Re: No Blinders
 

You're going about this the wrong way.
Let big scoops and any size blinder allowed. Start rewarding a competitor that hits a spectator in the pits if said spectator was in the lane. This will eliminate all the foot traffic in the lane so you can have a clear path like you are supposed to.
Just thinking out of the lane.

Re: No Blinders
 

What pit accident or accidents were so bad that blinders are now not allowed ?

Re: No Blinders
 

D-6, I have seen that wagon before, he races in D-3; Looks like about 13-14 trophy decals…

Re: No Blinders
 

M J please call me at 503-701-0254
Stan Hawes

Re: No Blinders
 

Just saw this on nhraracer. Dated yesterday 01/20.


NHRA tech department clarifies recent rule change for blinders in Stock and Super Stock
Jan. 20, 2023



The purpose of the rule change was due to incidents that have occurred in the pits, to reduce these incidents/concerns we were asked to prohibit the use of blinders in classes where we have experienced incidents in the pits due to the use of blinders. Discovery of blinders/staging aids could be cause for disqualification of run, regardless of whether infraction occurs during qualifying or eliminations; at the sole and absolute discretion of NHRA.

Re: No Blinders
 

Stan, I remember when you had the Stan Hawes Institute of Technology on the El Camino. The "DFS racing" also got some attention. LOL

Re: No Blinders
 

Remember if you can't cause a contraverisy don't bother showing up. I Still Have the Institute with t-shirts & stickers, I will fix you up if you give me a call at The
Stan Hawes Institute of Technology ( 503)701-0254

Re: No Blinders
 

I want to hear Dan Fletchers thoughts on this.

Re: No Blinders
 

I will say, I could care less if other racers lose their blinders. I have thought about it but I just didn’t want it be enough to commit. I also don’t mind racing against racers that use blinders. It doesn’t affect me.

That being said, it sounds more like an on track agenda rather than the data leading NHRA to this change.

If NHRA had a concern in the pits, but not on the track, why not just say to remove any blockage post run after the racer had safely left the racing surface? I know of 2 pretty bad crashes in the pits due to drivers reading their time slips instead of watching where they were going. Do we not allow timeslips in the race car now then?

If an OEM sun visor is ok, why not allow blinders that attach to a roll cage and can be flipped up out of the way easily? At least some sort of reasonable guidance would seem to be in order. As long as it doesn’t end up like the total hose job collector tethers were. Remember the (accepted ) models that were way overpriced?

I will say over the years I have seen some really bad attempts at blinders. I saw racers that looked like they had a card board box taped to their helmet or a windshield taped up in an extreme way.

I am more concerned with the guys that have their belts super loose and are looking behind them most of the way down the track.

On the other hand, if NHRA is taking the position that the blinders are an unfair driver aid, then why not just say so?

If they are going there, why not take away the brake pressure switches?

Like I said, I don’t use a blinder, and I don’t mind racing drivers with blinders, but it sure seems like NHRA is afraid to say why they really changed the rule.

Re: No Blinders
 

People will just go back to using there hand like back in the day.. Bertozzi and herrington did this as well as many others.. The cream will always rise to the top..

Re: No Blinders
 

I would bet that the NHRAs insurance carrier had a little say in this.

Re: No Blinders
 

The "clarification" reads like they were told by their lawyers, or their insurance underwriters.




Regardless, what we have here is some screw ups caused a problem, and now everyone has to pay. Further, they're talking about it being a problem in the PITS, which means that, if they wanted to, they could solve this problem without the ban, and without punishing good racers who aren't doing anything wrong. They just don't care enough to want to make the effort.

Re: No Blinders
 

The class money going away has nothing to do with the number of classes in a Eliminator. It has to do with what NHRA was charging the manufactures to even be in the program. Remember the deal with Strange's run on your dial deal. They got chased away by what NHRA wanted to charge them to just hand out the money. That is the same deal that is happening to the class money.

Re: No Blinders
 

If that were the case, I feel like the amendment would have been made to the General Regulations and not specific to Stock/Super Stock.

Re: No Blinders
 

Not for that at all. reduces my market. lol

Re: No Blinders
 

The new blinder rule may have ties to Illinois politicians.

https://97zokonline.com/remove-this-...l-in-illinois/

Re: No Blinders
 

NHRA’s recent post says a couple key things. 1. Thry were “asked” 2. Something at some time happened in the pits. Only takes one insurance payout. And they’ll start “asking” for things. First they ask and you comply. If you don’t they tell you you’re doing it. And if you still don’t comply. Your dropped immediately.

Re: No Blinders
 

Rob, who is the 1% that it is "Smart" for financially to run in S/SS? I need
a role model.

J.R.

Re: No Blinders
 

My answer for those with a cage.

Re: No Blinders
 

Don`t need no blinders here...may think about bringing the Stocker back out sometime again. Probably not this year.

Re: No Blinders
 

hello Lane. Long time no see or talk. how have you been?

Re: No Blinders
 

The few that are good enough they can make a living at it.

Re: No Blinders
 

With the introduction of SS/AH and FSS in Comp you see a lot of those guys driving around in Comp. Traditional Altered or Modified class cars usually are towed around. A lot of T/S cars are towed also but from behind with a push bar.

Regardless there is an allowable way of running a blinder in those cars as long as it is solidly mounted.

Re: No Blinders
 

So if it’s a safety rule because Blinder racers are apparently mowing everything down off and on track. But only in Stock and Super Stock.
So how is it the golf carts and pit bikes who seem to crash into others on an increasingly higher and higher pace are still legal? When will the NHRA “safety minded” attorneys address that problem?
Ever seen any drunk spectators leaving the race track on Sunday afternoon? But the NHRA attorneys have not banned alcohol sales.
All seems normal.

Re: No Blinders
 

Agree 1000% Bring back tech!

Re: No Blinders
 

"Ever seen any drunk spectators leaving the race track on Sunday afternoon? But the NHRA attorneys have not banned alcohol sales. "

IF they were to ban alcohol, there goes at least half of your fanbase. Ain't going to happen.

For those that want tech back the way it was - - That ship has sailed long ago. Occasional, spotty checks at best now. Thanks to the new NHRA we have now. No money to hire and train tech officials. Besides, who would want that job, not me.

Re: No Blinders
 

I think this horse is dead.

Re: No Blinders
 

Never say never.... I am sure someone will kick the can on this. In looking over all the comments, certainly struck a never with many. Completely understandable and noted by all involved.

Re: No Blinders
 

I'm just going to turn a blind eye to it.

Re: No Blinders
 

Hi Dave! Good to hear from you!

I've been focusing on my '79 Firebird the past couple of years in Super Pro and Super Street. Won the Division 5 ET Finals this past season in Super Pro running 11.20's...

What've you been up to?

Re: No Blinders
 

I don’t block but it would seem possible to have glasses with a portion of one lens taped over. After staging close one eye and the tree is blocked. Just a thought.

Re: No Blinders
 

"Big Name" racers are probably already is out there trying to figure out a smart way to do it rather then be on a forum bitching about it:D

Re: No Blinders
 

Larry,
Tape on the sunglasses will work for the non critical areas, but not when trying to block the center yellow's. If your blocking your opponents lane from "movement", then yes it works fine. But if your trying to block the individual bulbs from one another,...it won't work,, their too close together.
You can't hold your head that steady. Any movement at all makes HUGE differences at where your aiming.

Re: No Blinders
 

I had some fun with the topic today...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqwgD2gTHlw

Re: No Blinders
 

Use an iridium or tinted shield. Put tape on the inside and it can’t be seen. Flip the shield up as soon as the car leaves so you can see normally going down the track. If you have trouble holding your head still. Wear a neck collar and tilt and hold your head against the neck collar to steady your head. They won’t check helmets. They don’t check half the stuff they should. If you ever want to see my helmet just ask. I don’t do this. But I know guys that do. That’s how I know how it’s done.

Re: No Blinders
 

How about a special thin lens fixed to your regular lens (a la motocross style when they race on muddy surface track). After the burnout you have your regular len with this thin lens over and tear it just after the tree or during the run in order to keep the security potential problem.
Just a thought also...

Re: No Blinders
 

Hey guys, how bout we all wait a few days till NHRA rescinds the blinder rule. With the first points meet February 3, it won’t be long. Then all you crybaby CHICKEN CHITS can now move your AGENDA to eliminating 2 steps in stockers. :):)

Re: No Blinders
 

Hey guys, I'll call in your favor, if you'll call in to bring back deep staging..One for one.
Oh, and be sure to ask for Tru-Start as a good will gesture.

Re: No Blinders
 

Do you think eliminating 2 steps is next? I figured it would be roller lifters for everybody. That seems like a hot topic right now. Hadn’t heard about the 2 step thing.

Re: No Blinders
 

M.J., old bud, I know that Stock isn't "stock" anymore but could you please point me in the direction of any "stock" car that came with or had as an option a 2 step?
I'd appreciate that. ;-)

And that Tru-Start stuff would be OK too! It kinda makes things "fair", doncha think?