Villain281H

iTrader: (5)

Updated as of 1/27/12:

For those that have experienced or enjoy index racing on a pro-tree start (an all-run style has been done under the NMCA and other series as "Open Comp" classes, while the NHRA Unleashed series ran a separate class for each index the last 2 years)...


NHRA's Southeastern Division (division 2) will host its second season of index racing at all 6 Lucas Oil divisional races after a successful 2011 season. Basically, the index classes use the NHRA Unleashed design/formula: a 1/4-mile contest done on three pre-set indexes: 10.00, 11.00 and 12.00. The 10-second class uses a 4-tenths pro-tree, while the 11 and 12-second classes use a 5-tenths pro-tree. Racers can win the coveted Wally trophy at each event, as well as a decent purse ($1200 total with $750 going to the winner) for what at most is usually a five round contest. The entry fee is $100, but that covers Friday-Sunday admission for a racer. A full spectator pass for the event is $60, so not a bad deal in my opinion...
Entry fee and purses for the index classes are here: http://www.nhradiv2.com/apcm/templates/divnews.asp?articleid=48843&zoneid=14

You are required to be a member of the NHRA as well as hold a current NHRA competition number. Racers also accumulate points towards a season championship (where the 5 best events count towards your points total), where a divisional championship Wally and gold card goes to each of the 3 class champions (the gold card gives you free admission to the follow season's Lucas Oil races)!


Class rules and frequently asked questions are here: http://www.nhradiv2.com/apcm/templates/divtech.asp?articleid=48765&zoneid=25

The schedule is below:

Feb. 10-12 Orlando Speedworld Dragway Orlando, Fla.
The schedule for the Orlando race: www.nhradiv2.com/apcm/templates/divnews.asp?articleid=48751&zoneid=14
Feb. 17-19 Gainesville Raceway Gainesville, Fla.
The schedule for the Gainesville race: www.gainesvilleraceway.com/apcm/templates/news.asp?articleid=48746&zoneid=65
March 2-4 South Georgia Motorsports Park Valdosta, Ga.
June 22-23 Atlanta Dragway Commerce, Ga.
Sept 28-30 Bristol Dragway Bristol, Tenn.
Oct. 12-14 Silver Dollar Raceway Reynolds, Ga.


For more information, check out the Division 2 website at www.nhradiv2.com or contact division director Rich Schafer @ RSchaefer@nhra.com or shoot me a PM!


I'm planning to run at least the first 3 of races before committing to the rest of the tour. These races are similar to a Gatornationals style of classes where you can not only compete but watch a ton of different classes (minus the fuel cars, pro stock and pro stock bikes).


Derek

skat

iTrader: (3)

I want to do it but I'm really not sure I want to deal with an NHRA lic. I'll have to sleep in it.

Villain281H

iTrader: (5)

Understandable, but if you ever wanted to run a points series, membership is part of the deal with almost any organization. And it's nice to know you have your own # instead of wondering what TNT # you'll get...

Fonzi383

iTrader: (7)

Can you sign up for the NHRA stuff at the track or do you do it a head of time.

Villain281H

iTrader: (5)

Shawn,

You'd probably want to do ahead of time to save any possible delay on race weekend, as there are a lot of cars at the first few races. People usually tow down from up north and run 2-3 of the first 3 Lucas Oil Races and then stay for the Gatornationals.

If you need any help out, let me know as the NHRA division 2 office is in Gainesville!

Derek

Fonzi383

iTrader: (7)

Is friday required or can you come just sat and sunday

Villain281H

iTrader: (5)

I don't think Friday is a requirement, but you may only get 1-2 passes versus Friday where they normally give you 2-3.

Derek

Fonzi383

iTrader: (7)

I'm going to bring the camaro for 12.0 can't wait !!! Got to save the days off for lsx series luky this one is close wear I can due just sat and sun see you there Derek thanks for posting about it didn't realize NHRA had index.

Villain281H

iTrader: (5)

Yep; the index racing is fun! It's something NHRA division 2 started in 2011, and I'm glad they are giving the little guys a shot.

If anyone has further questions, the division 2 office can be reached at 352-374-9922, or online at www.nhradiv2.com/

Derek

Villain281H

iTrader: (5)

Update:

The schedule for the opening race at Orlando Feb 9-12 is here: http://www.nhradiv2.com/apcm/templat...8751&zoneid=14

Entry fee and purses for the index classes are here: http://www.nhradiv2.com/apcm/templat...8843&zoneid=14

Class rules and frequently asked questions are here: http://www.nhradiv2.com/apcm/templat...8765&zoneid=25

I spoke with Rich Schafer today on the phone, and he is trying to gear the index classes towards a weekend style race. Although the Orlando race will have a Friday index qualifier, there are 2-3 more planned between Saturday and Sunday (schedule of course is subject to change with an event this size; crashes, oil downs, larger than expected fields, etc. This will allow people to make the commitment to run a race like this but not have to take Friday off from work or to travel necessarily.

Derek

Villain281H

iTrader: (5)

Bump: first race at Orlando is this weekend!!

Derek

Fonzi383

iTrader: (7)

Can't wait great news on the fri not required

Fonzi383

iTrader: (7)

Made first qualifier today added 150 lbs and went 12.12 a little less for 12.0 better conditions tomorrow huge turn out can't wait till the morning !!!

Villain281H

iTrader: (5)

Congrats Shawn! I hear the weather is supposed to get better as the weekend progresses, so you may want to leave that weight in! I couldn't make it due to a last-minute family emergency, so good luck!

Derek

C5_Pete

iTrader: (8)

That's really cool. I've looked at the NED and can't find any info on index racing up here. Is it a div 2 thing only? Or am I just not looking in the right place?

Have fun with this class!

Villain281H

iTrader: (5)

From what I know, division 2 is the only one that tried it out last year, and the new division director believes it has a future. Would be cool to see it in more places, as I think it's a much more fun class for racers to participate in and spectators to watch close racing.

Derek

C5_Pete

iTrader: (8)

Thanks for the info. I'm going to email the Div 1 guy today to see if it's in the future for us.

I really can't complain about the racing up here, as we have many venues that all have good race series including index racing.

But, something about racing for a Wally makes it appealing.

Villain281H

iTrader: (5)

Gainesville completed; despite the weather curveballs of rain, wind and dropping temps on Sunday.

SGMP is next up on March 2-4.

Derek

C5_Pete

iTrader: (8)

How is this class going this year?

Any updates?

Villain281H

iTrader: (5)

So far they've run 4 of 6 races. The first three had combined car counts of about 50. The division director has told me he wants to continue doing this, as it gives more entry level racers and enthusiasts a chance to try out divisional racing. The series hits Bristol next month, and the finale is in Reynolds GA at Silver Dollar on the second weekend in October.

Derek