What's wrong with Stock?

[Mike Carr]

Originally Posted by Mark Yacavone

Mike, What do we do about Charlie Bob Downing? That car started out in K/Stock , I think. You want new classes all the way down? Won't happen.

No. No new classes at all. Use the regular NHRA classes. AAA down to G or whatever the lowest class a new car can run (K/SA with the convertible Mustang I think?). Run like Comp. That way, ALL new cars can compete, instead of basically AAA-AA-BB-CC. ALL new cars can run for the money. Charlie would get a 2.2 second head-start over Fezzell (11.80 F/S to AAA/S 9.70); first one to the stripe wins.

Regular class, regular Index, regular weight, and AHFS can then apply as normal.

[Mark Yacavone]

Originally Posted by Mike Carr

No. No new classes at all. Use the regular NHRA classes. AAA down to G or whatever the lowest class a new car can run (K/SA with the convertible Mustang I think?). Run like Comp. That way, ALL new cars can compete, instead of basically AAA-AA-BB-CC. ALL new cars can run for the money. Charlie would get a 2.2 second head-start over Fezzell (11.80 F/S to AAA/S 9.70); first one to the stripe wins.

Regular class, regular Index, regular weight, and AHFS can then apply as normal.

Okay, so now it sounds like a new eliminator category?

There aren't enough FX cars in some parts of the country to do something like that.

[Mike Carr]

Mark, my proposal revises the current FSS deal somewhat. No more, no less.

Take Indy for example: Indy, they run their normal class all weekend. Come time for Class Eliminations, they run FSS, except ALL the new cars run each other, much like a Stock Combo Class. This would be the new FSS. They all run each other. The winner of that all-run (67 cars at Indy) race would be the FSS winner. And the old cars can still win CC/SA on down (AAA-AA-BB would be empty classes for Class Elims, since those cars would run the 'new' FSS format, unless an older high-hp car can fit). And, in eliminations, they dial-in as normal, except for heads-up runs.

All we are doing is revamping/improving the FSS Format, so that they play under the same AHFS rules as everyone else.

This only applies to races with a FSS Shootout. Which, as far as I know, is only three to four Nat'l Events a year.

Ideally, all new cars would have an FX designation, but NHRA will never add new classes (except for down the road if they need AAAA/SA and AAAAA/SA)

[Mark Yacavone]

Originally Posted by Mike Carr

Mark, my proposal revises the current FSS deal somewhat. No more, no less.

Take Indy for example: Indy, they run their normal class all weekend. Come time for Class Eliminations, they run FSS, except ALL the new cars run each other, much like a Stock Combo Class. This would be the new FSS. They all run each other. The winner of that all-run (67 cars at Indy) race would be the FSS winner. And the old cars can still win CC/SA on down (AAA-AA-BB would be empty classes for Class Elims, since those cars would run the 'new' FSS format, unless an older high-hp car can fit). And, in eliminations, they dial-in as normal, except for heads-up runs.

All we are doing is revamping/improving the FSS Format, so that they play under the same AHFS rules as everyone else.

This only applies to races with a FSS Shootout. Which, as far as I know, is only three to four Nat'l Events a year.

Ideally, all new cars would have an FX designation, but NHRA will never add new classes (except for down the road if they need AAAA/SA and AAAAA/SA)

Okay. It takes same amount of total time to run x number of cars, no matter how many in each individual class.. I get this but now they're back in the eliminator beating up on the old cars.

Solution? Put an X in front of the class designation on the "new" cars.
NO heads up runs between X and non X cars..
Yes I just opened up that can of worms.

[Mark Yacavone]

I like Mikey's idea for Nat events contesting FS.

How about...other events with Class ; Run all FX stockers in one combo class.

So, you've got one more class trophy to give out .. Big deal .Not gonna break 'em.
Maybe not... Say you have two cars in B/SA...both FX cars. They both go to combo class so they save a trophy there anyway

[Pedigo Perf]

Originally Posted by Mark Yacavone

Okay. It takes same amount of total time to run x number of cars, no matter how many in each individual class.. I get this but now they're back in the eliminator beating up on the old cars.

Solution? Put an X in front of the class designation on the "new" cars.
NO heads up runs between X and non X cars..
Yes I just opened up that can of worms.

This would make sense. Now what defines the FX designation? How about anything that has a production run of less than 500 per year, and/or no VIN. That way you leave the door open for a new real production car with a fairly realistic set of stock production car specs being able to compete. (unless NHRA screws with the HP)

Tracy

[FS Fan]

How about all cars, new old or otherwise, get factored what they actually make? This way new cars off the dealer lots could feel they have a chance and more manufacturers might want to sponsor cars that actually sound like they are making impressive horsepower numbers. I don't see Comp Cams wanting to run an ad stating a Stocker with their stuff makes 255hp when it's really making close to 500.

NHRA has the mph and weights, it's a simple formula to recalculate horsepower for all combos quarterly.

Weight breaks and indexes would have to be adjusted obviously.

[Run to Rund]

Looking at cost issues, bringing out new engine stuff for 5 year old cars, supercharged cars going against carbureted cars, etc. leads me to think stock might be/become bracket racing with more rules as to the mods you are allowed. Whether you are crafty, careful, or wealthy, more mods or advantages from factory ratings, it all comes down to trying to run fast but not quite too fast. Then, your competitor buys something else and is a bit faster, and everyone has to step up with cam, rockers, brakes, etc. Some combinations are never seen because their factory HP rating was too high compared to other combinations, and NHRA doesn't bother to level that playing field.

So, to level the playing field, keep costs reasonable, and ensure enough cars are in the field, you come down to bracket racing with more rules about what you can modify or change. Is that what you want?

[Mile High]

Originally Posted by Mark Yacavone

Okay. It takes same amount of total time to run x number of cars, no matter how many in each individual class.. I get this but now they're back in the eliminator beating up on the old cars.

Solution? Put an X in front of the class designation on the "new" cars.
NO heads up runs between X and non X cars..
Yes I just opened up that can of worms.

This is a real good idea. Simple and with an "X" it's now a drivers race. 2008 and newer, no vin you get an "X".

Jeff - Just a fan

[Mark Yacavone]

Originally Posted by Mile High

This is a real good idea. Simple and with an "X" it's now a drivers race. 2008 and newer, no vin you get an "X".

Jeff - Just a fan

Just making suggestions.

Here's a few more:

NHRA , Do the X thing for 5 years and see where you're at then..

Only one new FX combo per year, per manufacturer

No retrofits to five year old FX combos.

Quit buying ridiculously low HP ratings at the expense of your long time ,loyal
customers.