Class Racers Please Read!!

[mcintosh]

My name is Dane McIntosh (#5733) and run in Stock Eliminator. I would like to make known some of my thoughts on fuel sampling.

In my opinion, the current requirements are very dangerous. I have had 40+ years hauling fuel to ag customers, oil field customers and retail outlets. I also have 20+ years of transporting fuel from the refineries.

#1 All vehicles (ie: race cars) have to be grounded - remember it is on four rubber tires. When you touch the vehicle at ANY time - you are the ground and this is when a spark can occur. Your damp feet (even in rubber soled shoes) will make continuity.
#2 Very Important - nothing electrical can be on - the fuel pump CANNOT be used to retrieve the sample.
Exxon Mobil quidelines include: no cell phones, no radios and no lights (nothing electrical) on while loading fuel. All trucks have to have shielded alternators and starters and no catalytic converters.
#3 Plastic containers, buckets and hoses are totally banned. Metal buckets w/ground straps only.
#4 You never expose gas vapors to anything hot ie: the engine you just shut off at fuel check.
#5 You never set any containers on a table that is not grounded - NHRA's table?
#6 You never allow fuel to come in contact with your skin, rubber gloves should be used. When a spark and fire erupts you may have a chance to elude a catastrophic injury.

I have been force fed by Exxon Mobil some horrific film of fires where toddlers and moms were killed by leaving vehicles running while fueling. These "real life" films leave an unforgetable memory and you do make every effort to not let it happen to you.

I would only support gravity sampling directly from the fuel tank or cell with a 1/4 turn brass valve into a metal container that is on the ground as the metal container will ground itself and the vapors will stay low.

N.H.R.A. needs to consult with the fuel experts - who will agree with what I've stated and change the sampling policies.

Thanks