Interesting...Jon Asher on Pro Stock and Factory Stock

[Jeff Teuton]

The old Top Stock rules would work here as they did then. Time trials 2 or Friday, 1 Sat Morn and eliminations Sat till complete. All run, and fast loser comes back on a bye. There are no byes unless first round has one. 10.5 tires. It was a lot of fun and had good spectator attention. Pro Tree (.5) An extra day for rain or certification.

[Dissident]

Indeed times are changing and it was said in this thread that NHRA was without clues as to what was going on.....Pretty good assessment.

The issue of Factory Stock is a potential flagship for the factories not for NHRA's edification. The factories are aiming at the folks in the stands, not the NHRA leadership. Remember the NHRA is a not for profit organization and they are only interested in perpetuation of their incomes not revitalizing the sport or venue. That is obvious by the way they treat the Sportsmen Racers as fill-in for rebuild time for Top Fuel and Fuel Funny Car.

Do not be surprised that sometime in the future, some outfit such as SEMA (also a non for profit organization) taking a run at NHRA as they at least see the importance of the aftermarket's survival. And that is not from the sale of parts for Top Fuel or Funny Cars. Their membership is comprised of the folks that manufacture and sell parts to the masses.
Note the parts on Factory Stock vehicles.....pretty clear to me.

By the way, FS should be its own eliminator so they can shine without overwhelming the real stock eliminator guys.

Ok then. Enjoyable rant over. Happy USA birthday and enjoy the day!

Regards to All - Dissident

[barnca2010]

Not sure if it was Jack Matyas, got a bunch of teens to show up at the track and they got to see the cars up front and got a T-shirt and more personal face time with racers that they would at a National event with the pro's. That's action. I watched when a dad, grandfather and son stopped by in the pits to look at the cars.


That was actually me and my whole team at WHEELZ UP RADIO who brought the kids to New England Dragway for the Divisional.. We are doing it again this year. And we are also doing a Car Show the Thursday prior to the divisional at NED.. The Show will be on the grounds of the State House in Concord NH about 45 min from the track.. The kids had a great tie and we are super excited to bring them back this year for the 3rd Annual CARZ 4 KIDZ at NED Presented by Lucas Oil Products. So be sure to keep an eye open for us. And if you would like to show your race car off.. Let me know.

Thanks
Chris Barnes

[Rick Kolber]

I find it interesting that pro stock seems to be the only class that seems to have a problem (low car count, even sportsman classes). It seems to me both fuel classes seem to have the same problem but nothing is being done about those( need 1/4 mile races like in Australia, if need be cut the performance level). I know this is a s/ss forum so I will not get into it but the whole NHRA needs to be restructured to benefit NHRA, the fans, and the racers! Will that happen, I doubt it.

[Geoff Turk]

As a guy trying to compete in Factory Stock, it is cool to see the support and interest. I like many of Asher's thoughts / ideas but I'm not sure it has to be one or the other with Pro or Factory Stock just yet... or maybe ever.

I think both classes have real merit and both could use some changes to improve the experience of the fans and make them more racer friendly.

I like many of Mr. Bell's ideas also but as currently the only Dodge Challenger, getting down to 3,400 lbs would mean a lot less donuts for me (no more donuts, and that AL block, I might make 3,450), so not sure about that part but the 10.5" tires fit just fine, ran them in SS last year. I strongly agree that when we don't qualify, we go home, not invade stock. A 16 car field would be nice and would add just one round.

Mr. Teuton's and other's ideas on scheduling would definitely help for racer's trying to sort these running on the edge FS/XX combos out and make it more fan friendly for those who wanted to watch them.

It will definitely be interesting to see how it all plays out. Very glad to be having fun and for now, lucky and blessed to be able to be a part of it in this great country... Happy Birthday USA and Happy 4th to all.

[davidhuff]

There is a market for new factory performance cars.The new Dodge Demon will all be sold above MSRP, if you can get one at all.I would love to see the big three get back into nhra factory stock and replace pro stock.JMO