I think the IHRA will live. We had a great show in Salt Lake this year. Their crew was top notch, and blended well with the local track personnel. Several things have been mentioned in this thread, which deserve comment. First I would agree, for the fans a paid in Pro show is the way to go. They get to see all the cars run each and every round. I don’t think most fans really care who wins the race, they just want to see Nitro/Pro Mod/Alcohol cars run. I know the parking lot was overflowing and the stands were full. The NHRA testing restrictions had to have hurt paid in shows. People will come out to see the big boys run a match race.
Someone mentioned Pinks. What is so appealing about Pinks? Simple, heads up, all out racing. If someone could come up with a formula that transcended 4 or 5 different speed/class of cars that would provide heads up racing without sending cost/tech inspection thru the roof, the Pinks formula would keep fans in the stands for Sportsman racing. I am a bracket racer, and love it, but most people don’t understand it. Even if they do understand it, they prefer the simple formula of all out, first guy wins.
Having suggested heads up racing, I will be the first to admit based on how we have seen the sport progress, I don’t think there is a formula out there that could contain cost. Just look at the cost associated with Super Sport or Super Comp. That is why there are so many bracket guys racing. We can compete based on our own budget, whether it is SC, ET, Top Dragster or whatever. Even crate engine programs don’t work. Just ask the circle guys. If there was a class that was heads up, and the cost was comparable to bracket racing, offered some diversity in car types, I would be the first one to buy in. It is a great dream, but I don’t think it will happen any time soon. Until then, I am very thankful for bracket racing, local tracks, the IHRA, the NHRA, and all my fellow racers who put money, blood, sweat and tears into this sport. We should all do everything we can to support our local tracks, and whoever the governing body is, so we have a place to race.
Earl Helm