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Suncoast Performance 8.60 Street Race Class Takes Flight in 2023

Posted By: Evan J. Smith
Suncoast Performance 8.60 Street Race Class Takes Flight in 2023
 
By NMRA Staff
 
It might not be fair to call it an overnight success, but there is no doubt that the Suncoast Performance 8.60 Street Race class is growing rapidly, and it has quickly become one of the highlights of any Holley NMRA Drag Racing series event.
 
As the name suggests, the 8.60 Street Race class is aimed squarely at the ever-expanding street car market. After a very successful trial run at four events last season, the class has been elevated to a full championship category for 2023, and will be featured at all six NMRA events including: Orlando, Rockingham, St. Louis, Norwalk, Martin, and Bowling Green. And, after a rousing start at the 29th annual Ryno Classifieds NMRA Spring Break Shootout presented by Nitto Tire, the future seems limitless.
 
The concept of 8.60 racing is fairly straightforward. The format combines a common 8.60 index with a .400 Pro Tree to produce highly competitive side-by-side racing. As with any Index class, the goal is to come as close to the 8.60 index without going under. Due SFI to rollcage requirements (running 8.49 or quicker requires a different and more-complex cage), any run quicker than 8.50 is grounds for immediate disqualification, giving competitors a one-tenth cushion in which to operate. 
 
The rules for the class are also designed to be user-friendly with enough latitude to allow for a variety of power adders and engine combinations. Simple rules make it easy for entries to have fun on track when their street vehicles don't fit into a specific Index, Heads-Up, or True Street category. In other words, you’re not boxed in with a specific diaplacement, cylinder head or power adder. Obviously, the rules dictate the vehicle must be Ford-powered. 
 
What separates the 8.60 class from other index eliminators is that it’s reserved primarily for street cars, which only serves to add to its appeal. To that end, competitors are required to use D.O.T. approved tires.
 
From day one, perhaps the biggest supporter of the 8.60 Street Race class has been Kentucky racer Leticia Hughes. More than just a cheerleader, Hughes worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring the class from concept to reality. 
 
“It’s awesome to see where the 8.60 class is now. It just shows that there is a place for it and that it will bring out new racers who are new to NMRA,” said Hughes. “That was the whole idea behind it; I love NMRA and I want others to fall in love with it too. We’ already had a bunch of the [8.50 class racers] from Drag Week come over so it’s growing rapidly. 
 
“It’s important to know this is not just another index class,” Hughes said. “When you’re running 8.60 at 160 or more mph it’s much more difficult to play games at the top end. It’s tricky to know you have to run 8.60 every time and with the [4-tenths] Pro Tree, the starting line matters.”
 
Hughes and her husband, Rick, helped to develop the rules package and immediately began promoting the class to their fellow competitors. They were also instrumental in bringing class sponsor Suncoast Performance to the table. 
 
During the formation of the class, Hughes was in favor of the .400 Pro Tree, and she was adamant that the chip draw is used to determine pairings. As Hughes points out, that allows new racers, or those who haven’t quite figured out how to run 8.60, to have a fighting chance.
 
“This [chip draw] is something that I feel strongly about and I’ve gone toe-to-toe with NMRA on it,” Hughes says. “I’m trying to keep the underdog in mind. That’s what this class was designed for. We want those people who are new to come out and we want them to come back. 
 
“Last year in Bowling Green, I had a guy who could only run 9.20 but he decided to give it a chance,” Hughes recalled. “He ended up going to the semifinals and that was because of the chip draw. Under another format, he probably would have run one of the top qualifiers and he’d get beat early and he would have gone home frustrated. Instead, that guy told me he’d be back, and his car will be quicker.” 
 
Today, Hughes is reaping the benefits of her hard work as she’s one of the leading contenders in the class with her supercharged ’18 Mustang. At the recent BBK Spring Break Shootout, the Suncoast 8.60 class attracted a solid field of 20 contenders and the quality of the entries (as well as the quality of the racing) continues to trend in an upward direction.
 
Ohio’s Casey Shotwell emerged as the Orlando champion after stopping Hughes in a very competitive final round. Shotwell won with a very competitive 8.61, while Hughes ran under the index with an 8.55 breakout. 
 
“Last year we had so many issues with my car so I was happy just to get the first round win out of the way,” Hughes said, speaking of her Spring Break Shootout performance. “You should have seen our pit area. It was pretty emotional and then to make it to the final of a class you helped create was just awesome. 
 
“I know Casey very well and he’s a great guy. We have the same tuner [Rob Shoemaker] so I know what he’s capable of. He got me on the Tree a little and all I could do was to try and push him out. Instead, I broke out but overall, it was a great weekend.”
 
Index racing is hot right now, and given the success of the Suncoast Performance 8.60 Street Race class, it might be fair to ask what’s next? Could it be 9.60? 10.60? The possibilities are endless. As for Hughes, she’s justifiably proud to see the class she helped create grow and flourish.
 
“We’re going to see a lot of new faces at each track, and I predict that Bowling Green will have the biggest turnout of the year,” she says. “I think we’re only going to see it continue to grow and grow.”

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