For the Record

[none]

I'm not anti IHRA. I would not have accepted the IHRA position I did if I didn't think I could help. It didn't work out, but that doesn't mean that things can't still be better.

I am also not anti NHRA, I worked for them for 34 years, and my house is paid for because of them. I'm not wanting them to fail. But, things could be better. For the Pros and the Sportsman.

I was in contact (and I wasn't the only one) with people at NHRA when I was at IHRA. Never did I make a call that wasn't returned. Many times it was a tech or rules question. We didn't want racers to have to makes changes from I to N. That was common ground. Also schedule stuff, wanting the racers to have options, but not to have to choose one or the other. And we worked together. I also had communication with executive level people, again. I never made a call that was not returned.

Now it feels so adversarial, I'm not sure if common ground at a high level is possible, but I hope it is. I think there is room for both organizations.

I still think that many things could be done better, on both sides. And I wish I could help. I have seen a lot of things that work, and a lot that don't. I have been around for a long time. And I have seen more than most from the inside. I hate seeing mistakes repeated. But I keep seeing that......

Alan

 

[Litefoot]

I'm not anti IHRA. I would not have accepted the IHRA position I did if I didn't think I could help. It didn't work out, but that doesn't mean that things can't still be better.

I am also not anti NHRA, I worked for them for 34 years, and my house is paid for because of them. I'm not wanting them to fail. But, things could be better. For the Pros and the Sportsman.

I was in contact (and I wasn't the only one) with people at NHRA when I was at IHRA. Never did I make a call that wasn't returned. Many times it was a tech or rules question. We didn't want racers to have to makes changes from I to N. That was common ground. Also schedule stuff, wanting the racers to have options, but not to have to choose one or the other. And we worked together. I also had communication with executive level people, again. I never made a call that was not returned.

Now it feels so adversarial, I'm not sure if common ground at a high level is possible, but I hope it is. I think there is room for both organizations.

I still think that many things could be done better, on both sides. And I wish I could help. I have seen a lot of things that work, and a lot that don't. I have been around for a long time. And I have seen more than most from the inside. I hate seeing mistakes repeated. But I keep seeing that......

Alan

You are and always will be a class act, IHRA and NHRA’s loss, best of luck to you going forward my friend

 

[z28]

I'm not anti IHRA. I would not have accepted the IHRA position I did if I didn't think I could help. It didn't work out, but that doesn't mean that things can't still be better.

I am also not anti NHRA, I worked for them for 34 years, and my house is paid for because of them. I'm not wanting them to fail. But, things could be better. For the Pros and the Sportsman.

I was in contact (and I wasn't the only one) with people at NHRA when I was at IHRA. Never did I make a call that wasn't returned. Many times it was a tech or rules question. We didn't want racers to have to makes changes from I to N. That was common ground. Also schedule stuff, wanting the racers to have options, but not to have to choose one or the other. And we worked together. I also had communication with executive level people, again. I never made a call that was not returned.

Now it feels so adversarial, I'm not sure if common ground at a high level is possible, but I hope it is. I think there is room for both organizations.

I still think that many things could be done better, on both sides. And I wish I could help. I have seen a lot of things that work, and a lot that don't. I have been around for a long time. And I have seen more than most from the inside. I hate seeing mistakes repeated. But I keep seeing that......

Alan

10 or 15 years ago NHRA was ready to sell the pro series. We may see how deep the pockets are at IHRA

 

[T.Smith]

I'm not anti IHRA. I would not have accepted the IHRA position I did if I didn't think I could help. It didn't work out, but that doesn't mean that things can't still be better.

I am also not anti NHRA, I worked for them for 34 years, and my house is paid for because of them. I'm not wanting them to fail. But, things could be better. For the Pros and the Sportsman.

I was in contact (and I wasn't the only one) with people at NHRA when I was at IHRA. Never did I make a call that wasn't returned. Many times it was a tech or rules question. We didn't want racers to have to makes changes from I to N. That was common ground. Also schedule stuff, wanting the racers to have options, but not to have to choose one or the other. And we worked together. I also had communication with executive level people, again. I never made a call that was not returned.

Now it feels so adversarial, I'm not sure if common ground at a high level is possible, but I hope it is. I think there is room for both organizations.

I still think that many things could be done better, on both sides. And I wish I could help. I have seen a lot of things that work, and a lot that don't. I have been around for a long time. And I have seen more than most from the inside. I hate seeing mistakes repeated. But I keep seeing that......

Alan

I agree. This giddiness that some have for the failure of NHRA or someone "owning" NHRA is complete B.S., all of it sounds very familiar. Both sanctioning bodies can probably exist at the same time. At this point I hope it works, otherwise there will be consequences for it failing.

Instead of some of the bad mouthing, and criticism of NHRA within the same sentence of promoting IHRA, let IHRA stand on their own merit. If one wants to drink all the IHRA kool-aid they can, then have at it. When I sit down to eat a McDonald's cheeseburger, I don't bitch about Burger King while I'm eating it.

I'd like to know what IHRA's plan is to attract a younger fan base. when I hang out at a Cars and Coffee or other car meets, younger car enthusiasts could care less about NHRA or IHRA drag racing.

As a race team we have taken a wait and see approach to IHRA, so have others. I would say right now the way our program is structured, it doesn't make a lot of sense to go race there.

As a fan, the nitro racing has to improve before I buy a ticket, and I don't mean that by more NHRA teams showing up to race there. The teams that focus on racing that series need to do better. There are only 2 qualifying sessions, and you see teams skipping sessions.

 

[65 Goatboy]

I'm not anti IHRA. I would not have accepted the IHRA position I did if I didn't think I could help. It didn't work out, but that doesn't mean that things can't still be better.

I am also not anti NHRA, I worked for them for 34 years, and my house is paid for because of them. I'm not wanting them to fail. But, things could be better. For the Pros and the Sportsman.

I was in contact (and I wasn't the only one) with people at NHRA when I was at IHRA. Never did I make a call that wasn't returned. Many times it was a tech or rules question. We didn't want racers to have to makes changes from I to N. That was common ground. Also schedule stuff, wanting the racers to have options, but not to have to choose one or the other. And we worked together. I also had communication with executive level people, again. I never made a call that was not returned.

Now it feels so adversarial, I'm not sure if common ground at a high level is possible, but I hope it is. I think there is room for both organizations.

I still think that many things could be done better, on both sides. And I wish I could help. I have seen a lot of things that work, and a lot that don't. I have been around for a long time. And I have seen more than most from the inside. I hate seeing mistakes repeated. But I keep seeing that......

Alan

Great post.

 

[Funnycarfanatic]

I think it's funny for Larry Morgan to say what he said. The IHRA runs their events at their ownership tracks. It is designed to capture full revenue. I can't blame the NHRA are looking out for the best finical impact. I was an nhra fan when they left NH the first time and will be a fan if they leave again.

 

[Cliff]

Some years ago, NHRA had a compact car series, FWD and RWD, mostly turbo V-6 & turbo 4 cyl. It was aimed at young people. Seems to have gone away after a few years. I thought that series was great, since many young people drive Hondas, etc. I wonder if a series like that could make a comeback? Would that be a way to attract younger people to drag racing?

 

[Jim]

Some years ago, NHRA had a compact car series, FWD and RWD, mostly turbo V-6 & turbo 4 cyl. It was aimed at young people. Seems to have gone away after a few years. I thought that series was great, since many young people drive Hondas, etc. I wonder if a series like that could make a comeback? Would that be a way to attract younger people to drag racing?

At the same time NHRA had the Sport Compact series, there were also a couple of other import series trying to make a go of it. I covered some of the sport compact races at E'town. It was different. There was more interest in the car audio contest and the bikini contest than in what was happening on the track. Even the bikini contest went bad when local strip clubs started bringing their dancers to compete and promote their clubs.

 

[Jim]

When I sit down to eat a McDonald's cheeseburger, I don't bitch about Burger King while I'm eating it.

When I sit down to eat a McDonald's cheeseburger, I bitch about how bad McDonald's cheeseburgers are.

 

[Rajunz]

When I sit down to eat a McDonald's cheeseburger, I bitch about how bad McDonald's cheeseburgers are.

Thank you Jim!!!

 

[Rajunz]

I'm not anti IHRA. I would not have accepted the IHRA position I did if I didn't think I could help. It didn't work out, but that doesn't mean that things can't still be better.

I am also not anti NHRA, I worked for them for 34 years, and my house is paid for because of them. I'm not wanting them to fail. But, things could be better. For the Pros and the Sportsman.

I was in contact (and I wasn't the only one) with people at NHRA when I was at IHRA. Never did I make a call that wasn't returned. Many times it was a tech or rules question. We didn't want racers to have to makes changes from I to N. That was common ground. Also schedule stuff, wanting the racers to have options, but not to have to choose one or the other. And we worked together. I also had communication with executive level people, again. I never made a call that was not returned.

Now it feels so adversarial, I'm not sure if common ground at a high level is possible, but I hope it is. I think there is room for both organizations.

I still think that many things could be done better, on both sides. And I wish I could help. I have seen a lot of things that work, and a lot that don't. I have been around for a long time. And I have seen more than most from the inside. I hate seeing mistakes repeated. But I keep seeing that......

Alan

Thank you for posting this Alan. I read all of those same negative comments on Social Media, and they all make it sound like NHRA is failing. In actuality, NHRA had one of their better seasons ever in 2025 in a long time. The ones that post all of the negativity haven't even bought a race ticket in decades, if ever. They just like to bitch in life!

 

[My Name]

I dont how it worked back in the earlier days when there were 3 sanctioning bodies. I only witnessed mid 80's untill now.
Ihra was always second fiddle to the Nhra but they coexisted.
They had variety of classes between the two.
Nhra said to keep a fair field in nitro, they could only race/test X amount of times.
That tied teams hands to keep them from Ihra IMO.
Ihra was sold and a decision was made to stop the National Events.
Ihra now has a new owner that spends money and wants to bring it back and everyone goes bat shit.
As of while I'm writing this, both hra's have pluses and minuses.
I'm guessing there is someone that sees what's posted online by both organizations.
I feel they can coexist again.

PS.
Alan, you do seem a little grumpy lately. I'll send you a Snickers.
Just having fun !

 

[tom]

I'm not anti IHRA. I would not have accepted the IHRA position I did if I didn't think I could help. It didn't work out, but that doesn't mean that things can't still be better.

I am also not anti NHRA, I worked for them for 34 years, and my house is paid for because of them. I'm not wanting them to fail. But, things could be better. For the Pros and the Sportsman.

I was in contact (and I wasn't the only one) with people at NHRA when I was at IHRA. Never did I make a call that wasn't returned. Many times it was a tech or rules question. We didn't want racers to have to makes changes from I to N. That was common ground. Also schedule stuff, wanting the racers to have options, but not to have to choose one or the other. And we worked together. I also had communication with executive level people, again. I never made a call that was not returned.

Now it feels so adversarial, I'm not sure if common ground at a high level is possible, but I hope it is. I think there is room for both organizations.

I still think that many things could be done better, on both sides. And I wish I could help. I have seen a lot of things that work, and a lot that don't. I have been around for a long time. And I have seen more than most from the inside. I hate seeing mistakes repeated. But I keep seeing that......

Alan

do you think the NHRA needs more people with direct ties to actual racers and races ?

 

[none]

I think that communication with the racers has not always been the best. But the channels are getting better.
And hiring Jason Galvin as Sportsman Racing Manager was a major step forward.
He is a racer, speaks the language and understands their wants and needs.
Alan

 

[65 Goatboy]

Was Jason doing that in 2025 or is it a new position?

 

[GumbyWVU]

Some years ago, NHRA had a compact car series, FWD and RWD, mostly turbo V-6 & turbo 4 cyl. It was aimed at young people. Seems to have gone away after a few years. I thought that series was great, since many young people drive Hondas, etc. I wonder if a series like that could make a comeback? Would that be a way to attract younger people to drag racing?

I had forgotten about that series....why did it go away? Lack of interest? Or was it absorbed into other sportsman classes?

Seems like there would be a certain appeal of it today, in trying to draw newer/younger fans.

 

[Ponyhntr]

Was Jason doing that in 2025 or is it a new position?

He was doing it all of 2025

 

[none]

Was Jason doing that in 2025 or is it a new position?

I don't know the exact timing, but he took the position this year.
Alan

 

[You!]

These situations always remind me of a quote my dad had on his toolbox in a Dynolabel..."THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR CUBIC MONEY". Now if you know the original phrase, this altered wording even applied back in the 50's and 60's. The Import deal went way out of the budget range for the enthusiasts it was aimed to entice. Same thing has occurred in Nostagia Fuel classes. I knew we were screwed when the first 18-wheel rig arrived at Famoso with 5 complete long blocks under the benches.

There is no fixing that BTW. Often times the racers are their own worst enemy.

I wish nothing but the best for IHRA and can only hope that the N group doesn't salt the earth with bad decisions due to their pride. Unfortunately, it won't surprise me if they do, with Maple Grove being a prime example.

I had forgotten about that series....why did it go away? Lack of interest? Or was it absorbed into other sportsman classes?

Seems like there would be a certain appeal of it today, in trying to draw newer/younger fans.

 

[Under_Pressure]

These situations always remind me of a quote my dad had on his toolbox in a Dynolabel..."THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR CUBIC MONEY". Now if you know the original phrase, this altered wording even applied back in the 50's and 60's. The Import deal went way out of the budget range for the enthusiasts it was aimed to entice. Same thing has occurred in Nostagia Fuel classes. I knew we were screwed when the first 18-wheel rig arrived at Famoso with 5 complete long blocks under the benches.

There is no fixing that BTW. Often times the racers are their own worst enemy.

I wish nothing but the best for IHRA and can only hope that the N group doesn't salt the earth with bad decisions due to their pride. Unfortunately, it won't surprise me if they do, with Maple Grove being a prime example.

At one of the dirt tracks around here there are some guys who show up with a legit semi stacker trailer with their 4 banger cars. A class that was supposed to be completely affordable and not in any way serious, people are treating it like a big deal. Same with the Crown Vic stuff (which I hate anyway because Crown Vics are awesome cars and I hate seeing them chopped up by the dozen for that). People these days (especially younger people) take themselves and everything they do so seriously, it is impossible for anything to stay low budget and fun. And they would rather be the big dog in a lower class than put the money in the car and work their way into being competitive in a bigger class.