Although I have met Irv I don't know him that well, I do know Jeremy quite well and talk to him daily.
He is a drag racer to ne end, he understands how and why things work or don't work. He thinks things through and everything is done with a reason.
I understand your desire to go after the one on top. You have a tough challenge I suspect. Everyone knows Irv's car went 9.74. Its .2 slower in cali, guess they forgot a few things over winter.
Jeremy and myself teamed up on another drag racing challenge not related to class racing at all. Its limited and more just branging rights with very few people hunting for him, but it has been fun and so far we have bested others by .3 seconds.
So being an outsider I enjoy your desire. Irv will be a good one for you. I am sure Irv will enjoy it anyways, if nobody was attempting to challenge him what fun would that be?