Re: PINKS vs Class Racing
 

Wade, running a class and motor combination that you have no run or have no experience with; than a dyno might be your best friend. If you think that just going to the track and trying to sort out a new car and motor, using track time only; than you have alot to learn about class racing. And most class racers are hard working people that are using most of their own money and time, not using Daddys' money. You have and index that you have to be able to run faster than at all times not one where you are trying to slow the car down. Maybe there is a reason that almost all the Super Gas and Super Comp crossovers run modified and not traditional Super Stock where you have to go thru tear down, not just a leak down. You are down in Bob Cupps neck of the woods and I am pretty sure he could get you up to speed with the motor combo a hell of a lot faster than making fifty trips to the track. Track and seat time can get to be alot more expensive in the long run than a little dyno time.

Re: PINKS vs Class Racing
 

Bill, not knowing when you raced Pinks All Out you may have had a bad experience. I'm sure they had problems in the beginning; however, at Z-Max NHRA Tech Personnel were there from Z-Max, Bristol and Atlanta. These folks were not young people who had nothing else to do for the week-end, these guys were old enough that Roy Hill knew most of them personally (only kidding Roy, see you in a couple of weeks). I am sure they would not appreciate being told they did not do their job with 500 cars, continuous working from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. And yes they made us take the hood off, battery relocated, open the trunk to check the battery and ballast hold downs, checked the name of the fuel lines, checked belts, harnesses, coat, pants AND the helmet. Date was out by two months and they sent us packing off to buy a new helmet. Some had to go back and drain the radiator and engine for antifreeze.

Yes there were some parts broken, rods out the side of engines, transmission slip in to a few pieces, drive shaft and at least 3 broken rear gear housings. But you remember the name of the game is ALL OUT, no brake lights.

Gary you are correct on two counts. Pinks will continue to add rules to their events. The little box used to determine who stayed or went home was interesting. They use your times from Friday, adjust for weather conditions. Either run that number or you are gone. Second something has to change, and soon, or Super Stock, as a 63 year old, knows it will only be a memory for the Drag Racer Reunions or Nostalgia races. Right now Sportman racing, at the price it costs to race, is only paying the bills for Pro cars to promote their sponsors. If you look back on this board and some other boards, the comment was made sometime ago wondering when NHRA and IHRA would look at what is taking place at a Pinks event and try to cash in. Look at the new NHRA event. We are going to try to run at one of those and see what happens under NHRA's watchful eyes.

Re: PINKS vs Class Racing
 

As far as Pinks go, at least they have enough insight to know that the mph and et don't match and out you go.

Also, you could say that lazy/slow/no factoring of certain combos could also be looked at as "helping to pick a winner" in some instances.

Re: PINKS vs Class Racing
 

Listen up S/SS racers....Rich contacted me today and had a lengthy talk after warming up to my idea(s) after a few back and forth emails. I just sent him another outlining a format similar to class eliminations at National Events. The prime element would be performance based competition using a CIC rule to prevent runaway combinations and sandbagging. Due to contractual restrictions a TV package can't be included (but not ruled out completely).

Remember, this is an attempt to market our group to the masses. I must respect his wisdom with experience in TV ratings, spectator appeal, etc. Rich is a promoter, not a gearhead and is the first to point that out. Yes the program is crude, but it's for the sake of simplicity. He is truly passionate about what we do though. The idea is to find a happy medium that allows class cars to finally run as hard as they can within the rulebook. No shoe polish, breakouts or handicapping. PLEASE give it some serious thought with an open mind. NHRA is claiming they care about sportsman racing but guarantee it's because they're finally feeling the squeeze, and will say anything to prevent losing us to something better!!!!!!! It could also secure a better future in case the hammer does fall at NHRA.

Re: PINKS vs Class Racing
 

Oh, and I did recommend a few familiar names for tech officials. So this won't be like what's been termed "po-dunk" rules and events.

Re: PINKS vs Class Racing
 

If something productive could actually come of these talks, it could be a great future for S/SS racing.....a breakaway could be the best thing that could happen with the way things are currently heading w/NHRA....WJ

Re: PINKS vs Class Racing
 

Just tell us where and I'll have Chris3 loading the car

Re: PINKS vs Class Racing
 

Keep up the good work Gary. The S/SS racers that have been around awhile know that changes in the rules are nothing new. In my opinion, change is inevitable. What kind of change ? I'm not sure. Top Stock, Junior Stock, Modified Eliminators. Gone. Remember the gasser wars ? I could go on. The fact is, most things, drag racing included, change/evolve , whatever you want to call it. I think it is very important to the sport of drag racing that classes like S/SS continue. Continue providing a fantastic avenue where the American family can race together without having a major corporate sponsor. Some people move into the professional classes, most do not. Let's be positive in our attempt to grow our sport. You'll always have the naysayers. I couldn't believe it when NHRA disolved Modified. Keeping S/SS the same old , same old isn't going to cut it . Stick with it Gary.

Re: PINKS vs Class Racing
 

Bobby I most certainly remember Modified..it was my dream to run that stuff one day but got dashed by NHRA and I refuse to see it happen again. Although the growing number of local S/SS associations have provided an alternative for handicapped style racing we still need a venue for the true spirit of class racing that's performance based. For those supporting, I can't thank you enough, and hope there will be plenty others. I may have to start another thread as I'm going off the original topic. I made my comments about the SRAC meeting with NHRA that weren't positive towards the sudden support from Mr. Light and Compton. That's because I honestly believe it's again nothing more than CYA lip service to stiffile any potential competition towards NHRA. But if they expect us to embrace change, we must insist they embrace it too, even at the expense over their bad decisions.

Upon Rich's response to the outline I'll post the next level of ideas and hope to have an execution plan in place. Until then please post any constructive feedback so I can forward it on to Rich. Negative stuff he has the luxury of turning his back so please keep it positive.

I'm beginning to feel we have something good coming our way!!!

Re: PINKS vs Class Racing
 

Pinks is entertainment Class Racing is a prefession. What is good for a show comes first not what is fair or just.On Pinks Rich is the show decissions,controversies,personalities all come first and keep the camera on the show not on racing.I am all for putting Class Racing front and center not behind or last.I think Pinks would hurt the prefession.You guys & gals deserve much much more.