Just see mopar might be pulling out of pro stock can't blame them 1 bit 14 Chevy 2 mopar why keep throwing money down the drain best of luck to AJ and his dad

Where you see this?

Unfortunately this is true. I have a friend that works for one of the Mopar Pro Stock teams and he confirmed this yesterday.

Will they finish out the year

NHRA is dying, I used to live and breath this stuff but could care less anymore. Bet Im not alone.

A class full of Camaro's will be Pro Stupid.

They are just p.o.ed that they will have to back into their pit spaces.... among other stupid NHRA upcoming new rules.

You loose Jeggy and Vincent 2 of the best drivers in the class both leave for the GM camp so now your down to Allen and V Gains that's like bringing a butter knife to a gun fight it's not going to happen just like quick runner said pro stock has killed itself . Would much rather watch the new drag pack cars then pro stock

Mopar will get more bang for the buck advertising in something like women's volleyball than sponsoring a NHRA car !

I would guess that AJ would retire... but him and
his dad might keep the engine business running...
just a guess... best of luck to both of them for
what ever they end up doing

Didn't AJ already hint at retiring a little while back? Could have added to the decision.

Or little league baseball.


I never expected Jeggie to stay with Mopar, when he switched they were the fastest horse in the game. When he saw that changing he left, nothing new for him. He has no brand loyalty and the money he brings to the table is leverage to get him in a fast ride.

Wonder if Mopar would've stuck around if they would've gone to the past rumored format of factory supercharged engines?

Pro stock need to die off and be reborn. No stock car comes with a 500ci big block.

Why would the factory sponsor this crap.

You're not. I don't even bother watching anymore.

Who's saying there won't be any Mopars in Pro Stock next year?

Cars dictate the sport, as in the past, not top management. Look at Nascar, what a mess.

I've always liked Pro Stock. I disliked the politics of the different engine sizes back in the 70's. I thought when they went to 500 inches and 2350 lbs, all would be good. I hated it when they began to modify the bodies and eventually let them use carbon fiber to make everything look the same. I don't like that they all have those dumb looking noses with a spec overhang or that they're able to trip the finish line beams with them. I think everything should take the stripe with whatever they staged with, but that's a different subject. I hate to see them go, but maybe it's time.

NHRA needs to kill it and either fill the slot with Pro Mod or come up with a small tire class because those cars can fill the stands.

It's pretty hard to be brand loyal when they all look pretty much the same (that's why the mandated windshield band) and the drivetrain doesn't even resemble any factory offering.

Exactly! Just what is the "Stock" in Pro Stock now? It sure isn't the cars appearance, they all look like half of a jelly bean.

You already got them retiring and next week in the grave. I would think they have other things they can do besides that car. LOL

Same thing could also be said for NASCAR as well.
Matt

AJ talked of retirement in the past... no one is
putting anyone in the grave... but I DOUBT he will
go back into pro stock..... JMO

Let's face it, the era of what we older guys knew is over. Nothing lasts. The cars we idolized ran from mid 50s to mid 70s. Roughly 50 years ago, think of it this way, setting in the stands in 1965 watching cars that where made in 1905-1925, don't think we would have done that. The Hupmobile just beat the Stanly Steamer 29.4 to a respectable 31.6. Brand affiliation is a non factor, it's just to far apart nowadays, cars in the heyday had V8s-4-speeds or 3 speed autos with rear wheel drive and close in cubic inches, simple cars. Now just turn the screw up to make whatever power you want. Really how long will that last with the Gov tighting up the regulations. We have to relate to something, not two carbon fiber whatever's going down the track, gets old fast. Other than the guys racing, who really cares which top fuel- funny car- pro stock wins unless it's a MOPAR. Over, done, put a fork in it. I'm in mourning, grieve with me.

I should not have posted and just waited for a formal announcement. All I can say is that the most prominent names in Mopar Pro Stock will not be with Mopar next season. Let the speculation begin.

NHRA...

NASCAR...


Followed 'em both(and ALL the Pentastar accomplishments)for many years...

Not anymore...


If a Mopar(RIP)ain't in it, forget it...

I still watch the funny's and top fuel due to mopars
so if they still carry the banner I will still watch
If they drop those classes also I'll quit watching
any NHRA stuff

That's why I asked.

Mopar is not pulling out of Pro Stock from what I'm hearing..

Some of you guys have way to much time on your hands and should take up racing again, or maybe Yoga.

Silly Season has begun!

Danny

More people watch no prep,10.5 and Radial racing than NHRA events already. Most of the people that watch NHRA are people checking it off the bucket list.

I'd rather see the Challengers, Cameros and Musyangs duke it out than Pro-stock. The only reason to watch was AJ. Him and his Dad are true Gentlemen. I wont watch Cameros racing.

I would rather watch the old pro stock truck reruns than most of what is out there today.

Any no prep, outlaw 10.5, radial race draws big, big crowds.
even the live streaming draws crowds.
what it doesn't draw is.... sponsors.

NHRA is a money machine.Without sponsors to pad their pockets...they aren't interested.

Well on that line of thinking,how long will it be before the Drag Pack Challengers are a non fator in stock/super stock. NHRA is famous for propping up the chevrlets. Once prostock is dead watch out for all of GM money to go into stock classes and they will cry enough to get rules in their favor just like the last 48 years.
Rant over

LMAO...

Well, how about that???

Somebody else knows who 'WJ' is(was)...

Or they could just go back to using nitrous....

The only reason I watch any Pro Stock was because of AJ and V Gaines. But honestly I have lost all interest in all three of the Pro classes. Everything I loved about them is long gone. In fact the only racing I really like any more is Nostalgia Superstock and I guess because thats what I grew up with and still love. I like cars that I can actually tell what they are and thats pretty much the NSS cars in todays world and some bracket race cars. Ron

Nowadays I call it decal racing.....nothing out there in the Pro Categories' is Brand Anything...LOL

its all nothing more than the bowtie playground anymore.the mopars and ferds will be obsolete and in the smithsonian.the fun police {nhra} is probably contemplating doing what they do best,killing a class with zero regard for anybody thats been involved in it physically,emotionally and most of all financially.its their game and their going to take their wagon and go home.until racers run that so called organization, or in real life disorganization, once again nothing good will ever happen to the racers who play in their back yards.....

It's more cost effective to develop parts for 14 (or more) cars than 2. They all play by the same rules.

I honestly can't believe Mopar stayed in this long.

Some interesting Rumors floating around over at the Bullet..like maybe the sponsorship is going somewhere else to a two car team...

dont know...lol

The only class/s I love watching and following that have no TV coverage are the F.A.S.T and Pure Stock guys. At least there is brand loyalty and brand engines and brand chassis/bodies dueling it out to the finish heads up.
Chevrolet bean counters can have their carbon fiber bean mobiles and see how fast and old they get with each other.

Add me to this list also..

Some homeys play in that playground...

And like beating-up on the general...

The only thing I have read is Mopar won't be AJ's Major sponsor next year. I have not read where Mopar is pulling out. As the world turns..lol

Since I set the DVR to record the NHRA show and usually end up with 50% of the recording being anything BUT drag racing.... I've all but given up watching entirely.

Seeing some rumblings about them going to Elite Motorsports.

Wouldn't that be something, EE in a Mopar. That would really pi$$ Anderson off, getting beat by a girl in a Mopar.

I forgot that other then the NSS cars I also like the FAST and Pure Stock cars alot. Ron

I'am with you Ron! I like my bracket car but I love NSS and Hemi Cars.In NSS you get all makes!

Rumor mill has mopar sponsoring EE and Vince with Elite power..

with Jeg and Skillman running GM power from Elite...ought to be an interesting off season...

I think it would be sad if mopar dumps AJ ...they have been devoted mopar racers for ever....

When your a frist round runner up race after race your sponsor are going to look else where it's business plain and simple

What's funny is that AJ is number three in points right now and will finish in the top five yet mopar is willing to drop there best guy if these rumors are true.

Elite starting a mopar engine program from scratch is risky for mopar because it's simply not that easy(remember Jeg) but who knows, these are just rumors.

Yep, me too.

It seems FIAT wants little to do with "traditional" hot rods and I'm sure in their eyes there is little if any, ROI with NHRA. Will they cease sponsoring the Denver race if this is true?

Lets face it Pro-Stock racing is not relevant to selling cars! NHRA started to see the light with next years changes but as usual too late! I think if they had production based engines in a stock looking full chassis car there would be interest from more manufactures. Current production engines for many manufactures are eclipsing 700+ HP - Make that the basis for very loose new rule platform and you might have a factory war back in pro-stock. Quite frankly pro-stock is boring and not relevant to the fan - they cant go buy a car with a 500 CI specialty built engine stuffed into a plastic chassis car. Put a heavily massaged hellcat engine into a light weight chassis car that still resembles a Challenger and you have something a fan and manufacture can support. The rules can come as it evolves - like it used to be - makes it more interesting!

If I'm not mistaken Elite's engine builder was Jegs guy when he went on his own with the hemi stuff.

They could do away with Pro Stock in it's present form and go back to the old days. Current production "door slammer" foot brake with only factory type electronics. Bring back the race on Sunday sell on Monday attitude.

IT WOULD BE FUN AND ENTERTAINING!!!! NOT BORING AND HO HUM!!! WHO CARES???

I cant say what but you guys are wrong. There will be a mopar team text year just cant say who yet but you will find out soon enough. AJ may not get it but someone else is for sure.

So you have the number 3 guy in points in P/S which is NO small feet in itself and you're going to go after an unknown new team that hasn't proven to make power with the Mopar. Brilliant idea, I know because it's worked so well for Mopar in the past. Dale Eicke? David Nickens anyone?

Thought I was the only one. I'd much rather watch Lights out/No Mercy type stuff.

While there certainly were rumors floating around in St. Louis regarding the future of Mopar's flagship Pro Stocker driven by Allen Johnson, a source close to the situation tells us the Greeneville, Tenn.-based driver, is ready to call it a career, thus leaving the Mopar sponsorship open for another team. Johnson isn't talking but others are, and signalling there could be a two-car Mopar Pro Stock effort next season. Now if what we hear pans out, there could be two manufacturers in one camp and this will be an interesting scenario to watch play out. Additionally, we can tell you there will possibly be more announcements similar to this coming out as a thinning of the herd is forthcoming in Pro Stock.

http://competitionplus.com/drag-racing/rumor-mill/rumor-mill-pro-stock-aj-hanging-it-up

I lost interest too.

Wasn't V a part of MadCap Racing a few years back? I thought they ran a GM and a Mopar for a season...

Seems like the question now should be...
How long before Pro Stock is officially dead?

V Gaines owns Madcap Racing Engines as well as Lazurus Race Cars. They build a lot of engines and chassis for people. A friend of mine in Denver just took delivery of a brand new 2015 Camaro Pro Stocker from Lazurus with a flat hood

It's NEVER going to be like it was in the "good old days" as many often lament. So if you are looking for a rebirth of the 60s factory wars......NOT going to happen.

Racing is about ONE thing these days..........and that's MONEY and corporate exposure. Has nothing to do with selling that car on Monday. Has to do with brand exposure

V Gains owns Mad Cap Racing Engines, and they build his pro stock Dodge engines.

But Monte, isn't "selling that car" and "brand exposure" the same thing?

Not really, because there is NOTHING about a pro-stocker that remotely relates to new car MODEL sales. Toyota sponsors top-fuel cars......why? It's sure not because people relate a fuel car to what they drive.

In the 60s, the "factory wars" were stockers and super stockers. Joe Blow, could go buy what he saw at the track duking it out. Same car, same motor. Pro-Stock morphed from that, but has been NOTHING related to factory cars in eons.....pretty much since they went to the 500" format.

Guys longing to see factory cars like Mustangs, Camaros and Challengers vying for supremacy in Pro-Stock, can just hang that up. Not going to happen and hasn't happened in 30 years in that class. By the time Pro-Stock adopted the 500" rule, HEMIs were long gone, muscle cars were gone, and big blocks came in tow trucks for the other brands. So it was nothing then but BRAND, had nothing to do with the actual cars. Think guys went out and bought a new 4 banger Ford EXP, because Glidden just won Pro-Stock in one with a shotgun HEMI in it

And this is exactly why, IMO they SHOULD use factory blocks and cars.
Maybe if people raced cars that other could actually purchase it would be more interesting creating more of a following.
Matt

IMO the PS cars should be based off current model cars and production engines. I guarantee more people would watch the class.

Stop with the see car buy car. Not going to happen. In the old days cars where everything to 80% of the young people. Today maybe 5% of the younger generation even know what an engine is and how a car works. They either have a rice burner or want "something" to take them to the mall or where ever. My wife's drivers-ed class last year with 200 kids and one boy new something about cars. None of these younger kids would think of attending a race. It's not the "cool" thing now, and really, how many kids can afford any hot car now. Heck I wanted a Hellcat and couldn't afford one. I still will watch and participate at the small tracks, divisional races, but the big events, not for me.

the difference is the younger kids are into 4 cylinder turbo front wheel drive I have a few at my house a few times a month working on some thing

Too many of you are thinking like car guys.
Joe average NHRA viewer, who NHRA caters to, doesn't care about brand loyalty.
He/she has a favorite DRIVER. doesn't matter what car they are in.
You think John Force lost his fan base because ford pulled out of racing?

If MOPAR next year was to sponsor, say, Warren Johnson, you'd all be behind him because he was in a Dodge, right?

You can see the factory block and bodies now. It's called Super Stock and the stands are usually empty.

Exactly...........and they already have something they call the top stock shootout or something similar. So why in the world are they going to morph what is considered a PRO class into something with factory bodies and motors. Some HERE might care and watch it........but nobody else will.

Since Pro Stock is going to EFI and flat hoods maybe AJ or his dad didn't want to go that way? Sure would be nice to see factory cars back in Pro Stock since they already run EFI and factory hoods...

Amen, you are preaching to the choir!!

Perhaps the answer is to try and combine both. Somebody said they are drawing people with the drivers. Pro stock, in theory, has the best drivers not in a fuel car.

Make it compelling on two fronts by using something more like the SS cars and maybe, just maybe, they wont have one dying class and one with no crowd. Or just slap stickers on the windshield and back them into the pits. im sure that will have the desired result and we wont have this same exact discussion in another couple years.

Jeg an Vincent Nobile will drive Mopars for Elite next year with Enders and Skillman in the Chevies. But what do I know

Absolutely.You really have to wonder sometimes don't ya.The stories I've heard from the horses mouth make you wonder sometimes.Well for starters back when they were getting into the current stuff the first blocks were cast iron and fully skirted.you ain't getting g nothing done with crap like that..So im not surprised.

Then just have GM build the Pro Stock cars and have your Fancy drivers drive then!
I guess it's the age group in general. They are always re inventing the TV shows and to add more flare to keep the ratings going.
Soon Pro Stock = IROC

Matt

And the empty stands reflect that.

I think the program should be changed to hot nekkid women on turbocharged tricycles, and the organization could be renamed the National Hooters Racing Association. It would bring a whole new meaning at the racetrack for the term "floppers".

But that's just MY opinion, cuz I got NO interest in the NHRA Pro classes at all anymore.

Well at least you folks will have more time to watch us T/S guys since you're bailing on P/S....

You got that right Eric. I doesn't surprise me one bit that some of these guys gave up watching racing as MOST of them gave up participating in racing too. Oh some may hit a race or two but for the most part they are retired. Just in case here's this week TV schedule. My local tracks are closed as the Bracket Finals were cancelled due to weather. And for the guys with DVR's there is an option to extend taping PAST the expected end time so if it starts late you don't miss anything. I think I have an hour or hour and a half on ALL racing events so nothing is missed. Enjoy watching your survivor shows, moonshine, or any other favourites this weekend. I will be in the shop WORKING on race cars and watching racing if and when I get a chance.

NHRA Keystone Nationals
October 1-4
Reading, Pa.
10/04/2015 Qualifying 6:00 AM - 7:30 AM ET/3:00 AM - 4:30 AM PT (ESPN2)
10/04/2015 Qualifying 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM ET/12:00 PM - 1:30 PM PT (ESPN2)
10/04/2015 Eliminations 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM ET/5:00 PM - 8:00 PM PT (ESPN2)

You had me at hot nekkid women...

You had me at hot nekkid women... [/quote]

I think the drifter guys have the right idea... they
get big crowds and hot babes

I remember that...

Before 'gravity&grey'...

Yeah... but we can still look and watch the cars...LOL
I'm not dead YET.. LOL

I would pay to see that action!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My brother-in-law is just like someone said earlier and thats because he loves to watch Nascar and its because he has a favorite "Driver" not a favorite car or type of car. When I first got into muscle cars I was about 12 years old and I liked certain cars which of course was I liked Mopar best even though I do like all brands. I started following drag racing around 1968 and I only wanted Ronnie Sox to win because he drove a cool Mopar ......a 68 Hemi Cuda. The same went for Arlene Vanke and Herb McCandless and so on. I wanted the Car to win as I did not care less who was driving. I am just so glad Ronnie drove Mopars since I found out he was about the best 4-speed driver of all time. But I always wanted the car to win and thats what I followed as I love them all but am brand loyal to Mopar. I guess its one reason I was never a big fan of Top Fuel or Motorcycles and thats because they all look the same which is kinda boring to me. I need to know what kind of car it is since I want certain cars to win. Its just the way I have always been. I loved muscle cars so I took auto shop in highschool because I wanted to learn everything about cars so I could build my own and I really loved the factory wars of the 60's and early 70's because I like to follow certain cars no matter who drives it. Bottom line is thats one big reason I lost interest in alot of drag racing classes today. I always liked to follow AJ in Pro Stock even though I cant tell a Chevy from a Mopar in Pro Stock today. And thats one reason I love the NSS and the FAST and Pure Stock cars today because they are the cool cars I grew up with and I can tell a Chevy from a Mopar or Ford. Dont know how many other are like me but I have and always will follow the cars I want to win and not so much the driver unless I have a friend in a certain class that I would follow.
I really hate to say it but I think Pro Stock is dying and dont think they can bring it back to a level dedicated car nuts like us will follow. Ron

I use to race motor cycles and snow mobiles.. I still
like the PS bikes (harley)since thats what I own.. I
watch both top fuel and the funnies.. I follow the Army
team being I was in the Army.. dragster have always been
the same (per say).. either front engine or rear and in
short order they all matched up(as in they went rear engine
about the same time)... in the funnies I just follow the mopar
group... I watch Nascar also.. I follow Keselowski... being
he was mopar to the end AND he is a local boy to me.. about
10 miles away(when he grew up and his parents still live there)
but I love any kind of racing... I'm very competitive and like
watching any racing thats competitive... cant always say that
about NHRA racing when they have only 1 lane that works.. I
hate those races... and I followed AJ for a long time... I was
tuning for the wifes cousin when he was drifting.. he is still
doing it

I'll root fer Brad...

1 Erica Enders 2331 0 -
2 Greg Anderson 2218 -113 -
3 Allen Johnson 2195 -136 -
4 Drew Skillman
3rd in points going into Reading.
Pretty good for someone thats only a 1st round runner upper

Vinyl wrap being put on AJ dart this afternoon...

Dayum. I knew it was coming. Still sux. I remember when you could go to a national event and NOT be able to buy a Johnson & Johnson Racing tshirt. I had to get mine "black Market". Still have one that I never wore.

Sorry to see this happen, but we all knew it was coming unless the factory started throwing money at new teams to wear the Mopar banner. And Jeggy got on the Elite band wagon, Larry Morgan abandoned Ford, Vincent Nobile bailed, Richie Stevens never showed up after all the early season hooplah.

They might as well call it Generally Mundane Pro Stock cause the only cars there will be V Gaines and the Camaros and I don't know how long V Gaines can keep this up after all he is not "The Golden Greek" Chris K.

I thought Elite got the Mopar sponsorship, or was that a joke?

That had to be a joke...Why would Elite get involved in a Mopar engine program for one car when all the other cars in the fleet run the the GM Drag Race Engine???

The rumor is Elite will have a couple of Mopars next year to go along with the Chevys. I've read (I read so much crap I can't remember where) that the problem with Mopar ProStocks is a lack of engine blocks (sounds familiar). They're not making more and the people who have them are not willing to let them go.

Elite also has Mark Ingersoll........

Pretty sure Roy Johnson is ready to retire, don't know if AJ would still want to run if his Dad wasn't part of the team.

They ran without help from Mopar for years and I'm sure they could run without them if AJ wants to continue.

The fact AJ has not addressed the rumors tells a lot.

Danny

new wrap

Well that does not mean they are getting out but could be just a thanks for the 20th year anniversary ---


I would hope AJ sticks to is or at least is still involved in it somehow.

This was on The Bullet..

Three Weeks Ago Already


First, it has become more clear that Allen Johnson, and his family team, will not be back for the 2016 season. Allen is set to retire at the end of the season. The Johnson racing team, has lost it's MOPAR Sponsorship, it will be moving to...

Elite Motorsports, and Erica Enders-Stevens will be the MOPAR team's driver (according to reliable sources). This fixes the biggest problem EES and Elite, have had over the last couple of seasons. What was that? LACK OF SPONSORSHIP! If you thought this team was dangerous, up until now, all I can say is...

KATIE BAR THE DOOR!!!!

The Elite Mts team will field 4 full-time cars in 2016. Erica and Jeg Coughlin (Jegs Racing Parts as Sponsor), will pilot the teams Dodge Darts, (which are being purchased from the Allen Johnson Team). They will also campaign, 2 Chevy Camaro's for, Drew Skillman (sponsored by his Grandpa's car dealership), and Vincent Nobile (with his families company Mountainview on the car).

Elite will continue, to build engines for numerous racers in several classes of the NHRA.

Wow, the rumor mills are going full bore!!!

What could be next??

Oh Right....John Force to drive a Pro Stock Camaro in 2016 as he gets out of Funny Car racing..."I am tired of being beaten by my daughter, Courtney and need to slow down a bit"

Why purchase the Dodges unless there is some ulterior motive? Two totally different combinations make 10 times as much R&D, unless they have factory support or enough engine customers to make it profitable. If the rumor about engine blocks is true, that makes even less sense.

I also have wonder how much Jegs will be involved, financially and time wise.

Danny

While it has been rumored that the Johnsons will retire after this season, A.J. said that’s not the case.

“I don’t want to retire, but we need funding to keep going,” said Johnson. “Hopefully, we can put something together. We’ve already started working on our engines for next year and playing around with the fuel injection, so we’re not giving up on anything. I really hope we’ll be out here next year.

Next season the Elite team is expected to field four Pro Stock cars, two Dodges and two Chevrolets. Nobile is slated to join current Elite driver Drew Skillman in the two Camaro entries.

So EE and jeggy will be in the dodges?

Is it OK if I wait 'til the Winternationals to believe what's actually gonna happen?

Not if a boat load of blocks is included in the deal.

Jeggie doesn't have to worry about losing his sponsor, unlike most everyone else.

Jeggie may retire from pro stock by next season. Never know with him the last few years

I don't get the thanks for the 20 years unless its to NHRA. I don't think they had MOPAR sponsorship until sometime after 2000 because when sponsorship left Wayne County in about 95 it went to Eicke then Nickens or vice versa.