Re: Cheating [2-step And Buttons]
 

I've said for years that the .90 classes could become fun to watch, and a fun class to get in to if they would do one thing....ELIMINATE THROTTLE STOPS. To a lesser extent delay boxes, but the stops is what REALLY aggravates the crap out of people.
I've said the two most aggravating sound in sports is an aluminum bat, and a throttle stop on a racecar.

Just think of the tuning and driving you'd have to do without a stop. The fun returns, the fans return, some, and the scary speeds go down.
Ok, back to S/SS




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Re: Cheating [2-step And Buttons]
 

here is my take, the people who are complaining about the two steps may get his or her wish as to someday no 2 steps, buttons, etc. etc. mark my words, the great racers who are using these "non stock" devices . biondos, fletcher, zane, stillings just to name a few. ( remember these names cause it will be easier to remember in years to come), these guys names will be on top as long as they race! i dont care what you take away,they will adapt. and i wont have to prove you all wrong. ill bet my last broke *** dollar!
anyone want to bet me? place your bets now i could use the easy $$$. also this does not mean im taking anything away from the footbrakers.nothing but respect here. besides i use a two step and if i cant win $ this way, maybe i can make it on my proposal.anyone want in?? peace mike h

Re: Cheating [2-step And Buttons]
 

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Re: Cheating [2-step And Buttons]
 

Hey Mike,

Hope you are doing well.....I think everyone is missing the point on getting rid of Two-steps..
They all think its about the guys winning all the time, their wrong its about electronics/buttons in Stock..I agree the same people will keep winning, they get much more sit time and practice more and are just plain better drivers...It gets real old hearing that there is no-advantage to two-steps, then why do we need them ? Its like the fast car doesn't have an advantage...Yes, its a rare thing when a K on down car wins,but those are choices we all make based on many things..I think NHRA has made a good first step this week, anyway time will tell...You know its interesting that local tracks have gotten rid of two-steps and no-box brackets ? See yah at the races... Dave...1033/stock (350)

Re: Cheating [2-step And Buttons]
 

First off,thanks for the kind words Kandra. Most of what you mentioned regarding the Buick is correct,the stall the car had without the 2 step would go to about 3300 and start rolling. I`ve seen so many people post here saying that this is stock,these cars didn`t come with 2 steps,get rid of `em and make this a foot brake class again. That`s the least of what should be brought up concerning these cars to be called "stock". You show me a late model Firebird that came with a TH200 tranny,so quit saying "this is stock",cause that`s a bull**** reason. What about the $5000 sets of heads that are out there? That sounds awfully high for something that`s "stock". It was mentioned that a lot of racers could run a lower classed car and do well as opposed to buiding a higher classed car,most people like to do the chasing. Don`t forget,Scotty Richardson did extremely well with an O/SA car for a while about 10 years ago. Finally,I don`t know how it`s figured that slow racers are leaving off of the second bulb,or whatever,but I`ve always left on the last amber,with everything from 15 second cars to 21 second cars(deep staging was required for the real slow stuff). I don`t follow the tree down,I stare at the last bulb. NHRA`s decision to do this has come at a perfect time,I need a new motor,so the Skyhawk will get a bracket motor for for now,and maybe in a few years,I`ll come back. They can keep the $250 entry fee a will lose since I had to withdraw from the Mile Highs,maybe go to Starbucks and buy the Saftey Safari a round of coffee. I`m done. It`s been real. "The Hawk"

Stick racers
 

I don't have enough valuable data yet on my car to determine how clutch setup has affected my lights. But I'm willing to bet there's enough evidence from others to suggest that an adjustable clutch (i.e. Advanced or Soft Loc 11 inch with counter weights) can make subtle changes that can speed up or slow his/her reaction much the same as with electronic or electro-mechanical delay. Call me stupid but I always thought a soft or hard "hit" can effect engagement timing and possibly roll-out. I hope there are other stick racers (especially long time veterans) who might support my theory.

Also I keep saying if NHRA would implement an approved launch control modules list, approved switching device lists and enforce an approved wiring procedure, there would be no "gray area" between what looks "normal" and "suspicious". If device wiring is traced to any location other than what's stated in the guidelines, especially to a "hidden" area, or suspicious device tampering, you're automatically on vacation! That's why I can't see doing away with a hand activated button much less removing any lauch control device. It seems devices like 2 and 3 steps have done nothing more than even both auto and stick racers in terms of launch consistency.

Re: Cheating [2-step And Buttons]
 

Another perspective on the 2-step:

One of my life long dreams was to race in NHRA Stock class. When I started in 2002, I was already in my early 60's. I tried footbrake racing for about a year and soon discovered that my reflexes were slow and I was inconsistent. I was an easy target, 1 or 2 rounds and out. My son suggested I try a 2-step button on the shifter. This changed my racing career. I could be competetive, give you a good race, have fun and go 3 or 4 rounds. This helped me level the playing field.
Most of you are younger (50's or less) and had previous experience footbraking. I experienced, and maybe some of you will find later in life your physical and mental skills will slow down. As one racer put it, "the only electronics affecting the launch of the car is the wiring to your brain". My wiring seems OK but the transmission of the signal and the response (releasing the footbrake) has slowed. In my case, eliminating the 2-step probably would make me an easy target, take the fun out of racing for me and definitely not level the playing field.

Re: Cheating [2-step And Buttons]
 

I believe some racers are missing the point. The problem is not an RPM limiting aid know as the Two Step. The real problem is that that nearly every, if not all, cheating devices, currently available, are accurately activated by a hand released button. These delay boxes, event timers, etc. are cleverly hidden, with the same color wires and disguised as Two Step Modules, Retards, etc. It is impossible for NHRA, IHRA, or anybody to police this stuff. Therefore, you eliminate the the cause, you eliminate the effect.

Let's all say a quick prayer for John Force,his teams, and his family, they've been though just about enough this season.

Re: Cheating [2-step And Buttons]
 

Jim: Agreed, prayers needed for Force. I can totally see that the 2 steps have been abused, like most other items, however, I do NOT see the need for NHRA to pass along their inability to enforce rules by hurting true and honest racers that depend on the technology. Honestly, except for the mention of Muncy, which I believe occurred about 4+ years ago, I haven't seen them post any information about anyone else, so how am i supposed to believe that there is THAT much blatant cheating that they MUST do away with the technology????? I haven't seen anything. I haven't raced until recently after settling into motherhood, but I've been to races and kept up on current events. Where is the list of all the CAUGHT cheaters? Not the I "think" cheaters???

No offense to your post, and yes, I agree with WHY NHRA is doing it, but they are trying to treat it like using a nuclear bomb to kill one or two little rats.

Kandra Villani
5329 STK/SS

Re: Cheating [2-step And Buttons]
 

Jim and Ed,
I agree with you guys totally on this one, you know that. I had to take a lot of abuse at Milan this past weekend over this subject. Some was good natured and some was not at all. People need to realize that we are allowed to have different opinions. I mean relax people!
But, I can tell you this, they already have thought up of ways to get around it if they take away the hand button. Tech just needs to let it all stay, or let nothing-be footbrake only. Taking away hand buttons only will not solve this problem. Guys are just too creative, plain and simple. I can also tell you this, it is a very heated debate at the races.
It all comes down to one thing, whatever the rule is for next year, if people want to keep racing stock, then they are going to have to deal with it. Two steps and buttons ARE a driver's aid, not to mention that they are a great place to start cheating, and that is not even the subject here-I am not going there. That is a fact, anyone who disagree's with that is well-you know-never mind.
I am going to also have to agree with Bernie Cunningham about what he said about them being allowed and to go use them. I am really considering it for next year, if they stay. It won't be my choice or preference, more so just to prove a point and to be more competitive.
So, if they say we have to keep the drivers aids, so be it. If they say footbrake only, we'll have to deal with it. I couldn't believe how upset some people are over this in person. I think that everyone who has driven a car with a button knows that it helps their reaction time(once you get on to it), and they don't want to give that up. I can see why, I really do. They just need to admit that it is an advantage, and it is that way because of the ease adjustability, that IS an advantage when we only get two hits on an unfamiliar track. Traveling and time off work is too costly to make this fair. Hasn't the majority of stock racers come from footbrake roots anyway? It is like riding a bike, once you learn you never forget, right? So, if it comes back to that, get you feet ready and come show the world how good you really are. Who knows, they might be very surprised at the results.

Jeff Day