I hope this is the right to put this. Anyone near north eastern OH, Kuhnle Motorsports Park (formerly Thompson Dragway) is having an intro to dragracing event, covering everything from front gate to track. Should be pretty cool.

I need to know the part about the finish line cause I’m a no driving sum-b-itch!

This is a good idea every track should do. Our sport is suffering a severe decline in new racers and therefore becoming a dying sport.

I really do not know how much it will help. The Junior Dragster program was set up to bring in new racers and it certainly has helped not in the numbers I hoped for.

Still the tracks and all racers need to do what we can to get more racers on the track. I try to be helpful and supportive to all newcomers.

NHRA should mandate that every track hold a certain number of events like this every year.

quote:

Originally posted by BD104X:
NHRA should mandate that every track hold a certain number of events like this every year.

Personally, I think having such an event, every so often, is a fantastic idea . However, I don't think a mandate from NHRA is such a great idea. Unless I am mistaken, the NHRA already makes a bracket program a mandate for their member tracks. In my opinion tracks are not going to be exactly happy with another mandate. They are doing the best they can, and don't need yet another regulation to adhere to. Take care. Tom Worthington

My thoughts would be for the sanctioning body (IHRA, NHRA, WDRA) to have their division directors reserve at least 1 date per year for the tracks in their division and put this on. I'm talking about the directors doing the orientation. That is if they are paying their directors as full time help.
At one time IHRA required that their tracks tech people to sit through an orientation before they were allowed to perform tech and take the SFI Bronze test. Of course the track nor IHRA enforced it.

Dave

Good to hear positive thoughts on this topic.
I will be going to this event, even though I'm not a complete noob, I've never raced at this track but have been there as a spectator. Plus the layout of this track changed with the new ownership. It will be good to know what's expected of me and where to go upon arrival.
My local track is very laid back, it's basically run what you bring, no tech or anything. I've never actually competed, just ran to see what time my vehicle could get.
I think tracks should at least have someone at the entrance gate who can tell you this info. Things like where to park, who to see about actually racing, and what you need to do.

For the 2024 season, my local/home track, Coastal Plains Dragway, ran a program to get younger folks into the driver seat and teach them drag racing. As I recall, the car/truck had to be on the typical daily driver level, like the family escalade. No race cars allowed. Young licensed driver with an approved adult in the passenger seat. I don't remember if it had to be a parent. Pretty sure it was only held on test and tune days. Many I know felt it was a great idea. I only saw it once when I attended a test and tune, but it seemed to go very smooth. I don't know if they're doing it this season.

I love this idea. Way back in the B&M series days, George Howard put me in charge of the GM Performance True Street class, which was a class for novice racers, held on Sunday mornings prior to eliminations in the main event. I had the pleasure of working with people that were there as racer support (moms/dads/grandparents etc) in their street vehicles. It was a blast, and we taught quite a few people how to race. I'm sure this mission will do the same. Hats off to all involved.

The only thing I'd add, is video of the event. It would be great to document this and help many future racers that were not able to attend in person.

Just got home, good time and educational. Probably 30-40 cars there, almost all street drivers. They started with simple safety instructions, walked us to the starting line and explained the tree and how to stage, then everyone got to drive, those who needed assistance got a rider to help.
My time slips were decent. I made 3 runs;
ET; 10.623, 10.620, and 10.627.
Speed; 67.67, 67.59, and 65.94.
Reaction; .042, .124, and .007.
Not bad for a bone stock GMC 1500 4x4 that weighs close to 6000#.