new A/FX CLASS

[Billy Nees]

Originally Posted by GUMP

I'm pretty sure that the "Suits" didn't come up with this new class.

In one way or another, "the suits" are involved. Be it taking something from someone or some kind of "support" in other ways.
They have, for the most part, lost focus on the majority of their members AND their customers.
These people (the suits) are "supposed" to be the "experts" in the field of Drag Racing and as such should be right on top of any new trends but they keep getting beaten to the punch by others. And when they ARE "beaten to the punch" they have been known to condemn the "others". Look back at how they maligned the street outlaws initially.

[J.R. Haddad]

Regardless of the topic, we always end up on the same highway, new cars
shouldn't be allowed to run in Stock, and NHRA is the enemy. The NEW CAR issue isn't new. Unfortunately, I am old enough to remember as a very
young lad, the 1970 season at our local track. Stock Eliminator was run
weekly at almost every track across the nation. Two new cars were brought out that year, A 1969 Camaro 427 4 speed car(B/S) and a 1970 Olds 442
W-30 (F/SA at the time) and this was my Fathers car. The dominant car up
until that point had been a 1959 Chevrolet, running in N/SA, and a 1953
Oldsmobile, running in V/SA. The wailings of protest could be heard for
many miles. "How can we compete?? Look at the parts they get from the
showroom floor. Heads, cams, aluminum intakes, etc. etc.It is called evolution. But look at the fun. When Billy beats a New Car with his Pontiac/ Buick/ Cavalier/ all of the Junior Stock contingent goes crazy with elation.
Lets face it, we're having fun, and if we're not for what it costs, then we are crazier than most. Rather than bashing NHRA, or beating up Gump, who has made tremendous contributions to our sport, let's get pro-active.
We have been given a soapbox with our reps for each class/division. Either the reps are not interested( which I don't believe) or they perhaps feel that their voice isn't heard. I would love feedback on that. If they feel powerless, a meeting with NHRA is warranted to establish each parties abilities to help us move forward, in the best harmony that can be achieved. In the meantime, let's not hate on each other, we are in a world that is presently derisive enough. Let's enjoy our hobby together, and always strive to make it better.

J.R.

[GUMP]

Originally Posted by Billy Nees

In one way or another, "the suits" are involved. Be it taking something from someone or some kind of "support" in other ways.
They have, for the most part, lost focus on the majority of their members AND their customers.
These people (the suits) are "supposed" to be the "experts" in the field of Drag Racing and as such should be right on top of any new trends but they keep getting beaten to the punch by others. And when they ARE "beaten to the punch" they have been known to condemn the "others". Look back at how they maligned the street outlaws initially.

From what I have seen, the FX class has been mostly driven by racers. Obviously, the tech department and OEMs have been involved to pull it all together.

I see it as a natural growth from Stock Eliminator and Showdown. Pro Stock has become too much of a departure from the production cars to show even a hint of the class' roots.

There are reportedly quite a few cars being built. You would think that all the Showdown teams would eventually make the switch.

Only time will tell if the class is viable or not.

[Rory McNeil]

Originally Posted by Billy Nees

In one way or another, "the suits" are involved. Be it taking something from someone or some kind of "support" in other ways.
They have, for the most part, lost focus on the majority of their members AND their customers.
These people (the suits) are "supposed" to be the "experts" in the field of Drag Racing and as such should be right on top of any new trends but they keep getting beaten to the punch by others. And when they ARE "beaten to the punch" they have been known to condemn the "others". Look back at how they maligned the street outlaws initially.

Billy, and that is what happens when you get overpaid "professional" business people and bean counters at NHRA headquarters, rather than people that are, or at least were, actually racers, or at least had some personal interest in drag racing.