A case for aftermarket seats in stock

[Alan Roehrich]

Woodro, your opinion might not mean much to NHRA, but it carries as much weight with the racers as anyone's opinion does.

[Don Morris]

I'm glad there are some other racers that feel as I do about seats. If roll cages are acceptable as a safety device, why not a genuine racing seat to complete the package?

The following is an e-mail I sent to the NHRA Rules committee on 11/30/09.

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Gentlemen,

The rules regarding accepted seats for Stock Eliminator reflect a substantial inconsistency in application from a safety perspective. For example, Super Stock cars are allowed to use "aftermarket seats" with a roll cage. Rules regarding Stock Eliminator state "Must have... factory-type... front and rear seats." As you're aware, Stock class cars are often as quick and fast as Super Stock cars.

It appears that the rules allow "automotive accessory seats" or "aftermarket seats" in all categories (i.e. E.T.), regardless of speed or elapsed time, except Stock Eliminator. That really betrays the idea of a universal approach to safety.

At least two things could be accomplished by NHRA accepting aftermarket seats for use in Stock Eliminator: 1) Present an opportunity to improve safety 2) Eliminate interpretation of rules governing Stock Eliminator, either by competitors or Technical Inspectors.

This rule modification would also allow competitors to take advantage, without running afoul of the rules, the statement on page XV of the 2010 Rulebook: "Additional safety equipment or safety-enhancing equipment is always permitted and the levels of safety equipment in this Rulebook are minimum prescribed levels for a particular type of competition and do not prohibit the individual racer from using additional safety equipment."

I'm sure all racers would appreciate the opportunity to upgrade their safety equipment in this area. Safety is something we all can afford.
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The following is the committee's reply:
Don,

The Stock/Super Stock Committee has reviewed your request, to allow the use of aftermarket seats in Stock Eliminator; and has unanimously denied your request. Thank you for your interest in NHRA Championship Drag Racing.

Pat Cvengros

Technical Services Representative
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NHRA has also seen fit to revise the rules for seats in Stock as of 4/15/10.

DM