Stock Eliminator,,,Boon or Bane?

[Jack Matyas]

Originally Posted by VE6DRW

The demise of NHRA, along with Stock and Super Stock, has been predicted for decades. Yet, spectator attendance at NHRA National events continues to increase. Fans go to see the PROs and a big show; only a few dedicated fans appreciate the sportsman classes.


However, I think a lot of the problem is self-generated by "class racers"; in that the rise of high-tech fast cars by well financed teams is driving "hobbyist" participants out of active racing. Escalating travel costs are also contributing to the issue.

I think NHRA are exacerbating the problem with an outdated format at regional and divisional events, especially when it comes to payouts and the manufacturer contingency program.

I might suggest the following for discussion:

1. Lower all Stock and SS indexes by at least 4 tenths.
2. Eliminate heads-up no-breakout racing at all but a few select national events (ie: where classes are run).
3. Eliminate the AHFS – move to an annual review based on yearly stats.
4. Loosen fuel regulations at divisional and regional events.
5. Double up all divisional and regional events on extended weekends (to reduce travel costs)
6. Increase prize money at regional and divisional races by at least 50% (minimum $3,000 – ideally $5,000 - to win)
7. Eliminate the grade-point system for national event entry. Maximum 64 cars in each class – 1st come 1st served - entry criteria.
8. Reduce the number of national events for Stock and SS – perhaps 6 maximum (based on geographic regions). Alternate with other sportsman classes at national events to keep overall car counts manageable.
9. Restructure the divisional and national title system for sportsman racers to promote easy participation and reduce travel costs.
10. Eliminate the manufacturer contingency program. NHRA can adopt a fee-based manufacturers certification/participation program and channel fees into the sportsman prize money.
11. Coordinate the individual class-racer associations (12 – at last count) under an umbrella organization to influence event sponsorship from manufacturers and increase payouts.

These are simply brainstorming ideas to provoke discussion. Please, no need for trolls or flame-throwers …

1) Lowering indexes will do nothing
2)See # 1
3) We need the AHFS - just need some tweaks
4)See #1 again
5)That would help but is very hard on the workers - both track people and NHRA workers
6)Won't happen
7)System is very much needed
8)I personally would like to go to more National events not less
9)Easier said than done
10)Do that and you'll lose manufactures
11)You'll never get 2 of them to agree to think alike let alone 12 .

All that plus I don't consider myself a troll or flamer !! Thanks for trying .

BTW - IF YOU WANT TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY USE YOUR GIVEN REAL NAME.

[Jeff Stout]

There was a stick Camaro out at Speedworld that would destroy the starting line. We would prep and start the event and have several pairs run down track. Good foundation on track then this Camaro would come up and I believe a 9 inch tire that would just remove a 2 foot long section of rubber right down to the concrete. Every pass and every event we would have to address the starting line after him. Not sure if problem was him or me.

[VE6DRW]

"BTW - IF YOU WANT TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY USE YOUR GIVEN REAL NAME."


Modified the post and my signature. Thanks for the tip.

[hrs1326]

Originally Posted by Jack Matyas

1) Lowering indexes will do nothing
2)See # 1
3) We need the AHFS - just need some tweaks
4)See #1 again
5)That would help but is very hard on the workers - both track people and NHRA workers
6)Won't happen
7)System is very much needed
8)I personally would like to go to more National events not less
9)Easier said than done
10)Do that and you'll lose manufactures
11)You'll never get 2 of them to agree to think alike let alone 12 .

All that plus I don't consider myself a troll or flamer !! Thanks for trying .

BTW - IF YOU WANT TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY USE YOUR GIVEN REAL NAME.

Well said Jack
I raced stock in the 70-80 era, left to go to the dark side NHRA TECH. Then 40 years go by and I get back in. WOW stock is nothing like it was. Stockers running 8’s and 9’s on 9 inch tires,it’s hard to believe
Still gonna race but don’t know how long the classes will survive.