Re: McClanahan DQ in Dallas
 

I am not sure what opinion I have on the tech at any time, but this policy is in place at any time. I don't really think it matters if we are OK with this or not, it is what it is. Per the new self-certification rulebook introduced in 2021 and found at the below link:

https://www.nhra.net/2021/nhraracer/...n_Rulebook.pdf

"Technical inspection can occur at any time before, during or after an event, at the time and in the place and manner directed by the NHRA Tech Department or any designated event official, and regardless of the technical inspection category that applies to the participant. Therefore, the participant must be prepared to demonstrate compliance with all applicable NHRA rules at any time."

Additional quote: "All determinations by event officials regarding the timing and method of technical inspection are final and are not subject to appeal or review."

While I have my own opinions on the timing and tech inspection, the NHRA officials followed the rules as set forth and distributed by email that we all receive in every national event entry information email.

Re: McClanahan DQ in Dallas
 

Do they just check for the 1 inch variance side to side? Or do they check overall length compared to factory? And if they do where do you find that length that they use? I’m sure I’m sure I’m fine. But it’s probably something I should know and check. Is why I ask.

Re: McClanahan DQ in Dallas
 

Both side to side variance(up to 1/4" stagger) and overall length +/- 3/4" from stock. Wheel base length are found in classification guide for each car.

Re: McClanahan DQ in Dallas
 

Ok thanks. I’ll keep looking. I must just be missing it in there somewhere. But if anybody knows the correct wheelbase for a 96 Firebird let me know.

Re: McClanahan DQ in Dallas
 

It's 101" wb. If you look in classification guide right next to1996 firebird it says 101.

Re: McClanahan DQ in Dallas
 

Thank you again. I see it now. That number is just there it doesn’t say wheelbase. So I had no idea what it was. Thanks again for the help.

Re: McClanahan DQ in Dallas
 

At the Double Divisional this past May there were a number of cars that got dinged on wheelbase. I know of one that was able to loosen bolts and back up with the brakes applied and correct it. I physically helped one of my friends work on their leaf springs to correct it.

Re: McClanahan DQ in Dallas
 

Hey guys,

First time posting on this site I believe. Just wanted to clear up any misunderstandings with my car or what happened in Dallas.

Wheelbase on a Chevy Cobalt is 103.5 per the guide. After Rd 1 of the all star race winners were pulled aside for a wheel base check. My car after multiple eyes and locations came up to 102 even. Clearly under the +- .75”The stagger on my car was fine it was just .75” too short overall.

This is something that would have been caught had it been a pre race tear down like in years passed with the all star race but I was not that fortunate. Ultimately this falls on me as a driver for not checking the car prior to the event.

Super bummed on how everything went down. Hopefully I can get another shot at the Allstars next year. This car will be in Vegas running in SS/AM trim as usual. Hope to see all our friends out at the track!

Re: McClanahan DQ in Dallas
 

Hi Austin.. while I do understand that there is a NHRA rule pertaining to tech inspections, especially the WHEN part of that rule, I was asking racers if they were "OK" with the rule being implemented during eliminations.. I'm not "OK" with it, and I voiced my concerns for those racers that had already lost to the car with the infraction.. how do they get reinstated??.. personally, I'd take the loss and hope the racer that beat me wins the event.. AND THEN, that racer can be told to fix the problem before the next race..

I believe my questions are something for the SRAC reps to discuss with NHRA.. if such inspections were performed prior to the start of an event, as in the past, this problem would not exist, and the team may have the opportunity to make an adjustment prior to the start of the event, and pass tech..

HEY RYAN!!.. thanks for the explanation.. you have provided the rest of us with information about a potential problem, with ANY car, that we can now be aware of.. just cause we get cars from reputable chassis builders, does not mean we should take everything for granted..

Re: McClanahan DQ in Dallas
 

I understand that the rules are in place for a reason and have no problem with them being enforced . What I don’t like is the way they did this particular situation . You earn points all year to represent your division and team and they pull this during eliminations . If they had this on their agenda to check wheelbase should have been done during qualifying not in the middle of the Jegs Allstars