Advisory for a "New"bie direction

Justin Graham · 12-18-2022, 05:45 PM

I have not given up on my pursuit of joining this awesome fraternity and have a question about what class to run. I'm finally recovering from the '20 "slide" and it's looking really good to have something in place to buy a ride in time for the upcoming Divisional schedule.

Understanding fees, travel expenses and having the tow rig and transport already on hand. I'm focusing on the ride purchase, as I have read on multiple occasions that it is best to buy than build.

Would you fellas go Stock or SuperStock racing as a first-timer?

Corey Griffith · 12-18-2022, 06:34 PM

Justin, after completing my freshman season getting my toes wet at this, I offer you what I feel are the 3 best pieces of advice I've ever seen posted throughout this forum for beginners:

#1 Talk to a fella that roams around these parts named Billy Nees if he's willing to talk for a few minutes 😀. I did, and he will shoot you straight on things.
#2 Run a stocker to learn the ropes of these treacherous waters
#3 Stick to your guns on buying a complete running car versus building one you have into a stocker. I can assure you, at least in my own personal experience, it would end up cheaper doing it that way. If you decide you don't like it, can always get rid of it. Good luck!

Corey Griffith (Bobby's son)
3367 I/SA

Tar Heel · 12-18-2022, 08:58 PM

^^^ Great advice! ^^^

I would also add don't worry about having the latest and greatest and lightest $5K must-have _______ (fill in the blank with any number of go-fast parts) or rotating the Earth with a 1+ under pass. Chasing those hundredths and tenths can come later and may, MAY, take the fun out of it initially. Find a complete turn-key deal (great advice above) that will run the index and have fun!

Larry Hill · 12-18-2022, 09:13 PM

Buy the race car at the track after it made sub index run. Check head casting number, intake casting number and other things that are verified correct. The best way is to know the car and the racer.

We all look forward to seeing new racers at the track. Good luck and be safe!

SDT1DYI · 12-18-2022, 09:29 PM

All Solid Advise from all. The only thing I would add is, look at makes that allow you to claim various years with the same body and have multiple engine combination options to run.

Good luck, Steve Teeter Stk/SS 620

Mike Gray · 12-19-2022, 01:24 AM

Justin, most people that race stock and super stock probably had racing experience. I assume you have bracket raced before or at least have made passes down a track?
I’m in SoCal and the only track close with a lot of different programs is Bakersfield, head on out and talk to the racers. I’ll deviate a bit and say get a running car if you can but get a car model you LIKE, it will be a lot easier sinking a lot of money in it.
I’m on my 3rd build starting in super street for about $9,000 in the 80’s moved to super gas in the 90’s with a cost around $20,000 now I’m building what I hope to be a competitive stocker for A or B/SA and the cost as zoomed way up. (buying a running car is way cheaper) Don’t forget a rule book.

james schaechter · 12-19-2022, 08:36 AM

Some great advice here, Look for cars with combos that are common and easy to find parts for, that are flexible and reasonably competitive and fit your budget. Most importantly. When you find combos that fit the above criteria, make sure you like it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Justin Graham

I have not given up on my pursuit of joining this awesome fraternity and have a question about what class to run. I'm finally recovering from the '20 "slide" and it's looking really good to have something in place to buy a ride in time for the upcoming Divisional schedule.

Understanding fees, travel expenses and having the tow rig and transport already on hand. I'm focusing on the ride purchase, as I have read on multiple occasions that it is best to buy than build.

Would you fellas go Stock or SuperStock racing as a first-timer?

GUMP · 12-19-2022, 09:44 AM

I feel that it is very important to pick a combination that you know you will be happy with. Buying the car is just the beginning. Be prepared to put a lot of time, money, and emotional energy into your new project.

davidhuff · 12-19-2022, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larry Hill

Buy the race car at the track after it made sub index run. Check head casting number, intake casting number and other things that are verified correct. The best way is to know the car and the racer.

We all look forward to seeing new racers at the track. Good luck and be safe!

That is great advise!

Billy Nees · 12-19-2022, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GUMP

I feel that it is very important to pick a combination that you know you will be happy with. Buying the car is just the beginning. Be prepared to put a lot of time, money, and emotional energy into your new project.

LOTS of good advice here. There's just one thing I would like to add here, don't get in over-your-head. I see and hear of more well-intentioned projects not being finished because of a lack of time or money or both. Get involved with a combo that you know that you can finish!

12-18-2022, 09:13 PM	#4
Larry Hill Live Reporter Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Hickory, Ky Posts: 10,629 Likes: 1,919 Liked 10,678 Times in 2,221 Posts	Re: Advisory for a "New"bie direction Buy the race car at the track after it made sub index run. Check head casting number, intake casting number and other things that are verified correct. The best way is to know the car and the racer. We all look forward to seeing new racers at the track. Good luck and be safe! __________________ IHM Used Parts https://ihmusedparts.com 888-821-1817

12-18-2022, 09:29 PM	#5
SDT1DYI Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Indianola Washington Posts: 401 Likes: 0 Liked 453 Times in 146 Posts	Re: Advisory for a "New"bie direction All Solid Advise from all. The only thing I would add is, look at makes that allow you to claim various years with the same body and have multiple engine combination options to run. Good luck, Steve Teeter Stk/SS 620

12-19-2022, 01:24 AM	#6
Mike Gray Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 615 Likes: 309 Liked 685 Times in 196 Posts	Re: Advisory for a "New"bie direction Justin, most people that race stock and super stock probably had racing experience. I assume you have bracket raced before or at least have made passes down a track? I’m in SoCal and the only track close with a lot of different programs is Bakersfield, head on out and talk to the racers. I’ll deviate a bit and say get a running car if you can but get a car model you LIKE, it will be a lot easier sinking a lot of money in it. I’m on my 3rd build starting in super street for about $9,000 in the 80’s moved to super gas in the 90’s with a cost around $20,000 now I’m building what I hope to be a competitive stocker for A or B/SA and the cost as zoomed way up. (buying a running car is way cheaper) Don’t forget a rule book. __________________ Mike 7570 A/SA Last edited by Mike Gray; 12-19-2022 at 01:29 AM.

12-19-2022, 09:44 AM	#8
GUMP VIP Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Shelby, NC Posts: 1,817 Likes: 2,153 Liked 2,336 Times in 549 Posts	Re: Advisory for a "New"bie direction I feel that it is very important to pick a combination that you know you will be happy with. Buying the car is just the beginning. Be prepared to put a lot of time, money, and emotional energy into your new project. __________________ Daren Poole-Adams NHRA Stock/SS 2007

12-18-2022, 05:45 PM	#1
Justin Graham Member Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: Montclair, Ca Posts: 108 Likes: 135 Liked 512 Times in 71 Posts	Advisory for a "New"bie direction I have not given up on my pursuit of joining this awesome fraternity and have a question about what class to run. I'm finally recovering from the '20 "slide" and it's looking really good to have something in place to buy a ride in time for the upcoming Divisional schedule. Understanding fees, travel expenses and having the tow rig and transport already on hand. I'm focusing on the ride purchase, as I have read on multiple occasions that it is best to buy than build. Would you fellas go Stock or SuperStock racing as a first-timer? __________________ 7350 Stock Eliminator Quite possibly the only member to REDLIGHT their join date

12-18-2022, 06:34 PM	#2
Corey Griffith Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: Knox Twp. Ohio Posts: 2 Likes: 0 Liked 3 Times in 1 Post	Re: Advisory for a "New"bie direction Justin, after completing my freshman season getting my toes wet at this, I offer you what I feel are the 3 best pieces of advice I've ever seen posted throughout this forum for beginners: #1 Talk to a fella that roams around these parts named Billy Nees if he's willing to talk for a few minutes 😀. I did, and he will shoot you straight on things. #2 Run a stocker to learn the ropes of these treacherous waters #3 Stick to your guns on buying a complete running car versus building one you have into a stocker. I can assure you, at least in my own personal experience, it would end up cheaper doing it that way. If you decide you don't like it, can always get rid of it. Good luck! Corey Griffith (Bobby's son) 3367 I/SA

12-18-2022, 08:58 PM	#3
Tar Heel Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2021 Posts: 22 Likes: 0 Liked 21 Times in 7 Posts	Re: Advisory for a "New"bie direction ^^^ Great advice! ^^^ I would also add don't worry about having the latest and greatest and lightest $5K must-have _______ (fill in the blank with any number of go-fast parts) or rotating the Earth with a 1+ under pass. Chasing those hundredths and tenths can come later and may, MAY, take the fun out of it initially. Find a complete turn-key deal (great advice above) that will run the index and have fun!