D2 races to include 3 Unleashed classes

[Mike Pearson]

The independent stock/Super Stock associations are a great thing. The problem we are having at the Southern Stock Super Stock Association in Fla and south GA is some of the racers will not support the program. They dont want to race 1/8 mile or a combo format. All they want to race are the NHRA points races. We are not getting any support from most of the tracks. Orlando, Lakeland, SGMP have been the most cooperative. I would like to thank them for the support. A few of the manufacturers have provided some minimal support in the past. Right now it looks like the SSSSA wont be running any races this year. Thats too bad we started out real strong.

[X-TECH MAN]

Originally Posted by Mike Pearson

The independent stock/Super Stock associations are a great thing. The problem we are having at the Southern Stock Super Stock Association in Fla and south GA is some of the racers will not support the program. They dont want to race 1/8 mile or a combo format. All they want to race are the NHRA points races. Right now it looks like the SSSSA wont be running any races this year. Thats too bad we started out real strong.

OMG ! That is a shame. I guess its just another nail in the coffin for class racers in florida. Why is it the racers think they are to above running the 1/8th or supporting a local combo ? It sure beats getting screwed over at the points races.

[Chad Rhodes]

Originally Posted by X-TECH MAN

OMG ! That is a shame. I guess its just another nail in the coffin for class racers in florida. Why is it the racers think they are to above running the 1/8th or supporting a local combo ? It sure beats getting screwed over at the points races.

having some in other parts of the south would help. Its a 6 hr drive to Valdosta, further to any of the others. Also a true qualifying sheet, scales and heads up runs would do a lot. Otherwise its just a bracket race limited to stockers and superstockers. Just my opinion

[X-TECH MAN]

Originally Posted by Chad Rhodes

having some in other parts of the south would help. Its a 6 hr drive to Valdosta, further to any of the others. Also a true qualifying sheet, scales and heads up runs would do a lot. Otherwise its just a bracket race limited to stockers and superstockers. Just my opinion

I used to drive to Atco NJ with my friend who races an IHRA crate motored stocker and it was 4 1/2 hours one way. Dave Ley"s races do VERY WELL and they dont have heads up runs, scales, and fuel check. Its just a "Mind Set" and something to do with the location. It sure beats not having anyplace to race with like minded class racers and friends instead of just a bracket race. Look at it as a fun day to be with friends and play with your toys as in a test session. Guys you need to come off of your hi horse and support the local races even if you might not agree with the foremat. Its not perfect but is sure beats sitting home watching your expensive toys rust. Each to their own.

[Mike Pearson]

Originally Posted by Chad Rhodes

having some in other parts of the south would help. Its a 6 hr drive to Valdosta, further to any of the others. Also a true qualifying sheet, scales and heads up runs would do a lot. Otherwise its just a bracket race limited to stockers and superstockers. Just my opinion

There are other associations that use the same format with success. the East Coast association led by Dave Ley uses a similar format with great success. The Bowing Green combo races enjoy a great car count.The SSSSA followed their formula but we did not get the support. Personnally I traveled to every race on the SSSSA schedule that I did not have a work or personal conflict with. The races were alot of fun and a friendly atmosphere. All of the members voted on the format. It was a whole lot better than just looking at the car in the garage all summer.

[Alan Roehrich]

The Bowling Green combo series has a full qualifying sheet, and heads up racing. It's part of the reason for the success of the series. It's what the racers wanted.

Of course, a lot of the guys running Bowling Green were combo racers "back in the day" at Music City, AKA Union Hill or just "The Hill". Back then, if you were anyone, and you were fast, you came to "The Hill" and tested yourself against the best the entire region had to offer. There were people who towed 200 miles and more to run the Saturday night "Combo 2" no breakout races.

The track, and some of the racers, went out and got a sponsor for the series. The track prep is excellent. And they treat racers like guests who were invited, instead of victims to be fleeced. The racing includes a qualifying sheet and heads up races.

And that's why the Bowling Green combo has 40-60+ car fields on a regular basis, and guys drive over 200 miles to race there.

[Chad Rhodes]

Originally Posted by Alan Roehrich

The Bowling Green combo series has a full qualifying sheet, and heads up racing. It's part of the reason for the success of the series. It's what the racers wanted.

Of course, a lot of the guys running Bowling Green were combo racers "back in the day" at Music City, AKA Union Hill or just "The Hill". Back then, if you were anyone, and you were fast, you came to "The Hill" and tested yourself against the best the entire region had to offer. There were people who towed 200 miles and more to run the Saturday night "Combo 2" no breakout races.

The track, and some of the racers, went out and got a sponsor for the series. The track prep is excellent. And they treat racers like guests who were invited, instead of victims to be fleeced. The racing includes a qualifying sheet and heads up races.

And that's why the Bowling Green combo has 40-60+ car fields on a regular basis, and guys drive over 200 miles to race there.

and why I will probably tow 500 miles to come run one this summer

[art leong]

I believe the price of traveling is the main reason for the lack of racer support. I myself had some mechanical problems last year and could not make the races that were the closest to me (200 miles).
The Nashville area has always had a lot of Stock Superstock cars. Much like the Elnglishtown/Atco/Maple Grove area. Most of the other areas are less populated by stk/ss cars.
As far as running the 1/8 mile goes I shift my car less than 100 feet short of the 1/8 mile. Making it very hard for me to turn around and guage the other car. If I put in an electric shifter that could help. But as it is now I don't think I can be competitive, unless I just used 1st and 2nd, but then the motor would be over 9000 at the finish (it revs quick in second gear).
Most of the cars in the association I'm in are from Florida. So I would not expect them to setup a race in South Carolina, Alabama, etc. The race in Reynolds Georgia had very little support.