GM Performance Parts LSX Shootout - A Letter from NMCA's Steve Wolcott & Charlie Harmon

The NMCA recognizes the challenges we had this past weekend with the execution of the LSX Shootout and we want you all to know that we are listening and appreciate our intimate involvement with the LS community. We regret the hardships many of you experienced during the weekend and appreciate those of you who understood the dilemma we faced – we know it could and should have been better. Ever since GMPP came to us with the concept of a special Shootout for all of you LS fanatics we embraced the idea and have done our best to promote and execute since the inaugural 2007 event. The NMCA learned some things this weekend and we also had the opportunity to discuss good ideas for the future.

Like 2007 & 2008, the 2009 event's competition structure remained the same and included the NMCA classes, the LSX Shootout categories and the Memphis M/S Park bracket series final points race. The week after the 2008 event, which went very smoothly from a competition standpoint, the NMCA finalized the 2009 program with Memphis M/S Park and agreed to stay with the same competition structure. Please understand that the stock market at the time was at 6,500 (down from 14,000 the year before), job losses were mounting every month and the U.S. was facing the worst economic climate since the Great Depression (include high fuel costs). We all anticipated fewer race cars competing in 2009 from all sides - NMCA, LSX and brackets - because of the significant economic downturn. To our surprise all car counts were up in each category at last weekend's event. This combined with very cold weather, on-track breakage and crashes, made for a very long and difficult event for LSX racers, NMCA racers, Memphis bracket racers, fans and the NMCA staff as well.

While the NMCA cannot control the weather, the economy, or on-track carnage, we can listen to our racers and sponsors to make the best decisions possible. Because it appears that LSX racers and NMCA racers will support the event, regardless of a tough economy and rough weather, the NMCA has decided it will no longer include the Memphis M/S Park bracket series as a part of the NMCA World Finals / LSX Shootout in 2010. This decision will significantly reduce the number of racers at the event and will allow our LSX and NMCA racers to hit the track faster and put on a better show for the fans. The NMCA is also considering adding the LSX classes to our official all-cash contingency program, which would provide a significant increase in cash awards to all winners and runners-up in all LSX classes. The NMCA has over 70 official sponsors, most of which would participate in the new LSX contingency program. The NMCA has also had serious discussions with GM Performance Parts to provide additional awards to various LS-powered categories. GM Performance Parts is committed to the LSX community and will continue to be a major NMCA supporter. GM High-Tech Performance magazine has provided NMCA with valuable input on rules and classes that should allow even more LS-powered racers to participate in the Shootout. Scott Parker has always supported the LSX Shootout and will do his part to help ensure it remains the largest LS gathering the U.S.

In closing we would like you all to know that the NMCA values the LS community and recognizes that you are all are part of our NMCA family. Aside from the LSX Shootout we have seen many of you compete at other NMCA events and we always want to do what is right for you. Thank you to all LSX racers and fans who made the trip to Memphis in 2009 and we sincerely hope we will see you all again at the 2010 event.

Steve Wolcott & Charlie Harmon
CEO/President
NMCA Muscle Car Nationals

thumbs up!

Thats definately a good decision

Sweet

Great Choice! This should be an awesome event for 2010

Thanks for the clarification and good news, Steve, the NMCA is truly a class A operation. With the support of GM and feedback from the participants (see the appropriate threads in this section), this event can continue to improve and grow. These were unfortunate circumstances, but because of your support and attendance at the event, the LSX community is helping prove this event to be an economically viable event with enormous potential.

Thanks for this information.

Hopefully things can be worked out.

Yes the DOW was down last year. This year, I've attended 1320X, Pritchett Brothers, as well as 5 monthly Heads Up events. I didn't attend your event. I would like to comment on car counts. I don't buy your comment "you didn't expect high car counts," sorry.

In my opinion, your D/R class was down because you've never leveled the table for Nitrous cars to run with Turbo cars. My opinion has caused me to be removed from this board twice. I still post here because I sold and raced Chevrolets.

Chevrolets Bow Tie goes back to 1913. Chevrolet racers are different from and other brand your group might run an event for. If you work with that fact - put some rules together - change some of your rules - it's hard telling how big this event could become.

:chug: thanks

J-R10-5

We most definitely meant what we said regarding anticipated lower car counts. After Hurricane Katrina, when diesel fuel shot up, we immediately saw lower car counts with NMCA and NMRA because it was much more expensive to travel longer distances. When the stock market tanked, jobs were being lost at over 500,000 per month nationally, and GM was rumored to be declaring bankruptcy, we most definitely anticipated lower car counts in '09 for NMCA. The NMCA also has relationships with the other series out there - NHRA, IHRA, Super Chevy, Good Guys, etc. - and they all echoed the same concern.

Steve Wolcott
NMCA Series

Not having bracket cars at the LSX shootout is a big step in the right direction. In my opinion I wonder if this might be a good business decision for some of the other NMCA events also? As has already been stated in the other threads fans come to see the fast classes like pro street and super street among others and if these finals aren't held until after dinner on Sunday night fans may be leaving dissapointed. I have attended 10 NMCA events over the last 3 years as a racer and a fan and have only stayed to witness 2 finals.

Just to clarify, the brackets will be gone completely or will they just not be having the bracket finals the same weekend?

Steve,

That is great news!
I already can't wait until 2010.:nod:

It seems like you are making moves, all in the right direction.
I really look forward to racing with the NMCA at many of their venues.
The Hot Rod Drags @ Z-Max were great this year too!

J-R10-5

You are not going to find a more straight shooter than Steve when talking about racing promoters. I have dealt with him many times, at many different events. I have never found him to be misleading or untruthful.
He has earned my loyalty time and again.

I can tell you first hand that all of the issues he stated above were a huge concern to everyone in the industry, not just the NMCA.
(As it should have been, to any wise business man.)

The NMCA may not have made the perfect decision, but they made the right decision based on the information that was available to them at the time.

Things could always be better, but they could also be worse.
Be happy you have a place to race.

J-R10-5

We most definitely meant what we said regarding anticipated lower car counts. After Hurricane Katrina, when diesel fuel shot up, we immediately saw lower car counts with NMCA and NMRA because it was much more expensive to travel longer distances. When the stock market tanked, jobs were being lost at over 500,000 per month nationally, and GM was rumored to be declaring bankruptcy, we most definitely anticipated lower car counts in '09 for NMCA. The NMCA also has relationships with the other series out there - NHRA, IHRA, Super Chevy, Good Guys, etc. - and they all echoed the same concern.

Steve Wolcott
NMCA Series

Steve:

All I tried to say was the events I went to THIS YEAR car counts were high. Paul Majors pulled from NY to Michigan to run a 1320 X event. He didn't attend your event. I am very spoiled having great Heads-Up events three or four hours away. The economy still sucks. But the numbers where I went this year were strong. I am not bitching at you. Thank God, you've stepped up and offered this event. Perhaps one day regional events are better than three or four day events. Your Call!

If you want help ask. Bill Jenkins and I share the same body and attitudes. We like racing, cigars, and are very grumpy.:chug:

The NMCA recognizes the challenges we had this past weekend with the execution of the LSX Shootout and we want you all to know that we are listening and appreciate our intimate involvement with the LS community. We regret the hardships many of you experienced during the weekend and appreciate those of you who understood the dilemma we faced – we know it could and should have been better. Ever since GMPP came to us with the concept of a special Shootout for all of you LS fanatics we embraced the idea and have done our best to promote and execute since the inaugural 2007 event. The NMCA learned some things this weekend and we also had the opportunity to discuss good ideas for the future.

Like 2007 & 2008, the 2009 event's competition structure remained the same and included the NMCA classes, the LSX Shootout categories and the Memphis M/S Park bracket series final points race. The week after the 2008 event, which went very smoothly from a competition standpoint, the NMCA finalized the 2009 program with Memphis M/S Park and agreed to stay with the same competition structure. Please understand that the stock market at the time was at 6,500 (down from 14,000 the year before), job losses were mounting every month and the U.S. was facing the worst economic climate since the Great Depression (include high fuel costs). We all anticipated fewer race cars competing in 2009 from all sides - NMCA, LSX and brackets - because of the significant economic downturn. To our surprise all car counts were up in each category at last weekend's event. This combined with very cold weather, on-track breakage and crashes, made for a very long and difficult event for LSX racers, NMCA racers, Memphis bracket racers, fans and the NMCA staff as well.

While the NMCA cannot control the weather, the economy, or on-track carnage, we can listen to our racers and sponsors to make the best decisions possible. Because it appears that LSX racers and NMCA racers will support the event, regardless of a tough economy and rough weather, the NMCA has decided it will no longer include the Memphis M/S Park bracket series as a part of the NMCA World Finals / LSX Shootout in 2010. This decision will significantly reduce the number of racers at the event and will allow our LSX and NMCA racers to hit the track faster and put on a better show for the fans. The NMCA is also considering adding the LSX classes to our official all-cash contingency program, which would provide a significant increase in cash awards to all winners and runners-up in all LSX classes. The NMCA has over 70 official sponsors, most of which would participate in the new LSX contingency program. The NMCA has also had serious discussions with GM Performance Parts to provide additional awards to various LS-powered categories. GM Performance Parts is committed to the LSX community and will continue to be a major NMCA supporter. GM High-Tech Performance magazine has provided NMCA with valuable input on rules and classes that should allow even more LS-powered racers to participate in the Shootout. Scott Parker has always supported the LSX Shootout and will do his part to help ensure it remains the largest LS gathering the U.S.

In closing we would like you all to know that the NMCA values the LS community and recognizes that you are all are part of our NMCA family. Aside from the LSX Shootout we have seen many of you compete at other NMCA events and we always want to do what is right for you. Thank you to all LSX racers and fans who made the trip to Memphis in 2009 and we sincerely hope we will see you all again at the 2010 event.

Steve Wolcott & Charlie Harmon
CEO/President
NMCA Muscle Car Nationals

Steve:

I've been reading the comments regarding this years shootout and applaud your response. I did not attend this year due to a scheduling conflict and the fact that my car is going through changes for next season. I am looking forward to attending next year and will be making the trip to Memphis all the way from Southern California. But, it seems one rule is limiting me from my attendence and that is your ruling out the Dart Billet Block. I know Kurt Urban, my engine builder, has been trying to work with people in your organization to find out what we need to change that. Please let us know because I really want to be apart of next years event with what should be one of the most stout LSX nitrous powered cars in the country.

On another note, you might want to consider splitting the Drag Radial classes up to encourage more participation. I'm sure you've heard this but a 275 Drag Radial class with no wheelie bars and a single power adder format, limited Turbo and Blower sizes and no limit on Nitrous would work. Its pretty successful here on the West Coast and the East Coast and I think it would encourage more people to race. Then you could take the current LSX DR class and turn it into an Outlaw class with whatever size DR tire you want to run, wheelie bars, and whatever power adder set up. Just my $0.02's.

Thanks for listening.

Awesome step in the right direction.

thumbs up for the quick response. y'all guys are a class act it was tough for everyone but y'all still got my support. see y'all next year maybe our 3 cars can be ready this time

Steve,

Thanks for the well thought out direction for the future of this event. GMPP has been a proud partner of the NMCA, and we'll continue to work with your organization to further develop this event. With all of the great cars that GM is putting out there (and more on the way), the future looks very bright for the LSX Shootout.

I look forward to working with you and Charlie to offer these folks what they are looking for.

Thanks,
Dr. Jamie

Thanks for the post Steve.

I feel as though your actions are a step in the right direction.

Thanks

Robin

hell yes sounds like were on our way to a great 2010 LSX Shoot out!

Hell yes!

Thanks steve.

Sounds like a plan!

Just PLEASE help us nitrous guys out! We wanna come show our asses too!

I think that eliminating the bracket cars will be a big help for keeping Sunday on schedule. But am curious why they don't run the bracket race on Saturday evening instead of shutting down at six o'clock? I've been to plenty Friday night bracket races with just as many cars as we saw in Memphis that started eliminations at 7:30 and ended around 10:00.

I've gone for the last two years, I dont think I will go back next year.

In my opinion steve, this is a huge step in the right direction.I am already looking forward to next year.

Thanks Steve and all involved for listening and acting in advance. It shows the NMCA is a class organization and wants to bring in the LS cars to compete regularly.
I do question the ban of wheelie bars on alot of the classes. I like the bumper dragging wheelstands as much as anyone, but it causes so many crashes that costs the owners so much to continue to participate and many can't afford to repair or replace the car. I understand it's not just the NMCA but everywhere because the rule is similar, but maybe a step you could take to lead and help your current NMCA cars as well as new classes.
Thanks again for the change next season.

Although us Ohio guys can't complain with the outcome this year, lol, I did agree with alot of the comments being made about the race. For Steve and Charlie step up this quick with a reasonable solution plus the possibility of contingency monies being enhanced this is the best news we could have looking into 2010.

Thanks guys...looking forward to defending our title in DR next year!

Mark

Please understand that the stock market at the time was at 6,500 (down from 14,000 the year before), job losses were mounting every month and the U.S. was facing the worst economic climate since the Great Depression (include high fuel costs). We all anticipated fewer race cars competing in 2009 from all sides - NMCA, LSX and brackets - because of the significant economic downturn. To our surprise all car counts were up in each category at last weekend's event. This combined with very cold weather, on-track breakage and crashes, made for a very long and difficult event for LSX racers, NMCA racers, Memphis bracket racers, fans and the NMCA staff as well.




Its all Bush's fault !@$#@

Sorry I had to :D

Steve Wolcott & Charlie Harmon
CEO/President
NMCA Muscle Car Nationals

:thumb: Thanks guys

The weather did make it a bit rough, and the sitting so long for true street was rough as well. I still had a fantastic time and will be back next year. Leaving bracket racing out will be a great improvement. Thanks for continuing to make the LSX event better.

Needless to say, Charlie Harmon and I appreciate all of the words of encouragement and kindness for our LSX racers and fans. When things run smoothly you don't always recognize all of the challenges at an event.

The good that will come from the input we have received will be a vastly improved 2010 LSX Shootout. I have had some very good conversations with LSX racers, sponsors and NMCA staff on ways to improve the 2010 show. Additional staffing, better organization in specific areas, easier to calculate special awards, more awards, an advisory committee, and other items have been identified and seriously discussed.

Again, the NMCA appreciates your support and we will work hard to ensure that the 2010 GM Performance Parts LSX Shootout will be the best ever.

Sincerely,

Steve Wolcott
NMCA Series

I can't beleive what I read.
This is amazing.
This is GREAT.
You guy's are going in the right direction. I really think with what I read - the class will grow.

I thank the NMCA, GM and all others involved to make this a great class and making every effort to make it grow.

You will see me at your 2010 event's. Regardless of when or where. I will be there.

From another "insiders viewpoint" I could say the 2010 event will be better than ever based on what has been going on behind the scenes.

Then again, cars still break, weather is still unpredictable... ;)

Hopefully no one got turned away without an answer to their question this past weekend, and I hope to see everyone back in 2010!

Derek