Excessive braking

[Michael Beard]

While it was not a braking issue, I had a scare at a big money bracket event several years ago driving the Turismo stocker. First round, I drew a car that was close to Top Sportsman territory. Broke out .001, and next thing I know, he's sideways in my lane in front of me. Turns out he got into some of his own fluid. If he would've lost it at half track instead of the finish line, he would've gone THROUGH me. If I gave a d*mn about NHRA and ever raced the Turismo in Stock again, I would put a rollbar in it. The legitimacy of "factory" Stockers is a separate argument, but now that we have heavy 8-second rocket ships, all cars should have at least a roll bar.

[Ed Fernandez]

The one thing I made clear to Eric when he bought the gremlin was that he put a 6 pt bar in the car since his daughter would be driving it. He did better and had a cage put in it.

[Mark Yacavone]

Originally Posted by Michael Beard

If I gave a d*mn about NHRA and ever raced the Turismo in Stock again, I would put a rollbar in it. The legitimacy of "factory" Stockers is a separate argument, but now that we have heavy 8-second rocket ships, all cars should have at least a roll bar.

I appreciate the concern here, but I'd have to say ..No Way!

First we let the FX cars in, under dubious circumstances, then we have to change the rules for the slower cars, to accommodate them?

It's hard enough with a slower car to watch the faster car. They don't need any more disadvantages.

That being said, if you want to be all strapped in, with two year belts, for your own satisfaction, be my guest.

[Michael Beard]

I specifically said "should have" as in my opinion, not "should be required to have", as in NHRA rule mandate. That being said, safety isn't a matter of "accommodating" anyone. (Actually, I thought NHRA's mantra was "Dedicated to Safety"...)

FWIW, I wear started wearing a -5 suit last year, even though I am not required to. (Well, not in NHRA bracket racing... NHRA, in their infinite wisdom, has different safety "standards" for the exact same car, dependent solely upon what decals are on the windshield. I wasn't aware that decals offered varying levels of protection... but that's yet another topic that's a different story.)

[Mark Yacavone]

Originally Posted by Michael Beard

I specifically said "should have" as in my opinion, not "should be required to have", as in NHRA rule mandate. That being said, safety isn't a matter of "accommodating" anyone. (Actually, I thought NHRA's mantra was "Dedicated to Safety"...)

FWIW, I wear started wearing a -5 suit last year, even though I am not required to. (Well, not in NHRA bracket racing... NHRA, in their infinite wisdom, has different safety "standards" for the exact same car, dependent solely upon what decals are on the windshield. I wasn't aware that decals offered varying levels of protection... but that's yet another topic that's a different story.)

My mistake then, Michael. I thought you were advocating another rule change.

[Ed Fernandez]

Originally Posted by Mark Yacavone

I appreciate the concern here, but I'd have to say ..No Way!

First we let the FX cars in, under dubious circumstances, then we have to change the rules for the slower cars, to accommodate them?

It's hard enough with a slower car to watch the faster car. They don't need any more disadvantages.

That being said, if you want to be all strapped in, with two year belts, for your own satisfaction, be my guest.

Mark, when I pulled the plug the FS cars ( they weren't even called that then) had a few cars going 9:50's. I still see Don Fezell going past me at 155 at Norwalk. Now 8's
are as common as flies on a horses patoowie. If YOU want to race with old belts and no roll bar/cage be my guest. I usually agree with you but this is one time we're on opposite sides of the fence. I still love ya though.

[cmracing]

I have a full chrome moly cage in our 11.50 car that my son and wife drive. Can't have too much safety gear, only get one shot at this........

[Mark Yacavone]

Originally Posted by Ed Fernandez

Mark, when I pulled the plug the FS cars ( they weren't even called that then) had a few cars going 9:50's. I still see Don Fezell going past me at 155 at Norwalk. Now 8's
are as common as flies on a horses patoowie. If YOU want to race with old belts and no roll bar/cage be my guest. I usually agree with you but this is one time we're on opposite sides of the fence. I still love ya though.

Eddie My Love, Ah, but this discussion wasn't about ¿Quién es más macho? ... or who's nuts, or who isn't .
My point was that I don't think a roll bar and 2 year belts should be a requirement in all Stockers. I'd rather see the low 9 and 8 second FX cars all put into Super Stock, where they belonged from day one.
I just hope that retired racers don't start lobbying for rule changes, either. ;-)

[Ed Fernandez]

Originally Posted by Mark Yacavone

Eddie My Love, Ah, but this discussion wasn't about ¿Quién es más macho? ... or who's nuts, or who isn't .
My point was that I don't think a roll bar and 2 year belts should be a requirement in all Stockers. I'd rather see the low 9 and 8 second FX cars all put into Super Stock, where they belonged from day one.
I just hope that retired racers don't start lobbying for rule changes, either. ;-)

Markie, I've said all along those overpriced tin boxes belonged in SS right from the beginning.

[RobbieRacer]

I will be putting a roll bar in my U/SA just for the peace of mind. Even at mid track those cars are going WAY faster than me. It could get UGLY fast. And I will be racing at some local events too. So....Better safe than sorry.