[Mike Pearson]

My vote is for number 2. With some exceptions.
I don't have a problem with combining the stick and auto classes if the horsepower is adjusted to keep the combos equal. The stick cars would have a distinct advantage in performance especially if they are running a liberty clutch less type trans. In my case the stick car actually has a less HP factor than the auto so that would have to be adjusted. NHRA has proven that they don't really have the ability to closely monitor performance and make adjustments as needed. This would have to changed for the better. There really is not many stick cars left. They are much harder to maintain and drive competitively.
Points for records and top 10 qualifiers sounds like a excellent way to bring back some of the performance aspect of class racing. Might even help with the AHFS. More quota at he national events might bring a little more heads up racing as well. I would also like to see the class combo killed and go back to the way it was before that was implemented. More class winners is good for the sport.
NHRA needs to make it easier for the contingency sponsors to participate. This has been a big killer to our type of racing. A class win years ago would pay some money to offset the entry fees and travel cost.