CLASS RACER FORUM - View Single Post

Dick Butler · 09-07-2009, 07:16 PM

Gary, I know your pain about class racing. I have spoken here many times about methods to improve it. I worked with TOP/SS and TOP/STK. Dedication of the racers to re doing class heads up racing is minor. Many will speak about it and sigh about how they miss it. The ones who supported TOP/SS and TOP/STK raved about it and want it to continue. Problem is NHRA will never support 8 guys racing at an event where they have 100 paid entries to just participate in Stk or SS who dont care whether they race anyone as long as they can "participate" in the bracket part of the event. AGE has caught up with the racers. Old guys who understand are leaving the sport or just gave up class racing. Young guys set their sights on having a place to bring their $30,000 to $100,000 cars to run down the track and let off at 1000 ft and hope someone is impressed because they are saving their HP rating. None of the older guys are impressed. They want to see a CLASS WINNER trophy on the shelf. If you find a sponsor who will pay money for class to make it attractive some will STILL not compete. So many cars cannot be made competitive based on factoring fiascos seen at the US nationals and still some cars are kicked out over a cc spec in a book when they are grossly mis factored for lack of interest.
Modified was the answer ahead of its time. Same cubic inchs, carbs open rules but basic chassis. SS and Stk are unfortunately victims of manipulation by Tech rules committee ignoring them and bogus expectations and punishments.
Good Luck
I loved TOP/SS as those who fit easily and supported it. The TOP/STK guys felt the same but there was no incentive for NHRA to support it when TOP/SPORTSMAN and TOP/DRagster had MONEY coming in to support the races...

09-07-2009, 07:16 PM	#10
Dick Butler VIP Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Richmond Indiana Posts: 1,196 Likes: 5 Liked 32 Times in 19 Posts	Re: The Fight To Preserve Class Racing Gary, I know your pain about class racing. I have spoken here many times about methods to improve it. I worked with TOP/SS and TOP/STK. Dedication of the racers to re doing class heads up racing is minor. Many will speak about it and sigh about how they miss it. The ones who supported TOP/SS and TOP/STK raved about it and want it to continue. Problem is NHRA will never support 8 guys racing at an event where they have 100 paid entries to just participate in Stk or SS who dont care whether they race anyone as long as they can "participate" in the bracket part of the event. AGE has caught up with the racers. Old guys who understand are leaving the sport or just gave up class racing. Young guys set their sights on having a place to bring their $30,000 to $100,000 cars to run down the track and let off at 1000 ft and hope someone is impressed because they are saving their HP rating. None of the older guys are impressed. They want to see a CLASS WINNER trophy on the shelf. If you find a sponsor who will pay money for class to make it attractive some will STILL not compete. So many cars cannot be made competitive based on factoring fiascos seen at the US nationals and still some cars are kicked out over a cc spec in a book when they are grossly mis factored for lack of interest. Modified was the answer ahead of its time. Same cubic inchs, carbs open rules but basic chassis. SS and Stk are unfortunately victims of manipulation by Tech rules committee ignoring them and bogus expectations and punishments. Good Luck I loved TOP/SS as those who fit easily and supported it. The TOP/STK guys felt the same but there was no incentive for NHRA to support it when TOP/SPORTSMAN and TOP/DRagster had MONEY coming in to support the races...