SRAC News From Mike Crutchfield
 

As you know until recently NHRA had not been enforcing or did not notice Stock and Super Stock cars notching the bumber guard, rear valance panels or bumper, ect for wheelie bar clearance. After discovering there was an issue they started enforcing it and most recently at the Englishtown National event.

Following Englishtown racers that did not meet the current language in the rule book received a letter that told them they had to fix the problem before they showed up at the next race. Since then NHRA saw there would be a hardship to meet that deadline so they will extended it to bring into compliance.
Please watch for NHRA to post on the NHRAracer web site that racers will have until INDY to fix the notches to bring the cars within the current rule as it is written in the 2013 rule book. Efforts are being made by the SRAC and others to amend the rule to allow the notches since it is almost impossible to use wheelie bars on some cars without the notches so it now becomes a safety issue.
If you have a commit on this situation please feel free to send me an Email. mikec2610@bellsouth.net

Thanks

SRAC member Stock/Super Stock Division 2
Mike Crutchfield

Re: SRAC News From Mike Crutchfield
 

Everyone keeps talking about "the current rule as written". I have searched Stock and S/S in the 2013 NHRA rulebook and cannot find mention of notches in the rear bumper/valance panel for wheelie bar clearance either being allowed or disallowed. The only wording that comes close is "Alterations or customizing prohibited."

Re: SRAC News From Mike Crutchfield
 

I think the wording in the Rulebook is ambiguous for a reason, the necessity of having a "one rule fits all" situation. While it seems to make perfect sense that having clearance around the rear valence and/or bumper is a safety issue and NOT a performance enhancement, the ultimate decision rests with the Technical Inspectors employed by the Sanctioning Body. Maybe it's time to re-word the section on wheelie-bars?

Re: SRAC News From Mike Crutchfield
 

We all need to stand tall on this one! Safety should be priority #1 in all aspects!

Re: SRAC News From Mike Crutchfield
 

I guess they rather us hang 100's of lbs on the front ends and just hope nothing happens to find front suspension when we come down. Man it just doesn't work like that! There is way to much more to worry about than knotches for wheelie bars huh guys?