Header Tethers - Jury IN or OUT

[C and W Racing]

Originally Posted by Dean Feiock

This information comes directly to me from someone who attended the recent Div 5 Tech Inspector Training. I also thumbed through the booklet with my own hands that described the procedures and acceptance. But for this conversation consider it as " I heard if from someone, who heard it from someone, who heard it from someone".

Header tethers were a major topic of discussion. AS PER DIV 5, QuarterMax tethers are the only ones that meet the criteria. While there are many on the accepted list, Quarter Max are the only ones with markings on the cable AND clamps. The Quarter Max cable has a dog tag and the clamps are engraved with their name.

With several photos and examples to view at the meeting, Lokar was the worst with no marking on the cable or clamp.

Div 5 IS NOT going to consider color codes or proprietary designs to be a indicator of manufacturer. Quite frankly, there are going to be counterfeits and home made versions, so they need easy to identify markings to ensure compliance ( Engraved or Stamped Brand).

The bottom line is, it must bear the manufacturer name on ALL components.

And a related note, on low slung door cars or any car that may be hard to access the tether, put the tether on so it's most visible. If tech cannot see it, you may have to take it off for them to inspect it.

Again, take this for what it's worth.

I will wait to buy mine, until I know more.

I don't know about the rest of the Manufactures, But the ones that keith Fulp has on the approved list, KFM, have tags on the cables as well, He was one of the first one out with them. Clamps and tags are lazer etched with his logo. I've had mine since Reynolds and am very pleased with them
Chuck

[Bob Gullett]

I have no problem with a collector restraint system and I don't be-grudge any of the manufactures of them. What I do have a problem with is that we as racers can install our own chassis and suspension components, weld in our own roll bars or cages, install brakes etc. etc. etc. Some racers are ASA certified technicians, welders, or as in my case being from Canada a federally licenced auto mechanic and we are not qualified to manufacture our own restraint system. A cable and 2 clamps. How hard can it be to make this or bolt an exhaust pipe hangar to the frame or floor boards with a muffler clamp to the collector. Just my opinion.

[Bill Marshall]

Well said Bob

[Jim Wahl]

I would suggest doing what I have done. I have a copy of the receipt for my tethers in the glove compartment of the race car. If that and the approved manufacturer's tag affixed to the tether are not good enough I will ask for my entry money back and race elsewhere. Jim


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[voltdr]

OK, IMO here is the main reason for the collector tether requirement.

1. At some time NHRA got sued for a collector coming off a race car.
2. The insurance company made NHRA institute a policy to stop this from happening.
3. **POOF** Collector tethers were born.
4. I still believe we should be able to make our own.
Remember back when the big stink about aerosol spray cans at National Events erupted? NHRA creates a program, threatening fines, etc. to make sure the EPA thinks we are doing things better.
Unfortunately, it is the cost of doing business (racing).
At least the tethers don't expire every two ears.
Dan

[ken robinson]

My car and Bobs car has aways had its collectors clamped to the trans cross memeber for years , and never got a second look going thru tech in or out of div. before or after the accident/injury.....But to be legal and collect money for W & R-U just got my collector thethers.com set up in the mail friday .

[Rory McNeil]

Originally Posted by voltdr

OK, IMO here is the main reason for the collector tether requirement.

1. At some time NHRA got sued for a collector coming off a race car.
2. The insurance company made NHRA institute a policy to stop this from happening.
3. **POOF** Collector tethers were born.
4. I still believe we should be able to make our own.
Remember back when the big stink about aerosol spray cans at National Events erupted? NHRA creates a program, threatening fines, etc. to make sure the EPA thinks we are doing things better.
Unfortunately, it is the cost of doing business (racing).
At least the tethers don't expire every two ears.
Dan

Where does this all end?
If somebody gets hit by a flying stone from a car doing a burnout, will we be required to buy NHRA approved mudflaps or screens behind the tires?
Will we need "Hood Tethers" to prevent a fiberglass hood from taking flight and possibly landing in the stands?
Will the Nitro cars soon need "Blower Belt catchers"?
Several years ago, I believe at Sonoma, a Nitro car lost a rear wheel& tire, which was quickly found in the Sportsman pits, after doing considerable damage to Steve Wanns fathers valuable "Air Grabber" hood. I guess Slick Tethers won`t be needed since the only damage was done to a Sportsman racers car. Although after John Irvings truck took a whack out of the tree at Pomona, maybe Stock and S/S cars will need em.

[Dean Feiock]

Originally Posted by CollectorTethers.com

Dean,

Thanks for sharing your he said, he said story with us. I can guarantee you and any of our customers and future customers that our products are NHRA Accepted and any products that are purchased directly from us or one of our authorized distributors is legal.

If anyone has a question about this feel free to call me directly. But I guarantee you they meet the NHRA criteria that is required.

Scott Lemen
615-587-2027

I am aware of the accepted list and who's on it. Likewise, the accepted list was part of the NHRA packet.

However, currently............ IN DIV 5.......per Bob..........
Only those systems with etched and/or engraved clamps AND cables will be accepted. Clamps, such as the ones in a Lokar kit, which are labeled Ideal, will not be accepted.

Like I said, this information can be discarded if you wish. I'm just trying to keep my fellow Div 5 racers from showing up at their first Div 5 race and then told their system is not acceptable.

I wouldn't be one to suggest you flood Bob's office with phone calls or emails. But if you have ever been through tech in Div 5, you'll know it's better to follow the rules than ask for forgiveness.

[voltdr]

I have sent an email to NHRA tech to have them clarify this latest info. That is where the question should be directed. I will post the reply as soon as I receive one.
Dan Foley
SC4698

[voltdr]

Thanks Scott