How far under index?

[Freddie]

I know at National events qualifying is based on how far under the index you can go, but how far under do you really need to be to be competitive?

I only ask because I am finishing a long overdue project 1997 Mustang Cobra with the "Freshened" 4v and a 5 speed for Stock. Plan on running either F or G/S and while I may only be able to run some divisional events this year, my question is what should I be looking for to be able to qualify at most National events as well?

We have done quite a bit of work to the car inclusive of all the legal and accepted chassis mods, and have it right at weight, with a beefed up rear, good axles and a gear we think is right for now. I know a 5 speed car is at a disadvantage over the automatics but this is what I have to work with and I LOVE driving the 5 speed.

So again looking for a little help with how fast I should really be, and how do they run class eliminations now, its been years since I did this.

[Alan Roehrich]

F and G stick can be tough classes, especially in Division 2 and Division 3. Guys like Beeler, Walther, Welfel when he gets the deuce sorted out, and a few others, are tough.

However, heads up races are not common.

[Freddie]

I am not looking for anything spectacular from this build to start with, maybe .3 under if that. I know I have to build a purpose built "Stock" motor in order to run well, which I am contemplating, but for now just want to have some fun without having my butt handed to me too badly...

[Alan Roehrich]

When I ran G in 2009, under the old index, I could run around 0.6-0.7 under, Walther and Beeler could both beat me with ease. They're both considerably faster than they were then, and if Welfel gets the deuce squared away, he'll be right there with them. There are a couple of others. In E, F, G, 0.3 under is not even close to being in the ball park.

[Bob Gullett]

In the 12 years since I put a stick in mine other than class run offs I've had one heads up race. There are very few G/S cars. The odds are very slim you will have a heads up. Put it together and go out and have fun.

[countrypuppy4865]

You need to be about -1.0 to be competitive in heads up, but as Bob said you should be able to go have fun without worrying about having a heads up every race you go to. Just make your weight where you can change classes if you need to, which will allow you to get in the class that has the least or no cars for the time being.

[Darrel Goheen]

Originally Posted by Freddie

my question is what should I be looking for to be able to qualify at most National events as well?

I believe the only national event you have to worry about not qualifying is the US Nationals in Indy.

[The Hawk]

If you get an entry fee paid, just worry about getting under the index. Then go from there.

[Mike Jones]

Originally Posted by Bob Gullett

In the 12 years since I put a stick in mine other than class run offs I've had one heads up race. There are very few G/S cars. The odds are very slim you will have a heads up. Put it together and go out and have fun.

Not too many heads-up match ups in F or G stick in D1, either. As long as you can run the index or better, you are in the eliminator. Class run-offs are another story. Finish it and get some seat time. Like Bob said, have fun.
Best wishes
Mike A114
P/SA

[ALMACK]

Originally Posted by Freddie

I am not looking for anything spectacular from this build to start with, maybe .3 under if that. I know I have to build a purpose built "Stock" motor in order to run well, which I am contemplating, but for now just want to have some fun without having my butt handed to me too badly...

You should be able to run .3 under with the 4 valve stock long block.
Possibly with the stock cams, but your suspension setup would need to be spot on.

As posted above, I believe the odds of you ever getting paired up during eliminations with an another stick car in the same class are slim.