Hemi Challenge Needs Pro Tree
 

After watching the HEMI Challenge at INDY as we always do, I came away with feeling as if this class needs a 5 tenths Pro Tree. Actually, I have felt this way for several years but feel like the time has come for a change. These cars are amazing machines with hundreds of thousands of dollars invested to run as a SHOWCASED class at the most prestigious event in the NHRA. Yet, it feels as if the regular sportsman tree takes away from the EXCITEMENT and SIGNIFICANCE of the "THROW EVERYTHING AT IT' heads-up style competition. The Factory Showdown class has the 5 tenths Pro Tree, as well as the new Factory Experimental class (can't recall if this class is a 4 or 5 tenths tree). So why not the HEMI Challenge?

Now before I get any hate mail, this is just my opinion. I thought I'd mention it in the event this was something these HEMI guys would like to consider and approach NHRA with.

Gary Emmons

Re: Hemi Challenge Needs Pro Tree
 

SS/AH has both stick and auto trans combos, do you think that the reaction times are the same for those two different combos to run on a .5 pro tree?

Re: Hemi Challenge Needs Pro Tree
 

Poll only SS/AH drivers who competed in Hemi Shoot Out style events actively in 2023 and let them decide.

Unless a safety issue, changing rules should be decided by those actively competing in the class as they are the ones affected. Whatever class or rule that may be

Re: Hemi Challenge Needs Pro Tree
 

Except for the final,I didn't really see very much close racing.

Maybe they need a flag or flashlight start like No Prep Racing.

Re: Hemi Challenge Needs Pro Tree
 

4 tenths tree would be perfect, less chance of red light, it's a head's up class, run it that way.

Re: Hemi Challenge Needs Pro Tree
 

Change for change sake is not always a good thing. That is still a super stock class so leave it as is. There is no good reason to make that change

Re: Hemi Challenge Needs Pro Tree
 

.400 Pro Tree gets my vote!

Re: Hemi Challenge Needs Pro Tree
 

It's always interesting that people want to change the rules that affect someone else. Does deep staging and blinder rules come to mind?

Re: Hemi Challenge Needs Pro Tree
 

The Hemi Challenge is part of the show, it's not a part of the regular Superstock eliminator.

Re: Hemi Challenge Needs Pro Tree
 

But are the Hemi Shoot Out contestants not eligible to do both, and enter the S/S Eliminator program? Which would mean 2 very different starting scenarios.

Re: Hemi Challenge Needs Pro Tree
 

Sure, and it's fair in the Hemi shootout, all heads up same cars and fair in the eliminator, the same tree for everyone. I bracket raced at Hampton and National all through the 70s with a 4 tenths pro start at National and a 5 amber tree at Hampton with my Sport Fury and my 67 Cuda, not a problem adjusting to it. I won or runnered up 38 times at Hampton and 7 weeks straight at National with none of the electronic toys drivers have available now, I still have most of the time slips. Some of today's drivers hop from a slow stocker to a Super Comp and do well with both.

Re: Hemi Challenge Needs Pro Tree
 

The difference is the Hemi Shootout cars don’t get to make separate qualifying runs for the shootout and the eliminator, do they? There wouldn’t be opportunities to set up properly for both types of tree.

Re: Hemi Challenge Needs Pro Tree
 

I could be wrong but I'm thinking most of them are there for the shootout and some don't run the eliminator, it would end most if not all of the red lights and in a way be like old school Pro Stock with both cars fighting until the end.

Re: Hemi Challenge Needs Pro Tree
 

Still SS well It might be classified as SS but now that they can run Comp, I think horse left the barn a long time ago. The Boys want a Pro Light for Hemi Challange let have it. Does add another element to that race.

Dirk

Re: Hemi Challenge Needs Pro Tree
 

ALL heads up runs should be Pro Tree :)

Re: Hemi Challenge Needs Pro Tree
 

I can't disagree, but can't see that ever be in effect. For that to happen, the clock operator would have to exit the entry page, go back to one or more of the previous pages and then make the change. And remember to do the same for the next pair.

In all my time in the tower working points races, most of the clock operators were fighting for their life to keep up. Sun glare meant they couldn't always read the numbers, different towers were located where they didn't always have a clear view, and there was a need to work quickly. Without slamming anybody, I'd say that only 25% at best were like machines in getting the job done. The only think I could think of is when a racer changed classes up or down that a new bar code would have to be made. The only thing I can think of is that often racers change classes up or down and it might be a pain for them to get an updated bar code sticker.


Came back to write that years and years ago I had a conversation with Brockmeyer where he told me his current hot project was to develop a bar code reader where every car would be automatically entered into the computer before it pulled to the line. That obviously didn't happen but I never heard why.

Re: Hemi Challenge Needs Pro Tree
 

If 20 A/H cars show up only a handful run the eliminator and the rest only run the challenge. This year Rick Johnson and Earwood were the only 2 that did that. We have our own 3 qualifying runs so going to a .400 tree would be no problem whatsoever. Only problem would be for the others in the class to jump on board but I say they won’t because most of them are up in their years and they will think they are at a disadvantage!

Re: Hemi Challenge Needs Pro Tree
 

Given Comella’s skills on a full tree I’d imagine his competitors would lobby for a Pro Tree…or even if one particular player asked then it would probably happen. Heck, it worked on blinders…

Re: Hemi Challenge Needs Pro Tree
 

If allowed it would have to be a .500 pro tree. That is how the FSS class is. Most drivers would be for it. If you use(d) a blinder you're leaving off of the bottom anyways. This would be no different.

The class was down a little this year but it had nothing to do with the class/purse/etc.
Notable racers not in attendance:
Locker - waiting on parts
Baum - waiting on parts
Lill Joe - Family stuff
Doug F. - Family Stuff
Kent - Don't know for sure
Kassin - Parts

This is just off the top of my head. I know I am missing a few more. The gap between the top and bottom looked bigger just because of the quality of cars that weren't there. And some unfortunate breaking that happened during qualifying.

But I am in agreement with the original idea. If this class is one off for Indy, might as well let the tree be better for heads up. We can already tow, etc.....

Re: Hemi Challenge Needs Pro Tree
 

I have raced in SS/AH Hemi Challenge 5-6 times over the last ten or so years. I have missed the last 3 years because I built a Challenger for Stock. Even though I am a first round duck, I have always enjoyed participating in the class. The Hemi class is a very expensive group to be in if you want to be at the top, as evidenced by the high breakage. However, some racers have been able to stay at the top and show their "stuff", as Steve Comella did even on bye runs this year. If a change is made to a Pro Tree, I think NHRA should confirm the change with all the SS/AH racers first. I, for one, think it should stay the same as has been., a Full .500 tree. Dan Zrust 5583 SS/AH

Re: Hemi Challenge Needs Pro Tree
 

I knew a guy that had one of these, fast sucker too. He was born half blind (1952 premie) so the blinders actually helped. Heck, NHRA goes 500 tree, he may come back. ESPECIALLY if they can tow. His worst fear was not seeing a spectator on pit road during Friday eliminations trying to get to the staging lanes. BUT at least he can say he did it. Ex_Phish

Re: Hemi Challenge Needs Pro Tree
 

So this means class eliminations should all be pro free? And heads up runs during eliminations should be pro tree? Watch out what you wish for.

Hemi Challenge cars are super stock cars. They can also run comp eliminator. Both classes are contested on a full tree.

End of discussion right there. Good thing you are not on charge.

Re: Hemi Challenge Needs Pro Tree
 

This is a quote from the National Tech Director

“Tell them that you are not racing Super Stock this weekend”!
This was in response to being allowed to Tow to the lanes

Re: Hemi Challenge Needs Pro Tree
 

Yes I meant what I wrote. ALL would mean ALL !

Re: Hemi Challenge Needs Pro Tree
 

Yes, I agree. .400 pro tree would give all of us old nags a shot in this so called "two horse race". Tired of being cannon fodder.

Re: Hemi Challenge Needs Pro Tree
 

I heard all the automatic guys except one want to leave the class and go back to AA ! Oh well!