Pure Stock at divisionals, why not?

[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

[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

[X-TECH MAN]

What do you do when you blow up an engine, trans or break a rear when your about 6-8 hours from home and no trailer or tow vehicle to get back home in?

[Dan Fahey]

Originally Posted by X-TECH MAN

What do you do when you blow up an engine, trans or break a rear when your about 6-8 hours from home and no trailer or tow vehicle to get back home in?

Good question:
I have been long hauling in the ECIRS series for almost 10 years.
Never trailered and always drove to the races.
You can view our car series at www.ecirs.com.
Plus have post our racing series on Class Racer.

To answer your question.
Yes and stuff does happen.
Lost a tranny at Etown 3 years ago.
One of my budds put my car on his trailer and drove it to Kensington, MD.
But also had the option of AAA towing my car home for about $350.00 extra fee.

This year at Pittsburgh, the ring gear broke losing teeth and managed to get home ok.
For now only drivng to races within a 4 hour one way window.
Will go up to 6 hours for one or two races over night.

Heck your tow car can blow up or rig fail and you have similar issues.
Just have to be prepared.

The majority of our races in ECIRS are Northeast tracks.
Several or our cars run deep 10's and 11's, more are in the 12's and 13's.
Couple have BB Chevy engines, others super and turbo charged.
One of our racers runs 9.50's and is driven to the track.
A few cars are in the 7's, 8's, 9's and yes the faster cars are towed.
But the vast majority of us drive our rides.

The nice thing about our B-Bodies is that they are rugged.
The LT1 is an unsung engine that responds well to modifications.
They do well in Autocross, comfortable to drive, have strong rears, and with beefier parts available.

We have a huge nationwide following. Check out www.impalassforum.com

For years I wanted to get back to racing Stock.
What I have is what I have and willing to suffer the consequences to do it.

Luckily the racer community everywhere is very tight and generous.
When anyone who is in trouble there are people willing to lend a hand, and we do.

See you at the races.

Dan