Things that make you go Hmmmmm...

[HEMI6point1]

I have respect for the super class racers, as they are tough categories to win in. However, they really are participant classes, as they have NO appeal from a spectator's point of view, for the reasons mentioned above. If it was up to me, I would replace the .90 classes at Nat'l events with TD and TS. JMO.

SC and SG is like golf - fun if you're taking part, boring to watch from a spectator's view.

Thankfully pro mod is at G-ville but it would be awesome to see them at more events.

 

[mick]

i'm all for PM @ BIR too, even if every 1 of 3 years would be ok.

i think the real question is whether the entry fees from the super classes
could be replaced by another class/classes, plus there's only so much
time in a day over 4 days at a nat. event. myself I enjoy the downtime between
the pro classes on fridays and saturdays to walk the pits / drink beer / eat lunch
etc...........even watched pro stock on saturday this last year from about
the 1500' mark from the comfort of my padded atv seat under shade tree
drinking cold beer..........can't sit in bleachers all day; sorry to say the
present format fills a day nicely.

 

[nick name]

I think a lot of people have totally missed the real story regarding Pro Mod.

It's not a Pro class. It follows the schedule it does because the money that backs it pays for those races. If more races get PM competition, it will be because more money was paid to NHRA.

Putting it another way, NHRA "rents" their staff and venue for these guys to race and oversees the program. And even before the economic slowdown, I've not seen much indication that Glendora was interested in providing something for nothing - at least that's the way they seem to be looking at it.

Pro Stock Truck would still be around if someone like Roger Burgess had stepped up back then and agreed to fund the class.

Like it or not, we're slowly moving to a pay to play system, especially if the class doesn't involve existing classes and nitro.

 

[Buns]

I think a lot of people have totally missed the real story regarding Pro Mod.

It's not a Pro class. It follows the schedule it does because the money that backs it pays for those races. If more races get PM competition, it will be because more money was paid to NHRA.

Putting it another way, NHRA "rents" their staff and venue for these guys to race and oversees the program. And even before the economic slowdown, I've not seen much indication that Glendora was interested in providing something for nothing - at least that's the way they seem to be looking at it.

Pro Stock Truck would still be around if someone like Roger Burgess had stepped up back then and agreed to fund the class.

Like it or not, we're slowly moving to a pay to play system, especially if the class doesn't involve existing classes and nitro.

That's why I said I'm hopeful Roger would be on-board with paying more money and recruiting more sponsors to get Pro Mod to more events and a larger audience.

 

[FC138fan]

I think a lot of people have totally missed the real story regarding Pro Mod.

It's not a Pro class. It follows the schedule it does because the money that backs it pays for those races. If more races get PM competition, it will be because more money was paid to NHRA.

Putting it another way, NHRA "rents" their staff and venue for these guys to race and oversees the program. And even before the economic slowdown, I've not seen much indication that Glendora was interested in providing something for nothing - at least that's the way they seem to be looking at it.

Pro Stock Truck would still be around if someone like Roger Burgess had stepped up back then and agreed to fund the class.

Like it or not, we're slowly moving to a pay to play system, especially if the class doesn't involve existing classes and nitro.

Couldn't you swap a PRO class (PSB) for an up and coming class (PM)? I would think more people would stay in the stands to watch PM instead of PSB, isn't that the goal? What brands work on a PSB bike that wouldn't work on a PM car? (other then Harley, Suzuki).

 

[Nunz]

Well if the pay to play deal is the wave of the future for new categories, then I'm going to find a boatload of money and fund a AA/FA series to run at National events! Yeah, crazy but it would be cool...

 

[TooTall999]

Couldn't you swap a PRO class (PSB) for an up and coming class (PM)? I would think more people would stay in the stands to watch PM instead of PSB, isn't that the goal? What brands work on a PSB bike that wouldn't work on a PM car? (other then Harley, Suzuki).

Not to mention there's a whole lot more advertising space on a Pro Mod car vs. a PSM. And there isn't much excitement generated by the bikes at all.

 

[sdwarf36]

Couldn't you swap a PRO class (PSB) for an up and coming class (PM)? I would think more people would stay in the stands to watch PM instead of PSB, isn't that the goal? What brands work on a PSB bike that wouldn't work on a PM car? (other then Harley, Suzuki).

Last event I went to they charged me to get thru the gate-not for how long I sit. Besides-1 round of PSB takes less time than a guardrail repair from Pro Mod.
Next event time how long PSB is on track (takes 2 minutes a round maybe?) now time how long the S-10 pick up is shooting t-shirts--theres things to get rid of without taking out another class.

 

[FC138fan]

Last event I went to they charged me to get thru the gate-not for how long I sit. Besides-1 round of PSB takes less time than a guardrail repair from Pro Mod.
Next event time how long PSB is on track (takes 2 minutes a round maybe?) now time how long the S-10 pick up is shooting t-shirts--theres things to get rid of without taking out another class.

If they could eliminate other classes that are less entertaining (as mentioned in previous posts, Id say the 8.90, 9.90 time cars with throttle stops etc are from my perspective less entertaining then PSB's) and squeeze in the PM I'd be fine with that.

But the whole PRO argument (which I don't fully understand) would say that you would have to eliminate an existing PRO field and substitute with a new PRO field. In my opinion PSM is my least fav PRO field, and if I had the choice id rather see PM then PSB.

Cant they demote PSB to non PRO and then bring in PM as PRO? (again I dont fully understand the PRO thing). Then your just adding more entertainment without taking anything away.

 

[Toejam]

It seems that Roger would be up to doing what it takes to make Pro Mod a full time class. Judging from his actions, he seems to have a deep love for Pro Mod cars.

How many of these guys could afford to run a Full schedule? I bet fewer than you think!

 

[Buns]

How many of these guys could afford to run a Full schedule? I bet fewer than you think!

That's also part of it.

I'm not saying there aren't things that would have to be figured out and worked around. Just saying that the more races that have Pro Mod, the better, IMO.

 

[nick name]

Couldn't you swap a PRO class (PSB) for an up and coming class (PM)? I would think more people would stay in the stands to watch PM instead of PSB, isn't that the goal? What brands work on a PSB bike that wouldn't work on a PM car? (other then Harley, Suzuki).

From what I see, people in the stands are definitely a goal but it's fairly far down the list. I'd say that the upfront money is king right now and any gate money is just icing on the cake.

Part of that may be because of the way a National Event's money is split between the NHRA and the host track. I don't know for sure, but I'm guessing that the NHRA would much rather have a specified amount of class-sponsoring money paid directly to them rather than sharing a highly variable amount coming from admission.

Why bikes and not PMs? I agree with previous posters in that the bikes don't take much time to run a session and rarely oil the track. But the real kicker here in my mind is the Harley money. Ain't no telling how much changes hands but I'd bet it would surprise a lot of people. Besides, bikes have a long history with the NHRA from back in the day when a Triumph Bonneville was the quickest thing on the street, through Top Fuel Bikes, to the present day factory wars.

Trust me, if Kia decided to back a class for alcohol burning Souls and signed a multiyear contract for a boat load of money with corresponding advertising and team support, a place would be found for them.

And they might even join the Pro ranks.

For those still confused about Pro vs Non-Pro, off the top of my head:

Pro classes race at every race during the Pro session.
Pro classes are promoted as one group by NHRA Media Relations and Marketing.
Drivers in Pro classes will be the ones making the appearances, press conferences, and TV spots when a race comes to town.
Pro classes are the core of what NHRA sells and what they brand.

Non-pro classes sometimes are described as exhibition classes.
Promotion is done by separate press releases and campaigns.
They race in their own sessions and can be bumped if needed.

 

[Buns]

Saw this on another forum.

Sterling Bridge adds support to Get Screened America Pro Mod Drag Racing Series

CONCORD, N.C. – As part of its continuing support of drag racing, Sterling Bridge, a Canadian-based commercial real estate investment company, has signed on as the presenting sponsor of this weekend's Get Screened America Pro Mod Drag Racing Series event at zMax Dragway.

Sterling Bridge is a familiar name to Pro Mod fans through it's primary sponsor of the '67 Camaro driven by Danny Rowe.

Rowe is second in the current Pod Mod championship points and the Sterling Bridge hot rod carried the Southern Californian to the winner's circle earlier this season in Houston.

Sterling Bridge was founded in 1999 and provides investment packages for its member companies.

Hopefully Sterling Bridge will like what it sees and continue in helping Roger with sponsoring the GSA series.