Nhrda folding the tent in 2019?
 

There is a thread over on the Duramaxdiesels forum that says Randy isn't going to continue with NHRDA events in 2019. Does anyone know anything about this if it's true or not?

I havent heard a thing... that would suck though.

Just talked to them on the phone... its true. No more NHRDA.

Did they say what the plan is moving forward? Just integrating diesels into existing classes or what? Really disappointed to hear this.

There is no plan, just find another racing org I guess. This will be a good opportunity for some of the smaller guys to step up and have some individual events, maybe incorporate the ODSS.

Wow.

I got a response straight from Randy that "there won't be a 2019 season". He didn't elaborate, but I am hoping that maybe someone else can take it over and restart it? From mutual friends it sounds like he just can't take the time away from his main business any more. Really bummed about this, I had been running NHRDA events since the 1st season.

Honesty.... this will just force the fast diesel pickups to run with the gassers. Only difference will be a better organized event and better track prep, so win win. The fastest already race ODSS (which was probably the demise of the NHDRA anyways)

I liked the NHRDA, awesome events out in Arizona in the spring time. Unfortunate but it’s probably going to help the sport grow more than it will hurt.


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There is a video up on the NHRDA FB page that pretty much explains everything. Sounds like a lack of sponsorship and decreasing number of competitors over the years, plus he mentioned he lost a big help for his personal business which allowed him to spend so much time on the road over the years. Sad to see it go, but with so many events going on over the same period of time you can’t always expect a big turnout and the support all the time. Best of luck to Randy and his family.

The biggest issue (as explained in the video) was that JJ is leaving to operate his own track. After Randy's manager left his main business he planned to have JJ and his wife take over more of NHRDA responsibilities, but now with JJ abruptly leaving it was not feasible. I suspect I know who the other owner of the track is with JJ (he had told me about it but not his partner, and I was sworn to secrecy until it was announced), but I never realized it would be the final straw on the NHRDA's back. Still in shock about this, it will leave a big hole in the diesel motorsports world, especially in the Western US and Canada.

Well given that Jay is leaving Woodburn and headed to the same track I'm assuming that is what you were sworn to secrecy about. National Trails is a big complex, I wonder who all is involved besides Jay and JJ,

I don't understand how loosing a racing org can help the sport grow? We no longer have any diesel specific sanctioned events in canada now or on the west coast.

Apparently Jay and JJ are buying a portion of it, and the existing owner (Chris Payne dba Shelby LLC) is retaining a portion. I only knew it was a big name place in Ohio.

I agree, this hurts us. We have always had the option to run at NHRA events, but running diesel-only events made for a more concentrated audience that was important to diesel industry sponsors.

I’m leaving California soon, but I enjoyed matching up with gassers more than Diesels, forced me to adjust my driving, and staging. Other than Phoenix and Texas most events were awful turn outs. I raced more with gassers than Diesels and in the grand scheme of things I had more fun with gassers.

Nice to see you're still around here!

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Same here Michael ! I remember meeting you at the Edmonton NHRDA in 2009 I believe,Good times.

One thing that always amazed me was when you run a diesel in a gas event, the crowd is always cheering for the diesel. But in a diesel only event you can hardly get anyone in the stands.

Agreed, at our local events we are some of the crowd favorites. Everybody loves a good sleeper, thats really what started diesel motorsports, being a great sleeper vehicle.

Thanks! I admit I spend more time in Facebook groups these days, but I prefer the forum functionality over FB.


Thanks! Those were some fun races!

At UCC last year the stands were packed, despite it not being a very spectator-friendly format. From photos it looks like the UCC qualifier series and the ODSS races have had pretty good turnout. We just need something in the West!