Wheelie Bars are not needed for Safety on Stockers!

[Bruce Noland]

I spoke to Pat Cvengros today about a second letter that was sent from the nhra tech department concerning the rear wheelie bar notches. The letter said that we must correct the wheelie bar notches by August 28, 2013.

Mr. Cvengros and I had a lively discussion and during the course of the conversation he said that wheelie bars were not safety equipment that belonged on Stockers. He said that no one in the "company" believed wheelie bars were necessary for safety on Stockers. But, there was a blurb in the Dragster that specifically cited safety concerns when nhra approved wheelie bars for Stockers. I believe Bob Lang and Len Imbrogno were very supportive of approving them for Stockers.

Pat went on to say that we could change our suspensions to prevent wheelies. He could not explain what he meant by changing our suspensions and became a bit testy. Wheelie bars are a huge safety issue for me! Pat seems like an OK guy but he needs to go to more races.

[KEN BUGAJ]

Wonder if He would like to pay for the repairs after a Giant wheel stand !

[Chad Rhodes]

Originally Posted by KEN BUGAJ

Wonder if He would like to pay for the repairs after a Giant wheel stand !

I can send him a bill for an oil pan

[FINESPLINE]

Really makes you wonder how far removed the NHRA management has become from the people they represent. ( the racers ) Only goes to prove that if you don't know what you are talking about-------PUNT ! Bruce, you handled that amazingly well.

[Jim Cimarolli]

After a big drink of Maalox, I got out the Official Rule Book and looked under Section 7 Body, Fenders, It states that we can trim the leading and trailing edges of our fenders a maximum of 2 inches for tire clearance.

It would seem to me that they are making an allowance for the tires that they allow us to use, knowing that we have to use something that will not fit without modification.

I see no difference in allowing wheelie bars, they know that some cars will require modifications to make them fit.

I guess that would be too simple.

[Jim Wahl]

Originally Posted by Bruce Noland

I spoke to Pat Cvengros today about a second letter that was sent from the nhra tech department concerning the rear wheelie bar notches. The letter said that we must correct the wheelie bar notches by August 28, 2013.

Mr. Cvengros and I had a lively discussion and during the course of the conversation he said that wheelie bars were not safety equipment that belonged on Stockers. He said that no one in the "company" believed wheelie bars were necessary for safety on Stockers. But, there was a blurb in the Dragster that specifically cited safety concerns when nhra approved wheelie bars for Stockers. I believe Bob Lang and Len Imbrogno were very supportive of approving them for Stockers.

Pat went on to say that we could change our suspensions to prevent wheelies. He could not explain what he meant by changing our suspensions and became a bit testy. Wheelie bars are a huge safety issue for me! Pat seems like an OK guy but he needs to go to more races.

If your post is accurate as to your conversation I would second the statement that you handled yourself with great restraint! I'm not sure I could have done the same. Perhaps Mr. Cvengros should think about the fact that a statement such as his opens the NHRA and himself up to a huge lawsuit if a negative situation takes place.
Mr Cvengros, if you are reading this, let me just say.... You Are A Moron! JIm


.

[Christopher Stewart]

Originally Posted by Chad Rhodes

I can send him a bill for an oil pan

Yup, I saw that one at Bowling Green.

[Bruce Noland]

For me it was a lively discussion but Pat seemed to think I was badgering him when I simply asked for explanations. Right off the bat, he said wheelie bars were not used by Stockers for safety reasons. And no one in nhra believes we use them for safety reasons. Why would we spend the money and time to install them if not for safety reasons? BTW, he did not answer a single question and was unhappy with me when the conversation ended. I guess he was unhappy because I needed real answers. These guys are used to one way conversations and quickly become testy when asked to explain their reasoning on the issues. That behavior does nothing for the sport.

[Stephen Bell]

I just don't understand why 1000 hp cars that run in the 8's at 155 mph plus don't need wheelie bars? I hope that this issue gets resolved... S.Bell

[Ed Wright]

Why do they think we use them, if not to keep tearing up the car and keeping it going straight? I can have them in SS, but they ain't on there 'cause I think they're purty.