2008 Cobra Jets belong in Stock

[Jeff Lee]

Originally Posted by Evan Smith

Jeff,

The Shelby GT500 is 100% built by Ford on it's assembly line in Flat Rock, MI, This car is a Shelby in name only. The Shelby GT, which is naturally aspirated or can be supercharged is a Mustang GT that is modified by Shelby Automobiles in Vegas and is sold new through Ford dealers. The Super Snake is a post-sale modified version.

Evan

Evan I agree. But a Shelby is a Shelby no matter where it started life. I invite anybody to look in the NHRA class guide. There is a dedicated Shelby section. It has been the argument of Shelby racers for years that Shelby is a car manufacturer and that is why they have enjoyed privledges that Mustang racers have not had. Now they want it both ways. And to put it into perspective, that would mean the 1967-1970 Mustang should be allowed all Shelby engine packages. Right?

I also recognize NHRA states in the Stock rules "need not be showroom available" an inclusion that has only been in the rule book for a few years as previously a vehicle had to be "showroom available".

Obviously my argument is supportive of "the way it was". The newest rules on this issue are clear; this CJ500 is acceptable to NHRA. Obviously, as John Calvert just won the premier showing of these nicely crafted cars. Great job and congratulations to John for a truly spectacular debut!

But stand back and ask yourself "is this the direction Stock should go?" How about if Chevrolet decides to offer a race-only Camaro next year with a SC 638 HP ZL1 engine and lowers the compression 1 point, gives it a smaller cam and valves and calls it a 400 HP rating with all carbon-fibre body panels? As long as they build 50, it should be allowed.

Since 1965 race only packages such as this have been directed to Superstock. I believe that tradition should still remain. That or allow all the old "race-only" packages in Stock.