According to the Division 6 2013 E.T. rules posted here, automated shifters are now allowed in Pro Bracket. Why?
1) To allow more dragsters in Pro Bracket? As if their dominance in Super Pro wasn’t enough?
2) To make it even more difficult for stick-shift cars to compete? As if automatics didn’t already have an advantage?
MAKES NO DAMN SENSE TO ME!
Apparently this rule change was voted on by the tracks within Division 6 to fall in line with Division 7 rules. Yes, let’s genuflect to California and Glendora just one more time for the sake of going along to get along!
Won’t be long before the young drag racers are sitting in the stands with a RC contoller going down the track. What a load… like there aren’t enough super categories to run all the electronic gadgets you want?
In my opinion, NHRA destroyed Modified Eliminator and Pro Stock Truck, now our local tracks seemingly want to eliminator stick-shift cars all together or make it nearly impossible to compete on a level playing field.
I will shortly offer a proposal to Pacific Raceways suggesting a bracket for stick-shift cars on a limited schedule. A class that would fit in nicely with their upcoming nostalgia race in July. We’ll see where this goes. – Roger Young
I guess shifting a automatic transmission manually is just too much of a challenge for this younger generation?
First NHRA destroyed Modified Eliminator, then Pro Stock Truck, and now are targeting the E.T. ranks for eliminating all stick-shift cars from level competition.
And what really hacks me off is the tracks apparently had a vote on this issue, but as members of NHRA paying $119 per year for a “membership” and competition number, we have NO say in what happens that directly impacts us!!
E-mail to John Ramsey at Pacific Raceways, March 3, 2013:
John,
Today I spoke with the highest level of authority in Division 6, and was told the tracks voted to allow automated shifters in Pro Bracket.
I personally feel this is a big mistake and hope over the winter of 2013-2014 the tracks will reconsider making Pro Bracket a non-electronics category once more.
There are still some of us old geezers that believe the driver should remain a key element in drag racing and not allow electronic everything to dominate all categories in the sport!
Respectfully,
Roger Young
6035
Edwards & Young Racing