Pro stock NHRA unwanted child at the U.S Nationals

[cicero819]

My new t -shirt at Indy " Pro-Stock should look like cars not like what comes out of my dogs rear" " or enter your saying here! Maybe NHRA will get the hint(not). Claude

[Ed Fernandez]

The fan's shirts should red "Where's John and Courtney?When's that F/C,Pro Mod going to hit the wall.Ah screw ProStock,oh *hit here come them slow,boring fill in cars,time to go to the bathrom and then get a munch and Courtney's/John's autograph.
Of course it would have to be written on the front and back of the shirt.
People it ain't 1968 anymore.We are not viable anymore.

[Don Sofranko]

After watching the class since it started, I think I understand what many of us like and dislike about Pro Stock. Without even realizing it, all the drag race cars have become extremely efficient. With the cars launching low, being aerodynamic, clutchless or virtually automatic, the runs are very repeatable.

This is the problem since modified got axed, it runs into most classes, and is headed into even the wilder classes like outlaw SS and 10 wide racing. The more efficient Comp racing is, also makes it more boring. Look at a fast E/SMA like Travis Gusso drives... compared to Pappy's Pride A/A, Travis looks like a rental car going down the lane.

So some of you think EFI will make things wilder? Where is the logic in that? More erratic is more entertaining. Look at the most popular race of the year... the wheelstand contest at Byron. I would much rather watch some showmanship, than a F1 like car with no flaws.

So as a small cubic stick racer, I love pro stock because they are reving these 500 inch motors, higher than mouse motored cars. Think about that when you on the top end. Not even PRO MOD runs these kind of crank speeds. I always disliked the Mountain Motor IHRA stuff, no engine speed there. Pro stock still holds my interest, and EFI is just another step on the MORE efficient path.

[Paul Merolla]

Originally Posted by Don Sofranko

After watching the class since it started, I think I understand what many of us like and dislike about Pro Stock. Without even realizing it, all the drag race cars have become extremely efficient. With the cars launching low, being aerodynamic, clutchless or virtually automatic, the runs are very repeatable.

This is the problem since modified got axed, it runs into most classes, and is headed into even the wilder classes like outlaw SS and 10 wide racing. The more efficient Comp racing is, also makes it more boring. Look at a fast E/SMA like Travis Gusso drives... compared to Pappy's Pride A/A, Travis looks like a rental car going down the lane.

So some of you think EFI will make things wilder? Where is the logic in that? More erratic is more entertaining. Look at the most popular race of the year... the wheelstand contest at Byron. I would much rather watch some showmanship, than a F1 like car with no flaws.

So as a small cubic stick racer, I love pro stock because they are reving these 500 inch motors, higher than mouse motored cars. Think about that when you on the top end. Not even PRO MOD runs these kind of crank speeds. I always disliked the Mountain Motor IHRA stuff, no engine speed there. Pro stock still holds my interest, and EFI is just another step on the MORE efficient path.

My thoughts exactly! I really like P/S, but to me, it has evolved so much that a lot of the appeal is gone. The same can even be said for Super Gas...you don't see any more 4 speed Vega panel wagons these days.

[cicero819]

Paul, Super Gas was suppose to be the replacement for Modified Production and allow the little guy to race. What NHRA really did was get rid of a group that was giving them fits and probably when they parked their cars on the grass was their way(NHRA) to remove the boil on their ar%#. Unfortunately, SG,SC, and SST with their timers and throttle stops(again NHRA to control excessive top end braking ) have totally ruined it for any spectators to truly enjoy the class. Ed, I know what you mean but it doesn't mean I have to accept it, look I know no one is steering the ship but I'm still going to try to get to the wheelhouse and slow it down before ramming into the iceberg and hopefully Captain (Compton) Smith won't be in the boats yet! Claude

[FINESPLINE]

If you want an example of efficiency taking away from the show but improving the breed just look at the super stock hemi cars. Yes, they were exciting with their wheelsstands etc. but as they got faster the suspension has evolved or tuned to the point that a good leave has the wheels 1 to 2 ft off the ground or in some cases on the ground. Just watch the record setting runs over the last years. A lot less violence in the leave to the point of being quite smooth.

[Don Sofranko]

Yes finespline, you are correct. Ace chassis man Gary Jennings built some of the most efficient hemi cars ever (warfish cars), and his comp cars were the same quality. Same goes for Eastex, MPR, etc..

I guess we are going to have to love the subtlety of the smooth race car. No problem for me, they say its 10,000 RPM in pro stock right now.

I have always liked demo derbies, and within the last 5 years have decided these may be the last real hot rodders... in that they chop, grind, wrench, crunch, and then win or lose based on cave man like skills. Very entertaining, and really I do enjoy pro stock, and there should be many classes I can't afford. I am just a machinist after all.

When I go to the big races these days, I watch pro stock, Comp, SS, STK, and sometimes Super Street and the A/FD cars. The Super Comp dragsters are really not my cup of tea, and offer little in the way of entertainment.

[Greg Hill]

When the cars in pro stock are unrecognizable you have a problem. Having them become a lot more like production cars would benefit the class and probably get more support from the auto companies.

[Ed Fernandez]

Originally Posted by Greg Hill

When the cars in pro stock are unrecognizable you have a problem. Having them become a lot more like production cars would benefit the class and probably get more support from the auto companies.

Part of the problem is that they're,between contingency stickers and fugly graphics,you lose the aestetic look of the type of car it is.Some of them look like WWII warships.

[Billy Nees]

Originally Posted by Don Sofranko

I have always liked demo derbies, and within the last 5 years have decided these may be the last real hot rodders... in that they chop, grind, wrench, crunch, and then win or lose based on cave man like skills.

Then you should really try an oddball, "Dime Rocket" and get back to what hot rodding is all about!