[X-TECH MAN]

$$$MONEY$$$ and the economy is most likly the primary reason and as time goes on the stocker rules have become more and more lax. One might as well build a so so running Super Stocker if all you want to run are the non heads up style association races. I started 2 projects in the last few years and decided it wasnt worth the money and effort to build a winning National event capable combo. With the new DP's and blown Mustangs HP factors being so far out of line not to mention any other NEW combos coming out what is the point? The investment is a heavy hit if you count the cost of support equipment such as a motor home (even used), inclosed trailer for better security of your car and tools, and a few spare parts not to mention the travel and entry expense. Maybe the thrill just isnt there anymore for the old timers who have been doing this for most of their lives and the younger guys just starting out have a tough time affording a
$70,000+ "stocker" today and understanding the rules as they are. Yes it can be done cheaper but how fast do you want to go and at what level do you want to compete. While a pick up truck would replace a motor home and an open trailer would work instead of an inclosed trailer they are not as comfortable if one wants to have a wife, girl friend, and your kids to be involved and being at a race track for several days not to mention your own comfort level. Most points races require you to be gone from work and home for 5 days or so. Again that means a motor home instead of motel bills. I personally still love drag racing (but dont care for sleeping in a tent at the race track) and the friends you make but it requires a lot of time and money to compete. The sport as we know it has evolved for better or worse. Just my opinion.