Firebird is excited to reveal a new class called Pro Comp. Open to front-motored dragsters, roadsters and altereds, Pro Comp will be a handicapped category contested off the .4-tenths Pro tree.

Special thanks to Lynn Johnston and Kenny Welch for inspiring the basic concept behind the eliminator that draws attention to the roots of our sport of Drag Racing. Pro Comp was once a class that pitted blown alcohol dragsters, funny cars and roadsters in head-to-head competition.

Eligible racers will compete in May at Best of Detroit, June at both the Oldies But Goodies Drags and Fox Hunt, and the final stop of four in September at the Fall Best of Detroit. The two-day events will feature qualifying on Saturday and eliminations on Sunday. Learn more about the class below.

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PRO COMP ELIMINATOR
Overview of Rules

Vehicles Permitted
DRAGSTER DEFINED – All Front Engine Dragster (FED).
ROADSTERS/ALTEREDS DEFINED – 1955 & earlier open top bodies with a full tube chassis. Examples include, but are not limited to “T” Roadsters/Altereds, Bantam Roadsters/Altereds, Fiat Topolino – side and center steer, etc.

Class
We would like to extend an opportunity to compete in a new category to be offered at four events during the 2019 Drag Racing Season at Firebird Raceway.

Known as Pro Comp, the class will be comprised of front-motored dragsters, altereds and roadsters. The class will be staged off the .4-tenths pro tree with dial-in’s and a handicapped start. NO delay boxes or throttle stops permitted. Safety rules outlined in NHRA and Heritage Series rule book based on performance (e.t./speed) of all entries.

  •  Race day ladder is based your best qualifying reaction time.
  • Deep staging permitted (auto-start in effect).
  • Lane choice in eliminations will go to the quicker qualified car.

Vehicle Restrictions

  • Any programmable ignitions MUST be “zeroed” out and/or disabled.
  • Throttle assist devices can only be operated by the transbrake button or clutch pedal.

Permitted on Vehicle

  • Roots Superchargers
  • Centrifugal Superchargers
  • Turbo Chargers
  • Nitrous
  • Injected
  • Carbureted
  • No Restriction on Block or Cylinder Head Design
  • No Restriction on Exhaust Design
  • Launch Controls such as “Two Step” Rev Limiters and Air or Electric Operated Throttle Assist device.Throttle Assist devices can only be operated by Transbrake button or Clutch pedal.
  • No restriction on Wheelbase
  • Data Recorders

Pro Comp Motto
Firebird is excited to kick off this new eliminator in 2019. Pro Comp has been created as a fun class that brings together a unique style of racing featuring cars that pay respect to an earlier era of racing, but following all of today’s safety rules and regulations.

Firebird prides itself on offering a family friendly atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. Should a question or constructive input arise during an event, please consult with either Lynn Johnston or Kenny Welch. If necessary, they will then reach out to track management to resolve whatever the issue may be.

Pro Comp Eliminator – Pay Out (7.00-10.49, two-day entry fee: $100 car & driver)
Guaranteed Purse based on number of entries:
$500 to win, $250 runner-up, $100 semi (greater than 17 entries)
$350 to win, $175 runner-up, $50 semi (12-16 entries)
$200 to win, $100 runner-up, $50 semi (8-11 entries)
(7 or fewer entries will be Compensating Guaranteed Pro-Rated Purse)

2019 Events: Pro Comp Eliminator (4-race series) would be contested:

  • Sat-Sun., May 18-19, 2019 – Spring Best of Detroit (qualifying Sat, eliminations Sun)
  • Sat-Sun., June 1-2, 2019 – 39th Oldies But Goodies Drags (qualifying Sat, eliminations Sun)
  • Fri-Sat., June 14-15, 2019 – 41st Fox Hunt (qualifying Fri., eliminations Sat)
  • Sat-Sun., Sept. 14-15, 2019 – 20th Fall Best of Detroit (qualifying Sat., eliminations Sun)

Year-End Championship:
Points will be tallied throughout the series (following current Gold Cup entry/round win system. 16 points to enter and 10 points per round won). Top three drivers will earn awards at the Firebird Awards Banquet in November. Overall Series champion will receive an embroidered Firebird jacket and award plaque.

Pit Parking
Parking is available on a first-arrival basis. We will strive to park teams together or within close proximity, at each of the four events in the series.

Driver’s Meeting
Prior to the start of eliminations, Kenny and Lynn plan to host a driver’s get together at a designated Pro Comp pit area. The ladder will be available and questions will be answered at this time.

Finally
Thanks to everyone who is considering joining the inaugural year of this new Firebird category. We look forward to hosting it in 2019. By all indications, it has all the makings of a very exciting and fun class to run.