Stock and the late models, a solution.

[Greg Hill]

Originally Posted by Alan Roehrich

What you propose is to create a new class within the class, with looser rules, and that moves even further from the original spirit of the class than the new "never sold for street use" cars that are one of the biggest problems we have now.

"Any automatic transmission" and "any custom piston, so long as it measures correct", as well as "no natural class, pick the one you want". Sounds a lot like some sort of modified class, or something of that ilk. If you have to write special rules for it to get into Stock Eliminator, it does not need to be in Stock Eliminator, period. Leave the class intact, with the original intent and spirit of the rules, it's time to stop diluting Stock Eliminator.

Why not simply add a set of F/X classes, say starting at 7.0 pounds per HP, with 1 pound increments, up to 11.0 strictly for cars that the factories submit, but were never sold as street legal production cars?

The real production cars are not likely to be a problem, and few if any are likely to be raced, given their shipping weight, and the reluctance of the factories to even put them in the guide.

I don't think we need or want 5.0 or 6.0 classes in Stock Eliminator. The 9" tire rule, along with the suspension rules, neither of which need to be changed, do not really allow for cars with that power to weight ratio to be raced safely and consistently. Yes, I know some of the "outlaw" series guys do it. I also know they seem to wreck a lot of cars. I know most of us would prefer to not get caught up in someone else's wreck when they roll one of those cars up in a ball because the tires and suspension simply cannot cope with the power to weight ratio.

Why do we not need crate motor classes in Stock Eliminator? Because, if you really want to race in Stock Eliminator, you can find a combination that you can find parts for. For crying out loud, there are cars in the guide from 1960 to the current 2010 models that are legal for Stock Eliminator. That's 50 years worth of combinations. There are tons of superceded parts already accepted, and more every year. We already have so many classes that it is not uncommon for an 80 plus car field to run an entire race and never have a single heads up race. We do not need another dozen classes, especially if we now need to add a set of FX classes for the new factory race cars.

I can get behind merging a considerable number of classes in Stock Eliminator. While it would likely prevent a lot of cars from moving around, we could change the weight breaks to 1 pound increments starting at 7.0 pounds per HP for AA, and going all the way through 22.0 pounds per HP. That would allow room to add a few FX classes, say from 7.0 pounds per HP to 11.0 pounds per HP. If NHRA really wanted to do something, they could even roll the FWD cars in there somewhere, they can be properly factored to fit in a regular Stock Eliminator class.

Alan as usual you are right on the money. FX classes is where these new cars belong. I think the new cars are cool and they add to stock eliminator but only if they are in their own classes. Combining sticks and automatics may be more of a problem than many people think. A lot of combinations have different hp ratings and perform very differently. For example a 327 Chevy in stock with a stick is probably .12 to .15 better than a powerglide, where a 455 Buick or 454 Chevy may be better with an automatic. If these new cars were just put in FX classes and everything else was left alone it would suit me. Also the blower cars need to be in their own class maybe AA/FX. As far as adding 6 or 7 FX classes, what difference does it make? Nobody pays for class anymore any way.
Kenny, I am really proud of you for changing your thinking on these new cars. If something isn't done by next year I think you are going to see a lot of old time racers park their stuff.