The class definitely needs some changes to make it more affordable.



http://www.dragracingonline.com/agent1320/2015/1320-xvii_7-19.html

Sounds like the change they need

That will be great if they make them run the heads in the factory configuration.

I like the new body rule idea... To have basically stock factory bodies bolted to a pro chassis...
Pro Stock was always the coolest class as it was so close to what your average racer could accomplish...Im talking back in the late 60s...

Its about time they did something....look at that Camaro in the picture and then look at one on the street..... I know well & good that aerodynamics are required for speeds in excess of 210 mph but the engines aren't even recognizable to ANYONE other than the builders and users.....

I think if they run the factory body the chevys will
be out front.. they spend a ton on airo.. so I HOPE
the mopar boys can find a few more ponies

The problem with the factory bodies, is that the class will be full of whichever body is the most aero. That is what got the class to the point it is now, trying to equal the aero packages out. And if the plans call for current chassis use, that means wheelbase and likely width changes from factory. Tall order.

More affordable???.........hardly. Because you are essentially junking an engine program with millions of development into it. And how will they handle the different cubic inch sizes of motors? Will it be a "spec" blower. Good idea, I like it, but more affordable?.........doubtful. And while we all recall the "factory wars" fondly, I doubt it will be like that again. They WILL try and do something to keep aero and power on the same levels, just as they do now. If not, the factory willing to spend the most wins and all the cars will be that brand

I don't think NHRA is a s worried about racer cost as much as they are about dollars in their own pocket. My bet is that "stock" looking body's and "recognizable" engines will equal more fan appeal, more sponsor appeal. Pro-Stock and Funny cars body's have ZERO appeal to me. I'd much rather watch 10.5 or 275 cars.
Doug

It's about time they're getting rid of carburetor'd engines, and going with current "OEM type" engines! It will put the STOCK back into Pro Stock, just like how it was when the class started.

It's about BIG time.

Sounds like Pro-Mod-Lite.

If this does eventuate I will be curious to see what happens in regards to aftermarket parts for the three engine platforms.
I do agree with Monte, it doesn't matter what kind of racing it is, if people want to spend big money to race, they will. Guys like Ken Black are why we've seen spec weights etc on current parts in Pro Stock. He just was willing to spend the $$$ on the testing etc to win.

We'll see. You are talking about obsoleting literally millions of dollars worth of r&d, plus engines & pieces. Not to mention the cars themselves.

LOL, about time.... Leave the obsolete crap to the bracket racers and street outlaw turbo and nitrous doofasses.... affordable Pro classes ? . LMAO ! !

How much complaining about that do you remember hearing when the Pro Stock teams went from smallblocks to 500" big blocks?

That guy has reported more lies. That you can remember. I believe little to none of that.. fuel injector been coming for a while.

They can't get a full turnout w/ the current approach and participation appears to be at an all-time low. The class is dying, whether people want to admit it or not.

When that's the trend, it doesn't matter what your current R&D cost has been, etc., because you have to be willing to sh!t-can the old program and start from scratch.

For the die-hards, it sucks because that's what they've been eating, sleeping & breathing for years. But as those teams keep folding, the only hope is to change the program to encourage new participation & sponsors.

Or, you punt the whole deal as the participation dwindles to a measly 8-car program run by a total of 3 or 4 teams. Nobody will pay to watch it, nor sponsor it, when it's that small of a "show" anyway.

Just my opinion, but I've been following Pro Stock for decades (since the mid-'70s) and used to work for a former class champion years ago in their non-racing business.

Doesnt Toyota make a V8 ? be careful what you wish for

All that stuff is obsolete year to year anyways.

I like the idea, for sure, but you are talking about rendering millions of dollars of pieces totally worthless. I mean worthless.....this is all one off stuff and won't even be able to be sold. The big money boys will scream and holler and stop this cold. Remember the lawsuits when NHRA pulled the rug out from under Pro Stock truck because of the complete obsolescence of the Mopar and Chev small block stuff? Does Todd Patterson ring a bell? Lawsuit city. I don't know the results, but they can make it a PITA for NHRA.

I remember well when they went to 500 inches, I was involved then. There was not near the controversy because everything was much closer to production engines....the Chev small block stuff was readily adaptable to Modified and Comp Eliminator. The big block stuff of the time was based on out of the box stuff, and not near as exotic or expensive.

It is a step in the right direction....and the funny cars, as well. But, this isn't going to be as easy as it sounds, and just changing the text of the rules isn't going to cut it. Be ready for a lot of fighting and controversy if it happens.