No Tech Inspection

[Lenny5160]

Originally Posted by Carguy49

Isn't SAFETY of the driver and all around him/her the most important thing??

The original NHRA decal said "Dedicated to Safety", what happened???

That being said, some of the rules don't make sense. How does a helmet wear out and why do belts need replacing in, I believe, 2 years??

You're questioning the NHRA's commitment to safety while complaining that some of the safety-based rules are too rigorous?

[Carguy49]

I guess I didn't say it right. I am wondering what the criteria is for replacement/update of equipment. Do helmets wear out or seat belts become frayed or what. Just looking for answers.

Thanks for your reply, just looking for info on the situation.

[Lenny5160]

Originally Posted by Carguy49

I guess I didn't say it right. I am wondering what the criteria is for replacement/update of equipment. Do helmets wear out or seat belts become frayed or what. Just looking for answers.

Thanks for your reply, just looking for info on the situation.

I question many of the same rules. I retire my belts looking almost new, but they need to write the rule to cover the car that sits on an open trailer in the southern sun all year. I asked my chassis cert guy about this and he gave me the number on how much the stitching can degrade over that time; it was a bunch.

The one that gets me are the trans shields; just inert metal pieces. I have two transmissions in the garage that need to be torn down and sent across the country just so someone can glance at the case and steel liner before sending it all back with a couple stickers.

[BigBlockBill]

The one that gets me are the trans shields; just inert metal pieces. I have two transmissions in the garage that need to be torn down and sent across the country just so someone can glance at the case and steel liner before sending it all back with a couple stickers.[/QUOTE]

My thought on the trans shield would be that NHRA knows how often they are removed and replace in these cars and maybe the mounting holes get sloppy? That is 114.36% guess work on my part.

[CMcAllister]

Originally Posted by Carguy49

I guess I didn't say it right. I am wondering what the criteria is for replacement/update of equipment. Do helmets wear out or seat belts become frayed or what. Just looking for answers.

Thanks for your reply, just looking for info on the situation.

Justification for most of these specs have been addressed in the past. i.e. wear and tear and environmental degradation to belt material, helmets being thrown around and banged up, advances in technology and the need to take advantage of them, etc.

While you may keep your car in an enclosed trailer and a climate controlled shop, and your helmet in a nice bag to protect it, many don't. The rules need to take into consideration the sloppiest, least attentive, most abusive car owner and the wear and tear he heaps on his equipment.

Plenty of guys out there would show up with 30 year old motorcycle helmets and torn to shreds belts if they could. And do if the tracks aren't paying attention.

Shields and SFI cases? If a guy knew it would never be checked after being purchased, what would stop them from cutting, modifying or hacking it up to fit, or be easier to use, or continuing to use it if it were damaged?

Insurability of the sport drives all this stuff.