Deconstructing Stock

[Billy Nees]

OK, let me take a crack at this. What would you think about leaving Stock as is with a couple of little exceptions. Those being, reinstate all of the FWD classes (AA to H, stick and auto), put more imports in the guide if people want to run them and then soften up on all of the HP factors on the nonturbo cars and make it easy to run under the indexes with them. They could be built cheap, raced cheap and sold cheap and they wouldn't have to be "high tech" to run. I've seen a number of young people who started out in FWD cars because that was what they could afford move up to Stock and SS as permitted. Basically, make the FWDs the "entry level" of the sport. (M.B., feel free to chime in now)

[Michael Beard]

Yeah, what Billy said.

[Robert Swartz]

How about this for a thought. We already have indexes. What about doing something like the "stock appearing" or "hobby stock" eliminator. Simple rules, no hood scoops, tires must fit inside stock wheel wells, no mini tubs. Full stock interior, allow racing seats, if there are two and have belts. No throttle stops, delay boxes or trans brakes. The only computer controls being what the car has.

You could do the index breaks on either half second of full second breaks. Cap the A index at 11.50, that way, you don't have to have a roll bar in the car. Granted it might be a nightmare to administer and determine how to class cars. Here again, just an idea to kick around. This would be something for the local or divisional level only.

[chris ok]

I work for Nissan, VW is next door. The parking area of these 2 dealers is flooded w Imports, a couple of American cars mixed in. The kids like the Sport Compact cars for the most part, cheap and affordable. Not to step on hallowed ground here but if you want them racing at all, you need a jr. stock or something of that nature.
Billy Nees seems to be onto something. I am w these kids everyday, the 20 to 30 somethings.
But I read a while back on this we in Div. 1 have no problem filling fields of stockers which is why I think a jr. stock program of some sort.

Chris. It actually would help out our economy too, more work n jobs working on cars.

[jmantle]

Originally Posted by Billy Nees

OK, let me take a crack at this. What would you think about leaving Stock as is with a couple of little exceptions. Those being, reinstate all of the FWD classes (AA to H, stick and auto), put more imports in the guide if people want to run them and then soften up on all of the HP factors on the nonturbo cars and make it easy to run under the indexes with them. They could be built cheap, raced cheap and sold cheap and they wouldn't have to be "high tech" to run. I've seen a number of young people who started out in FWD cars because that was what they could afford move up to Stock and SS as permitted. Basically, make the FWDs the "entry level" of the sport. (M.B., feel free to chime in now)

I agree. We lost a few racers in div 6 when they changed the indexes. We also need to get more of the newer cars in the guide, import and domestic, especially the ones the general public can buy off the showroom floor.

[Chad Rhodes]

I think the crate motors were a great idea that got out of hand. I think some form of a spec stock would be something to consider. Pick a oft used body style of each manufacturer (82-92 camaro, fox body, and volare for simplicity. Have sealed crate motors, a list of part number converters, spec trans, spec shocks and tires, limit to off the shelf part number heads, etc. this is not stock as it exists today, but it should put the tuner/driver back into the equation, and the checkbook somewhat out of the equation.

[THE LEGEND]

Just my 2 cents worth.
Most youth only understand Headsup, Shoe Polish, Power Adders, 10.5, etc, etc,etc.
They have Zero Knowledge of Stocker racing. When I had my stockers Kids would come up and always ask how much spray.LOL

Most Jr's go to a long skinny car when it's time to move up.

My point being is I don't know what the answer is.
Chip Johnson

[Ed Wright]

When I go to the local Friday night test n tune sessions I often get asked about my car by young guys. They like how it sounds and the wheel stands. LOL
After hearing how it's Built they always tell me they don't know why I would want to deal with so many rules. It's the "What about me?" generation.

[james schaechter]

I think it is time to consider GT stock. Similar to the SS concept only no FWD conversion cars. Imagine if you could run an older body style and a newer engine type. Maybe you want a new CJ DP or Camaro. Just can't cut the check for $$$. Do the engine R and D in the older car while you build your own. Your old car is worth something on the market and you can take some time building the new one. This way you don't have to be a rich racer or remortgage your soul to play with the new engines.

Also, there are tons of street rods doing this already. Fans would understand this. Ihave seen Camaros, Novas and chevelles with LS engines in them for example.

[ALMACK]

Originally Posted by james schaechter

I think it is time to consider GT stock. Similar to the SS concept only no FWD conversion cars. Imagine if you could run an older body style and a newer engine type. Maybe you want a new CJ DP or Camaro. Just can't cut the check for $$$. Do the engine R and D in the older car while you build your own. Your old car is worth something on the market and you can take some time building the new one. This way you don't have to be a rich racer or remortgage your soul to play with the new engines.

Also, there are tons of street rods doing this already. Fans would understand this. Ihave seen Camaros, Novas and chevelles with LS engines in them for example.

IHRA already has all the tools in place for Stock GT.
Only problem is that only 1979 and older engines are allowed. No EFI allowed.

If that Stock GT class allowed any eligible Stocker engine in any eligible Stocker body, then that would be fun to dream of the combos.

My favorite would be a 2010 4.6 3V CJ engine in a 1987 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe.

I know-I know.
It would create too many headaches for tech.
2 sets of specs for each entry. One for the claimed engine and 1 for the body used.

Sure would be fun to dream tho.