Is drag racing ready for an entry-level 'spec dragster' class?

I have seen quite a bit of the evolution of drag racing during the thirty years I have been involved in this sport. I am also a big fan of NASCAR and local dirt track racing. Just a gear-head through and through, I guess. As a track owner I always wondered what it would take to get new racers interested in racing and how in the world would they could afford it. I know a lot of them start in street cars and it seems the import cars are their cars of choice. I am more interested in seeing if they would prefer a nine-second race car rather than a fourteen- or fifteen-second street car.

The idea I have isn't new but nobody has really ever tried to put the idea on the drag strip. I see local dirt track racing growing in leaps and bounds and young people getting involved. I think it is because the type of car they are choosing is a "spec-type" car: Limited tire size, engine restrictions, and even "claimer engines" at some tracks, chassis rules and banning of lightweight components. The cars are very similar except for paint and detail work. The end result is close competition and an affordable class. I think the one thing that makes this unique is that there could actually be true "heads-up" races for these guys at certain events.

I think a "spec dragster" type vehicle could be a good investment as well as a lot of fun. I will outline my ideas and tell you why I think it would work. No, I am trying to change drag racing into stock car racing, but I think we need to do something to attract spectators and this might be a viable option. If you think I'm crazy let me know; if you agree I'd like to hear that too.

Kurt Damon at Undercover Race Cars is offering the "Magnum Series" that I would describe as the "top-end" of what I am talking about. His cars are super quality and some components are a bit too expensive for entry class racers in my opinion.

Here is a general description of what I think the "spec-dragster" should be:

1. Chassis: no rear suspension allowed, mild steel or chromoly steel. 185 to 215 inch wheelbase.
2. Chassis must meet Sfi spec same as any Super Comp dragster would.
3. Rear tire / wheels: Any tire & wheel, maybe 10.5x30-15 if heads-up class.
4. Any automatic transmission, transbrake permitted.
5. Any torque converter permitted, no lock-up converters.
6. Any ignition permitted, no crank trigger, 2 step only.
7. Electric rpm controlled shifter permitted.
8. No delay box, no timers, no throttle controls, and no playback tachs. If the owners choose to run in S/pro once in a while let them add what they want but must be removed for any heads-up "Spec-dragster class" races.
9. Engine: small block V-8 or any V-6 (370" max.). Any manufacturer permitted. (Winner and Runner-up engines available for "claim" by any participant in "Spec-Dragster" class. $1,000 less headers, carb (injectors) and intake manifold, (claim must be made within five minutes of final round). Details could vary track to track. This "claim" would only be at special "spec-dragster" events.
   a. OEM aluminum heads permitted. Any cast intake manifold permitted.
   b. Stock EFI fuel injection permitted. (This would allow buying a salvage
        yard motor for power).
   c. Gasoline only, no alcohol, no nitrous oxide.
   d. Any oil pan permitted. Stock type oil system required. Internal
       modifications permitted for engine longevity.
   e. Any solid lifter or hydraulic camshaft, no roller cams.
10. Minimum weight with driver: approximately 1600 pounds. Actual car builder would know the weights they can reach better than I do.
11. All cars must meet sanctioning body safety rules for chassis, driver safety and support equipment.

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