The Future of our class

[Bill Edgeworth]

Ed,
As much as we all complain about the pros I think most of us would not want to be removed from the “Big Show” even though most of the spectators don’t even know we exist.
I think what they should do is after final qualifying pick a set number of competitors at EVERY race seal their motors and tell them to report for a tear down after their eliminated or if their lucky after the final. That way it does not affect anyone still in competition and it spreads the work out for the tech guys.
I also think the tech guys jobs in some ways could be made easier while allowing them to be more through. For instance they should have a photo album of cars and trim options to ensure everyone is racing what they are claiming. I go to the trouble of changing hoods depending on what combo I’m running while I hear stories of people rebadging cars that are not even built on the same platform that they are claiming.

[Ed Fernandez]

Bill,that was my solution.As long as we go to nationals,as they are structured now and the type of spectators who attend,we'll continue to be treated like ***** and used like the cash cows that we've become.

[X-TECH MAN]

Originally Posted by ed fernandez

bill,that was my solution.as long as we go to nationals,as they are structured now and the type of spectators who attend,we'll continue to be treated like ***** and used like the cash cows that we've become.

x 2

[Dick Butler]

Too many motor types and specs to check. It would be totally counter to religion of Stock and SS with the motors having "specs" but Mod production only type motors 2 barrel, 4 barrell, 2/4 or injection and lb/cubic inch would remove many opportunities to Cheat. Pump them at the end of the track by the scales and go home.
No more cam cheating, crank cheating, rod cheating, piston cheating.
No I dont like it but it would cure a lot.

[JRyan]

Yeah of course you're right Dick. It would cure a lot. Mostly it would cure many people from the addiction they now have (class racing) and give them time to persue another endeavour. I think you're over-estimating the number of people that can actually afford to build a competitive comp style engine.

Jerry

[Dick Butler]

All racers see the "issues" from THEIR prospective. What car they own affects their stand. What brand they support, what dealers give them parts etc etc.
We have all been tied to the "factory Spec" ideas so long any major leveling of the fields by common specs or parts is FOREIGN and OFFENSIVE.
Look at sports car club racing. (my limited knowledge). One motor, one class. Bigger motor another class. Sealed motors to keep costs down. Different Brands in separate classes.
Many months ago Jim Boburka and myself and others suggested Common specs for three brands with common wt cars. All based on Current available over the counter parts.
A FOREIGN idea if you own a car to sell, or only know one motor or stuck in your ways.
Much like super modified with Limited flat top piston, head combinations. Cheaper, over the counter and use in body styles you may already have in the garage.
When started could be divided by wts into multiple classes if needed.
Win with a tune up, traction set up, tire or gear choices. DRIVING SKILL. Not bogus HP ratings, Bogus specs, Ignored combinations from archives.

[Ed Fernandez]

Originally Posted by Dick Butler

All racers see the "issues" from THEIR prospective. What car they own affects their stand. What brand they support, what dealers give them parts etc etc.
We have all been tied to the "factory Spec" ideas so long any major leveling of the fields by common specs or parts is FOREIGN and OFFENSIVE.
Look at sports car club racing. (my limited knowledge). One motor, one class. Bigger motor another class. Sealed motors to keep costs down. Different Brands in separate classes.
Many months ago Jim Boburka and myself and others suggested Common specs for three brands with common wt cars. All based on Current available over the counter parts.
A FOREIGN idea if you own a car to sell, or only know one motor or stuck in your ways.
Much like super modified with Limited flat top piston, head combinations. Cheaper, over the counter and use in body styles you may already have in the garage.
When started could be divided by wts into multiple classes if needed.
Win with a tune up, traction set up, tire or gear choices. DRIVING SKILL. Not bogus HP ratings, Bogus specs, Ignored combinations from archives.

Dick as an AMC racer I think your idea sucks and smacks of discrimination towards
independent brand cars.:>)

[X-TECH MAN]

Originally Posted by Dick Butler

All racers see the "issues" from THEIR prospective. What car they own affects their stand. What brand they support, what dealers give them parts etc etc.
We have all been tied to the "factory Spec" ideas so long any major leveling of the fields by common specs or parts is FOREIGN and OFFENSIVE.
Look at sports car club racing. (my limited knowledge). One motor, one class. Bigger motor another class. Sealed motors to keep costs down. Different Brands in separate classes.
Many months ago Jim Boburka and myself and others suggested Common specs for three brands with common wt cars. All based on Current available over the counter parts.
A FOREIGN idea if you own a car to sell, or only know one motor or stuck in your ways.
Much like super modified with Limited flat top piston, head combinations. Cheaper, over the counter and use in body styles you may already have in the garage.
When started could be divided by wts into multiple classes if needed.
Win with a tune up, traction set up, tire or gear choices. DRIVING SKILL. Not bogus HP ratings, Bogus specs, Ignored combinations from archives.

This sounds like IHRA's Super Stock Production classes. 2 barr. 4 barrel, (multi carbs years ago but no longer being used) limited to stock stroke cranks (no wierd cu. inches or wacky comp. type ground cranks. Limited to cubic inches produced by the factory but with a max of .070 overbore blocks. Ported alum heads with factory numbers and NO welding allowed. Not quite mod production or comp engines but not like S/S either with factory specs. It used to be VERY popular in IHRA years ago. It could work but in the long run someone with more money than brains would screw it up for the little guy.

[Billy Nees]

Originally Posted by Dick Butler

All racers see the "issues" from THEIR prospective. What car they own affects their stand. What brand they support, what dealers give them parts etc etc.
We have all been tied to the "factory Spec" ideas so long any major leveling of the fields by common specs or parts is FOREIGN and OFFENSIVE.
Look at sports car club racing. (my limited knowledge). One motor, one class. Bigger motor another class. Sealed motors to keep costs down. Different Brands in separate classes.
Many months ago Jim Boburka and myself and others suggested Common specs for three brands with common wt cars. All based on Current available over the counter parts.
A FOREIGN idea if you own a car to sell, or only know one motor or stuck in your ways.
Much like super modified with Limited flat top piston, head combinations. Cheaper, over the counter and use in body styles you may already have in the garage.
When started could be divided by wts into multiple classes if needed.
Win with a tune up, traction set up, tire or gear choices. DRIVING SKILL. Not bogus HP ratings, Bogus specs, Ignored combinations from archives.

Dick, I think that is a great idea with just a couple of suggestions, the engines would have to be built and sealed by "approved" engine builders with a "pre-agreed to" price and availability and a "claimer" rule that the winners engine could be bought post-race at a "set price" that would be significantly lower than a new replacement. You get NHRA (and enough racers) to agree to that an you'll have something!