Is Sportsman Drag Racing Changing?

[DG]

I like the concept. Better payout, BBQ etc are enticing, but until there is a way to police electronics and other forms of cheating, these races won't realize their full potential. A robust tech inspection would add legitimacy to these events.

[GUMP]

I would love to see class eliminations or heads-up shootouts like Top Stock at some of these races. The money is cool, but years after that is spent it is nice to have something shiny on the shelf or wall.....

[Herbie Null]

Originally Posted by DG

I like the concept. Better payout, BBQ etc are enticing, but until there is a way to police electronics and other forms of cheating, these races won't realize their full potential. A robust tech inspection would add legitimacy to these events.

From what I have been told, the Southern Sportsman Showdown at SGMP will have some of the finest tech official's on the property at this race and their hands wont be tied like at national events. The legitimacy of this race should not be a concern.

[Jim Kaekel]

Originally Posted by Herbie Null

From what I have been told, the Southern Sportsman Showdown at SGMP will have some of the finest tech official's on the property at this race and their hands wont be tied like at national events. The legitimacy of this race should not be a concern.

I think when the purse goes up, there's alot more incentive for "funny business", particularly when it comes to illegal electronics and/or starting line aids. That's the one thing I really wonder about at some of these "high buck" bracket races. I'm sure some of these events have really good tech people on hand, while some others...not so much. If you think there's nothing out there like that, take a look at what's offered by Davis Technologies.

[doglover44]

I like these big S/SS races coming this spring hope more come over summer and fall

[James Perrone]

Please stop with these BS. Conspiracy About people cheating
You must be kidding.
I’m sure I have raced with most of the racers that are going to attend.
Nothing to worry about.
Especially you keyboard conspiracy hackers.
Get a car and grow a pair.
And show up at the biggest opportunity to race a class car.
With Dave. Bo And Jason.
In GoD We Tru$t. $$$$$$$i

[Jim Kaekel]

Originally Posted by James Perrone

Please stop with these BS. Conspiracy About people cheating
You must be kidding.
I’m sure I have raced with most of the racers that are going to attend.
Nothing to worry about.
Especially you keyboard conspiracy hackers.
Get a car and grow a pair.
And show up at the biggest opportunity to race a class car.
With Dave. Bo And Jason.
In GoD We Tru$t. $$$$$$$i

For your info, I do actually have a car I run in D3, and I've got "a pair" as well....I was even out working on it last night. If you think there isn't illegal electronics going on, particularly at some of the "big dollar" races, you are not thinking with a clear head. Do you recall the fellow from D2 S/S racer that was caught with a delay box in his racing jacket? Do you remember the Stock racer from D4 that was caught using 4-wheel line lock with a delay box..the Emmons' help catch him. Not to mention the infamous "Matty Box" stuff that went on in the 90's, correct? That's the bad thing about high purses, more incentives for those types of racers. I would, however, support these S/SS events when they have good tech people in place.

[DG]

Originally Posted by Jim Kaekel

For your info, I do actually have a car I run in D3, and I've got "a pair as well"....I was even out working on it last night. If you think there isn't illegal electronics going on, particularly at some of the "big dollar" races, you are not thinking with a clear head. Do you recall the fellow from D2 S/S racer that was caught with a delay box in his racing jacket? Do you remember the Stock racer from D4 that was caught using 4-wheel line lock with a delay box..the Emmons' help catch him. Not to mention the infamous "Matty Box" stuff that went on in the 90's, correct? That's the bad thing about high purses, more incentives for those types of racers. I would, however, support these S/SS events when they have good tech people in place.

I to race and have raced in Stock since the '80's. I remember when cylinder head porting with acid masking was mostly a rumor, and occasionally a racer was thrown out for having them, now you can't be competitive in many classes without out it, even though it remains illegal in the rule book. Once acid porting became available to the masses, it became a must have for everyone that wants to be competitive. While it can seem electronic cheating is rare or just a rumor, the reality is that online retail sales of electronic devices that can be linked to digital ignitions to control a cars ET have the very real potential of being exploited by those that are willing to break the rules for the glory of winning. Now that the technology is available to the masses, we must guard against it or watch it become an essential part of being competitive, even though the rule book is very clear such devices are illegal.

[DG]

Originally Posted by Jim Kaekel

I think when the purse goes up, there's alot more incentive for "funny business", particularly when it comes to illegal electronics and/or starting line aids. That's the one thing I really wonder about at some of these "high buck" bracket races. I'm sure some of these events have really good tech people on hand, while some others...not so much. If you think there's nothing out there like that, take a look at what's offered by Davis Technologies.

Wow, Davis Technologies at moretraction.com sells the electronic devices that can control are cars ET. I didn't really know for sure this stuff was in use, now I realize its readily available to anyone so inclined. I am sure there are unscrupulous individuals that have figured out a way to hide these devices in race cars. Let me be clear for anyone not interested in reading all the information on moretraction.com and tech articles linked to the website. The site sells devices called Traction Control and Profiler that use computer drive shaft speed profiles linked with EFI timing and dropped cylinders to control a cars Elapsed Time on the track. It can speed up or slow down the car on the track to match specific drive shaft speed profiles selected by the user resulting in perfect consistency. Davis Technologies also sells Bump Stop that allows the driver at the push of a button, to bump into the second staging beam exactly 1/2" with each push of the button. Obviously, this driver aid will allow more consistent reaction times and fine adjustments in reaction time based upon how deep or shallow you decide to bump in.

Thank you Jim for shining a light on this technology.

[Frank Castros]

I also went to the Davis website and it makes you wonder about the possibilities and it's effect on the final result.
However I'm in NO way accusing anyone of cheating but the technology is available and someone must be buying it.
I'm also impressed that this event with be legitimized by first class Tech personnel.