Another topic of debate is the growing trend toward late-model rides as the vintage Camaros and Mustangs are no match aerodynamically for their more recent versions. And though I’m not as mechanically minded as I’d like to be, I understand certain older cars, such as '60s Novas, have distinct engineering disadvantages that require a little special dispensation in the regulations. And the nearly total absence of Mother Mopar muscle in the 10-wide ranks is notable, too, again for inherent factory design issues.
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Unless these factors are addressed it’ll be just a matter of time before we hear the same complaints that plague Pro Mod about its overabundance of ’63 Vettes and 7/8-scale ’57 Chevys. It’s a tall order, but if Outlaw 10.5 overseers hope to keep fan interest by showcasing traditional muscle cars they have to come up with a rules package that grandfathers in the older designs and offers some sort of incentive (weight break?) to keep a variety of cars on the track.
Also of note is the increased interest in Outlaw 10.5 from some pretty heavy hitters in the sport attracted by the $20,000- to $50,000-to-win purses being offered these days. The thing is, some of these “name” racers already have cars they’d like to just slap a pair of 10Ws on and go racing, and they’re lobbying for combinations that simply don’t fit the rules. In my mind, this has to be resisted in the strongest way possible, regardless of who wants to play in the 10.5 sandbox. It’s the proverbial slippery slope. If an exception is made for one, it has to be made for others and the class will lose any semblance of integrity.
The powers that be in Outlaw 10.5, those rules makers at sanctioning bodies across the country, have a big job to tackle—especially if they hope to foster cross-promotion and participation between the various organizations—they have to decide soon just what the Outlaw 10.5 car of the future is going to be, both internally and externally. And though taking input from racers into consideration is advisable and admirable, ultimately the sanctioning bodies have to do what’s best for the sport and the business of drag racing, regardless of who it rankles.
For Outlaw 10.5 to be taken seriously and reach the big leagues it has to get away from spur-of-the-moment rule making, preferential treatment, and allowing racers undue influence over the class. It has to not only present a level playing field, but the appearance of a level playing field if the game is to go on as planned.
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