Looking into F/SA, why spend $50k?

[HR9121]

I ran 8 races last year and had 1 heads up run other than class eliminations. Some of those guys running middle or bottom of the ladder could be in the Top half of they wanted so don't be fooled. I built my car for under 25k, it's definitely not the fastest around but I don't necessarily worry about ducking a lot of people either. If you're considering turning your bracket car into a stocker I would say no unless your chassis is already kind of set up that way from the start, otherwise it may be much cheaper to buy a running car like you want. Good luck and have fun.

[countrypuppy4865]

There honestly is no reason to spend 50k. There is nothing wrong with starting off only going a little under the index. Odds of a heads up definitely depend on where you are racing. After you lose a few you will be determined to make your car faster. Its frustrating to drive well and then get your doors blown off in a heads up. You can't always be the fastest, but it's good to be able to compete with average cars. Learning to play the ladder will greatly reduce your chances for an early round heads up matchup.

[7423]

You could build a legal stock Eliminator car for less than $10,000 and race for the same purse and trophy as the guy who has 50, 60 or $70,000 in his. I know, been there done that. Do the math and study the guide. Pick a combo that makes sense for your budget. There's lots to choose from. Ask Billy Nees or Paul Wong.

[Mike Jones]

Originally Posted by extrahotsauce

I need experienced Stock racers' opinions please. I've been reading a lot of the threads on here, specifically ones I search for about money to get into Stock or SS. Most every thread goes on and on about how you gotta spend $50k on a stocker to race it.

Thinking of getting into NHRA Stock (at the divisional level for now) from the bracket racing perspective and I see people winning from the bottom half of the qualifying sheet wondering why folks act like it's required to spend that kind of money to go Stock racing. Maybe I'm just naive, so I'm open to enlightenment please. With an average of 6 or 7 cars in f/sa per race out of 70-100 cars, how likely is it I run one? How often would you guys say you run someone in your class for heads up?

Assuming I'm decent bracket racer and can do okay every other time, those handful of races I go up against my own class are just part of the deal right? Surely some races I wouldn't hit another f/sa, yeah? And if I'm not the fastest f/sa anyway, why bother trying to go all out on it for now?

Two of the more interesting people to listen to are Billy Nees and Mark Yacavone. They build stockers on a budget that are competitive.


Mike A114 P/SA

[GTX JOHN]

It certainly does not happen real often.
That being said......The first two national races
this year both my boy and I each had one (N/SA and D/SA)very
early in Eliminations.
At Autolite Natls some years ago....I had three in a
row (E/SA) first three rounds.
If you are on a budget = BUY a CAR!
You can sometimes buy them a Quarter on the Dollar or
less if they have a few problems.
I paid $5,500. for my Demon E/SA and $7,500 for Aspen Wagon I/SA
and both were Nice cars and under the index (Wagon ran 9 Under with
a little tuning and NO more money).
Spend a lot of time and a little more money as you can and HAVE FUN!

[extrahotsauce]

Originally Posted by GTX JOHN

If you are on a budget = BUY a CAR!
You can sometimes buy them a Quarter on the Dollar or
less if they have a few problems.
I paid $5,500. for my Demon E/SA and $7,500 for Aspen Wagon I/SA
and both were Nice cars and under the index

That'd be great too. I've been checking the stock section of racing junk but no small block Mopars I like yet. Anyone know of any not listed in the $15k range pm me, that's the cash I'm working with.

[dmir55]

I think the reason we do this is for the enjoyment of the sport. If you want to try a stocker than build what you afford. Unless you are way into class wins it really doesn't how far "under" you can run. Build what you can and have a good time. Some days you will run into someone in your class and you might get beat. After while you might be the "hitter" and won't be able to lose in class. I don't think it makes much difference if you run a tenth or an hour under in the finals. Go to the races meet a new group of racers, ask questions and soon you will be running hard. Just have good time doing it. Good luck and happy motoring.

[Rich Biebel]

You just have to know that if your slow you may run into a fast car at some point in eliminations and it would likely be the end of your chance to win. Been there, done that as the saying goes. You have to decide if that is ok for you. I had a very slow H/SA at the time and managed to get down to 7 cars at the last big race of the year in my area. I was driving great, felt like I could win but with 3 other H cars left at 7 cars I knew I was toast. I had to run the fastest and he was.5 faster than me. Very tough to even stage under those conditions. I did and got hammered. Pack up and move on. Either work to get faster and spend some money as you can or do something else. Stock is fine but you have to know what your getting into if you do run it. In my area we have many fast cars....

[rognelson777]

Walk the pits at a Divisional and look for cars in the pits that are comparable to the combo you are thinking of using. You can get a lot of info and as you know most racers are ready to talk about their cars.

Maybe even get a lead on a car for sale, or a engine trans combo

[doglover44]

Originally Posted by Michael Beard

Depends on where you are located. There are a ton of F cars in Div. 1 & 3. You'll spend a lot of time playing the ladder trying to dodge people. There are less in G, if you can add the weight.

Unless you're chasing a bucket list/Wally, quite honestly there is little value in class racing anymore. Tons of time off work and lots of travel for very little track time and poor financial return on investment anymore. There are a *lot* of big money bracket racing opportunities these days that provide more bang for the buck.

If it's something you want to do just for the sake of doing it, you'll find a lot of help and resources on this forum. Best of luck with your endeavor!

I agree with Michael seems to me that there are alot of big money footbrake/ No Box races out there that are more fun for your buck