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if there was an internet back in 69, there would have been just as many complaints.
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Were those complaints justified? Just because people complain about something doesn't mean it's automagically wrong, OR unfounded. We saw it with the fuel injected cars, and it took their own separate classes and 10 years to factor them some semblance of properly. It would stand to reason that if mistakes were made in the past that we would try to not repeat them.
Throughout the myriad of threads regarding the new factory cars, the overwhelming complaint is not with the cars, the car owners, or even the factories. Ultimately, the primary issues revolve around HP factors.
NHRA has set the precedent with its baseline factored HP of the factory cars, so it is unlikely they will change. Also based on precedent, it is reasonable that they would create separate FX classes to allow them factor themselves without bludgeoning traditional Stockers heads-up in the meantime. While it doesn't address qualifying (bye runs), it's a start.
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if they were to give this new class hp, it would take to long to see what the car potential is.
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Presumably, potential remains in these combinations, particularly since they are so new. It would stand to reason then that their HP factors (S/SS) should be higher and/or the Factory Stock indexes lowered. Each would allow the cars to "stretch their legs" without fear of factoring. A quick glance at Indy and Reading qualifying indicates that the Factory Stock indexes are a MINIMUM of .30 soft. Moving their indexes several tenths would STILL have them dominating qualifying.
Yes, the new cars are cool. VERY cool. VERY impressive. Factory Stock is even cooler. I'd like to have a race for them. As I've stated before, no has asked that they be factored unrealistically high and rendered uncompetitive, but neither should they be factored unrealistically low. There exists a great deal of space inbetween that could be palatable to ALL parties. Enjoying and appreciating the factory cars is not mutually exclusive with realistic administration.
Standard disclaimer: I run a 'factory' engine in SS/GT. Despite better specs all the way around, it is rated 50 HP *less* than my Crate Motor was. My
wife told me to build this engine!
$.02,