I agree something needs to be done as far as engines. Do I know exactly what? not really. I'm not sure completely stock for next year is the right move, as there are alot of old 1200/1100's out there. Maybe phase them out, with all stock in 2011? A hard tire will go a LONG way as far as curing the problems. As far as weight, anything under 950 is too low IMO. Minimum weight needs to be atleast 950, if not more. I know my car, is 970, Stewart's is just as heavy, and another car that has won this year is over 1000 lbs. Cars are just being made heavier now. (good thing IMO.)

You simply can't ban methanol conversions. It is unsafe. I'd understand if we were racing late models or emods with hidden fuel lines, but face it, these are open wheel race cars. We have fuel lines that are VERY exposed and can be torn pretty easily. I've flipped before and had fuel leaking on me while sitting upside down. $800 is a very worthy investment for safety. For less than $2k you can have a competitive engine converted to methanol and ready to race.

Some facts about gas vs. methanol for those who think gasoline is just as "safe."

-Methanol will not ignite below 54 degrees, Gasoline can ignite below freezing
-Methanol vapor is less dense than gasoline. Meaning vapor from leaking fuel disperses better than gasoline; with gas you have a dense vapor base at the bottom of the car. With the methanol vapor more spread out, it radiates less heat. Also, methanol does not form vapor as rapidly as gasoline.
-Methanol flame can be put out with water
-Methanol burns 25% faster than gasoline, and emits 1/8 of the heat of gasoline

All information available from the US EPA & BPA.
But hey, why bring facts into a discussion when you can randomly spew out information?