3rd IHRA race moved to Ohio (5 Viewers)

[kegs]

Having run nitro cars in the past on a budget that would make Super Comp racers laugh I love everything about IHRA.
I am surprised there aren’t more of the budget guys running. I hope that changes soon.

 

[Joe]

This is the block Terry Haddock hit yesterday in qualifying. I got him to "sign" it today, he had to print his name as he broke his wrist when he hit the wall.
View attachment 17485

There is no quit in Terry Haddock. Hell he cat spell quit.

 

[Joe]

For only being in their second season I would have to say they are doing well. Are they the NHRA ?? no. As far as revenue there are multiple revenue streams to balance the ledger, I am sure DC has a plan as you do not get to where he is winging it. I would say he has a 5-10 year turn around plan for this to be successful. First this was a relocated event so you have people that already have plans, have not budgeted finances to attend especially if traveling any distance and needing lodging. Second this was not a "big show" event for them, this IMO was a local venue more like a divisional NHRA race which does not draw many spectators.

IHRA is running nitro at most events but do not confuse that with big events they are supplying a place for smaller nitro teams to race. The Triple crown will be a little more telling but it is still going to take a few years to get there. I could care less if any NHRA teams show up for the Triple, let the smaller guys win the money and maybe they will be the next big team growing IHRA along the way. how many IHRA champions now run NHRA ?? You have to start somewhere, which brings up another topic. How many kids have been turned off by the racers making fun of their 13 second cars ?? why would you come back after racers made fun of your slow car ?? But that is a whole other subject.

In closing drag racing is dying a slow death as not many are coming into the sport, The big show stuff is cost prohibitive to 99%. Instead of being on here complaining why not go out and try to support a sport you supposedly love. One man has stepped up and is spending a lot of his money to try and revive a series which could be a feeder or be the next big show itself. You are complaining about attendance but where were you ?? certainly not at the event.

Well said.

 

[glofria]

First round nitro to finals of nitro.
At Columbus: IHRA 6 hrs 3 mins
At Valdosta: NHRA 6 hrs 14 mins

NHRA runs 4 rounds, IHRA 3 rounds.

IMO, IHRA needs to tighten up their three rounds of nitro racing. As a fan of the sport, I love watching all the other fast classes. The casual fan seems to care only about nitro. They could give the teams 90 minutes between rounds and be done in a four hour window. They have the opportunity to do something NHRA cannot do and they don’t do it. First round at 5pm, 2nd round at 7pm and finals at 9pm. The customer could show up at 4:30. and be exiting the facility at 9:15. Not much different than a NFL game or a MLB game.

Isn't the IHRA running more classes which would take more time?

 

[ironpony]

Isn't the IHRA running more classes which would take more time?

Yes TF Harley, snowmobiles, altered, MMPS and PS, Outlaw PM and PM there was more than enough to keep everyone happy

 

[z28]

Isn't the IHRA running more classes which would take more time?

Yes, I see that as the problem. People for the most part come to see Nitro.

 

[glofria]

Isn't the IHRA running more classes which would take more time?

...and they don't have to pay a network to show their program on a cable channel.

 

[ironpony]

Yes, I see that as the problem. People for the most part come to see Nitro.

I would have to say that the stands did not empty out like at an NHRA event after nitro ran. They also run the schedule a little different and I think it keeps people interested longer. Also at 1/8 mile for the slower classes they do not seem so slow and keep your interest. I know I have watched some classes I wouldn't normally watch. All the different bodies, brands in MMPS, PS, Altered, PM, OPM heck that only made it interesting

 

[none]

It seems like this year (and last) so far has been like a "soft opening" at a restaurant. Run some events, get people in place, get things lined out. Then, have your "Grand Opening" with all the promotional bells and whistles. Diehard fans understand growing pains but new fans maybe not so much.

 

[Butch]

This past weekend at National Trail, reminded me of the Div3 races in the 70's that included NITRO.
Not to be meant as a complaint, just a thought of yester year.

 

[aakar]

Having Fuel Altered as a class is a huge bonus

 

[aakar]

Can’t say for sure; but am going to assume because of her Grandpa. At least from a sentimental standpoint, if he isn’t able to attend.

Greek will be honored @ Rt 66, pretty sure it is an important event for Krista.
Ron Douglas is tuning Krista

 

[Chili]

Greek will be honored @ Rt 66, pretty sure it is an important event for Krista

I thought I saw somewhere that she will have a tribute wrap to the Greek at the event.

 

[Steve Wayne]

Everyone keeps comparing IHRA to NHRA. I think if people would take those blinders off and look at the IHRA as another organization entirely, which it is, maybe they can see how good it actually is to have right now. I for one think the show is great in person, and the live show is amazing for being done LIVE! What true drag racing fan can complain about having hours of drag racing to watch live and for free! Some of you could be given a million dollars and would complain because you had to take it to the bank!

 

[ironpony]

This past weekend at National Trail, reminded me of the Div3 races in the 70's that included NITRO.
Not to be meant as a complaint, just a thought of yester year.

Exactly my comparison, these are not the IHRA big shows they are more like divisional. races. The Triple Crown is the big show and will show a little more as to acceptance and turn out of fans. IMO it will still take another year.

 

[mick]

other than a few of us diehard fans, racers, owners, crew, or any combination, how many people actually go out of their
way to travel and attend more than one race a year? or how many fans might attend one nhra nat. event per season, but then
spend their other disposable sports money on a nascar, indy race, local dirt race, the closest tractor pull, or their favorite stick & ball team? IMO outside of this small group, i don't think there's many who plan to spectate multiple drag races.

 

[SS140]

I ran HR at Columbus, and for the life of me cannot figure out why more people are not attending these events. That was the most I have enjoyed myself at a drag race of this level/type in quite a long time. I hadn't run the car since August of '24 for various reasons but busted my ass to get it there last weekend. I will definitely be better prepared for the next race.

I plan on running Milan, Empire, and 42...and will probably end up running the finals also.

 

[Ponyhntr]

I ran HR at Columbus, and for the life of me cannot figure out why more people are not attending these events. That was the most I have enjoyed myself at a drag race of this level/type in quite a long time. I hadn't run the car since August of '24 for various reasons but busted my ass to get it there last weekend. I will definitely be better prepared for the next race.

I plan on running Milan, Empire, and 42...and will probably end up running the finals also.

Thanks for racing with us Steve! We will see you at the next one!