National Records ?

[oldskool]

I remember back when it seemed to me that it was sort of a badge of honor, to have lettering on your car, proclaiming that it was a nat record holder. And it looked especially cool if the car had held a nat record for several years in a row.

Since I'm a long time Pontiac guy, the 1st car that comes to mind is the '71 GTO raced by Mick Leiferman, back in the '70's. Not only was he RU @ Indy 3 years in a row, but the car was a nat record holder 5 years in a row.

I'm sure that whatever your favorite brand is, you can probably remember some of your favorite cars, from years gone by, that were nat record holders & had lettering proclaiming it, for all to see.

But, nowadays, some of the cars don't even have contingency decals, or sponsor names. With street tires & wheels, some cars would look like a street car, or a car show entry.

I recently looked up a list of current Stock nat record holders. It was VERY disappointing. For most of the classes, the record is "Minimum". And some have apparently been that way since as far back as 2010. The latest records I saw mentioned were set in 2018. Don't know how long since that list was updated. The last Pro record, on that site, was made in Nov of 2019.

https://www.nhra.com/stats/14-mile-r...ock-eliminator

Apparently, there are now more reasons to NOT set a record than there are to be a record holder. I suppose that with all the hp "hits" NHRA has waiting for quick cars, most wanna fly "under the radar" as much as possible, so that their combo will remain competitive, for as long as possible.

With the very soft minimums that NHRA lists, there are LOTS of cars in many of the classes that could set the record , at any time. I assume that the cons involved with setting a record, now exceed the pros.

For me, & anyone else here who don't fully understand the entire system, would some of you guys who know, & are willing to share, please explain this & add any comments/opinions you have about it.

[Billy Nees]

Back in the "good-old-days" there were incentives for setting and being a record holder. Today, not so much.
IMHO, the guy that wins Class at Indy is the "Record Holder".

[Sean Marconette]

Setting a record should be everyone's goal in class racing. There is no prize, other than to prove your legal. For me it was many years of working toward that goal, and proving to myself and my peers that I passed teardown. It's unfortunate that NHRA does not post the record holders in ND like they did years ago, as that was another incentive for many.

https://www.nhra.com/stats/national_records

2020 National records were set by Jeff Teuton, Bill Dyer, and Kelly Lane in Stock.

2020 National records were set by JB Clegg in Super Stock

Congratulations to the 2020 national record holders!

Sean

[Mike Graham]

Add Dick Simon U/SA

[oldskool]

Thanks for the newer list ! Got the older list by Googling. Thought since it had the Pro records from late '19, it must be current.

Why are the old records reduced to minimums, so quickly ?

[Bench Racer]

Looks to me like if you set a record now you risk getting a hit on the engine. With the price of lead these days and getting horsepower I assume most that can are not interested. Don Jackson

[bykr]

I was involved in a car that set a few national records in the late 70's early 80's. I still think records are worth attaining and I too was shocked to see so many at "minimum". I know if I ever get things worked out I'd go for a record, just something I've always wanted to do.

[oldskool]

Is there a set rule as to how long they will leave a record on the books, before they erase it & go back to a minimum ?

2 years ? 3 years ? OR ???

[Carguy49]

A few of the records in Stock were set in 2018, so let's see how much longer they stand.

[Superfan1]

Originally Posted by oldskool

Is there a set rule as to how long they will leave a record on the books, before they erase it & go back to a minimum ?

2 years ? 3 years ? OR ???

I believe a record is erased and set back to a minimum after 2 years.