Re: Cool things about Stock and Super Stock
 

Racing in S/SS is about meeting new people that turn in to friends and by season end they are family. S/SS racing is the cars of old new wheelies cool paint jobs the smell of VP. I started racing at the local track racing bracket cars wishing that I was one of those S/SS racers, when I told them I was going to start racing in stock they told me I was out of my league and now I'm racing in Super Stock with a World Champ, Div 5 Champ and his son too, that is a Div 5 Champ having the time of my life.( thanks Marlin an Dave Bogner) I also got my brother started in Stock we both wish we would of started sooner. Some of my best days are at the track love this sport.

Re: Cool things about Stock and Super Stock
 

Ken, after watching the video of your car in action at Atco, Nj. (where you made it to the finals against a green Chevelle), I have to say watching cars such as yours (heck all of the S/S cars for that matter). I also love the variety of Stockers, and although I have one of the oddball combos, it's competitive w/o spending lots of dough. The cookouts are awesome (Brats, Burgers & Beer are my favorites, thanks Angelo), and the comraderie is second to none! Thanks to our racing, I've been blessed with friends in all of N.H.R.A.'s divisions, and most states nationwide, and I have more of them (plus friendly acquaintences, like most of us), then I could list in a small amount of space here.

Great car Ken, and Great Thread!!!

Re: Cool things about Stock and Super Stock
 

The term has been used for other sports, but when the stockers and/or superstockers are called to the lanes at the track, whether it's a divisonal or Nat. Event..."I live for this..." always comes to mind.... 1st quality equipment presented by 1st quality people.....that pretty much sums it up for me. WJ

Re: Cool things about Stock and Super Stock
 

1. Just spending time with my son at the track(except when he's telling me I need sunblock from the sunburn I got from the shift light being on so long before I changed gears)

2. All the new friends I've made the past three years.

3. Helping other racers who need it. We helped a friend in Houston who runs S/G change a trans between rounds.

4. Letting the clutch out at 8400 on line ain't bad either.

Re: Cool things about Stock and Super Stock
 

I like the wheelstanding and gearjamming :)

It's cool seeing stock bodied/interior cars from 1955 to present, S/SS races are not only a race but a car show also, to me anyway. Such a diverse group of cars, and the performance attained is pretty fascinating.

I like the fact that there isn't any rails (aka 'motors on a stick compliments of X-Tech) and open body cars. Nothing against those cars, they certainly have their place, I just prefer to see stock bodied wheelstanding cars.

And I like the way the S/SS cars sound. Lots of overlap and I think that is groovy. Speaking of sound, how about those 283 4 speed cars. Just makes ya feel good:)

Re: Cool things about Stock and Super Stock
 

1. I get to tour the country with my dad doin what he and I love to do...
2. I get to race a car thats older than me and is so rare.
3. I have met so many racers from all over the country and dad and I will always have those friends the rest of our lives.
4. Of course the gear bangin, and the front wheels in the air.
5. thinking about what to do to the car next to get it faster and faster.
6. Racing against new cars... I enjoyed racing Jimmy R in Atlanta. I'll always keep the video of that run.


Stephen Johnson #2162
Horace Johnson #2167
SS/D 427 Ford Fairlane NHRA-IHRA

Re: Cool things about Stock and Super Stock
 

Yep, what he said.

Who's Dwight? :D

Re: Cool things about Stock and Super Stock
 

Ditto to everything said!!!! Racing is a legal drug and I have been ODing for more than 40 yrs. I guess family is number one with us. Sure will have alot of stories to tell when I get to old.

Re: Cool things about Stock and Super Stock
 

The challenge and the people.

2,000 lbs of boiled crawdads at No Problem never hurts either

Re: Cool things about Stock and Super Stock
 

Ken, to me the Cool things about Stock & Super Stock are the people who race these cars, the people who come to the tracks with these cars (crew members) and the cars themselves. I have raced from Maine to Florida, and New Jersey to Indy and have met hundreds of really nice people and have seen just about every combination in the classification guide. Everything from SS/AH Cudas and Darts to way back in the day the N/SA National Record holder with his 1950 somthing Studebaker. For the most part all of the cars are kept quite clean and are eye appealling. The best car show in the country is when the track calls Stock or Super Stock to the lanes. I have raced at about twenty different tracks, five of which host a NHRA National Event, and 99% of all the cars out there well maintained,mechaniclly and cosmeticly, and are the pride and joy of the owners and teams that race them.
Just an opinion of a Stock Eliminator racer who has been doing this off and on since 1964. Thanks for asking. John ( JB ) Bender Brew Crew Racing

Re: Cool things about Stock and Super Stock
 

I'm just a fan but, record runs on friday mornings. always a good time watching. no break outs, or bs.
recognize every car too. stock and super stock is wayyy cool.

Re: Cool things about Stock and Super Stock
 

Timmy, you have alot of stories now....lol

Re: Cool things about Stock and Super Stock
 

Spending the weekend with "The Brew Crew"

Re: Cool things about Stock and Super Stock
 

All I can say, after reading all this. Just motivates me to work harder. Someday, maybe I can be part of the fraternity.

Re: Cool things about Stock and Super Stock
 

It really is the friends and the cars. ....No matter what you think about the way ,or class someone else races, you can still be friends with the person behind the car and appreciate the work and craftsmanship involved with it............Look at the History channel show ,Madhouse. .....You would never see that extreem rivalry/ hatered in drag racing. ....Sure there's some heated rivalries, that's what makes it interesting , but we drag racers ,as a much larger group at the track get along pretty well. .....Try putting that many dirt/ asphalt circle racers together for as many days as we are ,and the track opperators would be calling out the Guard. ..............I've made friends with people at the drags , that non racers find amazing that that type of person would be that accessable.......Tom ...............PS , Really, it the beer and the BBQ!!! ....... Great post Ken.

Re: Cool things about Stock and Super Stock
 

Kenny - Because I have Stock / SuperStock and ClassRacer.com racing has become much more fun for me .Yes , the good 'ole days were terrific but nothing compares to today with the Internet .................

Re: Cool things about Stock and Super Stock
 

The staging lanes at indy....even though I've been there many times....this year was different....my first in super stock.....the car show is incredible.....Brian Oakes taking the record back from us.......all been a lot of fun....and of course the people....

Rock

Re: Cool things about Stock and Super Stock
 

Wow, I was not sure there would be this many responses. Its so nice to here about the positive in our sport. Everything said in this thread rings true. The people and the cool cars that we race, what a combo.

Good luck to everyone this year, and remember this formula.

people+cars+stock/superstock=:)

Re: Cool things about Stock and Super Stock
 

Its time together as a family for us. Starting this year, myself, my sister and my father will all be driving stockers together. How cool is that.

I love having a clutch car and pretending its a prostocker on 9" tires :cool:

Wheelies rule. They may not be fast but the last time I took the car testing on bracket night at Wichita in the fall I stood it up way too high. The announcer personally came to tell me everyone in the stands were on their feet. Lets see a super class/bracket car do that.

I alway thought it would be "way cool" to have a car show at the national event. Bring all the stockers and super stockers together in one area for the fans to come see and ask questions.

Re: Cool things about Stock and Super Stock
 

Besides looking at all the cool cars and talking to the fans and drivers, I think one of the neatest things is it gives you a chance to be with the whole family and friends. What can be better than doing what you like to do with your family and friends there to support you. We are looking forward to Tim driving this year in A/S. I think it brings the good out of people and gives people something to look forward to besides negative stuff going on today.
Neat group of people. Plus like Troy said wheelies rule.

Re: Cool things about Stock and Super Stock
 

The public used to be able to see a free car show when we used to tech at various mall's across the country. I don't know if it ever inspired anyone to come to watch the races or not, but for the most part, seemed to well received by alot of folks. I'm not sure what happened with that deal?? Maybe the malls got tired of contending with us?

Ernie

Re: Cool things about Stock and Super Stock
 

I really don't know where to start. The last year that i raced was in SS in 1978.
This year i'm finally coming back into the sport with a Stocker. Looking foward to this
for the last 10 years to have a car out there in competition again. I think today's Stocker is more expensive than the SS car i had not that i'm complaining, just comparing.

The thing i like mostly about S/SS racing is: the cars, the competition, the handicap starts, the friends i met,
the "Gary Parker BBQ's", & the "Brew Crew Team" since i'm from Linden too.

I'm really looking foward to run some Divisional Races, if i can get into 1 or 2 Nationals and the Best thing is: to race in David Ley's S/SS races since Atco is only 1 hour away.

I know this will be a learning year for me being out of the seat for 32 years but my idea
is, just have fun & roll with the punches.

To All Racers Out There, Have A Safe & Fun Season.

Pistol Pete Dutko
1374
I/SA

Re: Cool things about Stock and Super Stock
 

Nice looking cars
Most of them are driven by hard working people that want every ounce of power that they can get out of them
No TIMERS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and no DELAY BOX (well which we don't know of and hope nobody sinks to that level)
Some of the nicest people i have associated with.
AND GREAT WHEELIES !!!!

And the stats, lol had to say it but trust me if i didn't love it i wouldn't do it!

Re: Cool things about Stock and Super Stock
 

The challenge!!! No one said it would be easy and it's not but all the years of bracket racing dont even come close to comparing to racing a legal stocker. My dad who has been racing since before dirt cant believe the helping hands I've recieved in trying to get my bucket of bolts competitive. The first time I went rounds in my stocker.....man I'm still excited about that! and of course dont forget the WHEELIE'S man!

Re: Cool things about Stock and Super Stock
 

Like Kenny said they're aren't too many forms of motorsports where muscle cars of the 60's can race with the modern era muscle cars of today. That's what makes stock and super stock so great. The first race I attended was at the age of 7 and I'm now 29. I remember many experiences I had as a young kid around the track. I remember many people I met at a young age that are still racing and some that are not. A big thing with me is the friendships that I've made over time. I have closer friendships through drag racing than I do with people I see everyday in my hometown. The biggest thing with me is there aren't too many sports out there that a father and son can be best friends for a lifetime either. I'm sure I'm not the only one that has experienced this through stock and super stock racing. I also knew Kenny Miele when he didn't have graying hair. Ha Ha! He also had the same car back in the 80's like many other racers I remember watching.

Re: Cool things about Stock and Super Stock
 

The friends,the cars we grew up with,.the friends,the sounds, the nostalgia of doing something at 62 that you were doing at 16. The challenges of going as fast as your wallet allows without affecting the family's finances. Oh did I say the friends.
Mike Cleary

Re: Cool things about Stock and Super Stock
 

One of the things I like best is being able to travel across the country and have friends at every track. The one trip I remember the most is when my brother and I went to Memphis and it was almost like we were at a Div. 1 race. I think for me going to Indy is like a class reunion. You get to see almost everybody you know in racing from coast to coast.

Re: Cool things about Stock and Super Stock
 

Its threads like this one that remind me why I love stock/super stock! The comradery between freinds, and fellow racers is unlike any thing else in the world. The part i love about it the most? Getting to spend the time with my father!!!!!!!!

Re: Cool things about Stock and Super Stock
 

That and the best part is when the curfew is of and we hear all those engines start to get to the lanes or just warm up

The staging lanes (full) at maple groove
To be able to race and be friends with some of my childhood heros no other sports can give you that

But the number 1 thing is pending all that great time with my dad, Thanks for everything pop !!!!

Re: Cool things about Stock and Super Stock
 

one word............"Alarm Stock" every morning !!!!!!!!!!
lol

Re: Cool things about Stock and Super Stock
 

The competition, challenges, road trip happenings, and life-long relationships formed when I began Super Stock racing in 1973 remain at the top of my life experiences. Although the sport's financial requirements prevent me from competing at this time, I will never say never for a possible return. It is one of those unique things that is "in your blood".

Bill Rolik

SS 1514

Re: Cool things about Stock and Super Stock
 

When I was racing in stock the nicest feeling was the camaraderie between fellow participant at all events. Didn't matter that I was barely running the index there was always someone to take me under their wings and help me with a new trick that may or may not help, their efforts were always welcomed. I think Mat said it all when he thanked his Dad.

Re: Cool things about Stock and Super Stock
 

Its the most competitive, fun, sport alive today. When you get to build, race, win or lose ,with virtually any automobile you want to! It wouldnt be any fun if we all raced the same car, and as competitive as we are against each other, when it comes down to it we would give our shirts off our backs to most any of us...

Re: Cool things about Stock and Super Stock
 

It isn't quite like the old days, the 1960's, when 5 or 6 guys each drove their ride to the track, and helped each other with little things (In those days, stock meant STOCK) so little things included finding out , and which tool set set had a 3/8 " socket, and who remembered the crescent wrench. And then loosening the tension on the fan belt to unleash all of those extra horses.... well we thought it did more than it really did.

But then and now the people were the key. We needed a lot of guys just to be sure that we had a full tool set available....

And now the bar in stock is so high, although I know some guys still race their ride... But regardless it is still the people... Like one I can think of immediately who loaned us a $17,000 Challenger Drag Pak engine and we had never met in person, before the engine was actually picked up. That is one good guy!!!! So people are the main joy at the track and here at class racer.

Another big thrill is putting a hole shot on some big ride. Hole shots are soooooooo much fun when you cut a sweet light and chop down the big trees..Needless to say, they aren't nearly as much fun when somebody puts one on you. But getting beaten badly is all the incentive you need to be back next time with a mission.

Yep, it's the people... and the racing..

David
________
Nino vaccarella

Re: Cool things about Stock and Super Stock
 

Family together, Friends, Wheelies, Hemi Challenge parade at Indy, Stock and Superstock class, Explaining what's going on to fans in the stands, Diversity of cool cars and combo's, Great food and get togethers in pits. Great positive post.