The 8.75 is a starter. I would say it is based primarily off half of the Indy field for the AH Shootout being able to run 8.75 or better, which would have put 13 cars under the index in Comp at Indy.

The key to getting the index raised in Comp is for a few guys to show up and NOT run at least .4 under. At the end of the year, they can request a review, and NHRA will raise the index so the fastest guy is .4 under. So If the fastest guy goes 8.65 in Comp, and the review goes through, they will change the index for next year to 9.15...so the "fast" car is at least .4 under. At this point though, two different cars running quicker than 8.39 the following year (2020) would cause the index to get lowered depending on how fast the slowest pass under 8.39 was. IE: An 8.38 pass would change the index to 9.08.

I really don't see it as a bad thing. The CIC will definitely help the slower cars gain a little advantage in the long run if the index goes up.