{"id":698,"date":"2010-08-20T14:10:11","date_gmt":"2010-08-20T21:10:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/northwestvets.com\/blog2\/?p=698"},"modified":"2018-12-29T16:57:25","modified_gmt":"2018-12-30T00:57:25","slug":"memories-of-modified-the-rise-and-fall-of-modified-eliminator","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/northwestvets.com\/blog2\/2010\/08\/20\/memories-of-modified-the-rise-and-fall-of-modified-eliminator\/","title":{"rendered":"Memories of Modified: The Rise and Fall of Modified Eliminator"},"content":{"rendered":"

Finally, NHRA ran a feature story in the August 20, 2010 National Dragster on Modified Production entitled, “Memories of Modified: The Rise and Fall of Modified Eliminator”<\/em> by Kevin McKenna. They also finally indicated that many Pro Stock drivers indeed started in Modified such as Butch Leal, “Dyno Don” Nicolson, Bob Riffle, Dick Landy, Herb McCanless, Tony Christian, Bruce Allen, Lee Shepherd, Warren Johnson & Mike Edwards. Since 1981, when the class was eliminated, NHRA has insisted that Pro Stock evolved from Super Stock which was not exactly\u00a0the case since many of the Modified classes were folded into Super Stock after 1981. Finally, history has been corrected. \u00a0They cited that expense was the main cause for the dwindling car counts which is true [see below].\u00a0 However they accept no responsibility that the rule changes mandated by NHRA directly drove those increased costs (wider slicks, greatly modified cylinder heads allowed, 5-speeds allowed) which significantly added to the costs of being competitive for the average racer and as speeds increased made the old shoebox obsolete due to their poor aerodynamics.<\/strong><\/p>\n

“…With so much going for it, including fan interest, and a wide variety of vehicles, the question remains: Why didn’t Modified survive? As early as 1975, there were signs that Modified might have a finite life span. A competitive Modified entry was never cheap to build or maintain because engine and chassis technology continued to progress at a rapid rate, and those unwilling or unable to bear the costs were quickly rendered uncompetitive. Ultimately, as costs continued to escalate, participation began to dwindle…”\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Our ’57 is about the only old ex-Modified car running here in the Northwest in Modified trim, 5-speed and all, and the fans love it!\u00a0 The video below\u00a0of our ’57 was taken in 2010, the other videos\u00a0are from the 1978 NHRA Sportsnationals featuring some of the great heavy hitters in MP.\u00a0 I hope you enjoy them!\u00a0 It was a great class to watch and race!\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Roger Young – Edwards & Young Racing<\/em>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

httpvh:\/\/youtu.be\/7U1fb3uTfWY<\/p>\n

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’57 at Seattle International Raceway (now Pacific Raceway)<\/p><\/div>\n

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Edwards & Young 331 in our ’57<\/p><\/div>\n

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