Lets just put a set of rails down the track, intall lap bars in all cars, and then the starter can control the ride. That's where we are headed with all these delay boxes, throttle stops, easier trees, etc. I may be young but I still believe in the days of the DRIVER.

Theres no difference in a one amber tree and a pro tree...Instant green would pose the problem of the fast car leaving on the slow car movement...I said pro tree isnt a bad idea and got laughed at.

lol, speak for yourself little richard... keep your personal problems out of this thread.

-A/FIA 1981-

hey Pat, see you sunday? The weather is looking good.

-A/FIA 1981-

I personally don't get to vote on this topic, but I figured I would chime in anyway.

1. Spec button - NHRA could always buy a lot of say 200 buttons, and distribute them to the races at an event (though that would require NHRA to spend their own money, and we know that isn't going to happen). You could probably organize some type of button impound between days of the races to insure that they weren't modified. Just some thoughts...

2. I don't think 5-tenths pro-tree handicap racing is the worst idea in the world, but you'd still need a spec button and no delay boxes. Otherwise, it's just bracket racing like it is on any dragstrip across the country on any given weekend.

3. 5-tenths pro-tree handicap racing would be more difficult for the faster car without any electronics. However, this just might help even out the first-or-worst rule as well. So, by going to this type of racing you just might kill two birds with one stone (the first guy to redlight would still be out, but the disadvantage of having to leave second, especially in races with close dials, would probably cause the faster car to have a poor light more times than the slower car).

Just my $0.02. Have fun voting, and from the perspective of a competitor in a different class, I hope you guys resoundingly vote no to delay boxes (just like I wish NHRA would do away with delay boxes and throttle stops in the .90 classes).

Jason Oldfield
S/G & S/ST 1838

You racing modified at NED this weekend Billy?

I agree that the launch should be from a foot action, not some BS low RPM realease with a lin loc or 3 incher. I also think that NHRA could police this. If they at least made a decision and communicated it to the group, it would be a start. If they don't want to pay any additional $$, then why not ask for a couple of volunteers that could check cars after fuel check in a random or whatever fashion. This is a hot enough topic, that I bet there would be a few willing to take a peek if they were Deputized by NHRA for some events. I did see Div. 2 tech at least looking at some cars after runs. That may not be the ultimate solution, but it showed some effort at least.

Here's my take...NHRA is getting nervous about the loss of control with these delay type buttons. I'd guess they wish they'd stepped in long ago. Now that the horse is out of the barn, what can they do? Why not throw out something really wild (delay boxes) knowing the results will be a resounding NO! They now have permission to correct past mistakes. Establish a spec button that everyone has to run and is somewhat easier to police. If they are smart, they'll get tough with anyone who deviates from the rule.

But, no one said racers were stupid! The real thinkers and inventors will find ways to optimize the new rules, that's just human nature.

Let the games begin!!!

'RG' Menard

I too am against the delay boxes, but let's not forget that a delay box does not make a bad driver good. You still have to react and driving is not a matter of who can react the fastest, but rather who is the most consistent. A delay box allows you to move three straight .040 lights to make them .010 lights while still leaving at the same spot on the tree. If you are .040, then -.025, then .060, a delay box does you absolutely no good.
The .500 pro tree is intriguing to me, but I think the old school purists will fight it simply because it's not the way ss or comp was conceived. I still think it's great that NHRA asked for input on this before making a ruling.

Good point, RG. I agree, delay buttons and boxes should go the way of the wind in Super Stock and Comp. Unfortunately, I'm a stock racer and have no "vote" on the subject. If they do "ban the buttons" for 2008, I don't expect the winners list to change too much.

Jim Kaekel 3836