Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Page 2 of 3 1 2 3
Re: What direction is the Drag Racing World Headed? [Re: racerx] #3090831
10/31/22 09:27 PM
10/31/22 09:27 PM
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 667
st.louis,mo.
dart games Offline
mopar
dart games  Offline
mopar

Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 667
st.louis,mo.
i had to quit drag racing because of the price of everything.so all i do know is cars and coffee,car shows and cruises

Re: What direction is the Drag Racing World Headed? [Re: dart games] #3090834
10/31/22 09:52 PM
10/31/22 09:52 PM
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,843
Pattison Texas
CSK Offline
master
CSK  Offline
master

Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,843
Pattison Texas
Well I would say its almost dead in Texas, Houston Raceway Park will be gone soon, it has been sold, San Antonio closed down , Sealy raceway shut down, the closest 1/4 mile to me is Ennis [Dallas] 4 hour drive. although I will go to a Trac Rental Jan 7 2023 at Houston R P to see if I fixed my fuel problem in the Charger.

Last edited by csk; 10/31/22 09:54 PM.

1968 Charger COLD A/C Hilborn EFI
512ci 9.7 compression, Stealth heads, 4.10 gear A518 ODtrans 4100lb,10.93 full street car trim
2020 T/A 392 Stock 11.79 @ 114.5

Re: What direction is the Drag Racing World Headed? [Re: CSK] #3090841
10/31/22 10:19 PM
10/31/22 10:19 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,149
Park Forest, IL
slantzilla Offline
Too Many Posts
slantzilla  Offline
Too Many Posts

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,149
Park Forest, IL
Bracket racing is alive and well here. I did both big money races and tried running for points at 41. Points races usually had 150 cars, the big money races had almost 300. It can't be too bad, at the big races and even the points races you could count the open trailers on the fingers of one hand pretty much. Stackers, toters, motorhomes everywhere.

Like Jerico said, I've been hearing drag racing and the NHRA in particular have been going under since about 1979.


"Everybody funny, now you funny too."
Re: What direction is the Drag Racing World Headed? [Re: slantzilla] #3090853
10/31/22 11:15 PM
10/31/22 11:15 PM
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,799
Arlington, Texas
B
bobby66 Offline
master
bobby66  Offline
master
B

Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,799
Arlington, Texas


Had a shooting at Yello Belly on Sunday. Some things never change.... runaway

Re: What direction is the Drag Racing World Headed? [Re: slantzilla] #3090859
10/31/22 11:27 PM
10/31/22 11:27 PM
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 11,408
Fulton County, PA
C
CMcAllister Offline
Mr. Helpful
CMcAllister  Offline
Mr. Helpful
C

Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 11,408
Fulton County, PA
Still big in the East and Midwest. Over 120 Stockers at the Dutch, Indy points meet was nuts. Stock, Super Stock, .90, Top Sportsman and Top Dragster are all popular.


Drag racing is still big. If you think you see fewer Super Pro or class cars or whatever, just remember. Back in the 70s and 80s, there was NHRA & IHRA class racing, match racing and local brackets. That's it.

Now there's NHRA, IHRA, PDRA, NPK, NMCA, NMRA, NEOPMA, MWPMS, Duck X and the whole drag radial scene, SFG, Fling, and other big money bracket racing groups, SBRA and other regional bracket groups, NT organizations, Pro Stick, No Prep, Cash Days, Nostalgia/Heritage Series, no less than 20 regional S/SS and dot 90 organizations listed on Class Racer, plus the local tracks are still running their weekly shows.

That's a lot of cars and big variety of cars. And a lot of money being spent.

Doesn't sound like it's dying to me. The popularity of some of it comes and goes. Sport compact has fizzled out.

Last edited by CMcAllister; 10/31/22 11:29 PM.

If the results don't match the theory, change the theory.
Re: What direction is the Drag Racing World Headed? [Re: CMcAllister] #3090903
11/01/22 09:33 AM
11/01/22 09:33 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,319
Marion, South Carolina [><]
an8sec70cuda Offline
I Live Here
an8sec70cuda  Offline
I Live Here

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,319
Marion, South Carolina [><]
From what I see, the younger crowd is big into no prep and anything involving the newer cars like LS, Gen 3 hemis, and coyotes. I'd say the no prep stuff is probably 75% or more made up of people under 40 years old.
The 28x10.5/275 radial classes are big around here to...kind of a mix of older and younger people doing that.


CHIP
'70 hemicuda, 575" Hemi, 727, Dana 60
'69 road runner, 440-6, 18 spline 4 speed, Dana 60
'71 Demon, 340, low gear 904, 8.75
'73 Chrysler New Yorker, 440, 727, 8.75
'90 Chevy 454SS Silverado, 476" BBC, TH400, 14 bolt
'06 GMC 2500HD LBZ Duramax
Re: What direction is the Drag Racing World Headed? [Re: an8sec70cuda] #3090908
11/01/22 09:51 AM
11/01/22 09:51 AM
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,116
PA.
pittsburghracer Offline
"Little"John
pittsburghracer  Offline
"Little"John

Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,116
PA.



I’m gonna guess over 50% of the kids racing JR dragsters move directly over to mom and dads full size dragster then they update to a new chassis.


1970 Duster
Edelbrock headed 408
5.984@112.52
422 Indy headed small block
5.982@112.56 mph
9.42@138.27

Livin and lovin life one day at a time




Re: What direction is the Drag Racing World Headed? [Re: pittsburghracer] #3090921
11/01/22 11:22 AM
11/01/22 11:22 AM
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 4,101
Yes
S
sixpakdodge Offline
master
sixpakdodge  Offline
master
S

Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 4,101
Yes
Originally Posted by pittsburghracer



I’m gonna guess over 50% of the kids racing JR dragsters move directly over to mom and dads full size dragster then they update to a new chassis.


I think that number is closer to 5-10%.

I'm under 40...have raced 17 different tracks, Everything from unsanctioned 1/8th miles to national events. I tow with a 20 year old dually, and a 38 year old trailer. My newest race car was built in 1981. It's a mixed bag as far as attendances and crowds. Depends on the area/event. What I can see from this thread/website in general is that some of you don't get out enough, or venture far from home, so you just talk out of your ass. You can't accurately judge the current state of drag racing when you go to the same track 6 times a year.


Re: What direction is the Drag Racing World Headed? [Re: pittsburghracer] #3090924
11/01/22 11:38 AM
11/01/22 11:38 AM
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 11,408
Fulton County, PA
C
CMcAllister Offline
Mr. Helpful
CMcAllister  Offline
Mr. Helpful
C

Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 11,408
Fulton County, PA
Originally Posted by pittsburghracer



I’m gonna guess over 50% of the kids racing JR dragsters move directly over to mom and dads full size dragster then they update to a new chassis.


When those kids came over to the big cars with 9 or 10 years of experience and 18 year old reflexes and hand to eye coordination, they would flat out embarrass an old guy if he wasn't on his game and paying attention.


If the results don't match the theory, change the theory.
Re: What direction is the Drag Racing World Headed? [Re: sixpakdodge] #3090926
11/01/22 11:46 AM
11/01/22 11:46 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 11,701
Portage,michigan
B
B3422W5 Offline
I Live Here
B3422W5  Offline
I Live Here
B

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 11,701
Portage,michigan
Originally Posted by sixpakdodge
Originally Posted by pittsburghracer



I’m gonna guess over 50% of the kids racing JR dragsters move directly over to mom and dads full size dragster then they update to a new chassis.


I think that number is closer to 5-10%.

I'm under 40...have raced 17 different tracks, Everything from unsanctioned 1/8th miles to national events. I tow with a 20 year old dually, and a 38 year old trailer. My newest race car was built in 1981. It's a mixed bag as far as attendances and crowds. Depends on the area/event. What I can see from this thread/website in general is that some of you don't get out enough, or venture far from home, so you just talk out of your ass. You can't accurately judge the current state of drag racing when you go to the same track 6 times a year.



I can speak for myself only( but I know DVW who posted in this thread races lots of places too)
Last couple years, I have been to Norwalk, Ohio Bowling Green Kentucky, Mid Michigan Motorplex, London, Kentucky, and US131 Motorsports Park racing.
I would say that is getting around enough to draw a pretty accurate conclusion as to at least the Midwest regards health of dragstrips. Next year I will add Dragway 42 to my list. And very likely US41 as well
Regards getting far from home..yea, I like racing at my local track, it’s one of the best in the country, great prep, and good payouts..why wouldn’t I, it’s 30 minutes away.

Last edited by B3422W5; 11/01/22 11:47 AM.

69 Dart GTS A4 Silver All steel, flat factory hood, 3360race weight
418 BPE factory replacement headed stroker, 565 lift solid cam
Best so far, 10.40 @127 1/4
1.41 best 60 foot
6.60 at 103.90 1/8

Re: What direction is the Drag Racing World Headed? [Re: pittsburghracer] #3090930
11/01/22 11:59 AM
11/01/22 11:59 AM
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 12,379
Taxes & Virus's R-US, NY
Dragula Online content OP
I Live Here
Dragula  Online Content OP
I Live Here

Joined: May 2004
Posts: 12,379
Taxes & Virus's R-US, NY
Originally Posted by pittsburghracer



I’m gonna guess over 50% of the kids racing JR dragsters move directly over to mom and dad's full size dragster then they update to a new chassis.


I admit, I have never liked having the Jr's at the tracks I race at...due mainly because they make all cars stay in place when running them...Not all tracks do that thank goodness, but I built up a little bit of distain when they made us shut eveything else down to run that class....But, if that is what gets the younger generation into this sport, I would definitely support it more. Our Jr classes are rather small, so I don't see it having a big effect on getting younger folks involved near me.....


'70 Cuda,...605 EFI Hemi Street Car (6.20 best pass, 1.33 60ft)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYw6RA-k5Bk (6.25 at 108.75mph from inside car)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zQEb9uxFng (6.25 at 108mph from outside car)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCvfzsC4NgM (9.9)

'66 Barracuda AWB Stretched nose Blown 440 Car in build stage

'71 Duster Drag Car 400 Low Deck 512 best 6.002 at 115.44mph
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Znuo3jMUXTk
Re: What direction is the Drag Racing World Headed? [Re: Dragula] #3090942
11/01/22 12:52 PM
11/01/22 12:52 PM
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 4,963
new jersey usa
1
11secdart Offline
master
11secdart  Offline
master
1

Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 4,963
new jersey usa
I am heading 2 1/2 hours south this weekend to Cecil County to run 11.50 index at their Final SSCS race of the year. ...starting with testing Friday night ...the last two years the place was crowded both days

Last edited by 11secdart; 11/01/22 12:53 PM.

68 Dart 410 / 904
92 D150 original owner
21 Ram 1500 Quad Cab, Big Horn , Hemi ,4x4
23 Audi Q5
16 Honda HRV
Re: What direction is the Drag Racing World Headed? [Re: 11secdart] #3090948
11/01/22 01:54 PM
11/01/22 01:54 PM
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 4,651
Wichita
G
GY3 Offline
master
GY3  Offline
master
G

Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 4,651
Wichita
Our track's last event of the season was a trunk or treat style event with lots of things for the kids like bouncy houses, candy and Powerwheels races.

They did 5.80, 6.50 and Daily Driver classes and, despite another track an hour away putting on a full bracket program with big money, they attracted a LOT of people.

Every time a no prep or back of the event event is held here, there are a lot of people that show up!

The Youtubers like Street Race Channel have something going most every weekend and the crowds at the races they attend are huge! Lots of little Mom and Pop tracks making a comeback due to this form of racing. It puts everyone on a much more even playing field. Guys like Beater Bomb, KCMaxx The Firebird, and Billy the Kid are making big money off these races and selling merch! Chassis shops are busier than ever building this type of car.

Drag racing isn't dead or even dying, it's evolving!


'63 Dodge 330
11.19 @ 121 mph
Pump gas, n/a, through the mufflers on street tires with 3.54's. 3,600 lbs.
10.01 @ 133mph with a 250 shot of nitrous an a splash of race gas. 1.36 60 ft. 3,700 lbs.

Re: What direction is the Drag Racing World Headed? [Re: B3422W5] #3090954
11/01/22 02:39 PM
11/01/22 02:39 PM
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 4,101
Yes
S
sixpakdodge Offline
master
sixpakdodge  Offline
master
S

Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 4,101
Yes
Originally Posted by B3422W5


I can speak for myself only( but I know DVW who posted in this thread races lots of places too)
Last couple years, I have been to Norwalk, Ohio Bowling Green Kentucky, Mid Michigan Motorplex, London, Kentucky, and US131 Motorsports Park racing.
I would say that is getting around enough to draw a pretty accurate conclusion as to at least the Midwest regards health of dragstrips. Next year I will add Dragway 42 to my list. And very likely US41 as well
Regards getting far from home..yea, I like racing at my local track, it’s one of the best in the country, great prep, and good payouts..why wouldn’t I, it’s 30 minutes away.


My comment wasn't directed at you or DVW...I see enough posts on here to know who gets out and who doesn't. Just a few that like to comment with no relevant information because of what they have or haven't seen at one place. I get it, some people enjoy running only Mopar races, Nostalgia races, or (insert here) races...but don't try and tell us what's wrong with the sport because there wasn't anyone at their backwoods home track's $400 to win gasser race. Another good reference to this thread would be the "Why aren't there any Mopars at big money races" or something like that from last winter.

I like racing at local tracks too, I'm fortunate to have a half decent selection within a couple hours of me. I don't travel because I have to, but because I want to. Test and tune nights are huge out here. Go to Maple Grove on a Friday night and you're lucky if you get two passes. I've been there twice, and was only able to get one pass each time. Capitol had a huge crowd the last time I was there. I made 5 passes and could have easily gotten more. Shy of an NHRA national event though, I don't remember the last time I saw so many people at the track just to spectate. I ran a UNSS race at Cecil County this year, I think there were 70 or so cars there? At least 25% of the racers were under 40 and closer to half under 50. As far as the NHRA scene...most of that is a family deal. Not too many people stepping into the ranks there without some form of prior family involvement. Very cliquish group for the most part, but there are a few real down to earth people I've met.


Re: What direction is the Drag Racing World Headed? [Re: sixpakdodge] #3090958
11/01/22 02:54 PM
11/01/22 02:54 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,005
Tulsa OK
Bad340fish Offline
master
Bad340fish  Offline
master

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,005
Tulsa OK
I think if you want to look for doom and gloom about the sport you can find it real easy, especially on here lol. But if you go out and race and attend events it doesn't appear to be a concern.

Is it changing? Yeah Sure. Is it dying off? I don't think so.

Look at the drag and drive stuff, it is MASSIVE. Drag Week, Sick Week, Rocky Mountain Raceweek 1 and 2, all events that sell out and populate massive wait lists in a matter of minutes.


68 Barracuda Formula S 340
87 "Chrysler" Conquest
Re: What direction is the Drag Racing World Headed? [Re: Bad340fish] #3090971
11/01/22 03:58 PM
11/01/22 03:58 PM
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 4,651
Wichita
G
GY3 Offline
master
GY3  Offline
master
G

Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 4,651
Wichita
Originally Posted by Bad340fish
I think if you want to look for doom and gloom about the sport you can find it real easy, especially on here lol. But if you go out and race and attend events it doesn't appear to be a concern.

Is it changing? Yeah Sure. Is it dying off? I don't think so.

Look at the drag and drive stuff, it is MASSIVE. Drag Week, Sick Week, Rocky Mountain Raceweek 1 and 2, all events that sell out and populate massive wait lists in a matter of minutes.



These tracks are all jammed with spectators ON WEEKDAYS for five straight days as well for the Drag and Drive events. As I recall, Tom Baily has another event later in the year in the works as well but hasn't released dates/tracks.


'63 Dodge 330
11.19 @ 121 mph
Pump gas, n/a, through the mufflers on street tires with 3.54's. 3,600 lbs.
10.01 @ 133mph with a 250 shot of nitrous an a splash of race gas. 1.36 60 ft. 3,700 lbs.

Re: What direction is the Drag Racing World Headed? [Re: racerx] #3091028
11/01/22 09:34 PM
11/01/22 09:34 PM
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 13,182
aZLiViN
J
J_BODY Offline
I Live Here
J_BODY  Offline
I Live Here
J

Joined: May 2003
Posts: 13,182
aZLiViN
I’m not doing my part…. I’ve come to the conclusion that my last “race season” was 2016. We ran the Hot Rod Heritage Series which was an absolute ball! I think the top 15 in points pretty much hit all the events, and for the most part became the best of friends. Phoenix, Bakersfield, Salt Lake, Sacramento, and ended at Bakersfield. I ended up finishing in 3rd. Packed a ton of miles on the old pickup that year and tons of laps on the car. It was fun going to different tracks. After that in 17 I made my first trek back to my old stomping grounds and hit 2 tracks in 3 days. The sleep was minimal, the fun factor was off the charts. 3300 mile round trip. It seems since then I just pick 3-4 fun events a year and have fun. In two years we’ll be relocating and I’ll be 20min from an 1/8th mile track. Maybe that’ll be a game changer for me. Right now the towing expense weighs pretty heavy too.

Re: What direction is the Drag Racing World Headed? [Re: J_BODY] #3091029
11/01/22 09:38 PM
11/01/22 09:38 PM
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,116
PA.
pittsburghracer Offline
"Little"John
pittsburghracer  Offline
"Little"John

Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,116
PA.
Originally Posted by J_BODY
I’m not doing my part…. I’ve come to the conclusion that my last “race season” was 2016. We ran the Hot Rod Heritage Series which was an absolute ball! I think the top 15 in points pretty much hit all the events, and for the most part became the best of friends. Phoenix, Bakersfield, Salt Lake, Sacramento, and ended at Bakersfield. I ended up finishing in 3rd. Packed a ton of miles on the old pickup that year and tons of laps on the car. It was fun going to different tracks. After that in 17 I made my first trek back to my old stomping grounds and hit 2 tracks in 3 days. The sleep was minimal, the fun factor was off the charts. 3300 mile round trip. It seems since then I just pick 3-4 fun events a year and have fun. In two years we’ll be relocating and I’ll be 20min from an 1/8th mile track. Maybe that’ll be a game changer for me. Right now the towing expense weighs pretty heavy too.




If it’s a nice track for sure it will be a game changer for you. You are a bad azz racer when you get out there more often.


1970 Duster
Edelbrock headed 408
5.984@112.52
422 Indy headed small block
5.982@112.56 mph
9.42@138.27

Livin and lovin life one day at a time




Re: What direction is the Drag Racing World Headed? [Re: pittsburghracer] #3091091
11/02/22 09:46 AM
11/02/22 09:46 AM
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 13,182
aZLiViN
J
J_BODY Offline
I Live Here
J_BODY  Offline
I Live Here
J

Joined: May 2003
Posts: 13,182
aZLiViN
Originally Posted by pittsburghracer




If it’s a nice track for sure it will be a game changer for you. You are a bad azz racer when you get out there more often.


Well it’s a track. I haven’t been there in 24 years and I don’t think they’ve improved much. Gravel pit areas.

Racing is interesting….. a few years back they ran a Mopar/Chevy/Ford brand specific race at Famoso. It was geared towards clubs and enthusiasts to come out and race. The mopar crowd probably had 2x the cars of the gm and ford class combined. It was really pretty sad. I think there were like 6 fords. Wasn’t much to enter. You could have put a ton of passes in. Race against like branded cars + an all run. I actually won mopar and $500 cash.

Last year I went to an ANRA race there. I didn’t know much about that organization other than it’s a “nostalgia” type deal. I was basically using it to put some laps on the car and get some seat time before March Meet. Think it was like $100 for track entry and class fee. There were 110 cars in my class and I made it to the finals where I red lit……. and it paid $150 laugh2 if I’d a won it would have been $250. Now I don’t race looking at payouts, but I found that ratio to be quite laughable. Apparently there were 110 racers there to just have fun. Just our class netted the organizers $11k…..

Re: What direction is the Drag Racing World Headed? [Re: Bad340fish] #3091109
11/02/22 10:45 AM
11/02/22 10:45 AM
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 12,379
Taxes & Virus's R-US, NY
Dragula Online content OP
I Live Here
Dragula  Online Content OP
I Live Here

Joined: May 2004
Posts: 12,379
Taxes & Virus's R-US, NY
Originally Posted by Bad340fish
I think if you want to look for doom and gloom about the sport you can find it real easy, especially on here lol. But if you go out and race and attend events it doesn't appear to be a concern.

Is it changing? Yeah Sure. Is it dying off? I don't think so.

Look at the drag and drive stuff, it is MASSIVE. Drag Week, Sick Week, Rocky Mountain Raceweek 1 and 2, all events that sell out and populate massive wait lists in a matter of minutes.



My intention with this post was to see where I might change my car to be more class flexible. Not to look for gloom and doom....Right now it seems big tires knock it out of a lot of the higher paying classes when they have them here, which isn't often. Just looking to see where everyone else is headed in relation....Should I change the build this year, or leave it? So I think I will buy a set of rims and a set of 315 radials for my one car to hit a couple of those if I can fix the Hemiroid.

One thing nobody mentioned was Index racing....They are trying that here a little bit for some faster cars....They run a 4.70 class about once a month. I have no chance, but curious where this might lead.

Last edited by Dragula; 11/02/22 10:48 AM.

'70 Cuda,...605 EFI Hemi Street Car (6.20 best pass, 1.33 60ft)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYw6RA-k5Bk (6.25 at 108.75mph from inside car)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zQEb9uxFng (6.25 at 108mph from outside car)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCvfzsC4NgM (9.9)

'66 Barracuda AWB Stretched nose Blown 440 Car in build stage

'71 Duster Drag Car 400 Low Deck 512 best 6.002 at 115.44mph
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Znuo3jMUXTk
Page 2 of 3 1 2 3






Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.1