National Records

[oldskool]

Here's another dummy question. And the only reason I'm asking is because I don't know the answer and would like to.

I see that at most big races there are cars running under the national record for their class. So my question is: why do they choose not to run for the record ?

I could only think of two possible reasons. Either they don't want to go thru an additional teardown. Or they don't want to call any extra attention to their combo, which might result in a hp refactor.

So can some of you guys clear this up for me ?

Also, I've noticed that some cars are going about 2 sec quicker than the same combo did back in the 70's. Is there any way to look up what the record was for a particular class, say in 1975, and what car held that record ? Or how about a list of when that record was reset, and by what car ? Or is this kind of info just too detailed to keep up with and have available online ?

[John Duzac]

Some people may have their engine on the ragged edge and afraid they won't pass tech.

[oldskool]

Originally Posted by John Duzac

Some people may have their engine on the ragged edge and afraid they won't pass tech.

Well, that answer brings up another question. If someone is afraid their engine won't pass tech. Then what do they plan to do if they win the race ? Don't all winner's engines get checked at the big races ?

Have you guys known of a lot of big race winners who were DQ'd for an illegal engine ?

If this happens, do they also tear down the RU ? Or is the RU automatically torn down ?

[GTX JOHN]

Seldom Tear Down after a race is completed......everyone wants to go home. Random tear downs after Qualification Runs

No teardowns in our Division (7) unless a record has been set.

Exception to rules is All Stars where all division winners are torn down
prior to the race!

[Pedigo Perf]

Oldskool,

First off, only the Pro classes are allowed to set a record at National events. As for Divisionals you will likely get Monday HP or at least a trigger for your efforts. Until 2013 the same was true for National Opens but now you can run it out without fear and get the record if you are willing and able. Problem there is that really limits the opportunity to set records as the National Opens aren't always run at the best dates or tracks for optimal performance. In fact, Division 4 doesn't even run National Opens.

[Bob Mulry]

Hi,

To answer your question.....

Sportsman National Records cannot be set at National Events.......

The run resetting the record must occur during qualifying, the engine sealed, an R with a circle around it on the racecar during the back-up run (run has to be within 1% of record setting run). Resetting the MPH record can only occur during a resetting of the ET record.

NHRA will inspect car and determine if the Class requirements are met and if so a certificate will be issued.....

Next you get to put your racecar back together to race the Eliminator

That's it......

It seemed like a good idea at the time.....

Back in the day we got extra points for setting records but that was a long time ago.....

We had our car taken apart 7 times in one season because of resetting National Records and Low Qualifier. That was over 10 years ago...

I lot has changed within NHRA, including rewarding performance...

Bob

[ALMACK]

One other thing I do not think was mentioned yet, is that by attempting records at 1/4 mile National Opens, the racer can set both 1/8th mile and 1/4 mile records at the same time.

If you attempt a record at a division 1/4 mile event, you can only go for the 1/4 records...IIRC.

As posted above: If a racer attempts at a Divisional race there is the risk of getting a h.p. hit the following Monday, so that's one of the reasons why National Opens are more favorable for record setters.

[5919 SSKA]

What does setting a National Record pay??? NADA! Not even bonus points! But, you do get to tear down...use $100 + worth of gaskets, $100 + worth of oil/filter and donate about 6hr or so of your time.

Hell, Class Eliminations doesn't pay anymore either!!! In the early 2000s when I started, I use to get around $500-$600 for a Class win.

Pretty much just a glorified Bracket Race now days.

[Crew Chief]

Oldskool,

NHRA always printed class records in National Dragster every week. They started doing that when National Dragster began in the early 60's and continued until recently when they began putting current records online. Find some old National Dragsters and you will find what the records were for each class at the time that issue was printed.

[Mike Carr]

Here is a list of some 1986 Super Stock records. Some familiar names still at it. And amazing how times (as in 1/4-mile elapsed times) change in thirty years.



And only two records here were 'minimum', as opposed to nowadays.