Has anyone changed their mind about AA/SA index?

[Mike Carr]

Originally Posted by Bruce Noland

One racer attempted to qualify at Indy with a very fast car and couldn't get on the final sheet. Sure it's a fun class/index to run all out and not worry about a HP hit. But isn't it time to rethink that (new car) index for the AA classes?

If you look at the way the other Classes from A/SA to O/SA are, yes.

A/SA 11.00
B/SA 11.25 (.25 slower)
C/SA 11.40 (.15 slower)
D/SA 11.55
E/SA 11.70
F/SA 11.85
G/SA 12.00
and goes in .15 increments all the way down to O/SA 13.15. Then P/SA is 13.45, when they start the one-pound weight breaks.

So, based on the numbers, AA/SA Index should be 10.75-10.85 range, to 'fall in line' with the other Indexes. Currently it's four tenths quicker (10.60) than A/SA. I know several AA racers asked for a tougher index, to be able to race more flat-out, but it bites them at places like Indy.

[Mike Keener]

I beat this issue to death last year and got chastised for it by it from respected racers from Div 1 to Div 7 and several in between.

Leave it alone they said!

Even when I made this very same point about falling in line with the A index most of the hitters seemed to want an exhibition class- and said hey- if you can't qualify in AA then just run A. I then pointed out that some of these cars get very-very heavy in A as a result, etc, etc, but it didn't matter. The nay sayers all stuck to their guns and so here we are.

I have said it before, and I will say it again, these indexes are wrong for reasons described above, and for maximum spectator appeal there also needs to be a consolidation of sticks and autos in this class. If these changes were ever brought about AA/S would make a far more interesting class within Stock Eliminator. Not to mention it would be every bit as exciting to watch as any of the Factory Shootout Classes and wouldn't have the burden of attempting to make it fair between NA, Blower/SC, and V10 combos.

I'm not trying to antagonize or anger anyone who doesn't agree with me. I have a dog in both fights, am a huge fan of continued success within Stock Eliminator, and will continue to support it no matter which way this issue turns out. But yes, I think if changes were implemented this class could really help the older muscle cars within this eliminator really shine, and this is a great time to re-open this discussion.

[Pistol Pete]

Originally Posted by Mike Carr

If you look at the way the other Classes from A/SA to O/SA are, yes.

A/SA 11.00
B/SA 11.25 (.25 slower)
C/SA 11.40 (.15 slower)
D/SA 11.55
E/SA 11.70
F/SA 11.85
G/SA 12.00
and goes in .15 increments all the way down to O/SA 13.15. Then P/SA is 13.45, when they start the one-pound weight breaks.

So, based on the numbers, AA/SA Index should be 10.75-10.85 range, to 'fall in line' with the other Indexes. Currently it's four tenths quicker (10.60) than A/SA. I know several AA racers asked for a tougher index, to be able to race more flat-out, but it bites them at places like Indy.

Mike Carr
The K/SA index is 12.65
The L/SA index is. 12.70
Do not understand that.

[Mike Carr]

Originally Posted by Pistol Pete

Mike Carr
The K/SA index is 12.65
The L/SA index is. 12.70
Do not understand that.

Yes, I forgot K and L were close together. The rest are all .15 apart. I don't know why K and L are so close.

[Billy Nees]

Ya know, it's kinda-sorta funny how all the classes from L on down lose a tenth, in the grand scheme of things, and nobody complains!

[Greenlight]

????

L/sa 12.70 -----
m/sa 12.85 -.15
n/sa 13.00 -.15
o/sa 13.15 -.15
p/sa 13.45 -.30
q/sa 13.80 -.35
r/sa 14.05 -.25
t/sa 14.40 -.35
u/sa 14.85 -.45
v/sa 15.50 -.65
w/sa 16.65 -.1.15

[Billy Nees]

Oh, I forgot R. We take it in the pants for another tenth for R and T then U gets back a tenth. U to V is a 2lb. difference and V gets shorted .05 AND it's 6 cyl. only.

[bigshow2966]

Originally Posted by Billy Nees

Oh, I forgot R. We take it in the pants for another tenth for R and T then U gets back a tenth. U to V is a 2lb. difference and V gets shorted .05 AND it's 6 cyl. only.

There is a turbo 4 cylinder in V too.

[Another Friendly Racer]

Positive, swift move by the NHRA. Good job Mr. Noland, Bailey , Teuton and anyone else involved.

[CWhitney]

I have a question about AA/S and AA/SA since they both have the same index. If both cars met up in any round would they race heads up? Just curious.

Thanks