Rd #3 Stock @ Atlanta

[Randy E]

At the NMCA race at Atlanta in April, I was part of the first pair in round 1 of Stock Superstock. They had the correct dial in on the scoreboards, so we did a burnout. Went to prestage and the dial ins changed to index in my lane. They backed us up for several minutes to fix the problem. When it appeared to be fixed, they motioned us back up to stage. We didn't quite get staged and the dial in went back to index. They backed us up again. After what seemed like a long delay we were motioned back up. I did another burnout and pulled up to stage. Scoreboards changed again to index. Backup and wait. Finally they got the problem fixed and we finally got to run. Maybe they have computer problems that need fixing. Randy E

[Mike Carr]

I had brought this incident on my Facebook page yesterday. I had asked if the computer, software, etc. was in place to prevent an over-the-Index dial-in. Brian Lohnes, NHRA announcer, wrote the following:

"So here's the deal as I was standing about 2ft from the computer operator in the tower when this happened.

Yes, the computer alerts the operator with a beeping noise when things aren't "right"

The computer also uses that same beeping noise to alert the operator to set the next pair at the starting line.

The pair before Jim's run had some sort of a hangup or delay so Jim and his opponent were behind the starting line. The computer was beeping, telling the operator to set the next pair. It was likely ALSO beeping because of the 12 second dial in.

She set the pair and the beeping stopped.

I was not on the mic at the time but in the room. Ultimately I'm disappointed in myself that my brain did not trigger in time to stop it from happening.

So the answer is yes there are guards in place and yes there's human error at play here and yes, it should have been caught and stopped."

[Jeff Stout]

Seems like the beeping would continue as the dial over index was still in system. IDK

[Mark Yacavone]

Originally Posted by Randy E

At the NMCA race at Atlanta in April, I was part of the first pair in round 1 of Stock Superstock. They had the correct dial in on the scoreboards, so we did a burnout. Went to prestage and the dial ins changed to index in my lane. They backed us up for several minutes to fix the problem. When it appeared to be fixed, they motioned us back up to stage. We didn't quite get staged and the dial in went back to index. They backed us up again. After what seemed like a long delay we were motioned back up. I did another burnout and pulled up to stage. Scoreboards changed again to index. Backup and wait. Finally they got the problem fixed and we finally got to run. Maybe they have computer problems that need fixing. Randy E

We've had issues several times, trying to run a S/SS race, using computers and operators that are set up for straight bracket, or ET racing.
This does not pertain to NHRA National Events, however.
This "over the index dial" situation should have been fixed by now...in my opinion.

[Chuck Beach]

Who writes all the rules and runs the show? Didn't Jimmy Defrank red light against Mike Cotton several years ago and they had a re-run because they claimed that Jimmy's car didn't move? So what's the difference? Malfunction or human error or who you know? This is 'sportsman racing' & fair is fair. The starter should have recognized the problem & should have had it corrected, isn't that part of his job?

[Bryan Worner]

Its at least the second time this has happened this year! So, as a racer, I will never put my faith in an NHRA official to have my dial in correct! I will ALWAYS check it before I stage! ALWAYS!!!

[Jeff Stout]

Originally Posted by Chuck Beach

Who writes all the rules and runs the show? Didn't Jimmy Defrank red light against Mike Cotton several years ago and they had a re-run because they claimed that Jimmy's car didn't move? So what's the difference? Malfunction or human error or who you know? This is 'sportsman racing' & fair is fair. The starter should have recognized the problem & should have had it corrected, isn't that part of his job?

Starters job is to run the race in a safe matter. Being a starter there is allot to pay attention to. Adding the job of verifying dial ins takes time away from safety. Driver is still responsible for dial in. If the driver needs help on checking boards have your pit crew verify for you.

[S/ST J718]

Had a similar experience going into round 5 Et Finals in 2007 my dial was 11.17 and the scoreboard said 11.71. I would not stage and the starter kept motioning we forward. I had my window down a little and was pointing to my dial . Finally I shut down my motor and screamed "17 not 71" and he figured it out. Was I rattled "yes" Did I lose that round "oh well"
At one point or another we all must take on little responsibility for our selves . My 2 cents .... Hope you guys understand were I'm coming from.