Much has been discussed in recent seasons about the health and long-term viability of the NHRA Pro Stock class, the once-vibrant category that has undergone a sharp decline in participation and sponsor involvement over the last decade. That very topic became front page material on internet forums again this past weekend, when just 15 cars entered and attempted to qualify for the Auto-Plus NHRA New England Nationals in Epping, N.H. Noticeably absent was crowd favorite Erica Enders-Stevens and her Cagnazzi Racing team, who parked their operation due to a lack of sponsorship, along with the father and son team of Warren and Kurt Johnson, both of whom have only competed at select events this year.

With the loss of those three racers, it was only the participation of part-timers Tom Martino, Kenny Delco, and John Gaydosh Jr. that kept the situation from being even worse that it already was. And with the economy, the competition, and sponsorship as volatile as it is, the loss of any full-time regulars would bring the number of entries down even further.

Images courtesy NHRA/National Dragster

What the Pro Stock landscape looks like today is a far cry from it’s strongest years in the 1990’s and early 2000’s, when it wasn’t uncommon for 30 or more cars to show up at any event on the calendar, and some 40 or more to vie for a race day spot at the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis. The spread from No. 1 to No. 16 was often just a scant few hundredths of a second, making the category by far the tightest in all of drag racing, something the NHRA was smart to promote at the time. There was once chatter about 24 or 32 car fields, given how many cars there were all across the country.

And then, the wheels began to fall off.

Teams began engine programs in the heart of NASCAR country. They brought in the best talent, went above and beyond in research and development, and took the class to a whole new level….in terms of performance and spending. Suddenly, former sportsman racers with enough money to put together a second-tier Pro Stock car capable of making the show and perhaps winning a round were weeded out, turning the class into a playground for the the haves as the have-nots fell by the wayside. At the same time, sponsors got tighter with their dollars and fans became disenchanted, creating a perfect storm, if you will, for the factory hot rods.

Dragzine and other drag racing publications have chimed in on the topic, offering insights into the state of Pro Stock and what can be done to turn things around. More promotion and television time are a given, but foundationally, it would seem something needs to be done to stop the bleeding.

We want to hear your thoughts and opinions. Is Pro Stock dying? Are the 500-inch motors and carburetors well beyond their time? Do you think wholesale changes are needed to make it popular again, and if so, what would you suggest? Would you just as soon see it disappear in favor of Pro Modified or another nitro class? Sound off and give us your two cents.