You also see a common thread re-occuring as well?
For some strange reason, they seem to be getting a kick out of surprises?
Pro Stock Trucks?
Mandatory Tire changes?
Welfare inspired points system?
Moving tracks out from under major sponsors?
What's next? or What are the chances one of their upcoming surprises will actually benefit the NHRA, Racers or the Sport.

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"The Doctor"
www.wannaberacing.com

im with ya 100 percent charles. pontiac needs a sponsored event.

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kalitta motorsports kb/summit pro stock john force racing-#1 fan visit a legend@ arniebeswick.com

NHRA is becoming famous for their 'let them eat cake' decisions...i wonder if their reward will be the same. Sorry Tom, you just ain't cuttin it.

From a company's view there may have been specific reasons they were the title sponsor at Columbus as opposed to other locations. It may have been in a region that met what ever specific targets they were trying to reach. You have to keep in mind Columbus is right in the middle of Ohio, which probably pulled pretty decent numbers from southern Indiana, Kentucky and West Virginia markets. Now that the venue will be 2 hours further north, they may be anticipating a potential loss in reach from those markets. At the very least there will be some change in the demographic, which may not fall in line with their expectations/goals from when they first signed on as the title sponsor.

Regardless, it's insane that the NHRA didn't at least consult with them first, even if they were hell bent on making the change. I still find it hard to believe that they wouldn't have. Pontiac being the customer, you at least make them feel important enough to discuss the matter with them and let them air their support or lack there of regarding the change. It may just be a case where the move really is not a big deal for Pontiac, but since they were not at least advised of it, they felt their place in the sport was insignificant, and therefore why should they put their money into it, especially when they are so strapped?

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Greg Duffield
ACS Data Recovery
http://www.acsdata.com

Greg, Not trying to derail this topic but quick question.

What the heck is going on @ Temple Academy ?
You can email me at mgreene@ethosgroup.com if you care to discuss it so we don't hijack this thread.

THE GENERAL ISN’T HAPPY
(9-5-2006) - Numerous sources report that GM drag racing honcho Fred Simmonds, one of the most highly respected and well-liked corporate representatives active on the quarter mile, is less than pleased with the move of the Pontiac Nationals from Columbus to Norwalk Raceway Park. Simmonds was reportedly informed of the move via a voice mail on the day of the announcement, and if true, this would be far from the first instance in which NHRA has handled a delicate matter in this manner. The rumor mill is churning with some wild ones on this subject, including the possibility of GM asking for the return of their loaner vehicles, which would include all of the GMC trucks used for the Safety Safari.

I've never been to Norwalk or Columbus but, I seem to recall people complaining about Columbus almost every year.
Parking in the mud seems the common thread.
On the other hand, my perception is that most folks RAVE about Norwalk and have often said it should have been an NHRA track. Is this an IHRA is great (to the racers) and NHRA is the great Satan-thing?

Jim,

Columbus IS a $hithole. Period end of story. By far the worst NHRA facility I've been to.

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Got Wilk?

Support kids with Muscular Dystrophy

Second that!

Jim, In response to your question the answer is NO. You can not believe the difference until you have been to both tracks. Norwalk is by far the better of the two tracks. Then you add in the Bader factor on how you are treated and the answer is clear.

jim

PS: They are right, don't EVER get caught in Columbus when it rains unless you have a 4 x 4 with big mudders......

Never been to Columbus, but enough of my friends have to agree with you. My vote would be for Indy, personally.... talk about an overrated facility (and I'm speaking as a racer, not a spectator), but Orlando comes in a close second.

Summit is going to sponsor Norwalk Race.

That's JEG'S country.

Gosh, ever think that since the GTO is going away and GM's financial problems are leading to belt tightening that maybe NHRA drag racing isn't a big winner for them?

How long do you think it will be before we see the TOYOTA Nationals?
If they are doing a Funny car body, how long before we see a pro stock Celica? They built a pushrod motor just for NASCAR. Do you think they will do one for NHRA? They got cubic money and want to play.

Dan