Re: Houston only 17 stockers with 1 week to go?
 

Art, most people I know were in better shape financially in 2008. Honestly, 2008 was at the beginning of the slump we're still suffering from 3 years later, with a jobless "recovery". People still had a lot more reserves in 2008, at least the majority did.

Add to that the fact that NHRA has increased the cost of racing significantly several times since 2008.

Re: Houston only 17 stockers with 1 week to go?
 

Really?

Weekly average gas prices:

2008: ........... 2011:
Feb: ............ Feb:
04 $3.03 ..... 07 $3.18
11 $3.01 ..... 14 $3.19
18 $3.09 ..... 21 $3.24
25 $3.18 ..... 28 $3.43

Mar: ............ Mar:
03 $3.21 ..... 07 $3.57
10 $3.27 ..... 14 $3.62
17 $3.33 ..... 21 $3.61
24 $3.31 ..... 28 $3.65
31 $3.33

Apr : ............ Apr:
07 $3.38 ..... 04 $3.73
14 $3.43 ..... 11 $3.84
21 $3.55 ..... 18 $3.89

Source:
http://www.eia.doe.gov/dnav/pet/hist...TE_NUS_DPG&f=W


-Toby

Re: Houston only 17 stockers with 1 week to go?
 

Looking at the entry lists it seems the super cars are not as affected by the economy. i wonder if it might be something else.

Re: Houston only 17 stockers with 1 week to go?
 

Super cars are cheaper to run, maintain and build. Well over 50% of the super pilots double up with 2 cars in 2 classes. They are also eligible for about twice as much in decal $ compare to S/SS.

Re: Houston only 17 stockers with 1 week to go?
 

Toby on that you are right, but fuel was high in 08 not that much different now maybe 3 cents a mile. And like Greg said I guess the .90 class guys get their fuel for free.
Stock and Superstock are at 30 year lows.

Re: Houston only 17 stockers with 1 week to go?
 

Not all cheaper. You want to buy a Superstocker that can get the instant hit anywhere for $15,000 PM me

Re: Houston only 17 stockers with 1 week to go?
 

Art
Super cars are the super gas, super street and super comp.......................

Re: Houston only 17 stockers with 1 week to go?
 

I know that I was just stating it doesn't have to cost a bundle to run stock or superstock.
Just like you don't need a stacker and a toterhome.

Re: Houston only 17 stockers with 1 week to go?
 

Even adjusted for inflation, today's prices tend to be higher than 2008.

http://www.usinflationcalculator.com/

Re: Houston only 17 stockers with 1 week to go?
 

Art,
You're looking for one problem, the one that bothers you the most, to be the cause of the bigger problem. However, the vast majority of Stock and Super Stock racers are not completely engrossed in class eliminations, and any financial rewards they might take home from them.

We have 3 class wins at National Events in the last 3-4 years, counting one with someone else driving another car. We like running class, but it does not determine when and/or where we race, or if we race. From talking to a lot of people, that seems to be the case for the majority.

The one big problem, car count, is not a matter of any one factor, but rather a matter of several factors. Fuel prices, the economy, and NHRA,
are all factors. Most racers would not be deterred by ONE factor, but facing several factors is another matter entirely.