[Mike Pearson]

I don't think there are many younger men and women that are really interested in actually racing let alone racing a stock or super stock car. The cost to build and maintain one of these things no matter what parts are used is very expensive. The young crowd that I see at the local test and tune nights at our local tracks seem to be into power adder type cars. Turbos and Nitrous is the flavor of the day. if they want to go faster build more Cu in and more boost or spray.

I don't see any good reason to change the rules for either class. The addition of being able to use some aftermarket parts that are newer and stronger in it self saves some money and also brings the aftermarket manufacturers into our classes. The head castings on my car are 51 years old. They haven't been manufactured for 51 years. Its getting more difficult to find the castings so it is good to be able to buy some new aftermarket castings to start the build.

Right now stock and super stock seem to be holding their own. NHRA is not helping with their quota system. It makes it difficult for a new racer to be able to enter a national event.

The allure for our classes is not so much how fast they are its how fast you can go in comparison to others that follow the same rules package as you do. Stock and Super Stock are definitely 2 of the toughest classes to race. the drivers are as good as they come and you have to have a fast car that can also be consistent. That is a difficult proposal at times.

You also have to enjoy traveling. To be able to enter a national event you have to amass about 6 - 7 grade points. depending on where you live this could add up to traveling 7-10,000 miles per season to get those points.

Personally I enjoy racing super stock as much as I ever did. I just wish I could do more of it. I probably would quit racing before I became a local bracket racer