Part of what hurt drag racing

[randy wilson]

I was responding to a post that stated that no break-out racing causes 25 cars to dwindle to 2 or 3. Again my question. Why do roundy round guys with rules such as Wissota A and B Mod capture an audience of 1,500 to 2,500 and have car counts in the 50's every week. Why, with limited rules, and inexpensive alternatives does it not just fold up? Why does it work there?

[Dick Butler]

Randy I honestly believe some of the attraction week in and week out at the round track is the time a race takes to run. Many laps, many changes of leader, many bumps and grinds. People like the action. The lower cost classes due to rules keeps the racers coming back. I believe the best 2 of 3 of the old "booked in show" was an attraction for Stk and SS. If the announcer kept up with the cars in a heads up show the people could also enjoy coming back to see it.
I remember one Stk 56 chevy I watched every week at Indy to see how far he got and think others would pick a favorite to watch also.
Sure looks like it would be hard to get people to accept saving money by fixing the rules if they had to give up their current rules and habits.

[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.

[FireSale]

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.

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.

Quote

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).

Close quote

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

[Dick Butler]

Spec engines of much less cost and standardization.

[Paul Precht]

Back around 75 there was a heads up class at National Speedway called Pro Am and a similar one at Hampton Raceway called Run Tuff. They were both Lbs per Ci, and they were both short lived as only the top engine builders or money bags could compete. I remember it being announced over the PA at Hampton that Dino Ramirez had a set of heads for sale at 2800 dollars, (probably not the good ones), that was more than than half of my yearly take home salary back then and I bracket raced successfully 2-4 days a week at both tracks at that time. It was a great class, like a local Pro Stock but like most, I had a better chance of seeing God than competing.

[randy wilson]

Thanks Dale for an intelligent response. I truly wanted an answer, not an argument. Your take makes sense. But my opinion on any heads-up deal is who is policing the cars.I think more people quit because a select few are allowed to cheat, than they are out spent. Now, if there's no restraint on mods, then for sure it will die a quick death. I believe a racers board, and head tech from the manufacturer would solve a lot of that, but who knows. I know Wissota kicked out an engine I did for B Mod because I had bushed the lifter bores. It never said you couldn't so being a drag racer, I thought. "What the he""." But it didn't fly under the, "If it ain't listed, it ain't legal" rule. Whatever that is, but I must say, I never did it again.

[Dan Fahey]

If you want Heads Up Stock like Racing.

Need to limit Spring Pressure and Lift. Like 130#.
Fair enough for a good cam and not kill the Lifters.

Standardize on a cuin, flat top pistons, chamber size.
Regulate the valve size and have to be spec heads.
$10000 port jobs will not make a difference

I think a key here is the Spring Pressure where super ported heads would not offer much an advantage.

Cuin and weigh so a SB Block can lighten to race in BB Class.
AND BB to add weigh for SB Class.

my 2 cents

[randy wilson]

Not bad ideas. I have a few of my own that would limit the cost.

[Jim Mango G/S 1453]

Thought this thread could use a picture.