[Jesse Kershaw]

The package cars exist because NHRA did not have a way for late model production cars to compete with the older cars. The package car rule was the only way to get the manufacturers involved in Stock and Super Stock 10 years ago.

The initial low HP ratings on the cars were because there was no place else for them to go, at the time it was 7.5lbs class for AA. We had to rate the cars low to have a natural class. Once all 3 OEM's got involved things changed.

As the OEM's have improved the efficiency of the engines there are not the same gains to be had as older combinations. A 2.3L EcoBoost Mustang is rated at 310hp, to be a top flight Stocker it needs to make about 525hp and with stock turbo it won't get there. NHRA will now accept late model combos with slightly reduced HP ratings to try and even the field. If they were to make the rating a little more desirable, say 20-25% off the rated HP it would take a chunk out of the package car sales. I think that would be ok because the package cars are evolving but I worry that it's without a plan as to where they want to go, instead everyone's watching as to where they will land.

Having late model cars in Stock has many benefits. They are easier to get new parts for, those parts are readily available at the local dealer (John Calvert forgot to latch his hood and had a new hood and windshield that afternoon from the local Ford dealer). Tech should be easier because photos, specs, prints, and hardware are all readily available from the manufacturer. And depending on the part I think a late model car is economical, core engines, body panels, etc are cheap. Salvage title cars are plentiful after every natural disaster.

The package cars made up something like 40% of Indy last year so I doubt they are going anywhere, and they bring manufacturer and contingency sponsor involvement so there is upside. IMO if someone wanted those cars out they would have to die a natural death through late model production cars being more accepted. It seems unlikely Stock will return to a time when the field is dominated by and 60-80's cars.

I know this isn't popular, and I'm putting my flame suit on, but I think an alternative is to implement nostalgia or vintage classes. There's always talk about getting the package cars out of Stock, why not look to give the vintage iron their own classes and seek new sponsors and contingency for that? This could be a an opportunity for greater exposure and payouts. There are huge vintage markets out there and none of those manufacturers are sponsoring NHRA. If the goal is to have a better showcase for the 60-80's Stockers there are alternatives.