Black Cat Award

[4543]

I had the oil down conversation with Peter Clifford at the Houston Nat event. I was told that the fines reduced the amount of oil downs and got no sense that there was any willingness on NHRAs part to change. No one could tell me how a fine after the engine loss helped prevent it. I also understand that keeping the TV schedule seemed to be of the upmost importance to them. I've been to a few races to this year and there just doesn't seem to be an over abundance of oil downs. Perhaps we could get Nitro Joe to do some stats for us on oil downs at divisional and national events. Maybe some info for our Representatives to use in arguing against the fines. Mike McMahan 2543 H/SA

[rick winchester]

Received my fourth rd. looser check today complete with a 250.00 oil down fine. I guess the NHRA needs the money more than I do so I am returning the 150.00 sent to me. I wonder when they are going to start charging for water in the burn-out box, weighing the cars, printing time tickets, and checking fuel as these are all part of running a race too. I think Wally Parks would fire the brain surgeon who decided to fine sportsman racers for oil-downs ,as if losing a engine isn't bad enough. I guess it was the same guy who reserved the Hurst bridge for Top Eliminator ticket holders while sending fans between race cars trying to get to the starting line which is crazy at best. I could go on about some of the other bull crap that went on this year at Indy but it is obvious the people in charge could not care any less. I am sending a copy of this post with the check as I do not want anyone to think I am happy with the way they are ruining our sport. I see a lot more combo races in my future and no national events. Rick Winchester 3277(at least for now)

[james schaechter]

The problem is that the executives at NHRA don't have the grass roots experience to make good decisions for sportsman and they are not mature enough to take advice from their teams that are customer facing. The pros should have some negative reinforcement when it comes to oil downs, especially the nitro cars. The problem is that the disconnected executives that should be listening, choose not to. The end game is the same, but there are different paths to get there for sportsman. I would say NHRA should offer a discount on every entry fee for an entire year for competitors that proactively install an oil containment device. Maybe a ten dollar rebate for each entry or whatever amount they choose. The point is that there are ways to get things done without it being a kick in the pants to the sportsman racer.

[Mark Yacavone]

Rick, Guys like you are still the backbone of this sport.
The problem is, I don't think there is anyone left at NHRA, in an executive position, that knows this.
They fine you $250 , and then they lose $1500 in entries next season,.. but they don't care.
WE are just filler that get in the way, and delay, the pro show and the TV package.
I know, I'm stating the obvious.


Good luck with whatever you choose to do next year.

[Charley Downing]

You guys can all thank Rich Schaefer your D2 director for the oil fines. He told 10-12 of us STK/SS racers at the Gatornationals after there so called sportman meeting they held for us (LOL). That Oil down penalties were a good thing and were needed to help keep the TV time on schedule durning national events AND he was in favor of them. So a few of us asked if TV was not at risk of being off schedule like on Thursdays or if we ran after the pro's TV time (like in Ricks case at Indy) why is there penalty? and of course we all got so BS answer.

Just a side note the pros get one or two free oil downs per year while sportsman get ZERO. Its to bad NHRA has **$ked this up for the second time.

[4543]

Originally Posted by Charley Downing

You guys can all thank Rich Schaefer your D2 director for the oil fines. He told 10-12 of us STK/SS racers at the Gatornationals after there so called sportman meeting they held for us (LOL). That Oil down penalties were a good thing and were needed to help keep the TV time on schedule durning national events AND he was in favor of them. So a few of us asked if TV was not at risk of being off schedule like on Thursdays or if we ran after the pro's TV time (like in Ricks case at Indy) why is there penalty? and of course we all got so BS answer.

Just a side note the pros get one or two free oil downs per year while sportsman get ZERO. Its to bad NHRA has **$ked this up for the second time.

No one has yet explained to me the relationship between a fine after an oil down and reducing them.

[cmracing]

Are Stockers allowed to run a diaper?

[Mickey Whaley]

Originally Posted by cmracing

Are Stockers allowed to run a diaper?

Don't get this **** started again!

[cmracing]

Originally Posted by Mickey Whaley

Don't get this **** started again!

Simply asking a question. Can't bitch about getting fined for oiling down the track IF you are allowed to run a diaper and chose NOT to.

I have one on my car which is used for Footbraking AND 10.00 Index (which does not require one).

[Mark Yacavone]

Originally Posted by cmracing

Simply asking a question. Can't bitch about getting fined for oiling down the track IF you are allowed to run a diaper and chose NOT to.

I have one on my car which is used for Footbraking AND 10.00 Index (which does not require one).

Yeah, you can.