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Post by p518 on May 13, 2015 5:47:19 GMT -6
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Post by dennismopar73 on May 13, 2015 5:59:09 GMT -6
Totally agree but bracket racing as I know it is dying
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Post by bracketracing on May 13, 2015 6:20:15 GMT -6
Totally agree but bracket racing as I know it is dying I'm shocked you would say such a thing
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Post by eticket on May 13, 2015 7:02:16 GMT -6
Bracket racing is just like any sport. When I ventured into sand drags back in the 70's a good CJ with a mild build was competitive then larger motors and then rails and the cost kept going up. Look at T/F early on lots of cars the again the need for speed morfed into what we have today. It's the nature of the beast. If bracket rules changed eventually over time things would be back to where we are now and the future generations would be having the same conversations. JMO
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Post by jeremy341a on May 13, 2015 7:19:06 GMT -6
It's simple there is no new blood coming in or at least very little. It costs too much to get into the sport. The average guy can't afford it.
However there was over 400 cars in Vegas for SpringFling and over 600 at the d3 race in Indy. So I wouldn't say it's dead just yet.
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Post by dennismopar73 on May 13, 2015 9:01:23 GMT -6
Once it was allowed to cross over classes the average racer/ home brewed racer could not compete so those guys left the sport into other less stressfull activities In my line work i get to talk to several of those guys and most agree the sport has blown out of perportion for the average guy to even think about buying into the drag racing world Then add in tracks having seen less n less racers tech has become a honor system so as not to piss off racers and lose what they have Then let any car run in any class so the attitude for them is if they wanted to compete in their class they would have built a car for that class. So each track has had a helping hand along with racer who do show up n run see oppertunity to run 2-3 classes at each event Even the novice racer has been pushed aside to watch a super pro car run in their class Then we wonder why less n less racers want to even race Then add in the money it takes now days to have a competitive car is above what most make im a year
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Post by p518 on May 13, 2015 9:33:49 GMT -6
I don't believe at all that is what Jok Nicholson was stating. The direction you are taking this thread is going off topic. Not why it was posted by me. You may want to re-read the article.
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Post by dennismopar73 on May 13, 2015 10:09:30 GMT -6
He hit on so many topics as to why you're seeing a decline The economy has made things tough other racers who have the deep pockets to out do the normal racers Track prep as he states has become hot debate amoung those who just have to have a perfect run after run It all plays a part in the mix as to the decline in racers and new racers coming into this sport The average cost just to go racing is what he said a racer can plan on spending close to $300 any given weekend to go to an event and payouts not much more than that So it has created issue in its self I remember tacing for just a trophy and paid $25 to do it was happy Then got to race for $75 to win an a trophy A lot has been lost in just the glory of winning a race having fun
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Post by 396z on May 13, 2015 10:17:13 GMT -6
I think the article has some valid points. It wouldn't hurt my feelings if Pro was a footbrake class since that's how I race. One point he is missing is that I think there are a number of previous super pro cars that have stepped down to pro in the hopes of being more competeive. How many Pro cars would quit altogether if they couldn't use transbrakes? Could a no-electronics Pro class hurt car count? I don't know if it would or not. I fear it might though. He is just guessing like everyone else what would bring more people into the sport. His guess is as good as any.
I like that Gateway started a trophy class. I think it's a good attempt and I hope it continues.
I also think there is a place for big money bracket racing. All bells and wistles blowing. I think big money and the big drama of it can create excitement and interest if promoted correctly. I think there is room for everyone in the sport. It's up to the racetracks to be creative and promote a program that people will be interested in.
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Post by bartc on May 13, 2015 10:26:33 GMT -6
I agree with the article, but what I think is not considered is that a kid with a "older" hand me down car nowadays means a fuel injected, computer controlled, car of some kind. And not something that lends itself to tinkering and let's see what it does. Or let me swap this motor in and see what happens because joe down the street did it.
that coupled with the large amount of front wheel drive cars and too many other things to spend your time and money on and you have to really seek out going to the drag track. just my opinion.
While I'm not a fan of midnight madness and would never go there myself, it might be the best way to move someone who gets the bug of racing to move over to test and tune and then bracket racing.
personally I think the biggest issue with bracket racing is it takes too much time and not necessarily too much money.
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Post by dennismopar73 on May 13, 2015 11:29:55 GMT -6
Idono about the time being a factor It does if any track decides to take hours n hours on a program Money is biggest issue
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Post by 338d on May 13, 2015 12:00:15 GMT -6
Like Jeremy said, the cost to do it is difficult for the average person. I know its tough for me and that I have to be real picky on the parts I buy and the races I attend because of the money factor. My wife has always just worked part time, so I guess you could call us a single household income, which is not easy these days. I have a daughter that competes in dance, which costs around 7-8 grand a year, so that doesn't leave dad with much extra money to go racing with.
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Post by eticket on May 13, 2015 12:13:25 GMT -6
Cost is a big factor. My son who is a union carpenter and makes pretty decent money could not afford to do S/P if I didn't help. But then again you try and race with the budget you can afford. If you want to race bad enough you will find a way and any winnings or a trophy is icing on the proverbial cake. And as far as the amount of time spent I would rather be at the track than doing yard work or golf given a choice.
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Post by bracketracing on May 13, 2015 12:19:08 GMT -6
I spend about the same $ that I spent in the eighties. I have the tax records to back that up. That being said we don't race 3 days a weekend. Our cars are so much better and now we know our reaction times. One main problem in my eyes is young people don't have the drive we had when we started. Yes we spent every dollar we had back then. Younger kids have more places for their money. And being able to work on cars isn't cool anymore
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Post by 396z on May 13, 2015 13:33:14 GMT -6
I agree with Kevin. I don't think you necessarily have to spend a lot of money. We just choose to. A lot of people feel they have to spend more and more to be competetive. I'm not sure that's the case. You can still pick up inexpensive stuff rolling, drop in a motor and go have fun. Late 80s and early 90s cars are out there for next to nothing. There are lots of inexpenive, really good performing small block cylinder heads everywhere. I think not as many youngsters are interested. Cost can be a factor if you let it be. I think you can put together a 12 second car for under $5K, run Sportsman with it, have some fun and sell it for $5K a couple years later. If you want to run in the 9s or faster and run Super Pro, Yes, you Better open the wallet.
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