Stock seat clarification please

[Mark Yacavone]

Guys, I've modified plenty of stock seats to where they would still pass tech.
I've taken every other spring out of back seats to lighten then , and I've cut a slot into a driver's high back bucket for a Y- harness to pass through, then padded the slot and had it re-upholstered.
I've welded the adjusters and even the hinge up and I've braced up the seat brackets under the floor board.
I never had a problem needing to get anything approved...Never asked.

So, I would say;
A ,
If you're afraid to race with stock seat, modify it yourself. Of course, they might end up HEAVIER.
Or B,
Get yourself a slower car. You don't see Jody Lang on here complaining about his seats, do you?

[Aubrey N Bruneau]

I sure hope they don't end up requiring aftermarket seats...I just spent $1300 getting my factory seat re-upholstered !!!

[jmcarter]

Dang it guys, nobody is complaining about stock seats or suggesting that NHRA would do anything more than allow aftermarket seats (and I'm not talking $69 buckets with four inserts barely stuck in the bottom). Some of us are just saying it would be a safety improvement if done correctly and it should be optional....just like many other provisions...you don't have to have a full cage in lower classes but you sure see them and nobody moans how it's undermining the "spirit of stock". You've all seen some of the bars running way inside the A pillar...look stock? Nope.

[dartman]

Originally Posted by Mark Yacavone

Guys, I've modified plenty of stock seats to where they would still pass tech.
I've taken every other spring out of back seats to lighten then , and I've cut a slot into a driver's high back bucket for a Y- harness to pass through, then padded the slot and had it re-upholstered.
I've welded the adjusters and even the hinge up and I've braced up the seat brackets under the floor board.
I never had a problem needing to get anything approved...Never asked.

So, I would say;
A ,
If you're afraid to race with stock seat, modify the yourself. Of course, they might end up HEAVIER.
Or B,
Get yourself a slower car. You don't see Jody Lang on here complaining about his seats, do you?

Not trying to be a *****,but were does it say you can modify your sit.Driver’s seat tracks may be bolted down but you can't do any other modification or it would say you can,so you are not allowed the pull spring to make it lighter


UPHOLSTERY
Must have full factory-type upholstery for year/model claimed,
including factory-type floor mats or carpet, door panels and
headliner, and front and rear seats. Interior gutting prohibited.
Driver’s seat tracks may be bolted down. Sun visors optional. Rear
seat may be removed when roll bar is installed; area must be
carpeted or upholstered equivalent to factory specifications (no
bare paneling). See General Regulations 6:2.

just because it doesn't say you can't doesn't mean you can.


but maybe under this for safety I'm not sure

HOW TO USE THIS RULEBOOK
The NHRA Rulebook provides guidelines and minimum standards
for the construction and operation of vehicles used in NHRA
Championship Drag Racing and at member-track events. It is the
responsibility of the participant to be familiar with the contents of
this Rulebook and to comply with its requirements. Do not leave it
up to track officials to catch all potential rule compliance problems.
That responsibility rests first and foremost with YOU — the
participant.
Additional safety equipment or safety-enhancing equipment is
always permitted and the levels of safety equipment stated 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. Participants are
encouraged to investigate the utility of additional safety
devices for your type of competition. In disputed cases,
whether an item of equipment is safety-enhancing or
performance-enhancing will be determined by NHRA in
NHRA’s sole and absolute discretion.
On the other hand, as to performance equipment, it is the
general rule that unless optional performance equipment or
performance-related modification is specifically permitted by
this Rulebook, it is prohibited. All model, engine, or equipment
changes or modifications not specifically addressed in this
Rulebook must be submitted in writing to NHRA for
consideration prior to competition. Approval will be granted or
denied in NHRA’s sole and absolute discretion. The applicant
will be notified of approval or rejection in writing from NHRA
headquarters in Glendora, Calif.


BTW I've done the same mods as you to my own seat.even with the springs

[Mickey Whaley]

What he said!

[Jeff Lee]

Additional safety equipment or safety-enhancing equipment is
always permitted and the levels of safety equipment stated 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. Participants are
encouraged to investigate the utility of additional safety
devices for your type of competition. In disputed cases,
whether an item of equipment is safety-enhancing or
performance-enhancing will be determined by NHRA in
NHRA’s sole and absolute discretion.

The problem with a big number of racers is they have never opened the rule book up and would rather jump on the internet for advice than make a decision on their own. If one were to read the rule above, you would understand what Mark Y. is suggesting is allowable. He is, however, taking a chance that one NHRA tech official may not agree with the safety modifications and could be subject to discipline. However, I'd bet there aint ONE tech official that would do so.
The bottom line: "safety" is bantered about as code word for "performance".

[NewHemi]

And the "new cars" which are most likely to go real fast... do have proper seats. You wont see a bench seat in my Drag Pak.

You will see a Viper seat in mine, and aftermarket viper type seats in later Drap Paks.

And as I read it, the rule says "Stock Appearing" seat.

But, get ready for this, I absolutely do agree that the older cars need better seats for safetly..

David
The New Hemi Guy

[Jeff Lee]

And if your DP came with Dodge A-100 seats, you would still buy and drive it.

[Frank Castros]

If you want the ultimate racing seat, check it out;
http://www.joieofseating.net/index.html

[NewHemi]

Originally Posted by Jeff Lee

And if your DP came with Dodge A-100 seats, you would still buy and drive it.

No Jeff, I didn't say that.

But to clarify, I will paraphrase what I previously said: The new cars have better seats, more appropriate to racing than the older cars.

As a result, they are probably safer than the older cars seats. So for someone to say that there is a greater or increasing safety greater risk with the seats in the newer faster cars, is not entirely accurate.

I do agree though, that as long as it isn't just an excuse to provide a weight advantage, older cars should be allowed to have newer safer seats.

David
The New Hemi Guy