The Demise Of Class Eliminations

[Mike Gray]

Originally Posted by Billy Nees

Jump in the pool! The water's fine. But maybe don't start by jumping in the deep end!

Which is the deep end?
I would say it’s deep for any class to run near the top. We all have pretty much the same expenses. They may drop off a little for fewer cylinders and they may be a little higher for scarcity or collectible value. So I always say build something you like instead of something you think you can afford.

[JP1738]

Originally Posted by Mike Gray

Which is the deep end?
I would say it?s deep for any class to run near the top. We all have pretty much the same expenses. They may drop off a little for fewer cylinders and they may be a little higher for scarcity or collectible value. So I always say build something you like instead of something you think you can afford.

This is very true. If I raced like I really want to race in Super Gas I'd need something that could go 9.90 at 170. Pretty sure you could build a bitchin' S/SS car for the same money. I can't afford either so its 9.90 at 139 for me

[Mike Pearson]

Originally Posted by JP1738

This is very true. If I raced like I really want to race in Super Gas I'd need something that could go 9.90 at 170. Pretty sure you could build a bitchin' S/SS car for the same money. I can't afford either so its 9.90 at 139 for me

There is really no advantage in SG running high MPH. Its all about the package. Better tree and closer to the dial wins every time. Its a numbers game. Dial It, Cut it, drive it!!!

[goinbroke2]

Originally Posted by Mike Gray

Which is the deep end?
I would say it?s deep for any class to run near the top. We all have pretty much the same expenses. They may drop off a little for fewer cylinders and they may be a little higher for scarcity or collectible value. So I always say build something you like instead of something you think you can afford.

Or buy!

I think you should look in the guide to what best suits what you want to do/afford/etc. What you DON'T do is take a car you are emotionally attached to and try and make it a stocker!! (ask how I know, lol!!)

[Mike Gray]

Originally Posted by goinbroke2

Or buy!

You’ve got that right, search for a good rolling or running car. Starting from scratch you end up spending ridiculous amounts of money. I spent what I consider to be quite a lot but I still haven’t reached the deep end yet.

[Billy Nees]

Originally Posted by Mike Gray

So I always say build something you like instead of something you think you can afford.

Ya know Mike, I've had to think about how to respond to this for a couple of days. There's a few reasons why we all race what we race. When I first started racing I raced what I had. When I realized that I could make money doing this (50 years ago), I started racing with better equipment. It was dependable equipment that suited me and I could count on.
As much as I have liked all of my cars over the years, what they all come down to is that they are/were all just tools to do the job at hand.
Having worked on cars for my entire life, I can tell you that there are people who need to have the best Snap-on tools to do a job and there are people who can get the same job done with tools from Harbor Freight.

Just one more thing, I (me personally) will not cut up nice cars anymore.

[JP1738]

CGL, I typed that message before I ever made a hit in the car at the beginning of this year. My knowledge has grown and so has my circle of friends. At this point, between what I know and the friends I have, I believe I could pull something like that off now.

[Cglrcng]

I believe you can also Dawson, and that last bit, the last pass I made Sunday I waited at least 5 Mins between water box and stage beams for my competitor stuck behind the ready line with his family crew all scrambling to get his car to fire (while the starter was pointing to his left wrist asking if I wanted to put him on the clock),as I said no...I want to race the man. If starter had ordered the staging I would have reluctantly, and I have not had a competition single since an alone in class pass at Englishtown, NJ in May 1995.

If I wanted to win races alone I would stay home. I list that race, but we raced side by side at finish line. I don't know anyone that wants fewer cars.

[Mike Gray]

Originally Posted by Billy Nees

When I realized that I could make money doing this (50 years ago), I started racing with better equipment. It was dependable equipment that suited me and I could count on.
As much as I have liked all of my cars over the years, what they all come down to is that they are/were all just tools to do the job at hand.

Make money doing this? I got that straightened out after the first year running super street in the mid 80’s. I think my partner and I earned $75.00 after 2 or 3 years of trying. LOL But we built the car for $8,000 towed on an open trailer and slept on cots or the back of my truck. We learned real quick only a handful of people back then could make a little money racing. Today very few if any can cover their travel expenses. I look at it more as a therapy from life’s pressures. Sort of like fishing or hunting were you spend a great deal for the same thing you could buy at the store for pennies compared to the cost you have invested.
I wouldn’t cut up nice cars either and I built mine with an eye on being able to return it to the street. (Helps the value in my mind) maybe that’s why I’m having trouble getting the 30” radials on there.

[Chuck Weissberg]

Originally Posted by Mike Gray

Make money doing this? I got that straightened out after the first year running super street in the mid 80?s. I think my partner and I earned $75.00 after 2 or 3 years of trying. LOL But we built the car for $8,000 towed on an open trailer and slept on cots or the back of my truck. We learned real quick only a handful of people back then could make a little money racing. Today very few if any can cover their travel expenses. I look at it more as a therapy from life?s pressures. Sort of like fishing or hunting were you spend a great deal for the same thing you could buy at the store for pennies compared to the cost you have invested.
I wouldn?t cut up nice cars either and I built mine with an eye on being able to return it to the street. (Helps the value in my mind) maybe that?s why I?m having trouble getting the 30? radials on there.

I NEVER had delusions @ making money in stock...just wanted to go for the fun of it....I'm that guy you want in the other lane....run for fun