[Evan Smith]

The way it was explained to me is that the fastest run by each racer at a national event will be looked at. If two runs (or more) occur that are 1.15 under by at least two racers that will set off the trigger for the class/combo to be reviewed. For example, lets take Dean Cook II and I. We both run different cars, but a similar engine family. As a side note, there are only two other 5.0 Cobras in the country that I know of so we pretty much control our own destiny.

If Dean and I run past 1.15 under at any one event, that amounts to two hits, thus setting off the trigger. If this happens we are getting hp, unless we both go out to another national event and run slow to bring the average down below 1.00.

Someone earlier in this thread stated that the more cars in a class screws those in that class, but the exact opposite is really true. More cars will always help bring the average down, it is the guy or gal with only one or two cars that the system is tough on, especially if the few cars are fast. Nevertheless, anyone can choose to go slow if they don't want hp. That stinks, but at least you know what to do. There are quite a few racers, with fast cars, who have been masterful at avoiding the lead trophy so it can be done.

I know most racers hate the current system, but the rules are laid out. It stinks that the trigger is 1.15 and I think it should be lowered since many performance enhancement have been allowed since the inception of the system. I also feel that the technology is there for most combinations to run very fast (radials, trick transmissions, etc) and that it is too easy to get hit with a fast car, when a fast cars is what we all really want. With that, there needs to be much more incentive for going fast, be it points or money. Points could be awarded for Class round wins and for setting a record (with a maximum on the record deal to two e.t and two mph records) for points per season. This would allow for the performance and tuning ability to let a driver do better in the points system, rather than just relying on bracket-racing ability in what is supposed to be a performance class.

I'm kind of tired of the bitching when I don't ever see a viable solution. This is not 1970 anymore! Meaning there is not just a few combinations that NHRA has to look over. NHRA has to make it fair for thousands of possible combinations including small engines with low compression, to big engines with lots of compression. Some with EFI, turbos, superchargers and of course, a variety of body styles. There is no other racing class in all of motorsports that I can think of with such a wide variety of race vehicles. Instead of being a part of the problem, be a part of the solution. The NHRA will never be able to please the thousands of racers, many of whom are on their own agenda. What's good for one is bad for another, so what is the answer? I am against putting the hp review back in the hands of a decision maker because the NHRA doesn't have the manpower to staff the tech department with anyone who could dedicate themselves to this. And that alone would be a full-time job.

Thanks,

Evan