50 years of pro stock

[jmcarter]

Originally Posted by 340Cuda

While I wish Pro Stock was more like it was in the 70's its not and I wish there were more Mopar's to cheer on.

However I still enjoy it. I have found I look at it more like Funny Car and Top Fuel, generic cars with generic engines.

Sadly, there’s only a couple of the current drivers who can drive, build and maintain the motor and chassis in today’s Pro Stock (Jason being the most prominent). In the early days over 50% of them could do it. In the fuel ranks I wonder if there’s been a single one since Dick LaHaie. That’s a big part of the allure of the old Pro Stock, we could identify with so many of them.

[Pete Lanciers]

So I'm gonna be a dissenter here, but before I state my position let me assure you I respect those of you that still hang and your opinions.

However for me Pro Stock died when they followed the NASCAR model departing from production based cars into today's jismless state. I very fondly recall the original evolution from SS & Modified Eliminator creating an environment that yielded the greatest innovators and innovations we have ever seen, without skewing the rules to render all but one engine combination noncompetitive. So while I can still enjoy some really good driving by today's competitors the state of today's Pro Stock Eliminator leaves me cold...

[Tom P]

Pete, as a Ford guy i'll proudly blame GM for that. They got the stock wheelbase rule thrown out for the Beretta, got to stretch the front end and move the rear wheels forward. They also got to use non-production based heads. Spread ports, symmetrical ports, then the front mounted belt drive distributor, then non production bore spacing.... at one time they used actual AR Boss 429 blocks in a GM Pro Stock car. And the Dodges were using a whole GM engine at one point.

And the same is happening to Stock and Super Stock bit by bit.

[Dave Gantz]

Originally Posted by Tom P

Pete, as a Ford guy i'll proudly blame GM for that. They got the stock wheelbase rule thrown out for the Beretta, got to stretch the front end and move the rear wheels forward. They also got to use non-production based heads. Spread ports, symmetrical ports, then the front mounted belt drive distributor, then non production bore spacing.... at one time they used actual AR Boss 429 blocks in a GM Pro Stock car. And the Dodges were using a whole GM engine at one point.

And the same is happening to Stock and Super Stock bit by bit.

Of course there was Grumpy getting the tube chassis accepted. '72, I think?

[bigshow2966]

You used to have 2 or 3 guys get together and buy a 1 or 2 year old car and a motor and run the local tracks. They would try to run with the big guys when they showed up and might steal a win now and then. It was great.

I say cut down the number of national events and bring back local match racing.