Misconception on a slow stocker winning

[Mike Carr]

I raced FWD Stockers for several years (2001-2006), and for all the reasons everyone has previously stated, yes, it is rather dificult to win in a slower car. Of course, everyone's idea of "slow" may differ. At E-town last weekend, I counted five Stockers, out of 80+, that were slower than 12.00. Like Michael said, when, probably, 75% (maybe more?) of the Stockers in the country are quicker than 12.00 (with a ton of 8.90 to 11.30 cars), it stands to reason they will win the most. Same with S/S, where the majority of cars winning are mid 8's to mid/high9's, with a few 10 and 11 second cars that have won over the years.

That said, a good driver, with experience, CAN be competitive in a slower car. Jody Lang has shown that for years in his12 second L-N/SA wagon. Michael Beard and myself have both gone many rounds, more than once, in FWD cars (Michel won a Combo race, maybe two, in an FF/SA Turismo, I finished eighth in IHRA Stock Division 1 points in 2003 and 2004 in a 17 second HF/SA Sunbird). Steve Klacik has gone rounds, and won races, in his street-driven 14 second H/PS Mustang. Billy Nees has won National and Divisional events in a 14 second V/SA Nova. Ed Fernandez has won races in his 13 second R-T/SA Gremlin (yes, a Gremlin). I'm sure there are more, but those are the ones in recent history that have proved that you can do it. Difficult, but do-able. Plus, they are lower budget, lower maintanence cars compared to 9 to11 second cars. We can argue the pros and cons of each all day long. Basically, for those starting in Stock, you have a broad choice of cars to pick from, which makes Stock "way cool". ")