[Jeff Lee]

Chip,
I stand corrected. I owned / raced the car from 1978-1982 approximately. Perhaps the reaction times were in the later part of ownership not the earliest. I started racing in '78 but can't recall when r/t's were first in use, it was definetly in that time period. Also, keep in mind those killer r/t's had something to do w/ the old style bulbs that you could "read" as well as deep staging, a practice that is total BS that it is not allowed in some classes today. I always have contended that NHRA stated in the "how too" section at the front of each annual rule book that the start line was the most important aspect of racing and the greatest skill a racer could develop; or words to that effect, and NHRA stepped on our dicks when they eliminated that practice. I saw a recent post from TGriffith with one viable explanation I had not considered. That is the "flash" racer's did not appreciate the distraction of the opponent's top bulb being knocked out. I say "so what".
Personally, I think a racer should be able to deep stage or even use a forward / reverse / forward motion to stage as long as it is in the time allowable (i.e., you play around you may get burned by the starter). I have no problem with buttons per say, just those that allow delay by use of a button that is not "automotive type" as written in the rule book. Also, per the rule book, nothing is to be added to the windshield so that means no blinders attached to the windshield. I could care less if a visor or even extended visor is used as long as a safe item for the interior.
So in conclusion, let racer's leave the line on their own accord just enforce the rules about delay devices. Now if NHRA is unwilling or unable to check said items, then I say eliminate them.