Pure Stock at divisionals, why not?
 

Why couldn't NHRA allow a new class that could be introduce as Pure Stock. This would allow new blood to be introduce to racing at a divisional level. Pure Stock would what the automobile came with, you race with. I know that many would say that's why we have sportsman in bracket racing but for me it would be a way to introduce new racers(young and old) to our sport, it sure as hell would be better than snowmobiles and Legend cars that NHRA wanted to introduce at divisionals. I just wanted to see, how many felt the same way. Claude Ruel

Re: Pure Stock at divisionals, why not?
 

Just what we need, MORE classes. More classes to be teched, classified, adjusted, and complained about. There are more than enough now.
Dan

Re: Pure Stock at divisionals, why not?
 

@ We should be worrying about increasing payouts & lowering fees , not increasing classes ... Don't you think we have enough classes ?
How about Jobs ?

Re: Pure Stock at divisionals, why not?
 

Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha.................yeah a bunch of FWD cars with fart can mufflers buzzing down the track. They wouldnt cheat as most dont even know how to open a hood !

Re: Pure Stock at divisionals, why not?
 

I believe that NHRA should have some pure stock classes. But, only have three or four classes, put a year limit on it 82? and newer American built, RWD cars. Some people want the new FX cars in there own class, I am one of them. But, then the main problem that I see is there is no real tech people anymore that can check the engines under the rules that would be required for the class. I can see it, Unleaded legal gas, full muffler system and DOT drag radials. It could open the market to new companies on a sportsman level. Just a thought.

Re: Pure Stock at divisionals, why not?
 

Be careful what you wish for. Remember what happened in 1972 when all of the Jr.stockers were turned into Super Stockers and look at what we have now. Out of 22 entries at the 1972 Winter Nationals only 7 were declared legal after tear down and entered the eliminator on Sunday. Imagine if 2/3rds of stock qualifiers were DQ'ed at Indy this year..............

Re: Pure Stock at divisionals, why not?
 

I think they need to come up with a way to let the new breed of muscle cars compete.( I'm not talking about the package cars but rather the cars that are street legal cars bought off of the dealers that anyone can buy). It would be great to see this and it should be a plus for dealers that sell new Camaros,Mustangs Challengers,Chargers ect. Pure Stock would require too much tech. Maybe run it on an Open Comp format like the NMCA and have at it. No tech required.
I do remember 1972 and what happened. Look what it has now morphed into. Most Stockers can run under Super Stock indexes now.Will it happen again?Quite posibly,espicially if the economy gets worse and participation dwindles.
Jeff Ross

Re: Pure Stock at divisionals, why not?
 

IHRA already has Pure Stock. Just support the races in your region.

Re: Pure Stock at divisionals, why not?
 

Robert and Jeff you both get what I'm trying to get at. New cars in the lane instead of F%$#snowmobiles. Terry with your vast knowledge of rules and Tech I know that you could come up with a minimum inspection for new cars. After my last visit a Lebannon for the divisional I was worried by the amount of Grey Hair racers(which I have also my members card) out there. We need young blood to continue to have drag racing viable and thriving. NHRA could have four classes and that would suffice. I would buy a new Mustang 5.0 in two seconds if they this.All the other sanctioning bodies are doing it, attracting the new racers, I'm sure we could do just as good of a job, Remember "what wins on Sunday sell's on Monday " is still applicable these days. Wouldn't you want to see new Challengers, Mustangs and Camaros v8 and v6 with a minimum of 300hp in the lanes instead of Snowmobiles? We could allow some Civics(the 55 chev of this generation) and Toyotas Corollas S with their 200 plus hp engines at the track, just watch the fans in the stands, they would watch it. Let's bring back fun in racing, the cars are there, they just need a place to run. Claude Ruel

Re: Pure Stock at divisionals, why not?
 

I don't remember any fans in the stands for the imports a few years ago and they had some fast ones. Of course they blew up every other pass.

Re: Pure Stock at divisionals, why not?
 

What not try to promote it at a track that is having a regular program, and see what happens? Maybe there will not be enough guys interested to spend the time and money setting it up at the divisional level. Who are you going to get that knows enough about the car to enforce the rules? Michael is right, go to IHRA and race in that program. They have spent the time, enjoy what they have to offer.

Re: Pure Stock at divisionals, why not?
 

Toyota corollas and Honda civic's ! I think Im going to puke ! I hate the snowmobiles also. Dodge and Ford dosent even have their current new cars listed in the class guide except for the underrated "Ringers". NHRA already has the heads up index classes that they could run in if a track wanted to use that concept or include them in the divisionals like Div. 2 ( not many have been running that program either....maybe 10 cars each for the three index's) and not worry about tech inspection tear downs, weight, fuel check, etc. Im pretty sure that the younger crowd isnt as stupid as us older gray beards (yeah....me included) to spend all that $$$$$$ for entry fee's, travel and put up with the BS called enhancements. Like it or not it is NOT a car culture world anymore except for a very few younger guys who's father, uncle, or neighbor got them hooked on this drug called drag racing. Its a good thought but I dont think it will work.......Of course Ive been wrong before like when I joined the Army and got married many moons ago. .....LOL.

Re: Pure Stock at divisionals, why not?
 

"Grey Hair Racers" RULE!!!!! Jim:D


.

Re: Pure Stock at divisionals, why not?
 

Some have gray hair.....some have bowling balls for a head !

Re: Pure Stock at divisionals, why not?
 

Since when have they changed from cue balls??????????????????????

Re: Pure Stock at divisionals, why not?
 

Cue balls are down below.....bowling balls are on the shoulders......LOL. Id hate to think that my head was only as big as a cue ball.

Re: Pure Stock at divisionals, why not?
 

Ed if you don't behave I'll bring back the best red light thread! Todd I'm hoping that it catches on. Harry I'm not doing it for the fans but seeing something that they might drive might keep their fannies in the stands or even trying their cars at the track. This mentality reminds me of all the guys who bought AM Hummers and never took them in the dirt to see why they paid those big bucks. Fast cars belong on the track and Terry I know that alot of people spend a huge bundle for getting the chance for a Wally. Don't you think it would be alot nicer to see new cars such as Challengers, Mustangs, Camaros than snowmobiles in the lanes! It wouldn't cause space problem as most would just drive it to the track and change tires. West coast events will add Sea-doo's? I just want to know how the hell did someone snuck up and allowed snowmobiles on the track? Run bikes or something that makes sense, I don't care how many wheels you install under those ski, it's still dangerous. Remember as of June 2011 GM has sold 56.432 Camaros, Ford 45.846 Mustangs, Challengers 23.670. Those are great numbers even the v6 have over 300hp.Claude

Re: Pure Stock at divisionals, why not?
 

Let's be realistic here. NHRA is not going to add another class to tech, they don't want to be bothered to tech the classes we have now.

And honestly, another class is not going to increase participation.

Racers want to be treated better, charged a little less, and paid at least a little more when they do well.

Racers aren't staying home or quitting because of the expense and/or difficulty of building and maintaining a car. The return on that cost is something they can see and touch, they know they actually have at least a piece of property they spent money on that they can keep.

Racers are staying home or quitting because NHRA treats them badly, charges them exorbitantly, and pays them poorly. It's a low rate of return on investment in a terrible economy. That's a guaranteed way to get a low car count. Drive 300 or more miles in a tow rig, for a weekend race, and if you don't break anything, and you don't count the wear on the car or rig, you've spent $1500 for a national event, and not much less for a division race.

Witness the past weekend at Bowling Green. There were 59 cars running a Stock Super Stock combo in weather that was as hot and sticky as you'll find, with a high risk of a rain out. In fact, Saturday did rain out. But it only cost $50 for a car and driver, the track was good, and the staff treated racers like they wanted them there. THAT is all racers want. Reasonable costs, decent treatment, and a fair payout. Until they get that from NHRA, the car count is going to drop.

Re: Pure Stock at divisionals, why not?
 

Right there along with you, Jim!

Re: Pure Stock at divisionals, why not?
 

You wouldn't need to tech them, this would be an entry level only(all run). I guess everyone is ok with snowmobiles instead of automobiles! We all know that Compton and his diciples are just looking to make a buck on racers, they've forgotten how the sport progress through the years. Terry you're right when you say that we're not a car culture, I see it everyday, people driving Nissan Cubes or whatever box out there people drive and loving it. Look I'm just saying, wouldn't it better to have cars out there at divisionals than snowmobiles and whatever else you want to bring in, at least bring in motorcycles. Just one of you, please tell me why it's ok to have snowmobiles instead of Pure stock cars, that all you would be allowed to change are DOT drag tires, just imagine Good-year, B.F Goodrich, Hoosier how beneficial this would be for them. I don't want to take away from the other classes just bring new blood.Claude

Re: Pure Stock at divisionals, why not?
 

Claude,I honestly think you're going stir crazy.Get out of the house more.We already have classes for these cars under the way you want them teched.It's called S/Pro,Pro,Street.
I've been preaching the fact for years on here that we're not a car culture,as far as racing,anymore.The culture now is import/fwd so called tuner cars.Most dont even care to race on a track.They take it to the streets.
Us "older" types will just endure what's coming down the pike till we gwt discusted/unable
to afford/go to the dragstrip in the sky.
And the world will keep on trucking,unless our gov't. buries us before that.

Re: Pure Stock at divisionals, why not?
 

I would just like to see NHRA and the big 3 get their heads out of their collective azz and put the new showroom cars on the track and with realistic hp #'s in Stock!!

I looked at a new white Challenger SE(low end) yesterday with a V6(300hp I think)and the first thought was what a great place to start for my son who is an SAE certified tech who lives and breaths computer controlled systems..he is a Mopar guy at heart and would relish the idea of starting with a V6 Challenger in Stock.

Whatever happened to "race on sunday sell on monday"?? I think they are missing the boat..not everybody can afford a DP!

Re: Pure Stock at divisionals, why not?
 

I think the OP's idea is great !
Unfortunately, the NHRA is not run by racers anymore and is not the only game in town now.
The young blood is into the NMRA, NMCA, LSX series, etc.

If there was a class for only 2008 and newer Mustangs, Challengers, and Camaros, I would definitely be interested in buying a new Mustang and participate.
As it stands righ now, the NMRA is the only choice for Ford fans with new Mustangs.

I am an optimist, but sadly, I believe NHRA has really messed up the sportsman ranks. Maybe beyond repair. :(

Re: Pure Stock at divisionals, why not?
 

Ed, my daughters just reminded me that I hadn't been taken my meds on a regular basis, probably the reasons I'm seeing so clearly.lol But can you explain how we ended up with snowmobiles at divisionals instead of something with 4wheels and made for asphalt? Just imagine all those Chargers, Magnums,Cadillacs cts etc, you get the idea, all those new 300hp V6 that are available in the showrooms right now. This way people who want to experience running at a divisional could. Ok, I'll back off the keyboard now and take my meds, but please someone explain how Ski-doo's made it into the show? Thanks. Claude

Re: Pure Stock at divisionals, why not?
 

Claude - I'm not a Ski-Doo fan either but since you asked I'll tell you how they got in --


1) They brought their own series sponsor with them
2) Not many of 'em - usually 8 to 12 sleds
3) Do you ever remember being down for a snowmobile oildown ?
4) Can't remember even a snowmobile crash
5)No freebies - ever
6)They are always done on Saturday - never race on Sunday
7)Have you seen their #1 qualifier ? She could work on my car anytime
8) I could go on and on but why - by now you should be getting it

If you're going to bash - pay attention ..............

Re: Pure Stock at divisionals, why not?
 

Pro belt sanders ....

Re: Pure Stock at divisionals, why not?
 

Jack I'm not bashing snowmobiles racers, they have their place during the winter. I didn't know about the association bringing their own sponsor(you've answered one part of my question and thank you for bringing it up) and no qualms about their present champions, some women have bigger sets then some men out there(I wouldn't be caught dead on one). I guess I'm wrong and I'm not picking on these associations but why couldn't we bring something for the Newbie,which will bring possibly new blood.Claude

Re: Pure Stock at divisionals, why not?
 

A big issue is there are only a few (3?) newer rear wheel drive American cars. Not much variety there. If you are going to have a 'class' for cars, then you are going to have to have some type of Tech. You all know what happens even with Tech!!!

Mike Moller

Re: Pure Stock at divisionals, why not?
 

1982 and up no tech all run bracket racing, best investment for the buck.

Re: Pure Stock at divisionals, why not?
 

Claude, I would love to see it. But I know it would urinate a lot of guys with high dollar, serious stockers to have to run a ringer bracket racer, in a street car in stock elim. and I wouldn't blame them.

Re: Pure Stock at divisionals, why not?
 

Claude Super Pro-Pro ET-Street Elim.Sound familiar??????

Re: Pure Stock at divisionals, why not?
 

Interesting topic..!!

Just ran my 95 Impala SS at Richmond in G/PS last weekend. I would go for it.
Had Jeff Warren build a PS Engine and ran half second under the Index in the heat.
Raced Stock Eliminator for years retiring after getting Married.

Had my M/SA 1969 Impala since 1975 and being restored, second time.
Rust has a way with idle cars in the driveway.
Because of HOA rules cannot have a trailer and no place to park one for now.
Considering selling it.

The ability to garage a Stocker and drive to the track is appealing.
Changing the tires takes about the same time you pull or load a car on a trailer.
Use pump gas...fine with me !!
In hot weather got AC to cruise back to the pits after a run.
and near 20mpg driving back an forth to the track.

Regarding adding Classes. Not necessary.
The 95SS would fit in R/SA using the 14.05 NHRA Index that is common to IHRA and NHRA.
In fact most of the IHRA PS Index would fit near an NHRA index.
Only issue is tear down and just have to be ready.

Few Ideas:
IHRA add a little support to the Independent Series.
Post National Records set on the IHRA list.
Promote Pure Stock for the new GM, Chrysler and Fords.
Set up a Tear Down Sertification Centers at various tracks.
Where one day can be spent just for Certification.
Reduces need for Tear-down at the races, just need to get weighed.

One other really important marketing idea.
Pittsburgh Dragway has a very nice spectator area.
Easy to get to the restrooms and cafeteria and clean and a place to shop..!!!

One of the reasons more women and children do not attend is because it is not as friendly to them.

Hope these ideas spur comment..

Dan

Re: Pure Stock at divisionals, why not?
 

What do you do when you blow up an engine, trans or break a rear when your about 6-8 hours from home and no trailer or tow vehicle to get back home in?

Re: Pure Stock at divisionals, why not?
 

Good question:
I have been long hauling in the ECIRS series for almost 10 years.
Never trailered and always drove to the races.
You can view our car series at www.ecirs.com.
Plus have post our racing series on Class Racer.

To answer your question.
Yes and stuff does happen.
Lost a tranny at Etown 3 years ago.
One of my budds put my car on his trailer and drove it to Kensington, MD.
But also had the option of AAA towing my car home for about $350.00 extra fee.

This year at Pittsburgh, the ring gear broke losing teeth and managed to get home ok.
For now only drivng to races within a 4 hour one way window.
Will go up to 6 hours for one or two races over night.

Heck your tow car can blow up or rig fail and you have similar issues.
Just have to be prepared.

The majority of our races in ECIRS are Northeast tracks.
Several or our cars run deep 10's and 11's, more are in the 12's and 13's.
Couple have BB Chevy engines, others super and turbo charged.
One of our racers runs 9.50's and is driven to the track.
A few cars are in the 7's, 8's, 9's and yes the faster cars are towed.
But the vast majority of us drive our rides.

The nice thing about our B-Bodies is that they are rugged.
The LT1 is an unsung engine that responds well to modifications.
They do well in Autocross, comfortable to drive, have strong rears, and with beefier parts available.

We have a huge nationwide following. Check out www.impalassforum.com

For years I wanted to get back to racing Stock.
What I have is what I have and willing to suffer the consequences to do it.

Luckily the racer community everywhere is very tight and generous.
When anyone who is in trouble there are people willing to lend a hand, and we do.

See you at the races.

Dan

Re: Pure Stock at divisionals, why not?
 

Re: Pure Stock at divisionals, why not?
 

I am seriously looking at P/S and running IHRA only. I agree with Alan, the cost to participate NHRA is no longer justifiable and to defeat 4-5 of the countries finest drivers to win your entry back at a points race is no longer tolerable. I like the round $ paid by IHRA and the pump gas in P/S and now the 5k races offered by IHRA for 200$ entry. NHRA is dropping car counts and doesn't appear to be troubling them at all. Its to bad, We really enjoy the Gators and Belle Rose but NHRA needs a major purse adjustment to justify the entry fees and 12$ a gal. fuel. I'd be content just to break even occasionally :) Looking forward to Richmond Spectacular!!!

Re: Pure Stock at divisionals, why not?
 

Instead of Pure Stock, this new series will be call SHOWROOM STOCK, this for the person who wants to compete at Divisional Meets, not at a bracket race(not that the're something wrong with bracket, but just want to move up). Terry, it would be advisable to tow with a trailer if you're far from home but not a prerequisite for running. I'm going to see if there is some interest from tracks owners. These car woulf not compete against Stock eliminator, this would be a showroom Stock only with tire change only allowed.Claude

Re: Pure Stock at divisionals, why not?
 

Me 2.......great idea. Some dont like it though. I lived and raced in the old Jr. stock days (pre 1972) and it was eaiser on engine parts and your wallet..I just hope that IHRA inspects them closer. I know of at least 2 curently running that are bogus big time.

Re: Pure Stock at divisionals, why not?
 

Lots of luck.

Re: Pure Stock at divisionals, why not?
 

SO.......you want to create a NEW class so you can "move up" ???
How absurd !!
Want to "move up" then run an existing class !!!
Divisionals don't need anymore classes.....