Stock Eliminator,,,Boon or Bane?

[Jeff Stout]

There was a stick Camaro out at Speedworld that would destroy the starting line. We would prep and start the event and have several pairs run down track. Good foundation on track then this Camaro would come up and I believe a 9 inch tire that would just remove a 2 foot long section of rubber right down to the concrete. Every pass and every event we would have to address the starting line after him. Not sure if problem was him or me.

[VE6DRW]

"BTW - IF YOU WANT TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY USE YOUR GIVEN REAL NAME."


Modified the post and my signature. Thanks for the tip.

[hrs1326]

Originally Posted by Jack Matyas

1) Lowering indexes will do nothing
2)See # 1
3) We need the AHFS - just need some tweaks
4)See #1 again
5)That would help but is very hard on the workers - both track people and NHRA workers
6)Won't happen
7)System is very much needed
8)I personally would like to go to more National events not less
9)Easier said than done
10)Do that and you'll lose manufactures
11)You'll never get 2 of them to agree to think alike let alone 12 .

All that plus I don't consider myself a troll or flamer !! Thanks for trying .

BTW - IF YOU WANT TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY USE YOUR GIVEN REAL NAME.

Well said Jack
I raced stock in the 70-80 era, left to go to the dark side NHRA TECH. Then 40 years go by and I get back in. WOW stock is nothing like it was. Stockers running 8’s and 9’s on 9 inch tires,it’s hard to believe
Still gonna race but don’t know how long the classes will survive.

[1347]

Originally Posted by VE6DRW

The demise of NHRA, along with Stock and Super Stock, has been predicted for decades. Yet, spectator attendance at NHRA National events continues to increase. Fans go to see the PROs and a big show; only a few dedicated fans appreciate the sportsman classes.


However, I think a lot of the problem is self-generated by "class racers"; in that the rise of high-tech fast cars by well financed teams is driving "hobbyist" participants out of active racing. Escalating travel costs are also contributing to the issue.

I think NHRA are exacerbating the problem with an outdated format at regional and divisional events, especially when it comes to payouts and the manufacturer contingency program.

I might suggest the following for discussion:

1. Lower all Stock and SS indexes by at least 4 tenths.
2. Eliminate heads-up no-breakout racing at all but a few select national events (ie: where classes are run).
3. Eliminate the AHFS – move to an annual review based on yearly stats.
4. Loosen fuel regulations at divisional and regional events.
5. Double up all divisional and regional events on extended weekends (to reduce travel costs)
6. Increase prize money at regional and divisional races by at least 50% (minimum $3,000 – ideally $5,000 - to win)
7. Eliminate the grade-point system for national event entry. Maximum 64 cars in each class – 1st come 1st served - entry criteria.
8. Reduce the number of national events for Stock and SS – perhaps 6 maximum (based on geographic regions). Alternate with other sportsman classes at national events to keep overall car counts manageable.
9. Restructure the divisional and national title system for sportsman racers to promote easy participation and reduce travel costs.
10. Eliminate the manufacturer contingency program. NHRA can adopt a fee-based manufacturers certification/participation program and channel fees into the sportsman prize money.
11. Coordinate the individual class-racer associations (12 – at last count) under an umbrella organization to influence event sponsorship from manufacturers and increase payouts.

These are simply brainstorming ideas to provoke discussion. Please, no need for trolls or flame-throwers …

There is really nothing on here that will help the classracer in my opinion.

lowering the classes .4 will kill 25% of the cars if you look in Nitro Joes stats
Getting rid of most heads-up races will drive more racers away and turn it into bracket race.
If you do a review and add HP at the end of the year, you still have AFHS, and if you get rid of Heads up runs you don't need AFHS. I'm surprised you didn't get rid of qualifying the way its run now.
Why get rid of fuel regulations, oh yeah, its a bracket race under you're new rules.
Good luck on increased prize money.
Some people love national events, and having grade points keep those who want them going to divisionals, dropping nationals and getting rid of grade points will do nothing to help the classes.
Helping reduce travel to win a championship will not help either. you can race your local bracket track, go to the bracket finals and still be a champion.
What don't you like about the contingency program? did you not get paid?
I have received over 1500.00 in contingency this year and am only waiting for a couple still, and only 1 I have had no communication with.
I think if the Associations wanted to be together, they would do it. Thats NHRA racing to fall under one sanctioning body.

If you didn't want to get flamed or trolled on your post, don't post it. everything on this group is up for discussion.

[Billy Nees]

Originally Posted by Mark Yacavone

Have these cars become so specialized that they are going become a constant problem with the starting line?

Ding,ding,ding, we have a winner!
They have become too specialized period!
The vast majority are nothing more than small-tired Comp Cars.

[Billy Nees]

Originally Posted by Mark Yacavone

What will the next five years see ?
Curious about your thoughts...

Ya know, that's hard to say because NHRA has forgotten it's roots. There are no more "entry-level" classes or eliminators. When I first started this addiction Stock and Jr. Stock were the "entry-level" classes. Then came the local Bracket programs and then the .90 classes particularly S/ST.
Fast-forward to today and the average person trying to get started in any of these types of racing can't afford to build or buy a car. Stock isn't even remotely close to "stock" with apparently legal ported "stock" intakes and heads and aftermarket heads not to mention the Factory Stock stuff. The local Bracket programs are withering away because the average Racers aren't going to spend (or can't afford to spend) what it takes to keep up with the "Pro Bracket" Racers. S/ST was NHRA's last (NHRA proclaimed) "entry-level" class when the Racers could only run one class if it was S/ST. Now S/ST Racers can run 2 eliminators and we have 160 MPH S/ST cars. Entry level. An "entry-level", young up-and-coming Racer is only going to lose for just so long before he gives up or quits.