[Evan Smith]

Bret,

Please re-read my story. Combining sticks and autos would cut the classes in half. It's time. The cars, for the most part, are equal in performance. As far as my other ideas, I didn't say add new classes, instead, let the cars fall within the current structure where they would based on hp and weight.

These are just ideas to create dialogue amongst racers to keep our style of racing attractive. I see so much negativity on the 'net in terms of racers complaining about NHRA, but hardly anyone has suggestions to improve anything. Maybe there is nothing wrong with the current format, but it never hurts to toss ideas around.

My crate engine idea was not to make racing cheaper, but to get the manufactures more involved and to offer an option for racers not wanting to run a 30-, 40-, or 50-year old engine, but still race a car they currently own. A byproduct would be less time spent sourcing old parts and cost savings to those with expensive engine combinations.

Thanks,

Evan