Re: NHRA Fastest 128 cars
 

On the subject of the cost of Wally's,when I asked my Div. 1 rep.(Dave Mohn) how much an extra Wally would cost me He said $190.That was in 2006 and for a divisional win.Wonder what they get for a Nat'l
event Wally.

Ed F.

Re: NHRA Fastest 128 cars
 

Thank you Ed. I rest my case. Jim

Re: NHRA Fastest 128 cars
 

All class winners should be in eliminations. In the case of a single in a class he/she must run .5 under either in qualifying or during the class runoffs to qualify for eliminations.
There is nothing wrong with someone who has a (-.5) car beating one that runs -1.2 in eliminations. It happens all the time.
I trust with the new policy that "policing" will increase accordingly to make sure everyone is legal.

Re: NHRA Fastest 128 cars
 

Ya know, It seems to me that NHRA is trying to get the 1000 ft. gang to run it on out. If they really want to do this why not go back in time when ONLY class winners run in the eliminator. As it stands now what good is class eliminations. If I were to make two or three passes (at 1.0 + under) before class elim at Indy why even go to the staging lanes for class. Everyone knows that's when you get your pass to the barn. Just take the day and go play Golf. Let them look me up on the fairway.
Class used to be THE THING at Indy. These classes with small car count would change if you had to win class to run the eliminator. Guys would build cars for the class AGAIN.

Re: NHRA Fastest 128 cars
 

Might is the operative word. A guy who singles for class did not compete for class. I know at least a 1/2 dozen who intentionally and admittedly build cars for classes no one races so they do not have to race anyone to win class. It's a "free ticket" in to a race you have to qualify for.

Re: NHRA Fastest 128 cars
 

And if you buy a $6 t-shirt from NHRA, it'll cost you $25. That's what a Wally would cost YOU, NOT what a Wally costs NHRA, which was the original question. The AVERAGE mark up for souvenir stuff purchased from NHRA is 300%, at least.

Re: NHRA Fastest 128 cars
 

No Ed, actually the point I was making was there are very slow cars that are almost able to run 0.5 under the index as you buy them off the used car lot for $3500, and people buy them because they can race them and NEVER have to face a heads up race.

Re: NHRA Fastest 128 cars
 

Look at the entry list for stock at Indy this year. May not be a problem in stock, however super stock is a different thing.

Greg

Re: NHRA Fastest 128 cars
 

I'll say this, and I'm done with this thread.

I seriously doubt Wally Parks, or any founding member, EVER intended that cars that could barely run a 1/2 second under the index be able to avoid actually racing for a class win or qualifying and have a free ticket to single into the U.S. Nationals, or any other event. I just cannot look back into history and see any evidence there was an intent to allow anyone to actually be able to avoid actually qualifying or racing.

It seems to me that people are assuming that because Stock has so many classes that NHRA intended to have enough classes to allow people to not have to race other people for a class win. I don't think so. They have enough classes to allow a large variety of cars. Not to allow people to avoid competition.

Do I think a class win at Indy should be special? Yes, I certainly do. You should get a BIG Wally, a decent amount of prize money, and at least your name, if not your name AND picture in the Dragster. But I do not think you should get a free pass through qualifying if you single for class and do not even come CLOSE to qualifying on time, and 3 tenths is NOT close. And you certainly should NOT bump out a car that is 3 tenths faster than you. MAYBE they should allow you in, but not at the expense of a car that actually ran fast enough to qualify.

This is ANOTHER reason to lower the index 2 tenths. Then leave the trigger for a single for a class win at 5 tenths under.

It's called RACING, you have to QUALIFY, and to WIN, you have to RACE. I'm thinking they changed the rules because people started taking advantage of the rules, and gaming the system. And I'm glad they did. I'd sure as Hell NOT be proud of making the field at Indy by AVOIDING having to race another car and barely running a 1/2 second under. It's one thing to build a car for a class where there are not a LOT of other cars in the class, it's another to build a car for a class where the odds are you won't ever see another car in your class.

It's a SAD day for the sport when people WANT to build class cars and NOT have to race. It's even sadder when they are rewarded for it, especially at the expense of people who actually race other people. It'll be a shame when class racing becomes like the children's sports where people feel it's bad to keep score and have winners and losers.

Re: NHRA Fastest 128 cars
 

Jack,
Man, you have got your act together! You have several light conversations with a guy and you immediately know what is in his heart. I ain't buy'n it. Sure Wally started off with great ideas but dough soon became the light of his life. Sorry to sound so cynical.

I kind'a look at what Wally did over twenty years ago when he changed the whole nature of the organization into a giant government money sucking organization; you know - our tax dollars. I do not lay claim to any part of this sport but I am damn serious about the taxes I pay. This change a enabled him to become very rich.

Yeah, as far as Stock and Super Stock are concerned, they added a bunch of classes along the way but that was for survival. They are good at that. And then Wally turns the whole organization over to a bunch who have continued to "enhance" the sportsman racers. It's more of a case of "what could have been" than "what is."

Re: NHRA Fastest 128 cars
 

All these years I thought having a different combo was cool. Meeting strict guidelines such as winning class while running at least .5 under the index allowed you to play with the big bucks racers. Not anymore.

Instead of flogging a different combination that no one else would even try, everyone needs to race what is currently qualifying quick. Early Camaros, Max Wedge Mopars, and Shelby Mustangs are a little pricey to build. Maybe something like a FI Camaro/Firebird would work. You can pick one of those up fairly cheap. Order the readily available trick parts from key places, follow cookie cutter instructions, and you may go fast enough to get to race at Indy.

Gone are the days of individualism and ingenuity. Long live the cookie cutter racecar!

Re: NHRA Fastest 128 cars
 

Alan, I can tell anyone from experience it cost more money, time, work, and phone calls to get slow car to run fast.
Slow cars are harder to drive the stripe.

Re: NHRA Fastest 128 cars
 

If getting into Indy is that important you you then build one of these stealth combos like someone we all know who has a history of finding these obscure cars and builds them then snatches up #1 qualifying money.Or do what the $$ guys do and sink a small fortune into you're current combo just to get your
$190 class win Wally.You were the biggest instigator for the AA/SA class and your signature shows G/S as your class.How come?
My budget allowed me to build what I race at a comfort level I can live with.I'd love to have a S/C Rambler
or 390 AMX but i built what I could afford.

Ed F.

Re: NHRA Fastest 128 cars
 

I'm not that fired up about getting in to Indy. But I don't WANT to run some sort of obscure car in a class no one races in to get there either.

I run G/S because the guy I work for bought one, and offered to let me drive it (it is a privilege I've been afforded). I'm working on getting my own car built. I was NOT the biggest campaigner for AA/S, I was just the one a lot of people saw. And I did it because the guy I work for wanted the class for one, and because the class was needed. I didn't do it because ONE person benefited, but because MANY people benefited. The car I'm working on will not run AA/SA because it is a natural B/SA car at the moment. It just so happens that several of my friends CAN run AA/SA, and running A/SA forced them to add nearly 300# to their cars.

Re: NHRA Fastest 128 cars
 

Mr. Alan Roerhich,

Would you please list all the cars on a used car lot that will go .5 under for $3,500. I would like to buy them as if they can go .5 under in used car trim, then they easily should go 1.0 under with minor bolt in/on applications. A little bit of hard work and viola, 1.5 under and on the brakes.

As a side note I liked what Ed O'Brien stated somewhere, "what if 30 FWD cars showed up?" Now there is your $3,500 piece.

Ron Ortiz
U/SA bored of seeing Camaros

Re: NHRA Fastest 128 cars
 

Mr. Ortiz,
Do your own research.
You quoted Ed O'Brien about the "30 FWD cars" and then said "there's your $3500 piece". There's your answer. From your own mouth. I do not bother to hunt those car combinations, as I have no desire to fool with one.

Bored with all the whining.

Re: NHRA Fastest 128 cars
 

Ed Fernandez, I like your choice of race cars. One of my first cars was an S/C Rambler and I still race a AMX SS/c. As per not allowing class winners who run .5 under to race in the eliminations at Indy I think is a bad idea. Class eliminations is the essence of Indy. You bring your best to test the rest in your class.If you win class you have bragging rights plus a little class money to help defray the cost of a week at Indy. Now it appears If you can't run 1. under stay home. NHRA will deprive the spectators and racers of viewing a truely representative sampling of the best muscle cars built in America.

Re: NHRA Fastest 128 cars
 

Mr. Roerhrich,
First of all I have done alot of research, that is how I came along with my combination about 25 years ago. I've been to Indy and have qualified #96 when they had a 96 car field. There were 4 of us running U/SA and I was the fastest running about .35 under. Class winners automatically qualified. The way it should be, regardless of how far under they are. If you think that just because there is'nt alot of cars in a certain class, and they only run about .35 to .5 under they should not be allowed to be class winners and qualify for the big show, then why don't you just build one and join in the fun and be the bad boy at .75 under.
As fas as cars that run .5 under that can be purchased off the lot, that is BS. Maybe a FWD car or a turbo, but not any traditional combo.
As far as FWD cars are concerned, that is a whole different animal that NHRA has no idea about factoring. (no offense to you FWD guys). if about 30 showed up it would really piss off alot of racers, probably about 30 of them.
The idea of only taking the fastest cars for qualified spots is a joke, especially when you have some classes that have bogus combos in it, aftermarket parts that are available to certain combos only, and the total lack of Glendora backing up their own tech people when they find individuals bending the rules to their advantage.
If you are bored with the whining, then quit whining about lowering the indexes and push to remove the trigger.
INDY is for class winners, always has been always should be.

Ron Ortiz
U/SA

Re: NHRA Fastest 128 cars
 

Ed,
I had NOTHING to do with the rule change. I had no idea it was coming, and gave no input. I do not know who asked for it, or if any racer actually asked for it. Ever think it might have something to do with NHRA trying to make class racing more appealing to fans, TV, and sponsors?

When we did not qualify, we didn't bitch, didn't whine, and didn't ask for ANYTHING. We went home, and went to work. We're still working.

There's nothing wrong with racing on a budget, using brains and hard work instead of money to be competitive. It should be encouraged. However, winning a class with one car in it, and being 3 tenths short of the 128th car is not what I'd call competitive. Odds are, if you can't qualify on time, if there was another car or two in your class, you might not win class either.

I think different cars being competitive is cool. There are plenty of classes, and room for a lot of different cars. And that is good. Slower cars from lower classes being competitive and winning races is good as well, and the way it should be.

It's funny to hear people say "you go to Indy and run class to test yourself against the best" and call winning a class with one car in it testing themselves against the best. The best what? Set of timing clocks? Oh well, if that's "racing", and "testing yourself against the best" to you, then good for you. Enjoy it.

Re: NHRA Fastest 128 cars
 

Bruce -- Light conversations - I don't think so -- He was at the top of NHRA and I was almost at the bottom . Are you forgetting the ten or so years I worked for the NHRA right here in D1 ? You really need more facts about Wally before you try to destroy his legacy .
And BTW -- fill your glass up -- its always half empty ! !

Re: NHRA Fastest 128 cars
 

Want to know where this came from? ask your driver addvisory committe members for stock and super stock they know who.

Re: NHRA Fastest 128 cars
 

If you single for class, and you aren't fast, it shouldn't guarantee you a spot in the show. Now if you WIN class, meaning you had to race someone then you should be in the show. But just because your rental car will run .5 under in Q/FS shouldn't let you bump out the guy who had to run Class vs 8 other cars and runner upped in it ( yes i realize that in theory if you runner up class vs 8 cars you should be fast enough on time).

Re: NHRA Fastest 128 cars
 

There are no .5 under rental cars and there is no Q/FS. Quit blowing smoke if you want to keep this discussion rational.
Oh, and come down off your double a barstool . (AA/BS)

Re: NHRA Fastest 128 cars
 

Mark, I was being facetious to make a point. Sorry if that went over your head. I am well aware there are no .5 under rental cars, and there is no Q/FS. My point was that some of the front wheel drive cars go a pretty good bit under with no real work, and that picking an obsucre class to avoid a heads up is fine, but you shouldn't be rewarded for NOT racing your way in. The guy who wins G/SA will probably have to run 3-4 rounds of class, thats tough. The guy with a .501 under W/S that runs solo gets to bump a reasonably quick car out of the field? For what? Showing up, thats what. If anything it CHEAPENS the G/SA guys win. And I have no idea what "double a barstool" you are talking about.


Besides Mark, why are you bitching? Weren't you "Top Gun" last year?

Re: NHRA Fastest 128 cars
 

Chad, No ,it wasn't over my head . I got your point right away. You were using this thread to bash higher index cars, and you're still doing it.
There's several reasons why there are few W/Stockers. The main one is,you don't have to win class to get in an eliminator anymore. Now you can't even get in at Indy anymore with a class win.
( A 54 year tradition)


Let's look at this from another perspective:
June 2009 , Joe Fonebone wants to enter his U/SA Shelby at Indy. There are already 2 other cars entered in U/SA . Joe thinks he can run with the other cars,but probably can't qualify by ET. He's still waiting on the paperwork for his .527 lift V6 cam, but he goes ahead and enters
One of the other cars withdraws due to business reasons, brought on by the Obama tax hikes.
The third car blows up at Bowling Green . Joe gets to Indy and what do you know,he's the only one in U/SA. Joe singles and runs .99 under and wins class.
Joe should be in the eliminator. (period)


Yeah, my current car would get in the eliminator either way, but I really am an open trailer kinda guy at heart.

Re: NHRA Fastest 128 cars
 

Several years ago when you entered Indy you did not know who else had entered. You showed up and was ready to run who you had to run and hope that luck went your way. If no one was in your class, great, you are going to qualify for the big show. If there was another competitor in your class, well may the best person win and qualify for the big show. The Internet has brought information to our hands instantaneously. We know who has entered and in what class, and what their previous times have been in different weather conditions. We are well informed about the current situations. But it still is Indy and you never know who is going to change classes. I really do not believe that there are individuals that sit there and wait to see what class has no one in it and then attempt to enter in that class for the sake of being a qualfied entrant one month before the race. If there is, there might be one or two at the most, but hey it is a 128 car field, it is not going to impact it that much. Alot of combos have the luxury of being able to run different classes. Do these people change their classes to avoid certain individuals that are capable of out running them. Is not this the same principal of choosing a less populated class to avoid competition.
Quit blaming people for running obscure classes with the intent of just to qualify for Indy and win class when there are numerous cars capable of running multiple classes and changing their class for better positioning. If you really want to be a qualified entrant just put a stick in the car, there are not as many G/S cars as there is G/SA cars.(insert any letter designation)
Indy should be a CLASS winner qualified field and the remaining fastest entries as it was before. Somebody changed this rule out of the blue, who, why? Sounds like alot of people that run in a highly populated class.

Ron Ortiz
U/SA bored with boards.

Re: NHRA Fastest 128 cars
 

Mark, I really don't care what class someone runs. U/SA, C/FS. or AA/SA. Its great to see all the variety. I was not intentionally picking on the slower index cars, but that is kinda where you find alot of the 1 car to a class situation. Hell if I was the only AA/SA car at Indy, I'd still probably be going home with the motor thats in the car right now. I could win class, but probably can't got the -.9 under that it will probably take to make the field.

And yes Ed, I have worked on a FWD car before, and yes I'd rather pull an LS-1and trans out of an F-body through the hood with a come-a-long. I can appreciate making anything fast, and have tremendous respect for anyone who had a 1.00+ under car. I just don't think a TURD that solos for class should bump a guy that may have lost a close class race and run ,9 under. And I don't care if that class is AA/SA or D/FS

Re: NHRA Fastest 128 cars
 

Chad, your beating a dead horse. Its a classic case of the old vs new. I'm kinda closer to the old days, but realize change will happen, and for the most part it is good.

The older timers will soon be gone, including me. Making class racing simpler is not only wise, but it is a necessity if it is to survive.

Is class racing like it use to be, no, but nothing is what it use to be. Life is dynamic and class racing is just a part it. If the rules make you unhappy then you have only 2 choices. Voice your opinion and hope things will change, or find another place to race.

The bump in deal was long over due. Just because its a tradition does not make it equitable.

And contrary to others, I do not believe you have a bias toward slower class cars. Hell I love them, I wish there were more of them.

Re: NHRA Fastest 128 cars
 

Yes you can get a $3500.00 car and go .5 under. Look at #10 qualifier, he drove it to the race on Saturday.

1 4 B/FIA Nick Folk, Durand IL, '99 Camaro 10.457 11.70 -1.243
2 1117 B/FIA Wayne Totaro, Baltimore MD, '02 Firebird 10.524 11.70 -1.176
3 3340 G/SA Chuck Beach, Delaware OH, '68 Barracuda 11.148 12.30 -1.152
4 3474 G/CM Bob Marshall, Columbus OH, '73 Dart 10.887 11.85 -0.963
5 1169 A/FIA Bo Kenney, Manassas VA, '01 Firebird 10.345 11.30 -0.955
6 1922 B/FIA Paul Cambria, Buffalo NY, '00 Camaro 10.745 11.70 -0.955
7 9510 I/CM Scott Macy, Randleman NC, '78 Volare 11.207 12.15 -0.943
8 3118 A/SA Jim Bailey, Mantua OH, '63 Dodge 330 10.433 11.35 -0.917
9 313 D/PS Jeff Ross, Barton OH, '72 Barracuda 12.187 13.10 -0.913

10 1145 HF/SA Wild Bill Collett, Grafton WV, '88 LeSabre 17.700 18.60 -0.900

11 5274 B/FI Brent Darroch, Monaca PA, '94 Camaro 10.757 11.65 -0.893
12 3473 G/CM Craig Marshall, Columbus OH, '73 Dart 10.972 11.85 -0.878
13 1 C/SA Anthony Bertozzi, Ashland VA, '69 Camaro 10.851 11.70 -0.849
14 2 I/CM Michael Beard, Seagrove NC, '80 Volare 11.312 12.15 -0.838
15 368 I/S Denny Hillman, Indianapolis IN, '67 Camaro 11.682 12.50 -0.818
16 3421 B/FIA Dick Kincaid, Canton OH, '98 Firebird 10.889 11.70 -0.811
17 1128 B/FIA Wallace Dent Jr., Charlotte Hall MD, '98 C 10.906 11.70 -0.794
18 1036 H/SA Kevin Anderson, New Oxford PA, '69 Camaro 11.714 12.45 -0.736
19 3423 G/SA Dan Velenosi, Stoney Creek ON, '68 Camaro 11.565 12.30 -0.735
20 1189 B/SA Wes McCracken, Williamsport PA, '70 Camaro 10.825 11.55 -0.725
21 7 B/CM Aaron Allison, Grand Blanc MI, '76 Vega 10.385 11.10 -0.715
22 1676 G/FIA Mick Klacik, Monaca PA, '87 Mustang 12.443 13.15 -0.707
23 113 C/SA John Leach, Baltimore MD, '69 Roadrunner 11.021 11.70 -0.679
24 116 H/CM Terry Knott, Butler PA, '73 Dart 11.328 12.00 -0.672
25 338 A/CM Alex Miller, Mansfield OH, '68 Camaro 10.286 10.95 -0.664
26 504 H/FIA David Mercer, Benton IL, '89 Mustang 12.788 13.45 -0.662
27 5043 C/PS Kim Gallagher, Rillton Pa, '71 Demon 12.137 12.75 -0.613
28 3425 H/FIA Steve Klacik, Aliquippa PA, '88 Mustang 12.845 13.45 -0.605
29 105 J/SA Mike Gardner, Catlett VA, '85 Camaro 12.152 12.75 -0.598
30 1442 F/SA Mark Capellupo, Penfield NY, '70 4-4-2 11.558 12.15 -0.592
31 1029 J/S Jim Henderson, Pittsburgh PA, '65 Malibu 12.089 12.65 -0.561
32 1723 H/SA Randy Butter, Pittsburgh PA, '69 Camaro 11.892 12.45 -0.558
33 312 A/FCM Zac Ross, Barton OH, '00 Avenger 11.028 11.55 -0.522
34 1045 S/GTB Jeffrey Gardiner, Waldorf MD, '86 Cutlass 11.129 11.65 -0.521
35 1416 D/SA Bart Kilraine, Carrolltown PA, '69 Cougar 11.378 11.85 -0.472
36 1366 H/CM Eddie Bolton, Mechanicsville MD, '73 Dart 11.570 12.00 -0.430
37 1010 E/CM Anthony Platania, Rochester NY, '69 Nova 11.127 11.55 -0.423
38 3972 S/GTF Bob Shieff, Chardon OH, '80 Aspen 12.450 12.85 -0.400
39 1648 F/CM Mike Hayek, W. Seneca NY, '79 Malibu Wgn 11.321 11.70 -0.379
40 399 I/CM Lindell Hilling, Troy IL, '55 Bel Air 11.790 12.15 -0.360
41 1529 K/CM Chris Bowman, Grafton WV, '84 Mustang 12.191 12.45 -0.259
42 3438 AA/SA Harley Day, Dellroy OH, '64 Savoy 10.904 11.15 -0.246
43 956 E/FIA Danny Waters Jr., LaGrange NC, '90 Camaro 12.377 12.60 -0.223
44 1112 A/SA Britt Mizia, Carnegie PA, '63 Savoy 11.148 11.35 -0.202
45 360 S/GTE Laverne Eberst, Chardon OH, '80 Volare 12.307 12.50 -0.193
46 1551 A/PS Phil Baldacchino, Hammersley Fork PA, '63 11.912 12.05 -0.138
47 3377 I/SA Joe Marcinowski, N. Royalton OH, '78 Camaro12.464 12.60 -0.136
48 1695 E/CM Dave Erny, Alden NY, '67 Camaro 11.415 11.55 -0.135
49 1059 D/S Terry Confer, Mill Hall PA, '67 Camaro 11.670 11.80 -0.130
50 1882 R/SA Jason Weaver, Saxton PA, '72 Nova 14.274 14.35 -0.076
51 9 D/CM Mike Leopold, Indianapolis IN, '69 Chevelle11.387 11.40 -0.013
52 1417 H/SA Chris Kilraine, Carrolltown PA, '67 Fairla 12.441 12.45 -0.009
53 488B AA/SA Luke Bogacki, Woodville AL, '68 Nova 11.234 11.15 0.084
54 1504 D/CM George Yago, Pittsburgh PA, '86 Camaro 14.434 11.40 3.034
55 1722 A/FIA Paula Cambria, Clarence NY, '94 Camaro 28.000 11.30 16.700

Great job Wild Bill, hope to see your Hemi back at the track soon !!!

Re: NHRA Fastest 128 cars
 

But, but, but.........thats UN POSSIBLE.

Re: NHRA Fastest 128 cars
 

Wow Unbelievable. By the way what does the "F" in HF/SA stand for?
No further questions.

Ron Ortiz
U/SA look no "F"

Re: NHRA Fastest 128 cars
 

Gotta agree with Ed on this one! The Buick is a slug!

No Ron the "F" isn't for Foster's, it's for "front" as in FWD.
Jim

Re: NHRA Fastest 128 cars
 

Chuck, Glad you brought that up . The only motor in a LeSabre is the 231/155 or 170 V6, according to the NHRA books.

What's the HF/SA break in IHRA? 27.5?
It would have to weigh almost 4500#.

Now I hear he drove it in off the street?

Something's wrong with this picture.

Somebody please enlighten me

Re: NHRA Fastest 128 cars
 

What about the suggestion that ONLY class winners should get to run eliminations like the old days. That would make it real class racing, everyone would have to run their A-game regardless of individual class factoring as I know there are combos that in "bracket mode" could still run 1-under consistently while other combos have to be running a quart low and iced to run .8 under in good air (not Indy!!) - those are the guys getting screwed by this rule change. If you want a bracket race go to a bracket race, if you want to earn the right to run for eliminator you should win class. You'd see more diversity of classes than we do know but of course the ultimate down side would probably come down to cubic dollars but that is unavoidable. Added bonus for NHRA - there be fewer cars first round. As it is now most people agree that a faster car has an advantage, hence you see more running. With a few phone calls you and build and A/B/C car that will run 1-under with little/no ingenuity, just a checkbook. That isn't what class racing was built on either.

Now that also brings back performance into the whole equation - the National champion wouldn't just be a really good bracket racer that can afford to travel, he'd have to have one of the baddest cars in the land too because you don't get points if you can't make the show.

The real question to everyone is how much money do you want to spend to race a class car.

The timing of this change is bad as it really only affects Indy and it's marginal that guys that may only have a .6-.8 under car in a lower class can do anything to pick up 3-4 tenths in 6 weeks.

.

Re: NHRA Fastest 128 cars
 

All of this may be a moot point -- just looked at Indy entry list -- 56 entered out of 180 that they are willing to take -- even with the fact that only 128 will make it into the field -- it sure doesn't seem the quota will be met -- tommorow grade 4 opens up -- everyone who bitched (opps) that they couldn't get in the field this should be a great opportunity for you..............Sure doesn't look like it will take -86 to qualify this year ! !

Re: NHRA Fastest 128 cars
 

Jack, I have an answer for that also. Next year the rule will be changed to a 64 car field. Then what has this accomplished? Mr. Kish has hit the nail on the head. Only class winners should race at Indy! Can you imagine what the competition would be like? I bet you would find more cars filtering down into the lower classes, even down into the FWD classes. No more qualifying games some of the "pro" sportsman racers are so good at. This BS of qualifying at the bottom of the field and then remarkably picking up .4 or .5 when needed in the eliminator would be gone! Then you could call it RACING again! Jim

Re: NHRA Fastest 128 cars
 

Amen Ed, amen. Jim

Re: NHRA Fastest 128 cars
 

Jim-- You have some very valid points but do you know something the rest of us don't -- 1) do you have positive knowledge of a 64 car field coming ? 2) Are there going to be more FWD cars coming next year? The front wheel drive classes have been around a very long time and the numbers are dwindling every year so what makes you think there's going to be a comeback ? Listening to your theory every FWD racer in the country should be signing up for Indy -- it could be their last chance to qualify .

PS -- Just to keep the record straight I'd be OK with only class winners in the eliminator - ( yes , even with FWD cars) - but it will never happen . BTW , the "Pro" sportsman qualifing at bottom affects you how? And they can't do that at Indy -- they would never get in the field ! ! !

Re: NHRA Fastest 128 cars
 

Jack, my friend ( I say that even though I have never met you, but hope to one day)__1) the only thing I know is "***** happens". But, you can't tell me that a 64 car field will not happen can you? Hell, none of us saw this last rule coming or even got an idea it was being talked about!__2) You missed my point on this one. What I meant was with only class winners able to run in the eliminator there would be more guys scrambling to get into those "easy" FWD classes so they would be a class winner. There wouldn't be 7 A/SA cars and 5 B/SA and 6 C/SA cars in the eliminator anymore! Only one, the baddest dog in the class, would be left. Make it a 64 car field and you will see a comeback in FWD. As much as some people dislike the FWD cars, there are really only a handful in the country that are capable of bumping the 100 or so Camaro, Firebird or Mustang combos out of the #1 qualifying slot, and yet we are looked at with such rebuke it makes me sick. There has been only ONE FWD car win a major race in the history of NHRA, ask Mark Yakavone how easy that was to accomplish.
How does game playing affect me? It affects me and everyone else who qualifies by giving me Biondo, Bertozzi, Fletcher, (insert name here) in the 1st round instead of the final! I'm at a loss to understand how this last rule did anything but insert more F bodies into the show? Somebody clear it up for me, please!

Re: NHRA Fastest 128 cars
 

Jim Wahl, I understand some of your thoughts about only class winners in Eliminator.How did you get to 64 cars in eliminator. What do you see happening to all the rest of the classes? Consolidated? That is where more racing could come from for Class but I mean no disrespect when I say not many feel racing a fwd car is their deal. It was created to give opportunity but never caught on just as SS/X and XA were not popular enough to draw a following. If winning class became THE game again recognized by NHRA you would see Killer Class racing day and Spectators and sponsors return.. The popularity of a FWD car would not suddenly increase in the eyes of RWD racers..It is a special interest car... I have been wrong before...