Discussion on change in NHRDA Rules

[Subman]

There is a good discussion going on over on CompD about the gap between the 11.90 index and the Superstreet class. To sum up the discussion there is a pretty strong belief that if we had an additional class or some alterations to the existing classes that we would get a lot more trucks at the races. The focus of the discussion is trucks that can run 10.50 but can't compete in the SS class and don't want to detune to run in the 11.90 class.

There have been lots of idea, another index class at either 10.50 or 10.90, a double bracket class with 10.90 and 11.90 trucks running together. Someone suggested that it be done with a .4 protree but I don't see how that could work. The 11.90 truck would leave on a true protree, the 10.90 truck would have defacto a sportman tree with exactly a one second delay. Not going to work. You could do that with a sportman tree.

Another suggestion was to do away with the 11.90 index and have another bracket class with 11.90 being the maximum dial. You would have to have at least one pass 11.90 or quicker to race in the class. If your truck didn't make 11.90 you could race in the 12.0 and higher bracket class if you wanted. This option would allow the most vehicles in and be the fairest in my opinion. Although I'm not a big fan of bracket racing.

Anyway would like to hear from the drag racers on here what their thoughts are. The whole idea is to get more trucks racing and still make it fair. Heads up classes are pretty much who has the deepest pockets or best sponsors and for the most part none of those trucks are street trucks anymore. This quicker bracket class would be open to anyone, just have to qualify with at least an 11.90 and have the safety equipment for whatever time you dial. The 11.90 index class would go away.

 

[S Phinney]

What about a class that was suited toward fast street trucks but not pure competition trucks. A 11.50 class would get you the quickest et and not have the added roll cage etc. There is always some way to improve what we have now and there surely us a need to get more guys on the track. Payouts seem to be a problem as well and it is a catch 22 with having enough to pay well and not. I see plenty if reasons guys don't put their truck out there. It cost a lot to fix one when it breaks and there isn't much if a chance you could win enough to pay for it when it does.

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[WisconsinHick1]

Well it sucks that they took away the midwest division that's my first big grip.

I don't think an 11.50 class would be good because trucks would be kicked off the track for running to fast so that would be a concern. Trucks get kicked off meaning no one to compete.

 

[JoshH]

The 11.90 class has been a huge success since they added it. Obviously it is smaller than sportsman, but it always draws a large number of trucks. I think they would be better off changing super street and leaving the super diesel class as is, or the whiners could turn their trucks down to race super diesel if they aren't fast enough to be competitive in super street. There are enough classes that you can fit somewhere if you want. I enjoy bracket racing as much as the next guy, but after running the index class some, I would hate to lose it. It's a lot of fun too.

 

[sickdiesel]

i personally see it being a huge mistake if 11.90 gets cut. I thoroughly enjoy that class, maybe its cuz im good? IDK but it is fun as hell! lol

maybe a 10.9 index would be the next class to add IMO.

but like Josh said, there isnt enough true yet to fill the classes, and payouts are decreasing as it is. i see it hard to make this happen and it stick for good.

 

[Subman]

what about a 11.9 to 9.0 bracket race on a dual protree? That would include everyone who wants to race, be fair to the low budget guys and also see if the head up guys can actually race a driver's race. You would have to have at least qualifying pass ar 11.9 or quicker.:thumb:

 

[S Phinney]

That would not too be either Ken. I stuck in the position if not being fast enough to compete with the big guys and too fast for my equipment. I would really like to find a decent truck to transplant my engine into and cage it. Anything that can get more interest and competitors at every event.

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[RPM Motorsports]

Wait until the classes have full fields, then worry about another split.. Either move up or move down, no need to have a bunch of classes. Just because your truck can't hang with the faster class, doesn't mean you can't win an event in that class..

 

[Subman]

There are a number of guys most all from the south and midwest that say there are quite a few trucks that would race if there was a class of some kind in the 10's where they could be competitive. Being competitive in head up racing takes a lot of money. They would like to be competitive but don't want to race the 11.90 class.

I think a put up or shut up race at Ennis this fall for a bracket race say from 11.90 to 10.0 with double protree would answer the question. You could double class if you wanted, have to have at least one qualfying pass of 11.90 or quicker. Have to be a NHRDA member to race. Same entry fee as the Sportman and Super Diesel classes. If you run quicker than 11.50 have to have the correct safety equipment for that et.

 

[JoshH]

If there were no hood stack rule, I would seriously consider trying to get the dumpster capable or running the super street class next year. I don't understand why they don't allow it. There's nowhere else to run a stack on a van.

 

[sickdiesel]

I think the first thing the NHRDA needs to do, is up the tech card fee for SD and get the payout up near SS and PS.

600 for 1st IF there is a full class of 17+ isnt going to cut it IMO. If you cant at least cover your fuel/expenses when you win, kinda hard to justify it.

 

[S Phinney]

If there were no hood stack rule, I would seriously consider trying to get the dumpster capable or running the super street class next year. I don't understand why they don't allow it. There's nowhere else to run a stack on a van.

It would take a little body work Josh but run it through the floor then the roof. Completely doable! :roflmao:

 

[S Phinney]

There are a number of guys most all from the south and midwest that say there are quite a few trucks that would race if there was a class of some kind in the 10's where they could be competitive. Being competitive in head up racing takes a lot of money. They would like to be competitive but don't want to race the 11.90 class.

I think a put up or shut up race at Ennis this fall for a bracket race say from 11.90 to 10.0 with double protree would answer the question. You could double class if you wanted, have to have at least one qualfying pass of 11.90 or quicker. Have to be a NHRDA member to race. Same entry fee as the Sportman and Super Diesel classes. If you run quicker than 11.50 have to have the correct safety equipment for that et.

There you go picking on people from the south. We are not the red headed step children of America. Were is do you get Southern hospitality and good ole sweet tea?

 

[coker6303]

I don't really count here, but I competed for the first time last month in the 11.90 class and loved it!! I haven't raced in the sportsman, but I know I prefer watching the 11.90 over the sportsman bracket.

If they drop the time down, I will be forced to build a motor or run sportsman. Kind of sucks for me but I'm sure il participate wherever I fit in if I can.

 

[MACKIN]

It would take a little body work Josh but run it through the floor then the roof. Completely doable! :roflmao:

Body work on the Dumpster? Whats that?

 

[WI Huck]

There are a number of guys most all from the south and midwest that say there are quite a few trucks that would race if there was a class of some kind in the 10's where they could be competitive. Being competitive in head up racing takes a lot of money. They would like to be competitive but don't want to race the 11.90 class.

I don't believe that there are a bunch of ten second trucks running around that like drag racing but don't show up at the track just because there is not a class specifically for them. People build their trucks to the power levels they can and then race in whatever is available. The problem is a lack of trucks and that is why diesel drag racing is not expanding. Also there is not a big fan base to support the events. You get a good showing of drivers but not enough spectators. The people paying to watch in the stands generate money to pay for the event. The more people in the stands the easier it is to attract vendors who pay to be there. It is tough to promote high pay outs to attract the best trucks, pay for the facilities and pay for a staff to run it all.

 

[adeso]

I don't believe that there are a bunch of ten second trucks running around that like drag racing but don't show up at the track just because there is not a class specifically for them. People build their trucks to the power levels they can and then race in whatever is available. The problem is a lack of trucks and that is why diesel drag racing is not expanding. Also there is not a big fan base to support the events. You get a good showing of drivers but not enough spectators. The people paying to watch in the stands generate money to pay for the event. The more people in the stands the easier it is to attract vendors who pay to be there. It is tough to promote high pay outs to attract the best trucks, pay for the facilities and pay for a staff to run it all.

I would have to agree with this, seems like the events are more of a very organized get together than an event. I think the events are very well run you just don't have the fan base at this time. I can't think of a quick fix for it other than accept the fact you do it for fun.

 

[dman777]

I would have to agree with this, seems like the events are more of a very organized get together than an event. I think the events are very well run you just don't have the fan base at this time. I can't think of a quick fix for it other than accept the fact you do it for fun.

I used to think the same until I saw how many people showed up to Ennis last month. I don't know the numbers but it seemed like it was the largest showing of trucks and fans I have ever seen at a NHRDA event. Hopefully this means it is getting more popular but idk. This is my first year racing in the 11.90 index and I had a blast! There were a lot more trucks in the SD than I expected. I hope they don't change that class. I'm not convinced there are enough faster trucks to change it to a 10.90 index etc. Trucks like mine would be forced to race sportsman which has too many trucks already in my opinion. If you want to race bracket, turn the truck down and race sportsman. JMOP

 

[CaptPhil]

I don't believe that there are a bunch of ten second trucks running around that like drag racing but don't show up at the track just because there is not a class specifically for them. People build their trucks to the power levels they can and then race in whatever is available. The problem is a lack of trucks and that is why diesel drag racing is not expanding. Also there is not a big fan base to support the events. You get a good showing of drivers but not enough spectators. The people paying to watch in the stands generate money to pay for the event. The more people in the stands the easier it is to attract vendors who pay to be there. It is tough to promote high pay outs to attract the best trucks, pay for the facilities and pay for a staff to run it all.

There will never be the fan base for it other than the people who participate themselves. The trucks just aren't fast enough or exciting enough. The last test and tune I went to had at least 25 cars that were 8.5 or faster, and this was just a normal day with normal guys. Half of them were still Street legal. They are loud, exciting, and a lot faster. People get a kick out of fast diesel trucks, but only because they are a novelty.

 

[dman777]

There will never be the fan base for it other than the people who participate themselves. The trucks just aren't fast enough or exciting enough. The last test and tune I went to had at least 25 cars that were 8.5 or faster, and this was just a normal day with normal guys. Half of them were still Street legal. They are loud, exciting, and a lot faster. People get a kick out of fast diesel trucks, but only because they are a novelty.

As much as I hate to admit since I like diesel racing so much, I agree. This is why I can't justify turning my truck into a full blown race truck.