IHRA can't be IHRA if they just book in shows. That is a track owner thing to fill up a empty weekend. Booked in shows with the same cars that are currently showing up don't bring any specators now, why would they show up if they are "booked in".
This is really sad. I really enjoyed my time racing IHRA, it is a great place to race and be a part of. I can't believe the spectator count this year compared to 2006, the last year I raced. I hope someone has some answers.
What really floors me is ADRL packs the stands and there is no Nitro in the pits whatsoever......so hats off to Kenny Knowling. You don't need Nitro to fill the stands. I was never a fan of calling IHRA, the NITRO Jam when there were 16 cars racing on sunday with NITRO in the tank, and now there is only 8.
If I were IHRA, I would add a 10 tire class, separate Pro Mod, and drop the ticket prices in the dirt so people can afford to show up. Drag Race fans are working class people and they can't afford a $500 trip to the drag strip because the IHRA or NHRA for that matter, is in town. It seems as though ADRL has it all figured out, but what is keeping them alive is the ticket price.......$0.00. We all can afford to pay that at the gate, even though parking is $25.00. Pack 5 guys in a car and it's $5 per guy, how can you not show up to watch that.
Good Luck IHRA, we don't want to see you fall apart, but some thing has to be done. NHRA is in trouble too, these are bad times and people don't have any money to show up. I hope both these sanction bodies weather the storrm, especially IHRA.
Good Luck,
Tony