I know this will make LOTS of stick racers mad. But if you really wanna win some rounds & races, go with the auto.
I've run both, in Stock, and auto in lots of bracket races. Breakout style racing requires consistently good lights, as well as consistent ET's.
Now if all you wanna do is have some fun makin passes, or if you wanna build a killer heads-up car, that's different.
Yankin on the 4-speed was lots of fun. But I enjoyed winning, even more !
NO, I DIDN'T say a stick car can't win a race. They've won lots of 'em thru the years. Won a few myself.
BUT, it's my own PERSONAL opinion that you have a better chance of winning more rounds & races with an auto trans.
Opinions differ.