The Future Of Stock

[ALMACK]

I would think that GT/Stock would be the last final desperate step to take if Stock gets to the point that a 64 car field cannot be met on a regular basis at national events. Not a problem right now, but I would say GT/STK might be something to look into 5 years from now.

The immediate problem I see right now are the OBD II cars (1996 and newer) listed in the NHRA Classification guide. There are a bunch of 1996 and newer cars in great condition for sale ( at a very reasonable price) that would make great Stock Eliminator entries if the factored horsepower was not so high. Racers are afraid to build these newer cars because they do not feel they will be competitive. So, they do not get built.
Plus, the build cost is much less than a 60'-70's car which are increasingly hard to find at a decent price.

I did some research last year and found that not one single 1996 and newer Ford ( traditional Stocker) entry was given horsepower in the last 13 years. So it's not like racers are building new "traditional" Stockers right now and are going out blasting their index.

Solution:___If NHRA would give all 1996 and newer models currently listed in the classification guide (that have not ran at least 1 tenth under index ) a 15-20 % reduction on the factored h.p. then that would attract more racers that are fans of these late model vehicles to get out there and build a newer model Stocker.

That's the area that needs attention, IMO

[Billy Nees]

Originally Posted by ALMACK

Solution:___If NHRA would give all 1996 and newer models currently listed in the classification guide (that have not ran at least 1 tenth under index ) a 15-20 % reduction on the factored h.p. then that would attract more racers that are fans of these late model vehicles to get out there and build a newer model Stocker.

Good luck with that! That would have fallen under the "Obsolete Combo Rule" that Yac, Dwight and I tried shopping to NHRA a couple of years ago.
I'm beginning to think that the NHRA would rather just run ET-2. They don't need any knowledgeable personnel to run it.

[Dave Gantz]

Originally Posted by Billy Nees

I'm beginning to think that the NHRA would rather just run ET-2. They don't need any knowledgeable personnel to run it.

That's been my opinion for a while now. If the new regime feels they are running a business (not a "club" catering to it's members, providing detailed tech for just about any combo), why would anyone running a business want to deal with the intricacies of the current, aging, soon to be obsolete "antiques" that are now being run?
They're probably trying to find a way to kill Stock and replace it with a bracket of some kind without pissing off too many people and losing the participation, i.e. money.
I've loved Stock since I was a kid (I'm 58), but I can understand when something has outlived it's usefulness.

Edit: I was a partner on a car for 3 years in the 90's. I wouldn't get involved again, the way things have devolved.

[Paradigm Shift]

Certainly Billy is absolutely correct. They abhor the requirement to technically police this class considering the near endless permutations.

You don't need much of an imagination to recite the conversations among NHRA directors regarding Stock.

Your use of the term "club" is an appropriate one Dave.

I never had the inclination to think that NHRA is all that concerned about pissing off its customers. They grouse but obviously continue to show up.

The future of NHRA Stock is inauspicious to be sure and certainly for more reasons than one.

Now, make the case and create a list illustrating your need of the NHRA.

[skills]

Okay, I am just a fan and not a racer so my skin in the game is a little different. First off I agree with combining the classes, to see heads up between the two would be great. Think crate motors would help with younger racres that like classracing, but want to run a different motor and dosent like the super classes. Perhaps if Nhra went after the manufacturer's that would help the class and the companies, since part sales is a gold mine.

[Billy Nees]

Originally Posted by skills

Perhaps if Nhra went after the manufacturer's that would help the class and the companies, since part sales is a gold mine.

NHRA doesn't want the "Manufacturers" ( car,parts,pizza) spending their monies on the Sportsmen. They want them spending it on the pros. They can charge them far more monies and expend far less effort using far less people.

[Dan Fahey]

The Future of Stock lies in new blood...

Having the Manufactures send in the Specs on the New Cars so they can be adopted into Pure Stock.
Think is will bring a lot of new kids in who can afford these hotrods.
Remember the tracks in the early 70's were packed.

For the new cars suggest Bolt on Mods...
No mods under the Valve Covers...
Headers, Mufflers, Tune, Converter, Tires..
No Roll Bar, NO Race Fuel..
Most of the new hotrods run well into the 11's, 12's and 13's in Stock form.

Lot of racers would love to buy one of these new rods and run Pure Stock.
IHRA just does not have the depth to handle this influx.
Too hard to get specs from the manufacturers.

Know there is a huge market for the new generation Chevy SS, Camaros, Dodges Demon and Fords who want to compete against each other.


D