Slow Stockers...Strong Divisional Finishes

[joe huestis]

Originally Posted by 4284spd

Just a curious question for the slower stock racers, do you race a slow combo because of financial reasons or do you feel that there is a advantage with them? Serious question.
And do you want to go to a quicker combo if you could?

Financial reasons for sure, however my car is no dime rocket. However, I always raced something “different” for the past 4 plus decades. Ran stick combos up until 1980 then switched to auto combos while raising my family to fend off possible breakage I could not afford . Sold my Monza stocker in ‘14 and decided again on something different to build. After several PMs and phone calls to Dr. Nees decided on a 267-2v combo in an ‘81 Camaro for U/SA. Several friends and acquaintances thought I lost my mind but I was up for the challenge. Was told the Dual Jet carb would be a problem, but since finishing the car in late ‘17 have managed consistent time slips and have gone .72 under the index. My Camaro is considered a “slow” stocker, however for me I enjoy the ride as much as any fast combo I have driven. It’s all about your perspective. For me it is very gratifying taking a combo that would run a 19 second qtr. mile bone stock and manage to turn it into a stocker with beer can diameter pistons knocking on the 13 second time slip door. Also, a shout out to Mr. Bill Bogues for his advice and his knowledge dealing with the 267 combo in his Monte Carlo stocker.

[Rose Racing]

Originally Posted by 4284spd

Just a curious question for the slower stock racers, do you race a slow combo because of financial reasons or do you feel that there is a advantage with them? Serious question.
And do you want to go to a quicker combo if you could?

This response coming from a guy building a U/SA car It is a combination of both. I truly can't afford a higher class Stocker and I also know that I can potentially be competitive in U/SA. I know if I build this car using the best components and tricks I can afford that I can qualify near the top of the ladder and use the advantage of a low horsepower slow car on race day to put pressure on quicker class cars.

[Leroy Duran]

Originally Posted by 4284spd

Just a curious question for the slower stock racers, do you race a slow combo because of financial reasons or do you feel that there is a advantage with them? Serious question.
And do you want to go to a quicker combo if you could?

I think this could be a loaded question. For me and my personal experience as a driver only I feel there is a threshold. I had the opportunity to drive Mike and Bj Graham’s U/SA off and on for a couple season and I’ll be the first to say it was a blast being #1 qualifier everywhere but when it came to bracket racing with a dial on it that was a Challenge. There are so many variables that affect lower horsepower cars. I also drive Angelo Phillips L/SA mopar that runs 11.9s/.80s at 110 mph and that car is much easier to bracket race being 110mph only puts u behind by maybe 20 mph at most unless ur racing a cobra jet or something like that.

But Answering your question “ is there an advantage I would say no because anytime the race is unfolding behind u I feel that’s a disadvantage. I think a mid to low 10 second stocker would be the sweet spot to be in stock. Example I’ve raced super street and been on the slow side and the fast side of things slow side being 122 mph and the fast side being 163mph. Being to far on one side other the other is difficult but I’ve also ran a 140 mph super street car as well and my win % was much higher then the other 2 cars.

So again my perspective is from a driver stand point only and by no means am I being disrespectful to the guys with the slower cars.