The IHRA’s decision to hold racer parking until Friday has drawn the ire of several racers that opted to return for the rescheduled IHRA Motor City Nationals at Milan Dragway in Milan Michigan.

According to the professional racers who discussed the issue with Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com, they are saddled with six hours worth of set-up time leaving little time to prepare their cars for Friday’s 6:30 PM qualifying session. Sportsman racing begins at 3 PM.

IHRA President Aaron Polburn said the issue shouldn’t be that much of a big deal.With many of sportsman cars having been eliminated and because those cars are no longer a factor in this weekend, the lines to get in should move quicker. He said when you have to credential all of the professional and sportsman cars, that in itself is a time-consuming affair that requires the extra day.

Parking delayed until Friday as a cost-cutting move …

The IHRA’s decision to hold racer parking until Friday has drawn the ire of several racers that opted to return for the rescheduled IHRA Motor City Nationals at Milan Dragway in Milan Michigan.

According to the professional racers who discussed the issue with Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com, they are saddled with six hours worth of set-up time leaving little time to prepare their cars for Friday’s 6:30 PM qualifying session. Sportsman racing begins at 3 PM.

IHRA President Aaron Polburn said the issue shouldn’t be that much of a big deal.With many of sportsman cars having been eliminated and because those cars are no longer a factor in this weekend, the lines to get in should move quicker. He said when you have to credential all of the professional and sportsman cars, that in itself is a time-consuming affair that requires the extra day.

Polburn said the time that it takes the teams to set up shop was considered before making this decision. He said the professional teams can pretty much drive up and park because of the procedures completed on the original date.

“The move was made to keep our racers from an extra travel day and the associated expenses including time off from work,” Polburn said. “With the credential process already done it was a waste of time and money for everyone to open up Thursday.”

Racers were notified of the procedure via IHRA.com and reportedly a circulated email reminder.

“It just pushes us to set up and be ready to race that day,” said Scotty Cannon, who campaigns two professional teams. “We are supposed to be professional drag racers, no bracket racers. I could have raced at Greer Dragway close to home and did this.”

Cannon said setting up his teams could take almost a half-day because some of the crew often pulls double-duty on both his Top Fuel and Pro Modified teams.

“I just can’t make heads or tails with some of this stuff anymore,” Cannon said. “I think sometimes they work 24/7 just to keep us confused.”

UPDATE: The IHRA's holding lot was clear and all cars were parked by 12:18. Qualifying is scheduled to begin at 3 PM for sportsman racers, and 6:30 for professional.