Wow, a lot of great input here. IMO the first thing we need to do is figure out how to get more people to participate in our events. I attended both NHRDA and NADM events this year, and the one thing that rang true in both was there were a lot of diesel trucks in the parking lot that didn't compete, or ran a Friday night Street legal event that was held in conjunction with the organized race. One ***** I heard was they didn't want to pay the fee to join the organization. Maybe we should consider a sliding scale entry fee, maybe a cheaper fee for those just wanting to run brackets?
I totally agree there is a hole in our classes, we need something for the between trucks. As much as I dislike bracket racing, I like the 11.5 to say 12.99 bracket idea. It makes for close racing, you don't have to wait for 7 seconds for the slower truck before you launch, and I think it levels the playing field and for the good fast street trucks, foot brake only.
You would still have brackets for the 13.0 and slower trucks.
For the faster trucks that require a bar and cage. The only requirement I would make is they be in an original chassis that came from the manufacturer with a diesel engine, there should be some weight requirement, 6000 lbs seems to work, and no slicks except for 2 wheel truck. This eliminates the 1/2ton conversions, and the back halfed trucks from this class.
The Prostreet class and the rest would remain the same as they are.
It's difficult to keep one of these fast trucks running. You are one the edge and they break a lot. It's as expensive as hell and if you don't have good sponsors about impossible to do out of your pocket.
I think the fast trucks have both helped and hurt our sport. I think some of the fast street trucks like we are referring to stayed home when they found out one of the really fast trailered trucks were attending. It's no fun racing yourself, and if there isn't any competition you take it easy and the crowd hates that. I can understand that but if they had pay the bills they would probably think differently.
If we can find a sponsor/s we will build a 2 wheel true prosteet truck this winter. Max'd Out will run in whatever class it fits, probably detuned to make it live. I'm just about finished with what I would call a really fast street truck. It will have a roll bar good for 10 seconds, it will be my daily driver and I'll drive it to and from the races. I'll drive it whatever class we come up with, hopefully in the next one down from Max'd Out.