[james schaechter]

I am somewhat encouraged by the post from SEB about his conversation with Len. I race a stick. I have raced an automatic in several classes over the years too. I was a SS racer back when the delay boxes were allowed. I didn't think much of it then. I just bought one and put it in the car. It was a huge BF electronics box with a 9 volt battery and coax cable everywhere. I think it got HBO too. Anyway, I left off of the top bulb and it was really shocking to me how easy it was to dial in. I ran it at the Div 5 race in Cedar Falls and went a few rounds before breaking a rocker arm and losing. Sold it not long after that with the rule change and was glad that someone wanted it . Anyway. it wasn't as much fun as actually staging and shooting for a light. I don't know, call me sentimental, but I have more fun feeling like I am actually driving. The more of a driving experience I have, the more fun I have. Maybe that is why I drive a stick now. I have more fun doing it.
I don't like rule changes that loosen things up more. So far, most of the rule changes in the last years have cost racers much more money .disc brakes, pistons, etc. Some of the folks post on here every time there is a rule change that this or that should be allowed. I think we need to be careful what we wish for. Remember, if we allow something, it doesn't happen in a vacuum.
As far as rule changes go, I think those folks that think that NHRA cannot enforce the rules, should ask first that they do. It is clear that when NHRA chooses to act, they can. (oildown rule for example) They just have to have the desire to do it.Imagine if NHRA policed entry fees like they look for delay devices. There would be an unattended basket at the gate with a note to leave your entry fee at the gate! They don't really have a good process to follow up on the rules that they have. This is a reflection of the decision making at the very top of the tech department, not the lower levels. If they are truly advocates for a level playing field, I would not support any action to turn this into another expensive form of superstreet, but to enforce what we have and perhaps clarify what the delay devices are, even if it outlaws a few existing buttons out there. It would not take a tremendous amount of manpower to spot check in the lanes or on the return road if they deputized some folks regionally. They can also make the penalty much more severe for the alleged kelvin scanners too. Imagine if you were caught with Nitrous or stealing horses, whatever. That would be a hangin offense. Well the delay device should be as well. As far as the high tech guy that left? I guess. That is a pure employment issue. NHRA may have to pay enough to attract and keep that kind of person. Maybe they can cut a Vice President or two and free up some cash.

Don't get me started on the stockers. I think no matter how it is done. The stockers should leave with some kind of FOOT action, end of story. I Barf every time I see those Whussy 3 inch buttons on dashboards and steering wheels.