Conversation with Mike Baker @ IHRA
 

It's been said before many times, but it is worth repeating - the IHRA guys are really decent people to engage in a conversation. No dismissive attitudes from them and they go out of their way to offer their help.

Mike and I covered several topics and threw in some old time bench racing to boot. The new OEM cars came up during the course of our conversation. Mike said he had some preliminary conversations with racers about the new cars;Ford and Mopar. He said that he was interested in creating a Factory Muscle Class for these new cars. As I remember, he may have mentioned something about setting up some match races for these cars. That is really getting back to the 60's OEM power-wars.

I'm going to a few IHRA races this year. These guys really deserve the racers support.

Re: Conversation with Mike Baker @ IHRA
 

They are good people. Problem is the tracks are getting further away and lesser facilitys. Entry fees continue to go up and purses are the same or less and contingencies are way down. If fuel costs spike back up, you would almost lose money even if you won a points race.

Re: Conversation with Mike Baker @ IHRA
 

I totally agree with you about the tracks are getting further and further!!!



Stephen Johnson #2162
Horace Johnson #2167
SS/D 427 ford Fairlane NHRA-IHRA

Re: Conversation with Mike Baker @ IHRA
 

Living in Virginia makes the access easier. Given my skill level, making money with one of these things never occurred to me. But, I do understand these are important considerations for many racers.

Re: Conversation with Mike Baker @ IHRA
 

There are approximately 145 IHRA stock eliminator classes now, what the heck, there is always room for one or two more ...

Re: Conversation with Mike Baker @ IHRA
 

But at least these cars,and the Camaro if and when,will be where they belong,away from combos that
are pretty much evolved,where the new ones are just evolving.Someone will probably say that the F.I. cars were in the same catogory,but they duked it out mostly in their own class.Now that the hp got needed
corrections they blend in to the established classes they are in.Lets see what developes.

Ed F.

Re: Conversation with Mike Baker @ IHRA
 

Chuck,
Mike is very much aware of IHRA's "too" many classes reputation. He feels everybody should have a fair place to race and offers no apologies. Nor should he. You can always call him if you would like to discuss it further.

Re: Conversation with Mike Baker @ IHRA
 

Ed,

So all new combinations are supposed to have their own class to "duke it out" until they evolve? Basically, that is what you are saying and it is rubbish. This is RACING! Not everything can be fair and not everyone can be a winner.

If the older combos were tapped out, no one would be getting HP, but that isn't the case because all combinations, when worked on, continue to evolve. Fact is, Detroit is finally building cars that are fast again and that are interesting to Stock racers. These cars are fast, in most cases way faster than any true muscle car of the '60s, thanks to development in the entire engine (not just EFI). I love the early muscle but for comparison's sake, my wife's 2007 Mustang GT automatic with only a performance re-flash to the computer went 13.28 at 105 mph (in killer air). With gears and a cold-air intake it's in the 12s. That is quicker and faster than virtually all of the coveted muscle cars, which we all love. The Mustang has only 281ci and weighs 3,600 lbs.

Evan

Re: Conversation with Mike Baker @ IHRA
 

Evan -- You're soooooooo right -back in the day I had a new '69 Z-28 that was a second slower than your wife's Mustang.......BTW , does she know you were trackin' with her car ?

Re: Conversation with Mike Baker @ IHRA
 

Shhhhhhh, if she sees this thread I'm dead!

Re: Conversation with Mike Baker @ IHRA
 

Ford guys,

Ed made a fair point. Rubbish? Why so intense?

Re: Conversation with Mike Baker @ IHRA
 

Evan;
You said it yourself,the new cars are years ahead of the old muscle cars.And NHRA has their heads up their *** as far as factoring them,and you know it.All I said was give them their day in the sun and let them go at it flat out.That would be a hell of alot more interesting than seeing 1000' runs and guys scrubbing off et's with the brakes.The amount of letting off at 1000' ft is getting a bit boring.I think alot of the people in the stands would agree,that's one reason why the stands empty for the Super categories.

Ed

Re: Conversation with Mike Baker @ IHRA
 

Sounds a little like AHRA dosent it........LOL

Re: Conversation with Mike Baker @ IHRA
 

Sadly, I know I'm a no namer that never really has or did accomplish anything in racing. I always thought the AHRA and to an extent the old IHRA system of classes were a good concept. It gave more people a chance to put together a car.

Look at how many NHRA stock classes there were 30 some years ago. In fact, NHRA has done alot to eliminate classes. Look how we debated the old Modified Eliminator awhile back. Seems many think that wasn't such a great move! Even though many of those classes were renamed and split up between SS and Comp Eliminator.

All I want to do is get a car together and come race again,

Robert Swartz

Re: Conversation with Mike Baker @ IHRA
 

Now your telling your age! At least the IHRA indexes are the same, the AHRA records were so bogus soft it was hard to run "over there". Couldn't "dial down", try killing over a second at the finish line sometime.

I think IHRA is much better. I don't understand more guys not running with them. Same rules, indexes and for the most part the cars. Their money spends, I'm told. Haven't collected any myself to know for sure so far. In SS they have some different classes, but so far I have not seen a car run any of them. It's the same guys as the NHRA races around here. Just not as many. They have treated me very well. Very friendly people.

NHRA is the same way to me, but I have known Chuck Nelson and Wesley for over 30 years. Div 4 races been kinda like a reunion since I have tried to come back. I know I'm not "back" yet, but maybe I'll finally make it past the 3rd round at a race this summer.

Re: Conversation with Mike Baker @ IHRA
 

Yes they are GREAT people at IHRA. Even though I retired quite a few years ago I still feel like its "HOME" when I go to the Presidents Cup race here in Md. Bill Bader was one of the best and the crew I worked with where like family. I do think they should combine the FI cars with the older cars like NHRA has done.

Re: Conversation with Mike Baker @ IHRA
 

X TECH MAN,

You have been around long enough to appreciate this old saying - Variety is the Spice of Life.

You know that IHRA is simply trying provide a level playing field for all the Stock racers. Mike certainly has a keen sense of fairness, but the same can not be said for his counterpart at nhra. It appears the thinking at nhra is take your lumps buster. Now that is rubbish.

Re: Conversation with Mike Baker @ IHRA
 

[QUOTE=Bruce Noland;111275]X TECH MAN,

You have been around long enough to appreciate this old saying - Variety is the Spice of Life.

Hey.....I "resemble" that remark......I just turned 29 last September.....LOL
Yes....Mike has a lot on his shoulders and does a darn good job for doing it all on his own.

Re: Conversation with Mike Baker @ IHRA
 

I spoke with Mike a couple of weeks ago in regards to what IHRA Stock Eliminator is becoming. My impression is that it's more a lack of staffing that drives all the extra classes than anything else. Mike has to balance being fair with available staff. The added classes are the easy way to keep the complainers happy.
Don't get me wrong. I love racing with the IHRA and will say that the tech guys work their butts off. But, I can tell you that it seems to me that class racing is becoming less and less of a priority.

Re: Conversation with Mike Baker @ IHRA
 

Believe me , We would do a lot more tear downs if the work force was there. It limits a lot of random checks as well as just top 5 or 10 tear downs. We used to spot check at top end or at scales from time to time.Just not enough help or time anymore. Hope to step up with surprise inspections in the near future.Oh well ,it won't be a surprise now ,will it ? lol. Sure do miss you Terry old buddy ol pal !@#!#@$!. Still having fun anyway. hope see you guys some this year.Good luck in whatever racing you do !!!

Re: Conversation with Mike Baker @ IHRA
 

had a long talk with baker last night. this man really, really cares. he puts racers first!

Re: Conversation with Mike Baker @ IHRA
 

[QUOTE=danny waters sr;
Good luck in whatever racing you do !!![/QUOTE]

I doubt I will do much racing anymore. Im getting to old to do all of that work....LOL...and its gotten way to expensive for what you could get in return other than the friendships, and self satisfaction. Im leaning to a nostalgia Jr. stocker ( the old stuff like 55-57 Chevys, etc. for the Mid Atlantic Nostalgia Drag Racing Association. Its a bracket style race for cars that just LOOK like the old stuff and its just fun and no pressure. Its about 12 races a year. Besides that I still ride the Harley a lot and will probably move to Fla. if the real estate market comes back so I can sell my place. Im also looking for a decent 1966 Corvette Coupe to make a nice street ride out of thats almost affordable. I will see you guys someplace this year. You just get that back well and remember we are not getting any younger. T

Re: Conversation with Mike Baker @ IHRA
 

Terry ,you going to be at the Creek 17th, 18th, 19th....? .Bart

Re: Conversation with Mike Baker @ IHRA
 

Hi Bart......I dont know yet. Don sold "BIG RED" and we are trying to get his son in laws Dart engine fixed. The original engine builder didnt do some things that he is allowed to do and should have done. (to much deck, Head C.C,s way off, etc.). If so it will probably just be on Friday the 17th. Im not interested in Top FOOL, Pro mod, etc.

Re: Conversation with Mike Baker @ IHRA
 

Terry , I have a neighbor around the corner from me that has 28 or 30 , 63 to 67 vettes and most are reasonable. Give me a call sometime and let me know just what type of deal you want . You probably remember him because that is the only type race car he would own. He used to run super rod with a 65 conv(w/hard top) called HOT BLOODED.My cell is 252 525 0550.