The Demise Of Class Eliminations

Originally Posted by 1347

Sounds like a great idea, but the piston and rod probably isn't gonna happen except for a protest.
I was torn down last year at the Keystones, alomg.with 3 other super stockers, at 4 in the afternoon. With 2 tech officials pouring heads, I wasn't able to put my stuff together till after 8pm. Lonnie came over and gave me my wally at 10pm after all the other tech officials left and went to dinner. If you have 4 cars pulling engines to show cranks and pistons and rods, with a 8am first round, it would have given the tech officials maybe 4 hours of sleep. I know you said 1 car, but if you go fast enough for auto hp, it could turn into 2 or 3. The schedule doesn't really permit a teardown like that anymore. Believe me, if I was asked for those itmes, I would have and lived on 3 hours sleep to make 1st round. It happened at Indy with the corvette that got protested. He worked all night to make 1st round the next am. Those times are over, but I think most of us would be happy with at least pulling heads for teardown.

I dont even know where to start when you start pulling coyote engines apart like Robin did last year. You are basically putting that car out of the race the next day. I know I know, the statement from someone will be " Thats their choice for picking that combo " It is, but you have to at least give them enough time to put it back together.

I feel sorry for the FS cars. Boy is it busy under the hoods. Labor.challenge!

[NHRA1926]

Craig Curdie comes to the role from Feld Entertainment. For the past decade, he worked in production with touring groups such as Monster Jam and Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey and was most recently a tour manager for Monster Jam.

And this is why things are changing. He literally came from a circus show. Explains exactly why things are going in the toilet with NHRA. He has ZERO technical knowledge of Stock and Super Stock specifications. I'm sure he really understands specs on cam lift, duration, carburetor, intake manifold, head casting numbers specs or production numbers. The division director should be the person with the most knowledge or understanding of these issues or questions. WHY did NHRA pick these people for division directors that have no knowledge or experience in these important areas? This make absolutely no sense. Pretty sad that these "Directors" refer questions to OTHER division directors because they don't have any answers or knowledge in the field that they were hired to deal with. Again, WHY is this happening?

[Jim Hawkins]

I agree not happening pulling a rod and piston with limited time just not practical.
As a alternative to keep people honest why not do some simple checks.

1) Pump the motor to check cubic inches. Had this done when I ran modified many times.

2) Use a inspection camera and check piston for dish, flat top or dome to match spec.

3) Quick look at the carb or throttle body.

4) Check valve lift on stockers.

This would take about a hour or so and easy.
Far from perfect but better than what we have now which is nothing.
I would think any funny business would not be the top qualifiers but further down the qualifying sheet. Joe racer hurts his 327 and has a 383 short block sitting there from the bracket car and thinks why not just to finish the year. Nobody checks anyway.
Do a few cars at every div. race.
May help maintain the integrity of the classes.

[JP1738]

Originally Posted by Jim Hawkins

I agree not happening pulling a rod and piston with limited time just not practical.
As a alternative to keep people honest why not do some simple checks.

1) Pump the motor to check cubic inches. Had this done when I ran modified many times.

2) Use a inspection camera and check piston for dish, flat top or dome to match spec.

3) Quick look at the carb or throttle body.

4) Check valve lift on stockers.

This would take about a hour or so and easy.
Far from perfect but better than what we have now which is nothing.
I would think any funny business would not be the top qualifiers but further down the qualifying sheet. Joe racer hurts his 327 and has a 383 short block sitting there from the bracket car and thinks why not just to finish the year. Nobody checks anyway.
Do a few cars at every div. race.
May help maintain the integrity of the classes.

I like this way better. I'll be honest: I do not bring the tools, parts, or expertise to get torn down and race the next day. If I ever get protested or torn down, I'm just going home. I understand it's part of the class, but I genuinely want to avoid it altogether.

[Mark Yacavone]

Originally Posted by Jim Hawkins

I agree not happening pulling a rod and piston with limited time just not practical.
As a alternative to keep people honest why not do some simple checks.

1) Pump the motor to check cubic inches. Had this done when I ran modified many times.

2) Use a inspection camera and check piston for dish, flat top or dome to match spec.

3) Quick look at the carb or throttle body.

4) Check valve lift on stockers.

This would take about a hour or so and easy.
Far from perfect but better than what we have now which is nothing.
I would think any funny business would not be the top qualifiers but further down the qualifying sheet. Joe racer hurts his 327 and has a 383 short block sitting there from the bracket car and thinks why not just to finish the year. Nobody checks anyway.
Do a few cars at every div. race.
May help maintain the integrity of the classes.

1, Big cubes aren't what to look for here.

2, Can't tell where the top ring groove is, or assembly weights, or crank weight, shape.

3, Nothing there on carbed cars. EFI throttle bodies? ...I'll give you that one

4 Some cars still use some form of hydraulics.

Cars down the list? Subject for another day.
I mentioned exceptionally fast cars beating others in class

[Mark Yacavone]

Originally Posted by JP1738

I like this way better. I'll be honest: I do not bring the tools, parts, or expertise to get torn down and race the next day. If I ever get protested or torn down, I'm just going home. I understand it's part of the class, but I genuinely want to avoid it altogether.

Maybe not the place and fit for you.

Funny, but 30-40 years ago, ALL class winners had to load up and tow over to the Ford dealer in town, for a minimum head off teardown. Most ,if not all passed and were ready the next morning. Next day, they started all over again with Super Stock
At that time , you had to win class to guarantee a spot in the eliminator

Today, Class run off is optional. Don't want to tear down? Have a seat in the bleachers.

[Frank Castros]

Originally Posted by NHRA1926

Craig Curdie comes to the role from Feld Entertainment. For the past decade, he worked in production with touring groups such as Monster Jam and Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey and was most recently a tour manager for Monster Jam.

And this is why things are changing. He literally came from a circus show. Explains exactly why things are going in the toilet with NHRA. He has ZERO technical knowledge of Stock and Super Stock specifications. I'm sure he really understands specs on cam lift, duration, carburetor, intake manifold, head casting numbers specs or production numbers. The division director should be the person with the most knowledge or understanding of these issues or questions. WHY did NHRA pick these people for division directors that have no knowledge or experience in these important areas? This make absolutely no sense. Pretty sad that these "Directors" refer questions to OTHER division directors because they don't have any answers or knowledge in the field that they were hired to deal with. Again, WHY is this happening?

I don't know Mr. Curdie and I don't mean to bash him but when he was appointed and his bio was published I thought to myself "are they effing kidding me?"

[Mark Yacavone]

Originally Posted by 1347

Sounds like a great idea, but the piston and rod probably isn't gonna happen except for a protest.
I was torn down last year at the Keystones, alomg.with 3 other super stockers, at 4 in the afternoon. With 2 tech officials pouring heads, I wasn't able to put my stuff together till after 8pm. Lonnie came over and gave me my wally at 10pm after all the other tech officials left and went to dinner. If you have 4 cars pulling engines to show cranks and pistons and rods, with a 8am first round, it would have given the tech officials maybe 4 hours of sleep. I know you said 1 car, but if you go fast enough for auto hp, it could turn into 2 or 3. The schedule doesn't really permit a teardown like that anymore. Believe me, if I was asked for those itmes, I would have and lived on 3 hours sleep to make 1st round. It happened at Indy with the corvette that got protested. He worked all night to make 1st round the next am. Those times are over, but I think most of us would be happy with at least pulling heads for teardown.

I dont even know where to start when you start pulling coyote engines apart like Robin did last year. You are basically putting that car out of the race the next day. I know I know, the statement from someone will be " Thats their choice for picking that combo " It is, but you have to at least give them enough time to put it back together.

I mentioned , judgement calls.
Robin's car didn't need to come apart. Everybody knows why those cars are fast.
(No disrespect intended)
Same goes for 302 FFFords with 130 something ratings

396 or LT 1 Camaros? Different story.
While I'm at it..
No more ..."I didn't know. My engine builder must have done it"
Enjoy your year vacation!

[MR DERBY CITY]

Originally Posted by JP1738

I like this way better. I'll be honest: I do not bring the tools, parts, or expertise to get torn down and race the next day. If I ever get protested or torn down, I'm just going home. I understand it's part of the class, but I genuinely want to avoid it altogether.

Oh well, stock eliminator is not for everybody …

[pmrphil]

Round track racers around the northeast are required to have a screw in plug in the side of the pan so the officials can look at the crank, rod, and piston. Quick way to verify if the correct parts are in there. Just food for thought.