A Chance For NSS/FX to Hit The Big Time

Most of you know that the AHRA is making their comeback. For those who don’t know who the AHRA (American Hot Rod Association) is, they were a drag racing Sanctioning Body that started in 1958, but came into its own in the late 60s when the NHRA irritated a bunch of race teams with rule changes. This incarnation/revival of the AHRA is not a reuse of an old name – but actually has many of its officers as being the younger generations of the past ACRAs’ officers. They are quickly signing up new tracks and sponsors, and have announced a 2010 “Reunion Tour” of some of the tracks who have left the NHRA or IHRA for the AHRA. My understanding is that 2011 is when they’ll be going big and will have a complete series that competes with the other sanctioning bodies, while the 2010 "Reunion Tour" series is for fine-tuning their game plan.

About 5-6 weeks ago, I took the initiative to see if the AHRA would include Nostalgia Super Stock as one of their classes, utilizing the “Universal” rules recently adopted between many of the NSS groups/clubs. After many contacts and discussions, I was told (on a 48-minute phone call) today that they’d like for me to propose (on a minimal budget) how NSS can prove to the AHRA that it will bring the cars and fans – beginning with the first “Reunion Tour” race in April. Based on conversations, which I can’t really get into at the moment, I believe that they would like for us to race – but are skeptical that we can bring the number of quality cars (and fans) to justify it. I think they underestimate what this can develop into for both the ACHA and for NSS – but they will give us a short string to change their mind. I think that the AHRA is a great fit for NSS, as there are other Nostalgia classes (including Nostalgia Funny Cars, Nostalgia Pro-Stock, AA/FA Dragsters…) and that we’d all benefit with the NSS/FX class being part of their point series. The NHRA and IHRA have never given NSS/FX this opportunity – and I’d sure hate to see us blow this opportunity to prove to the AHRA that we’re not only worthy – but that we will be a very popular class in AHRA.

There are four 2010 “Reunion” races. The first is in Gilliam, Louisiana; the second is in San Antonio, TX; and the final two in Ohio. I’ve been convinced that the showing we make for the first race – will determine how they will move forward with the NSS/FX class. This is made more difficult by that being the same week of another popular NSS event that is only a couple hundred miles away. After speaking with Doug Duell and Mark Artis for their opinions on how to proceed, I plan to propose for NSS/FX to be a class in a points series of all four of their announced US Races. Points would be awarded for teching in (50), qualifying position (0-100), and the number of rounds you went (100 per round). Championship Totals would use the points from your best three races (throwing out your worse), plus 100 points for those making all four events. Purse for the first race should be the same as the other event running that weekend ($1000 1st, $500 Runner up, $200 Semi-Finalist, and $75 Quarter Finalist) assuming a 16-car entry – so that the purse shouldn’t be the issue. Rules will be unchanged from what we run in the NMCA or the Monster.

After taking an initial head count of the Texas drivers – I think we can come up with about eight. We’ll be making calls to other Southern drivers (OK, MO, TN, GA, KY) and try to convince them to help with this investment for NSS’s future in AHRA. I ask for all drivers to ask themselves if the inclusion of NSS in AHRA isn’t a major deal that would take NSS racing to the next level – and to get the class of racing some of the respect (purses, quality events, treated better…) we feel it deserves – and if so, not only commit to be at the Thunder Road Event (April 30-May 1, but to immediately and proactively encourage their NSS friends to also do so. THIS RACE IS THE MOST IMPORTANT NSS RACE TO DATE & OUR ONE SHOT AT PROVING WE ARE READY FOR THE BIG TIME.

I need to have an idea of a reasonable car count by this Thursday – so I can properly propose to the AHRA and answer their questions on car count – or to tell them we won’t have the count they need. Please make the decision to be part of the positive showing to NSS by committing to come to this event – and then email me back telling me who you are and that you Will Attend, Might Attend, or Won’t Attend. Then take this a step further and call our email your NSS buds to do the same. Optionally, members (and it is free to be a member — so why not) of NSS-Racing, can post their status at http://nssracing.ning.com/events/thunder-road.

The window of opportunity is now open – let’s climb in while we have this chance. This is not the time to stand on the sidelines and see what happens after others first make the investment in NSS' future. Be a leader, and part of why AHRA accepted the NSS/FX class. If we can get 30 cars at this race — we'll be well on the way to the Big Time.

I will post updates to the AHRA discussions at http://nssracing.ning.com/ (Click on the NEWS tab).

Thank you for your attention in this important matter,

Dave 'Old Hippie' Schultz