"It was only several years ago when it didn’t take many grade points to be able to enter an NHRA national event, but that cycle is certainly changing."

https://dragracingedge.com/the...of-business-blog-72/

Very good article John

Yep good one. The sky is not falling. At least not quickly. LOL

That is an interesting article, and to the point. Most local tracks that have bracket programs really have but one customer. The racer.

I thought you were supposed to support your local track no matter how bad the program or condition of the track is just so they don't close. You mean the track owner operators have to do more than just open the gates and turn on the lights? You mean they actually have to provide a quality product and service to keep or attract new customers?

Too many racers stay at there local tracks just because its close to home. We all have freedom of choice to keep ourselves safe. Just because its NHRA sanctioned does not mean the guard rail is ok.

Now you're telling me the sanctioning bodies don't inspect the tracks they allow to use their logo in advertising? I thought they were all about safety and making sure the tracks they sanctioned are safe and insured.

Insured ya safe? Thats the racers responsability if you dont check you dont know.

quote:

Originally posted by Eman:
Now you're telling me the sanctioning bodies don't inspect the tracks they allow to use their logo in advertising? I thought they were all about safety and making sure the tracks they sanctioned are safe and insured.

My experience as a NHRA small track operator is that if we saw an NHRA official every 5 years they were ahead of schedule for their regular track visit. Now I will say that we saw folks from the insurance comapany come around a little more often.

The NHRA folks typically make more routine visits to the tracks that hold divisional or National events.

As the old saying goes...You pays your money and you takes your chances

I agree with Vetman. The days of Armco guardrail should be behind us. Cars are faster, lighter and we are paying a lot more to race every weekend. Solid walls should be a minimum requirement as an ambulance with rescue tools should be another requirement.
The best local track I have ever raced at as far as proper safety enhancements has to be Tri-State Raceway in Earlville, very well setup every weekend.
As for NHRA inspections...laughable at best. If they can get insurance and pay the sanctioning fee, you are in.