No Stock Eliminator at Winternationals?
 

I recently had a conversation with someone close to NHRA who said that Glendora is considering not including Stock and possibly Super Stock at the 50th anniversary Winternationals. Apparently, due to limited pit space, they would exclude one or both of these classes so that they can debut Top Dragster and Top Sportsman at the event as new National Event classes. In the context of this being a celebration that recognizes the history of this event in the formative years of the NHRA, I think this would be a terrible decision. As many of you recall, in 1960 the explosion of factory muscle cars was just starting to take place and in just a few years the factory muscle car wars were dominating the drag racing scene. Stock Eliminator spawned Super Stock which led to Factory Experimental cars, leading to the birth of Funny Cars. How could they even consider not including these cars as part of the event? I have no bone to pick with the 'Top' classes, but they have no history with this event. Their debut could be a significant 'event leader' for another subsequent national event. So when the 50th Anniversary Celebration rolls around, I hope the NHRA doesn't forget to invite the bride to the party.
Steve

Re: No Stock Eliminator at Winternationals?
 

It would make much more sense to exclude Super Comp or Super Gas

Re: No Stock Eliminator at Winternationals?
 

Although not a racer, but a true fan, I agree with Dave. Probably hurt some guys/gals feelings, but when gas was all out and not throttle stopped it was a whole lot more fun to watch.

Re: No Stock Eliminator at Winternationals?
 

First of all, I say anyone who puts forth the effort to race at that level should be able to race. If they want to add classes, then add days to the race. Race one category to completion on say Tue, one on Wed, one on Thur, and so on until the weekend. Then they can mix the remaining sportsman classes up like they do now. If you start on Tue, that would allow a rain day if needed. Sportsman cars racing Tue, Wed, and Thur could park in the Pro pit area because they don't get in there till late Thusday. Also a competitor finished racing on Tue, Wed., or Thur., could vacate and allow parking for cars in the remaining categories. There could be an area to stage some rigs for those folks who wanted to stay for the remainder of the race. If a person raced on Wed., he could be back to work on Thur. and save some leave. All sportsman categories could rotate thru the Wed, Thur, Friday thing. Make room for all to play! It's kinda like nascar...trucks Fri, Nationwide cars Sat, Cup on Sunday. Example: S/G Tue, S/C Wed, Stock Thur, S/S Fri, then Top Dragster and Top sportsman on the weekend. The bonus for S/G and S/C is they can turn off the stop, and race top on the other day with the same car. Those guys would be all over that, car counts would surely be up and that means $$$ for Glendora. It's all good...more cars, more racing, industry grows....get it!

Re: No Stock Eliminator at Winternationals?
 

I'd rather see S/SS and S/ST/S/G/S/C fields at this race at 64 cars,T/S,T/D and Comp at 32 cars.I think that would work,and give the fans a good mix of categories.

Re: No Stock Eliminator at Winternationals?
 

Makes more sense to me to run T FOOL. HA HA CARS, and the alcahol cars on Monday after the race is already over.

Re: No Stock Eliminator at Winternationals?
 

I was more impressed with top dragster and top sportsman until I learned they just bracket race once they qualify.

Re: No Stock Eliminator at Winternationals?
 

STEVE
I first heard about this at the Mile Hi Hationals. I couldn't believe it. I have called NHRA three times asking the question and was told that the decision had not yet been made. At the 2009 Winters the biggest thing as far as the fans were concerned was the new mustang display. They were 4 deep all the way down the display all weekend long. These were not geezers either, they were younger kids wondering how they could afford to buy one of those things..I can't believe The Ford Motor Co. would stand to be excluded after all the exitment that ther cars brought to drag racing last year...As for Top Dragster and Top sportsman, most of these guys are S/G and S/C guys that have moved up so balance the quotas between these 4 classes and we can all race...As far as pit space ...Isn't this race held at the L. A. County Fair Grounds..that is like huge... make the pits bigger

THAT IS ALL...

Re: No Stock Eliminator at Winternationals?
 

It would be a mistake to leave out the cars that were there in the beginning. None of the Super Classes were there 50 years ago. The whole NHRA platform that we see today was built on the backs of the Stock and Super Stockers ... I hope NHRA comes to their senses, just my opinion ...

Re: No Stock Eliminator at Winternationals?
 

If they (NHRA) delete the Stock and /or Super Stock classes at the 2010 WinterNats, they are just slitting their own throats----just watch.......talk about ripping the heart out of this sport....Have no pity for the fools if they pull this stupid stunt. My .50 cents worth....WJ