[Bench Racer]

For what it's worth, I don't think a mechanical release (magnet or hydraulic t/o bearing with a line lock) is any more of an advantage for the stick cars than a trans brake is for the autos. What if the auto cars were limited to a 9 inch in tire width in S/S but not the sticks? Same logic in my opinion. Seems as only a handful of racers are good with a stick, but if the learning curve (ie cutting a light) was easier I am sure there would be many more willing to give the stick a try. Of the stick racers I have talked to switching to an automatic is not in there thought process, but a lot of the automatic racers have admitted that they would love to be able to drive a clutch car. If there is a arguement to be made as to what is fair when compairing the the clutch and convertor cars give the stick a manual clutch release or take the transbrakes out of the auto's. In my humble (narrow minded) opinion electronic devices have been the downfall of drag racing anyway not to mention an avenue to cheat. I can remember (pre electronic) when mechanical cable Moroso tacks with the reset rpm needle were the standard, and when the heads up .90 classes were fun to watch. Remember when sticks ran in the .90 classes and were competitive, the .90 cars would cut a light (w/o a delay box) and run flat out (no stutter box) to the traps.The class was a lot of fun to watch back then before gadgets and widgets caused a lot of fans to loose interest. Back to the original topic, allowing a mechanical delay for sticks wou be a win win for all involved. The stick racers would have a choice to use it or not, NHRA and IHRA might get some more sponsor $$ from the product, more drivers might give the stick a try and add more diversity to the class. Just my $.02 Don Jackson