Kevin helms new crew chief at dsr

[Kevin McKenna]

Originally Posted by Mike Schwartz

DSR has some bucks. It wouldn't hurt to tender an offer to Danica Patrick and see if she has the spare time to stay involved in some low-stress racing post-NASCAR..

Interesting thought but I think I'd rather see Dale Jr or Jeff Gordon or Tony Stewart if we're going that route. (Besides, the current DSR driver actually wins races).

As for the suggestion about changing tire rules. No way. The 9 inch tire is a big part of what makes these cars special.

My 2 cents

[Jesse Kershaw]

Originally Posted by Kevin McKenna

As for the suggestion about changing tire rules. No way. The 9 inch tire is a big part of what makes these cars special.

My 2 cents

I agree 100%. I definitely would not go bigger but I know there are racers and manufacturer reps that support a bigger tire so I wouldn't be shocked if it changed.

To change from the 9” tire would be a crutch for the other teams that can’t get down the track consistently. The 9” tire makes it a tuners game and not all about the power and money. Leave the class the way it’s layed out and let them race. Long as tech is applied evenly, it should be a great competitive season and anybody’s race

[Jim Bailey]

The single biggest mistake NHRA could make would be to change the tire rule. That's the single greatest (wallet) equalizer available. And I don't wanna hear any safety BS, deal with it and tune accordingly.

[Ed Carpenter]

If KB Racing or Gray Motorsports gets involved NO ONE running the class now can compete with that kind of money.....and if you think these guys wouldn't dominate I got some ocean front property in my back yard I'll sell you......I hope it stays the way it is with the same rules.....congrats to Kevin great deal for him.

[Todd Gross]

Originally Posted by Ed Carpenter

If KB Racing or Gray Motorsports gets involved NO ONE running the class now can compete with that kind of money.....and if you think these guys wouldn't dominate I got some ocean front property in my back yard I'll sell you......I hope it stays the way it is with the same rules.....congrats to Kevin great deal for him.

Actually Gray does have their name on an entry for the Gators driven by Randy Taylor. At least it sure looks like the same Gray.
Also , but not entered, is the Patterson/ Elite entry that Erica Enders was driving last year. Then throw in the Stanfield name and AJ and you have to think the Pro Stock and ex Pro Stock community is up for participation.

[Rat Raceway]

Originally Posted by JMan

Actually Gray does have their name on an entry for the Gators driven by Randy Taylor. At least it sure looks like the same Gray.
Also , but not entered, is the Patterson/ Elite entry that Erica Enders was driving last year. Then throw in the Stanfield name and AJ and you have to think the Pro Stock and ex Pro Stock community is up for participation.

The Patterson/Omaha Track car is for sale on race junk. They barley made the field at a few races and can’t compete is why they are dropping out is my guess...

[Jesse Kershaw]

Originally Posted by Ed Carpenter

If KB Racing or Gray Motorsports gets involved NO ONE running the class now can compete with that kind of money.....and if you think these guys wouldn't dominate I got some ocean front property in my back yard I'll sell you......I hope it stays the way it is with the same rules.....congrats to Kevin great deal for him.

I agree it would be tough if not impossible to overcome teams with a proven record of success and pro budget but I also think there are ways to help narrow the gap. For instance keeping the powertrains based on the latest production helps by creating a new base line for everyone whenever there's an improved street car engine. It also keeps costs down with production based parts (head castings for instance are 1/10th the price OEM vs current PS), and it helps keep the OEM's and dealers interested by staying relevant to what they sell.
There is a huge market for fast street cars so the parts developed here can trickle down to street cars with that engine architecture.

[Mike Schwartz]

Originally Posted by Kevin McKenna

Interesting thought but I think I'd rather see Dale Jr or Jeff Gordon or Tony Stewart if we're going that route. (Besides, the current DSR driver actually wins races).

As for the suggestion about changing tire rules. No way. The 9 inch tire is a big part of what makes these cars special.

My 2 cents

When I proposed Danica, I had the full 7?-race series in mind. She could do local appearances around the race weekend to promote her lifestyle programs.

NASCAR stars at Indy is doable. NASCAR is at Darlington on Sunday. Ford, Chevy and MOPAR are involved in one level or another, so the manufacturers ought to be interested in providing driver fees. Have them practice and get licensed in advance. Run the FS final on Sunday and bring back eight of the competing cars on Monday. Seed two drivers each by their NASCAR make: Chevy>Camaro, Ford>Mustang, Toyota>Challenger & two wild cards, or else just do a random draw for the cars.

[Tom P]

That wouldn't be unprecedented. Mario Andretti ran at a few drag races for Ford in 68 Cobra Jet Mustangs and I think a couple years earlier in an AFX Mustang. He was offered an AA/FD to drive at Lions but passed on that.

Good deal for Kevin.