Quote:
Originally Posted by Billy Nees
Alan, when the SS runner volumes were originally posted they were somewhat enlarged at that time. What we NOW have is a specific number for NHRA to use as a tool to better do their job. Too big, too small, it's a number and we can't exceed that number. Just because the rules say that you can "pocket port" your "Stock" head and use a "backcut" valve doesn't mean that you have to. I've been getting told that by the "genuises" in this sport for years. If your head measures too big then I guess that you'd better put a thick valve in it or start fresh and don't get so "piggy" with the bowl hog. I will say again, "we have all brought this on ourselves by allowing a perversion of the rules for years".
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What we now have is a number. How good is it? I'm not sure we really know. With all due respect to the actual tech guys in the field, and I do have a tremendous amount of respect and yes, admiration for many of them, regardless of this "tool", or any other "tool", NHRA itself will probably not use it to "do a better job". After all, why should it change now? From what I've seen, guys like Travis, Wesley, Dave, and Harry do the very best job they can,
given what NHRA actually allows them to do.
Now, with regards to "bowl hogs" and necked down valves, if you race, and you have to face pretty good odds of getting heads up races, or you desire to be competitive in class, then you must take advantage of the rules NHRA gives you. If they say a valve that flows better than the rest is legal, you pretty much have no choice but to run it, again, if you want to go fast and win. If they change a rule to allow more valve job modifications, you don't have a lot of choice, unless you don't mind getting beat. Do you
have to do it? No, no one is forcing you. But, you did come to
race didn't you?
Have the rules gotten way out of control? Yes, absolutely. Did the average racers really have a choice, or a say in the matter? Not really. Most of the current perversion and looseness is a lot more of a result of NHRA (not to be confused with the tech staff in the field) not wanting to invest the time and effort in tech inspection, rather than a result of racers wanting the rules opened up. Sure,
some racers can have the blame for this laid squarely at their feet, because they were the ones who got caught with the cheated up parts to begin with. But it was NHRA that decided to make them legal, rather than have to look at them.