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NHRA in early development stage of crate-engine class 3/04/2003 A growing area of discussion in the Super Stock ranks concerns the possible development of a heads-up class that is not based on an indexed horsepower format. NHRA and supporting automobile manufacturers have developed ideas for a crate-engine class that they believe will benefit manufacturers and competitors alike. "Over the last three years, NHRA's Super Stock class has experienced a significant rate of growth," said Len Imbrogno, NHRA's director of Sportsman racing and member tracks. "As we look into the future of NHRA Super Stock racing, it is important that such growth continues in this popular and exciting category. "In talking with many Super Stock competitors, one concept that generates a great amount of interest is a category in which comparable engine combinations from differing automobile manufacturers compete heads-up in a SS/GT-style body. When we spoke with automobile manufacturers, their area of interest was in the crate-engine market. Putting the two together could create an exciting and very competitive class." A crate-engine class would be based on a heads-up style of racing, which would eliminate the current horsepower and indexing adjustments. Each manufacturer's body style would be based on the same minimum weight and basic guidelines. Said Gary Penn, General Motors' assistant program manager for crate engines, "We have been involved with different innovative crate-engine concepts and other spec-engine-oriented programs in drag racing and the oval circuits, where the racer is not allowed to make many modifications, and have found them to be highly successful. Then there is the crate-engine-based concept, which is where NHRA is looking to go, where the racer is allowed to do some modification. This type of program is what we as a manufacturer want to be involved with. The crate scenario achieves two goals: decreases cost and makes parts easier to come by. It also allows us to demonstrate our product to a larger audience by using the drag racing forum as a model to introduce and develop crate technology in other venues, such as street rods." Brett Fischer, DaimlerChrysler's program manager for drag racing and sprint car, added, "Obviously this is a great idea, and it would level the playing field. It would not [require] racers to get into high-dollar engine development. A class like this opens up options for individuals who otherwise would not race because of budget restraints." Engine combinations for the proposed class would be based on one specific engine from each manufacturer: i.e. GM Performance Parts Fast Burn 385, Mopar Performance Parts 380 Magnum, and Ford 5.8L/385 GT-40. "Other forms of auto racing that have created crate-based classes have developed a high fan appeal," Penn added. "Much of that is predicated on the program doing something unique, and by using the Super Stock criteria as a base, it could do much the same thing for NHRA." Longtime Sportsman racer Jack McCormack sees other positives of such a program. "In my opinion, this is a great direction for a handful of reasons," he said. "It removes from the equation all of the problems of finding outdated heads and engine blocks, which in recent years has become a major problem. New engine components from the manufacturer are available at an affordable price. If a class such as this were to continue into other categories, such as Stock, it will allow teenagers and those who have been away from the sport to jump in with a competitive race car." An example: A General Motors entry would feature select year and body designs, such as Chevrolet Cavalier and Camaro and Pontiac Grand Am and Firebird. The cars, at a minimum weight of 3,000 pounds, would be constructed to mirror the current Super Stock GT (1980 through 2003) rules and requirements. The engine block and heads would be available through the manufacturer, and the remainder of the powertrain would come from the aftermarket industry. The engine, at a maximum 360-cid displacement, would be limited to a combination that could use only flat-top pistons. The specifics of the engine would also detail that only the GM Fast Burn aluminum heads, including part and casting numbers, and a spec 750cfm carburetor could be used. The drivetrain would include a spec automatic transmission and a spec tire size. Ford and Chrysler applications would follow a similar outline in developing an equitable combination. "This would develop a unique atmosphere where NHRA, auto manufacturers, and the aftermarket groups would work together in developing a new generation of racing within NHRA," said Danny Gracia, national technical director for NHRA. "The lure to all interested in the program is a heads-up format at an affordable cost." Imbrogno added, "We are currently in the planning stages of this proposed class. As always, we want racers to provide input about how they want to see such a class structured." Send those comments to racerinput@nhra.com.
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