End of Stock and SuperStock Racing??

[Michael Colaluca]

Exactly!

I have several buddies that go grudge racing quite often. One spent the same amount as it cost to build a nice 318, for an entire vehicle that runs in the 5.80 range in the 1/8 mile!

That is where racing is going unfortunately. The younger generation doesn't want to spend money on a car that goes "slow." They would rather slap nitrous on a 5.0 mustang or a v8 s10.

The only person I have seen around my age, or 10 years older rather, was started by their family. Haven't seen someone really jump into it from a younger generation, however I could be wrong.

I do not believe allowing the import cars would change anything. Kids that race these days just would rather go fast. Don't understand rules, or why someone would use a quadrajet or thermoquad carb to race.

[Jeff Lee]

I've been saying this to deaf, SELFISH ears to years. Decrease the amount of classes which will push towards more heads-up runs, make those that try, try harder and sponsors will be happier all at the same time. I know that the two out of two OEM's I've spoken to whole heartedly agree with me and I've not communicated with the 3rd OEM representative.
How to do this? Simple. Combine classes like Top Stock; I.e., A-B-C race together on B weight, D-E-F race together on E weight, and so on down the line. At the same time, combine sticks and autos.
This gets shot down due to those trying to protect their turfs, plain and simple. But I'd rather loose a small turf than the whole turf.
I'm at Boy Scout camp this entire week. It's a lot more rewarding than drag racing but I see the politicos here too. Damn, everybody's got an agenda and turf to protect!

[Gary Smith]

Originally Posted by Jeff Lee

I've been saying this to deaf, SELFISH ears to years. Decrease the amount of classes which will push towards more heads-up runs, make those that try, try harder and sponsors will be happier all at the same time. I know that the two out of two OEM's I've spoken to whole heartedly agree with me and I've not communicated with the 3rd OEM representative.
How to do this? Simple. Combine classes like Top Stock; I.e., A-B-C race together on B weight, D-E-F race together on E weight, and so on down the line. At the same time, combine sticks and autos.
This gets shot down due to those trying to protect their turfs, plain and simple. But I'd rather loose a small turf than the whole turf.
I'm at Boy Scout camp this entire week. It's a lot more rewarding than drag racing but I see the politicos here too. Damn, everybody's got an agenda and turf to protect!

Unfortunately the very reason I got so obsessed with class racing may be the very reason of it's impeding doom - over complexity to the average spectator. When you count the number of designations, confusing rules, unexplainable slower cars, bracket-index-breakouts, it's no wonder the average fan ends up walking away from the stands. And as I've said before, lack of self-marketing from most racers to non-traditional outlets (car-shows, seminars, other varying non-motorsport venue solicitation) and less than desirable engagement with spectators continues to seal the fate of Stock & Super Stock. It is no longer up to the "HRAs" to sustain its future, but the participants and supporters.

[Dan Fahey]

Originally Posted by Gary Smith

Unfortunately the very reason I got so obsessed with class racing may be the very reason of it's impeding doom - over complexity to the average spectator. When you count the number of designations, confusing rules, unexplainable slower cars, bracket-index-breakouts, it's no wonder the average fan ends up walking away from the stands. And as I've said before, lack of self-marketing from most racers to non-traditional outlets (car-shows, seminars, other varying non-motorsport venue solicitation) and less than desirable engagement with spectators continues to seal the fate of Stock & Super Stock. It is no longer up to the "HRAs" to sustain its future, but the participants and supporters.

Excellent Post !!

"And as I've said before, lack of self-marketing from most racers to non-traditional outlets (car-shows, seminars, other varying non-motorsport venue solicitation) and less than desirable engagement with spectators continues to seal the fate of Stock & Super Stock. It is no longer up to the "HRAs" to sustain its future, but the participants and supporters."

[partsbob67]

do you think this would help or hurt? cut the classes and also go to a spec type engine program where you use edelbrock heads for your engine and a 750 or 850 holley carb. now I realize this doesn't work for the 6 cyl guys and some other combos, but it could cut some of the cost of building and maintaining a combo. it's seems like that is what they are doing with the new cars, why not spread the wealth?

[Dan Fahey]

Originally Posted by partsbob67

do you think this would help or hurt? cut the classes and also go to a spec type engine program where you use edelbrock heads for your engine and a 750 or 850 holley carb. now I realize this doesn't work for the 6 cyl guys and some other combos, but it could cut some of the cost of building and maintaining a combo. it's seems like that is what they are doing with the new cars, why not spread the wealth?

NO !

Takes away the fun of selecting a combo.
Narrowing number of classes is a good idea.
However think the Crate Engines Classes should be added to S/SS.
Match HP rating accordingly.


d

[Kenny Wigington]

Originally Posted by partsbob67

do you think this would help or hurt? cut the classes and also go to a spec type engine program where you use edelbrock heads for your engine and a 750 or 850 holley carb. now I realize this doesn't work for the 6 cyl guys and some other combos, but it could cut some of the cost of building and maintaining a combo. it's seems like that is what they are doing with the new cars, why not spread the wealth?

NO, not exactly. Then you "junk" all the existing hardware there, in place, now. Relegating combo's worked on hard, for many years and decades, at their own costs, labor and parts , would be completely wasting them, and that would essentaily, kill the Stock and SuperStock classes, for good. That would not be beneficial, to anyone.

[Michael Colaluca]

Combining sticks and autos with 1lb weight breaks would also help the class. Who doesn't like to watch heads up racing??

[partsbob67]

Originally Posted by Kenny Wigington

NO, not exactly. Then you "junk" all the existing hardware there, in place, now. Relegating combo's worked on hard, for many years and decades, at their own costs, labor and parts , would be completely wasting them, and that would essentaily, kill the Stock and SuperStock classes, for good. That would not be beneficial, to anyone.

so then it's kind of back to he with the biggest wallet wins. I say that because what does a set of "legal'" heads run now? 3 grand or more depending on how fast you need to go. and each year we get away for the true origin of stock with rule enhancements for the sake of safety (race seats, wheelie bars etc...) or dependability (roller rockers). sounds like we are doing all the changing ourselves.

[Dan Fahey]

Originally Posted by Michael Colaluca

Exactly!

I have several buddies that go grudge racing quite often. One spent the same amount as it cost to build a nice 318, for an entire vehicle that runs in the 5.80 range in the 1/8 mile!

That is where racing is going unfortunately. The younger generation doesn't want to spend money on a car that goes "slow." They would rather slap nitrous on a 5.0 mustang or a v8 s10.

The only person I have seen around my age, or 10 years older rather, was started by their family. Haven't seen someone really jump into it from a younger generation, however I could be wrong.

I do not believe allowing the import cars would change anything. Kids that race these days just would rather go fast. Don't understand rules, or why someone would use a quadrajet or thermoquad carb to race.

I think Stock has a golden opportunity to rebrand itself and grow.

Mentioned adding the foreign makes.
Seem to get a lot of push back preventing them from being added.

The current generation have their loyalties to many Imports, like we do ours.
IT would start slow but it will catch on and grow.

I have been watching "Are you Faster than a Redneck"
Love that program and that competitive gritty attitude will prevail if Imports are allowed to compete in S/SS.

I can see the announcer now building up the Impatience.

Heck Toyota is already sponsoring National Meets.

As far as current branding of S/SS !
Having a Muscle Car S/SS Meet would attract fans.
I do not like the word Nostalgia.....old !!

But Muscle Car S/SS Racing concept should attract fans if properly marketed.


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