What's the future of Drag Racing with this generation?

[sdwarf36]

I've now come to a point in my life where I'm the 'old guy' in the shop. When I heard the kids i worked with have never even driven anything with a Chevy V-8, I was shocked. This was at an auto machine shop-with gear head kids. They could tell you the best Mitsubishi blocks to have-or what you have to do to make your Subbie live. They could double their stock hp-just like we could years ago.
Start from scratch-how much would it cost you to build a an 11 second 72 Camaro? What could you do with it? Tow it to the track + go in a straight line. Maybe a cruise night. Getting 9 mpg on good gas-and an uncomfortible ride.
Start from scratch-how much would it cost to build an 11 second 2002 Subaru? What could you do with it? Commute to school-autocross-track day-go grocery shopping. Slam on the brakes and have the car stop-pull 1 G on a skidpad-turn on the Ac-go thru a drive thru window + be able to hear to order-all while getting 30 mpg.
If you think you can somehow convince that kid that carbs + pushrods are cool-bring them to a race + show them around. If you really want to get them involved, find a way to get them racing against their buddies in cars they know. I know--NOPI failed-not sure why-its a shame-that was the golden oppertunity.

 

[4g63rwd]

I've now come to a point in my life where I'm the 'old guy' in the shop. When I heard the kids i worked with have never even driven anything with a Chevy V-8, I was shocked. This was at an auto machine shop-with gear head kids. They could tell you the best Mitsubishi blocks to have-or what you have to do to make your Subbie live. They could double their stock hp-just like we could years ago.
Start from scratch-how much would it cost you to build a an 11 second 72 Camaro? What could you do with it? Tow it to the track + go in a straight line. Maybe a cruise night. Getting 9 mpg on good gas-and an uncomfortible ride.
Start from scratch-how much would it cost to build an 11 second 2002 Subaru? What could you do with it? Commute to school-autocross-track day-go grocery shopping. Slam on the brakes and have the car stop-pull 1 G on a skidpad-turn on the Ac-go thru a drive thru window + be able to hear to order-all while getting 30 mpg.
If you think you can somehow convince that kid that carbs + pushrods are cool-bring them to a race + show them around. If you really want to get them involved, find a way to get them racing against their buddies in cars they know. I know--NOPI failed-not sure why-its a shame-that was the golden oppertunity.

NOPI failed because the people running it (NDRA and NHRA both) didn't manage it correctly. There were a bunch a ways to go, but their ways eventually started turning racers (and fans!) away.

 

[Marchboom]

If they do attend an NHRA event and see the throttle stop cars go down the track, they will surely make for the exits and never come back.

100% agree.

IMO, throttle stops are the worst gadget NHRA has ever allowed. The drivers may like it but it takes all the excitement away from the race.

 

[parrotwhisperer]

The key is to get them on the race track. It doesn't matter what kind of vehicle they drive. Get them on the track. If you do, many will say "this is FUN" and "I can do this". Then the hook will be set and they will morf to other vehicles etc. They may be around until marriage and babies come along. Some will be back later in life. We need programs to get them off their duff, put down the electro gadget and participate. I know it is easier said then done but that is the challenge.

 

[Jimbo]

Well today I am off to the races but not to watch a drag race.

There is a National BMX bike race taking place today in Oldsmar, Florida and when I drove by the place on Saturday it looked kind of like the Gatornationals pit area with trailers and motor homes all over the place. There were even a few semi's rigs parked there.

Not sure if kids are more interested in racing bikes then cars but I am going over the take a look.

I never realized how popular BMX bike racing has become in recent years.

Jim Hill

 

[Huge]

I don't think we can blame low attendance on the economy here in California anymore. I have been to 2 supercross races this year and they were pretty close to a sell out, and i was at the nascar nationwide race yesterday and it was a really good crowd for a nationwide race... and they announced that the cup race today is sold out. I think the thing that has helped nascar fill their seats at Fontana was dropping to one race a year here

 

[clwill]

100% agree.

IMO, throttle stops are the worst gadget NHRA has ever allowed. The drivers may like it but it takes all the excitement away from the race.

The idea that people come to a national event and enjoy the fuel cars, the alcohol cars, the pit access, and the midway, but are so repulsed but the Super classes that they leave and never come back is ridiculous.

 

[Larry jr.]

The idea that people come to a national event and enjoy the fuel cars, the alcohol cars, the pit access, and the midway, but are so repulsed but the Super classes that they leave and never come back is ridiculous.

I'm repulsed by the drunk pit lizzards and knuckle dragging fences hanger at the nhra races , No smoking in the stands anymore so all the smokers and drunks hangout at the fences so now you have to go through a cloud of cigarette smoke and puddles of stale beer to get anywhere near a seat.

 

[Speed1288]

The only thing these kids care about is their I-phones or smart phones or whatever they're called. Take this away from them and they're lost.

Yeah that's it

 

[Jimbo]

One poster posted this comment "The only thing these kids care about is their I-phones or smart phones or whatever they're called. Take this away from them and they're lost"

In a sense you are partially right!!! Growing up many of us never had all these modern computer toys to play with but today's kids do!!!

I read a very good article written by a track promoter on why it is so hard to get fans and spectators to come out to local tracks. When he was interviewed for the story they were doing the interview in a restaurant and in walked a mom and dad along with three teenagers and the track promoter told the person doing the interview to look at the family for a moment and just observe what he saw them doing.

The three teenagers were all looking at either their smart phones or their I-Pads. Once they ordered their food even the mother and father were checking their phone for text messages. Not much talking going because everyone is busy with their gadgets!!!!!!!!!

The track promoter told the person doing the interview that is what we are up against in today world of racing and years ago we had none of those distractions to deal with and people looked forward to the weekend and either watching local drag racing or circle track racing.

It's just my opinion but electronics and other computer related gadgets have really hurt drag racing and taken away the raw talent needed to drive many of the different classes of cars.

I think it would be more interesting to follow the lead of many groups around the country and go back to the way the cars were run years ago without most of the electronics controlling the car.

Jim Hill

 

[Diesel Funnycar]

One poster posted this comment "The only thing these kids care about is their I-phones or smart phones or whatever they're called. Take this away from them and they're lost"

In a sense you are partially right!!! Growing up many of us never had all these modern computer toys to play with but today's kids do!!!

I read a very good article written by a track promoter on why it is so hard to get fans and spectators to come out to local tracks. When he was interviewed for the story they were doing the interview in a restaurant and in walked a mom and dad along with three teenagers and the track promoter told the person doing the interview to look at the family for a moment and just observe what he saw them doing.

The three teenagers were all looking at either their smart phones or their I-Pads. Once they ordered their food even the mother and father were checking their phone for text messages. Not much talking going because everyone is busy with their gadgets!!!!!!!!!

The track promoter told the person doing the interview that is what we are up against in today world of racing and years ago we had none of those distractions to deal with and people looked forward to the weekend and either watching local drag racing or circle track racing.

It's just my opinion but electronics and other computer related gadgets have really hurt drag racing and taken away the raw talent needed to drive many of the different classes of cars.

I think it would be more interesting to follow the lead of many groups around the country and go back to the way the cars were run years ago without most of the electronics controlling the car.

Jim Hill

I've been lurking around here for a few years now but this topic has inspired me to spend my one dollar to comment . Im the father of a 20 year old professional couch patato & for the life of me I don't understand , his parents work all day & come home with sore backs . My wife taught college a few years ago & had to go through a seminar on how to teach this new generation & how to get them to learn . It boils down to they feel dishonor in working hard & want to know how to make the most amount of money with the least amount of work . Drag racing is exactly what these kids are not looking for .... A bunch of work with mere seconds of gratitude .

 

[Larry jr.]

Well I taught My kid how to tig weld at age 6 so when He broke the frame of His Gary Turned built BMX racer He knew how to fix it, before He learned to ride dirt bikes He learnd how to tune a carb and service it. Then I taught Him how to build a 838 stroker SBC for our Camaro and swap the 5 speed for a TSI TH 350 with a brake and 3,500 stall converter and 4:56 rear end then a 526 fuel motor and how to start it and put a base line tune in it .
At Age 14 we had him crewing on Roomans NTF at Bakersfield, at 17 His first summer job (last summer) working at my vette restoration shop doing the chassis on a 57 Fuelie Vette that we sold for six figures when it was done.

For the past year and a half the kid has been doing the circut with the Mandellas' and I with the Shiley Muldowney top fuel car, and will be 18 in a few weeks.

All that AND He's a defensive lineman ready to graduate highschool heading to collage to play ball.

 

[flapjack]

I grew up in a neighborhood where my neighbor worked on cars, so I got plenty of education about cars. But when I went to college, I focused on studies, not cars. It was sort of what my parents wanted. Larry, on the other hand, brought his son up working on cars. So maybe part of the problem is that parents want something different for their children? I know my dad was blue collar and, and even though there is nothing wrong with blue collar (I'm white collar, but have immense respect for the craftsmanship of those who work with their hands for a living), wanted a different life for me. So cars weren't in it as a way of living. It will be interesting to see how my youngest nephews turn out. My brother-in-law is a mechanic. I go to Topeka with him every year and his sons are approaching the age of being taken to the races, so we'll see if they catch the bug.

 

[Nick Name]

The idea that people come to a national event and enjoy the fuel cars, the alcohol cars, the pit access, and the midway, but are so repulsed but the Super classes that they leave and never come back is ridiculous.

Right there is the reason for the decline. some can't see it.

 

[Toejam]

I think the thing that has helped nascar fill their seats at Fontana was dropping to one race a year here

Gee Eugene, you would think NHRA could think of that!

 

[Jimbo]

When I compare the value of going to a NASCAR race or an NHRA race I still believe hands down the NHRA wins simply because as a spectator you are allowed into the pits which I always thought was a cool idea. For the amount of money you spend on a ticket my money is better spend at an NHRA race then sitting somewhere in the stands simply watching the race.

Just my opinion. Jim Hill

 

[Huge]

When I compare the value of going to a NASCAR race or an NHRA race I still believe hands down the NHRA wins simply because as a spectator you are allowed into the pits which I always thought was a cool idea. For the amount of money you spend on a ticket my money is better spend at an NHRA race then sitting somewhere in the stands simply watching the race.

Just my opinion. Jim Hill

I agree, and that's why i only go to one nascar race a year... and i probably wouldn't go to that one if i didn't get free tickets.

 

[Jimbo]

Sometimes I have to wonder about the people who market Nascar and why they do certain things.

We all know the costs of trying to go to a Nascar race and if you are trying to take the wife and kids you can spend a lot of money fast.

My question if attending one race is that expensive why would they schedule another race say for either the trucks or Camping World Series at the same track for the same weekend? Do they think you are going to buy tickets for all three races for that weekend?

Jim Hill

 

[FABMAN]

I know at Kansas Speedily most tickets sold are for the weekend. A lot of seat are season purchased to make sure you are guaranteed certain seat arrangement but you have to purchase all races for the season.. It might be different now but that's the way it was when track first opened.

 

[clwill]

My question if attending one race is that expensive why would they schedule another race say for either the trucks or Camping World Series at the same track for the same weekend? Do they think you are going to buy tickets for all three races for that weekend?

Thousands do. Just like NHRA race weekends. People plan their vacations around it.