NHRA changes needed for next year-add on
 

1) Stock needs to have A lighter by 1 lb/
2) Stock needs serious re consolidation of classes to decrease bye runs due to too few cars per class.
3) SS needs a lighter GT class . Start at 6 like SS .OR
4) Consolidate SS and GT classes to reduce classes( pre 80s cars run 50 lb lighter in classes)
5) Trucks and FWD in with regular classes.
6) consider Mod classes to Comp. They are not lb per HP.no tear down. Open rules fit Comp better.
7)..................................

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Look at all the bye runs for class at BRAINERD .... 2 things wrong here:
1) NHRA only allowing 70 entries (which they didn't fill) all national events that have class for stock or super stock should allow a minimum of 150 entries.
2) nothing against BRAINERD, but why do you have class at a track that is so remote or far away from most racers ?? You can't have class run offs if you don't allow or have the car count ....

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Bye runs for class should be the exception not a high %. No ones fault just the way the structure has developed with time and spread of cars and classes. Many think racing someone is important to save. Condensing the racers in to fewer classes is "one "way to accomplish this. If some feel running Open events without "any 'heads up is okay then what is next? No more class at all?
Disclaimer: Opinion of hard core class supporter who started when winning class WAS the GOAL.

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Some pretty good ideas, but I must dissagree with 2 of them. Consolidation in stock would be good in looking at it from the stand point of less buy runs, but what about the classes that already have 10 cars or so. A/B would have a ton F/G, H/I, these classes might have 20 cars per race, which is good if youre fast, got lots of money, or like gettin spanked before 3rd round every race! Youre goin to keep alot of people from havin any fun at even a divisional race!

And the same for superstock, as messed up as the horsepower system is, you cant combine gt/ss. The same motors have different ratings, in different cars, in the same class. Thats a can of worms that nobody wants to get in to!

But I do like the idea of a faster stock class, and faster gt class. You could have some really cool combos in a 6.0 GT class! And a AA/SA class would be neat, but looking at IHRA there really not that popular or much faster than most A/SA cars. But would be a faster, bigger wheelstand, new combo class!

Something I would like to see done, though no one else will agree, is a change in the hp system! Instead of punishing the whole combo/class, make it per driver/car. I know this could have a ton of catches, it might keep the little guy in the race while making for better heads-up racing!

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Hey Dick there was a time when you had to win class to run in the eliminations and shoe polish was for shoes. Hard work was rewarded, it's not all about the money in all classes. Damn I mentioned the shoe word again. It rates right with throttle stops a delay boxes with me but I am way outnumbered. Oh well.

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KSA Good points about the already Big classes. Could combining be based on numbers currently in class? I think the simpler it is the better.
My thought about HP is all motors get the highest HP rating currently used and everyone is the same.The Hp per body is a false way to rate it. Same motor =Same HP.
If you hook the hp to the driver it would be even worse can of worms in my opinion.
Someone suggested adding wt to winner for the rest of season if they were .1 or.2 faster than runner up?Interesting idea.

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KSA Good points about the already Big classes. Could combining be based on numbers currently in class? I think the simpler it is the better.
My thought about HP is all motors get the highest HP rating currently used and everyone is the same.The Hp per body is a false way to rate it. Same motor =Same HP.
If you hook the hp to the driver it would be even worse can of worms in my opinion.
Someone suggested adding wt to winner for the rest of season if they were .1 or.2 faster than runner up?Interesting idea.

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DICK i think NHRA is the thinking in another direction more towards modified type cars no tear down at all, they dont have the time or resources to tear down except at a few races anymore,

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Dick, With all due respect, keep FWD cars out of your grand agenda! We have been **** on since 1988. If you remember there were 14 FWD classes and now even after a lot of begging and dealing there are but 5! Leave us out of it, we have paid the price. I personally like being different, and having a different combo. Just because my FWD car doesn't go 10.0 doesn't make it any less fun for me. FWD would never survive in RWD classes, that's why they made FWD classes to begin with.

The first thing to do if you must reduce classes is to combine FI and Carb classes. The classes and indexes are practically mirror images of themselves anyway.

I agree Modified car belong in Comp. It's dumb for them to have two eliminators to run it! Jim

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Well said Jim leave FWD cars alone I like it the way it is.
Dennis
Stock FWD

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I agree, changes are needed...a National event w/SS having 59 entries & having class with only 13 classes with more than 1 car.

One change....NO class when only one car, hey, I know, you should not be faulted for building a odd combo, but get real, you run a single for class, while a guy has to win at least one or more rounds to win his class, is that fair......doing it this way will maybe promote more cars in those single classes.....may also keep NHRA from doing away with class...

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Point #1 Totally agree with

Point #2 Agree with. But only with FI being put back in with the carb cars.

Point#3 Disagree with. This would be a low car count class that is not needed. Just more class singles and another place for people to hide.

Point#4 TOTALLY DISAGREE. There is more than 50 lbs diffrence/disadvantage from a 66 chevy II to a Cobalt/cavalier/sunfire/G5. All this would do will make all the old muscle cars disappear( except for the beloved Hemi's). Talk about no fan appeal. 150 cavaliers and cobalts at INDY with 30 hemi cars. Plus all of the good/soft combo's are 70 and 80 smog motors. Not much appeal for the "show" their, DICK.

Point#5 agree and disagree. SS trucks and GT trucks should be mixed in with the cars with a 150 lbs weight break. Leave the FWD's alone

Point#6 Disagree. The modifeds should stay in SS but classes should be combined so their is not so much jumping around. They have enough advantages over the weight/hp cars as is.

Point#7 My suggestion if a Stock/SS class goes 5+ years without a participant in a NHRA event. It shoud be deleted. Anyone run SS/DX anymore?

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1. Agree wholeheartedly, some of the A cars are too heavy as is. I think the reason its a low turnout class in IHRA is because you cannot cross over and run NHRA with it.

2. Agreed, this is still a performace based class. Lets make it count.

3. Agree 100%, and I know of one person for sure who would be the first one in.

4. Good idea, not feasable. Case in Point SS/E (8lbs) record is a 9.54, GT/A record is 9.02 and has been as fast as 8.97. 50lbs isn't going to even be a drop in the bucket toward bridging a 1/2 second gap.

5. Agreed

6. Disagree

7. Allow Race seats in stockers that have a full cage.

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No need to reduce classes in Stock & Super Stock. A lot of people have spent a bunch on their combination. The only time it becomes a problem is during Class Eliminations. Therefore, drop Class Eliminations and award the class win to the fastest car in each class during qualifications (no class eliminations). Then, drop the "Heads-Up" rule for same classes during event eliminations.

During event eliminations, assign cars on the ladder based on their qualification ET's. The vast majority of races would look like they're heads-up. Look at any final qualification list, match the cars based on qualification ET's (regardless of class) and WOW, you have a race! Fun for the racers and a more exciting race for spectators.

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go back to bracket racing and leave Stock and SS alone.

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Move the FI cars back into regular stock and leave the rest alone for now.
And those who don't race the class should have nothing to say about it.
it's getting kind of old having these non racers trying to make changes

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Hell, I'll go with this too. I'd prefer to return to .5 lbs change between classes, not having to find hiding places for weight. I've got 125 lbs exra just to make F weight, even with my fat *** in the car! Over 300 to make G.

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Keith, no offense but HORRIBLE idea. One example of many is: You are the fastest guy in lets say B/SA at a class race, you can go 1.25 under. All the other guys in B/SA jump out to other classes leaving you alone entered in B/SA. Now you don't get a Class Win? Even after you leg it for the single? I don't think so. As to the other suggestions, remember this, you can't "force" competition. If a guy wants to duck the competition by either changing class or any other method, the next viable option is to just not show up at races where class is contested. The result will be even lower car counts where class is contested.
Johnny Shot

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I say leave FI in their own class. This is no different than what Just Observing stated earlier about Chevy II and Cobalt/cavalier/sunfire/G5. My Cuda is totally outdated compared to the new Firebirds and Comods .. they have a lot more adjustablity when it comes to fine tuning in any kind of air compared to an old carbed car. Yea, just get the HP right and it will be fair, has anyone on this forum happy with AHFS ??

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Bill ,

I think you are right and only the racers should have a say in STOCK and S/S rules.. Why haven't you guys been racing for the last 5 years... Yet you have all the answers to the problems
and No- agenda's Right !!! Dick, stick to Top Stock and AAA/Sa or what ever, leave stock and S/S alone ....The guys who race car handle it.... Dick you have waaaaaaaaaay too much time on your hands ! ! ! Why don't you help out the Super Classes, Comp and Pro Stock they might want your help.. By the way, when is your car due out ?.........We have enough people with their own agenda's who are racing....Thanks, but No-thanks... Sorry , to be so blunt but it gets Old..
Dave...1033/stock (RV-455)

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DAVE: I think you have hit the nail on the HEAD. Well said...
Irv Johns

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Dave and Irv Thanks for the respectful response. I had noticed many have voiced a wish to run their cars more often as a class car, heads up and feared the changes out west where Open events are purely bracket with no heads up. Seems expensive to run a Bracket race with a "class" car.
I was offering my thoughts on how current racers could get to race class style more often and from the personal responses from those who run TOP/STK in Div 1 and 3 and the Jr Stk, and TOP/S it is worth the effort.
Thanks again.
Dick

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Irv, Do you think there would be interest in a TOP/GT type race?

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First off, this site is designed for anybody to post, racer, spectator, sponsor, NHRA, etc. If you guys want to bitch about only racers should have their say, then post on the "racers only" section of this site.

Next, take a real good look at all the past "class eliminations results" in National Dragster. You will notice that there is alot of bye runs, and a whole bunch of classes with only two cars competing. The only heavily populated classes are the A, B, F, G, H. All the slower classes are way less populated. So, if you take the less populated slower classes and combine them for more heads up runs, you will have a larger spread of variation of ET's, therefore forcing out alot of competitors whose combinations might be tweaked already to it's highest point. Now you have reduced the car count and we are back to square one. Heck if you combined L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, T, and U, you'll end up with 5 or 6 cars on the average. The classes are set up so it covers alot of combinations, whether someone wants to run a Chevy or a Ford, or a Chrysler, 6 cylinder, 8 cylinder, there is a class for them to compete in.

The one thing that I notice most of all, is that it appears that the individuals that want to combine classes are the faster class competitors. Well, take Mr. Butler's venue and leave the rest of us alone.

And don't give me that crap about the dwindling sponsors until you can answer two questions.
1) How much annually does an aftermarket company have to post to be included as a class winner sponsor?
2) How much actually goes into the racers pocket?

For all you in favor of combining classes for more heads up runs, and the excitment, build an A or B car.

Kieth Anderson posted, One change....NO class when only one car, hey, I know, you should not be faulted for building a odd combo, but get real, you run a single for class, while a guy has to win at least one or more rounds to win his class, is that fair.

Well Mr. Anderson, why don't you come on down to U/SA and join in the fun and populate our class so we can get real.

Ron Ortiz
U/SA see ya all on both portions of this site.

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Ron Good points about where to post etc. Thanks
Seems you do agree about the value of a bye run. I agree not fair to tell someone who works hard, shows up and has spent his cash you cant run because you are a single car class.
I am confused about the combining lower classes though. If you allow cars to remove wt to hit the class minimum and his hp is the same not sure why you think the ets will be that off. Maybe because of factoring problems to begin with?
Bottom line everyone is important to our S and SS racing. Tune up the AHFS ?
We would love to include GT in TOP/SS but with no light class its too big a stretch for the GT/AA cars to get that light or competitive. New Mustangs, New Camaros and Challengers would help the "show" value.
I would really like to have a Mid SS class heads up with Gt, and SS cars all running. Tough part is the hard part dealing with the factoring based on body style, trans, car color etc which has happened. Might be interesting but we had to start somewhere and hoped to attract the AH LARGE number of cars to join sooner rather than later.
Mid or Jr Stk will hit the bigger numbers of cars like Div1.
Final Question is would you like to have the opportunity to run your fellow class racers more often?
U/SA shoot out idea was awesome for Belle Rose two years ago.That kind of fun is what would be great in more classes.

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1.) Aftermarket casting's improvement addressed with real numbers.

2.) If an aftermarket casting exists then acceptance given due consideration HP assigned where appropriate to gain reasonable access for racers.

3.) AHFS done with an engine family curve with upper and lower limits established using valid statistical methods (Upper limits are not to be compared to averages, the current method statistically invalid.)

4.) HP factors assigned to engines based on statistical curves (High School Statistics)

5.) HP adders be done with real numbers. (10 years of constant 4-6HP doesn't cut it. One engine actually got 5HP off, and then subsequently 18HP added, how so? )

6.) Bogus intake runner cc numbers all evaluated. (Some divisions gave away as many as 38 ccs over stock, many routinely gave 10-15ccs, others got 1cc, zero parity in this give away)

7.) 1.0 weight breaks in stock and super stock(0.5 breaks added only when it makes sense)(percentage weight adder for sticks to combine with automatics. This must be evaluated for a sliding scale relative to cubic inches.) GT cars to start at 7.0 New GT class at 6.0 for old hypo factory engines only (Boss 429's, Hemis, High Riser Fords, LT-1 SBC, L-88's, Tunnel Port Fords, Tunnel Port Pontiacs, AMC dual quads, W-30 Olds, Stage II Buicks, 440 6pacs, 421 Pontiac SDs, 340 6-PACs, others? (all aftermarket heads/blocks all accepted to keep cost down.)

8.) Porting allowed in stock with no epoxy or welding. Alum heads compared for angle milling, welding with a stock casing for compliance. CC rule applies (This will only work if cc numbers are completely redone)

9.) If race is limited on entry, then only one car entry allowed per driver(second driver same team, ok).

10.) Heads up racing all Events only if 1-7 is followed. All cars run class, if no class opponent, then they run against the others against their index no breakout. (regular eliminator to follow on Sunday, these runs can be substituted for practice runs if need be)

11.) Tech done on protest with Real money to protest, and do it right. Cheating will stop instantly, racers wont protest unless they are willing to lose the big cash, and racers found legal will go home compensated. Records, random compliance done as time, weather conditions, personnel is allowed.

12.) HP committee to be made up of Engine Builders, Racers, NHRA officials in equal numbers. Minutes taken and published.

Advantages:

Parity
Compliance
Return to performance, possible sponsor involvement(all left to support NMCA, NMRA etc)
Maintain bracket Eliminator
Less time/more excitement
Fan approval
Return of way cool performance cars now deleted from competition

Not getting all the cool cars/engines back into action is punishable by 30 minutes of listening to Biden, Hillary, and Odumass argue what they wont do in Pakistan. A horrible fate for anyone with an IQ over 50.

Lynn

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Everyones personal agenda will have to wait till 2009. Unless they were submitted "IN WRITING" to NHRA prior to July 30th, they are just talk. How do I know this? Last week I called Glendora with an idea for Stock. I was told 2008 rule changes are now in committee and are being fine tuned.

P.S. to Dick and Lynn, You guys did to put your ideas in writing and sent them directly to NHRA didn't you?

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Yes, Thanks I did.
I know many people have not had the time to submit the ideas they support but part of my selling my cars and limiting my personal racing has been to work towards getting some of the issues presented here in writing for NHRA committees to discuss and raising all the prize money I have been able to give out to the racers in TOP/SS and TOP/STK.
50$ entry at TOP/SS level has paid over $2000 to run 3 rounds. Pretty good money and a LOT of fun. R/U got $1000 or more. First round winners at least won entry and usually $100.
Remember that everyone has a way they like to race, Heads up class, or dial in. Both should continue to be a part of the program so everyone can have their way to race.
It seems an effort to stand up for Heads up S and SS racing has to be put forward or without input to the committees they will "assume" Sportsman Heads up Class racing isnt important to anyone including the racers. There has been comment to that effect from some people regarding spectator interest in S and SS racing. In my opinion Recreate the Class racing day excitement of Many full classes with 6 or 8 cars and the Spectators will return (if advertised)
Disclaimer: A non racer trying to help Class racers get more times to race class again.

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For the UMTEENTH TIME Stock& Super Stock racing nearly died in the 70's due to a number of things. One of them is HEADS-UP racing. Right now car counts are high in some divisions but promote changes that make heads-up races more likely and those same car counts will dwindle. Young guys racing with 2 steps and buttons can win.....old guys with piles of money can't dominate.....keep harping on the heads-up form of racing and pretty soon it will look like SS eliminator in 1975...NOBODY SHOWS UP. You can't sell heads-up racing to anyone but a select few that want it and can afford it. What is the car count for Top Stock or Top SS? I know how many cars run Top stock and Jr. Stock around here. Is it fun? I'm sure it is because nothing beats a heads-up race but if that is all there was going on racing in Stock and SS would be DEAD! I have an EFI stocker. It is not nearly as fast as some others in the class. If you are successful in lobbying for changes that make it like the "old days"...I would be out of this category quickly. Win class or qualify in order to have a chance to win an eliminator...NO THANKS. Work endlessly and spend piles of money to keep up with the class leaders, NO THANKS. I can work now to try and get my car better. All the while I still can go to a race knowing I can still actually win. Under the Dick Butler promoted version of Stock or Super Stock I cannot. You will lose countless participants promoting this form of racing and gain very little in sponsor and spectator appeal. The clock cannot be turned backwards. Car companies are not coming back to support drag racing. Sponsors kick in a few dollars here and there for various races but for the most part they are backing other categories. Why? If you don't know why your not being realistic. Open one edition of Nat'l Dragster and count how many ads are aimed at various categories of cars OTHER than Stock and SS........How many 500+ cube engines do Stockers need? Answer NONE......How many sets of Big Duke heads do SS'ers need? answer NONE. How many delay boxes can All of Stock and SS buy and use legally...answer NONE...are you getting the pictiure now Dick...sorry but I think I had to many beers watching the Nascar race...pretty cool though with Harvick and Montoya almost going at it!!!!!!!

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Thanks...I get wound up and keep in mind I didn't just fall off a turnip truck! 5 beers and I get pretty tuned up and like to say what I think.......I got more and it's cold!

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Rich , Well Said. This Guy Does Not Even Know What Year He Won His Class In At Indy. Way Would We Want Him Running The Show ?

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Thanks Paul. I have nothing but respect for the guys who raced the stock and SS classes since day one. I did not. My budget couldn't afford it. I started there but was forced to run various other categories. I won in those categories but always appreciate the real classes where I came from. The reason the bracket and super class engines I build run better than some others is because of my Class racing background. I love class racing but unfortunately it is a categorie that can cause it's own demise. Lets make it so we can all race.... The biggest probelm with this form of racing is the rules are arbitrary. If a car has a favorable HP rating it's fast. If it has a lousy HP rating it's a turd. Where does the HP rating come from and how did it get to the number it is at...well the answer is it makes very little sense and never has. The AHFS was an effort to try and make things more equitable and all kinds of guys bash the effort to death. What a joke. From what I have read Bob Lang had a lot to do with forming the AHFS.....this man works hartder than anyone I'ver ver seen that worked for NHRA and he gets bashed by certain racers. The bitching by Stock racers is unbelievable. No buttons. AHFS sucks, the track is crap, we don't get enough runs.We need more tech. enforce the rules...on and on and on. It's a wonder that Stock still even exists. When the hell was the last time they made a '441 cylinder head? For god sakes they were on '69 vehicles and that was 37 years ago! We are lucky the category even is still tolerated with all the bitching going on. Yes it is a big part of how it all started and was a huge part in the development of the sport, but times change and we need to recoginze these changes.... Man I am really rambling now, but it feels good......

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Hey Rich
One of the problems is the people wanting changes don't race the class

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I have to agree with leaving the FWD classes alone. But, I'd include in that the FWD SS classes (SS/FS and SS/GS). Since modified compact got rolled into modified a few years ago, they're the only SS FWD classes. Would they really fit into comp? Would anyone understand what a 13 sec Neon was doing racing against the other comp cars?

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What's funny about this is that everyone is okay with making changes. Until it's THEIR ox that gets gored.

AHFS doesn't work. It is a flawed system that is possibly worse than no system at all, because it can very easily be manipulated. And if it can be manipulated in such a way as to avoid having a fast combination get refactored, then it can easily be manipulated to excuse not refactoring a slow combination. It has ZERO compensation for altitude. It also ignores whether the car that made the run that triggers it was even legal, unless it was a record run, or the car gets protested.

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Rich and Paul, Great posts. Only a little off the facts. No one says there shouldnt be any dial in racing. Please reread the post about everyone is important and everyone deserves a place to race the way they like. Are you proposing no heads up in eliminations because some people are not as fast as others? are you proposing no class at all? I hope not.
Where was it proposed that winning class was the only way to make eliminations? NOT ME! Nothing broke with the fast cars and the class winners method.
I respect and appreciate any opposite opinions.
The TOP/SS and TOP/STK run heads up at a meet where they already came to participate in the BRACKET eliminator for entry points to National events. The same cars which people already have, and they just want to race some heads up more often than the two events a year that more than 2 of them enter. We pay EXTRA money too. One tank of gas , TWO races for money and fun.
The opposite of more heads up racing is LESS. More cars and combos. More hp/body combinations=fewer cars in any one class just by statistics. You can only divide the number of racers by so many classes and have a race for any of the 80 cars accepted as entrants at an event.
Entry paying S and SS racers at a points meet or an OPEN is NHRAs way of showing success at the bank.It pays the bills. Any spectators come? any news releases?
It took a LONG time to dilute the racing so far. It will be a long time working together to make it 50/50 for class racers again from the 95/5 were are seeing now;.
Do you think a New Mustang heads up against a new Camaro or Charger would excite any current kids? (assuming the show is publisized ) You bet the Manufacturers are just waiting for this one and thats something I KNOW IS BEING DISCUSSED IN DETROIT TODAY. This is fact from good sources. Here come some sponsors for sure.
Thanks for your comments.
Mr Dilcher I have a few Indy and Columbus and Brainerd and Topeka and Memphis trophies as well as Bowling Green Sports and Gainesville for class. Everyone of them was important and remain that way because I achieved the wins over GREAT drivers and FAST cars. I even won Indy Points meet once.and was R/up at 3 0r 4 more. Thanks for asking.

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Rich Biebel said it all and its worth re-reading! And he is correct on his facts.

<"For the UMTEENTH TIME Stock& Super Stock racing nearly died in the 70's due to a number of things. One of them is HEADS-UP racing. Right now car counts are high in some divisions but promote changes that make heads-up races more likely and those same car counts will dwindle. Young guys racing with 2 steps and buttons can win.....old guys with piles of money can't dominate.....keep harping on the heads-up form of racing and pretty soon it will look like SS eliminator in 1975...NOBODY SHOWS UP. You can't sell heads-up racing to anyone but a select few that want it and can afford it. What is the car count for Top Stock or Top SS? I know how many cars run Top stock and Jr. Stock around here. Is it fun? I'm sure it is because nothing beats a heads-up race but if that is all there was going on racing in Stock and SS would be DEAD!">

The system is not broke. Stock and SS class racing is strong and doing well without a switch to heads up where only a select few would be competitive. The lack of participation in Top SS and Top Stock in as large a division as 3 goes to show just how very few racers really want to see a major change to heads up racing.

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We have had a great discussion. Thanks and at this point I will end my comments and continue to work with anyone who cares to address S and SS issues together and improve class racing. Thanks
See you at the Races.

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And the rest of us will continue to discuss leaving Stock and SS alone because we know it is doing fine as it is.

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Best wishes to you Mr. Butler on making good changes to Super Stock and Stock. I do not agree with all of the details (for example - I agree with Jim Wahl on keeping FWD classes separate in Stock), but I do agree with the goals expressed. My brothers first Super Stock national event race was the '74 Gators - they ran a 65 Chevelle wagon (283 ci/220 hp) in what was SS/Q at the time. Many of the small block Chevy stars of that time were also running SS/Q (8 cars total in the class) - Ron Traffanstedt, Jimmy Bridges, the Cierri Brothers (btw - Anthony Cierri won SS over Lingenfelter at the Gators a couple of years later) and more. My brother Paul took runner up in class that year with a redlight against Traffanstedt in the Q final, but went on to do well in Div 2 SS. Traffanstedt's old SS/L Chevy II would win SS at the Gators some years later with Don Wolf driving. There was always alot of excitement among fans and racers when it came to competing in class and watching awesome class racing.

Unfortunately the dillution of SS has led to too much tepid class racing today. Still lots of great cars and drivers out there, but outside of SS/AH, great class racing is few and far between. My favorite matchup in more recent years was a pair of great SS veterans - Schindler vs. Bridges in SS/E, but now both of them are running different classes. If anybody has any desire for more fan and sponsor interest, changes need to be made. I believe that Evan Smith alluded to this in the racer's posting section some time ago. Saw lots of good inputs from folks like Lynn McCarty, Chad Rhodes and others on this thread too.

My favorite cars in Comp are the Super Mod cars of racers like Pritchett, Houghtaling and Wisecarver. As much as I like the Mod cars, I do not believe that they belong in SS and strongly agree with the point of taking them out of SS and putting them in Comp. One step in rebuilding SS is defining a category identity. Without it, you may as well throw out the rulebook and allow anything from jets to skateboards compete. In my opinion, the only cars that should compete are the ones have to deal with dreaded acronyms like "AFHS" and words like "teardown". Unfortunately many of todays greatest drivers are racing the modified-type cars and if the trend toward that type of car continues, the number of traditional SS and GT cars will dwindle.

I am adamantly opposed to this idea of getting rid of heads-up races in the eliminator. If that were ever to occur, it will be time to throw away the rulebook and change the name of the category from "Super Stock" to "Super Pro". Why even bother to have classes then?

Just my $.02...

Mark Berg
current non-racer