"A" Stick Nationals at Indy!!

james schaechter · 07-19-2008, 08:04 AM

I get tired about all of the class controversy out there. I love the class battles, especially at Indy. I want to help in whatever small way that I can. I am highlighting the A stick class for Indy. I will try and add some contingency of my own through folks that also support class racing. I did this a few years back at Topeka. (J stick). I see 4 quality A stick cars so far and hopefully Bob Gipson will get the 396 back in his 65 Vette to join in. Maybe others.

My hope is to have more people on the fence join in to A stick.I also would like to highlight one of my favorite class battles. ( Some people who haven't raced class can't understand the addiction) I think that it can be fun, maybe we can sweeten the pot, not only for the winner, but hopefully a thing or two for the quickest Non qualifier in A stick as well.

I have a few things going and will add to the list. If anyone wants to kick in, I am happy to administer and take pics etc at the track. Last time at Topeka, we got some good attention from the track announcers and had a great time. If anyone has questions or wants to contribute, send me an e mail at jimschaechter@earthlink.net.

Mike Keener · 07-19-2008, 11:51 AM

Jim,

I would love to come to Indy with my two A stick cars but unfortunately zero grade points doesn't get it with NHRA, and I have no desire to go to several points meets just for the right to enter a National Event. I wish you and the rest that do attend the best of luck and I would like to add a $100.00 check to the winner of this great class.

PS I will guarantee the winner won't have to wait for their money like some sponsors do. If I receive the address of the class winner the check will leave my office before the rest of the race ends!

Team Checkmate Race Cars

Mike Keener

Alan Roehrich · 07-19-2008, 12:16 PM

Mike, this year you might get in to Indy with 1 or 2, no faster than Stock is filling up. I only have one, and didn't go to Memphis. But then, I doubt we'll go to Indy. I got into Bristol with zero. Could have gotten in to Atlanta or St. Louis too. Had to withdraw from St. Louis.

Mike Keener · 07-19-2008, 03:05 PM

Good point Alan.* The way fuel prices are restricting the sportsman racers travel plans zero grade points may get into even more races next year.* I would love to think I could run Columbus, Indy, and Norwalk without having to go to any points meets. LOL!* Right now it's probably even money we will haul at least one car to the Dutch and run Top Stock in October.* If we're makin the steam I would do it for no grade points just to support Dave but that's too far into the future to predict right now.* Our 396 R & D program is just getting back into full swing so we'll just have to see how it goes.

Hey, will one grade point have any chance of getting into those three events...I doubt it?

MK

Alan Roehrich · 07-19-2008, 05:24 PM

Mike, there's no longer a National Event at Columbus. If I could get in as many events as I could this year, so far, with zero or one point. I'd bet you can get in Norwalk next year. Not only that Columbus has a National Open this Fall (I think we'll be going), and I think you can go to that and get a grade point, because I got one for the National Open at Bowling Green.

It remains to be seen about Indy. Some are withdrawing with the new rule about qualifying, and I think the car count was going to be down anyway. As I said, I don't think we're going. Stock was not filling up fast at all. I don't think you'll get in with no grade point, but I think getting in with two may be possible, and maybe with one.

Just Observing · 07-19-2008, 06:03 PM

The race @ Columbus in September is a Sports NATIONAL event. Not a open. And you can get in at the gate with no grade points. Indy has the Fall Classic in October which is a Open event. It also has Top Stock being contested!

Superfan1 · 07-21-2008, 03:00 PM

Currently there are 6 cars entered in A/S at Indy:
Ralph Porpora
Rich Adkins
Tom Baird
Brett McFarland
Jason McCormack
Bob Gipson
The quota is 180 cars; currently there are 93 entrants.
Bill Seabrooks - superfan1

james schaechter · 07-26-2008, 07:37 AM

Who's gonna do it? Some good cars out there. A couple that might still jump in too. Many brands here. These aren't all Camaros either.....

Adkins and Bailey. This car is bad! Nitro Joe stats show this car as a crusher in B. If he can hook like this in A, then hang on. None of this slush box stuff for this Ford/Shelby, well you know what I mean. Check it out

Porpora. this East Coaster is likely to show up anywhere and with two killer Rat motor stick cars under his grip, he gets plenty of seat time. The car works too. Those damn X pipes give me a migraine though...LOL

MCFarland- The car has been around. This car looks to have had a makeover of sorts. New dual youngblood clutch seems to have helped his short times too. He always had the power, but now look out! One to watch too.

McCormack- Not too many can even dream about a parts eater like this and yet Jason makes it look easy. That being said, if the track gets greasy, he will have his hands full with all of that engine. Finally, a MOPAR guy that knows that racecars have clutches!!! (Relax, I am just trying to work you guys up a little LOL)

Gipson- Sold his killer Chevelle K stick car to focus on this one. This car does't do anything half way. The car can have a hook advantage, and the rat motor runs like a smallblock on crack! The tuning windo is narrow and can put a guy in the wall. I have driven this car in A and a couple of times, it makes you feel like a bull rider waiting for the bell to ring so you can jump off.

Note to self, if you aren't in front of this car in 3rd, you aren't gonna pass it.

Baird. Perennial East coaster who is not afraid to mix it up. Fast if not controversial, he can get the job done. New tires and some can do attitude could rule the day if he gets one of his trademark solid runs.

Henderson- This Gold Card owner spent too much on paint this year and can't make Indy....or can he? Rumour has it that he sold the 67 doors on ebay and ordered new rings and bearings.

Watch the entry list for this guy, if he shows up, he is the hunter, not the hunted.

Some other possibles.

Where is Waldo (couldn't resist) Helms, Dykema, more?

I am still taking on more support for this show if anyone is interested. Let;s get the interest up. Youhave to admit, if none of us ever have an A stick car of our own, you have to appreciate the ones that are out there.

Superfan1 · 07-26-2008, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by james schaechter