Letter I just sent to both Pat & Bruce @ NHRA:
Hi Pat,
I just read you are looking for input on clutchless transmissions in Stock & Super Stock.
My opinion is this should be allowed in Super Stock as it more closely resembles the upgrades allowed to a Super Stock automatic transmission. Furthermore, since tranny-brakes are allowed in Super Stock, there should be an allowance for electro-magnetic clutch pedal release mechanisms as shown here:
http://www.biondoracing.com/ClutchRelease.shtml , release would be the same legal buttons as the a/t classes are allowed. This would be an affordable upgrade option to the SS stick racer.
I'm in the (long) process of re-working my SS/H AMX from front to back. A new clutchless transmission is not part of the equation at this point but I do not feel it is a necessity; but it would be a consideration for future use.
Regarding usage in the Stock class, I would be inclined to say no. I think this type of transmission should be part of the "upgrade package" when graduating from Stock to Super Stock and Stock Class racers should have rules with cost considerations. And no, that wasn't a joke...
Also on this subject, I know of several auto trans Stock & Super Stock racers who would be more willing to run a stick class if not for the index penalty on many of the classes. Drop the spread between the stick and auto classes (same letter designation, i.e., SS/J vs. SS/JA index difference of two tenths) and allow clutchless transmissions in SS and I have good input you might see a surge in stick class participants.
That's all for now, thanks for hearing us!
Jeff Lee
SS/H #7494