[Evan Smith]

I have no idea what Stock will evolve into, but it will evolve. There is a fine line between evolution and extinction, however I don't see Stock going away anytime soon, despite what the nay-sayers on here believe.

Everyone keeps talking about "all these rule changes," but what has really changed in the last 10 years? Valve springs is about it. While fuel cells, wheelie bars and brakes can add performance, they were added to improve safety.

Technology changes have brought us better tires (radials), lighter transmissions, light clutches, improved tuning techniques (via wide-band oxygen sensors), there is a wide range of fuels for specific compression ratios, and data-loggers to name few things.

Still, you can built a budget 5.0 LX Mustang that will run 11s for under $10,000 (including buying the car) that will go a second under. There are plenty of affordable combinations, and not all are odd-ball or slow cars. You don't need a CJ or a Challenger to have fun or win in Stock.

Had the rules been left alone, I'd almost be competitive in 1970 Pro Stock with my small-block H/S Mustang. Should I complain that I can't race in Pro Stock or Comp because the rule have changed?