Quote:
Originally Posted by Rusty Davenport
I dont understand what any of these replies are about......if you want to race with rules be prepared to play the entire game.....not just the part you like......take the hit and go back to the huddle for another play.......what is the big deal here ???? Be a player or play something else.
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Because the fine is a new penalty, and under the circumstances, absolutely excessive. It is without precedent to my knowledge, for a fine to be levied for minor infractions that are not egregious and obviously intentional.
On the lift: NHRA insists on using their own arbitrary solid lifter for checking lift on hydraulic cams, and the last time I asked, refused to provide a specificed pushrod cup height. As such, if they use your pushrod and rocker arm, with their lifter, and their lifter cup height is measurably different than that of your lifter cup height, your maximum lift will also be measurably different. The difference in cup height could easily cause the extra lift.
On the carburetor: On a Q-Jet, the booster venturi is cast in, and not removable, it also sits in the minor diameter of the venturi on most Q-Jet carburetors. That makes it next to impossible to machine larger. And very difficult to measure. It is not like this is a Holly 4150 series carburetor that could easily be enlarged, and easily measured.
So, in essence, it appears Don was DQ'd and fined $1000 for infractions that have historically resulted in a trip home, and having to show up and prove your car legal at the next race. I don't think Don, or any other reasonable racer would have a problem with a DQ here, or having to show up and get checked at the next race. Being called out and fined $1,000, however, is another matter.
If there are now to be fines levied for such infractions, they should be published, and full advance notice given. Further, NHRA should be having all of their measurement equipment certified by labs qualified to do so, and all of their personnel trained and certified in the use and care of said equipment.