Re: How far under index?
 

My definition of "competitive" in Stock Eliminator is whatever it takes to qualify @ the US Nationals, usually .850 or quicker under.

A Stocker running .850 or more under stands a decent chance of qualifying at any event once you pay your entry fees.

Now, class eliminations....that's another story.

Re: How far under index?
 

How about .01 OVER the index. Except for INDY and heads up, 3 under to .01 over is about the same (given that .01 over can be done in poor conditions)
Of course you have to dial the index, but you eliminate breaking out to some degree

I've had 2 races (at Topeka's wind tunnel) where my opponent could not run the index but had to dial it. Made me very nervous as they could run all out

Just another view

Re: How far under index?
 

With the exception of Indy all National events have quotas below a full field so qualifying is a non issue granted you can run the index and have enough grade points to enter. Like the others have said I wouldn't worry too much about heads up runs in your class not a very populated class like A-D/SA.

Re: How far under index?
 

Build it, run it, and enjoy! Welcome to stock. Get under it under the index and go from there.

Re: How far under index?
 

I can't over state what Bob is saying........there are people that can't sleep at night because they spent their last dime to be a tenth faster, we don't need any more drama in class racing, if you are a hobby sportsman enjoy being that, keep the money in your pocket and spend it on a nice steak with some friends after qualifying.

Re: How far under index?
 

Now, I think THAT's some good advice right there !

Re: How far under index?
 

X2!

Re: How far under index?
 

If it will run index, be consistent and you can cut a light you are ready to spend the money to enter a divisional or national. Otherwise you are only wasting your money to enter a race. Test, test, test until you have the car and you sorted out. If you run into a heads up so be it, otherwise why build a class car? If the car, clutch and trans are setup right you can be consistent too.

Good luck and have fun!

Re: How far under index?
 

Don't forget about the Sports Nationals they only take the fastest 128 in stock and super stock.

Re: How far under index?
 

As Larry indicated plus the Vegas Divisional in November had a full field and some pretty quick cars were on the sideline after qualifying...but if you're in Tampa then Vegas might not be in your plans. One big advantage of a stick combo is the lower likelihood of a heads up but in any case if you plan on going up to Bristol in the heat then you better be .4 under in order to run the index (no altitude adjustment for Bristol anymore). World of difference in cost to build a .2-.3 under car than a 1.0 under one.