[Stephen Bell]

Certianly all valid points.... Here are a few more things to think about:
The factory cars seem to have a little traction with the fans, manufacturers, and NHRA but the direction is uncertain. What is it that will make the direction clear? There needs to be several changes that will help. I would park all of the cars together, similar to how the the Copo's are parked at Indy. The performance is an issue. The cars need to run in the 7's@170. They can easily do this with reducing the weight to 3,400 lbs and allowing a 10.5 inch tire(I know there goes the stock class). The tire will easily fit under the wheel well of the second generation Copo's and CJ's. Selling a 7 second 170 mph factory production car should be the foundation of the marketing. These cars need to have their own class. Throwing the cars that don't qualify back into stock eliminator doesn't make anyone happy. They need to qualify separately, it's difficult to be the first ones down the track Thursday morning and set the field by noon, then wait until 3:00 Saturday to race first round. I would not change the body or engine rules at all. There are several back halved factory cars that have run in the 7.70/7.80 range that don't get much attention. The backhalved cars look more like race cars then factory cars. I bet that all parties involved come up with a plan that will work better than what exists. It will look something like pro mod, pro stock, pro stock bike, nitro Harley, factory cars, etc rotating a smaller 8-12 race schedule at different national events. As for "rich people" coming into the factory class and ruining it, I don't understand that? It's already plenty expensive and there are plenty of smart people involved. Think about the fact that Barton, Holbrook, Patterson/Elite, Stanfield and more are already involved! I hope the class becomes relevant and I will do everything I can to support it. Just my two cents.....

Happy July 4th!
S.Bell