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Super Stock Cobalts - The NHRA Saga!

Ever since my close friend Phil Cocuzza, who is like a brother to me, took possession of his new East Texas Super Stock Cobalt, the way the rear bumper is attached to the quarter panel has been a matter of controversy. This is the 3rd East Texas Cobalt that Phil has owned, and the rear bumper has been attached in the same way to the quarter panel as the current car. NHRA has never approached Phil regarding this subject on his previous cars. Phil got a call from our favorite NHRA Glendora tech person, letting him know that NHRA received a complaint from a racer and that a certified letter had been sent to him.

The problems with the Super Stock Chevy Cobalt FWD converted car’s rear bumper has been an issue for some time. When these cars are built, much of the supporting OEM structure is removed. Therefore, the chassis builders have to find a method to attach the bumper to the quarter panel. There have been several incidents in which the bumper has separated from the car, including one case were the bumper separated during the launch, hitting the external electrical shut-off while the car was on a wheel stand.

Having the rear bumper held with external fasteners to the quarter panel, is not a performance enhancement or advantage; esthetically, is difficult to see especially if the fasteners are painted the same color as the car. From my engineering viewpoint, I would consider it a safety item since it prevents the rear bumper from detaching and ending in the opponent’s lane or getting jammed on the wheelie bars or even hit the electrical shut-off like it has happened before.

I have personally observed some of these bumpers being held with pop rivets and even there are a few Factory Stock cars that have Dzus fasteners holding the rear bumper in place. Moreover, at the Fontana Division 7 race, a SS/GT car had its rear bumper held with duct tape. When brought to the attention of NHRA, they ignored it. An interesting fact is that I have observed at many races, including Indy, cars with missing grills and other body components such as ground effects. Still, have not seen NHRA approach the racers about it.

Although NHRA has been provided with photographs showing how other cars have been securing the bumpers to the quarter panel and also addressing the various previous incidents in which the bumpers have actually separated, they have not made a decision and as usual, they are taking their precious time while Phil waits trying to know if he can race the car or not. Nobody should be required to given permission to race at an NHRA event like Phil had to do for the Sonoma points meet. Or...is this another case of picking and choosing whom to go after.

Racers know Phil's character. He has always owned some of the best engineered and nicest cars that are competitive, setting many national records. Phil will never build an illegal car to shame his sponsors.