Records, Etc @ Gainesville

[Myron Piatek]

Originally Posted by Rollins_2241

So Ed, you're saying heads-up cars with well over 2,000 horsepower are using magic converters that somehow hit the track softer than Stockers and Super Stockers factored at far less than half of that? Sounds like you guys are the ones who need the new converters. Or Dan, that it's required by the rules that you run a tall gear?

Bottom line, if you want to win you have to adapt your technology to the playing field. Or you can waste money on parts and diesel fuel, perform poorly, not have fun, and then whine about how it's someone else's fault. It's up to you. Personally, I make my engineering and spending decisions to put myself in position to turn on win lights. I don't race 60 feet, or even bench-race 60 feet. If what I do isn't working I make a change within the limits of my budget.

One thing I find about heads-up racers, as much as I disagree with them on many issues, is that they are very results-oriented, and I respect that. Maybe we handicap racers should learn what we can.

John,

With all due respect, consider the following:

* Converter technology is as diverse as many other race parts, depending on their application. Big block/small block, high rpm/low rpm, etc. have different converter configurations in order to meet optimum performance goals. Even stick cars have many variables in adjustments, power application and materials used.

* Stockers are among the most rule restricted classes in drag racing. There are limits to the "technology" that can be utilized as well as mechanical limits, like tires, cams, weight, etc. Many stockers need the maximum "hit" off the line to get all the weight moving. Often that is where most of the ET gains are because of limits in carburation and/or heads.

* As I've said before on these forums, when one makes sizable investments in membership, entry fees, travel expenses and a vehicle built within the rules outlined by the sanctioning body, it is the OBLIGATION of the sanctioning body and their tracks to provide a LEVEL playing field for the participants. Realistically it is impossible to provide a "perfect" environment because of some extreme weather conditions, seepage, occasional missed fluids on the track, etc. Some cars may also not be "optimized" by their owners as well. But when problems occur on an above average basis and to extremes, somebody is being negligent, and it's not the racers!

* Class racers can change and adapt to certain variables at the track and I'm sure you can too. But going from track to track and not knowing what to expect - blowing the tires off or standing it on the rear bumper - is not something racers should have to deal with on a regular basis. Sometimes it's just not possible to "adjust" for such extremes and then it's a wasted weekend.

* Most important of all, it's a SAFETY ISSUE!