and the number of National events has also hurt the sport.
When I was growing up in the sixties, the biggies came to where the folks were. The biggest names in would visit the local tracks...I remember absolutely packed houses to see S&M vs Grumpy, Jungle, etc....the folks didn't have to drive 300 miles and spend $750 to see these guys. As a result, the sport, on a local level was well publicized and the interest was high.
The guy who has this all figured out is Bob McCardle at Beaver Springs. Bob George, especially Mike Beard can tell you about this...he hails from up there. The place is packed, with competitors and spectators. He has the blend of "shows" along with a good bracket program that moves along and ends at a reasonable hour. And, the place is in the middle of nowhere.
The sport will survive...the guys who love it will always do it. Someone mentioned the median age, in the 40's and 50's, but the faster classes were always older guys. They were the only ones who had any money.
I realize that all this is just an excercise in theory...it will take years of this to force a change.
In one master stroke, NHRA killed off nitro classes in the 'other' sanctioning bodies and nitro match racing, by limiting the test and tune the pros could do. Late 70's early 80's we used to see Shirley, Jeb Allen, Prudhomme, Force, and a whole slew of other nitro cars at Lebanon Valley on the match race circuit in between National events. Now the only special events you see are points races, wheel standers or jet cars, or the independent guys - I remember some mid west organization that would tour with BB floppers and the like.
Posted By: rickstershemi
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/01/11 02:29 AM
THE ECONOMY....Smart racers will race when they can afford it....some still will when they can't
I have to give a huge
to the track owners that are thinking outside the box to keep their tracks open
Rickster
Posted By: slantzilla
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/01/11 02:40 AM
I've cut back, and it is not necessarily the economy. Yes, fuel prices keep me closer to home than it used to, but I also have a wife working on her Masters. You don't realize what it means to have someone else living with you and not working until you've done it for awhile.
I have a buddy who races a slower NHRA stocker and has a ball. He is part of a gang that goes to all the close national and divisional events together. It is very possible to race national events on a budget. He has less in his car, truck, and trailer than a lot of guys in AA/SA and A/SA have in their cars, and yet he can still qualify well (#4 at Topeka) and not worry about those pesky DP and CJ cars killing him in class and on heads-up runs.
A lot of the problem is that racing has become too much about ego and not enough about having fun.
Posted By: HPMike
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/01/11 02:59 AM
Lots of good points made here. I sure hope it's not just a "passing fancy" and that it will forge on. But as others have stated, everything is pretty much down. It's easy to blame it on the economy, but maybe there is more to it and that has become the convenient excuse.
You hear stories all over the news about attendance at events like pro sports, vacation hotspots and the like posting record attendance, even in this shittty economy. Why aren't those venues suffering the same fate? Why aren't those people "cutting back" because of the high price of fuel? Lots of regular folks attend pro and semi pro baseball and football games, and ist certainly isn't because the prices of the tickets went down. Highest ever, yet they are setting attendance records weekly.
Huh?
Maybe this type of motorsports is going to die a slow and prolonged death due to waning interest. I sure hope not. With many tracks closing and attendance down, it doesn't look very good, no doubt.
I hava a DVD of the 1970 Nationals. Looked like the friggin Super Bowl. What a time for drag racing!
MB
Posted By: convertriple
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/01/11 03:38 AM
For me, the closest track is 2.5 hours away. For what it costs in time and dollars to take a car to the track for 3 or 4 runs, its just not worth it. If there was a track within an hour or so, I would be more inclined to go racing.
Instead, I have been building a street car that won't be as fast, but at least I will be able to enjoy it regularly.
Posted By: savoyracer
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/01/11 03:55 AM
Quote:
I could've raced twin $2500 to win races on saturday but chose to go boating instead. My wife and kids hate the track and my girls will only be young once so...
over 500 boats and 8 live bands on a local sandbar!
It is not that I can't afford it, but chose to spend my money elsewhere. Different strokes for different folks.
[image]http://[/image]
..............................................................................................................Hard to argue with that...... .........What a great pic!!! blue skies, warm water, all the boats, I'm envious
Posted By: Anonymous
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/01/11 03:57 AM
Posted By: dodge340dart
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/01/11 04:01 AM
In the past I ran NHRA/IHRA points for the season at local tracks knowing that I couldn't go to the bracket finals at the year's end due to work conflicts. Over time I stopped joining points and ran where I wanted when I wanted. That was more fun to me. This year I am running in the Friday points season at Beaver Springs. The cost is much less and the payout is also much less but it is truely a lot of fun and everybody is really friendly and seems to get along well. There are about 8 or 9 classes on Fridays and all the classes have four to six rounds in eliminations. The stands have more people in them on Fridays compared to the Sunday shows even though they are both bracket races. The bonus to me is there is the "PRO" tree being used with a bracket format so redlights are not a problem and I am very good on the pro tree. An additional bonus is I have the weekend to do what I want, go race at another track, go to a car show, or take my lady friend out for an evening event. You just have to find what works for you, your family, and your wallet. BTW, I am #1 in points so far this season and being #1 is always fun!
Chris
Posted By: cudaman1969
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/01/11 04:14 AM
After i have read all these posts seems like everyone has a point that concerns them.I had the really fast car and it turned out to be a big hassle every time in went to the track.I had to have guys just to line me up in the groove,you just can't see, the way i was strapped down. It was not fun anymore.I sold the car and now i putting a duster together to run foot brake,run pump gas, no electronics and i can open the door and look at the back tires myself and won't need any help.I think we all got to the point of being the big time racer with 15,000 dollar engines and 3,00 trans and 20,000 cars using 10.00 a gallon gas.I might have 3,000 in the whole car and won't brake nothing,run 7.60s, sweet. hope i made my point rambling on like this.
Posted By: Keith Richards
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/01/11 04:47 AM
If I did not have the car's, trailer and parts I am lucky enough to have already I could not layout that cash now to do it again simple as that,with the current economy. I am lucky that racing is a bit cheaper now with our pump gas motor that Mopar Rich of Fast Man EFI was able to help me out with. I feel sorry to see some people at the track racing beyond there means, if you can't pay cash for it don't buy it.
Posted By: Whompin_Wedge
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/01/11 04:54 AM
I blame the economy more for making jobs unstable, people are just kind of scared to spend their money because they are uneasy about their job situation. Its simple really. I hate to break it to everyone but prices are always raising on everything so get used to it. I know we have never worried about the cost of gas here. like already said its really only a couple more dollars...
Also Im not really sure how people can bash an NHRA event... Have you ever been to one? they had to not run all of their classes at once at some events because of soo many cars. They are probably the reason a lot of people even knows drag racing exists. A lot of what they do is make this sport safer and if you cant afford to pay for the safety equipment, slow the car down.. 140 bucks for a seat belt every two years is nothing on what we spend on these cars...
Race within your means.. simple.
Casey
Posted By: MR_P_BODY
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/01/11 05:03 AM
140 bucks for a seat belt every two years is nothing on what we spend on these cars...
Race within your means.. simple.
Casey
You mean throw away 140 every 2 years... like they are
really worn out
Posted By: Whompin_Wedge
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/01/11 05:18 AM
Quote:
140 bucks for a seat belt every two years is nothing on what we spend on these cars...
Race within your means.. simple.
Casey
You mean throw away 140 every 2 years... like they are
really worn out
Yea but still..
could be worse... they could make u put in a whole new cage every 2 years
Casey
Posted By: dOrk !
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/01/11 05:27 AM
Has anyone talked to NHRA about these belt rules ?
And WHY small OEM belts are fine for years ...and WHY the Air Forse on their fighter-jets have much longer "life" expectations ?
Posted By: KD800X
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/01/11 05:40 AM
. Casey it's not just the $140.00 every two years. (Although the cam locks are a lot more money) it's the other BS that goes with it. The locking trans dip stick the SFI roll bar padding, the engine diaper, the increase cost of chassis certifications, then you get some putz inspector who passed your car two years ago but now same car is not legal. It's always something with NHRA.
Then add that to the increased entry fees and the cuts in pay out. A lot of racers are either saying the hell with it or finding different venues.
I do think the economy has played a big part; it’s not just Drag Racing that has taken a hit. I’ve seen it at dirt tracks also. If you watched any NASCAR this year you see a lot of empty seats, and teams who have dropped out. People have prioritized and racing is not on top.
There have been a few mentions of Beaver Springs. I have been there for the Friday night races, he packs the place. 5 dollar entry and win a pizza and a trophy. The Racers are happy, the fans are happy and Bob makes money.
Bill Bader at Norwalk two years ago had a race and the gate fee was FREE. There was so many people there they had to close down RT 18 and RT 20 coming into the place.
Steve has mentioned the Nostalgia Races... He's right. We were at Quaker City this past Sunday, although it ended up being canceled because of water seeping through the cracks, they had an awesome turn out for there first Nostalgia Classic. The reason is this, Adults - $10.00, Kids 11-15 $5.00, Adults 65+ $5.00 and Kids 10 and under Free. So a family of 4 can see Funny Cars, Dragsters, Gassers and Super Stockers for under $40.00.
You go to the Nostalgia Nationals at Beaver Springs; on Sunday it's standing room only. And in both cases there were families there, Kids, Teenagers, and kids in there 20's.
The tracks need to start thinking outside the box. They need to give the racers a good track that hooks, keep the entry reasonable and the pay out reasonable and the racers will come. And if they keep the gate fees reasonable the fans along with the racers families will come also.
And alog with that the future racers of the sport will be born
Posted By: 383man
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/01/11 09:44 AM
Quote:
When was the last time you heard any kind of advertisement
on the local radio or TV station about any drag racing event...
the only thing I ever hear about racing is some
street BS or they crashed and someone died... alot
of this falls right in the laps of the track owners,
they dont advertise squat....
I remember a statement... if you want to make money
you have to spend money
You are so right Mr P. You made me think with that statement and it is so true. 
Every week I remember hearing " Saturday Saturday out of the lights at pace setting capital drag raceway the traction capital of the nation".........come see Ronnie Sox , Bill Jenkis , Dyno Don and 5 more Pro Stockers. In the 60's and the 70's I would hear that on the radio every week all summer long ! As was stated when there was only 6 or 7 NHRA and AHRA national events the Pro racers had time to run circuits and hit local tracks around the country. So you could see Pro Stocks or Funny cars for about $12 dollars instead of paying $30 dollars at a national event. Remember these are 60's and 70's prices. It was the best of times. Ron
Posted By: julian2007
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/01/11 01:26 PM
Posted By: gdonovan
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/01/11 01:37 PM
Quote:
Has anyone talked to NHRA about these belt rules ?
And WHY small OEM belts are fine for years ...and WHY the Air Forse on their fighter-jets have much longer "life" expectations ?
I have a problem with that as well.
My 40 year old belts are ok but as soon as I install a safer set of 3" belts they have to be chucked every three years regardless of use?
Madness.
I have a brand new trans blanket for the Reliant that has to be chucked and it is new in the box, just been sitting on the shelf for 8 years.
Just checked the rules- You have to send in a scattershield to be recertified every 5 years? [Edited by Moparts - Family Friendly Site - Keep it clean], its forged steel! I can see getting a flywheel checked out but an aftermarket forged steel bell?
Posted By: sixpackgut
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/01/11 02:06 PM
Quote:
Quote:
140 bucks for a seat belt every two years is nothing on what we spend on these cars...
Race within your means.. simple.
Casey
You mean throw away 140 every 2 years... like they are
really worn out
Yea but still..
could be worse... they could make u put in a whole new cage every 2 years
Casey
dont be giving them ideas.
i just changed the oil in my Caliber yesterday. it cost $26, that is outrageous. in 04 when i bought my Ram, i remember oil changes costing $13 for alot more oil. Gas is almost 4 times more money than it was a few years ago. between gas, oil and trans fluid, i wonder how anyone could afford to keep up a car
Posted By: rowin4
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/01/11 02:30 PM
$140.00 for belts? some people spend that on a oil change every time they go racing. Not me on either.
Posted By: gdonovan
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/01/11 04:13 PM
Quote:
$140.00 for belts? some people spend that on a oil change every time they go racing. Not me on either.
So what are you trying to say?
Posted By: justinp61
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/01/11 04:37 PM
I think the economy has affected people’s hobbies for the most part, whether it is golf, racing or going to watch a race. Like some others that have posted I race on my overtime money, my entire car was built with it, NO money out of the “general” funds. Mine is a street/strip car and I’ve been driving it quite a bit this year, I enjoy just cruising around in it. I haven’t been to the track this year, for some reason I just haven’t had the urge.
Posted By: TC@HP2
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/01/11 05:19 PM
Here are some facts on population demographics that any organization trying to sell products needs to be mindful of: 75 million baby boomers are in or close to retirement age. 60 million Gen Ys are in the workforce. 50 million Gen Xs are in the workforce.
Boomers as a group will be dropping in absolute numbers, but two economic realities will come with them-some will be on fixed incomes and some will have the highest amounts of dispoable income ever seen.
Gen Xers remain a constant for several more decades to come until they reach retirement.
Gen Y will continue to become an increasingly larger percentage of the work force and in 2018 will constitute half the available US workforce.
Any business marketing itself that wants to sustain growth needs to take in to account that the growing Gen Y population needs to feel included. Based on what I've seen at my local drag strips, the Gen Y group as a whole is typically dismissed as young, not affulent enough, and lacking interest by the businesses that need them. That isn't too say they don't have necessarily have a racing interest, but as young working stiffs, the tracks need to understand that by dropping the cost of competition, they can attract more racers, their friends, and their families in this generation and they can better assure their survival in the future.
Some of the biggest nights I've seen at my tracks have been the low cost test and tune, grudge match nights where there is a run wahtcha brung atmosphere and the lanes have a hundred+ cars and the stands are packed full of kids. By contrast, there are maybe a dozen high end bracket cars with nice hualers, enclosed trailers, big generators, etc. Sure those dozen cars all paid the same price as all the kids and will likely return on Sunday to pay $100 for the money race. But, as a track owner, would I rather have a dozen hard core racers every sunday for $100 a pop, or a few hundred kids in buzz bomb import cars at $10 each for entry, plus buying concessions.
I also agree with the marketing aspect of tracks now days too. There are many new people relocating to my area every year. Many of them are suprised when I tell them I go to the track because they didn't think one existed here. Tracks need to be mindful that if you want people to come to you, you have to regularly remind them that you exist. Some how I have a feeling that if they are going to spend $5k on something, many tracks may make this or that improvement to the facility ahead of advertising.
Posted By: Challenger 1
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/01/11 10:22 PM
Quote:
Quote:
I could've raced twin $2500 to win races on saturday but chose to go boating instead. My wife and kids hate the track and my girls will only be young once so...
over 500 boats and 8 live bands on a local sandbar!
It is not that I can't afford it, but chose to spend my money elsewhere. Different strokes for different folks.
[image]http://[/image]
..............................................................................................................Hard to argue with that...... .........What a great pic!!! blue skies, warm water, all the boats, I'm envious
Me too, race track or that? I'll take the boats and women anyday!!!
Posted By: Challenger 1
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/01/11 10:25 PM
Quote:
My car is a 1999 spitzer 4- link 235 inch dragster,I gave 11500.00 for it and worked in my shop for years to pay for it.I work 70 hrs a week in the winter to pay for racing and its worth every second.I fix Wrecked race cars,boats,campers,trucks and motor coaches.I have painted everything from gun stocks to refrigerators to pay for racing.I have worked hard for what I have and am proud of it.I would like a new undercover car or a stacker trailer but I learned over the years to be happy with what I have and to stop caring what everyone else is doing.My point was not to say I have money My point is to budget correctly so you can go racing not build a 50000.oo dollar car on a 40000.00 dollar budget and then pi$$ and moan every time gas goes up .02 a gal.Race on your side and overtime money and always spend like you only have 75% of your money and the gas price blues will go away.Here is a photo per your request and if you want some come get some. 
but let me get all this work done so I can Afford to meet you at the track!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Don't waste your breath around here, nobody here understands.
I earned my race car money with my hands and brain also. I worked 18 hours a day for over 20 years to race and fixed a bunch of stuff for people so I could race, first class I must add.
Posted By: MRMOPAR622
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/01/11 10:35 PM
julian2007, I'll take you up on that race for $$$. I like Heads-Up run what ya brung racing.
Posted By: dOrk !
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/01/11 10:41 PM
Quote:
I have painted everything from gun stocks to refrigerators to pay for racing.
MOST people I know MAKE MONEY racing. But if that is what works-for-you ....go for it.
Posted By: slantzilla
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/01/11 10:47 PM
One thing you all have to remember about "the good old days" when you could see Sox & Martin racing Da Grump at your home track, there were only about 4 national events a year, and everyone made their money match racing. Now, there's 24 or so NHRA national events and nobody really has time or money to match race anymore, and tracks can't afford to pay them anyway. Also, in the '70's if you wanted to see Big Daddy on TV you waited 6 weeks for the last race to be shown on 'Wide World of Sports', not same day coverage like now.
I've raced at RT66 since the day it opened. I am still amazed when I run into "gearheads" around the area that don't even know the track exists.
I asked the marketing manager at the track once why they don't advertise their bracket program since they are in the middle of 8 million or so people. He flatly stated that "It was just not worth the expense to advertise".
Posted By: BloFish
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/01/11 10:48 PM
The future of Drag Racing...
only time will tell
Posted By: Challenger 1
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/01/11 10:53 PM
Quote:
Quote:
I have painted everything from gun stocks to refrigerators to pay for racing.
MOST people I know MAKE MONEY racing. But if that is what works-for-you ....go for it.
Doc you are so clueless it makes me 
Do you even know anyone currently racing? and who are they and what kind of money are they making?
BTW I made my money before even getting into the LP business, years ago.
Posted By: rowin4
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/01/11 11:41 PM
Quote:
Quote:
I have painted everything from gun stocks to refrigerators to pay for racing.
MOST people I know MAKE MONEY racing. But if that is what works-for-you ....go for it.
Doc, you don't know very many people do you. As they say, You know how to make a small fortune in drag racing? Start out with a large one.
Posted By: dOrk !
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/02/11 12:06 AM
Quote:
Doc you are so clueless it makes me
Do you even know anyone currently racing? and who are they and what kind of money are they making?
Chally ...YEAH I said CHALLY .... only YOU that fell into a money-pit of LPG reselling could have financed a money-losing race operation like you had. 
And as far as me knowing people who DO make money ? ... yes I do. Do they make money like if they put those efforts into their employment or their business ? ...NO.
But they DO come out with a NET PROFIT at the end of the day.
Posted By: 451Guy
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/02/11 12:08 AM
There have been some excellent points brought up in this thread about the current state of Drag Racing and I agree with the majority of them. I raced every year from 1989 till 2007. I raced as much as I could and I sacrificed other things in my life to make it happen. Over the years I was very successful and I was fortunate to win more races than I can remember as well as multiple championships in various classes.
I "retired" after the 2007 season because for me the fun was gone. We have all heard from our parents about how great it was back in the old days and when it comes to racing I feel that it's true! Back in the day it seemed that we were all on a level playing field. Most of the cars were home built, 1000 hp crate engines were a pipe dream, a really fast bracket dragster ran in the eights and if you had a 10 second door car you were something. Everyone started racing their street car and the majority of the race cars were built in the garage. There was a respect for the racers that came before us and when the "old guys" spoke we all listened. When I started if you had a trailer and not a tow bar you were the man. If the trailer had a tool box on it you were approaching god like status! When you went to the gas station to fill the tow vehicle up for your journey there was always someone interested in what you were doing and where you were going. People asked questions and on more than one occasion I had a spectator come up to me in the pits and tell me that they had seen my car on the trailer at the gas station or in front of the grocery store. It peaked their interest, took the TIME to look into it and were at the track checking it out for the first time. In those days a regular guy could walk through the pits and think with a few improvements I could bring out my street car and maybe with some practice be competitive. Not any more!!! Not in this day and age of Bickel chassis, mountain motors, Toterhomes, Stacker Trailers, multiple car teams, uplinks to the NASA weather station, Data recorders. The young kids that are racing today are getting into daddy's ex pro stock car the day after they get their drivers license and most of them have no respect for the car they are in, the trouble it can cause or the racer in the other lane. When an "old timer" speaks they sluff them off. My crew chief (normally Mom or Dad - aka the pocket book!) has to work on the car. I have to answer a text or post something stupid on twitter. The reason drag racing is dying is because when average folk go to a drag race they are smart enough to realize that they have no chance to compete if they need all the fancy stuff. And as you walk through the pits at any track, take a look around. What is sitting there is the reason new people are not getting involved. That and the fact that no one knows what is in the white box on the highway or where it is going!!!
I agree that there are other factors, The economy, the increasing cost etc. However I am a firm believer that if the fun is still there racers will find a way to participate at some level. The opportunity maybe different than it was, but if the fun is still there most will still find a way.
In my case I am still looking for the fun! I think someone may have run off with it in their stacker or driven over it in their Bickle GTO.
Posted By: dOrk !
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/02/11 12:19 AM
Quote:
Doc, you don't know very many people do you. As they say, You know how to make a small fortune in drag racing? Start out with a large one.
Steve .... SOME people I know who do-this just as a hobby ....not many of those make money. But the ones that put a good effort into it ... YES they do. And NO .. none of these people stay in 200$ hotel rooms and have 50k$ race rigs and 100k$ tow rigs.
And I will say again .... IF these people were to put those efforts into their job or business .. they WOULD have made more money than with their race-efforts.
One PERFECT example ...and a past customer .... Bob Marshall .... makes decent money racing. But if he devoted THAT TIME into his recovery-biz ....
He would be muchO farther ahead ....financially.
Posted By: MR_P_BODY
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/02/11 12:34 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Doc, you don't know very many people do you. As they say, You know how to make a small fortune in drag racing? Start out with a large one.
Steve .... SOME people I know who do-this just as a hobby ....not many of those make money. But the ones that put a good effort into it ... YES they do. And NO .. none of these people stay in 200$ hotel rooms and have 50k$ race rigs and 100k$ tow rigs.
And I will say again .... IF these people were to put those efforts into their job or business .. they WOULD have made more money than with their race-efforts.
One PERFECT example ...and a past customer .... Bob Marshall .... makes decent money racing. But if he devoted THAT TIME into his recovery-biz ....
He would be muchO farther ahead ....financially.
Even the PROs dont make any money at it... if they
didnt have sponsors they would fold in less than a year...
and the smaller teams have folded
Posted By: dOrk !
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/02/11 12:44 AM
Quote:
Even the PROs dont make any money at it... if they
didnt have sponsors they would fold in less than a year...
and the smaller teams have folded
In this present economy ? ...
The PROS ? ...some of them have HUGE overheads and very lavish lifestyles. And SPONSORS ? ... that is part of a racing operation and CAN BE a major factor in making it a profitable operation.
And I say again ...on my example that most everyone here knows of .... Bob Marshall.
Posted By: MRMOPAR622
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/02/11 12:46 AM
A local track has welcome the Grudge-Racers even paying them a purse to race this year.And has started filling the stands both sides of the track every week. Maybe its like they say History repeats itself. For some reason spectators seem to like the Grudge-Races.There will be a good # of race-cars for the Heads-Up Index and other classes,but the spectators don't start showing up till 6-7 when the Grudge Racing starts unless its the 1 Sunday a month that is for the Grudge Racers.
Is Grudge Racing going to be the future of Drag Racing?
Posted By: convertriple
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/02/11 05:03 AM
Quote:
A local track has welcome the Grudge-Racers even paying them a purse to race this year.And has started filling the stands both sides of the track every week. Maybe its like they say History repeats itself. For some reason spectators seem to like the Grudge-Races.There will be a good # of race-cars for the Heads-Up Index and other classes,but the spectators don't start showing up till 6-7 when the Grudge Racing starts unless its the 1 Sunday a month that is for the Grudge Racers.
Is Grudge Racing going to be the future of Drag Racing?
I hope so, thats the best experience IMO.
Posted By: dustergirl340
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/02/11 12:14 PM
Milan started doing monthy grudge racing a couple years ago (they call it No ET Nationals) and it is a hit. Some of the stuff that runs is crazy.
Posted By: julian2007
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/02/11 01:22 PM
Posted By: chris3
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/02/11 02:42 PM
Boy this is a post that I have heard discussed at great length recently. By the way I am one of the "old timers" no one will listen to. The economy is an issue for everyone, car owner, racer, sponsor and track owner. The price of fuel is reflected in everything, ordered any parts recently and looked at the "fuel surcharge."
We have a car and are beginning the construction of a clone of our 1970's car. We are a racing family my son and I drive at different races. My grandsons both have jobs to do and we all have fun. When a 4 year old is upset because Pops forgot to bring the water sprayer and he could not get his job done, no folks this is not just for old timers. It is the type of racing that will bring the spectators and the cars. The older, nostagia type, cars are what spectators of all ages seem to want to see. Someone mentioned Pinks All Out. We raced our first Pinks race at Z-Max Dragway. The entry fee for the car for two days was $60.00 crew entry was $25.00 for the week-end. We camped, and I mean tents in the pit area, some sleeped inside their trailer on the floor. Friday night everyone was cooking and having a good time. The stands and the pits were jammed to capacity everyday, all day. Some "old time" racers at the race were talking on Friday night and one you will all know says "boys this is the way it use to be, you remember match racing at some little small town track and the place just jammed."
The track owners just do not want to spend the time and effort to promote their track and races. Where I live I can be at 10 dragstrips in 2 hours. I had my race car on display at the International Auto Expo and had many people who were interested in drag racing, watched it on Tv and did not know there were operating tracks that close. These tracks are tracks that had races featuring all of the big names in Stock, Superstock and Funny Car. The track owners, managers, seem to believe that all they have to do is post something on the internet and everyone will go there to see what is going on. It ain't going to happen. Promote the races.
Talking about money and drag racing I will close this with a quote from Mr. Ronnie Sox. We were at the Henderson Reunion and were discussing drag racing now and "the good old days." He said "all the racers today have all the Sponsors that they have to answer to. Be at the track, win and promote their products. We raced with what we had and could build ourself. We towed with the family truck on an open trailer. We eat balongna sandwiches and canned beans for lunch."
Posted By: julian2007
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/02/11 02:52 PM
Make no mistake I make money at the track that's where 80 % of my customers come from.when I am at the track I do my best to win and My car has paid for half of its self in two years but I will not make it into a job I already have two of those.Racing Is vacation to me, a place to unwind and hang out with true friends and there is no way money making at the track is going to get in the way of my family and I having a truly great time!I use to get mad and throw my helmet when something bad happened in a race, cuss out the car and my self because I was trying to make money racing and that was the worst thing I ever did.It sucked for everyone around me and it was no fun!After we changed are efforts to going to the track for fun instead of business My wife and kids cant wait to get there and neither can I.I her allot about John labouse making money at the track like over 50,000 a year but I never here him say how much fun he is having all I ever herd him say is all the travel time sucks!!!Now don't mopart's this all up and say I bad mouthed John I have all the respect for him He is a hell of a racer And I will admit he is way better than me but I challenge him and anyone else to have a better time than me!!!
Posted By: MikeyT
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/02/11 03:02 PM
Quote:
Our track has "midnight drags" on Sat once a month, they get a good 200 cars through the gate, Races like these are nice, just your basic grudge racing, you can run as fast as you want in the 1/4 mile, but only with street tires or DRs or ET streets, no slicks in the 1/4, you can race for $$$/girlfriends/wives whatever, anything goes .
LOL, I love that idea! I can see it now. Hey I'll race you for that 5'11 inch Beauty with legs! Gives a whole new meaning to trophy wife!
Mike
Posted By: Kindafast
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/02/11 03:13 PM
Quote:
Make no mistake I make money at the track that's where 80 % of my customers come from.when I am at the track I do my best to win but I will not make it into a job I already have two of those.Racing Is vacation to me, a place to unwind and hang out with true friends and there is no way money making at the track is going to get in the way of my family and I having a truly great time!I use to get mad and throw my helmet when something bad happened in a race, cuss out the car and my self because I was trying to make money racing and that was the worst thing I ever did.It sucked for everyone around me and it was no fun!After we changed are efforts to going to the track for fun instead of business My wife and kids cant wait to get there and neither can I.I her allot about John labouse making money at the track like over 50,000 a year but I never here him say how much fun he is having all I ever herd him say is all the travel time sucks!!!Now don't mopart's this all up and say I bad mouthed John I have all the respect for him He is a hell of a racer And I will admit he is way better than me but I challenge him and anyone else to have a better time than me!!!
Man that sounds just like me in the past. My wife strongly suggested I calm down or she ain't gong with me anymore. I don't win many rounds anymore but have a blast when we go to the strip. Ask any of my friends where the party is when we are there. 
Posted By: julian2007
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/02/11 03:17 PM
Posted By: Steve1118
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/02/11 04:25 PM
Someone earlier mentioned that there is no time for match races now because of the National events. That's the point...there is too doggone many. As a result, to see the heavies one has to drive 300 miles and spend 500 bucks, kill the weekend. Back then, the heavies came to the local track, to where the folks were. They marketed themselves and the local tracks on a local level, and created interest in drag racing. ESPN coverage at 11pm on Sunday night just don't do it.
I mentioned to Dave Hakim once that if I was in a position of power, I would place one of the Drag Paks in the hands of someone that would tour the country, dealerships, and local drag races. Maybe get a Cobra Jet to do the same thing...match race maybe?
The professional bracket guys with all the geegaws have hurt it, as well. If you are a kid getting started, these guys eat you for lunch. And, if you do upset one of the sharks, which can happen, he just buys back in and gets you later. So, if you are a twenty year old kid spending your money racing an old 318 Volare, what's the use? You get discouraged and find something else to do. The brackets these days have created an environment where they eat their young...
The Nostalgia deal, which is what we do, is really interesting in that there seems to be an awful lot of young guys getting into it. The old cars, the old way of doing things, seem to be magic, and there is a message in there for those who want to see it.
This sport is at a crossroads, to my mind. It's time to get back to its roots and make it fun again.
Posted By: Kindafast
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/02/11 07:14 PM
Quote:
That's the way to do it brother!!!Maybe we will meet ant the track some day and Show them how its done!!!
That would be cool to meet up at the track. If I ain't having fun it ain't my fault.
Posted By: MRMOPAR622
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/02/11 08:33 PM
julian, Lets do a best 3 out of 5 Heads-Up race. We will see who has the fast dragster. As for The Loose Cabbose,he will tell you who I am. I have known John for years. It just does not get any better than racing Heads-Up like Real Men for Big $$$.
We have IHRA,NHRA and top of the line Out-Law Grudge race tracks. Lets put some Big $$$ up & line up and do it. I can't promise you the cover of the Rollin Stone,but might can get our picture on the front of The Grudge Race flyer for the next Big Grudge Race.You have plenty of $$$ and don't mind spending on fuel or anything else or so you say.
Guess how I make my Racing $$$$
Posted By: julian2007
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/02/11 09:10 PM
gambling with big bucks is not my game,I like knowing I can afford to take my kids to Mcdonalds anytime I want.I don't gamble on something as fluid as a drag race a battery could die,fuel pump take a $hit,you could run over a nail I don't bet on crap like that but I will race indeed for a steak dinner,case of old mill light,100.00 dollars,grilled chicken,dinner at the Pine Club,case of popsicls,a plate of fried frog legs,40ounce of colt 45 or whole beef fillet its your choice.where is the northern most track you will race at this year?
Posted By: MRMOPAR622
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/03/11 03:00 PM
I have a good idea
October 19-23 at MMP they are having the Million Dollar race this year.
Thursday $10,000 dollar to win race
Friday & Saturday Twin $20,000 to win races
Saturday Million Dollar to win race
This is a Bracket Racers Dream Race. We could meet up there and have a friendly race on the side with the loser paying the winners entry fee into the Million $$$ Race.
Posted By: pete walton
Re: The future of Drag Racing... - 06/05/11 08:35 AM
Strange thing is in Europe the sport is growing.We have a new track being built in Sweden which will host a round of the FIA tour next weekend,At the Main Event at Santa Pod which is our season opener there was 11 top fuel cars ,thats a lot for europe,....Pro mods are 30 deep at most rounds,and all the other classes are growing as well. You can,t move for American tuners in all these classes and Johnson jnr doing the whole season in top fuel with the Anderson btothers in TF...I have no idea why its growing ,,our economys are on there knees too.Got a feelin its because F1 is so boring these days the petrolheads have moved on....
