Stick vs Auto

[oldskool]

This might help someone who is undecided, make up their mind.

There are a lot of people who post here who are retired & no longer race. So, maybe some of ya'll, who have the time & wouldn't mind doing it, could search back thru the DRC records & record the number of stick vs auto wins at nat events. DRC has over 20 year of records.

Anyone really interested could also look up the division races. I'd be interested in those figures myself, but not enuff to do the research.

"...I don’t think that holds water any longer if a racer takes advantage of the latest technology..."

Stick cars were winning races long before 21st century technology was available. Pontiac history is what I'm most familiar with. So, when I think if stick cars, I immediately think of the stick Pontiacs I remember. The Truman Fields cars come to mind. His 1st car won Stock @ Indy in '73, with him driving, & in '77 with Mike McKinney driving. Well, I assume there were plenty of auto cars entered, at both races.

I remember seeing Jack Mullins snatchin gears in his old Pontiac wagon. He won Indy in '75. Probably had to run several auto cars to do it. Also won the Sports Nats that year, IIRC. So, even with old technology, there were SOME drivers who could stick race good enuff to win races.

BUT, what percentage of races have been won by stick cars, in the last 20, 30, or even 40 years ?

Just as strictly a side note here, and only because I'm a Pontiac Freek, I figure most guys ran a stick in the '64-'66 GTO's because the only legal auto trans was the 2-speed, which some call a Super Turbine 300. I think I read that all the 2-speed only cars can now run a 3-speed. Is that correct ?

Just for numbers trivia, I checked the Stock Q-list at Indy in 2000 & 2010. Out of the 128 field, in 2000, there were 39 stick cars. In 2010, there were 26 stick cars. Gotta be reasons why MOST Stock racers choose an auto trans.

You can find all sorts of interesting info from the numbers on DRC. Some of the Indy Stock winners cut a string of lights with the worst being below .030. Most were below .020. Not many stick racers can cut 7 lights in a row, less than .030.

Here's an example: Peter Biondo's worst light was an .026, in round one. Best light .000, in the final. WOW !

https://www.dragracecentral.com/DRCS...r2005#indextop