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The Original Michael
I believe the basic structure of FPP's Run What You Brung truck class could work as an NTPA national class. It's the closest thing the sport offers to a true Pro Mod class with different combos. The best aspect of NHRA Pro Mods is seeing blown alcohol, turbocharged, and nitrous cars race heads up in the same class, though the 3 combos have varying engine sizes (and maybe weight breaks). Pulling could use this also.

PPL calls their FWD modfied class "Pro Modified FWD" but it really isn't. A legitimate Pro Modified class would allow multiple engine combinations. The gist of FPP's class is blown FWD, Super Stock Diesel FWD, Pro Stock Diesel FWD, mountain motor FWD, and even a nitrous truck and a pro charger truck run together. In terms of variety, no other class in pulling offers as much.

NTPA may have SMFWD in the rulebook, but no current member state runs it. NTPA may run 1 or 2 Pro Stock Diesel hooks (Sandwich, IL may be the only one), there are a number of FWD mods with engines larger than 650 ci that have no home in NTPA. They could develop nitrous rules and allow a pro charger, or alcohol turbo or multi turbo FWD truck if someone ever built one. Heck, if the right weight and hitch height could be found, even the KTPA extended wheelbase SMFWD could work in the class.

One thing I'd change from the FPP version, is FPP allows twd's (not a fan of that and they have their own class with huge participation), and one thing I'd alter for points purposes is how SSD FWD fit in since have their own class, even though they are a great fit in the RWYB class.

If NTPA ever adopts this true Pro Modified truck class, regarding how to handle SSD FWD,
A) one hard way around this is to not let the SSD FWD run the class, or
B.) a soft way is allow them to run but not collect points, or.
C) drop SSD FWD as a separate class and run those trucks in the "true" Pro Mod Fwd class. If SSD FWD was struggling with #s, maybe, but PPL had as many as 26 this year so there is no shortage. Now, if NTPA has trouble getting enough to run their SSD FWD GN class, then option C may work, but otherwise let them keep their good thing going with their own class. Another option
D) Let the SSD FWD pullers choose to run and collect points in either or both SSD FWD or Pro Mod FWD. Not sure if that is really fair.

Regarding NTPA-legal 650 ci or less FWD modifieds, they are at a disadvantage, either disallow them from running the class, or treat it like when we've seen a limited pro tractor run in the pro stock class and let them hook. Since FWD mods have their own GN class like SSD FWD has their own GN class, I'd treat both the same (however the powers that be decide). Likewise with Limited Pro diesel trucks. NTPA would have to decide if they wanted 3.0 and smaller diesel trucks in the class. If a "National" class, I'd vote no. But that's why there are rule committees to get input from multiple minds.

I believe Mr. Poosch mentioned last month more organizations should adopt this class. I agree. I challenge NTPA leadership to show vision, take a chance, and add this class to their lineup.

If they get the sweet spot of weight and hitch height right so that each combination has a fair shot at winning, my prediction is, unlike light unlimited mods, within 3 years this would be one of the most requested classes by promoters, and have excellent participation.

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Greg kuntzman
Why would a tractor pull need to adhere to NHRA nomenclature for a FWD class ? That makes no sense whatsoever.