You know, I thought about a shift light back with the guy from Iowa, with the '6? GTO had one and beat me way back when, and I didn't do it, the old Sun Tach, wire tied to the column does just fine, and in most cases anymore I don't even have to look at but hear the rpms and shift, the Old Guy gave me grief years ago for waiting so long to shift based on the tach, I just beat on it and go, but of course I through everyone off with the GSX#14 auto car, which was fun, and maybe there in new glory, full restoration if all works out! Picture hint here!
After years of trying to compete with a legitimate "pure stock" car and running stock flat top pistons which comply to PSMCDR's rule "pistons must be of the original design", now with the proposed rule change, I can run a domed racing piston to boost my "stock blueprinted" 11.2 to 1 compression ratio a full point of compression to 12.2! That's absurd. How can PSMCDR continue to call it a "pure stock" race when they allow extensive engine modifications that can raise compression ratios 1 1/2 points over the factory advertised ratio? A 1/2 point increase would have been a reasonable limit, more in-line with what one might achieve with a "blueprinted" to factory specs "pure stock" car. Who does this proposed compression ratio rule accomodate? Certainly not the average "grass roots" racer with a pure stock musclecar because it just opens the door to more non-stock modifications. The PSMCDR rules committee should submit to a vote on this one---just my opinion.
To the P/S Committee: This is the opportunity everyone has been pining for: a chance to re-set the clock on Pure Stock. If the "Committee" has been relying only on the few voices of those complaining that they will withdraw if the Rules are too restrictive, then let me suggest that the grass-roots voice has gone utterly ignored! Jim is absolutely right: put this to a vote. The event will be better for it. The grass-roots people (those who follow the advertised specifications) represent the majority of participants. Even if the event loses 1/3 [I doubt it's that many] of participants in 2011 due to stricter rules, it will survive, thrive and flourish long term! The very integrity of this event turns on what is done now. There will not be a third chance to restore credibility to Pure Stock. Conduct a formal ballot vote of all registered participants at the 2010 event. That's the real answer!
OK - just because I'm in a pissy mood today in general, I'll spout off ......There is not a DAMN thing that Bob and Dan can do to please everyone. It is THEIR sandbox, and their rules. They are working on changing things so that it "moves" back to grassroots racing, whilst still understanding that people have put love, sweat, tears, and $$$$$ over the years to be where we are. They have to start SOMEWHERE !!! I can't wait for my 15 second Charger to come out of retirement and kick some.......
Ah, but Casey that's the point: stop trying to please anyone. The specifications were set by the engineers 40+ years ago. If those specifications now mean someone can't play for a season or two while they save money to comply... understandably, that may be the price of pushing the envelope in the first place. Let's vote shall we?
It is their race that we are enjoying.When you go to someone elses event you play by their rules or you don't play .Its that simple .I have known Dan since 1988 and he very fair and honest .You can't please everyone and it shouldn't be up to them to change everytime someone is not totaly happy with something .Make your cars fit within the rules not complain to get a rule changed.I know I will never be the fastest car there but I will be the fastest I can get my car to run and try to make the Ford guys happy to be represented well.I have had a greatest time last year .If everyone keeps complaining and causing pissing matches there may not be a race to enjoy.Bob and Dan have my complete respect ,support and trust to do the right things to maintain this fun event.I look foward to many more of these events.:3gears: :TU:
If we held compression ratios to the way that particular car was built, the 1970 and earlier cars would kick butt and the 71's and 72's (GM is all I know) wouldn't be anywhere near as fast. Maybe the 1.5 bump in compression was to level the playing field for that? BTW, you know the real reason that they lowered the C.R. and got rid of leaded fuel? It wasn't the emissions, the lead plugged up the soon to be released catalytic convertors......and GM held all the patents on them...Lobbyists were around back then, too.
Vote?!?! WTF? I can't believe what I'm seeing here. We lose the event. They give it back to us and all this BS erupts? o No:
I don't know what the answer is regarding figuring out which rules to go by, but I believe that if Dan & Bob feel that this is again going to be a major headache, they might re-think their decision to keep the race going.
Also, Dave Hakim has commented on the PSMCDR in his column in the last two issues of Mopar Enthusiast.
I'm having a hard time believing what I'm reading here. Don't you people realize we almost just lost the best Pure Stock racing on the planet! I'm sure Bob and Dan probably spent a lot of hours trying to come up with what they have. Have some forgotten that you get to race all makes and models of cars these two days and in the end you get to race someone close to your et? I don't care if I get paired with a hot Corvette, Hemi, or a Model A if they were allowed to run, and have the same et as mine. We get to race and that's what I thought we are there for. I may wish some rules were different such as we all should be able to run the same tires, but we have to run 70 series so that's what we run and make the best of it. Thanks to Casey for starting this part of the thread and to those of you adding your support.
Vote? I don't remember this race being any sort of a democracy. Just 2 guys and a drag race. They make the rules so live with them. I have been coming to this race since 1998 and can't remember anyone saying they did not have a good time. Be glad the event is still here.
As Far as I am concerned what Dan and Bob says goes. I just want to race the guy or gal closest to my time and enjoy myself and my car . We are in no postion to question there decision. If you disagree as much as I hate to say it stay home . If you can deal with there fresh rules come out and have fun . I really think enough has been said about all of this if you like it or not this is the way it is so show and race or stay home . But close the debate cause there is none this is the way it is. Paul
Ditto what Mr. Vitale said! I have my Hurst back - needs tuning - but I am greatful to be racing again! The engine has not been opened (other than a timing chain and 2 valve springs) since before I first got the car in 1993. The goal is to get it to run as best as possible WITHOUT going inside! Standard bore, original rings, valves, etc. The point and goal is to get the thing to run as best as possible without all of this engine work so many have done. I don't blame anyone from doing such work, but I'm trying to run without throwing more dollars into the car and to show what a stock car could have done. If some of you wish to build an engine with a domed piston that is your choice - I like to leave some chance of running a mix of 93 octane and either Lead Supeme 130, 110 Leaded race fuel or AvGas. If someone now wants to build with a domed piston to get that extra compression - fine. I say why bother if the car can already turn a good number? If my Hurst EVER MPHers at around 103 and above I'll be tickled pink, or silver and black! My GP's engine is done and was built as close as possible to the rules, but with a .040" overbore. I could actually have more compression with the new rules! Am I going to complain? Hell no! I just want to race and have a good time. I want the challenge of a 4spd, no line-lock, no ignition box set up. Driving such a car is a risk I choose to take. (I didn't experience the 60s and 70s like many of you have.) Even with an out-of-tune 68 H/O running 15s (at Martin) I had a good time. Follow the new rules, shut up and race or stay home! Dag Nabbitt!:af:
As my parents used to say: "Some people will B*tch even if they're hung with a gold rope!" I thought the only reason to race at Pure Stock was the Christmas Party?! :beers2: My only wish is that it was Sat/Sun instead of Fri/Sat and that it wouldn't conflict with other all-Buick events (even though I always get paired with another Buick even if they aren't the closest ET to me??). That, and can't find a hotel room this year (not Pure Stock's fault) - so maybe I'll just drive the car to the track from home both days. So, like it or lump it. Don't like the new rules? Start your own race! Good luck with that.
I will compare this to an "addiction".... You don't go COLD TURKEY. You have a problem, and you deal with it. It starts with baby steps and makes its' way to the desired goal. And all of this "voting" stuff is for the birds.....The vote is Dan and Bob's ... period.
Really? You don't think the new rules are about appeasing a special interest group? A vocal minority? You really buy this "just two guys and a race" theme? I will accept whatever the decision is from the mount, but I refuse to believe Dan & Bob object to the grass roots folks offering their genuine thoughts in support of the event. Like all of you I'm just happy to attend, race and have fun (11 years for me now), but I'm not going to be naive about what's really going on here. If this makes me a lightning rod for e-criticism, so be it. I don't think I stand alone.
NO. I don't disagree. Bob and Dan aren't against getting input from racers to make an informed decision....However, in the end, there is no voting or anything of that nature that needs to happen or should happen. They have decided to progressively move the race back to a "grass roots" theme, and we, as racers need to embrace what we have, enjoy it.....and stop trying to come up with committees. There are two committees. One lives in Portland Michigan, and the other one lives in Tecumseh Michigan. With our input, WE ALL will continue to have the best race on the planet. And just exactly how can a "special interest group" be behind make a Pure Stock race "purer" ..... Sounds to me like that "special interest group" that you speak of is looking after the integrity of the name and event.
