Rumors from Sonoma.............
 

Let me preface this by saying that this is a rumor and we all know how they fly around the pits. I have heard that NHRA is tired of taking money from their pockets to support the purse for Stock and Super Stock due to the low car counts at Nationals. A combo with one purse may be their thoughts. Comp may be in for some serious changes also. Could this be the wave of the future?? Is NHRA's check book fading or are they just making room for a bigger pro show with T/S and T/D on the way in??

Re: Rumors from Sonoma.............
 

well if they make it a combo the car count will probably fall even more. As far as taking money out of there pockets....well the sportsman racers are the ones filling there pockets! so why not give some back!?

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They can hardly get a full field in the pro classes and they are worried about getting sportman cars there? I also think NHRA might be helping the no name teams just to have full fields. As far as TS and TD where do you think most of those cars come from, they are super comp and super gas cars with the stops off so then you cut those field down. It sounds like there is a little panic at NHRA . Just look at the entry lists nobody enters till the last week [ I have never looked does your money come out the day you enter] there cash flow has to be down. They need to relook at there operation but can,t because there heads are up somewhere and they can,t see whats going on in this country. While most of us are pulling are belts a little thighter nothing changes at Glendoras ivory tower.

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I think a Combo would be kind of fun!

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Crate Motor class ?
I know some of you don't want to hear it but it would help fill the fields.

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Combo at National event idea sucks. Good post Tom. NHRA missed their opportunity at the crate motor deal.

Steve

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Thats funny!! We have been the ones responsible for our purse.

How could the NHRA possibly be paying out of their pocket? 1@$1200 winner 1@ $500 runner up 2@$350 semis, 4@$300 quarters is $3600. Even if you only had 20 cars at 250 dollars that would be $5000.

The Sportsman racers have been bankrolling the NHRA for a long time. Did they increase the payout when the car counts were high? No. Its time they got a taste of what we have been forced to chew on for a long time.

Maybe Tom, Graham and the others that have been enjoying success on our shoulders should take a pay cut like so many others in this county have been forced to do.

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I totally agree 100% with Tom and Bryan. NHRA's had it to good for to long. Combo races at a national race would suck big time and maybe Compton and Light should get off there bar stools and take a good look who actually pays there salary and the bills. Entry, pit pass, membership, and licence go, up but pay out goes down. Maybe the pro boys and girls need to start paying to race instead of the sportman guys and gals??????? Just my opinion!!!
Bobby Stevens

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Create motors is not the answer there are plenty of cars out there. Like was said earlier they can't be taking money out of their pockets do the math it makes no sence.

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If $5K is presenting itself as a problem per race well, they've got some serious financial problems!

I'm constantly telling myself it was good planning I parked my car for a total revamp. I do however question my intelligence as to why I'm even throwing more money at the car.

Re: Rumors from Sonoma.............
 

look at the low car counts in the pro,s they just get a 16 car field in top/fuel and pro stock lately,they are f.n themselves,poorly ran buisness in my eyes,top heavy,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,sportsman is the show and they keep grinding for more money,

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One thing to say ... Pro-Stock Truck!

Re: Rumors from Sonoma.............
 

NHRA has painted themselfs into a corner by letting the PRO's to get out of hand. NHRA didn't keep the cost of Pro cars down and now that the usual stepping up process from one class to another is not happening. The common step would be from Alcohol to Fuel isn't happening as well as Comp to P/S. There used to be a food chain going from Stock right up to Top Fuel that has been broken by NHRA allowing multi-million dollar teams to run the show. If any body thinks that it's compitition, it's a "SHOW" in the eye's of NHRA. NHRA could care less about the regular racer. You can see that in the discount for the spectator tickets but nothing set aside for the racers as far as discounts. I hope that NHRA changes in a positive way and that there are car counts go back to where they used to be.
I miss the old NHRA when T/F to Super Street competed at a Division race.

Casey Miles
248H

Re: Rumors from Sonoma.............
 

Before everyone freaks out, did you read Charlie's post. RUMOR, with no mention of a source. This is just another case of getting the troops fired up to bash NHRA. Let's hear where this came from and if it is reputable. Otherwise it is crap to me.

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[History will repeat it's self!
Comp will go the way of ProStock Truck & Modified Elminator & Sport Compact
Stock & Super Stock will be a combo if we are lucky.and Evan will have his head stuck in the sand wondering what happened.

You forgot Modified also
QUOTE=Bill Grubbs;131780]One thing to say ... Pro-Stock Truck![/QUOTE]

Re: Rumors from Sonoma.............
 

Ralph, I am fully aware that Stock and Super Stock could become a combo and Comp could go the route of Modified. However, I wouldn't create a post stating such unless I had real information that it was going to happen. I'm not blind to the fact that it's NHRA's ball and it can do whatever it wants with it. All I'm saying is that I deal in fact. Rumors are crap, and this whole thread is based on such. It's silly to come on here and make a post when the best you can produce for information is hearsay.

What good does it do anyone? None, accept provide fuel for those who hate NHRA and have nothing better to do than bash the very organization that they actually support. I, like most of you, wish things were better. However, unlike most, rather than bitch about it like a child, I've tried quite hard to make a positive impact.

Evan

Re: Rumors from Sonoma.............
 

Rumor? Possibly.

But, it's not quite nhra's ball. There is this little 501(c)(6) thing that they have to deal with. Sponging off the American tax payer can have some real consequences.

Re: Rumors from Sonoma.............
 

[QUOTE=Bruce Noland;131814]Rumor? Possibly.

Sponging off the American tax payer can have some real consequences.

Kind of like illegal alliens.....lol ?????

Re: Rumors from Sonoma.............
 

Probably the case...since most seem to go to modiied cars in SS to get an advantage the stockers will be even more at disadvantage in a combo...therefore even a less of total cars is probably true

Re: Rumors from Sonoma.............
 

A combo race would just kill car counts because it would turn into a Superstock race because they have the advantage of a transbrake with adjustable buttons, and have a better finish line view. Some can convert to SS but would be a duck hunt on the qualifing sheet for whatever class they are running. Then what about the people who run both classes they will not be happy touring sportsman. This would be like combine all of the ninety cars the dragster would dominate and cause lower car counts. Think about it this would become true. Lets start that rumor.

Re: Rumors from Sonoma.............
 

Evan -- I'm with you brother..........we already race combo events in our Division and are OK with it as you know .

Re: Rumors from Sonoma.............
 

I have a little bit of experience with Combo races and I can't say there has been a disproportionate number of Super Stockers that win. I think it is pretty even and perhaps leaning towards more stockers in the final round. It is true a faster SS car has a better finish line view so does a fast stocker. Personally I think I can hold my own foot braking against a trans brake car. I can change my leave and move my reaction time around as most of us can. The SS cars still have to let go of the button on time. I race against trans brake cars most of the time and I see their reaction times on my time slip and not seeing any advantage.

I can't say I would be in favor of such a situation as this rumor suggests. I think Combo's have their place and that's not at the National or Divisional level. But for now it is just an unfounded rumor only and until its a fact, personally I'm not going to fret about it.

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This argument comes up from time to tim in regards to S/SS combos. As a person who has organized and put on many S/SS races since 1996, here are some statistics. I've done sixteen races in Hagerstown MD since '96. In the past sixteen events, Stockers have taken 20 of 32 final rounds spots, winning ten times, including eight straight events from 1998 through 2004 (spring and fall races). In my Tri State S/SS series, the three years we did season-long points series, Stockers won all three ( Tom Losket '97, Jeff Ross '99 and Steve Klacik '00). These are stats I can recall off the top of my head. I could look up more, but I think this proves the point that Stockers can more than hold their own in S/SS combo races.

Re: Rumors from Sonoma.............
 

Stock is Stock-SS is SS.DUHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.
No conformation they'll do it but if they do that's the end of class racing.

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The END of class racing will be when a SS/AH has to run a T/SA HEADS UP.Then,I would say that its over.Until then,if thats what they have to do,so be it.
About the only Super Stock/Stock combo in Division 3 is at the St Louis National Open in April.Almost every year,a STOCKER seems to win it!

Re: Rumors from Sonoma.............
 

Earlier this year at Mopars at Englishtown we had a S/SS/Nostalgia SS race.I had to run a car dialed
9.30 in the final.Well he was going 155 mph and I was going 95.Luckily I guessed right on my dial and won.But I hope that's the last time I have to see a car going past me at 60 mph.I have no cage,fire
jacket,pants.What if I get a hero who decides to lock 'em up going that fast?Remember NHRA's
motto "Dedicated to safety"?
S/SS combos are an alternative to divisionals and national events.If they ran combos at nationals why
bother to go through the trouble of having a legal car,there will be way less heads up races in that scenario.Like I said good bye to S/SS.Glorified (read hi dollar) bracket racing.
And you wouldn't have to lose sleep over not getting HP off your oldsmobile.

Re: Rumors from Sonoma.............
 

Would Fletch,Biondo,DeFrank,Bertozzi etc. bring the Stocker or the SS modified to a "NHRA National combo"...and the answer is?

Re: Rumors from Sonoma.............
 

Ed -- You must be feeling better as you're getting back to your normal gloom and doom routine..........we all thought Stock was done in the Sixties when "they" made us take out our Hydro - Matics and replace them with Powerglides.........and yet we're still here .And again when they created Pure Stock from Junior Stock we thought it was the end ...and yet.....I could go on and on ........all this over a rumor .Welcome back Ed............

Re: Rumors from Sonoma.............
 

Why don't we just downsize ourselves out of existence, that will fix it for sure... Here’s one for you, why don’t we take S/SS/Comp/Supers and just combine them into an all run dial your own category? We can institute buy-backs and all will be peachy in the world… There will be no tech so if you want to run 50 cubic inches over or the latest noname aluminum heads go for it will all be legal including my G/SA Boss 429 Pinto wagon… See how easy, you can pick your own class too!

All I ever hear is doom and gloom and not one good suggestion for getting car counts up or fixing the obvious problems. Trying to please S/SS racers is like trying to herd cats. You guys are in fact your own worst enemy when it comes to Glendora. Every negative stereotype they have about you all is reinforced here everyday all day long.

"You can't fix stupid" - Larry Morgan...


Have a glorious day, be well...
Jackie McCracken

Re: Rumors from Sonoma.............
 

I don't know, you would have to ask them. I would guess they would bring whichever car they feel would be the best on that given day/track and give them the best chance to win. If the track may not have the best traction, they may opt to bring a lower HP Stocker, to insure they have a better chance to hook. They may opt to bring a Stocker so as not to beat on a much more expensive SS/Mod car. Robbie Hudlow won my race in Maryland in 2006, he left his SS/BS car home and won with his A/SA Camaro. Both fast and slow cars have their advantages (slower car = clean tree, better chance to hook;. fast car = get to chase, have the whole race in front of you). I would guess one would decide which weapon would be better to bring to a given fight and run it.

As far as the huge differences in speed, it wouldn't bother me. I raced Billy Nees' 17-18 second, 75 mph HF/SA Sunbird for four years. I was always facing huge speed differentials. I never worried about what would happen if a much faster car lost control and hit me. I figure by the time they would lock the brakes at the stripe and spin, they'd already be past me.

Re: Rumors from Sonoma.............
 

All I ever hear is doom and gloom and not one good suggestion for getting car counts up or fixing the obvious problems. Trying to please S/SS racers is like trying to herd cats. You guys are in fact your own worst enemy when it comes to Glendora. Every negative stereotype they have about you all is reinforced here everyday all day long.

"You can't fix stupid" - Larry Morgan...


Have a glorious day, be well...
Jackie McCracken[/QUOTE]

This just about says it all. Its one reason I put the idea of starting a Stock, Super Stock association and a Class Nationals 2 with Alex that I mentioned earlier this year on hold. To many disgruntled racers on the forum.

Re: Rumors from Sonoma.............
 

[quote=mike carr; i was always facing huge speed differentials. I never worried about what would happen if a much faster car lost control and hit me. I figure by the time they would lock the brakes at the stripe and spin, they'd already be past me.[/quote]

lol

Re: Rumors from Sonoma.............
 

IF the NHRA decided to run combo's and you think the transbrake is an advantage then just have them take the wire on the solinoid or allow Stockers to run one too then we could move on to throttle stops, delays, timers and ....there you have it ....we're bracket racers!

Jim R

Re: Rumors from Sonoma.............
 

IF the NHRA decided to run combo's and you think the transbrake is an advantage then just have them take the wire on the solinoid or allow Stockers to run one too then we could move on to throttle stops, delays, timers and ....there you have it ....we're bracket racers!

Jim R

Can we double enter and run two cars then?

Re: Rumors from Sonoma.............
 

definately have to get rid of the first red-light rule.

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i have said it before and i will say it again. spec heads designed by other than car companies, with one of there reps on sight to check said heads, give every class an index off lbs. per c.i., run them out the back door and may the best man win. cheap and real racing for the fans,

Re: Rumors from Sonoma.............
 

Championship points and alot of $$ at stake running 1320 i would probably choose a very High Compression engine in a very slick car..with transbrake that vary's probably less than one hundred of a second between runs..but thats me....what do i know

Re: Rumors from Sonoma.............
 

Ron White said it first, Larry just repeated it.

Re: Rumors from Sonoma.............
 

Yes, but the point is the same as proven by all the posts after I put it up there...

Prediction: 5 years, S/SS will be gone the way of Modified Eliminator, RIP...


Jackie McCracken

Re: Rumors from Sonoma.............
 

This just about says it all. Its one reason I put the idea of starting a Stock, Super Stock association and a Class Nationals 2 with Alex that I mentioned earlier this year on hold. To many disgruntled racers on the forum.[/QUOTE]

Disgruntled isn't even the half of it. Blind stupidity and self interest is the real problem. There is no such thing as working together to save a way of racing that is more than just racing, it is a heritage and a philosophy about what it means to have the fastest G/Stock Automatic Boss 429 Pinto wagon on earth on a given day. That is all gone the way of pinks (what a joke) and bracket racing (even bigger joke) and it is all coming to a national event near you soon and the posts in this thread are the proof but the posters here all (except a few) “think they are saving racing”, my ***!… They are part of the problem not the solution!

I hear so many people scream that we need more “heads up” runs but as soon as they are faced with the opportunity to really do so the whining and bickering and sniveling starts about “so and so’s bla bla bla” and “it ain’t fair, bla bla bla” and “he’s got a yada yada yada”… if you don’t like the heat stay out of the fry’n pan and stay at your Saturday night track and support their bracket program where you belong! Need any proof? Look at where Top Stock is today!

All most all of this bickering and “we’re gona change the world” crap comes from a bunch of “newbie’s” and “wannabe’s” that think they world needs to do what they want because that is the way mommy raised them, they always got what they wanted and if they didn’t they cried and sniveled and then if they didn’t get what they wanted they cried and sniveled louder until mommy gave in. Most of the rest of them think that if they go buy every state of the art “trick of the week part” and spend more money than everybody else they should automatically be the fastest car out there and if they ain’t then everybody that is faster has to be cheating and the ones that ain’t just ain’t cheating enough! Baaa whaaaa… it’s not fair!! These guys are a bunch of lazy wimps that has had everything they have handed to them, they have never had to work for anything in their lives and they ain’t about to do it now especially not when they can whine and snivel about it…

“You can tell who is fast and who isn’t by how many fishing poles they have in the trailer” – John Force (paraphrased)

Jackie McCracken