In yall's humble opinions: Do you think in NHRA competition, it is harder to win a national event or a divisional? I would say that a national win is more prestigious, but not necessarily more difficult. I'd like to hear some thoughts from those that have run them and outsiders who haven't.

Question:
National Or Divisional?

Choices:
National Event
1/4 Mile Divisional
1/8 National Open

 

No difference

quote:

Originally posted by Larry Scarth:
No difference

What's the reasoning? I think divisionals are tougher given the increased car count. Quotas are usually 40-60 at nationals, but divisionals often have more than that. Granted they aren't spread out over 3-4 days like national events are.

I would like to vote but I didn't because I'm not a NHRA runner.

My opinion though would be that a National should be harder seeing as it should draw more varying/top talent from different parts of the country. That doesn't mean that a divisional is easy to win by any means.

Curtis

You race the same people at the same tracks. I have been fortunate to win at both Divisionals and Nationals. I really don't see a difference. Nationals are contested over usually 3 days verses 2 days for Divisionals. The racer in the other lane is racing the same days as you are. So no advantage there. Just my 2 cents!

Back in "the day" let's say 80's to early 2000 I'd say Nationals. Way larger events, way more emotion, way more variance in track, over more days.

Divisional Races were less days and usually less racers, but I wouldn't figure that into it, really the less days and usually a more consistent surface then National Event races.

IMO

fair enough. also gotta consider despite the lower car count, nationals can only be entered by people with a bunch of grade points, so you know you'll be racing someone who has been to several races within the last year. Not gonna find joe shmo at a national

The correct answer…….. who cares about NHRA

Unless you are chasing a National championship it’s divisional racing. Time is not an issue, there aren’t that many cars.
Sonoma national win in comp a while back was around 13k. Sonoma Top Sportsman win a few years ago was half! Winning the 2021 World Finals in TS - I’m pretty sure it was around 6k..by the time all decals pay… if they all do..
You’re doing well to pay for fuel. Maybe…..

Grade points drop the week before to fill the field if it’s not full.

I’m gonna say they’re all tough. I’ve been trying to win a Wally, any Wally, National, Divisional, Local you name it for well over 50 years. Still don’t have one. Guess that shows how tough I am! Everyone is running over themselves to race me first round.

quote:

Originally posted by Cashflow:
I’m gonna say they’re all tough. I’ve been trying to win a Wally, any Wally, National, Divisional, Local you name it for well over 50 years. Still don’t have one. Guess that shows how tough I am! Everyone is running over themselves to race me first round.

This is your year Vern.

Having raced in both Nationals and Divisionals I think Nationals are harder to win. Besides all the reasons other have already stated I find the biggest challenge it the spread out schedule. With only a couple of rounds per day coupled with hours between rounds it is hard to get rolling as compared to a divisionals when on Sundays you have a much faster set of rounds.

Raced both during my racing days. While the competition is wider at the National level, the Division competition always seemed tougher. At the Divisional you have a more consistent track and weather most of the time. Those that are very competitive get dialed in early and have that advantage, though at both you still need to hit the tree. At Nationals, you get to spend a lot of time visiting or maintenence on you gear. Both were very enjoyable, as you get to pit next to others and widen your friend list.

Yes, travel here in Division 7 is crazy. Loosing the Sonoma Divisional's has really hurt the West. Boils down to what the track charges NHRA for an event. Cha Ching!
Won’t be a National Open at sac this year. D am. Shame!

Don't forget whether it's a Divisional or National you don't race 60 or 70 cars in the field, only 6 or 7 cars. There are racers that do fewer divisional races at Nationals because they can't get off work, etc. But that doesn't mean they aren't good racers. It's luck of the draw whom you race at both divisionals and Nationals. I still think it's even regarding difficulty. Just my opinion.

Having raced both and won neither in my eyes they are both equally hard to win. Both have their pluses and minuses for the racer

quote:

Originally posted by CURTIS REED:

quote:

Originally posted by Cashflow:
I’m gonna say they’re all tough. I’ve been trying to win a Wally, any Wally, National, Divisional, Local you name it for well over 50 years. Still don’t have one. Guess that shows how tough I am! Everyone is running over themselves to race me first round.

This is your year Vern.

I'm pulling for him too!

quote:

Originally posted by Tony Barrett:
Having raced in both Nationals and Divisionals I think Nationals are harder to win. Besides all the reasons other have already stated I find the biggest challenge it the spread out schedule. With only a couple of rounds per day coupled with hours between rounds it is hard to get rolling as compared to a divisionals when on Sundays you have a much faster set of rounds.

Fair point, but I'm with Runner-up. It is tougher to hit the dial in National events given the schedule spread, but the race being completed in one day at divisionals means you get closer sooner, but so does the other 50-80 cars. Seems to make for tighter racing overall

I race in Stock Eliminator and I would say it is tougher to win a National event.
Why?
Because just being able to enter a National event is hard enough. Last year,I wasn't able to enter at my favorite track in St Louis with 7 grading points.So this year,I got 8.
Couldn't enter the Gatornationals this year.
(Wasn't planning on going,but couldn't race it anyways)

quote:

Originally posted by Cashflow:
I’m gonna say they’re all tough. I’ve been trying to win a Wally, any Wally, National, Divisional, Local you name it for well over 50 years. Still don’t have one. Guess that shows how tough I am! Everyone is running over themselves to race me first round.

Vern is over due! This is your year Vern.