Re: Indy Tech Suggestions
 

I previously posted my thoughts and after careful consideration I am going to repost my thoughts. I have been thru teardown more times than I would care to count--We have always stretched to the limits every rule (legally) that I could get away with--I have been in discussion with NHRA officials on what the rule said.

I honestly believe that for many racers racing at ***INDY*** is like racing on hallowed ground-- It is a dream come true and something that every racer aspires too--To get caught **** cheating *** to me would be the ultimate embarrassment--you would never live it down if caught-- if not caught you have to live with your self that because I cheated I beat a guy that truly was legal-- The Tech guys do a wonderful job and they put their whole heart into what they do--many are frustrated racers that for whatever reason cannot put a car out there so they do the next best thing by doing ***tech***---What goes on in the ***pit areas*** does not relate to what goes on on the track--racers will figure a way to skirt around the rules with the **** it doesn't apply to me type attitude***** lets let it all go by the wayside and have a safe race and may the best racer win--EVERY RACER HAVE A SAFE INDY!!! If this is your first INDY enjoy it its like no other race THIS IS OUR SUPER BOWL !!!!---FED 387

Re: Indy Tech Suggestions
 

Chuck, the tech man with the blue shirt is the late DivII tech director John Biedencapp. He passed away from cancer way too soon in the late seventies. Great guy who knew his job and performed it very well.


Jimmy Parker

Re: Indy Tech Suggestions
 

Chuck I miss your commentaries. You have such a way with the English language. You need to get on here more often. Stock sure has changed but it beats staying home and working. BP

Re: Indy Tech Suggestions
 

I agree. I had the good fortune to work with him at several NHRA events in the early 70's !

Re: Indy Tech Suggestions
 

Jimmy and Terry, thanks for the update. Dwight Southerland identified John B. when he gave me permission to cut and paste the picture from his site but I don't recall having had my own car inspected by him. Everyone who has commented on John has offered the opinion that he was a good tech man. The other two in that picture, Farmer Dismuke and Cloy Fitzgerald were frequently visible participants in the local scene in Division 7 during the "Glory Years."

I had the distinct experience of justifying my existence to Marty B. and Greg X. a few times on the west coast and realized that having one's car signed off by guys like those two, or Farmer (or Travis, or Wesley, or Wayne, or some of the other really knowledgeable techs) was equivalent to picking out a steak that bore the stamp "FDA Approved." If and when I showed up to race on Sunday with a "T" on the windshield and a trophy on the front seat, it stood for something that had meaning.

Barry, my Mom used to tell me, "If you can't say something good, don't say anything at all." Using that yardstick, there are a lot of things that don't measure up for comment these days. Of course, she was also frequently heard to say, "Get out from under that car, wash your hands, and get ready to go to church!" Probably should have paid more attention to Mom?

c

Re: Indy Tech Suggestions
 

Jimmy Defrank got caught with lighter than approved rotating assembly one year and he's okay.

Re: Indy Tech Suggestions
 

X2 !!!

Re: Indy Tech Suggestions
 

There is no doubt John B was a great guy and did a super job! One always enjoyed the good tech guys. Ha ha.. can only remember one in the 70's and 80's that was less good.

With today's rules .... or teardown frequency, I would probably not have had carpal tunnel surgery on both wrists..

Re: Indy Tech Suggestions
 

After all the chaos in tech !! I’m surprised this thread is dead !!

Re: Indy Tech Suggestions
 

Great Idea. But after Dave was through with us @ Indy Friday he was dead tired. He needs to be the professor and teach some younger people the trade.