Chase points at home or go chase Lucas Oil series?

So my daughter and I have some decisions to make for this upcoming season. The toughest choice is whether to attempt a run at another track championship at Numidia or chase Wallys in the Lucas Oil series in Div 1. She’s been racing 4 years now, with 2 left in the Jr league. We are burned out with the whole Bristol thing; it’s really a clown show now. She’s a dang good racer, with 1 track championship, 1 runner up for track championship, 28 “career” wins as well as 10K money race in her pocket so she’s a real contender for the Lucas series. So if you were me do you choose to go back to back and chase the points at Numidia or reach for the gold ring and take a run at the Lucas series?

What are some of the pitfalls chasing series races vs being a “home body” and chasing points?

HI,
what class??? DIV 1 races $160 entry fee driver

gary

Racing the same track every week is like eating pizza for dinner every night. Ho-hum. We ran Divisionals and National events for years and will do the same when we get back out.

Way more fun. Takes a bigger commitment. Multiple days on the road, need a motorhome or LQ trailer because motels suck. Mostly the same people chasing the circuit. Racing against the best racers from all over, typically people who are more serious at that level.. Making friends and connections from all over. Spectating other classes between your runs. Hanging out, socializing, relaxing at the end of the day. Going to different tracks every race weekend. They are all different and make you a better at adjusting to conditions It's great.

If you're serious, step up. Put her in a big car when it's time. These kids with 7 years experience and an 18 year old's eyesight and reflexes would give us fits at times.

How old is she ?

she turned 16 in Sep. The class is Jr. D.

Yes, you are so right CM. It gets old racing the same people. We both want to step it up this year. I just want to make sure we both understand what we are getting into. Camper/motor home out of the question right now...Im throwing all I have at a 65 b body for her next year. We both want to make the most out of Jr league while we can.

Not sure if you are talking running juniors at the points meets or a full size car.
Didn't know they run juniors at divisionals.

In order to race a full size car I think you have to be 17 or 18.

My son ran juniors then I put him in my stocker and he did well but I don't think you can do that at 16 anymore.

Must be talking NHRA too because IHRA as we knew it is gone. Big bracket races now

If you can get it done do the travel! When you're to old/poor/busy to still do it, you will look back on the time with her very fondly!

If division one has Jrs. racing at the divisional races go to one with a open mind and see if you and her like it or not
Do it now so you won't wish later that you and her both did that

They included juniors in the NHRA Lucas Oil series in all 7 div 1 races this year. Each race is a wally race with series champion at the end.

If you can make a run on the road for the season,It's a good experience! You still have a year before she cab step into a car.

Here is my opinion and I'm sure I'll get flamed for saying this as some get really defensive about chasing points at their local tracks but here goes. You can choose to be a big fish in a small pond and stay at your local track chasing local points. Or you can choose to be a small fish in a big pond with the chance to get better at your craft and she can as a racer and chase divisional points.

I grew tired of running the local points deal which is what led me to jump into Divisional stuff. IMO the competition becomes a good deal tougher not to mention the challenge of running at tracks you don't see every week. I just found it ad more of a challenge than racing the same track week in and week out against the same competition. Frankly I've never completed an entire season at any local tracks points series. I have run points and won races but just never saw the allure of it at that level. I do think having the possibility to win at the ET finals and make it to Pomona would be cool but just not been on my priorities list. It would certainly be a great accomplishment to be sure.

Have you considered her running a dragster when she makes the transition to a big car? I know out west probably 99% of the junior kids transition into dragster after the juniors. Seems like a logical transition to me. You can find a nice dragster at a good price if you look around. Some are even set up for a Mopar

My son loves his but we will be selling it soon

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1st race is at VMP end of April. 2nd is at the Grove end of May. 3rd is at Numidia middle of June. I suggest you go to one or a few to try it. You can always quit if it doesn't work. I loaded up and went to my first a long time ago. Never even thought about going back to running the local weekly deal since.

I agree 100%..Only time I ran a local bracket races was to test something on the car. Was notorious for leaving once I learned what I needed and went home once I started chasing divisional points. That was my focus and the goal was to win the title.

Everyone races for different reasons. I love racing local because I’ve raced with some of these guys for over 40 years and now their kids. They pass out Wally’s like candy now so that’s not a big deal to me and neither are titles. I do like hitting some of the big dollar bracket races and it sure would be fun getting a big check to hang in my Trailer. I’ve already paid for a 3 day 20,000.00 race at the new dragway 42 that I am really looking forward too. St Patrick Day race in Virginia could be my first big money race of the year if the weather looks good.

I agree, we've been there and done that. She's ready for a greater challenge. She wanted a dragster but I already had a 65 Satellite in the works so she will be driving a door car at first. I bought the 65 with me in mind, but since she has come along I'll finish it up for her first big car. We plan on making the first race in Va in April. She's all in and so am I, just need to make it happen now...

What class for the 65?

Well, that's a good question. The build is for a 10.0 car so we can do some different types of racing with it (bracket, index, ect) The chassis is being worked right now but unfortunately I had to replace a lot of sheet metal (quarters/floor) so I had to do some reconstructive work before the race stuff goes in. The good news is the floor and cage are going in with the tubs, quarters next. I am currently collecting the parts needed to do a 505 wedge for it. I am hoping the chassis will be done and painted by the summer. If that happens I can put a stock 383 driveline in it to sort it out and let her get a feel for the car in street class. Then the 10.0 driveline goes in for the following year. Does that make sense or am I not thinking this through correctly?

Good plan as it's a few years before she can step up.
I have mad respect for anyone that can race for points,local or not.

Sounds fine, but if the focus is on the points races, NHRA points meets don't include bracket classes. Fuel Harleys, snowmobiles, motorcycles, but usually no brackets. The tracks will sometimes run a bracket race in conjunction with the race or maybe some index classes. But typically it's three .90 classes, Stock, Super Stock, Top Sportsman & Top Dragster, Comp, etc.

Let her run the Jr. deal. When the time comes, you guys will either be all in and have an idea of where to go with it, or you'll be ready to go do something else. It will be a fun experience.

It looks like I need to learn more about the NHRA class racing. I admit I don't know much beyond Jr racing and street cars. The 65 is my first race build so I am learning as much as I can along the way. I think I have a good foundation for a competitive door car. Is all the class racing in the big cars index/heads up?

Thanks man...we do a lot of racing between April and October. 20 some odd at Numidia alone, then racing Etown (no longer an option) or other tracks when not points racing at Numidia. Add divisional and Bristol and we make 200-300 passes a year. If it ain't raining we are racing somewhere..guaranteed. She was bit by the bug hard...but then again she's my daughter so that apple didn't fall far from the tree..lol. She grew up in the back seat of my Hemi car so there is that too....'Do another burnout dad".....lol

The assorted classes are run differently as far as index, dial-in, headsup, full or pro tree, etc. ATCO is running a National Open the first weekend of May. I don't know if they will run Juniors, but they will have all of the normal big car classes. That may be a good place to go and get a feel for what all of the classes consist of. Get a copy of the NHRA rulebook. That's the best source for the nuts and bolts of the different classes.

Hope to catch up with some of you on the road. We will be at the Virginia race in April to get our feet wet...hope to get the motor broken in by then..lol.

Best of luck to you both! Very big of you to give up your seat!

I use to run my NHRA A/SA 1963 415 HP M.W. Belvedere stocker in all of the division 7 national and divisional races back a long time ago (1973 to 1988) , I later switch to Super Gas and Super Street.
My point is there is a lot of driving involve getting to and from those races and lot of sitting and waiting and not much racing at those races
Normal schedule for the division races was test and tune on either Thursday or Friday, depending if it was a three day or two day race and two to three runs max during qualifying and first round either late on the first day or early on the second day along with finishing the race on the last or second day if a two day race
I did it do to wanting to win those races, I haven't done it since 1989 or so
I still have a race car, S/P, and run the local stuff, I have went to three or four division six bracket finals here in division six, best I've done is went to the 1/4 final in the race of champions and 1/4 finals on the bracket race on Sunday in Pro with my old pump gas street car
I celebrated my 73rd birthday last month and wonder sometimes what I'm doing still racing
I guess I could start going to the bars and catch women, or take up golfing, huh

I went class racing on a divisional level because I was getting burned out having to be there for every local points race, getting hot-lapped and driving home late at night or early morning. Of course it doesn't help that I'm getting older. But I do miss all of the great people I met over the years locally and I do try to go back once in a while.

I did well locally, but I decided to take on the challenge of IHRA Stock class racing in 1999 and did well there too. Now I'll be trying NHRA Stock, mainly on a divisional level. Not as hectic, but the down side is the added expense and more days to take off from work. But I'd suggest trying it to get the "feel" of it and go from there.

As for Cab.....I always said that drag racing helps keep you younger. Staying active physically and mentally has to be good for you. I hope I'm still able to race competitively, physically, mentally & financially, at 73.

Thanks brother, we will give it hell...besides, she's better at the tree then I would ever be...that little girl can cut a light.

Happy birthday cab!...and don't go chasing women...way too much trouble..I thought you would have learned that by now...besides racing is way cheaper...

One reason I suggested or mentioned a dragster. Seems like the natural transition from a junior and you could jump right into Super Comp at the divisional level and of course it could be used for bracket racing etc. Something like we have and did with my son. He never ran juniors, he was a baseball player no time for anything else. When he finally decided to try drag racing he wanted a dragster. So I acquired one a couple years ago. We started him out with a mild pump gas 446 with a set of Indy heads, it went 8.teens in Vegas and he was off. Could have run S/C with that set up and been in the low 150's. The last engine in the car would go mid 170's at 8.90. He is going to spend some time concentrating on the bodyshop for a couple years to get it where it needs to be and we will get him racing again then. Thus why we are going to sell the car.

.90 stuff is extremely competitive place to race. Will also challenge the crew chief as you have to be able to put the car on a number, every pass. You will learn to become a Jr Meteorologist to make that happen. IMO there is not a more difficult place to race and win then in those classes. A lot of strategy, close racing and IMO fun to be had there. It is a big commitment to run on a divisional level from a time and money stand point, Although I believe here in D1 you guys race on Friday and Saturday. Wherer as out west we run Fri-Sun with a test and tune on Thursday. Generally I would show up Wednesday evening and be there til Sunday late hopefully. I was fortunate enough to have a fair amount of success at that level. I will be back out there the end of this year now that we will be done with the military and being on both coasts.

Whatever you all decide to do best of luck. You will meet some great people and the level of competition will go up for sure. We had some friends from Vegas run the Bristol JR event last year. Was impressive to see all those cars there for sure..

If you are building a 65, and want some change of track, why not hit some nostalgia super stock races? I have seen several older NHRA stock legal cars run with the group from time to time. If you are still building the car, not hard to fit into the rules. And you can still bracket race the car at any track. Usually 30 to 40 cars, $1,000 to $1,500 to win. And some really friendly people.

I would have spent the coin on a dragster for her but for the 65 Plymouth. I had purchased that before she got into Jr. racing with the intent of getting into racing myself. When she started out in juniors I put it on the back shelf to take her racing...little did I know I created a monster...lol. I am a little apprehensive about putting a 16 or 17 yo into a car that goes 170 in the 1/4 right off the bat though...I believe a more methodical approach in working towards that goal. A friend of mine has offered a ride in a dragster (7.90) that he is not running now, but I would have to cover the expenses and I don't want to be on the hook for it if she balls it up.

I have thought long and hard about where all this leads to...her dream is to do this on a professional level, but her mom and I want her to do college and she is working to that end...racing can come again later. With the college thing in mind, we will have to do much of the prep work during the season which will also make local points chasing a challenge this year. So I'm sold on the whole division racing thing, it makes a lot of sense for her, her future and allow for something new. Both she and I are excited at the potential and the possibilities...and who knows, maybe a wally or two...

As far as the Bristol thing, it's become a circus. Last year was our last time for jrs there. The sportsmanship has declined with constant staging wars and everybody trying to burn everyone else down on the line...not to mention the out of control kids...fights, drinking and such. We go to race, not to party. By the time the big race is on everyone is burned out.. not good...

If you are wanting to offer her advice on college look at a marketing degree for both racing and working
Or a trade school on automotive technology
Good luck either way

Oh, I hear you there, that's part of the reason I chose to do a 65 B Body...my first love is Super Stock...then life got in the way...lol

She announced the other night at dinner she has chosen her first choice for college...the Naval Academy. Of course the Marine in me couldn't have been more happy, her mom took some convincing though....

I hear you. Why I started my kid slow in a dragster. Was actually the engine for my 68 D100 that was in it. Just a pump gas 446. Started him slow like 9.0's with that engine and eventually got to the 8 teens. Did the same with the big engine. Started him at the 7.80's and worked down from there. He now has the bug and wants to go faster but business before play and we both understand that. My son has driven a few door cars too, from mid 10 to a low 9 second turbo street car. I have made him do it slowly as well. My point is going racing in a dragster can be WAY more economical than you think.

I hear you on the Bristol junior thing. Parent have a way of ruining things. I ran a Little League for a few years and saw it first hand. Many of the parents I see in the junior ranks remind me very much of some little league parents for sure. Glad she has her priorities in place. School first. My son wanted to in the Auto business so I steered him to the body business. He went to a Community College program to learn the basics. Has had a couple jobs in the industry and this winter will be buying the business he works at currently. He has been running that show for a couple years now and is ready to make the next step. Then he can worry about racing again. First things first.

I had a friend in grade school who older brother was accepted and graduated form Annapolis (SP?)
One of my best friends step daughter was recruited and accepted into West Point, she is a Lt Colonel now in a aviation Brigade, three combat tours so far
Time to win and wrap up this dang war on terror now
On your 1965 Plymouth, take a look at Super Street
5 tenth Pro Tree on a 10.90 index with electroincs

Yup agree 100 percent. I told her the other night, as she was searching for direction, to cast her net wide and let life and experience pull the fish in...she was upset that she didn't know what she wanted to do...I told her it doesn't matter at this point. Her talents and interests will take care of that. 30 years ago they didn't even have the job that I am doing now and I love it. Somethings you just need to leave it to life to expose opportunity ...

Most, if not all, of the females racing in the pro classes have college degrees; communications, marketing, business. And most of them started in juniors and advanced through the classes. College and racing at a professional level go hand in hand. Drag racing is great because the girls are so marketable and they get noticed. And I can tell you, they can be the toughest racers. She can be whatever she wants and I don't think one has to be sacrificed for the other. Racing during the summer, interning with pro teams, lots of opportunities. Super Comp is great if she likes dragsters. Stock or Super Gas for door cars. You need to drag her to a national event and have her meet people like Leah Pritchett, Erica Enders, the Force girls. Even Randi Lyn Shipp, Brenda Grubbs, Vonnie Mills, and on and on.

So how would I make that happen? I mean, I just don't have the connections to hook her up to intern for a race team. Do you run Divisional races and hope to get noticed? She has met some of the professional racers at Etown Summer nats, collected signatures and such. We just don't know how move in that direction...it's not like one can pick up a book and read how to apply for a position as a professional driver and career path...

Intern with a team as part of a college education. Running divisional and national events and doing well will get her noticed. Drag racing is a pretty tight community. Talking to people like Leah and Erica, and females in other positions with some of the teams, even in passing, establishes connections. Introduce herself, not as a fan but as a participant, tell them what she intends to do, ask for advice. Being involved in the sport for a long period of time and learning everything that comes from being involved, will be valuable experience.