Deconstructing Stock

[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.

[Tod Lane]

Originally Posted by 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.

Why limit it to certain body styles, with weight per HP you get a bigger variety of cars in the lane. A good think IMHO

[Chad Rhodes]

Originally Posted by Tod Lane

Why limit it to certain body styles, with weight per HP you get a bigger variety of cars in the lane. A good think IMHO

I was thinking simpler to police and to spec more part numbers. It would be easiest to pick one platform per mfgr. And you can keep a close eye on things

[Ed Fernandez]

....

[Rory McNeil]

I go to the occasional Friday Night "Street Legals" races at our local track, and from what I see, the vast majority of the younger racers don`t want to "tweak, fiddle, or massage" the "crap" factory parts in search or a couple of hundreths here and there. They would much rather bolt on a blower, turbo, or nitrous kit, and go for the big, and easy performance improvements. Even if they are "All Motor" guys, they have absolutely no interest in working with many of their cars OE parts. They would much rather slap on a pair of aftermarket aluminum heads and induction system. And judging by the number of 12 &11 second cars running 130+mph speeds, they don`t place much value on making their cars suspension work very well. Very few of these street legal folks ever move into bracket racing, as it`s "too expensive" to enter, although they have no issues using $60.00 to $80.00 worth of nitrous in a night.

[Billy Nees]

Originally Posted by Rory McNeil

Very few of these street legal folks ever move into bracket racing, as it`s "too expensive" to enter, although they have no issues using $60.00 to $80.00 worth of nitrous in a night.

Isn't that a funny thing? At our local track they'll beat on and blow up their stuff for a trophy and a gift certificate for a pizza!
I did bring my turbo Sunbird over one night and cause a bit of a stir though. Some of the regulars went over to the track owner and wanted to know "what kind of car is that and who is that old man"?

[Ron Ortiz]

Billy, I see that you are still starting trouble where ever you go. Messing with the locals I see. I cannot believe that you didn't become upset with their comments. I mean you are old, but what kind of car?

Bring the Imports in, save Stock now. The Rotary is under factored, all imports are rated very low. Could be a plethora of dime rockets. Don't worry about factoring, NHRA will just take the info provided from the manufacturer as they have done in the past. And, if they are too fast and demolish the current racers hard work with their tried and proven combo, we'll just make up another class. AA/SA/I, BB/SA/I, CC/SA/I

"Save the sport, get an import" will be the new slogan at participating race tracks across the country.

And in the final round it's going to be a Peugeot vs Soul. (insert music and rodents)

Ron Ortiz
U/SA I'm sexty and I know it

[Bruce Noland]

I've often thought drag racers would be a prime group for study by an accomplished Sociologist. No, not a Psychiatrist because most of us already know we're crazy as hell for hanging around this long.

Not sure whether we pay our way or not, however, I do know we have provided nhra with some very handsome tax relief over the years. As members of the so-called "nhra family" we should not be treated as unwanted step children. The nhra guys say they subsidize our side of the sport and, at the same time, they fail to mention all the benefits (think dollars) they have received from our loyalty over the years.

There really is nothing wrong with Stock, Super Stock or all of Sportsman racing for that matter. All we need is a decent organization that will live up to its obligations. An organization that will promulgate a fair set of rules, then abide by and enforce their own rules in a fair manner. For years we have seen way too much freelancing on the part of Race Officials (powercrats) and the suits (greed monkeys) in Glendora.

In the end, drag racing as we know it, is probably on its way out. A good measurement will come if the US Military stops coughing up dollars for the Pros. Another measurement will be what happens to all of Bruton Smith's holdings when he expires. I do not wish to come across as calloused but he is not a young man. Neither am I.

[Ryan Horensky]

The biggest reason more young racers are not involved in stock and super stock is the cost. If you look around any qualifying sheet from a divisional or a national event, you will see quite a few 2nd generations drivers and some 3rd generation drivers at this point. Not many new racers that don't have family members involved in stock/super stock racing. Many of us probobly wouldn't be involved in class racing if it wasn't for family members getting us involved. I certainly would be less likely to be racing today if it wasn't for my father's influence when I was growing up. Alot of my friends that I race with in pro eliminator always comment on how our stockers leave the starting line and how cool alot of the cars are. Most of these racers love watching stock and super stock racing, but always comment that "they can't justify spending big money on a car to race for minimal money." Payout wise, bracket racing gives alot more incentive to someone to become involved. They also in most cases don't have to take any time off of work to go racing either. The time someone needs off work to go class racing is a big issue too.

[Ed Fernandez]

Originally Posted by Ryan Horensky

The biggest reason more young racers are not involved in stock and super stock is the cost. If you look around any qualifying sheet from a divisional or a national event, you will see quite a few 2nd generations drivers and some 3rd generation drivers at this point. Not many new racers that don't have family members involved in stock/super stock racing. Many of us probobly wouldn't be involved in class racing if it wasn't for family members getting us involved. I certainly would be less likely to be racing today if it wasn't for my father's influence when I was growing up. Alot of my friends that I race with in pro eliminator always comment on how our stockers leave the starting line and how cool alot of the cars are. Most of these racers love watching stock and super stock racing, but always comment that "they can't justify spending big money on a car to race for minimal money." Payout wise, bracket racing gives alot more incentive to someone to become involved. They also in most cases don't have to take any time off of work to go racing either. The time someone needs off work to go class racing is a big issue too.

It took 89 posts for someone to get it right on the money.Thanks Ryan.Give dad my regards.Hope to see him down the line,always a pleasure to speak with the both of you.

Ed