Discussion
I don't know what other racers feelings are after the riders and drivers meetings. It's pretty rough that the SPRC racers tickets have had to be stopped, but thats probably not surprising since SPRC have just had to pay towards infrastructure improvements at the Pod.
But the main issue that has caused most concern is the withdrawl from the EDRS by Trakbak.
This is a massive step back for the sport in the UK, especially the sportsman classes.
For those racers who prefer not to race at Shakey for various reasons and unable to compete for their respective UK championships, this gave us a chance to be part of more than just a club (SPRC) championship.
It's far easier to sell yourself to potential sponsors if you are competing for a European title than a club title.
As it stood when originally announced, 5 rounds would be at the Pod, 3 at Drachten and 1 at Hockenheim. Racers had to compete at 5 rounds this would have meant European racers would have had to make the trip to the Pod at least once to make up their quota of five rounds. Not only would this have boosted the field numbers especially in the classes that have relatively small fields such as the Super classes, it would also would have provided much needed additional revenue for SPRC in entry fees, plus I think we all like to see some variety in the entry lists European racers provide when they race over here.
We have probably seen the last of European racers coming to the Pod in the numbers they have done previously. Because of the Trakbak decision to withdraw, SpeedGroup have given the EDRS round to make up the 5 neccesary championship rounds to Kumandras. So we have the rediculous situation where Santa Pod, the so called 'home' of European drag racing is not part of the European Championship for sportsman classes. This can only lead to UK sportsman racing becoming isolated from the sport moving forward in Europe, and it is moving forward in Europe. It's not looking good when there are issues with UK participation in the Pro classes.
It seems to me that Trakbak are using SPRC members as a political tool in a battle with Speedgroup. At the end of the day it would only mean taking the points earned at SPRC meetings being totalled up and counted towards an EDRS championship.
There may be legitimate reasons for there decision, it would be good to have an explanation.
Asa Kinnemar EDRS/Speedgroup co-ordinator wants to hear from UK racers, whether they were going to enter or not, concerned with these developments, these will be passed onto Micke Gullquist who is going to make a statement on Eurodragster soon, her email mailto:asa.kinnemar@speedgroup.eu
Having spoken to her they are also bewidered by this decision.
But the main issue that has caused most concern is the withdrawl from the EDRS by Trakbak.
This is a massive step back for the sport in the UK, especially the sportsman classes.
For those racers who prefer not to race at Shakey for various reasons and unable to compete for their respective UK championships, this gave us a chance to be part of more than just a club (SPRC) championship.
It's far easier to sell yourself to potential sponsors if you are competing for a European title than a club title.
As it stood when originally announced, 5 rounds would be at the Pod, 3 at Drachten and 1 at Hockenheim. Racers had to compete at 5 rounds this would have meant European racers would have had to make the trip to the Pod at least once to make up their quota of five rounds. Not only would this have boosted the field numbers especially in the classes that have relatively small fields such as the Super classes, it would also would have provided much needed additional revenue for SPRC in entry fees, plus I think we all like to see some variety in the entry lists European racers provide when they race over here.
We have probably seen the last of European racers coming to the Pod in the numbers they have done previously. Because of the Trakbak decision to withdraw, SpeedGroup have given the EDRS round to make up the 5 neccesary championship rounds to Kumandras. So we have the rediculous situation where Santa Pod, the so called 'home' of European drag racing is not part of the European Championship for sportsman classes. This can only lead to UK sportsman racing becoming isolated from the sport moving forward in Europe, and it is moving forward in Europe. It's not looking good when there are issues with UK participation in the Pro classes.
It seems to me that Trakbak are using SPRC members as a political tool in a battle with Speedgroup. At the end of the day it would only mean taking the points earned at SPRC meetings being totalled up and counted towards an EDRS championship.
There may be legitimate reasons for there decision, it would be good to have an explanation.
Asa Kinnemar EDRS/Speedgroup co-ordinator wants to hear from UK racers, whether they were going to enter or not, concerned with these developments, these will be passed onto Micke Gullquist who is going to make a statement on Eurodragster soon, her email mailto:asa.kinnemar@speedgroup.eu
Having spoken to her they are also bewidered by this decision.
Edited by nickgood on Sunday 4th March 23:38
I don't know the history behind any of this, and I'm only a mere spectator, but which ever way you look at it, politics suck and NEVER get you anywhere, both sides will lose out and e sport will be worse off because of it......if we want to move the sport forward, working together is ALWAYS the best route!....otherwise you just end p pissing racers off!
Just out of interest why have trakbak pulled out?
Just out of interest why have trakbak pulled out?
Edited by 37chevy on Monday 5th March 00:09
there was no vote as it was Tracbaks decison not to be part of it, the main concern is towards the word EUROPEAN, in the title this brings a whole new ball game level to events reguarding, staffing, marshalling, insurance, and possible effects MSA meetings due to the word EUROPEAN, which then brings in the FIA.
MajorLucky said:
there was no vote as it was Tracbaks decison not to be part of it, the main concern is towards the word EUROPEAN, in the title this brings a whole new ball game level to events reguarding, staffing, marshalling, insurance, and possible effects MSA meetings due to the word EUROPEAN, which then brings in the FIA.
Well circuit racing such as British f3 and gt have european races, sounds like they just need time to figure things out and sort out any concerns and go for it next year hopefully!
As a previous spectator for over 10 yrs and now part of NG Motorsports Crew its times like this i have seen over the years the downcline in the race meets at Santa Pod.. We have lost so many english drivers (no offense to our european drivers)... It's such a shame that the Sportsman class is not recognised as much but we help contribute towards watching the big boys race which everyone likes to watch.... Am disppointed that decisions seem to be made on a whim and by people sitting at a desk pushing a pen to paper instead of going out there and finding out what racers,drivers and spectators come for. Yes it is a hobby and thousands of pounds put into the sport whether from sponsorships or other investments or by bloody hard grafting.An example Gary Malin who funded his race cars and meets by himself with no sponsorship whatsoever just like lots of racers do, he lost two race cars at Avon Park which cost him a total of £38,000 but still came back for the love of the sport and the companionship to his fellow racers in the Sportsman Classes. He shelled out a further £47,000 for a new race car (Serious Playtime) to be able to continue his love for this most wonderful sport..That is Sportsman Racing... No one is arguing about the amount of money that it costs everyone to race each season but to withdraw funding or european racing at Santa Pod the home of European Racing and the best track in Europe (hence it starts at Santa Pod and Championship ends at Santa Pod) is wrong... Good for you Nick Good and speaking out as the voice of all Sportman Class. You get our vote on this one 100%.... Also posted on Super Pro ET National Championships Facebook Page
trackday addict said:
Well said Nick & if it wasnt for JDS rounds & our keeness to showcase our jap car in front of a jap crowd we would not be running in the UK at all this year which is a shocker.
No Comp Elim, No Top Doorslammer - no route for 6 sec cars that dont want or cant compete in Pro Mod !
Sounds like the customers ie you need to sit down and tell trakbak what YOU want, not the other way around.....from a spectators point of view I'd love to see top doorslammer or top sportsman too!No Comp Elim, No Top Doorslammer - no route for 6 sec cars that dont want or cant compete in Pro Mod !
lol - no we wont - just wont race here then - lol
Lifes to short as said numerous times, we owe it to ourselves & our sponsors to race properly not to please others in events that do not help us or sponsors etc etc
Lifes to short as said numerous times, we owe it to ourselves & our sponsors to race properly not to please others in events that do not help us or sponsors etc etc
leffehoegaarden said:
LOL.
Build it and they will come.
You could have a long wait John!
Build it and they will come.
You could have a long wait John!
It could be risky to upset too many Europeans when you consider the top/pro/FIA classes are predominately European, if they kept their (collective) cricket bats at home to play with for the two UK FIA rounds how small would the entry lists be, and how attendance figures hold up?
We are told that SPR gets most of its income from "lifestyle" events, but would the two FIA events continue if they made a whopping loss?
We are told that SPR gets most of its income from "lifestyle" events, but would the two FIA events continue if they made a whopping loss?
I should have made it clear. EDRS based on NHRA Divisional and NDRS models. Both successful.
Tracks participating.
EDRS Southern Division
Hockenheim, Drachten, Kumandras
EDRS Central Division
Tierp, Lindesberg, Vasteras, Alastaro, Motopark, Gardermoen.
EDRS Northern Division
Sundsvall, Helle, Kalajoki, Kubbe, Pitea,
Tracks NOT participating
Santa Pod,
Thats 14 tracks participating in a European Drag Racing Series.
And 1 thats not, 2 if you include Shakey.
Now how is this good for us in the UK.
I would love to know what terrible things within SpeedGroup and EDRS we should be protected from by Trakbak. The least we are owed is an explanation.
Lets hope Trakbak are really going to get a lot out of this decision, it has to be a lot to be worth hacking off this many racers in the UK and Europe, and a group of people who are trying to take things forward.
Tracks participating.
EDRS Southern Division
Hockenheim, Drachten, Kumandras
EDRS Central Division
Tierp, Lindesberg, Vasteras, Alastaro, Motopark, Gardermoen.
EDRS Northern Division
Sundsvall, Helle, Kalajoki, Kubbe, Pitea,
Tracks NOT participating
Santa Pod,
Thats 14 tracks participating in a European Drag Racing Series.
And 1 thats not, 2 if you include Shakey.
Now how is this good for us in the UK.
I would love to know what terrible things within SpeedGroup and EDRS we should be protected from by Trakbak. The least we are owed is an explanation.
Lets hope Trakbak are really going to get a lot out of this decision, it has to be a lot to be worth hacking off this many racers in the UK and Europe, and a group of people who are trying to take things forward.
Edited by nickgood on Tuesday 6th March 00:53
nickgood said:
I should have made it clear. EDRS based on NHRA Divisional and NDRS models. Both successful.
Tracks participating.
EDRS Southern Division
Hockenheim, Drachten, Kumandras
EDRS Central Division
Tierp, Lindesberg, Vasteras, Alastaro, Motopark, Gardermoen.
EDRS Northern Division
Sundsvall, Helle, Kalajoki, Kubbe, Pitea,
Tracks NOT participating
Santa Pod,
Thats 14 tracks participating in a European Drag Racing Series.
And 1 thats not, 2 if you include Shakey.
Now how is this good for us in the UK.
I would love to know what terrible things within SpeedGroup and EDRS we should be protected from by Trakbak. The least we are owed is an explanation.
Lets hope Trakbak are really going to get a lot out of this decision, it has to be a lot to be worth hacking off this many racers in the UK and Europe, and a group of people who are trying to take things forward.
Thanks for explaining, it all does seem a bit strange judging by the participation of pretty much every other track other than Santa Pod.Tracks participating.
EDRS Southern Division
Hockenheim, Drachten, Kumandras
EDRS Central Division
Tierp, Lindesberg, Vasteras, Alastaro, Motopark, Gardermoen.
EDRS Northern Division
Sundsvall, Helle, Kalajoki, Kubbe, Pitea,
Tracks NOT participating
Santa Pod,
Thats 14 tracks participating in a European Drag Racing Series.
And 1 thats not, 2 if you include Shakey.
Now how is this good for us in the UK.
I would love to know what terrible things within SpeedGroup and EDRS we should be protected from by Trakbak. The least we are owed is an explanation.
Lets hope Trakbak are really going to get a lot out of this decision, it has to be a lot to be worth hacking off this many racers in the UK and Europe, and a group of people who are trying to take things forward.
Edited by nickgood on Tuesday 6th March 00:53
Would some of the entry fee from these events have to go to the "EDRS". In FIA competition a set fee from each entry is paid to the FIA.
Looking at the entry lists of FIA events its a very distinct seperation
Pro classes are 90% European 10 % UK
Sportsman classes at SPR are 90% UK and 10% non-UK
Sportsman classes at (say) Tierp are 90% European racers and 10% UK racers
Quite obviously sportsman/non-pro classes have insufficient funding (in general) to pay for ferries and fuel and youd also have to ask if you were 1000 miles away and had Tierp, would you make the trip?
The Pro classes at Tierp have TF and PM teams who dont travel to SPR also, they have 4 out of 6 FIA rounds available without making the trip to SPR also, id worry about upsetting the European racing fraternity as a whole....
Pro classes are 90% European 10 % UK
Sportsman classes at SPR are 90% UK and 10% non-UK
Sportsman classes at (say) Tierp are 90% European racers and 10% UK racers
Quite obviously sportsman/non-pro classes have insufficient funding (in general) to pay for ferries and fuel and youd also have to ask if you were 1000 miles away and had Tierp, would you make the trip?
The Pro classes at Tierp have TF and PM teams who dont travel to SPR also, they have 4 out of 6 FIA rounds available without making the trip to SPR also, id worry about upsetting the European racing fraternity as a whole....
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