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Bill Ringer · 07-16-2025, 04:05 PM

I wrote this earlier for a similar post- My experiences included 8 teardowns across divisions 3, 4, 5 & 7 from 1987 to 1994. However, 3 of those were self-imposed from National Record certifications. Two of those 3 were just 2 weeks apart when I bettered my record at the next race. I understood that this is just part of Class racing. It is what we signed up for so like it or not, just get it done and don't make it worse by thinking about it too much.
Most memorable was Indy, at Paul Harvey Ford. As the rigs left the track at sunrise to go into town there were two guys at the gate mocking everyone singing as loud as they could- "Paul Harvey Ford!!" Thanks a lot guys. Lots of cars at teardown and it went faster than I expected. My crew chief, Dwayne Scheitlin was there and his help was crucial to get me in & out on time since a second group was coming in the afternoon.
Pomona in 1988 also had a good building for teardown at the east side of the complex. D6 tech director, Jerry Valentine politely pointed out some things I needed to correct for the future, telling me that "if you race in MY Division you will need to..."
Quickest teardown was a points meet after the finals in Denver, winner & runner-up both. They were on time and the weather was really nice so why not? Done in just over 90 minutes since we didn't have to put things back together, just button everything up enough to stay clean and put it back together at home.
One issue came up during a National Record certification in Division 4. I got to know Red Anderson and yes, he was a thorough tech inspector but me and others feel he was always fair. The issue they questioned was sent to the national tech office and after some communication with Dave Danish I did get my National Record cert a couple months later. After getting to know Red Anderson I really liked him. More like him would be good to have today.
My experiences with the NHRA Tech officials were good, all were professional, reasonable and courteous. Back then there were stories where that wasn't always the case but fortunately all my encounters were positive, no DQ's but a little head scratching to keep things interesting.
I wish that after successful teardown we would have been given a little sticker indicating the certification, maybe the NHRA emblem with "tech" a wrench and a caliper would have been great to have on the fender or hood.
I am happy to see the push for more teardowns.This gives our classes credibility. Performance based sportsman racing is an essential part of the sport. I am happy to see that there are still many that feel that way.

07-16-2025, 04:05 PM	#8
Bill Ringer Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Colorado Posts: 107 Likes: 34 Liked 141 Times in 25 Posts	Re: Question for the old guys I wrote this earlier for a similar post- My experiences included 8 teardowns across divisions 3, 4, 5 & 7 from 1987 to 1994. However, 3 of those were self-imposed from National Record certifications. Two of those 3 were just 2 weeks apart when I bettered my record at the next race. I understood that this is just part of Class racing. It is what we signed up for so like it or not, just get it done and don't make it worse by thinking about it too much. Most memorable was Indy, at Paul Harvey Ford. As the rigs left the track at sunrise to go into town there were two guys at the gate mocking everyone singing as loud as they could- "Paul Harvey Ford!!" Thanks a lot guys. Lots of cars at teardown and it went faster than I expected. My crew chief, Dwayne Scheitlin was there and his help was crucial to get me in & out on time since a second group was coming in the afternoon. Pomona in 1988 also had a good building for teardown at the east side of the complex. D6 tech director, Jerry Valentine politely pointed out some things I needed to correct for the future, telling me that "if you race in MY Division you will need to..." Quickest teardown was a points meet after the finals in Denver, winner & runner-up both. They were on time and the weather was really nice so why not? Done in just over 90 minutes since we didn't have to put things back together, just button everything up enough to stay clean and put it back together at home. One issue came up during a National Record certification in Division 4. I got to know Red Anderson and yes, he was a thorough tech inspector but me and others feel he was always fair. The issue they questioned was sent to the national tech office and after some communication with Dave Danish I did get my National Record cert a couple months later. After getting to know Red Anderson I really liked him. More like him would be good to have today. My experiences with the NHRA Tech officials were good, all were professional, reasonable and courteous. Back then there were stories where that wasn't always the case but fortunately all my encounters were positive, no DQ's but a little head scratching to keep things interesting. I wish that after successful teardown we would have been given a little sticker indicating the certification, maybe the NHRA emblem with "tech" a wrench and a caliper would have been great to have on the fender or hood. I am happy to see the push for more teardowns.This gives our classes credibility. Performance based sportsman racing is an essential part of the sport. I am happy to see that there are still many that feel that way.