IHRA vs NHRA
 

This is a touchy subject but now is the time for racers to get it out in the open.

There has to be a reason NHRA racers do not attend IHRA events. It has been stated enough times by enough people that IHRA races have a friendly atmosphere. Probably very few would dispute that fact. Still NHRA racers stay away.

Some in the past have stated that they do not trust IHRA tech. Could that be the reason NHRA racers stay away? A few IHRA top guns have been tossed when they attend NHRA events. Why? Does NHRA pick on IHRA cars when they show up or had the cars been wrong all along in IHRA and just not caught?

How does IHRA tech compare with NHRA tech?

Re: IHRA vs NHRA
 

I don't think too many care for all the IHRA 1/8th mile races, I know I prefer the 1/4. As far as tech, I know IHRA have pulled heads on stockers before. I wouldn't say IHRA or NHRA are looking as close at stockers as they should, heck, some of NHRA guys have motors they run most of the year with, and then they have an "Indy" or legal motor. And there are some NHRA top qualifiers that travel to a lot of races and rack up the grade points, but manage to skip Indy? - Hmmmm

Re: IHRA vs NHRA
 

@ a div. race the tec is about the same...I run both...I would run IHRA more but most of the tracks around here have either quit having Div. races or went to NHRA. That being said quite a few guys in NHRA don't like the "crate motor" cars! Me I think the rules should be change some mainly the carb & intake rule but most all "crate motor" cars are fine high quality cars.

Re: IHRA vs NHRA
 

I really don't understand "why" there's such a problem with the crate motor class. The allowed motors all have technical specifications, just like any other engine. Due to the vortec heads, you are somewhat limited in the intake department. That leaves the 750-850 cfm carburetor, typically a double pumper Holley, that seems to be a rub.

The chassis, interior, fuel system, all have to be built like any stocker combination. Big difference I see with IHRA, they allow roller rockers, 10.5 inch tires, aluminum driveshafts and deep sump oil pans. that is pretty much all stockers, unless you're building a crossover car.

I guess to pose a question. What, today, really defines a car as "stock"? Is it compression ratio, because you're allowed aftermarket replacement pistons. Is it cam specs, you're allowed to manipulate all but the lift. Is it intake and carburetor, you're allowed replacement carbs for some that are no longer available. Many cars are running transmissions that were never offered for those cars, ie; metric transmissions in older GM's.

I'll freely admit. I wasn't real enthusiastic about the class initially myself. My partner convinced me to sit down and read the rules regarding the class. The concept suddenly became very clear, these motors very much resembled the same kind of street motors we were building 30 some years ago. A motor, the SBC, that I understand, with a Holley carburetor. The car stilll has to be built, tuned, sorted out and run below it's index.

I know another argument I've heard, too many classes. A class of this nature, might allow people to get their feet wet.

Just a few late nite rambling thoughts,

Robert Swartz

Re: IHRA vs NHRA
 

There are a large number of NHRA racers that have, by osmosis I guess, have adopted the purist attitude of the mother association and therefore look down on the IHRA as the "redneck racing association" and beneath their consideration.

This was told to me by an NHRA racer who sneered when I told him I raced in the IHRA......wonder how he feels now?

Re: IHRA vs NHRA
 

Running IHRA was less of a challenge for me. My first IHRA Nat was at Epping and there were about 32 cars. I lost fourth round. My first NHRA Nat was the Keystones and I qualified 130 out of about 155 cars. I never got to run the show. They took one alternate and I sat there knowing I had to put up a much bigger fight to play this game.. Bigger challenge = more satisfaction, Paul.

Re: IHRA vs NHRA
 

NHRA has only one divisional within 400 miles of where I live. I prefer IHRA, the races run smooth tech guys are always nice, and they at least give you that warm and fuzzy feeling feeling that they want you back.

Think about this.....Lets say 30% of you guys dont get a number or cancel your membership. NHRA is still ahead money wise in the end. We have 1000's of dollars in our cars we arent going to quit over this. Yes I think its a piss poor decision especially since my stuff is here for renewal as I plan on running Petersburg next month, but I'm still going to do it. YES ITS SUCKS but thats they way it goes.

Re: IHRA vs NHRA
 

Anybody that thinks it is easier needs to show up for an IHRA race. If you can't win an NHRA race, you aren't likely to win an IHRA race. Same cars, just normally not as many of them. If you find the Folks, Emmons and Cummings guys easy I want to shake your hand. Last couple of years (can't say about before that) IHRA track prep has been equal, some of the best startng lines I have been on. Many know I don't have big tires and a four link, my low-dollar stock suspension and 10.5" tire car won't always hook just anywhere. Tech seems about the same to me, biggest difference is I have to have a fire extinguisher in the car for IHRA, NHRA asks me to take it out when I run with them. Big deal. Oh, and IHRA didn't give the last 4 hp to the SS LT1, so I get to pull 40 lbs, that doesn't make racing the shoe polish bottle any easier.

Still can't outrun Sonny's red Dodge at 40 lbs lighter. I see than thing in my sleep. :D

Re: IHRA vs NHRA
 

Lets see where i can start with this post.....First NHRA racers that are true to NHRA don't like crate motor stockers....wipe your tears off who cares...we are racers racing the race..just like anyone else that goes to a sanctioned event.... Second i hate hearing excuses like IHRA has too many classes...IHRA is catering to there racers and fans...not raising entry prices saying the sportsman classes don't pay for themselves....IHRA is proud to have us as racers.....who cares if they have over 100 classes....when you show up at the track you better worry about hitting the tree and driving the stripe not how many cars are there...or they have 35 different classes at that event...if you like taking a week off and making a run every day don't race with IHRA...you might not be able to handle making 2 or 3 time runs in a day...Third alot of IHRA racers in D 9 wish they would give us some 1/4 mile races but around here there are too many 1/8 mile tracks that would kill for a div race...i always think the rock should be a 1/4 mile points race..but oh well...we might not bring in the cars a NHRA race does but the competition is just as hard and just as tight....i never go to a IHRA race and wonder if there are more crate mtoros than trad. stockers..i go to race and win..and have fun..to me IHRA is a great place to race have fun and enjoy a weekend away from the man....

Re: IHRA vs NHRA
 

I dont know if this is a question just for Stock/Super Stock racers, but here is my prospective from a .90 racer. I choose to run NHRA simply because of the locations of the Div. 2 LODRS races in relation to where I live. 4 of the 6 races are all within 3 hours of my home here in north central Fla. Bradenton is 3 hours away, Gainesville 45 minutes away, Orlando and South Ga. each 2.5 hours away. As for the other 2 races, Silver Dollar is about 5 hours and Commerce is 7-8 hours. This travel time is calculated driving in a older motorhome traveling a little slower down the highway than most of you probably travel. My wife and I own a small business that requires us to be on hand when the doors are open, so when we go away the business is simply closed. We do not take a real vacation during the year, so going off to the division races is our vacation for the year. When the schedule is released usually during the first part of November we mark the dates off on the calendar, then make our plans in our work schedule and plans to have the money on hand to travel when those dates arrive. For comparision, the current IHRA Pro-Am schedule for Div. 2 has 4 race weekends a year, but we would rather have 6 weekends of vacation than 4. The distance to travel would be a little longer over all also.

I would have no problem at all running IHRA races and I wish we could run both series. I went along with a friend to an IHRA national event some 10 years ago or so , and it was one of the most pleasurable experiences I'd ever witnessed. He had a stocker and used Bud Rowe for his engine builder. His car was at Bud's place in N.C. to have the engine freshened, so we went to pick it up and planned to attend the NHRA divisional race that weekend at VMP. When we arrived at Bud's we learned about the IHRA national event at Rockingham that weekend, so we decided to go there instead. My friend wasn't a member of IHRA and didn't have an IHRA competition number, but we were able to take care of that all at the gate at Rockingham. This was the year that Bill Bader purchased IHRA and I remember him standing at the head of the staging lanes shaking hands with every racer that came through and thanking them for attending the race. I was in the middle of building my S/ST car at that time, so I wondered down to the tech area and met Mike Baker. I asked him some questions about how the IHRA rules for H/R compared with some of NHRA rules for S/ST and found him to be very friendly and willing to answer any questions I had. I have also had dealings with IHRA tech official Danny Waters, Sr., purchasing a car from him sight unseen, and found him to be one of the most honest and up-front individuals I've ever delt with.

If and when I've finally had enough of the NHRA enhancements, or NHRA sportsman racing goes the route that some people here are predicting, I will be the first one sitting in line to get into the next IHRA race.

Re: IHRA vs NHRA
 

Car count is a self-fulfilling prophecy... if everybody showed up, there would be a lot of cars.

NHRA makes you REMOVE a piece of SAFETY equipment?!? :eek: :confused: :eek:

Re: IHRA vs NHRA
 

scenarios like this could probably make some people stay away..i know i dont care for crate and GT stockers..but if you are more interested in the "bracket race" i guess it's OK..but then there probably are bracket-races closer to home for many too...depends where you decide to draw the line what yourself think is Stock (and SS) i guess and what you would like to run...
1 9224 A/CM Terry Taylor, Lumberton NC, '75 Corvette 6.052 7.15 -1.098
2 988 M/CM Brandon Peterson, Randleman NC, '95 Mustang 7.223 8.30 -1.077
3 9215 C/CM Lee Truell, Lexington NC, '85 Camaro 6.299 7.35 -1.051
4 9777 C/CM Marvin Strickland Jr., Rowland NC, '87 Cam 6.320 7.35 -1.030
5 9910 C/CM Roy Caraway, Ravenel SC, '86 Camaro 6.322 7.35 -1.028
6 918 H/CM Chad Dotson, Mill Spring NC, '74 Duster 6.781 7.80 -1.019
7 9229 G/CM Corey Taylor, Lumberton NC, '87 Camaro 6.700 7.70 -1.000
8 900 B/FIA Mark Beaver, Shelby NC, '98 Camaro 6.513 7.50 -0.987
9 9310 E/CM Tim Rollins, Sanford NC, '87 Camaro 6.517 7.50 -0.983
10 933 D/CM Travis Womble Jr., Sanford NC, '87 Camaro 6.483 7.45 -0.967
11 910 F/CM Billy Plage, Sophia NC, '88 Camaro 6.657 7.60 -0.943
12 9421 H/CM Ernie Humes, Troutman NC, '71 Demon 6.861 7.80 -0.939
13 919 J/CM Tony Ward, Graham NC, '72 Barracuda 7.071 8.00 -0.929
14 1128 B/FIA Wallace Dent Jr., Charlotte Hall MD, '98 C 6.611 7.50 -0.889
15 2032 B/SA Jack Zimmerman, Clemmons NC, '71 Challenger 6.514 7.40 -0.886
16 293 F/PS Bobby Butler, Sevierville TN, '93 Mustang 8.027 8.90 -0.873
17 9208 L/CM Raymond Roland, Cayce SC, '71 Maverick 7.371 8.20 -0.829
18 9916 B/SA Jim Morgan, Conway SC, '64 Fury 6.596 7.40 -0.804
19 958 D/CM Kevin Riner, Autryville NC, '97 Camaro 6.647 7.45 -0.803
20 9988 F/FIA A.J. Currie, Godwin NC, '85 Camaro 7.401 8.20 -0.799
21 308X O/SA Greg Fulk, Jackson OH, '88 Cutlass 7.826 8.55 -0.724
22 9043 A/FIA Daren Poole-Adams, Shelby NC, '98 Formula 6.616 7.25 -0.634
23 9561 AA/SA Gene Jordan, Reidsville NC, '69 Camaro 6.582 7.20 -0.618
24 9228 K/CM Mike McCandless, Burlington NC, Dodge Wagon 7.566 8.10 -0.534
25 954 E/SA Richard Alford Jr, Raleigh NC, '68 Camaro 7.170 7.70 -0.530
26 1983 G/CM Gary Powers, Ridgeway VA, '83 Camaro 7.216 7.70 -0.484
27 3613 HT/SA Randall Campbell, Gray KY, '86 C-10 8.586 9.00 -0.414
28 2000 V/SA Mike Galuk, Huntington WV, '70 Nova 9.550 9.85 -0.300
29 911 DF/SA Tim Griffin, Cedar Bluff VA, Cavalier 9.404 9.70 -0.296
30 2706 V/S Tom Gould, Beaufort SC, '66 Corvair 10.253 9.70 0.553
31 915 F/CM Hillarey Sloan, Broadway NC, '71 Duster 28.000 7.60 20.400

Re: IHRA vs NHRA
 

Don't be so preoccupied with the "letters" on the window.If the rules were equalized for everyone,they might fit in properly.All of the classes are determined by horsepower to weight.For example,

C/CM = AA/SA
E/CM = A/SA
F/CM = B/SA
G/CM = C/SA
H/CM = D/SA
I/CM = E/SA

You get the idea....

I am NOT saying that I would like all of these classes to be combined,but I do see a scenario where it could be possible to do.I know that some horsepower factors may need to be adjusted,but I am alot closer with my E/SA Olds to the I/CM cars,than I am to a lot of the E/SA cars that run in my division.Specifically a 315 horsepower rated 1971 Chevy 350.

I think the crate motor indexes may be a little soft,and I don't understand why they can run 10.5 inch tires,but CRATE MOTOR cars are NOT just "bracket" cars.

Re: IHRA vs NHRA
 

Best post of the day. Now I have a handle on what my future competition runs. Both these classes are within the weight breaks for my car. Gonna be tough but I'm looking forward to it.

Robert Swartz

Re: IHRA vs NHRA
 

It has nothing to do with the classes payouts etc. etc. etc. It is that Holier than though attitude a lot of NHRA racers have. They will never admit in Public that IHRA is a good deal. What difference should it make. Oh yet I almost forgot a lot of classracers keep forgetting Not much difference between Shoepolish/Class racing and Shoe polish/ Bracket racing.

Side notes
IHRA dropped the CM indexes a couple tenths a while back.
IHRA has a deal at nationals if #1 qualifier gets beat first rd he gets a free entry next year.
IHRA has started giving a TT on Saturdays at National events which means you don't have to miss work to go to one.
I could keep adding the benefits but you will never know if you don't go.

Chip

Re: IHRA vs NHRA
 

Chip, You and Brandon are dead on.
IHRA has been a fun place to race for year's and has alway's treated racer's fair.....
If NHRA Guy's want to race IHRA they are welcomed,
Qualifying Order is what the real problem is, How dare you build a crate motor or GT car and qualify higher than my $40,000 car. A TRUE RACER will Race and not cry about it.1/8 mile,1/4 mile, a true racer will bring his shoe polish and his best game..
The rest is all Bull !!!

Re: IHRA vs NHRA
 

bsa633, and everyone who follows his line of thinking,

Check the NHRA #'s run under the index and PLEASE tell me where the problem is!

...and to elaborate on CM cars a bit:

* It may be a stretch, but the engines have specs from the factory that need to be followed with the same rules as regular Stockers.

* Terry Bell, Mike Baker and IHRA came up with the concept to make it more affordable to race. The numbers speak for themselves and it saved IHRA Stock. People can afford a CM car more than a regular Stocker and can compete on a smaller budget.

* Regular Stockers have so many "superceded" parts, OEM and aftermarket, that they are a far cry from OEM also.

* Mix the IHRA and NHRA qualifiers, even if weather is adjusted, and you have a very mixed bunch.

* While some may want to combine classes for the sake of having less classes and more heads-up runs, the fact is that they are currently seperate and they do not run heads-up. So any percieved "advantage" is neutralized by shoe polish.

* Most CM cars don't run 10.5" tires including me. Don't need it! It wouldn't surprise me if that rule may be changed at some point. They made sweeping and very costly rule changes years ago because the regular Stocker guys were complaining. That was enough.



ENNIS, Texas - Final order after 3 rounds of qualifying in Stock Eliminator at the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, South Central Division, event at Texas Motorplex:

Psn--Num--Class-Driver, Home Town, Machine-----------------ET---Index---(+/-)

1 4772 E/SA David Buckner, New Waverly TX, '72 Duster 10.750 12.00 -1.250
2 4004 F/SA R.J. Sledge, Boerne TX, '67 Fairlane 10.933 12.15 -1.217
3 4767 K/SA Dean Oliver, Stuttgart AR, '79 Malibu 11.764 12.95 -1.186
4 4448 D/S John Duzac, Covington LA, '67 Camaro 10.615 11.80 -1.185
5 4168 F/SA Jerry Davis, Santa Fe TX, '72 Duster 10.983 12.15 -1.167
6 400D B/SA Slate Cummings, Hammond LA, '99 Firebird 10.409 11.55 -1.141
7 4341 E/SA Bill McClister, Shoreacres TX, '72 Mustang 10.888 12.00 -1.112
8 593 AA/SA Jimmy Holzman, Wichita KS, '08 Cobra Jet 9.794 10.90 -1.106
9 4014 B/SA Martin Burke, Leonard TX, '69 Mustang 10.455 11.55 -1.095
10 4520 A/SA David Latino, Donaldsonville LA, '02 Fireb 10.213 11.30 -1.087
11 4771 B/SA Sammy Pizzolato, Houma LA, '69 Corvette 10.472 11.55 -1.078
12 4708 F/SA Jim Hale, Van Buren AR, '67 Barracuda 11.088 12.15 -1.062
13 4133 H/SA Butch Marlow, Canton TX, '77 Road Runner 11.390 12.45 -1.060
14 4293 G/SA James Paul, Ft. Worth TX, '73 Duster 11.248 12.30 -1.052
15 5300 A/SA Al Corda, Elk Mound WI, '02 Firebird 10.250 11.30 -1.050
16 464Q G/SA Austin Williams, Burleson TX, '69 Camaro 11.258 12.30 -1.042
17 4024 A/SA Bobby Roper, Bigelow AR, '69 Camaro 10.275 11.30 -1.025
18 4900 D/SA Leon Philpot, Grand Prairie TX, '71 Corvet 10.831 11.85 -1.019
19 4116 K/SA Kevin Scott, Rowlett TX, '90 Trans Am 11.932 12.95 -1.018
20 4517 N/SA Patrick Courts, New Iberia LA, '87 Firebird12.317 13.30 -0.983
21 595 AA/SA Chad Holzman, Wichita KS, '08 Cobra Jet 9.917 10.90 -0.983
22 4403 C/SA Gary Emmons, Friendswood TX, '98 Firebird 10.720 11.70 -0.980
23 4144 M/SA Jerry Hefler, Kennedale TX, '65 Impala 12.177 13.15 -0.973
24 45 G/SA Verne Buchanan, Conway AR, '73 Mustang 11.330 12.30 -0.970
25 46 B/SA Jimmy Hidalgo Jr., Donaldsonville LA, '98 10.587 11.55 -0.963
26 428 A/S Kevin Helms, Schriever LA, '69 Camaro 10.295 11.25 -0.955
27 4121 C/SA Kyle Ratcliff, Denton TX, '98 Firebird 10.750 11.70 -0.950
28 5159 U/SA Bob Shaw, Sedalia MO, '77 Seville 14.207 15.15 -0.943
29 4728 O/SA Daniel Doughty, Denham Springs LA, '68 Che 12.550 13.45 -0.900
30 4611 G/S Larry Hudson, Ruston LA, '85 Camaro 11.301 12.20 -0.899
31 4214 H/SA Sam Lusco Jr, Houma LA, '96 Dakota 11.552 12.45 -0.898
32 4757 G/S Dennis Oliver, Stuttgart AR, '67 Camaro 11.308 12.20 -0.892
33 4723 H/SA Kenny Doughty, Baton Rouge LA, '68 Chevelle11.587 12.45 -0.863
34 4726 F/SA Jim Hanig, Houston TX, '68 Chevelle 11.340 12.15 -0.810
35 4705 A/SA Bobby Brannon, Bossier City LA, '69 Camaro 10.492 11.30 -0.808
36 4074 A/SA Jimmie Hutto, Pearland TX, '69 Camaro 10.505 11.30 -0.795
37 456Q B/S Jason Patterson, Highlands TX, '70 Camaro 10.729 11.50 -0.771
38 4401 A/SA Terry Emmons, League City TX, '69 Camaro 10.539 11.30 -0.761
39 2540 Q/SA Scott Helms, Crystal Spgs FL, '66 Impala 13.340 14.10 -0.760
40 4747 F/S Stan Holt, Houston TX, '67 Nova 11.357 12.10 -0.743
41 4006 G/SA Dale Hulquist, Crosby TX, '67 Camaro 11.578 12.30 -0.722
42 598X G/SA Tyler Wudarczyk, Salina KS, '73 Camaro 11.600 12.30 -0.700
43 41 D/SA Jarrod Granier, Labadieville LA, '98 Camaro11.161 11.85 -0.689
44 4153 I/SA William Carrell, Ardmore OK, '69 Chevelle 11.913 12.60 -0.687
45 4002 M/SA Greg Turk, Pasadena TX, '80 Malibu 12.466 13.15 -0.684
46 449 A/SA Michael Colaluca, Lancaster TX, '63 Belved 10.629 11.30 -0.671
47 4997 F/SA Jeff Richardson, Dallas TX, '67 Fairlane 11.510 12.15 -0.640
48 4691 H/SA Darrell Erwin, Kennedale TX, '69 Camaro 11.837 12.45 -0.613
49 4396 F/SA Steve Faulkner, Denton TX, '68 Camaro 11.587 12.15 -0.563
50 407B F/S Don Davidson, Gilmer TX, '69 Camaro 11.559 12.10 -0.541
51 4163 E/SA Kirk Morgan, Spring Brch TX, '67 Fairlane 11.510 12.00 -0.490
52 473M I/SA Bob Miller, Pinehurst TX, '77 Camaro 12.114 12.60 -0.486
53 4860 D/SA Jimmy Hidalgo, Donaldsonville LA, '97 Cama 11.375 11.85 -0.475
54 400C F/SA Jody Simoneaux, Napoleonville LA, '67 Nova 11.676 12.15 -0.474
55 4786 B/SA Marvin Allemand, Raceland LA, '95 Camaro 11.080 11.55 -0.470
56 4001 D/SA Mike Trumble, Pasadena TX, '71 Corvette 11.415 11.85 -0.435
57 4238 O/SA Blane Arrington, Mabank TX, '66 Chevelle W 13.045 13.45 -0.405
58 4402 AA/SA Jerry Emmons, Pasadena TX, '69 Camaro 10.497 10.90 -0.403
59 4925 AA/SA Jimmy Mikolajczyk, San Antonio TX, '67 Cor 10.585 10.90 -0.315
60 4368 A/S Casey Allemand, Raceland LA, '95 Firebird 11.200 0.00 11.200


VALDOSTA, Ga. - Final order after 2 rounds of qualifying in Stock Eliminator at the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Southeast Division, event at South Georgia Motorsports Park:

Psn--Num--Class-Driver, Home Town, Machine-----------------ET---Index---(+/-)

1 1924 C/SA Bud Rowe, Bridgeton NC, '94 Camaro 10.391 11.70 -1.309
2 2308 K/SA Randy Harrison, Orlando FL, '89 Camaro 11.703 12.95 -1.247
3 2042 V/SA Norman Griffis Jr., Johnston SC, '84 Fireb 14.577 15.80 -1.223
4 2237 E/SA Butch Payne, Rome GA, '98 Firebird 10.833 12.00 -1.167
5 2239 H/SA Jim Wahl, Deltona FL, '78 Road Runner 11.293 12.45 -1.157
6 2390 D/SA David Toren, Sugar Hill GA, '67 Mustang 10.704 11.85 -1.146
7 2089 J/SA John Livingston, Murfreesboro TN, '90 Cama 11.610 12.75 -1.140
8 28 G/SA Tom Stevenson, Flowery Branch GA, '69 Nova 11.167 12.30 -1.133
9 2923 K/SA Greg Rowe, Bridgeton NC, '89 Camaro 11.843 12.95 -1.107
10 2446 A/SA Robbie Shaw, Douglasville GA, '01 Firebird 10.193 11.30 -1.107
11 2725 B/SA Brandon Wood, Thomasville GA, '69 Nova 10.474 11.55 -1.076
12 2664 I/S Paul Berg, Ft. Lauderdale FL, '85 Camaro 11.425 12.50 -1.075
13 2586 V/SA McNeal Freeman, Lithonia GA, '85 Caprice 14.751 15.80 -1.049
14 264 F/SA Mary Meints, Panama City Bch FL, '86 Camaro11.117 12.15 -1.033
15 2207 AA/SA Craig Couris, Atlanta GA, '69 Corvette 9.892 10.90 -1.008
16 6 A/SA Brenda Grubbs, Plant City FL, '69 Camaro 10.303 11.30 -0.997
17 227P I/SA Anthony Puleo, Palm Bch Gdns FL, '85 Camaro11.636 12.60 -0.964
18 2124 D/SA Jeff Strickland, Red Bay AL, '95 Camaro 10.892 11.85 -0.958
19 2530 M/SA Peter Noriega, Hileah FL, '80 Malibu 12.214 13.15 -0.936
20 4106 K/SA Owen Birkett, Stone Mtn GA, '79 Regal 12.018 12.95 -0.932
21 2707 B/SA Mickey Whaley, Kinston NC, '69 Camaro 10.618 11.55 -0.932
22 2057 H/SA Chris Puzycki, W. Melbourne FL, '85 Camaro 11.543 12.45 -0.907
23 286 C/SA Jeff Adkinson, Damascus GA, '69 Camaro 10.837 11.70 -0.863
24 2158 H/SA Hugh Meeks, Fitzpatrick AL, '85 Camaro 11.588 12.45 -0.862
25 214 M/SA Joe Reid, Campobello SC, '88 Cutlass 12.312 13.15 -0.838
26 4017 B/SA Michael Carey, New Orleans LA, '68 Chevelle10.714 11.55 -0.836
27 2219 J/SA Jorge Carnero, Miami FL, '90 Trans Am 11.915 12.75 -0.835
28 2211 B/SA Russell Johnson, Sharpsburg GA, '69 Mustang10.732 11.55 -0.818
29 218 I/SA David Bell, Screven GA, '73 Nova 11.835 12.60 -0.765
30 2733 A/SA Merrill Schrimscher, Lake Mary FL, '69 Cam 10.536 11.30 -0.764
31 2131 N/SA James Hill, Fayetteville GA, '64 Comet 12.590 13.30 -0.710
32 2201 D/SA Jeremy Preston, W. Palm Beach FL, '03 Corv 11.159 11.85 -0.691
33 264A M/SA Harry Frank, Lincoln CA, '83 Malibu Wgn 12.471 13.15 -0.679
34 2335 J/SA Dan Dobson, Gainesville FL, '86 Monte Carlo12.130 12.75 -0.620
35 2154 E/SA Jimmy Parker, Columbus GA, '67 Camaro 11.464 12.00 -0.536
36 2504 H/SA Shelby Cohen, Trilby FL, '73 Nova 11.931 12.45 -0.519
37 5680 I/SA Marlene Nelson, Hugo MN, '68 Chevelle 12.189 12.60 -0.411
38 2735 H/SA Wayne Adams, Boston GA, '69 Nova 12.041 12.45 -0.409
39 4046 N/SA Warren Birkett, Baker LA, '83 Malibu Wgn 12.976 13.30 -0.324
40 2434 E/SA Brien Radley, Belleview FL, '69 Camaro 11.763 12.00 -0.237
41 2882 Q/SA Sean Ward, Grand Island FL, '82 Imperial 13.878 14.10 -0.222
42 2333 C/SA Grace Howell, Aiken SC, '94 Camaro 17.151 11.70 5.451

Re: IHRA vs NHRA
 

You might as well save your breath (or typing fingers) Myron. Its Just an excuse for some to not even try racing IHRA.

Re: IHRA vs NHRA
 

I gave up on NHRA . They do not care about anyone. I find the people in IHRA so much nicer. They actually care that you are there. I also find the racers so much nicer. I can race twice as much and use half as many vacation days.

I renewed my membership in IHRA earlier this yr and after having a couple questions I had answered. From the time I sent my money in till I got my membership back was 3 days.

Now with NHRA the last time it took 4 months a 5 stamps. Then 10 months into the 1st yr. They canceled my National dragster and everything. Trying to get a answer why from them was impossible. I never did get one.

I have a NHRA div race less then 30 minutes from my house. Do I go to it. NO WAY. Last yr I drove to Pittsburgh. Why? Because the people are nicer.

I don't understand why there is such a uproar about Crate Motor cars? I wish someone could explain it. Isn't everything the same for all stockers? Tech and all?

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[QUOTE=Michael Beard;114686]Car count is a self-fulfilling prophecy... if everybody showed up, there would be a lot of cars. [QUOTE]

Yep, that is correct. Why the SS cars don't show (At least for the 1/4 mile races), I have no idea. I realize lot of the stocker guys hate the crate motors. I don't have a dog in that fight, so don't care.


Yep, they ask me to remove it. the reason I was given was they have had too many of them come loose when a car flips, bounces around inside, and beats the driver up pretty badly. Therefore they took them back out of the rule book years ago. (NHRA used to run them, I was told. Must have been either while I ran a sprint car, or while I was "retired" from racing.) The tech official said if they were mounted so you could get it out in a hurry, they weren't secure enough to stay put if the car flipped. I could have one if it were permantely mounted with tubing and nozzles where needed. I can see how it could happen. I now put it in for IHRA, store it in the trailer for NHRA. No big deal either way.

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IHRA = NHRA-stockers,FI separatley,CM,FCM(?),PS,(x)T/S(A),S/GT(x),T/STK..anyone left out?
IHRA wants to please everybody it seems..add class after class to get bigger...i dont just think thats the right way..it never is..with all classes they have now i still fail to see that IHRA grows in the "stocker-department" so it has to be something that the racers dont like..i dont know..NHRA's bad decitions latley may change that but nothing else...

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who cares how many classes IHRA has compaired to NHRA....i don't know why the amount of classes that are at a race have anything to do with drag racing...you go to win the race..have a few laughs and make some new friends.....not cry about 40 crate motor cars and only 25 to 30 of your caliber style stockers.....big deal....race and have fun

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I haven't heard anything either way, but I think IHRA will eventually combine some classes, like NHRA did with trucks and FI cars.

In the last several years NHRA did add AA/S, AA/SA, SS/AH and allowed pre-1980 cars into GT.
I don't recall where some import classes were added. Comp or SS?
The IHRA CM classes have been around for about 12 years and I don't believe that there have been any significant additions since then.

Or look at it this way, if IHRA didn't come up with the CM classes, IHRA wouldn't be able to provide a more affordable place for Stockers to race on a national level because the Stock class would not have existed in any form. (Unless they would have combined it with SS. But I don't think that would have been a popular option.)

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I don't have any problem racing against IHRA cars whatever class they're in. I race against them at combo races all the time and it's still who has the best light and runs closest to their dial. My problem is that their are no decent tracks close by and almost no races. I'm not travellin 10 hours to race at a points meet.

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Speaking for my brother and me, the only thing that counts are races close to home. From the Detroit area we have Martin, Grand Bend, and Osceola, on the IHRA side. Norwalk, Stanton, Chicago and Columbus on the NHRA side. Don't care what sanctioning body, just logistics.

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In NHRA, why is the fuel injected car running in AA,A,and BSA. Does that seem fair?

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That's about as fair as my Gremlin getting run down by a big old red Mopar.How ya been?Say hi to pop for me.

Ed

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I use to race IHRA and had a good time. Then they changed the rules and Top Stock was no more.

I do have a problem with a 502 in a Vega running Stock.

Santa said my superceded parts will arive any day now.

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Who races with a 502 in a Vega?

I think there is a 450 horsepower rated 502.To fit A/CM,the weight break is 6.00.That would be about 2870 with driver.Thats too heavy for a Vega,isn't it?
The 450 horsepower rating on that 502 is closer than the 425 or whatever it is on the 2008 Cobra Jet Mustang,don't you think?

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I think Larry's point that there are combinations never factory-produced permitted in Stock. I'm not a big fan of the Crates, but they are there and we have to run against them same as we do against NHRA-legal cars (meaning shoe polish). Never kept me home from an IHRA race, although some racers won't. Some "racers" (and I hesitate to use that word) still have the idea that if it's not an NHRA National or Divisional, it's not worth attending. Which always seemed stupid to me. There are good and bad points to both NHRA and IHRA, and probably just about every other racing series has their faults, even our own S/SS Associations that are around. It's nice to have the choice to run any/all that we want, even if we may not agree with certain aspects of the organization. Maybe some more folks will try IHRA this season and the future.

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NHRA now has crate motor, neither the new blown Mustang or the race pac Challanger have any relatioship to what I can pick up at the dealer tonight and drive home. Just it's factory backed cratemotor. So the door is open, let's see where it goes.

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Mike and Larry....NHRA stock is full of combos that were never produced by the factory. (Shelbys, 1X4 Hemi, Hemi station wagons, the hood on your 'Cuda, etc) and what about the newer GT rules in S/S. Its almost like Heavy Eliminator these days. So whats this "purest" crap. Larry as far as I know the only Vega running in IHRA has a small block in it. Theres LOTS of UN-pure combos in both associations so who gives a flying one. Its just an excuse to not run one association or the other as either someone feels its lowering ones self or its to expensive to buy a number and membership. I realize the fact of one association not having tracks closer than the other but all this purest crap is just so much BS.

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The Vega has a 350 crate motor. The 502 is not allowed in the vega . The weight break will not let it figure in such a lite car. However there is a 502 "77" vette and a "70" nova running the 502 version crate motor. These motors and cars do have specs to go by and this also sales a lot of crate motors . I have had fans ask me about this class and engines . Ther response at first is they did not know you could get this type engine from your dealership. You wuold be surprised to see how many crate motors are out there on the street from all dealerships.If you ever watch a car show or auction , just listen to the amount of vehicles that the owners say they have a so and so crate motor. This idea sold a lot of crate motors for Ford ,GM. and Chrysler.Just my $2.00 worth ! !

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So you're saying you'd rather pay $200 plus dollars to not qualify and say hey I didn't qualify at an NHRA race than pay $150 and have a chance at getting paid. Yeah that makes alot of sense to me. If you are such a good racer why don't you try some of those also rans down in the Carolina's see what happens. Better yet, how about you line up beside Anthony Bertozzi, seems to me he has multiple championships in IHRA and has championship in NHRA. I think this dispproves your rationale about the IHRA but then everyone is entitled to an opinion.

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Bo your 100% right....If IHRA had more races in the northeast I know I would attend.

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As there are no ihra tracks on the west coast I have not been to one of their races so I have a question. If two stockers from the same class race each other is first to the stripe wins or is it still shoe polish racing?

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To elaborate a bit:

Like-classed cars in eliminations as well as the few events that have specified class eliminations are heads-up.

The World Fianals for the championship as well as the Summit All-Stars and Moser Axle Mania Shootouts are dial-in only. I believe that IHRA feels that after working all year (including possible heads-up runs), to qualify for them, the opportunity to win in those programs shouldn't be cut short by the bad luck of another like-classed car or possible last minute "class adjustment" by a competitor, which puts most emphasis on driving ability rather than resources. Sponsors may have also had an opinion on the matter.

Tear-downs for heads-up runs they do run appear to be considered only under protest or special circumstances. But they have weighed and checked fuel in most, if not all instances that I've seen with occasional "surprise" checks for different things other times. Record runs are certified only if the engine has been torn down and sealed. Usually just the top comes off.

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Myron

I understand IHRA is doing what they can to keep their deal going
But their format takes away from what Class racing is about
You need to have heads up runs as that is part of class racing
If not what is the point...

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I think you mis-understood Myron....IHRA always has heads up runs in eleminations for div and natl events....they do not run heads up if 2 competitors are in the same class in any of the special program races...like the moser axle mania shootout which is run with stock all the way to poss having to run a top dragster or quick rod....also no head s up runs in the allstar shootout as that is a bonus race for 5k for the top 8 in the world the previous year....and also the new champions race at the world finals ..will also not be heads up for class cars as they see its not fair for some reason in a tournament style race.....but any other races if your h/sa and he is h/sa or whatever..then its off the index first to the stripe....plus weight and fuel checks.....

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i do agree with Larry on the new mopars being crate like....i work at a chrysler dealer and those motors do not resemble what you buy in one of those cars