Qualifying vs Heat Races

[fast18]

The schedule for this weekends races at THR has been sent out. Heat races have been done away with in favor of qualifying for all classes. I believe this was done to ensure that the scheduled classes will be able to compete without the show running too long. ..........Now as a driver I will step back and take a look at it from a spectators point. If I was a spectator I may find qualifying a bit boring compared to a heat race...but the qualifying will be over early. This sounds good. Nothing but feature races after opening ceremonies. As a driver I am starting to think this was a good move on the tracks part to keep the spectators happy. I have heard people say there are too many classes running but the schedule has been done for the year. This way the classes will still run but the show can end at a descent time. What do you think ?

Edited May 5, 2010 by fast18

[sandersracing]

I think Houston is running this format. I personally like the Heat Races and shorter Races.

[TBSSS01]

I think eliminating heat races for time is a good move but I think qualifying for local classes should be for the featured class and all other local classes should start by inverted points.

[TexasHighDef]

I for one think it is Great that there well be racing at 6!!! Yaa Hoo!! I get to shoot some racing before the Sun goes down. Yes I like heat races better than qualifying. But I would much rather see feature racing in prime time. I am sure I think more like a fan than a racer. I saw so many folks leave because it got to late for them last race. I also saw them having a Great time watching the races they stayed for. I am sure allot of them would love to see the some of the classes they miss by leaving early. I can't wait till Saturday!!

[lenny66]

I heard some fans commenting on the qualifying part of the racing program. It seems that the folks that make an effort to get to the track early enough to see heat races would rather see heats than qualifying. Those that wish to show up @ 7:00 for the "features" are content with their decision. The one thing that I noticed recently was that some instances during a "yellow" way too much time is spent riding around under yellow with no obvious need for the delay other than a driver or two that are out of their line up position. I thought the whole purpose of the transponder\ scanner requirements were to get drivers in their spots and get back to racing as safely and quickly as possible. We monitor the scanner frequency in the pits, so we also hear the radio chatter too. I know that blown equipment makes a big mess and that requires extra time for clean up that cannot be helped. I am by no means talking down the track or the officials or anyone that is out there to help put on a show, so please, do not assume that I am trying to point fingers or put blame on anyone. Just relaying some of the comments that we hear in the pits and in the stands. Just my 3 cents. Lenny66

[Truck99]

I think Houston is running this format. I personally like the Heat Races and shorter Races.

 

HMP uses a completely different system altogether.

[n2racing2]

The NASKART Series prefers the heat races....but qualifying is fun for us as well. But the fans I think like to see the short heat races and the urgency the drivers feel to finish well for a good grid position.

 

Houston runs heat races...but they run less classes per night.

[CC57]

Isn't HMP's format:

 

1) Draw a pill to set the heat race line-up

2) Run heat race

3) Set Feature line-up based on Heat race results?

 

One additional and somewhat related comment. Most of my track time is psent at either HMP (I spot for a truck) or Battleground (I have a Modified).

 

One thing that is nice, the races at HMP seem to finish at a reasonable hour. I left Battleground last week after midnight. And unfortunately, even though they're only running 4 classes, that is more the norm than the exception.

[racer61]

Personally i like heat races, but thats a drivers perspective. The few times I sat in the stands the one common term I heard alot of was "how many more races are there?" Usually uttered at about 10pm. I dont think qualifying should be for every class but that is how it is. However I think the limit on classes per night should be reduced. JMO

[Truck99]

Isn't HMP's format:

 

1) Draw a pill to set the heat race line-up

2) Run heat race

3) Set Feature line-up based on Heat race results?

 

You got it.

[abrungot]

I think the key to this whole thing is the inverts used for the feature.

I can't count how many times people have said the reason the local class racing is so good is because of the inverts.

 

I don't care to compare to another tracks process here because they completely different when they come to buisness models.

 

All for giving this a shot, I like the shorter race because it add a new dimension to the racing program.

We used to run 20 lap features when we called it Hobby Stock.. made for fast pace racing & i believe it gives the "little guy" a shot at a feature win, (again as long as the inverts are there).

 

Getting to bed at 3 or 4 in the morning isn't easy when you got up at 7 the morning before.. A for Effort.. Now as drivers we need to match it..

Edited May 4, 2010 by abrungot

[FitchRacer07]

As a spectator, I would prefer the heat races. I think that qualifying is boring. I think that taking away the heat races is taking away for the "more entertainment for their buck" theory. The heat races are gone and the races are shorter. How is that more "entertainment for the buck"? Have 1 practice for each class, start a little earlier, and if necessary shorten the race by a couple laps. I think people would rather watch the heats. Just my opinion.

[Blue Moon Motorsports]

I personally like qualifying as a driver. It seems like with heat races, stuff gets torn up and then you have smaller car counts for the feature.

[hoosier1]

As a spectator and a driver I have to agree, QUALIFYING IS BORING. People would much rather watch HEAT RACES. Also, I come to RACE, we have already been cut to a half season of racing as it is, and now we are taking away HEAT races, and also taking laps away from the feature. JMO, but if you take away too much more, you will start losing your drivers.

 

Also, even after inverting top 6 still puts top 6 qualifiers upfront every week. Some of us who love to race and dont really have a front running car most of the time, will never have a fair shot at winning. People come to watch a good race, passing, etc. NOT single file, follow the leader racing. BORING after a while.

 

LETS GO RACING !!!!!

[Kathy]

PLEASE, Everyone give it a chance for one race weekend.

 

We are gonna find a way to mix it up.

 

And make it not boring.

 

And give you lots of "Bang for your Buck".

[tps48]

Just my 2 cents, but it seems like you are running two shows. The before 7:00 show and the after 7:00 pm show. The problem seems that the after 7 show is running too long. If all the qulifiing or heats get done before 7, how does that speed up the rest of the show? Nothing wrong with Mains only after 7, but there must be a way to keep it moving so it wont run long. I dont know if you can save more time with heats or not. Smaller classes might be faster with no heats. I do know that things can speed up if some classes don't run heats or qualifying, just go by draw or points.

[RobbinsSr]

I like the shorting of the feature, I think it will help save motors running fewwer laps and also make for more exciting races and also help end earlier. But no heat races is bad for both fan and drivers.

[STREET02]

I must say I agree that the program has been running too long, but doing away with the heat races for local classes is not good

for drivers or the fans. I can tell you Heat races are very important to me...and gives fans a preview of what the feature will be

like. Drivers like the fans need bang for their buck too...and I think this format will not go over well. I would be ok with Qualifying

a couple of nights...but run two qual laps at 4 something ..and race 25 laps hours later every night.....well...it's just not that appealing!!

 

This decision .....JMO now...should have been topic of discussion in drivers meetings...as this affects drivers and fans alike.

 

Look ..we all can see fans leaving by 10:30-11:00... but I think there could be some smaller changes made first to try and get

program over sooner...

 

All for keeping this discussion positive and constructive... just dont want to see heat races go away!

 

Doug Ayers

Driver #02 Super Stock

[chevyfan]

as a fan would have to say keep the heat races but jus 1 per class , then invert by points least amount to the front of pack to give the fans a show . and not jus follow the leader of the fastest quaulified car . but i like the shorter feature races. if your car/ truck is that fast and you can drive it to the front that would make one heck of a show for the people payin money in the stands to see. that to me what short track racing is all about JMO

[marvinmcgee]

Shorten the Features if you must but keep the heats! Qualifying is "boring"

Heats give the driver time to work out any problems for the Feature!

Too many classes is the problem!!!

[wkr77]

I think that qualifying is better unless the Heat Races determine the feature. First Heat race is the inside row and 2nd Heat Race is the outside line for the feature based on how you finished your heat. Heat races don't really mean anything now since they are just basically just another practice session. As a fan, I want to see the best racing possible in the Feature. Kudos to THR for trying to switch it up a little and get things over a little quicker. The first two races this year have been running late and alot of the fans that packed the stands early in the night have been leaving before the Super Stocks and TSRS because it's so late. I think everything else they have done this year has been great, so before we all start bashing the new idea let's just give it a chance and see how it goes.

Edited May 4, 2010 by wkr77

[Radical]

As a spectator I would rather see heat races verses qualifying. However, if you do have to qualify invert the field up to so many spots. You know if the fast qualfiers are up front there will not be much passing or racing for position.

[Wayne Walker]

Too many classes is the problem!!!

 

Exactly my thoughts.

 

From a driver, owner, and most of all a fan, I would watch heat races any day before time trials. JMO Run the heats and drop some of the classes.

[DCRST93]

My family and friends prefer heat races, almost all said they think qualifing is way boring...

[Crazyhorse]

I think eliminating heat races for time is a good move but I think qualifying for local classes should be for the featured class and all other local classes should start by inverted points.

ditto.