Question for you stock & super stock racers

[Chuck Beach]

How many of you like or can appreciate the Indy schedule? (for lack of better terminology)

Let me ask another question ... how many of you can take off Friday's to race a divisional OR are you like me that has a job and have a tough time getting the day off or don't have enough vacation time?

Let me start off by saying this is nothing against the people that run these classes (top sportsman and top dragster). I also know that things have changed over time. How many of you (like me) went to divisional races when we had Pro stockers? I can remember back in the day that even with the Pros we always were scheduled for 2 qualifying runs on Saturday and eliminations were on Sunday (this included Indy). We would get called up in the lanes and sit for hours. Sometimes we ran and sometimes we didn't. I ALWAYS went to a divisional on Saturday. The procedure is so much better now and everything is done in a more timely fashion.

Then came more classes and more cars. This soon lead to starting divisionals on Friday for qualifying and record runs.

Now to the point. We (stock and super stock) are the backbone of this sport. These classes have been around longer than any other class including Pros (starting back in the 50's). Can anyone tell me why we are now required to get to a divisional on Friday so that we can get more than 1 qualifying run? I am not saying that we are better than any other class, but where has our respect gone? Getting bumped on Saturday so that top sportsman and top dragster can get 2 runs is a kick in the crouch. Besides who is there to watch these classes anyway? I for one will not show up at any divisionals if I cannot get at least 2 qualifying runs on Saturday if I cannot make it on a Friday.

Let's put this in perspective ... I have a job and I have to work .. to go to a divisional and get 1 qualifying run and then 1st round (and possibly get eliminated) is not an option for me.

Let's add it up .. or better yet you add it up
1) the cost of fuel
2) the cost of entry
3) the cost racing fuel
4) the cost of food
5) the cost of a hotel
6) my time
7) uncontrollable weather
8) etc.

The possibility of making 2 runs down the track for HOW MUCH? Maybe it is time for me to find something else to do ....