[Mike Pearson]

One of the main problems with class racing is there is no or very limited class racing at the local level. When I started the local track had class races every couple of weeks. Stock, super stock and modified. This is wher the newer guys cut their teeth in class racing. Only the guys that were real fast went to the divisional and national events. The NHRA national and divisional events are the big leagues so its real tough to jump in and be competitive when you are just starting out.
I started at the age of 18. I am 53 now so thats alot of years under my belt. Back when I started it was equally difficult to get started. I started from scratch with my 1968 camaro that was a basket case. I had a couple of mentors that helped me a bit at the beginning. One was Phil Jones. Phil taught me how to build engines and how to fabricate and weld. Unfortunately Phils health took a turn for the worst about 15 years ago and he quit racing and moved away from my local area. Other than that no one was to eager to help a young guy get a car competitive. It really takes hard work and commitment to get where you want to be.
Here in Florida we have the Southern Stock/ Super Stock Assn. This is a great organization of the local racers. This is a perfect example of where to get started in class racing. The indexes are a little softer than the big league.
Some of the local tracks are supportive of our association. Some are not. It would be better for the local tracks if they would work together to get a series for the class racers. This includes all of the classes currently run at the divisional and national level. By having these local events with the other series that are competing at the track you might gain some interest in some new blood.
One thing I can tell you is I did not start out with a big rig and and enclosed trailer and you dont have to have that now. You just need the drive and commitment to jump in and have fun.
I like the rules and guidelines to judge my performance. I had thought about quiting super stock racing and doing some bracket racing but i enjoy the challenge of working within a set of rules. I had sold my engine so I had to start over again. I am not the fastest guy in the class but I sure enjoy what I do.
I have helped my good friend Jay Slane go from being my crew cheif to having his own car. I taught him how to assemble his engine and transmission. Now he does all of his own work on his car. I built his firebird in my garage at home for him. This was very rewarding for me. It took him 10 years to get from a borrowed truck and trailer to a dually and gooseneck with living quarters. Even now with the bad economy its tough for him to keep on racing. We have had lots of fun times together on and off the track. More to come.