stockers

[Lenny5160]

I always assumed class racing was an “honor among thieves” deal. Gray area, loopholes, creative interpretation.

[jmantle]

There are quite a few racers in stock and super stock that really don't know if they are legal or not. They have their work done by someone who tells them they can make their car go faster and it will pass tech. Hopefully most of the work performed by these folks is actually legal but I've seen a few examples that if I were the tech guy, I sure wouldn't pass it.

Jim Mantle V/SA 6632

[bykr]

It's interesting when you see Stock Elim.engines for sale that have Stef's oil pan, lightweight crankshaft, etc.listed.

[stock1080]

Due to the fact that over the last few years the NHRA tech team is thin. There is little chance of being "questioned". They use to question if you had the correct hood, emblem, etc. Another point, how can a "stocker" engine cost $20k? I just saying, or am I envious?
I been apart a few times and passed, I know I feel ok about my car, and "ok" is good enough for me.

[BRETV]

Well when they stop teching cars and the only time you get torn down is if you go to Indy, set a record or go 1.20 under, people that have no integrity about the rules will cheat. It's NHRA that has to enforce the rules or there's no sense to even have stock or SS. I wish someone would come in as a sponsor and directly pay the tech guys to enforce the rules.




Bret Velde
2003 ??/SA

[KRatcliff]

Originally Posted by BRETV

Well when they stop teching cars and the only time you get torn down is if you go to Indy, set a record or go 1.20 under, people that have no integrity about the rules will cheat. It's NHRA that has to enforce the rules or there's no sense to even have stock or SS. I wish someone would come in as a sponsor and directly pay the tech guys to enforce the rules.




Bret Velde
2003 ??/SA

Cometic

[Race Clean]

Originally Posted by BRETV

I wish someone would come in as a sponsor and directly pay the tech guys to enforce the rules.

Bret Velde
2003 ??/SA

NHRA would allow that without taking 99% of the sponsor money?

[jeff_kovalik]

My two cents...

After many years of bracket racing, watching class racing from the other side of the fence, and helping several friends with their S/SS cars, I was finally able to put together my own (first) stock eliminator car. I stepped in deep, going right to A/SA with a 440 Six Pack Challenger. Most would say that's crazy, but I have gained a lot of knowledge over the years and have great support from many experienced class racers, so I felt that I could put something together that was decent. It has been a struggle to have the rulebook in one hand, a wrench on the other and put a car together that runs under the index. It should not be easy, but it should be possible - by the rules.

The double race (Sportsnats & LODRS) at National Trail Raceway this year was an eye-opener. With the message that Indy would not have class eliminations, it was clearly "the" race to be at because there was possibly no other opportunity to get that always sought after class win. WOW, what a field of cars... it drew the best cars from around the country and they put on a show. I was personally very observant of the Stock eliminators that were in attendance. I was appalled at the some of the blatant visible illegal items on many cars. If some racers are brazen enough to install those parts on their cars, knowing full well they are not legal...it makes you wonder what is inside the engine & trans? I am all for being creative and smart. Testing, testing and more testing of new parts, new settings, moving cams, moving weight, chassis settings... It becomes almost an obsession, and I really enjoy the challenge, but the rulebook is always in arms reach.

This should not be easy...class racing is special, and stock is the most difficult IMO. I have talked to so many people (mostly bracket racers) not familiar with stock and when you explain the rules, they just shake their heads and ask "how???" I love that reaction.

Some have said I'm naive, some have said "it's stock, and nothing is stock", some have said "they all cheat because they never get checked"

None of those statements is acceptable.

We have a rulebook, and the racers that choose to participate in class racing need to have the integrity to follow it. As soon as a racer knowingly makes the decision to put the rulebook aside, they become the problem. NHRA has a process to challenge other racers, and frankly I'm surprised it doesn't get used more often. If I had a fast class car (I don't) and someone paid the fee to have me torn down, I would consider it a compliment. In my eyes, to be fast, protested, and passing tear down, should earn a Wally!

I wish everyone the best, safe racing for all!

[Frank Castros]

If blatant disregard for the rule book is easily detected visually then there is a serious problem not only with tech inspection or there lack of, but also the lack of respect and arrogance of the racers themselves.

"Integrity means following your moral or ethical convictions and doing the right thing in all circumstances, even if no one is watching you. Having integrity means you are true to yourself and would do nothing that demeans or dishonors you."

[Jeff Swanson]

Originally Posted by jeff_kovalik

I was appalled at the some of the blatant visible illegal items on many cars.

Can you give some examples? Are we talking items like wrong emblems, spoilers, fog lights or something like the wrong carb?