Records, Etc @ Gainesville

[Myron Piatek]

Originally Posted by Rollins_2241

So Ed, you're saying heads-up cars with well over 2,000 horsepower are using magic converters that somehow hit the track softer than Stockers and Super Stockers factored at far less than half of that? Sounds like you guys are the ones who need the new converters. Or Dan, that it's required by the rules that you run a tall gear?

Bottom line, if you want to win you have to adapt your technology to the playing field. Or you can waste money on parts and diesel fuel, perform poorly, not have fun, and then whine about how it's someone else's fault. It's up to you. Personally, I make my engineering and spending decisions to put myself in position to turn on win lights. I don't race 60 feet, or even bench-race 60 feet. If what I do isn't working I make a change within the limits of my budget.

One thing I find about heads-up racers, as much as I disagree with them on many issues, is that they are very results-oriented, and I respect that. Maybe we handicap racers should learn what we can.

John,

With all due respect, consider the following:

* Converter technology is as diverse as many other race parts, depending on their application. Big block/small block, high rpm/low rpm, etc. have different converter configurations in order to meet optimum performance goals. Even stick cars have many variables in adjustments, power application and materials used.

* Stockers are among the most rule restricted classes in drag racing. There are limits to the "technology" that can be utilized as well as mechanical limits, like tires, cams, weight, etc. Many stockers need the maximum "hit" off the line to get all the weight moving. Often that is where most of the ET gains are because of limits in carburation and/or heads.

* As I've said before on these forums, when one makes sizable investments in membership, entry fees, travel expenses and a vehicle built within the rules outlined by the sanctioning body, it is the OBLIGATION of the sanctioning body and their tracks to provide a LEVEL playing field for the participants. Realistically it is impossible to provide a "perfect" environment because of some extreme weather conditions, seepage, occasional missed fluids on the track, etc. Some cars may also not be "optimized" by their owners as well. But when problems occur on an above average basis and to extremes, somebody is being negligent, and it's not the racers!

* Class racers can change and adapt to certain variables at the track and I'm sure you can too. But going from track to track and not knowing what to expect - blowing the tires off or standing it on the rear bumper - is not something racers should have to deal with on a regular basis. Sometimes it's just not possible to "adjust" for such extremes and then it's a wasted weekend.

* Most important of all, it's a SAFETY ISSUE!

[Ed Wright]

Originally Posted by Myron Piatek

John,

With all due respect, consider the following:

* Converter technology is as diverse as many other race parts, depending on their application. Big block/small block, high rpm/low rpm, etc. have different converter configurations in order to meet optimum performance goals. Even stick cars have many variables in adjustments, power application and materials used.

* Stockers are among the most rule restricted classes in drag racing. There are limits to the "technology" that can be utilized as well as mechanical limits, like tires, cams, weight, etc. Many stockers need the maximum "hit" off the line to get all the weight moving. Often that is where most of the ET gains are because of limits in carburation and/or heads.

* As I've said before on these forums, when one makes sizable investments in membership, entry fees, travel expenses and a vehicle built within the rules outlined by the sanctioning body, it is the OBLIGATION of the sanctioning body and their tracks to provide a LEVEL playing field for the participants. Realistically it is impossible to provide a "perfect" environment because of some extreme weather conditions, seepage, occasional missed fluids on the track, etc. Some cars may also not be "optimized" by their owners as well. But when problems occur on an above average basis and to extremes, somebody is being negligent, and it's not the racers!

* Class racers can change and adapt to certain variables at the track and I'm sure you can too. But going from track to track and not knowing what to expect - blowing the tires off or standing it on the rear bumper - is not something racers should have to deal with on a regular basis. Sometimes it's just not possible to "adjust" for such extremes and then it's a wasted weekend.

* Most important of all, it's a SAFETY ISSUE!

Well said!!

[Rollins_2241]

I hear all of you. I just think we are living in a new era, not only economically but with race car technology. Think back; in the 60's, the cars were "better than the best track". I grew up watching 8mm film of cars smoking tires all the way down the 1320 because they were making more power than the tires and track prep allowed. Then for a while, the tracks and tires were "better than the best cars", and it became normal to expect to stick all the time anywhere, no matter your setup. Now HP and torque-multiplication is increasing so fast I think we're moving back to trying to adapt to the conditions, and tracks do not have more to spend at the local level on prep. I think the heads-up crowd is far ahead of us on that.

Nobody has to tell me about the emphasis on safety issues. I dare say on that issue, I've "given up" more to this sport than anyone posting on here who ain't a ghost. We all need to suit up right, build our stuff right and have the judgment to abort a bad run.

And it will not fix the problem to spread negativity about any track or organization without offering a solution.

I don't want or need to test the limits of every racetrack like a record-setter in a performance class, but I haven't noticed any real difference or decline in track prep showing up in my results lately.

[SS/GSI]

Mr. Rollins, do you currently race Stock, Super Stock or Comp Eliminator? If yes, please state Class, Car and ET vs Index, if not maybe you need to further educate yourself on exactly how "on the edge" a large portion of the cars in these classes are in order to perform at a high level and set records. No disrespect; however until one gets truly involved in Class Racing, it is hard to comprehend. We are looking for thousanths at times not tenths!

[Bill Grubbs]

John,
Come on in...the water is plenty deep...even a cave man can do it.

Come show us how it is done. C/SA is really fun. Look forward to seeing you.

Bill

[jmarkaudio]

Originally Posted by Rollins_2241

And it will not fix the problem to spread negativity about any track or organization without offering a solution.

There are plenty of solutions, as long as the bean counters aren't worried about stuffing every dime in their pockets. Last I checked, that track is owned by a bunch with little interest in the sport, only making money. And they do it with no thought of what it could be with a little more effort. Other than the Gators, my last trip down that track was in 09, a King of the Hill Wally race. I got down to 3 cars in S/P, and left with $50. I was unaware they combined the purses, something you find at none of the other tracks in Florida except on rare combo nights. And they want to know why cars go farther to SGMP...

[jmcarter]

Originally Posted by jmarkaudio

There are plenty of solutions, as long as the bean counters aren't worried about stuffing every dime in their pockets. Last I checked, that track is owned by a bunch with little interest in the sport, only making money. And they do it with no thought of what it could be with a little more effort. Other than the Gators, my last trip down that track was in 09, a King of the Hill Wally race. I got down to 3 cars in S/P, and left with $50. I was unaware they combined the purses, something you find at none of the other tracks in Florida except on rare combo nights. And they want to know why cars go farther to SGMP...

Bingo, and we all know who owns the track. If you look at SGMP's bracket points list and their listed place of residence you'll see there are a ton of racers that drive right by the track on the way to SGMP. When I got my licensing runs with Frank Hawley it was obvious his crew had prepped the starting line better than the "owners" do for their programs. That should give everyone an idea. Shame too, Gainesville use to be one of the premium tracks in the entire country.

[Ed Wright]

Gainsville used to be on my bucket list. Guess I can scratch that one off.

[C and W Racing]

Ed, I don't know if I'd take it off of your list if your coming for a national event. I will say that at the national there, it was the best track I had been down all year. Last year it was very good as well. Just wasn't good at the open race they just had.
Chuck