Pros to race to 1000'

[Woodro Josey]

I agree with you somewhat Evan, but there are a lot of saftey issues, no i didn't get killed but i was real close to it..Somehow the top ends are going unattended at a lot of the tracks and this needs to change!

[Sean Haning]

I agree with Evan. Its not a perfect solution, but if it is handled properly and the tracks would dilligently rectify any shutdown short comings then it is in the best interest of the racers. If things go unchanged then it does little. They did say it was temporary, so we'll see. NASCAR acted quickly after the Earnhardt accident, and implemented safer barriers. Hopefully some of that technology can be put to good use in our shut down areas.

[Evan Smith]

Woody,

I agree with that 100%. There should be a standard system of halting a runaway car that is tested and works. This system should be in place at all NHRA tracks. A remote car can be used for testing at an actual track or test facility. No doubt, the NHRA should invest in developing and testing a suitable system. It seems like when cars hit the sand trap with some speed scrubbed they come to a stop with minimal damage, yet when they go in at full speed they get launched. Look at Force's crash years ago, Del Worsham, etc. Most systems, even the basic net, can be about $5,000, and I'm sure most racers would kick in to any track that doesn't have one.

If the nets on a carrier can stop a multi-ton aircraft at speed, we should be able to stop a run-away racecar in a reasonable manner. Unfortunately, like in most forms of racing, it takes a death before safety takes a huge stride forward.

Evan

[Sean Haning]

Maybe we should have a cable like on an aircraft carrier with a hook to grab and slow the cars down at the stripe.

[Travis Miller]

There is already a gear ratio rule in effect for T/F and F/C. 3.20 to 1 is the ONLY rearend gear allowed and has been that way since 1998. And yes the rearend ratio in T/F and F/C has been checked on a regular basis at National events since then.

Travis

(Disclaimer: Opinions expressed by me on this forum are exactly that, my opinions.)

[Brian VP]

Evan I agree. NHRA made a decision that solves a lot of problems right away. Maybe they will start pushing for tracks to change things, but until that is done, is it worth the risk. The average person who go's to a race doesn't care about the last 320 feet, they care about hearing the noise, feeling the ground shake, and smelling the nitro. Those things will still be there. Most of the tracks have a hard enough time staying open and now we want them to go and purchase more land to make the shutdown longer or spend a whole lot of money on a new futuristic, space aged 'sand trap'. I am sure that our pit area's will suffer. Then we will all be complaining about that. I applaud NHRA for taking care of the problem quickly.

[david ring]

Jim Head spoke out in favor of 1000' racing the day after Scott Kalitta's death. He's a pretty smart guy and has no big sponsor so he's actually in a position to speak freely. So if he thinks this is OK, I say give it a try. Also note that he's looking for a driver who'll bring along some sponsorship, but he said until something is done to make racing safer, he'd be very reluctant to put another person in his car. Finally, I second when Evan, Woodrow, and Brian had to say.

[Bruce Noland]

Anything that has the potential to save lives is the deal for me.

nhra should reduce the nitro percentage in the floppers to get the speeds down. That way they still get their show and they won't use as much of their precious nitro. Yeah the alcohol guys may have to slow a little too. Most fans couldn't tell the difference between an alcohol run and fuel run any way; except for the smell.

Let the folks voice their opinion(s) about this issue. Pro or con, people need to get it off their chests. We don't need any sheriffs trying to stifle this conversation.

[partsbob67]

i wonder if they switched back to 1 fuel pump and mag if that would slow them down too much?

[Signman]

When aircraft land on the deck of carriers what is their speed. For some reason remember speeds spoken about being in the 150 area. They dangerously slow down when approaching, ready to go full throttle if everything is not right.

Any of those that have been there have input? Would like to know if what is being done by the Navy has any application.

For real though, bet NASA engineers could figure this out and have the engineering. There is liaison between NASA and the racing community now, looking to get technology out into the manufacturing community to benefit all and ustify their budget.