[Dwight Southerland]

Mark -
Rather than a fixed amount of reduction, let's look at the percentage reduction that was allowed. 76/365 = .2082 or roughly a 20% reduction over the original factory rating. Interesting that several years ago a contingency of racing analysts suggested a 20% reduction for many of the 1960s engine combinations considering the net hp ratings of the 70s and the advantageous ratings applied by the factories for their new, profile offerings. I could easily support that 20% as a guideline for some wholesale revaluing of many engine combinations. For example, would a '63 Galaxie 390 rated at 240 (OEM 300 x 80%) be competitive? Probably so. Since the cost and difficulty of finding and building a now classic body would be prohibitive to many, I doubt that it would be a major upset. I thought the 302 Ford and 350 Chevy truck changes would have created more of an event, but it seems that whatever fears everyone voiced have quickly diminished. What little participation has been and will be nullified by the AHFS as soon as the competitors want to show how advantageous their little prize can be. Isn't that the appeal of such combinations - being able to qualify well? Egos will be a powerful force to erase the advantage.

Anything that will increase the probability of more competitors should be considered seriously. Make it easier, cheaper and more fun since it certainly has lost the appeal of being financially rewarding. When a tournament bass fisherman can win $50K in a minor contest with less investment than a competitive Stock eliminator car, the indicators are there that some serious revamping is in order to keep this game going.