PRO STOCK OUT, PRO STREET IN
Pro Stock needs an overhaul. IHRA and NHRA both have an opportunity to tap into a broad market with "factory hot rods" but have seemingly refused to embrace current industry trends. Yes, NHRA has taken a shine to import racing, but the popularity of import drag racing is still limited to major metropolitan areas. The answer has been staring them in the face for years, however. It can be found in the form of the Fun Ford Weekend/NMRA/FWC format for Pro 5.0.

While this class is limited to Ford Mustangs, the rules could be easily adapted to include other makes and models. Ford Motor Company, by the way, has thrown their drag racing support behind such classes. Why? Because they know they can market to the racers and fans who support the classes. The class rules could be re-written to bolster factory involvement by requiring the use of current production engines and actual VIN holding vehicles. The cars should be required to maintain all factory sheet metal/plastic (except the hood) as well as a stock front core support/uni-body structure (as well as factory stock wheelbase). All street equipment (lights, windows) should be operational. Full interiors should also be included. A smaller, spec tire (like a 10.5W x 33 x 15?) can be used to make the cars not only fun to drive, but entertaining for the fans to watch. Allow power adders like nitrous, superchargers, and turbochargers. Keep the minimum weight around 2800 pounds. Allow FWD conversions, too. And, yes...change the name to Pro Street.

Factory and aftermarket support is huge for the 5.0 Mustang classes. I would venture to say that all the manufacturers would support it if there were GM, Mopar, and even imports (especially Toyota with their new V-8) mixed into the fray. This could be the answer for the current Pro Stock brigade. There needs to be something done before the class dies an undignified death in both organizations. They need something that can be marketed to a broad range of fans, have real brand identity, take advantage of current technology, and keep the butts in the seats while they are competing.

Wes Tarkington

PRO STOCKS OUT
There are only four or five Funny Car drivers that would race for the trophy alone.

Pro Stock cars are NOT Hot Rods anymore. They "scoot" away from the starting line and "scamper" toward the finish line.

Why would Ford want to race against Cavaliers, Grand Ams and Neons? I'd say they've won that one already. Where are the heroes and villains anymore? The seventies and early eighties had enough drama and intrigue to make the WWF look like Romper Room. What made the "legends" legends (Garlits, the Snake, Da Grump, etc.)? Will corporate image and PR concerns kill the sport as we know it (or has it done so already)? How come "Pro" drivers need a crew chief to help stage the car?

If the answer is cars that the fans can better relate to (i.e., more current, show-room stock appearing), then why is Pro Mod so popular? I don't want SFX/IHRA to degenerate a legitimate sport down to the level of "Monster Jam" (no offense, guys).

Finally, as someone who experienced the breakup of Modified Eliminator, I wonder if NHRA really understands (or cares for that matter) how many talented car owners, drivers and tuners had enough of the B.S., quit racing altogether, and went on with their lives. Pick up a Pro Stock Truck qualifying sheet and compare the names (first and second generation) with a Modified Eliminator ladder from 15-20 years ago.

On the other hand, maybe I'm just starting to show my age. Thanks for the time.

Donnie Bowles

PRO STOCK OUT, WHEELIE BARS IN
Your Publishers column on Pro Stock was a good analysis of a dismal dead situation. However, dragging in Kepner's "no wheelie bars" gem is a concept with perhaps a tiny flaw. Bret sits at 1000 feet, or in a 15-second bracket car or a TV studio and says racers should give up their ability to control wheelstands. Bret will not be spending for the new oil pans, front suspensions, tires, wheels and hospital visits his simple solution will generate.

Any class that can't survive with wheelie bar usage permitted, should be deleted. For what it is worth, I think SFX will blow away IHRA Pro Stock next year.

Norman Hechtkoff

PRO STOCK OUT, NOSTALGIA IN
Pro Stock has been boring for several years now. I agree, something must be done, I'm just not sure what. I will say this:  An end to those so-called "Super" classes, replaced by some nostalgia classes would be fabulous. I think the July race in Pomona is the beginning of the end for those classes. Time will tell...

Mark Breznay
Miami, Florida

QUESTION FOR THE MEDIA
Why hasn't the Media had anything to say about what's going on at the B&M Racer Appreciation Series? For all intense (sic) & purposes the Footbrake racers just had themselves reduced to the bottom of the food chain. Others & myself have spent a significant amount of money gearing up to run our respective divisions in Footbrake, only to have the purse cut to a mere fraction of its advertising.

Let's hear from the writers, give us some stories. (please)

Thanks,
Jim Griffiths

BURK REPLIES
OK, Jim, we’ll turn this over to Jok Nicholson, our bracket editor or as he will henceforward be known, Mr. Media.

KA-CHING!
When you are filling up your gas tank, paying some absurd pump price, consider this:  Exxon/Mobil has reported first quarter profits for 2001 – that’s First Quarter Profits – of $5 Billion.

Shell reported $3.855 Billion in First Quarter Profits.

Chevron $1.6 Billion.

How much are YOU paying for gas???

Joel Gelfand