Late Model Haves vs Have Nots

[kidrock]

Not really......new technology is very expensive and then gradually decreases as sales increase.

That might be right but, just like you said initially the cost is high and with new technology it advances so, fast if you don't keep up you are left behind so, that cost more to stay competitive. As that keeps happening more and more are going to be getting out because, of the cost but, that's just my opinion.

[Fully Torqued]

I have no animosity towards the engineers and the rich involved in racing. Most of them are ok people. I just want large car counts and the fate of the races in the hands of the drivers and the people turning the screw jacks. Doesn't matter if you're a blue collar stiff or you're a millionaire.

[RW57]

Street stocks that cost 30 to 40 grand is insane late models 100 grand race ready it's insane and can't go on much longer. Yes I was one of those racers who could look at something and make it did my own engines chassis everything not nowadays your pissing in the wind trying to do that it's gone too far I not sure if it can be saved.

[MasterSbilt_Racer]

Computers and TV are dirt cheap. My first desktop computer was not top of the line and you can't spend what it cost even in today's dollars. Same for my first widescreen TV.

[MasterSbilt_Racer]

If a new roller was $18500 in 1995, it should be $31000 with inflation.

[MasterSbilt_Racer]

Chupp N Bloomer that is exactly what I'm trying to say. About the time you've caught up and bought a good used car 1-4 years old, they've already built a better mousetrap. How many perfectly good cars are almost worthless or obsolete because it's constantly changing? This is the whole problem. What fun is it if you can't go racing and know that you have a chance to win? Even if it's a very small chance? At that point you're there to fill the field and make the front runners look good. Also when it's constantly changing, a new car devalues VERY quickly. So you buy a new car and 2-4 years later it's worth 25% of what it was new, even if it's in excellent condition.

Fire up the smoke wrench and make that old car new again.

[oregonracer]

I love all the "engineers are the problem" claims, so if you are an engineer, understand mechanical systems, or approach racing with a problem solving mentality you are killing the sport. There have been smart people making cars faster since day one, don't get caught up on titles.

[formercrewguy]

I've been hearing this for 40 yrs. There are haves and have nots in ANY competitive sport. Heck, in life in general! My perspective nowadays is that racing as a hobby is dying off. I say this because as 1 example, on the west coast(Ca. especially) 2 of the oldest tracks I am most familiar with, Santa Maria and Bakersfield, as of this year have dropped Super Lates completely. The car counts were in single digits. I can't blame them. It's not just supers that are dwindling, but all classes. Perhaps it's just that kids these days don't have the interest. I don't know.

[Illtsate32]

I don't think it can be done, but I'd like racing to be if you are the most talented driver on the track you can shine and still win races. Not run 5th because you don't have the money to compete with the guy out spending you.

[ZERO25]

If a new roller was $18500 in 1995, it should be $31000 with inflation.

My business partner and I sat down with Barry and Bloomer at a regional super race in 1995, and we were told $52k would buy a car just like Bloomers.

[dirtcrazy4u]

You better talk to mark richards. According to many sources inside rocket, the team blue #1 car has years of racing on it. I have a feeling the zero is the same way. Some drivers just hammer on chit and some teams think a new this or new that will solve the problem.

[fastford]

Fire up the smoke wrench and make that old car new again.

yep , we just turned an older off brand chassis into a up to date name brand one , problem is , there is not many people left that want to , or can do this , they either have the funds to go by one or they find something else to do . My dad was a he!! of a machinist and a great back yard engineer , and us building our own stuff and winning races with it was utopia for us , I realize its a lot harder to do this now , but not impossible....JMO....

[james777777]

Per the new DoD article on Rumley, we now have a well funded, manufacturer-backed team dedicated to experimenting and trying new things.

[RaceEngineer]

Per the new DoD article on Rumley, we now have a well funded, manufacturer-backed team dedicated to experimenting and trying new things.

You mean like all the big teams that test constantly? Testing during a race is not a very good way to test. The track condition changes constantly.

[MasterSbilt_Racer]

My business partner and I sat down with Barry and Bloomer at a regional super race in 1995, and we were told $52k would buy a car just like Bloomers.

Turn key? Sounds about right. I am pretty sure a new GRT roller was near what I posted.