Re: NHRA Tether Rule Update
 

Mandated SFI mud flaps.

Re: NHRA Tether Rule Update
 

I would guess that the person who thought up this tether BS is the same one that approved those bogus AMC parts.

Re: NHRA Tether Rule Update
 

I would assume you forgot to add the bogus Chevy, Ford and Mopar parts too, and let's not forget the bogus horsepower ratings.

Re: NHRA Tether Rule Update
 

Hey, would Super Stockers or other cars that run a vac-u-pan system need them? They've got a hose holding the collector on.

Re: NHRA Tether Rule Update
 

I did get a very nice email back from NHRA refusing my submission for the tethers submitted last week.
At least they did answer my email and submission.
Below is the email.
Rick Cates

Hello Rick,

I am the right person to contact regarding the upcoming 2014 tether regulation.

I understand your concern with the current list of approved header collector tether manufactures, however I would like to indicate that we have recently received several additional submittals from manufactures to accept their tethers for use. Therefore the manufacturers, type, and cost will be changing soon. We cannot accept requests from individuals for one off tethers , due to the number of requests we would receive which would inundate our resources as well as make it very difficult to regulate in the field. If you would like to work with a manufacturer to market your idea, we would be glad to review their request for potential approval. The NHRA Technical Department will also accept a minimum ½” (half inch) stich weld located each primary tube as an alternative to the tethering system.

I hope you understand the reasoning behind our need to only accept Header Collector tethering systems from manufacturers willing to distribute NHRA accepted tethers. Furthermore, please watch www.nhraracer.com for additional accepted tether manufactures.


Best Regards,

Tim White
NHRA
Director of Engineering
10267 East US Hwy 136
Indianapolis, IN 46234
Office (317)387-7361
FAX (317) ) 291-4220

NHRA Plainband.gif
For further NHRA Racer information please visit www.NHRARacer.com

Re: NHRA Tether Rule Update
 

Now were really grasping at straws lol.. It would probably pull the breather out of grommet in the valve cover if the collector came off, more carnage.

Re: NHRA Tether Rule Update
 

Great that they responded...hopefully they gave Mark Lelchook some formal feedback on the alternative solution he discussed with them at Indy this year. I don't think this whole deal has anything to do subterfuge or under the table dealings, just an Engineering group working with a liability-adverse bunch of bureaucrats and the corresponding absence of common sense approaches. This will hopefully result in a reasonable cost solution. On my chassis car (yea, I know our classes are a different animal) I initially balked at diapers but when I dealt with Diaperman and put his on I quickly recognized I was getting a good value that increased safety.

Re: NHRA Tether Rule Update
 

Is there a possibility the NHRA's insurance company is requesting these after someone hearing of an accident or injury happening somewhere at some track?
I sure do understand if you can weld a roll bar, this would be a piece of cake to make. you guys have shown some nice designs on this thread.

Re: NHRA Tether Rule Update
 

OK, it seems it ain't going away, (can't believe it made it this far, SHRA?) but I have got to get an answer with this question ---- ' if you have an approved tether system and somehow, somewhere, blackhole, planets aligned wrong or whatever and ya **** breaks free and does some damage i.e still hits somebody or something, WILL NHRA take responsibility cause they approved it??

how does that work when **** goes wrong in the oiler classes ? they must have more 'approved parts' then us ???

inquiring minds need to know!

Re: NHRA Tether Rule Update
 

A great question that needs to be answered! They still haven't answered why we can put in our own roll bar and submit them to tech but we are not capable of putting some clamps and cables on our headers and have them teched for approval! I disagree with you Jim Carter, this fact shouts kickback real loud! Jim

" The NHRA Technical Department will also accept a minimum ½” (half inch) stich weld located each primary tube as an alternative to the tethering system."

Don't insult our intelligence with this BS response! Weld my headers onto the car? Only a moron with no knowledge of race cars would suggest this!


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Re: NHRA Tether Rule Update
 

And your suggesting that is not possible?

Re: NHRA Tether Rule Update
 

This is the craziest part of this rule. "stitch" welding collectors onto primary tubes, (which only a desperate idiot would do) is in no way a permanent solution. It is not a long amount of time before those welds will crack and is Not a solution at all.

They should also change the "bolt" ruling to say that each tube that goes into a collector have its own bolt and brackets, this would allow for differences with 421 type headers verses 4into1 headers. I understand the ruling is 4 bolts per collector, referring to a normal 4into1 collector?

I am not aware of any foolproof way of keeping headers intact besides a regular maintenance inspection of hardware as it is subject to intense vibration and will fail given enough time. NHRA guys are not going to get under every car and make sure that even their "bolted" retaining devices are still intact.

The whole thing is obviously a attempt to limit exposure to lawsuits and throw them off onto manufacturers instead of those organizations who don't or can't inspect cars they let run on their track or work to protect their "customers" from being hurt at their events.

Re: NHRA Tether Rule Update
 

My Nomad has fender well headers, very obvious to tech, I'm curious how tech will go checking low-to-the-ground Colbalts, etc with headers tucked well under the frame.....our SS/MA '57 needs a trans blanket and never once has tech knelt down and looked.....I suppose some might be visible from engine compartment

Re: NHRA Tether Rule Update
 

Jim Please don't give NHRA any more ideas. Next you will have to take it to an NHRA accepted shop to have any work done on your car.

Re: NHRA Tether Rule Update
 

Jim, I have to wonder how you got "weld my headers onto the car" out if that?

Re: NHRA Tether Rule Update
 

Ed,
Many race cars require disassembly of the headers to get them on & off the car. Heck, you can't even change the starter on my car without taking the collector off and loosening the flange bolts up @ the head. Stitch weld them up and they are on the car until you take a sawzall to the headers!

Re: NHRA Tether Rule Update
 

Ok.

Re: NHRA Tether Rule Update
 

If I can build a set that matches for $65.00 how would anyone know?
Products are on Amazon:
Sucor stainless steel swage eye (I guess I need to figure out how to get the orange coloring...lol)
Pro tie T bolt stainless clamps
Flexlock ss nuts
Stainless wire rope.

Re: NHRA Tether Rule Update
 

Is there a stamp on the clamp?, does it come with some cert.? If tech asks if you have a approved tether and you lie and there's a way they can tell, you'll be kicked from that race, and probably fined.It's worth it for nhra to have the tech guy do the lambada under your car if they can catch a ??$$ fine.

Re: NHRA Tether Rule Update
 

It actually costs less than the price you show if you shop for the parts.
The swageless terminals are used for boat and architectural rigging.
Nevertheless, if you build it yourself, is not NHRA approved.

Re: NHRA Tether Rule Update
 

had the wrong eye, it's even cheaper
The one I listed first matches the universal eye.
Why do they sell replacement parts if you can't put one together !!

Re: NHRA Tether Rule Update
 

You have to provide an identification or part marking for verification purposes.

Re: NHRA Tether Rule Update
 

McMaster-Carr

5204K** Stainless Steel T-Bolt Tube & Hose Clamps - 316 SS - Bolts is also SS <9.00 each need 4 = $36.00

30457T101 Stainless Steel Load-Rated Wire Rope Lanyard, Uncoated, Loop/Loop, 1/8" Rope Diameter, 1' Length - Rated @ 352 #s - 12 in. long <$32.00 need 2 = $64.00

91839A125 18-8 Stainless Steel Expanding Hex Locknut, 1/4"-28 Thread Size, 7/16" Width, 21/64" Height, packs of 5 $8.45

<$110.00 Plus shipping.

No assembly of cables required. Load rated.
ALL Parts stainless Steel.
Nationally readily available part numbers.

Re: NHRA Tether Rule Update
 

So the only thing you can't actually buy (much cheaper) is the receipt for the "approved" tether? How long did it take someone to piece up this thing with off the shelf parts?
They manufacture nothing except a sales slip!

Re: NHRA Tether Rule Update
 

About 10 minutes.

Re: NHRA Tether Rule Update
 

"Although we feel we have designed 3 standard length tethers that will meet the majority of needs,
our 36” Universal “cut to fit” tether is also available for the special needs application,
and can be cut and assembled to be from 6 inches to 36 inches in length."

They said it themselves, I happen to be using the cut to fit universal tether and put it together myself. And yeah "I lost my sales slip"

Re: NHRA Tether Rule Update
 

Maybe I have missed it in earlier posts, but is there going to be CONTINGENCY $$$$$ paid for the use of this product? It would take some of the "sting" out of the manner that this stuff has been brought out? Altho it is still a "shady deal" at BEST!!!

Re: NHRA Tether Rule Update
 

Is not the receipt that is the proof of an accepted product; it must have a part marking or identification as part of the assembly. If you look at the current approved tether, it does have an identification as a NHRA approved product.

Re: NHRA Tether Rule Update
 

As I've said before, if it's really the safety aspect NHRA is concerned about, why do they care if the racer buys the same parts and make them on their own? The tether company makes a universal kit that the racer must put together. What's the difference except for the huge cost savings for the racer?

So SSDiv6, you are telling me that there is a logo stamped on one of these parts that says "NHRA Approved"? I'm calling your bluff. Show me! I'm not buying one of these just to find out.

As I have also said before, I can make one of these tethers (and happy to do so) for 25% of the cost of buying one from the tether company. I am fully capable as are most of the racers I know. I am also happy to submit to a tech inspection to a qualified inspector for approval much the way they tech my car to be sure my battery is secured, my seats are secured, I have all the studs on my axles, my tires are in good shape etc. Get the point? This is a money maker.... period! $150- $200 profit. It takes 10 minutes to put these together. When bought in bulk it probably costs less than $50 for the parts. Pretty good markup on the backs of fellow racers don't you think? Jim


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Re: NHRA Tether Rule Update
 

Jim," nhra approved "is stamped on the gold sleeve on the cable, they have there azz covered!

Re: NHRA Tether Rule Update
 

Jim,
What bluff? I am not promoting their products.
If you read my previous posts on this subject, I have give part numbers and options.
If you go to their website you will see they have an Orange color sleeve that says "NHRA Approved".
NHRA has said the approved devices must have an identification that shows it is an approved device. It was made clear to me by NHRA since I am helping a racing header builder with the design of a low cost device, affordable to all and legal to use.
I am not the enemy, just sharing what NHRA requires.

Re: NHRA Tether Rule Update
 

Here they are: click on the pic,

Re: NHRA Tether Rule Update
 

OK. It's all good. Did not mean to be rude. This just really pisses me off! Jim

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Re: NHRA Tether Rule Update
 

Thanks sir. I still stand by my statement that we are fully capable of making our own tethers that will pass tech. Jim


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Re: NHRA Tether Rule Update
 

What if the tether falls off of the car???? I really think NHRA should demand a "Tether,Tether" With this logic racers should have a explosion proof bellhousing over the explosion proof bellhousing..

Re: NHRA Tether Rule Update
 

Like wearing suspenders and a belt.

Re: NHRA Tether Rule Update
 

If an approved tether fails, the same lawyers that approved this will simply push the liability away to the racer anyway.

The point here is to improve safety for a problem that can and has occurred. I certainly understand that. Hopefully, NHRA will be open to better and more solutions. When there is only one provider, it is going to be more expensive than it needs to be. If they open it up, this could actually be a good thing by 2014.

I think that NHRA suffers from the same problem that many other Corporations suffer from. The Lawyers and Accountants make key decisions that are outside of their core competancy. Lawyers and Accountants (and other specialists) are supposed to offer expert advice to executive level decision makers that have done their due diligence. Then the Executives make a decision based upon all of the expert advice, their experience and any other research, which should include manufacturers and racers. If the executive level of decision makers are not capable or willing to take the responsibility of their positions and make these decisions, usually someone else will. Looks like a classic case here. Hopefully, the rule improves before 2014. I would not fault a lawyer, they are only looking at reducing risk. An accountant would be in favor of reducing potential payouts. We need a stronger executive level management team to run and represent racers in our Association. If we don't get that, these flaws in decision making or maybe absence of decision making will continue. The unintended consequence of this is a rule that is less than ideal. My hope is that common sense will prevail here. There are good people at NHRA that possess the experience and common sense, they just don't appear to have the authority they need.
I wonder who actually signed off on this?

Re: NHRA Tether Rule Update
 

that's funny

Re: NHRA Tether Rule Update
 

I don't see one on the universal end?

Re: NHRA Tether Rule Update
 

That 1 end is 30 bucks!. lol..