Conversation with Mike Baker @ IHRA

[Bruce Noland]

Ford guys,

Ed made a fair point. Rubbish? Why so intense?

[Ed Fernandez]

Originally Posted by Evan Smith

Ed,

So all new combinations are supposed to have their own class to "duke it out" until they evolve? Basically, that is what you are saying and it is rubbish. This is RACING! Not everything can be fair and not everyone can be a winner.

If the older combos were tapped out, no one would be getting HP, but that isn't the case because all combinations, when worked on, continue to evolve. Fact is, Detroit is finally building cars that are fast again and that are interesting to Stock racers. These cars are fast, in most cases way faster than any true muscle car of the '60s, thanks to development in the entire engine (not just EFI). I love the early muscle but for comparison's sake, my wife's 2007 Mustang GT automatic with only a performance re-flash to the computer went 13.28 at 105 mph (in killer air). With gears and a cold-air intake it's in the 12s. That is quicker and faster than virtually all of the coveted muscle cars, which we all love. The Mustang has only 281ci and weighs 3,600 lbs.

Evan

Evan;
You said it yourself,the new cars are years ahead of the old muscle cars.And NHRA has their heads up their *** as far as factoring them,and you know it.All I said was give them their day in the sun and let them go at it flat out.That would be a hell of alot more interesting than seeing 1000' runs and guys scrubbing off et's with the brakes.The amount of letting off at 1000' ft is getting a bit boring.I think alot of the people in the stands would agree,that's one reason why the stands empty for the Super categories.

Ed

[X-TECH MAN]

Originally Posted by Chuck Beach

There are approximately 145 IHRA stock eliminator classes now, what the heck, there is always room for one or two more ...

Sounds a little like AHRA dosent it........LOL

[Robert Swartz]

Originally Posted by Chuck Beach

There are approximately 145 IHRA stock eliminator classes now, what the heck, there is always room for one or two more ...

Originally Posted by X-TECH MAN

Sounds a little like AHRA dosent it........LOL

Sadly, I know I'm a no namer that never really has or did accomplish anything in racing. I always thought the AHRA and to an extent the old IHRA system of classes were a good concept. It gave more people a chance to put together a car.

Look at how many NHRA stock classes there were 30 some years ago. In fact, NHRA has done alot to eliminate classes. Look how we debated the old Modified Eliminator awhile back. Seems many think that wasn't such a great move! Even though many of those classes were renamed and split up between SS and Comp Eliminator.

All I want to do is get a car together and come race again,

Robert Swartz

[Ed Wright]

Originally Posted by X-TECH MAN

Sounds a little like AHRA dosent it........LOL

Now your telling your age! At least the IHRA indexes are the same, the AHRA records were so bogus soft it was hard to run "over there". Couldn't "dial down", try killing over a second at the finish line sometime.

I think IHRA is much better. I don't understand more guys not running with them. Same rules, indexes and for the most part the cars. Their money spends, I'm told. Haven't collected any myself to know for sure so far. In SS they have some different classes, but so far I have not seen a car run any of them. It's the same guys as the NHRA races around here. Just not as many. They have treated me very well. Very friendly people.

NHRA is the same way to me, but I have known Chuck Nelson and Wesley for over 30 years. Div 4 races been kinda like a reunion since I have tried to come back. I know I'm not "back" yet, but maybe I'll finally make it past the 3rd round at a race this summer.

[X-TECH MAN]

Originally Posted by Ed Wright

Now your telling your age! At least the IHRA indexes are the same, the AHRA records were so bogus soft it was hard to run "over there". Couldn't "dial down", try killing over a second at the finish line sometime.

I think IHRA is much better. I don't understand more guys not running with them. Same rules, indexes and for the most part the cars. Their money spends, I'm told. Haven't collected any myself to know for sure so far. In SS they have some different classes, but so far I have not seen a car run any of them. It's the same guys as the NHRA races around here. Just not as many. They have treated me very well. Very friendly people.

NHRA is the same way to me, but I have known Chuck Nelson and Wesley for over 30 years. Div 4 races been kinda like a reunion since I have tried to come back. I know I'm not "back" yet, but maybe I'll finally make it past the 3rd round at a race this summer.

Yes they are GREAT people at IHRA. Even though I retired quite a few years ago I still feel like its "HOME" when I go to the Presidents Cup race here in Md. Bill Bader was one of the best and the crew I worked with where like family. I do think they should combine the FI cars with the older cars like NHRA has done.

[Bruce Noland]

X TECH MAN,

You have been around long enough to appreciate this old saying - Variety is the Spice of Life.

You know that IHRA is simply trying provide a level playing field for all the Stock racers. Mike certainly has a keen sense of fairness, but the same can not be said for his counterpart at nhra. It appears the thinking at nhra is take your lumps buster. Now that is rubbish.

[X-TECH MAN]

[QUOTE=Bruce Noland;111275]X TECH MAN,

You have been around long enough to appreciate this old saying - Variety is the Spice of Life.

Hey.....I "resemble" that remark......I just turned 29 last September.....LOL
Yes....Mike has a lot on his shoulders and does a darn good job for doing it all on his own.

[GUMP]

Originally Posted by Bruce Noland

You know that IHRA is simply trying provide a level playing field for all the Stock racers. Mike certainly has a keen sense of fairness...

I spoke with Mike a couple of weeks ago in regards to what IHRA Stock Eliminator is becoming. My impression is that it's more a lack of staffing that drives all the extra classes than anything else. Mike has to balance being fair with available staff. The added classes are the easy way to keep the complainers happy.
Don't get me wrong. I love racing with the IHRA and will say that the tech guys work their butts off. But, I can tell you that it seems to me that class racing is becoming less and less of a priority.

[danny waters sr]

Believe me , We would do a lot more tear downs if the work force was there. It limits a lot of random checks as well as just top 5 or 10 tear downs. We used to spot check at top end or at scales from time to time.Just not enough help or time anymore. Hope to step up with surprise inspections in the near future.Oh well ,it won't be a surprise now ,will it ? lol. Sure do miss you Terry old buddy ol pal !@#!#@$!. Still having fun anyway. hope see you guys some this year.Good luck in whatever racing you do !!!