Sometimes it’s necessary for racers to
compromise, for the good of the whole. This is particularly relevant
with regards to the rules for the “new” Street Stang class.
To review, the original intent of the Street Stang class, which began in
2003, was to allow a mostly stock Mustang, with only a few bolt-on
modifications, to compete in an entry level heads-up class. The thinking
at the time was that there were many street driven Mustangs that would
be eligible for this class. There was nothing wrong with the original
premise, except for one thing. The eligible cars (for the most part)
were reluctant to compete.
The enthusiasts with the mostly stock Mustangs, either wanted to stay in
a bracket class (where everybody has a reasonable chance to be
competitive), or the True Street class (where nobody is actually
competing against each other), or sit it out in the grand stands and
watch. The parking lots were full of potential S/S vehicles, but
unfortunately, not the staging lanes.
The problem with most heads-up classes, is that there are always
participants who either specifically build a car to fit the class rules,
or are just better at heads-up racing and can more easily get their car
into the winners circle. The average, street driven Mustang, either is
not competitive per say, or they owners perceive that they won’t be
competitive against the better cars and better drivers. In such a case,
perception becomes reality.
One other interesting fact was noted, which also affected participation.
Most street driven Mustangs are either bone stock (or almost bone stock)
and would be uncompetitive in the class, or they have been modified
beyond what the rules allow, and therefore, were not legal for the S/S
class.
To try and rectify these issues, FFW has modified and revised the rules
to reflect the best of both worlds, or to “compromise” between the
heads-up entry level enthusiasts, and the street driven Mustangs that
prefer bracket racing.
The bracket racer has a unique situation. Since most home tracks
typically offer only a dial-in program, the bracket racer has little or
no experience running on a .400 Pro Tree. Bracket racing has always
relied on a .500 Full Tree. This lack of experience keeps many “dial-in”
racers from taking a chance on a Pro Tree. Running successful on a Pro
Tree takes some practice to become efficient. Nobody wants to look
foolish in front of the fans. It’s easier for the casual street vehicle
to stay with what he knows which is running in the brackets.
So, how do we create a heads-up class, for the entry level racer, who
drives his car to work or to school everyday, and who’s total drag
racing experience consists of running in the brackets classes?
First, let’s define “heads-up”? Heads-up means that both cars can simply
leave the starting line at the same time. Next, how do we merge that
format in with the bracket racers “dial-in” mentality? That one is
simple too. If we use a standard bracket racing Full Tree, and input a
mandatory break-out (like the dial-in used in bracket racing), and put
this same break-out in both lanes, we will have a heads-up start. This
may represent the best compromise between heads-up racing and bracket
racing.
The mandatory break-out (actually an index) that has been selected for
the new S/S class is 12.50 elapsed time. This means that any run under
(or quicker) than 12.50 (12.49 for instance) will mean instant
disqualification. The 12.50 break-out has other potential benefits too.
First, it is well above any requirements for approved roll bars, or SFI
bell housings. Many street driven cars do not have these components. In
fact, other than a helmet and a drive shaft loop, nothing else is
required for competition by the host tracks sanctioning body (the only
exception would be convertibles which would still be required to have a
roll bar at 13.99).
And, many Mustangs can compete in the mid to high 12-second range with
the very same vehicle that they drive on the streets. No need to spend
hard earned money for trick parts, just to go quicker than 12.50. The
12.50 break-out should make hundreds of streetable Mustangs competitive.
The new S/S class rules have been set-up to offer the street guys the
best opportunity to compete in a heads-up format, one that doesn’t
penalize the racers that are more familiar with bracket racing, and with
the same cars that they drive on the street. To this end, the rules
require the cars to adhere to a generally streetable combination. For
instance, any small block Ford (302 through 351W) and any Mod Motor
engine, with any modifications, can compete, but the chassis and body
modifications are restricted to what is usually thought of as a street
vehicle. This includes the rear tires. The strictly drag racing drag
slicks or specialty drag radial tires are specifically excluded for
competition. The vehicles will be able to race, and to be competitive,
on the same tires they are using on the street.
We think that the new S/S class rules will offer a much greater
participation potential for a much larger audience of Mustang
enthusiasts to compete with a reasonable chance of picking up the gold.
If everything goes as planned and if the participation picks up as is
expected, the S/S class will become a full fledged FFW Showdown Class in
2005, complete with points..
The first event with the new S/S rules in place will be at the 6th
Annual Old Dominion FFW Nationals at Virginia Motorsports Park,
Richmond, VA, June 25, 26 and 27.
