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Originally Posted by randy wilson
True Dick, but my point was how do they keep limited rules and cost under control, and drag racing can't. Makes no sense to me, but what do I know. Why does it work there to limit cost, and in drag racing everyone says the cost will get out of control.
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I looked up Hobby Stock and found this link to the United States Racing Association. They do dirt track and modified stuff.
http://www.usraracing.com/rules/rule...sp?NewsID=4422
Here are some ways they control costs.
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6.1 Camaros, Firebirds or Mustangs are not allowed.
8.3 Suspension must be unaltered approved OE in stock location and replaceable by stock part.
10.3.1 OEM Carburetor: GM to GM, Ford to Ford, Chrysler to Chrysler; May remove choke, but other alterations are not allowed. Holley carburetors are not allowed.
16.1 OPTION 1 – Crate Engine:
16.1.1 GM Performance Parts (GPP) factory-sealed CT350 Chevy small block crate engine (Part No. 88958602 or 19258602): includes four-bolt-main block, 9:1 hypereutectic pistons, cast iron crankshaft, GM iron Vortec cylinder heads, high-rise dual-plane intake manifold, 8-quart single kick-out circle track oil pan, valve cover kit with breather tube and breather, unique dual-pattern cam and special "kool nut" rocker arm nut design.
6.2 OPTION 2 – Standard Engine:
16.2.1 Maximum compression ration of 9.5:1 is permitted.
16.2.2 Flat top pistons only. GM cars must be 76cc heads or larger (approved head numbers are 336, 339, 388, 441, 454, 487, 624, 813, 882, 991 and 993). Ford may not utilize aftermarket heads or SVO heads. Chryslers may not utilize after market or W2 heads (360 cubic inch heads only).
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EDIT: These tracks are very low overhead as compared to the drag strips I've seen. Tickets run around $15 and pit passes are in the $30 range. Hanging out with Super Stock drivers in the Great NorthWest on a Super Saturday at Pacific Raceway is a bargain at $15 all included.
In my opinion the nature of circle track and the laws of physics work to contain costs for the round round folks. You can only go so fast on a dirt oval. Dumping $40,000 under the hood won't really help when you run out of track and have to turn left instead of pull the chute or hit the brakes.
Back in the '60s we went to the track to see the match race and stayed for the races, now NHRA has tied up all the National name cars in all these "Nationals" and there isn't anything special for the average fan to go to the track every weekend for. There are 7 NHRA Divisions. How about 7 Divisional Championships with Pro categories and One (1) National Championship? If NHRA still wants it's Countdown, award points and tack on four races in September or September/October as a month long series?
Just some odd thoughts to add here...
Dale