Here is a question for bracket racers:
Given these three payouts, which would you rather see on a weekly basis?
Payout #1:
Entry Fee: $50 (buybacks $25; run each other in 2nd round)
| Winner | $1200 |
| R/U | $400 |
| Semis | $200 ea. |
| 1/4 finals | $100 ea |
This payout pays eight cars at the most. For $50, $1200 is a good amount if you win the event. Quite possibly over 85% of the racers go home with nothing.
Payout #2:
Entry Fee: $40.00 (buybacks $25; run each other in round 2)
| Winner | $600 |
| R/U | $400 |
| 6th rd. lose | $125 ea |
| 5th rd lose | $ 80 ea |
| 4th rd lose | $60 ea |
| 3rd rd lose | $40 ea |
| 2nd rd lose | $20 ea |
Payout #3:
Entry Fee: $75 (No Buybacks, but a $25 Consy race for 1st, 2nd, 3rd losers with 90% payback is always scheduled.)
| Winner | $2000 |
| R/U | $1000 |
| Semis | $500 ea |
| 1/4 finals | $250 ea |
| 1/8 finals* | $125 ea |
| *(paid only if 7 rounds to win) |
I know there are a thousand ways to do a payout. The basic problem for track operators is whether the racers want higher entry fees, more chances to buy back or lower entry fees, no buy-backs and a little more round money. If you have an opinion or an example from your local track, send it to me. Next month we can analyze some local track payouts and see the ones that look the BEST for the Racers and the Tracks.
Will technology start to rule in bracket racing, or has it already?
Every season it seems that a lot of racing forums and discussion boards talk about new technology that will improve their racing. It could be EFI (electronic fuel injection) that is less susceptible to weather changes and lets the engine be tuned by computer. Could it be high-tech transbrake buttons or solenoids that actually cause a delay between driver release and car movement in the No-box classes?
Improved GPS systems, how fast and accurate are they? Can they tell you if you are at a certain point before you want to be (tell you if you are breaking out)?
As most bracket racers know, there are ignitions and pieces of electronics that can electronically control tire spin. They usually work by either controlling the rate of engine acceleration by controlling RPM (slew-rate) or they retard ignition timing to take power away from the engine. If you don’t spin your tires you will have a better chance to repeat your ET. The problem with this technology is that it will require better tech inspections. This is the type of item that could change bracket racing if it isn’t controlled and monitored.
When there are races that pay $50,000, $100,000 or even $250,000 to win there will be racers who feel a little “cheating” may be worth the risk of being caught. It won’t be as obvious as a tach wire. It will be something we don’t even know about yet.
Do you honestly feel there is “cheating” in Super Classes and bracket racing today?
Let me know what you think about this. A quick email to me will work. I am interested in getting some numbers on this. NO NAMES will be used in this data and all email addresses will be deleted. I guarantee it!
More safety equipment and required purchases are coming:
Most of you that run 9.99 seconds or quicker (6.40 and quicker on 1/8th mile) have heard about the “engine diaper” rule. For 2007 all NHRA Super Gas and Super Comp cars will be required to have one. In 2008 that rule will apply to ALL BRACKET RACERS faster than 9.99. The Sportsman spec. is SFI-7.2. Make sure the one you buy is tagged with the SFI tag. WOW! Might be time to get a good sewing machine and start making engine diapers! What about the racers who just bought engine diapers and they didn’t have the tag? I would guess NHRA didn’t consider the $400 you just spent as important enough to address that problem. Will it keep people away from NHRA Lucas Oil events? I doubt it, but availability of SFI-tagged engine diapers might.
Is this rule just another “muffler rule” to sell advertising?
Could be. They might be real strict on enforcement at first, then it will slack off. There is no doubt the engine diaper is a great safety addition to any car in the event it blows an engine. You have to ask yourself one thing: do you think this rule is about you blowing an engine and not driving on oil OR is it about NHRA wanting to prevent delays caused by oil-downs at their events? You decide what you think.
If this engine diaper rule is about safety then why doesn’t NHRA make the 38.1 spec helmet restraint rule mandatory for 9.99 and faster?
About the only crashes you see in bracket or Super class racing is at the finish line. Guys jump all over the brakes to dump someone or at the last second realize they are too far ahead and lock up the brakes. This has caused some nasty top-end crashes when the driver loses control or breaks some suspension parts when the rear tires lock-up. If NHRA wants to get safer, get someone to watch the finish line and disqualify drivers who lock up their tires hitting the brakes. The life and car they save will be worth any bitchin’ they might hear.
I am doing a very special tech feature next month in all of our magazines. It will be called “RACER SAFETY – 101.” I hope you take the time to check it out. You will see the latest products, installation tips, common mistakes, helmets to shoes, harness to HANS I will do my best to show you how to protect your biggest investment. . .YOU!
Don’t forget to add our other magazines to your Favorites List:
www.MoparMax.com, www.MaxChevy.com, www.ovaltracking.com
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