What to expect

[Dick Butler]

Len, Could you speak about changes in SS? Will there be GT classes up to match the SS 6.0 and down? These would help with use of the new cars as GT cars. Any combinations of classes or wts? Thanks Dick Butler.

[Jared Jordan]

Dropping the indexes would hopefully eliminate some of the sandbagging that happens at national and some divisional events. The AHFS will even out discrepancies over time (even though the system is "broken"). I wholeheartedly approve of this decision!

Would love to see 2-steps gone in Stock, but I think the 4-speed cars should still be allowed to run them.

Love the 7.5 lb/hp class addition. A 3800 lb. Hemi Challenger isn't fun for anyone! Is this class going to be called AA/SA??

No E-Shift for any cars in Stock! Make the drivers do their jobs! If you want the car to shift for you go race SS.

[LNorton]

Well... with a 2 tenth index drop you can count us out for trying to step up out of pure stock for a while...

[Bob Mulry]

Len,

Are you saying that a simple majority will eliminate a rule that has been in place for over a decade???

It appears that your sample contains 256 responses. As per Nitro Joes Stats there where 1262 entries in Stock Eliminator in 2007.

Only 20.2% of the Stock Racers responded (IF you use Stock Competition Number information it would be much lower, but I will give NHRA the befit of the doubt) that is 256 out of 1262.

Only 141 racers requested the banning of 2 steps in Stock or 11.2% of Stock racers.

You can get what end result you desire by choosing the sampling group.

The casual poll being done on line with racers that have competed in the last 2 years doesn't agree with your numbers.

I don't know which is correct?

If you want your racer input to mean anything, then the voting should and must be accurate (see voting in Florida).

Will all rule changes be decided by a simple majority??

NHRA should enclose a stamped self-addressed envelope with National Dragster along with a ballot that includes the NHRA Competition Number on the ballot. You could request input on any number of issues and NHRA could have the results verified by an independent source, thereby taking away the appearance of a conflict in interest.

The racers could vote on items that affected the racers directly and they could depend on the results as being fair and accurate.

This is a win win situation for NHRA, because it increases the credibility of the NHRA no matter what the results are.

An emailed in racer input does not reflect the total body of Stock Eliminator racers and to use this, as the criteria for changing rules would be grossly unfair.

For the process to work it must be totally transparent and open to verification.

Bob

[Oldtimer]

Wow, I agree with someone out West, way to call it Jared and a young guy too. Julie you raised him Right !

[Andys dad]

I asked Len that exact question via email - I hope I am not violating any trusts but I will paste my email question and his email response to me.

My email to Lenm:

I think it should remain but be a button on the brake pedal as ours and many others are.

Guys who run other classes which use a trans brake (SS, COMP, .90s) use a finger button which I believe gives them an advantage.

Our button also controls the start of several other digital functions (expensive MSD add-on) ? like taking timing out at the start on a crappy track, shift light, high rpm chip to not over rev motor.

If it is a close call I think it should stay.

I am a data analyst and if it were me I would see what classes want it what classes do not. I bet it is not an even spread across the classes.

So - 13 racers will make the difference.

I guess those in favor of the 2-step should lobby other racers to vote or change their mind to get the 13 vote swing.

Just my thoughts.


His email to me:

Ronald,

Thank you for your input.

It will end up more than a 13 vote difference. The votes received to date only includes input off the NHRA website posting. This survey will appear in the next National Dragster which generally increases the number of votes significantly.

No, if the number is a close call, it should not necessarily stay, especially as the number approaches 60%. In most cases a 60% / 40% split is a normal split on most issues and it is also an example of how regardless of what NHRA does, there are generally 40% of the racer population that do not agree with the decision.


Once again, thank you for your input.

Len

[Tim Kish]

With a 2-tenths index drop and the existing rules for class singles (0.5 under minimum) - look for more non-class winners in single classes.

Any thoughts on refiguring event entry quotas for events running class eliminations for Stock or Super Stock - events like Norwalk in Div 3 where the quota was 80 entries only allow 10% of the cars in the country to compete. This is a part of the reason there are so many singles in the first place.

[Jack Matyas]

Len --Thanks a million for your post !!!!! Getting rules changes for 2008 in September has to be a first . Having access to this news early will help every racer -- even the ones who don't agree with the new changes.

[Tommy Gaynor]

Thanks, Len you are the voice of NHRA to us. Thank you! Tommy Gaynor

[Mickey Whaley]

I'm not so smart so enlighten me, if i run B/SA or C/SA or D/SA which current FI cars would fit into each 1 of those classes? And will they weigh the same as they do now in those FI classes?