I'm Done

[Gary Smith]

Well I've decided to throw in the towel with the Stocker. After 10 years of trying and chasing a moving target, I feel there are better ways to spend my money. Being that NHRA will never improve, an extremely tough economy, and being on the west coast with no other choices, it is a gut wrenching decision that I've had to make. If a ride is ever sent my way I definitely won't turn it down, but I just can't see throwing money at a losing battle with my own stuff. My interest now will point to land speed record racing...another obscure dream I've wanted to pursue.

[Lew Silverman]

Sorry to hear this, Gary. Everyone's pain level is different, and no one can fault you for weighing all the options and deciding to end your involvement with Stock Class drag racing. I think we're all a little worse off every time someone stops competing, but it has to be what makes sense to YOU.

Good luck in all your future endeavors, and maybe you'll find your way back soon!

Lew

[Glenn Hayes]

I totally understand Gary, I made that decision with my Corvette Stocker in 1998...... and nothing has or will improve.
Have fun!

[Notch1320]

Sorry to hear this Gary, but I totaly understand. I am just a few years behind you in my quest to meet a goal I have wanted since I was a kid. Stock is what I grew up watching with my family. Life, work, and everything else deffinatly slows things down tremendously. I will be moving to the heads up side of the world soon, so I am not far behind you in moving to something else. I was hoping we would get to meet up at the track one day, but maybe it will be at the salt instead. Shoot me some info on the car/parts should you decide to part it out. There is one other Stocker guy up north who may be interested in some items.

[Ed Fernandez]

Originally Posted by Gary Smith

Well I've decided to throw in the towel with the Stocker. After 10 years of trying and chasing a moving target, I feel there are better ways to spend my money. Being that NHRA will never improve, an extremely tough economy, and being on the west coast with no other choices, it is a gut wrenching decision that I've had to make. If a ride is ever sent my way I definitely won't turn it down, but I just can't see throwing money at a losing battle with my own stuff. My interest now will point to land speed record racing...another obscure dream I've wanted to pursue.

I hope you don't think "land speed" racing is cheap.Granted it's from what I hear,a friendlier environment than other racing venues.The entry fees are on the high side but there's less events.Good luck and have fun.

[Dick Butler]

I still love cars. I still get a twitch to race and learn the latest "tricks" and engineering advances. I miss the long week ends at a track with friends. BUT... many times I explain I do not miss feeling I " have to take the car" or Have to attend a meet or feel I am not using my expensive investment. If Ralph Truppi were still alive I probably couldnt resist working together on a new combo but there are many fewer things controlling life without a SS car in the garage....Now I just work on nice street cars, cruise in cars etc. I have fun building up a car and then moving on to another. There is life after Class racing and you have WAY more control of your life too. ..Enjoy.....What ever you like...
Dick Butler

[Gary Smith]

Originally Posted by Ed Fernandez

I hope you don't think "land speed" racing is cheap.Granted it's from what I hear,a friendlier environment than other racing venues.The entry fees are on the high side but there's less events.Good luck and have fun.

I've met a couple racers from San Diego Roadster Club, and will be joining Land Speed Racers. I've done my homework and already know about the fees. Been to El Mirage which is only a 73 mile tow for me. The overall costs won't be much different than racing in stock...at least mine. It also puts me in the seat longer....more bang for my buck. I can still afford to run the stocker...but why continue a losing battle? I can't even get a class Wally now unless I travel now or have to out run other classed cars. Not worth it anymore. Stocker will be converted to D/PRO with only a cage and some minor suspension changes. The rest of the work is no different.....except no trips to the barn.

[GarysZ24]

Originally Posted by Gary Smith

I've met a couple racers from San Diego Roadster Club, and will be joining Land Speed Racers. I've done my homework and already know about the fees. Been to El Mirage which is only a 73 mile tow for me. The overall costs won't be much different than racing in stock...at least mine. It also puts me in the seat longer....more bang for my buck. I can still afford to run the stocker...but why continue a losing battle? I can't even get a class Wally now unless I travel now or have to out run other classed cars. Not worth it anymore. Stocker will be converted to D/PRO with only a cage and some minor suspension changes. The rest of the work is no different.....except no trips to the barn.

Gary, I'm sorry to read about this, and I respect your decision, but I sure hope that you'll store your car and give the IHRA a chance to reach out to your state...they're trying. The more people like you who post things like this that they (both NHRA, and IHRA) read, perhaps they'll (NHRA) realize what they're really doing to us class racers nationwide (whether they care or not is another thing, and I've offered my thoughts about that many times)...IHRA's noticing it, and they're offering us an option for our racing dollars...with opportunities for continued expansion comes the options! I can relate to your struggle, and that's why I'm so adament about supporting IHRA's efforts to expand out west. Next years Salt Lake City Nitro Jam race will be a regular national event (with the winner being able to race for the World Championship), and as for Tucson, they're planning on hosting our classes in nothing less than a Stock/Super Stock Combo race next year too. Please hang on to your car Gary, there's light at the end of the tunnel for us disgruntled western class racers!

However, if you choose to go forward as you are, then I'll wish you well in your efforts (I hope you'll stop by Rocky Mountain Raceway to visit next years Nitro Jam race, even if as a spectator), but I hope you'll check out this website, and IHRA.com for updates, because as more of us request them, IHRA's listening, and working to make our competiton dollar go farther, with pretty much the same rewards that NHRA is/was giving...GOOD LUCK EITHER WAY!!!

[X-TECH MAN]

Originally Posted by Dick Butler

I still love cars. I still get a twitch to race and learn the latest "tricks" and engineering advances. I miss the long week ends at a track with friends. BUT... many times I explain I do not miss feeling I " have to take the car" or Have to attend a meet or feel I am not using my expensive investment. If Ralph Truppi were still alive I probably couldnt resist working together on a new combo but there are many fewer things controlling life without a SS car in the garage....Now I just work on nice street cars, cruise in cars etc. I have fun building up a car and then moving on to another. There is life after Class racing and you have WAY more control of your life too. ..Enjoy.....What ever you like...
Dick Butler

X's 2 but its a tough "Drug" to kick the habit of.

[stage1scott]

moving to the west coast had to make it doubly tough-no real racing venues until you travel to bakersfield (Famoso) and really crowded-few runs-little seat time-it is really hard to love drag racing on a budget in socal. ALL the guys I know in the Buick club live for the trek to bowling green every year-travel 2200 miles for a handlful of passes but at a real track with real racers from other parts of the country-it is just tough to race here.