[RocktimusPryme]

Originally Posted by misterp266

The only thing I don’t like about IHRA is all racing will be 1/8 mile. Maple Grove has a huge shut down area.

This is an interesting part of some arguments to me. Because especially for the older crowd "Drag Racing should be 1/4 mile" is a common sentiment. I watch an interview with Don Garlits on how he would "Fix" drag racing, and his whole argument was basically go back to 1/4 mile on all formats, and slow the nitro cars down by pulling fuel.

Conversely, I saw an interview with some NASCAR official, who was stating that they are struggling to attract younger fans.

I bring that up, because I do not think the pool of potentially new fans or participants to drag racing have anywhere near the same attachment to 1/4 mile racing that established older fans do. Most have probably spent far more time watching Street Outlaws and NPK, than they have watching Warren Johnson.

I think Garlits is saying what would satisfy him, not what would attract new people. There is also an argument about not alienating the fans you have, but by and large I think people who like a thing stick around. For every person who said they would never watch the NFL again a few years ago, I would bet very few stuck to their guns. Thats not to say you take your fans for granted, but strategy should lean more towards growth than maintenance.

From a spectator sport perspective, stars mean everything. Some of that is just dumb luck. Two charismatic drivers come along at the same time that have a rivalry. But the great thing about drag racing is compared to other sports, the barrier to actually compete yourself is low.

And FWIW I felt the same way about 1.4 mile. But then around here only 1 of the local tracks is full quarter. So I raced 1/8th some out of convenience. And found I didnt mind it. Less likely to kill me, less extended RPM time on the engine. As I did it more, I felt less and less of a need to travel to Indy for the big track.

[sdbob]

We were just talking Norwalk was IHRA. Rumor we heard will not go back,stay NHRA.

[Jack Gifford]

Originally Posted by RocktimusPryme

... But the great thing about drag racing is compared to other sports, the barrier to actually compete yourself is low...

If it weren't for the lack of venues, landspeed racing is open to anyone.

[sdbob]

Jack.I just happened onto a tv program,Bonneville On The Brink. Talking about racing there and I think 2 brothers running a 70 Pontiac Abody(they said GTO) with a Butler engine. I think they were around 200 mph. Scott Sterkgenburg(spl). Interesting program.

[Nacs Fab]

Ill tell you, with some pretty major NHRA sanctioned Tracks getting Demoed in the last 3 or so years, its been pretty pathetic to watch the NHRA go down the way it has. I think IHRA is doing a killer job promoting and brining back these old tracks. Is the tracks below going away due to NHRA issues or track owner issues?

Tracks GONE: Bandimere Speedway, Atlanta Dragway, Heartland Motorsports Park, and Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park

[Elarson]

Track closings can be for a myriad of reasons.

Kil Kare Dragway in Xenia, OH is an interesting example. There's lots of encroaching development but their operation as a racetrack is grandfathered in. If they ever cease to be operational, they lose their status and can never be reopened as a racetrack. The sand & gravel company across the street is hoping for that; so they can swoop in and buy the property for sand & gravel excavation.

Mid-America Raceway in Wentzville, MO is another story. According to Wikipedia..."In 2005 it was sold to a developer, after facing years of hostility from the neighboring homes that had built on property adjoining the race track." The other part of the story is that the owner had several children. One was interested in running the track...the others were not. In consideration of future inheritance issues, the only fair way to accommodate all the kids was to turn the track into a cash distribution among them.

Eric

[72projectbird]

Originally Posted by Nacs Fab

Ill tell you, with some pretty major NHRA sanctioned Tracks getting Demoed in the last 3 or so years, its been pretty pathetic to watch the NHRA go down the way it has. I think IHRA is doing a killer job promoting and brining back these old tracks. Is the tracks below going away due to NHRA issues or track owner issues?

Tracks GONE: Bandimere Speedway, Atlanta Dragway, Heartland Motorsports Park, and Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park

NHRA has really gone down hill over the last 20 years, with them speed running the stupidity and nonsense over the last 10 years. Those in charge are so far separated from reality its no wonder they're struggling. We're seeing similar cases across other major players in motorsports.

Competition breeds competition, which results in a better product for everyone. Watching the IHRA rise from the ashes and start chipping away at what the NHRA has neglected for years has been satisfying to watch. Let's see how the NHRA responds.

I dont have much faith in them doing anything noteworthy.

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by Nacs Fab

Ill tell you, with some pretty major NHRA sanctioned Tracks getting Demoed in the last 3 or so years, its been pretty pathetic to watch the NHRA go down the way it has. I think IHRA is doing a killer job promoting and brining back these old tracks. Is the tracks below going away due to NHRA issues or track owner issues?

Tracks GONE: Bandimere Speedway, Atlanta Dragway, Heartland Motorsports Park, and Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park

Atlanta was noise complaints and they were going to build something else on the land.

K

[RocktimusPryme]

Originally Posted by Jack Gifford

If it weren't for the lack of venues, landspeed racing is open to anyone.

Yes and no. I used to work in Palmdale at General Atomics. My facility was very literally on the El Mirage Dry Lake bed.

I was super interested in having some sort of record and did a bunch of research into classes that seemed gettable, and relatively affordable.

But my problem was that you had to be part of a club to participate. Which, im a little anti social so that didnt super appeal to me, but I recognize thats a "Me" problem. But even still, I was doing deployment work, and likely wouldnt have been able to meet the volunteer requirements.

It just seems there was a lot more gatekeeping to landspeed than is necessary. I wanted to just be able to pay whatever entrance fee, show up pass tech and race.

It was also never clear to me if I had to have a push vehicle? So do I have to show up with two vehicles? The safety cost, is a lot higher too I think. Needing fire suppression systems and all.

Im still super interested, even though I dont live in that area anymore. I would like to do some standing mile stuff if there is any in the midwest, but like you said venues can be a problem.

[Keith Seymore]

Does IHRA require a competition license for 9.99 and quicker?

My NHRA license has expired. Chassis will need a re-cert in May 2026. Norwalk is the only remaining NHRA track near me (3 hours away).

Milan, Martin (US-131), Stanton (Mid Michigan Motorplex) and Lapeer are all something else now. Onondaga is presently closed (hopefully temporarily - due to noise complaints).

K

[Probird]

Originally Posted by Keith Seymore

Does IHRA require a competition license for 9.99 and quicker?

My NHRA license has expired. Chassis will need a re-cert in May 2026. Norwalk is the only remaining NHRA track near me (3 hours away).

Milan, Martin (US-131), Stanton (Mid Michigan Motorplex) and Lapeer are all something else now. Onondaga is presently closed (hopefully temporarily - due to noise complaints).

K

Yes they do require a license at 9.99(6.39) and a chassis cert at 6.00 in the 1/8th. The good thing is IHRA will accept an NHRA license and certification.But NHRA will NOT accept the IHRA licensing and chassis cert. I keep my NHRA up to date for this reason even though my local track is IHRA. IHRA is the best bang for the buck for us sportsman racers.

[Lee]

Originally Posted by Jack Gifford

If it weren't for the lack of venues, landspeed racing is open to anyone.

IF you can pass their safety rules.

I ran the Texas Mile last October. I needed a helmet with an SA15 or newer cert, and some other common sense clothing. Tires have to be less than 7 years old, and a few similar things. A basic tech inspection, then I was good to run to 150mph. After making a controlled pass in the 140-150mph, range, I was then certified to run up to 199.9. I think older cars may have to have more safety equipment.

I ran 167.40 in a stock '16 Corvette. It was fun!

ECTA runs the Arkansas Mile, which is actually 2km (right at 1.25 miles), but they require a full fire suit. They have some other events as well, possibly a Bonneville Mile in July.

SCTA rules seem WAY more restrictive. From what I've read, sounds like ALL cars must have rollbars.