Del's A/FC (4 Viewers)

[sammi]

If the high sheriffs can figure out the rules, we could be seeing a richly varied Alcohol Funny car next year.(hoping to see the injected nitro cars) I think Del is on to something with his idea of a TAFC that can be upgraded to a big show car. I don't know about the 291mph pass.

 

[Rich D]

If the high sheriffs can figure out the rules, we could be seeing a richly varied Alcohol Funny car next year.(hoping to see the injected nitro cars) I think Del is on to something with his idea of a TAFC that can be upgraded to a big show car. I don't know about the 291mph pass.

It feels like the injected nitro thing is dead in TAFC, but this latest combo has sure created a buzz. It wouldn't shock me if many are inspired to take that approach over the next few seasons. NHRA certainly will tweak the rules based on what we saw this weekend. The whole thing feels more like a collaboration between Del and NHRA, which bodes well for its future, rather than some of the other combos that NHRA was quick to squash with rules amendments as soon as they ran well.

 

[mick]

interesting what's happening in TAFC. bruce mullins, do you have any thoughts on it?

 

[Bruno]

While I think this combination is way cool, I am not convinced it is a "stepping stone" to the big show. Plus, I do not see it adding numbers to the diminished TAFC field. Who would jump to this combo? Someone like Whitleys or Bartone? They have the resources and I could see them doing it because it's cool, not to jump to the next level. Lets just say they built these, the field number does not change. A much bigger problem than building a "minor league" fuel car is getting more cars in the TAFC field. I don't know what the answer is but I don't see this as an answer to that problem. Is someone going to move up from Comp and build a blown nitro combo? I think not.
Years back we could run in TAFC and at least qualify in a field that was full plus. Could we beat Chesterman or Moats? Slim chance. But we could give them a run for their money and at the end of the day we had a hell of a lot of fun, didn't break a bunch of parts, didn't break the bank and were able to do it with 3-4 of us.
I don't know the answer and maybe there is no answer and we have morphed past those days with no return. This is why Funny Car Chaos is so popular. You run what you brung. You may be running against a fuel car or a blown Chevy and all have a chance to go rounds and win!

 

[Sherman, Sherm, & Sherm Gun]

Remove half of the 200 different classes in the rulebook, and your car counts have a better chance of raising. Too many classes, too high of expenses, and too many different things to do outside of drag racing are your biggest issues.

 

[Nitro Bass!]

Not that I know anything, I’m just a passionate fan, but isn’t Del’s new combination pretty close to what people have talked about for years when it comes to slowing the big-show cars down and making nitro racing more affordable?

It also seems like if they can get this combination really dialed in, 1,320 feet is totally doable. It makes me wonder if there’s a bigger picture here. Maybe NHRA is learning how to tame the big-show combination by experimenting with it in the Alcohol ranks first? Probably just a fan conspiracy theory, but it’s interesting to think about because this is pretty close to what people have talked about for years.

Then there’s the Alcohol side. If the prize money stepped up, wouldn’t we see more cars? There is some incredibly competitive and consistent racing in those classes, with seriously talented drivers and tuners. It would be a shame to see those classes slowly disappear because the costs have gotten so far out of line with the purse and participation continues to fall.

But the more I think about it, maybe that’s actually part of the bigger picture.

The current Alcohol cars really aren’t interchangeable with Top Fuel and Nitro Funny Car, so if your goal is eventually moving up to the big show, you basically have to spend a fortune all over again. What if the long-term idea isn’t simply adding Del’s combination to Alcohol, but eventually evolving the class toward something like it?

Now you’d have parts compatibility with the big-show cars, used nitro parts would have somewhere to go, costs could potentially come down, and a racer could actually build toward Top Fuel or Nitro Funny Car instead of essentially starting over if they decide to move up.

If that’s where this eventually leads, it actually makes a lot of sense from both a business and efficiency standpoint. You’d potentially create a true developmental ladder again while giving all those big-show parts a second life.

Again, I’m just a passionate fan connecting dots that may not even be connected. I just want to see the sport grow, develop and thrive. But the more I look at what Del is working on, the more I wonder if there’s a much bigger picture here than simply experimenting with another Alcohol combination.

 

[Bruno]

Not that I know anything, I’m just a passionate fan, but isn’t Del’s new combination pretty close to what people have talked about for years when it comes to slowing the big-show cars down and making nitro racing more affordable?

It also seems like if they can get this combination really dialed in, 1,320 feet is totally doable. It makes me wonder if there’s a bigger picture here. Maybe NHRA is learning how to tame the big-show combination by experimenting with it in the Alcohol ranks first? Probably just a fan conspiracy theory, but it’s interesting to think about because this is pretty close to what people have talked about for years.

Then there’s the Alcohol side. If the prize money stepped up, wouldn’t we see more cars? There is some incredibly competitive and consistent racing in those classes, with seriously talented drivers and tuners. It would be a shame to see those classes slowly disappear because the costs have gotten so far out of line with the purse and participation continues to fall.

But the more I think about it, maybe that’s actually part of the bigger picture.

The current Alcohol cars really aren’t interchangeable with Top Fuel and Nitro Funny Car, so if your goal is eventually moving up to the big show, you basically have to spend a fortune all over again. What if the long-term idea isn’t simply adding Del’s combination to Alcohol, but eventually evolving the class toward something like it?

Now you’d have parts compatibility with the big-show cars, used nitro parts would have somewhere to go, costs could potentially come down, and a racer could actually build toward Top Fuel or Nitro Funny Car instead of essentially starting over if they decide to move up.

If that’s where this eventually leads, it actually makes a lot of sense from both a business and efficiency standpoint. You’d potentially create a true developmental ladder again while giving all those big-show parts a second life.

Again, I’m just a passionate fan connecting dots that may not even be connected. I just want to see the sport grow, develop and thrive. But the more I look at what Del is working on, the more I wonder if there’s a much bigger picture here than simply experimenting with another Alcohol combination.

Are you saying this could be an "Indy Lights" type of developmental class? I see your point but it is unlikely that NHRA is looking that deep into it. Legitimate idea but again, moving into that class from...what? Going from a gas powered class to blown nitro is a stretch.

 

[Nitro Bass!]

Are you saying this could be an "Indy Lights" type of developmental class? I see your point but it is unlikely that NHRA is looking that deep into it. Legitimate idea but again, moving into that class from...what? Going from a gas powered class to blown nitro is a stretch.

I completely get it, but if the alcohol cars keep going away then there will be nothing left and a big void. Maybe this ultimately stops that from happening? Again, this is just me thinking out loud, but from a high altitude point of view the potential for something else going on behind the scenes is making more and more sense....

 

[Nappy]

I still believe NHRA messed up the TA/FC class when they restricted the Screw supercharger overdrive to try to make it competitive for a roots supercharged combo. That didn't bring more cars to the class. It resulted in engine changes to run them harder and cost more money in parts. Plus the time to tear them down between rounds increased. Car counts started going down. Then they decided to add Injected nitro like the A/FD class, then when the Killer B's found a good combo they changed things again. I personally don't like the new blown nitro in TA/FC But that's just my opinion. As far as big show teams having somewhere to sell used parts , that has been going on for a long time. Match racers, IHRA (when it's around) and even lower budget teams. I still wish TA/FC was all blown alcohol at 125%. There is just something about 2 cars revving up at the starting line back and forth while staging.

 

[Sherman, Sherm, & Sherm Gun]

I am an injected Nitro fan boy, but TAD and TAFC NEEDS to be no box, blown alky, with a clutch.

No convertors, no two step, no turbos, no EFI, no Nitro.

 

[scratch]

Heres an idea get back to the standard 14-71 roots blower.

 

[z28]

One thing I know: Nitro sells seats. If they can get a few car out there it could keep more fans in the seats and also help the divisionals get bigger crowds. I think a lot of guys go Pro Mod now that might try it if the money and the fans show up.

 

[Sherman, Sherm, & Sherm Gun]

It would not surprise me one bit if NHRA had the idea of these Jr Fuel cars pushing out the alky cars, and boosting the big show with two more fuel classes for the fans. Not everyone likes alky cars. And those people don't know what they are missing. They probably like pro stock, too...

 

[TSK]

It would not surprise me one bit if NHRA had the idea of these Jr Fuel cars pushing out the alky cars, and boosting the big show with two more fuel classes for the fans. Not everyone likes alky cars. And those people don't know what they are missing. They probably like pro stock, too...

I hate what has become of the P/S class. I can think of a couple of acronyms for P/S but I’d have to delete my own post.
But I really like watching the TAFCs. Two cars going WOT before the green; what’s not to like?
It’s even better if you’re fortunate enough to be able to stand between the two.

 

[Nitro Bass!]

Pro Stock is amazing, but when the class became “Pro Camaro,” people tuned out. How many people leave the stands after nitro? I don’t see how there can be meaningful factory support for a class that empties the grandstands when it runs.

And it’s not just about hood scoops and throttle bodies. If every car is a Camaro, eventually it’s over. No rivalry any longer.

Look at how many different car brands from all over the world are on our streets today. How many of those international brands build or assemble vehicles right here in the USA? To me, that represents a huge lost opportunity. Why shouldn’t Pro Stock be a place where some of those manufacturers can come in, compete and actually have a reason to get involved? Money is to precious in today's economy, and when the stands empty for Pro Stock, these companies for the most part will not open their wallets.

Back to the original thread: as others have said, more nitro means more butts in the seats. If two new nitro classes can put more cars on the track, create a path for racers to move up and give fans more of what they’re coming to see, that’s worth paying attention to. It seems like that is what is happening right in front of our eyes.

For older hard core fans it is tough, but like it or not, that seems to be the reality of today’s drag racing world: Nitro puts butts in the seats and sells tickets.

 

[65 Goatboy]

Not that I know anything, I’m just a passionate fan, but isn’t Del’s new combination pretty close to what people have talked about for years when it comes to slowing the big-show cars down and making nitro racing more affordable?

It also seems like if they can get this combination really dialed in, 1,320 feet is totally doable. It makes me wonder if there’s a bigger picture here. Maybe NHRA is learning how to tame the big-show combination by experimenting with it in the Alcohol ranks first? Probably just a fan conspiracy theory, but it’s interesting to think about because this is pretty close to what people have talked about for years.

Then there’s the Alcohol side. If the prize money stepped up, wouldn’t we see more cars? There is some incredibly competitive and consistent racing in those classes, with seriously talented drivers and tuners. It would be a shame to see those classes slowly disappear because the costs have gotten so far out of line with the purse and participation continues to fall.

But the more I think about it, maybe that’s actually part of the bigger picture.

The current Alcohol cars really aren’t interchangeable with Top Fuel and Nitro Funny Car, so if your goal is eventually moving up to the big show, you basically have to spend a fortune all over again. What if the long-term idea isn’t simply adding Del’s combination to Alcohol, but eventually evolving the class toward something like it?

Now you’d have parts compatibility with the big-show cars, used nitro parts would have somewhere to go, costs could potentially come down, and a racer could actually build toward Top Fuel or Nitro Funny Car instead of essentially starting over if they decide to move up.

If that’s where this eventually leads, it actually makes a lot of sense from both a business and efficiency standpoint. You’d potentially create a true developmental ladder again while giving all those big-show parts a second life.

Again, I’m just a passionate fan connecting dots that may not even be connected. I just want to see the sport grow, develop and thrive. But the more I look at what Del is working on, the more I wonder if there’s a much bigger picture here than simply experimenting with another Alcohol combination.

If you haven't, watch Joe Costello's interview at Brainerd with Del. He said pretty much what you said, if you don't want to move up to the big show you don't want to do this and stay in Top Alcohol. It's not economically feasible. Del is a smart man, he has done and seen it all.

 

[Nitro Bass!]

If you haven't, watch Joe Costello's interview at Brainerd with Del. He said pretty much what you said, if you don't want to move up to the big show you don't want to do this and stay in Top Alcohol. It's not economically feasible. Del is a smart man, he has done and seen it all.

have not seen it. I will check it out.....

 

[Sherman, Sherm, & Sherm Gun]

 

[65 Goatboy]

Oops had the link ready just forgot to post it. Thanks Justin!

 

[Nitro Bass!]

Oops had the link ready just forgot to post it. Thanks Justin!

Thanks for posting, really great! I have been watching Del race since he began, pretty cool. Makes sense all the things I was thinking, way more to this story I believe. No brainer.......