Slow Stockers...Strong Divisional Finishes

[Leroy Duran]

Originally Posted by 4284spd

Just a curious question for the slower stock racers, do you race a slow combo because of financial reasons or do you feel that there is a advantage with them? Serious question.
And do you want to go to a quicker combo if you could?

I think this could be a loaded question. For me and my personal experience as a driver only I feel there is a threshold. I had the opportunity to drive Mike and Bj Graham’s U/SA off and on for a couple season and I’ll be the first to say it was a blast being #1 qualifier everywhere but when it came to bracket racing with a dial on it that was a Challenge. There are so many variables that affect lower horsepower cars. I also drive Angelo Phillips L/SA mopar that runs 11.9s/.80s at 110 mph and that car is much easier to bracket race being 110mph only puts u behind by maybe 20 mph at most unless ur racing a cobra jet or something like that.

But Answering your question “ is there an advantage I would say no because anytime the race is unfolding behind u I feel that’s a disadvantage. I think a mid to low 10 second stocker would be the sweet spot to be in stock. Example I’ve raced super street and been on the slow side and the fast side of things slow side being 122 mph and the fast side being 163mph. Being to far on one side other the other is difficult but I’ve also ran a 140 mph super street car as well and my win % was much higher then the other 2 cars.

So again my perspective is from a driver stand point only and by no means am I being disrespectful to the guys with the slower cars.

[Daran Summerton]

The faster car has the advantage! Period.

[Billy Nees]

Originally Posted by Daran Summerton

The faster car has the advantage! Period.

Yeahhhhhh......................No!

[ALMACK]

I think the real question is...." Which type of race car ( slow or fast ) has the most disadvantages "

[GUMP]

Originally Posted by ALMACK

I think the real question is...." Which type of race car ( slow or fast ) has the most disadvantages "

I think that some drivers will do well in anything. Fletcher is a great example.

[Carguy49]

I think I will throw this into the mix about advantages or disadvantages.

Take a look at Jody Lang's Malibu Wagon. True, it is neither a slow car or a fast car, classed L,M, or N at various events. Jody has placed in the top 10 numerous times and will be carrying the big number 1 next year.

While the car is more than capable of winning, I think Jody's skills help put the car in the winner's circle. Yes he has had some loses in early rounds on occasion, but overall if Jody is at an event he is in the running for a win. There are many other driver's that fit this description, also.

I guess the point of my ramblings is to say the driver is as important as the car. Can a slow car win, YES, but I think a faster car is less affected by changes in weather, altitude or other things that affect a car, making it harder to dial. Just ask a guy like Gary Hampton about that.

[Mark Yacavone]

My opinion, FWIW
If you have one of the slower cars out there, and can't put together a consistent, good package, you probably need to find out why. That is, unless you enjoy forking over your hard earned money to the house.
Same goes for the faster guys, although you'll probably pick up a few more lucky rounds, the way the rules are currently structured.

[GTS340]

I'm pretty sure the 8-9 second cars don't say "perfect I have a 14 second or slower car this round." Slow cars are always tough races. I've been around long enough and raced in division one when .530 Mike Smith with his U/SA wagon and Mr. Six cylinder Nova Billy Nees were always in the late rounds.
I drove Larry Zugehoer's spirit of 67 U/SA wagon once. It had a great crisp sound and would snap off the line. I've had neck surgery since those early 70's. Turning around that long looking for my competitor would hurt these days.

Happy Holidays,
Paul Haszlauer

[GarysZ24]

Originally Posted by Carguy49

I think I will throw this into the mix

I guess the point of my ramblings is to say the driver is as important as the car. Can a slow car win, YES, but I think a faster car is less affected by changes in weather, altitude or other things that affect a car, making it harder to dial. Just ask a guy like Gary Hampton about that.

Ron I will tell you this, I like tracks that are south facing (such as my home track WHPMSP). Vegas being a north facing track is tricky because it has changing wind speeds and directions. However, my last race of 2020 was lost by only .0057 (in spite of a .100rt against a .008). Yes changing weather conditions affect slower rollers more so than faster cars, but I liken our kind of racing to chess or checkers at speed (the moves you choose will either make or break you, and that affects faster cars too)! I love the challenge, and look forward to more opportunities to prove one can win with a FWD or slower classes car!

[Greg Gay]

I'm having trouble attaching the pictures, but there is a car less than a mile from me that looks just like the one Yac posted the picture of. I've noticed it for a couple of days, but today I saw that there is a for sale sign on it. It's even the same color. If someone near New England wants to build a slow stocker, here is an option. It is located in Bellows Falls VT, 802-591-2337. If you have any trouble making contact, contact me and I'll stop and inquire about the car.