Part II: Richard Freeman Talks About Pro Stock Resurgence, Big Plans For 2022 NHRA Season|
To read Part I, click here.
Every bit far back equally five years agone, Richard Freeman was telling everyone that Pro Stock would exist just fine.
A few changes later and the Aristocracy Motorsports squad owner looks quite prophetic heading into the 2022 flavor, 1 that will celebrate Pro Stock'southward 50th flavor in the NHRA.
The timing couldn't be better, either. With a reduction to eighteen races and the two major teams – KB Racing and Elite Motorsports – revamping their approach, the class appears on a major upswing.
Pro Stock fielded full fields at every race in 2019, seeing regular machine counts in the range of xviii-21 cars, and Freeman doesn't run into that slowing down anytime before long.
"I think y'all'll see a lot of 20-machine fields (in 2020), especially when I have seven cars there and KB has five or more," Freeman said. "There'due south a lot of talk for some other people starting and there'south a lot of people looking, and I think it's going to exist really good next year."
It appears to be a swift turnaround, but Freeman doesn't totally buy that notion. He believes the form was never in danger of going away and the online chatter didn't correspond what was truly going on in the class.
Behind the scenes, both KB and Elite worked hard to make their engine programs bachelor for purchase, either by the race or for a full year. It has lowered costs dramatically, brought new participation and has the form in a good spot.
Throw in the 18-race schedule, which is in identify for 2022 and will include a number of different venues compared to 2019, and Freeman believes Pro Stock is a grade where it'southward price-affordable – at least in comparing to other classes – to compete for wins and a championship.
"Pro Stock, today, is in better shape than it's been in many, many years because of what information technology costs to do information technology," Freeman said. "Somebody can come up in and race at Aristocracy Motorsports, bring their helmet and spend between $750,000-$1 one thousand thousand and race 18 races and compete for a championship.
"In 12 races in Pro Mod, I spent more than that."
Information technology's an intriguing and heady comparing, and it's already paid dividends for anybody in the grade.
KB Racing continues to add drivers to their standout group of competitors, while Freeman's programme at Elite Motorsports continues to grow.
In addition to the likes of 2022 earth champion Erica Enders, Jeg Coughlin Jr., who finished second, and Alex Laughlin, the U.South. Nationals winner, Aaron Stanfield volition race full-time under the Aristocracy imprint in 2020, while Brandon Foster, who will be driving the Mustang Freeman brought out terminal year, and Marty Robertson will both be racing part-time next season.
Freeman believes Matt Hartford volition be running Elite power in 2022 for the total season following his breakout campaign this twelvemonth every bit well, giving the team a huge roster filled with proven talent and new faces.
"It'due south badass. There's nothing else you can say most it," Freeman said. "Aaron has a chance to be very, very adept, and it's exciting to have Brandon and Marty besides. I think the manner we do things attracts some people and the 18-race schedule fixed the whole deal."
The adept news doesn't stop there. Melling Performance is back equally a sponsor on Enders' Camaro, while Freeman said the likes of Gallagher Insurance, Marker Stockseth and others are dorsum as partners for next twelvemonth as well, with all seeing the upswing in participation that Pro Stock is experiencing.
Coupled with the 50th anniversary celebration of the class in 2022 and Freeman sees zip but expert things for the hereafter of Pro Stock.
"We have a swell identify for these sponsors and I couldn't be happier with the group I've got," Freeman said.
To read Part I, click here.
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Source: https://dragillustrated.com/part-ii-richard-freeman-talks-about-pro-stock-resurgence-big-plans-for-2020-nhra-season/