Misconception on a slow stocker winning

[Mike Carr]

I raced FWD Stockers for several years (2001-2006), and for all the reasons everyone has previously stated, yes, it is rather dificult to win in a slower car. Of course, everyone's idea of "slow" may differ. At E-town last weekend, I counted five Stockers, out of 80+, that were slower than 12.00. Like Michael said, when, probably, 75% (maybe more?) of the Stockers in the country are quicker than 12.00 (with a ton of 8.90 to 11.30 cars), it stands to reason they will win the most. Same with S/S, where the majority of cars winning are mid 8's to mid/high9's, with a few 10 and 11 second cars that have won over the years.

That said, a good driver, with experience, CAN be competitive in a slower car. Jody Lang has shown that for years in his12 second L-N/SA wagon. Michael Beard and myself have both gone many rounds, more than once, in FWD cars (Michel won a Combo race, maybe two, in an FF/SA Turismo, I finished eighth in IHRA Stock Division 1 points in 2003 and 2004 in a 17 second HF/SA Sunbird). Steve Klacik has gone rounds, and won races, in his street-driven 14 second H/PS Mustang. Billy Nees has won National and Divisional events in a 14 second V/SA Nova. Ed Fernandez has won races in his 13 second R-T/SA Gremlin (yes, a Gremlin). I'm sure there are more, but those are the ones in recent history that have proved that you can do it. Difficult, but do-able. Plus, they are lower budget, lower maintanence cars compared to 9 to11 second cars. We can argue the pros and cons of each all day long. Basically, for those starting in Stock, you have a broad choice of cars to pick from, which makes Stock "way cool". ")

[Dennis P Chapman]

Originally Posted by Mike Carr

I raced FWD Stockers for several years (2001-2006), and for all the reasons everyone has previously stated, yes, it is rather dificult to win in a slower car. Of course, everyone's idea of "slow" may differ. At E-town last weekend, I counted five Stockers, out of 80+, that were slower than 12.00. Like Michael said, when, probably, 75% (maybe more?) of the Stockers in the country are quicker than 12.00 (with a ton of 8.90 to 11.30 cars), it stands to reason they will win the most. Same with S/S, where the majority of cars winning are mid 8's to mid/high9's, with a few 10 and 11 second cars that have won over the years.

That said, a good driver, with experience, CAN be competitive in a slower car. Jody Lang has shown that for years in his12 second L-N/SA wagon. Michael Beard and myself have both gone many rounds, more than once, in FWD cars (Michel won a Combo race, maybe two, in an FF/SA Turismo, I finished eighth in IHRA Stock Division 1 points in 2003 and 2004 in a 17 second HF/SA Sunbird). Steve Klacik has gone rounds, and won races, in his street-driven 14 second H/PS Mustang. Billy Nees has won National and Divisional events in a 14 second V/SA Nova. Ed Fernandez has won races in his 13 second R-T/SA Gremlin (yes, a Gremlin). I'm sure there are more, but those are the ones in recent history that have proved that you can do it. Difficult, but do-able. Plus, they are lower budget, lower maintanence cars compared to 9 to11 second cars. We can argue the pros and cons of each all day long. Basically, for those starting in Stock, you have a broad choice of cars to pick from, which makes Stock "way cool". ")

x2

[Ron Ortiz]

When you all start talking about slow cars your usually referring to 12 seconds or slower.
12 seconds is not slow compared to a 9 second car, but 14 seconds it is. These 12 sec cars can gauge a fast chaser reasonably well, as can the chaser gauge.

Now a 14 sec car such as mine is real easy to gauge by them 9-10 sec cars. Ask any of them high flying speedsters how easy it is to judge a slug just about at a stand still at the finish line.

In a real slow stocker you need a couple of talents to gauge correctly.
First and foremost, the ability to lick your back, this keeps the view in perspective.
Second, keep a log book to track all of the important stuff like wind, direction, dew point. This info is very valuable for your dial in as it has the most bearing.
Third, cut a good light, piece of cake.
Fourth, at about the 1,000 foot mark look for friends and relatives on the fence for instant input, this can be easily done through facial recognition.
Fifth, have fun during the run, turn on a directional signal, wave to people, if you have power windows put it down as your opponent is closing in as if you need directions.

So, there you have it, now go out and get yourself a slow car.

Ron Ortiz
U/SA slowness is dimensional phases

[KRatcliff]

Originally Posted by Ron Ortiz

Fourth, at about the 1,000 foot mark look for friends and relatives on the fence for instant input, this can be easily done through facial recognition.
......
Ron Ortiz
U/SA slowness is dimensional phases

Can't they just text you?

[Dwight Southerland]

A couple of thoughts. 1) When looking at a slow combination, pick one that has a large carb/throttle body relative to engine size. They seem to be less sensitive to weather change. 2) Weather station-based predictor software seems to be geared more to faster cars with more efficient engines. Some may be better suited than others for an slower car. I would think that highly detailed historical data for your particular combination would be invaluable. (that translates to seat time, too). **.02, please.

[cicero819]

Ok guys, this is probably my bracket racing experience but cars shouldn't drop that much. I know that Mark Yacavone is probably one of the only one to win in his F/Front wheel stocker with his 81 Ford Escort except now with better traction from tire compound and R&D from manufacturer I can't believe that we can't come up with some better combos.Calling Billy Nees and Mark Yacavone(I remember the Land Shark) to come up with a real dime racer for the challenge, beat up on the **100k and over stocker with a **5k car.(open to everyone) Claude

[Billy Nees]

Originally Posted by cicero819

Calling Billy Nees and Mark Yacavone(I remember the Land Shark) to come up with a real dime racer for the challenge, beat up on the **100k and over stocker with a **5k car.(open to everyone) Claude

I think that people like Dwight, Mark and myself have come up with more than enough "Dime Rockets" over the years that can and have "beat up on the **100k and over stocker with a **5k car".
I'm calling on YOU and a lot of other lurkers that read these threads to pick up the task and do something with it. I love talking about these cars but really don't like the fact that most of the time I'm just wasting my hunt and peck finger.
So when you're not reading these threads or playing with your bracket car (also a "dime rocket" I'm sure) just what is more important than doing a "Dime Rocket" Stocker? Eating is way over-rated and you can always live in the car. Sell your bracket car, give your belly button lint collection to your little brother and do a real car. When you get right down to it a lower classed Stocker is a great bracket car (and sometimes less expensive) anyway.
so Claude, what are you doing after lunch?

[Larry Hill]

I like dime rockets, once you get a history on them its ok. Wind is their kryptonite.

[jmantle]

Originally Posted by Billy Nees

I think that people like Dwight, Mark and myself have come up with more than enough "Dime Rockets" over the years that can and have "beat up on the **100k and over stocker with a **5k car".
I'm calling on YOU and a lot of other lurkers that read these threads to pick up the task and do something with it. I love talking about these cars but really don't like the fact that most of the time I'm just wasting my hunt and peck finger.
So when you're not reading these threads or playing with your bracket car (also a "dime rocket" I'm sure) just what is more important than doing a "Dime Rocket" Stocker? Eating is way over-rated and you can always live in the car. Sell your bracket car, give your belly button lint collection to your little brother and do a real car. When you get right down to it a lower classed Stocker is a great bracket car (and sometimes less expensive) anyway.
so Claude, what are you doing after lunch?

x2

I put my car together for less than 5K initially. It has been #1 qualifier and if the wind doesn't blow too hard and the humidity doesn't change drastically, it's fairly consistant. It might not be as exciting as my 8 second bracket car was but it's more fun.

Jim Mantle U/V/SA 6632

[283nova]

This weekend here in Spokane a u/sa pacer took down a a/s camaro I was gunning for the stick car but good job to the little 6 popper, it can be done I was ready to build an ss/k now I am looking at L/S! Cost of course