Pure Stock at divisionals, why not?

[Robert Simpson]

Originally Posted by cicero819

Why couldn't NHRA allow a new class that could be introduce as Pure Stock. This would allow new blood to be introduce to racing at a divisional level. Pure Stock would what the automobile came with, you race with. I know that many would say that's why we have sportsman in bracket racing but for me it would be a way to introduce new racers(young and old) to our sport, it sure as hell would be better than snowmobiles and Legend cars that NHRA wanted to introduce at divisionals. I just wanted to see, how many felt the same way. Claude Ruel

I believe that NHRA should have some pure stock classes. But, only have three or four classes, put a year limit on it 82? and newer American built, RWD cars. Some people want the new FX cars in there own class, I am one of them. But, then the main problem that I see is there is no real tech people anymore that can check the engines under the rules that would be required for the class. I can see it, Unleaded legal gas, full muffler system and DOT drag radials. It could open the market to new companies on a sportsman level. Just a thought.

[X-TECH MAN]

Originally Posted by Robert Simpson

I believe that NHRA should have some pure stock classes. But, only have three or four classes, put a year limit on it 82? and newer American built, RWD cars. Some people want the new FX cars in there own class, I am one of them. But, then the main problem that I see is there is no real tech people anymore that can check the engines under the rules that would be required for the class. I can see it, Unleaded legal gas, full muffler system and DOT drag radials. It could open the market to new companies on a sportsman level. Just a thought.

Be careful what you wish for. Remember what happened in 1972 when all of the Jr.stockers were turned into Super Stockers and look at what we have now. Out of 22 entries at the 1972 Winter Nationals only 7 were declared legal after tear down and entered the eliminator on Sunday. Imagine if 2/3rds of stock qualifiers were DQ'ed at Indy this year..............

[Ross Family Racing]

I think they need to come up with a way to let the new breed of muscle cars compete.( I'm not talking about the package cars but rather the cars that are street legal cars bought off of the dealers that anyone can buy). It would be great to see this and it should be a plus for dealers that sell new Camaros,Mustangs Challengers,Chargers ect. Pure Stock would require too much tech. Maybe run it on an Open Comp format like the NMCA and have at it. No tech required.
I do remember 1972 and what happened. Look what it has now morphed into. Most Stockers can run under Super Stock indexes now.Will it happen again?Quite posibly,espicially if the economy gets worse and participation dwindles.
Jeff Ross

[Michael Beard]

IHRA already has Pure Stock. Just support the races in your region.

[cicero819]

Robert and Jeff you both get what I'm trying to get at. New cars in the lane instead of F%$#snowmobiles. Terry with your vast knowledge of rules and Tech I know that you could come up with a minimum inspection for new cars. After my last visit a Lebannon for the divisional I was worried by the amount of Grey Hair racers(which I have also my members card) out there. We need young blood to continue to have drag racing viable and thriving. NHRA could have four classes and that would suffice. I would buy a new Mustang 5.0 in two seconds if they this.All the other sanctioning bodies are doing it, attracting the new racers, I'm sure we could do just as good of a job, Remember "what wins on Sunday sell's on Monday " is still applicable these days. Wouldn't you want to see new Challengers, Mustangs and Camaros v8 and v6 with a minimum of 300hp in the lanes instead of Snowmobiles? We could allow some Civics(the 55 chev of this generation) and Toyotas Corollas S with their 200 plus hp engines at the track, just watch the fans in the stands, they would watch it. Let's bring back fun in racing, the cars are there, they just need a place to run. Claude Ruel

[Harry 6674]

I don't remember any fans in the stands for the imports a few years ago and they had some fast ones. Of course they blew up every other pass.

[Jim Wahl]

"Grey Hair Racers" RULE!!!!! Jim


.

What not try to promote it at a track that is having a regular program, and see what happens? Maybe there will not be enough guys interested to spend the time and money setting it up at the divisional level. Who are you going to get that knows enough about the car to enforce the rules? Michael is right, go to IHRA and race in that program. They have spent the time, enjoy what they have to offer.

[X-TECH MAN]

Originally Posted by cicero819

Robert and Jeff you both get what I'm trying to get at. New cars in the lane instead of F%$#snowmobiles. Terry with your vast knowledge of rules and Tech I know that you could come up with a minimum inspection for new cars. After my last visit a Lebannon for the divisional I was worried by the amount of Grey Hair racers(which I have also my members card) out there. We need young blood to continue to have drag racing viable and thriving. NHRA could have four classes and that would suffice. I would buy a new Mustang 5.0 in two seconds if they this.All the other sanctioning bodies are doing it, attracting the new racers, I'm sure we could do just as good of a job, Remember "what wins on Sunday sell's on Monday " is still applicable these days. Wouldn't you want to see new Challengers, Mustangs and Camaros v8 and v6 with a minimum of 300hp in the lanes instead of Snowmobiles? We could allow some Civics(the 55 chev of this generation) and Toyotas Corollas S with their 200 plus hp engines at the track, just watch the fans in the stands, they would watch it. Let's bring back fun in racing, the cars are there, they just need a place to run. Claude Ruel

Toyota corollas and Honda civic's ! I think Im going to puke ! I hate the snowmobiles also. Dodge and Ford dosent even have their current new cars listed in the class guide except for the underrated "Ringers". NHRA already has the heads up index classes that they could run in if a track wanted to use that concept or include them in the divisionals like Div. 2 ( not many have been running that program either....maybe 10 cars each for the three index's) and not worry about tech inspection tear downs, weight, fuel check, etc. Im pretty sure that the younger crowd isnt as stupid as us older gray beards (yeah....me included) to spend all that $$$$$$ for entry fee's, travel and put up with the BS called enhancements. Like it or not it is NOT a car culture world anymore except for a very few younger guys who's father, uncle, or neighbor got them hooked on this drug called drag racing. Its a good thought but I dont think it will work.......Of course Ive been wrong before like when I joined the Army and got married many moons ago. .....LOL.

[Dan Fahey]

Originally Posted by Robert Simpson

I believe that NHRA should have some pure stock classes. But, only have three or four classes, put a year limit on it 82? and newer American built, RWD cars. Some people want the new FX cars in there own class, I am one of them. But, then the main problem that I see is there is no real tech people anymore that can check the engines under the rules that would be required for the class. I can see it, Unleaded legal gas, full muffler system and DOT drag radials. It could open the market to new companies on a sportsman level. Just a thought.

Interesting topic..!!

Just ran my 95 Impala SS at Richmond in G/PS last weekend. I would go for it.
Had Jeff Warren build a PS Engine and ran half second under the Index in the heat.
Raced Stock Eliminator for years retiring after getting Married.

Had my M/SA 1969 Impala since 1975 and being restored, second time.
Rust has a way with idle cars in the driveway.
Because of HOA rules cannot have a trailer and no place to park one for now.
Considering selling it.

The ability to garage a Stocker and drive to the track is appealing.
Changing the tires takes about the same time you pull or load a car on a trailer.
Use pump gas...fine with me !!
In hot weather got AC to cruise back to the pits after a run.
and near 20mpg driving back an forth to the track.

Regarding adding Classes. Not necessary.
The 95SS would fit in R/SA using the 14.05 NHRA Index that is common to IHRA and NHRA.
In fact most of the IHRA PS Index would fit near an NHRA index.
Only issue is tear down and just have to be ready.

Few Ideas:
IHRA add a little support to the Independent Series.
Post National Records set on the IHRA list.
Promote Pure Stock for the new GM, Chrysler and Fords.
Set up a Tear Down Sertification Centers at various tracks.
Where one day can be spent just for Certification.
Reduces need for Tear-down at the races, just need to get weighed.

One other really important marketing idea.
Pittsburgh Dragway has a very nice spectator area.
Easy to get to the restrooms and cafeteria and clean and a place to shop..!!!

One of the reasons more women and children do not attend is because it is not as friendly to them.

Hope these ideas spur comment..

Dan