Norm K wrote:
ON THE DRAG STRIP AUTOS DOMINATE STICKS ALL DAY LONG.
Where? Do you mean by the shear numbers of them in use? If so, then yes, they dominate. That's because they're a no brainer to use, relatively speaking. From what I've seen in the last 25 years, automatics typically don't run
faster than clutch cars, except in the few cases where a car has way more horsepower than can be put to the ground, such as a nitrous car on a slippery track. Automatics rule in this situation because they do not shock the tires as hard as a clutch car does, and seem to be easier to get down a bad track. I think a Viper on nitrous may fit into this category. Face it, automatics are out there in higher numbers, especially in bracket racing, because they are more user friendly, and require less maintenence. People wanting a
LMB (low maintenace b i t c h) like them. I appreciate your input though.
There are obviously differing opinions between us on this subject, but this is the way I see it. Salt to taste:
On a motor only car, like a 650+ horse Viper for example, if you want to run your fastest, you need a clutch. In my opinion, the best setup would be to have a clutch that is adjustable for base pressure, and has lockup levers with weights to get the thing to lock up in high gear. Then there needs to be a Racepac computer on the car to get the base pressure, launch rpm, and the right amount of weight for lockup in high gear set up. A car set up like this will not get beat by an automatic car on a good track, all other things being equal. A car set up in this way, along with a driver of the likes of SW, Nick, or Albert, will have a clear advantage on an automatic car from the starting line all the way to the finish line.
That a clutch setup is faster than an automatic on a car running in the 9 second range with motor only is indisputable, in my view. I don't see where it is arguable that a automatic is faster. The facts don't support it. If some of you disagree, then maybe you should try getting NHRA to switch the index breaks that automatic cars in Stock and Super Stock enjoy over to the stick cars. Let me know how that goes.
I doubt you will get any joy from it.
I haven't congratulated RSI and SW on their win yet. I want to do that now.
Rohn, I appreciate your attitude, and am looking forward to seeing some friendly competition between your RSI car and Tony's car. I have no idea who will win either, but it will be good racing. That's for sure.
Cheers.