The NHRA is making a change to the points earning procedures beginning at the NHRA Carolinas Nationals in Concord, N.C., and the Professional Racers Organization is not happy about it.

Reportedly the NHRA will reward points to the top three professional qualifiers for each qualifying session in addition to the standard points already awarded at the end of qualifying.

The NHRA is making a change to the points earning procedures beginning at the NHRA Carolinas Nationals in Concord, N.C., and the Professional Racers Organization is not happy about it.

Reportedly the NHRA will reward points to the top three professional qualifiers for each qualifying session in addition to the standard points already awarded at the end of qualifying.

“We’re not in favor of it,” said Bob Vandergriff Sr., acting leader of PRO. “There shouldn’t be any changes in the points at this time in the season. At the beginning of the Countdown it makes no sense. If this was at the start of the season that would be another story.”

The NHRA declined comment on the matter. A source within the NHRA stated an announcement may come on Monday.

 

UPDATED FRIDAY, 9:08 PM, EST.

Starting at the NHRA Carolinas Nationals at zMAX Dragway in two weeks the top three qualifiers in each of four rounds of qualifying, in all the Pro classes, will receive bonus points of three, two and one.

Additionally, the sanctioning body is going to start honoring records at the 1000 foot mark in both Top Fuel and Funny Car classes.

The bonus points will be awarded based on elapsed times from each individual round. A team that gets on a roll could conceivably score an additional 12 points at each of the six remaining events for a maximum total of 72 points.

Initially, according to one car owner, the proposed change would have awarded as many as five points for being the fastest in each round. A driver could have scored 20 points, a full round of eliminations, in an event. With several car owners voicing displeasure, NHRA softened the system to the 3-2-1 which is expected to be announced on Monday.

The single question voiced has been, “why now?” One car owner stated the NHRA is looking to build more excitement into the final six events of the year with the possibility of having three, four or more teams vying for the championship, in each class, in Pomona come November.
 

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