The only way to lower costs in the pro classes is probably an actual overhaul of the rules, it would need to be drastic because not only is the horse out of the barn, it's been running away for years! There have been many, many ideas tossed around, for years, as to how to lower costs. I don't know which is best. I do know that anything that is done to back the fuel cars down a bit, would allow the current crop of parts to last an awful lot longer, based on the quality of components being built today. Maybe someone like Jerry Newman can chime in on this. As far as PS, I myself would love to see a new design Pro Stocker that fell somewhere between the current configuration and the new breed of factory musclecars, like the COPOs.
Nitromater
This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
only 13 pro stockers @ houston !!!
- Thread starter camaro
- Start date
SoCal Racer
Nitro Member
Having carbs or hood scoops isn't what has killed Pro Stock’s popularity; it’s the morphed bodies that don’t represent factory cars. I can’t buy a 2-door Dart (especially with a Hemi!) because it doesn't exist. Nor can I buy a scaled-down Camaro that’s been sliced-n-diced to wind tunnel specs. Plus the racing offers only routine-looking runs. I’m not saying the cars are wimpy - any race car is whole lot more exciting to drive than to watch – but for the most part they look tame.
In the early 70s the popularity was because you went to the track and saw a Challenger, Camaro, Mustang, etc. etc. powered by a Hemi, Rat, or Boss. And you could go to the dealer and buy one that looked just like it with a Hemi, Rat, or Boss! Promoters could pack the track with Pro Stocks headlining the show because the starting line antics, wheels-up launches, and gear-jamming runs were wild. Young guys thought, “That’s way cool” and “Hey, I could do that! I’ll get one of those cars and build it!” It looked that simple. Of course there was more to it, but it still looked within reach for the average guy.
But the notion of a few average guys building a PS is completely gone now. Sure, it’s doable – just bring your [very large] checkbook to any reputable builder and they’ll get you set up. But the checkbook is the fundamental part of the equation. Not the “I have talent and can fabricate this, modify that and be ready to race” attitude. PS is on a whole different plane now – completely unrelatable - and THAT’S why fans have little interest.
So all that said to get here: the future will be where fans can once again relate, and manufacturers can win on Sunday and sell on Monday. Where is that action now? Factory Stock/Super Stock.
In the early 70s the popularity was because you went to the track and saw a Challenger, Camaro, Mustang, etc. etc. powered by a Hemi, Rat, or Boss. And you could go to the dealer and buy one that looked just like it with a Hemi, Rat, or Boss! Promoters could pack the track with Pro Stocks headlining the show because the starting line antics, wheels-up launches, and gear-jamming runs were wild. Young guys thought, “That’s way cool” and “Hey, I could do that! I’ll get one of those cars and build it!” It looked that simple. Of course there was more to it, but it still looked within reach for the average guy.
But the notion of a few average guys building a PS is completely gone now. Sure, it’s doable – just bring your [very large] checkbook to any reputable builder and they’ll get you set up. But the checkbook is the fundamental part of the equation. Not the “I have talent and can fabricate this, modify that and be ready to race” attitude. PS is on a whole different plane now – completely unrelatable - and THAT’S why fans have little interest.
So all that said to get here: the future will be where fans can once again relate, and manufacturers can win on Sunday and sell on Monday. Where is that action now? Factory Stock/Super Stock.
Jimbo
Nitro Member
I see drag racing in some ways following NASCAR in that you have multi cars teams winning most of the races week in and week out!
I think the Gibbs operation has won for the past 3 or 4 weeks in a row. I think many fans get turned off because the same multi car teams simply win most of the time and that makes any kind of racing boring.
I have never been a fan of multi cars teams because sooner or later that's all you having racing once the other teams do not feel they are playing on a level playing field.
The independent teams really have the deck stacked against them when sectioning bodies allow more then one or two cars per team.
I understand the argument that the owners can always find a way around this but it makes racing boring to see a show where multi cars teams have 3 or 4 cars running against each other.
When NASCAR wonders where all the fans have gone just look at the product theyare trying to sell to the fans with stupid things like the Lucky Dog rule!
I would hate to see the NHRA fall into this same trap where the fans do not see the value in the show they are paying to watch.
Just my opinion
Jim Hill
http://www.nostalgicracingdecals.com
I think the Gibbs operation has won for the past 3 or 4 weeks in a row. I think many fans get turned off because the same multi car teams simply win most of the time and that makes any kind of racing boring.
I have never been a fan of multi cars teams because sooner or later that's all you having racing once the other teams do not feel they are playing on a level playing field.
The independent teams really have the deck stacked against them when sectioning bodies allow more then one or two cars per team.
I understand the argument that the owners can always find a way around this but it makes racing boring to see a show where multi cars teams have 3 or 4 cars running against each other.
When NASCAR wonders where all the fans have gone just look at the product theyare trying to sell to the fans with stupid things like the Lucky Dog rule!
I would hate to see the NHRA fall into this same trap where the fans do not see the value in the show they are paying to watch.
Just my opinion
Jim Hill
http://www.nostalgicracingdecals.com
TooTall999
Nitro Member
I'd like to see Camaros, Mustangs and Challengers as the only acceptable body styles. Allow some aero tricks, but not too extreme and keep the cars recognizable. Keep the hood profile closer to stock and allow a smaller bubble if needed for clearance. Same 500ci efi rules as now. Maybe start by building one of each for the fans to see and do a match race type thing in between rounds to judge crowd reaction. Just a thought...
glofria
Nitro Member
The competition drives up the costs, not NHRA. NHRA merely provides a opportunity to compete and rewards for winning.
" Challenger, Camaro, Mustang, etc. etc. powered by a Hemi, Rat, or Boss. And you could go to the dealer and buy one that looked just like it with a Hemi, Rat, or Boss!"
exactly right.
I think Motorsports in general is dying with today's under 25 crowd! It's all High-tech gadgets anymore
Bingo!!! The only way to reign in costs for any class is mandate spec parts!
mick
Nitro Member
if PS is to remain as it is, a change to fuel injection was needed.
recently i saw a piece on FB of all places showing v gaine's car and it's air lowered suspension; a feature i'm sure all the main
players have in place.....now, someone did this first, and it was allowed (nhra), so then the next team has to keep up with the jones and
all of sudden it's the norm, except for maybe some of the independents who opt not to do it, realizing not doing it puts them
most likely at a disadvantage. the smaller teams run a dependable combination that qualifies them at some races and allows them
to race at least first round on sunday. whether they are leasing an engine or doing their own, they are spending a lot of money
to race in nhra PS; arguably and most probably a losing proposition but something they love to do and life ain't getting any shorter.
so now the lesser funded teams cry fowl that the switch to fuel injection is too costly.
are the high buck teams ridiculously spending WAAAY more than they ever race for?
has nhra let the high buck teams innovate and driven the average cost for the class sky high?
are some smaller teams racing on such a financial edge that fuel injection puts them on the sidelines?
i'd say all of the above; in a sport driven by cubic dollars only strictly enforced rules can reign in the costs; i'd say that has
been lacking in PS for quite some time.
greg, jason and bo are not dominating because they have more money, they are just smarter when presented with a wholesale change.
their domination will not continue all season and IMO this weekend in houston i will make the prediction that they will not
qualify 1-2-3 and the final on sunday will not be all summit. i hope i'm wrong
recently i saw a piece on FB of all places showing v gaine's car and it's air lowered suspension; a feature i'm sure all the main
players have in place.....now, someone did this first, and it was allowed (nhra), so then the next team has to keep up with the jones and
all of sudden it's the norm, except for maybe some of the independents who opt not to do it, realizing not doing it puts them
most likely at a disadvantage. the smaller teams run a dependable combination that qualifies them at some races and allows them
to race at least first round on sunday. whether they are leasing an engine or doing their own, they are spending a lot of money
to race in nhra PS; arguably and most probably a losing proposition but something they love to do and life ain't getting any shorter.
so now the lesser funded teams cry fowl that the switch to fuel injection is too costly.
are the high buck teams ridiculously spending WAAAY more than they ever race for?
has nhra let the high buck teams innovate and driven the average cost for the class sky high?
are some smaller teams racing on such a financial edge that fuel injection puts them on the sidelines?
i'd say all of the above; in a sport driven by cubic dollars only strictly enforced rules can reign in the costs; i'd say that has
been lacking in PS for quite some time.
greg, jason and bo are not dominating because they have more money, they are just smarter when presented with a wholesale change.
their domination will not continue all season and IMO this weekend in houston i will make the prediction that they will not
qualify 1-2-3 and the final on sunday will not be all summit. i hope i'm wrong
Last edited:
cantdrive55
Nitro Member
The whole idea of growth is allowing new competitors in, not be exclusive to Camaro's, Mustang's, and Challenger's. This is where NHRA screwed the pooch by killing off the Import series. Those racers with the turbo Nissan's, VTEC Honda's, and 2JZ Supra's were the future. But because the bean counters and grey hairs didn't understand it they shipped it off to the dumpster along with NHRA's future market. Now we're stuck with stagnant growth and an aging fan base while struggling to attract new eyes.
You wanna talk about match race wars? I think someone just finished up a Pro Stock style Nissan GT-R. I don't know the specifics of it but how cool would it be if that Nissan was all motor running 6.60's against Erica's EFI Dart?
mick
Nitro Member
it would be super cool
Litefoot
Nitro Member
I'll second thatit would be super cool
Jimbo
Nitro Member
Wow 9 TF/AC cars and 15 T/AD maybe everyone thought it would be a rain out?
Jim Hill
http://www.nostalgicracingdecals.com
Jim Hill
http://www.nostalgicracingdecals.com
