top 3 things i miss the most about stock

[Ken Miele]

Charley,

I could not agree with you more. How many people that raced in 1969 could afford a ZL1 Camaro or Corvette. Racing has always involved money when it comes to the upper classes.

I can build a competitive 1988 Mustang 5.0 for less the $15,000, according to 1969 dollars that would cost you $2500. I think some people miss the fact that there are allot more people today that have the money to spend then they did in the 60's. Spending money is relative, Its just more are doing it today.

Tear down is the result of not enough personnel. They don't or do not want to hire the man power. I do not blame the racer for pushing the rules as far as he can go. That is true in any form of racing.

Respect, I have respect for anybody that spends the time and money on this sport, and in most cases will never see a return.

I am between the old school and the new school, but I would much rather race in the new school. Racing old technology, is just that, old. Could any of you old timers imagine racing a 40 year old car in 1969, a four cylinder flathead in a model A. The sport in moving on whether we like it or not.

[Charley Downing]

Dgal what kind of car are you racing?

[Dgal]

Originally Posted by Charley Downing

Dgal what kind of car are you racing?

1998 LT1 Firebird C/SA

[Wade Mahaffey]

I have nothing but respect for all of you folks, for you continue to do this stuff. But when it comes to old school vs. new school, it seems to me that the cost is taking it's toll. Also I look for new blood in the sport as a guage to it's future. I wonder how many would be there if not for daddy, uncle, brother etc. that lead/provided the way. How much new blood is actually comming in. I am working hard to get there, but don't have any of the previous mentioned resources to help. I did'nt even have anyone in the neighborhood to look up to as a kid. It's tough working hard on your car, but even tougher when nobody showed you what to do! I will be old school, and then some....but I will be proud because I did it all by myself. Just like you guys did back in the day. I feel that the cost and up hill battle against well funded "teams"/"new school" is making it easier for many racers to talk themselves out of going. That's why I see so much parking lot there at Charlotte in Tom's photos. Hope to add one new name in 2011, and look foward to sittin beside ya somewhere down the road !

Wade Mahaffey

[Ed Carpenter]

Originally Posted by Wade Mahaffey

I have nothing but respect for all of you folks, for you continue to do this stuff. But when it comes to old school vs. new school, it seems to me that the cost is taking it's toll. Also I look for new blood in the sport as a guage to it's future. I wonder how many would be there if not for daddy, uncle, brother etc. that lead/provided the way. How much new blood is actually comming in. I am working hard to get there, but don't have any of the previous mentioned resources to help. I did'nt even have anyone in the neighborhood to look up to as a kid. It's tough working hard on your car, but even tougher when nobody showed you what to do! I will be old school, and then some....but I will be proud because I did it all by myself. Just like you guys did back in the day. I feel that the cost and up hill battle against well funded "teams"/"new school" is making it easier for many racers to talk themselves out of going. That's why I see so much parking lot there at Charlotte in Tom's photos. Hope to add one new name in 2011, and look foward to sittin beside ya somewhere down the road !


Wade Mahaffey

I have raced SS in D4 for 3 years. Every race I always ask is there any new cars to look at? The answer is no. It's the same guys every event. What's going to happen when they give it up? My son is 21 and he says all the young guys are into 10.5 cars, outlaw type stuff, etc not S and SS. I love my Super Stocker, but it's so damn expensive. I broke 1 Jesel rocker a few weeks ago and about fell out of my chair when I called them to order a new one. It didn't even come with the adjuster or nut either. I need to find a cheaper hobby. LOL

[X-TECH MAN]

Originally Posted by deuces wild

I have raced SS in D4 for 3 years. Every race I always ask is there any new cars to look at? The answer is no. It's the same guys every event. What's going to happen when they give it up? My son is 21 and he says all the young guys are into 10.5 cars, outlaw type stuff, etc not S and SS. I love my Super Stocker, but it's so damn expensive. I broke 1 Jesel rocker a few weeks ago and about fell out of my chair when I called them to order a new one. It didn't even come with the adjuster or nut either. I need to find a cheaper hobby. LOL

Buy or build a sreet rod???? No rules per say. As long as its safe and DOT legal build it how you see fit. You can use it 7 days a week and the rod runs/shows dont cost you $200-$300 per even to enter. You not going to win all the time anyway if ever. No expensive tow rigs/motor homes required. Maybe not as much fun as making a pass down the track but its still fun and a lot less work. Resale value is worth more also if your into the popular years and models. WTF ! Im going racing....dont pay attention to this.....lol.

[Harry 6674]

Originally Posted by X-TECH MAN

Buy or build a sreet rod???? No rules per say. As long as its safe and DOT legal build it how you see fit. You can use it 7 days a week and the rod runs/shows dont cost you $200-$300 per even to enter. You not going to win all the time anyway if ever. No expensive tow rigs/motor homes required. Maybe not as much fun as making a pass down the track but its still fun and a lot less work. Resale value is worth more also if your into the popular years and models. WTF ! Im going racing....dont pay attention to this.....lol.

I bracket race my 31 Ford at the nostalgia races. Allmost as much fun and like you said a whole bunch cheaper but if you have to hire some one to build your hot rod the cost far surpasses the DPs and CJs in a heart beat.

[X-TECH MAN]

Originally Posted by Harry 6674

I bracket race my 31 Ford at the nostalgia races. Allmost as much fun and like you said a whole bunch cheaper but if you have to hire some one to build your hot rod the cost far surpasses the DPs and CJs in a heart beat.

Cool....I can build a hot rod far less expensive than a DP OR a new Mustang or even a 69 Camaro . I wont even think about a Hemi $$$$$$ car of any kind. I guess it all depends on what your able to do on your own and how fancy you want one.

[Paul Ceasrine]

I'm starting to see more and more Drag Racers on the Golf Course.
Someday, someone will figure everything out.
Fore,

pc

[Evan Smith]

Kenny,

You are dead on. There are plenty of affordable combos. The 5.0 Mustang is just one, and it would be a fun 12-second, or high 11-second ride, which is cool. I bet you could do it for under $10,000 and run pretty far under. And there are no DPs and CJs to contend with. You could also build a '80s Malibu with a 305, parts are everywhere.

Maybe I didn't race 40 years ago in the golden era, but I'm having plenty of fun and I really enjoy the friends I have made racing and the car I built, which is from my era, in fact I drove it to college.

Sure there are issues, there always were, and always will be. Life and racing isn't perfect. You can be a part of the problem, or part of the solution. It seems there are a lot of old-timers on here, and with all due respect, maybe they are just burned out and need an excuse to quit. I get it, NHRA tech isn't perfect, there are underfactored combos, the economy sucks, etc. But blaming NHRA for every single issue is lame.

Here's a fact, there are far more complaining people on the Internet than at the track. But some never get out to the track, they just sit at a computer and boo hoo about what they don't like, instead of finding something they do like, be it racing or otherwise. I'm not saying you shouldn't raise a stink from time to time, but some people just complain, complain, complain. If I was that unhappy with racing I would get out. I don't have time to be miserable over a hobby, life is too short.

Evan