Pro Stock does have it's shortcomings but it is the only NHRA class that contains close 'all out' racing, a 'same rules for everybody package', and driver ability has a substantial effect on a teams success. As far as all Camaro's, that is just the nature of the beast in 'heads up' all out racing, as teams have to chose performance over vanity. The fc Class has Fords, Dodges, Toyotas, and Chevrolets, but pull the decals of of them and i challenge anyone to tell which is which. Consider Justin Ashley. This guy may go down as the best TF pilot ever and should have at least double digit wins this season, based on his talent, but despite his incredible ability, his success remains at the sole mercy of his car's tune up
Nitromater
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Pro Camaro is extremely boring.
- Thread starter Harry
- Start date
The biggest issue for the PS class is that it has gotten completely away from its origins. It originally allowed the different manufacturers to showcase their performance cars. The main rule was that the engine must be from the same manufacturer as the car's body.
It's been said before but in 1972 NHRA allowed Bill Jenkins to run a tube chassis in his Vega and gave a very advantageous weight break for the small block Chevy.
But, Jenkins played the "safety" card when he rallied for using a tube chassis. He said it made for a safer foundation for the cars since they were going to run much faster than anything from the factory. NHRA had no choice but to give in.
Then the weight breaks came into play and effectively legislated the Hemis out of the class. The Fords were next. A 351 Pinto had to outweigh a 427 Camaro.
Why should Chrysler and Ford have continued supporting the class when they didn't receive support from the sanctioning body?
The early 500 c.i. era saw Dodges and Fords performing well. But, the infamous Wayne County break in brought an end to seeing consistently competitive Mopars.
The class began seeing nothing but GM-bodied cars winning. Getting away from one of the class' foundational rules, and hoping to see a bigger variety of car bodies, NHRA now allows any engine, regardless of the body style.
For a variety of reasons, the Camaro has become the predominant body style. Sure, there might be a Mustang or two in the field every once in a while. Just don't pay attention to the engine.
Not everybody is a fan of the Camaro. The front grill reminds me of a mullet wearing, toothless grin.
Scrapping the class wouldn't bother me one bit. But, I'm just one person. I tolerate the class when I'm at a race because it is a great time to hit the head and grab an over-priced drink.
As far as watching the race on TV, my remote has a fast-forward button and I'm not afraid to use it.
It's been said before but in 1972 NHRA allowed Bill Jenkins to run a tube chassis in his Vega and gave a very advantageous weight break for the small block Chevy.
But, Jenkins played the "safety" card when he rallied for using a tube chassis. He said it made for a safer foundation for the cars since they were going to run much faster than anything from the factory. NHRA had no choice but to give in.
Then the weight breaks came into play and effectively legislated the Hemis out of the class. The Fords were next. A 351 Pinto had to outweigh a 427 Camaro.
Why should Chrysler and Ford have continued supporting the class when they didn't receive support from the sanctioning body?
The early 500 c.i. era saw Dodges and Fords performing well. But, the infamous Wayne County break in brought an end to seeing consistently competitive Mopars.
The class began seeing nothing but GM-bodied cars winning. Getting away from one of the class' foundational rules, and hoping to see a bigger variety of car bodies, NHRA now allows any engine, regardless of the body style.
For a variety of reasons, the Camaro has become the predominant body style. Sure, there might be a Mustang or two in the field every once in a while. Just don't pay attention to the engine.
Not everybody is a fan of the Camaro. The front grill reminds me of a mullet wearing, toothless grin.
Scrapping the class wouldn't bother me one bit. But, I'm just one person. I tolerate the class when I'm at a race because it is a great time to hit the head and grab an over-priced drink.
As far as watching the race on TV, my remote has a fast-forward button and I'm not afraid to use it.
scotty
Nitro Member
I enjoy the Pro Stock class. The biggest burnouts, closest racing and they sound great, albeit not as good as fuel car but still awesome sounding. There is a lot of racing in various series that don't have much to do with the manufacturers that support them but it's still cool.
100 percent spot on. Made even less important by the almost total lack of new cars that could qualify as a potential race car. What I'd like to see a lot more than some sort of PS revamp is a return to the days of 80 or 90 cars trying to qualify for a 32-car Comp Elim field. Hands down the most interesting and engineering-unique class NHRA has ever had. Great people competing in it, too.
One thing I have noticed with other forms of motorsport is in many cases, either how many make the field (or how far down they pay) sorts out how many show up.
If 16 or 32 qualify, that is basically how many show up, and if over, it's maybe plus 5 at most. Maybe Pro Mod or TAD will get more than 22, but not too often anymore.
Though, the last IHRA race had 13 TF for 8 spots. Which is harder, making top 8 of 13, or top 16 of 18 or 19?
If 16 or 32 qualify, that is basically how many show up, and if over, it's maybe plus 5 at most. Maybe Pro Mod or TAD will get more than 22, but not too often anymore.
Though, the last IHRA race had 13 TF for 8 spots. Which is harder, making top 8 of 13, or top 16 of 18 or 19?
ironpony
Nitro Member
I everyone is going to be honest PS has become a filler class of rich guys playing, the stands empty out and few diehard spectators stay. The rest of the classes pay to play and support the 32 nitro cars traveling the country as a circus show.
Take away nitro the stands would be empty.
I believe if IHRA can survive a few years and get the word out they will make a dent in NHRA nitro attendance especially if they maintain pricing. Free parking, reasonable food and IIRC 30 spectator fee. Also running at different tracks that would save people travel expenses along with racing on Saturday. I know for what I want to see it works fine.
Take away nitro the stands would be empty.
I believe if IHRA can survive a few years and get the word out they will make a dent in NHRA nitro attendance especially if they maintain pricing. Free parking, reasonable food and IIRC 30 spectator fee. Also running at different tracks that would save people travel expenses along with racing on Saturday. I know for what I want to see it works fine.
none
Nitro Member
They are certainly the hot thing right now. Just looked on Stub Hub, Nosebleed tickets start at $125 and mid tier seats are $250 and up. Pay that at NHRA and you're in the Top Eliminator Club, food and drink included.
Alan
ironpony
Nitro Member
But, But, But.....................I have always said entry to an NHRA event is cheap. My other racing is F1 I am paying $1100 for the weekend to get a seat. Paddock seats are 12k with food.LOL
Never thought price was an issue. Almost every other sport is more. The problem is it’s a niche sport. Tried to get tix to the Bananas but you have to get into a lottery. I think less than 10% get tix. Just like Disney stuff, anything that appeals to kids and parents who bring them is a winner.
The Savannah Bananas actually have 3 teams they play. They are popular enough that the other 2 teams they're not playing against that weekend have started playing in minor league and college stadiums.
One of the big draws of banana ball? A 2 hour time limit. They do have Harlem Globetrotter antics, but during innings they move it along.
One of the big draws of banana ball? A 2 hour time limit. They do have Harlem Globetrotter antics, but during innings they move it along.
Marchboom
Nitro Member
So you're the guy that likes ProStock.If it wasn't for P/S I couldn't care less about NHRA racing. It's the most competitive of the pro classes to me. Flame on, flame on.
That's him.
Professional Fan
Nitro Member
There's at least two of us!
I remember seeing Gary Dyers Hemi Colt for the first time in Palamides' chassis shop. I knew what he did to that engine and wasn't sure how that would pan out but that car was amazing. But would it handle. It did and several more were built for others. Glidden had some questionable "race" cars too. That EXP and the Fairmont! Geez If we want to save Pro Stock we have to get back to stock sheet metal. Mustangs, Camaros and Challengers. ASAP
