Changes Announced for NHRA Pro Stock Division for 2018
The NHRA is shaking things up all over the place. After recently announcing immediate changes to the Pro Mod Division that would require competitors to lose two pounds of boost (from 38 to 36 psi), the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) is now taking a look at the Pro Stock class in an effort to keep it exciting and competitive for the 2018 race season.
As the 2017 season heads to a close, the NHRA announced that it will reduce the Pro Stock class to an eight-car field at nine of the 24 scheduled events and 16-car fields at the other 15 events.
With the hopes that this will elevate competition and spark renewed interest in the declining Pro Stock Car category, the NHRA began contacting Pro Stock teams about the decision this week, stating that the latest ‘improvement plan’ was made after working closely with this teams on initiatives to improve fan engagement and interest. Some of the other efforts have included the switch to fuel injection; facing cars forward in the pits so fans can see the teams work on their engines; holding burnout contests and more. However, none of the efforts have revived a flagging class.
“We hope this change in field size at selected events will help increase excitement and fan interest,” said NHRA president Peter Clifford. “Negative trends continue in terms of racer participation, spectator interest, television ratings, media interest and manufacturer support. As we, the sanctioning body, are charged with making decisions that are in the best interest of this sport, trends like these force us to reevaluate this low trending category.”
The eight-car fields will be at the following 2018 events: Houston, Topeka, Epping, Englishtown, Bristol, Denver, Sonoma, Seattle and Brainerd. What are your thoughts on the latest in NHRA Pro Stock drama? Will this hurt or save this division? Comment below to let us know your thoughts.