Competition DHRA Steering Committee

[sbentz]

Latest DieselPower!TM Drag Racing Series News

02/21/05-00 (DRAG RACING) - DHRA Rulebook committee being formed!

We are currently constructing a rulebook committee to help steer the class structures in the right direction. We are seeking two members for each class, interested parties send Eric McBride an email at -- email address removed --.







Eric, I just saw the news release. I think that the idea of a steering committee will help get more people involved with improvement work, and generate ideas to make your rules, organization, and overall direction more in tune with the DHRA members. Not that there is anything really wrong now, just the fact that getting a couple people per class may get some real brainstorming going. Good luck, and keep the TDR updated on the work you are doing. We all just want events to race at, and support in getting the word out that diesels are coming on strong in the performance world.



OK, guys, start volunteering! Be part of the the solution...

 

[Turbo Thom]

Well said, Scott. I talked to Jeff about this DHRA vs NHRA thing. The consensus is to stay with DHRA and build the field. But even then, at the sanctioned tracks, NHRA rules will have to be abided by. Sooner or later we'll all get on the same page.



. . Preston. .

 

[DHRA]

Explain what you mean Preston? Are you referring to when you race outside of the DHRA? Are you referring to the roll cages? That's SFI specs, not NHRA or DHRA, although we both use those safety specifications. Is it the chassis certification? Once we have a dedicated Technical staff, we'll have our own chassis cert program. You know, it's that money thing!

Thanks Scott, we are doing that with the sled pulling, and your suggestion the other day made me realize that we need to get rolling with the drag racing also. We already have one volunteer. Thanks for the post!

 

[Turbo Thom]

Eric... ... . What I'm saying, is the thing Greg is doing and what you are doing seem to be on the opposite sides of the fence. We here will stick with DHRA, as far I know. The roll cages are a must anywhere. We just need a complete set of rules to build and race by. I know that takes time. We just need to catchup. ?

The thing I don't understand is Jeff's truck. It was raced the last two years with no problems. Yet at Houston, for Nowell's race, the same truck that ran the last two years, was not allowed to race because the window net was not legal, the doors didn't open, no floor, has to be all the way across, the bars to thin, and a few other things. That's what I mean by rules to race by. I'm not fussing , just frustrated.

I know you are working hard to get it together, I'm just tired of the bitterness that seems to be floating around. I spoke to you at Muncie about our differences. That's over. I'm on your side and want to see DHRA be a success. Thats the bottom line.



. . Preston. .

 

[COMP461]

The reason that Jeff’s truck was not legal, was simply the NHRA rules that come in to play any time a vehicle runs faster then a given performance standard, these rules are enforced at any track that is an NHRA track, which will be almost any track . IHRA has an almost identical set of rules, and they will enforce the rules at their tracks. There are a few , OUTLAW track in the country that are neither NHRA or IHRA and these are tracks that I personal would not unload my truck, car or moped at, because of the lack of insurance. One thing you get with you NHRA membership is an extremely large insurance, against being injured I believe it’s upwards of a half million dollars. This is in place whether you’re are a driver, or a crew member. This is the reason for the price on crew tickets at races. The license system will remain the same if you want to run faster then 9. 99. At any of these tracks no mater who puts on the race NHRA and IHRA will reciprocate each others chassis tags and licenses.







In Jeff’s case it was 9. 99 and the vehicle was not chassis tagged and Jeff did not have a competition licensed to run faster then 9. 99. The NHRA tech did let him run until he ran faster then that number, but the track has a responsibility to everyone to keep the rules the same for everyone, today tomorrow, and next month. I have great respect for the way Jeff handled the whole deal, never arguing, when the ruling came down, this showed great leader ship. the whole ASO deal is nothing more then NHRA’s way of letting small groups the ability to use there tracks , insurance system , and to make sure that safety rules are adhered to in racing on NHRA track system. The rules will have to always adhere to their standards, on safety issues. Just as when the rules seemed to hurt diesel races in the North West about crank height. NHRA listened, I commend Fletch and Ronda on the long hard battle they went thru to make a change, and NHRA did change. But it was slow and well thought out. Not something sudden and spur of the moment.



I do not have a ME or THEM battle with the DHRA, but in some of the actions, and omissions they have exhibited over the last year. And the stories, a few of you on here have passed on to me, some of you former officials with the DHRA. I have a place to race , and a paid ride in a comp car this season , so my only thought and action were very unselfish , in that I never even proposed a class the truck I drive would even fit in , but wanted a bunch of the great guy I have meet on here in the past years in my passing thru the diesel world to have a chance to experience racing in the way I have , with a large sanction body with very stable rules , where rule committee , like this would stop the rules from being a whimsical thing . WOW a novel ideal, one NHRA has been doing for the last oh say 52 years. Several of you were on a conference call with me and senior officials at NHRA this after noon, and we are gaining momentum, they are ready for our rule submission to take it to a competition committee, and hopefully make it a reality. The time table could be as late as January 1 2006, or sooner, but not later. We were told that not only was the super stock modified a great ideal and something that NHRA was excited about because of demographics of diesel owners, but also a SS/FX for my truck as well as Fletch , Banks and Keith’s . In addition a competition Eliminator class rules proposal was asked for both the super stock classes by this senior NHRA official. , which could mean that the both of the classes could wind up with a high end place to race.



This great opportunity by NHRA is something that will catch on by the manufactures and the big vendors.

 

[fest3er]

... One thing you get with you NHRA membership is an extremely large insurance ... The whole ASO deal is nothing more then NHRA’s way of letting small groups the ability to use there tracks , insurance system , and to make sure that safety rules are adhered to in racing on NHRA track system. The rules will have to always adhere to their standards, on safety issues. ...

An NHRA ASO is an organization that has NHRA- and SFI-approved rules and carries proper insurance at all events they run at NHRA facilities; NHRA's insurance does *not* apply to races operated by ASOs. All racers at our races last year were covered by our own insurance. Only NHRA's rules meet NHRA's standards; NHRA's rules <i>are</i> their standard. All other rulesets are 'alternates'. If DHRA's rules met NHRA's standards, the rules would *be* NHRA's rules.

Just as when the rules seemed to hurt diesel races in the North West about crank height. NHRA listened, I commend Fletch and Ronda on the long hard battle they went thru to make a change, and NHRA did change. But it was slow and well thought out. Not something sudden and spur of the moment.

As I've stated before, I believe Mr. McBride had significant input on this rule change (NHRA's rule is identical to DHRA's rule); I find it odd that credit for his efforts is still due.

I do not have a ME or THEM battle with the DHRA, but in some of the actions, and omissions they have exhibited over the last year. And the stories, a few of you on here have passed on to me, some of you former officials with the DHRA.

If you would be so kind, please enumerate these actions and omissions. Your allusions are nothing more than innuendo until specific instances are laid on the table. (In the computer and software industry, such baseless statements are known as FUD: Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt. )



As with any human endeavour, we have our successes and failures. We strive to maximize the successes and minimize the failures, but we will always have failures. We're human.



For the benefit of folks who were not privvy to the failures you've alluded to, please provide details.

... with a large sanction body with very stable rules , where rule committee , like this would stop the rules from being a whimsical thing . ...

Again, please provide specific, concrete examples of how DHRA's rules have been 'whimsical' or 'willy-nilly'. I have proof-read, published and printed all DHRA rulebooks and amendments to date. Any rules changes last year were published on the web site. All rule changes this year, for drag racing and sled pulling, are there to be seen on the website. In two years of rules, I cannot recall any whimsical, willy-nilly or otherwise haphazard rule changes. The drag racing and sled pulling rules, as used during competition for 2003 and 2004, were approved by the SFI Foundation. The drag racing rules were also approved by NHRA.



Finally, I don't need to have been present in the early days of NHRA to know that their rules in those first few years were in a relatively constant state of flux; it's the nature of developing rules, be it for drag racing, sled pulling, or communication protocols. It always takes a number of years for rules (and protocols) to stabilize.



Neal

 

[CMNS PWR]

some of you former officials with the DHRA.

Care to elaborate as to whom these alleged persons are?

 

[Turbo Thom]

Hi Greg... ..... I understand the ET thing and Jeff's truck. My point is the inspector and the other gentleman, the one with the cowboy hat, said they didn't understand how Jeff was even allowed to run 'this truck' at any NHRA track. When the tracks were named where he has been, they just shook their head. . I just don't see how, they said. We're within an 1 1/2 hours each way of 2 really nice NHRA tracks here. Made multiple runs on each. Never a word.



Be that as it may , the truck in question has been inspected, by Mike Welles, and will not race 9. 9 again. Jeff's going to bracket it if it runs at all. To run the tube chassis is just to much money on a working mans pay. Pro street in the fun way to go. 5500 lbs. and go as fast as you can. Heck, this old man may just build one. I need a sponser. . :{



Bye Now.



. . Prseton. .

 

[R-N-R]

Eric and Neal, you having absolutely nothing to defend in terms of the DHRA. I appreciate clarification of mis-information, but I sincerely hope that this does not degrade to arguing with idiocy. Comp can make whatever statements he desires with regard to not attacking the DHRA, however his wording consistently contradict his statements.



Working to establish a presence within the NHRA is fine, perhaps unnecessary, and impractical for the majority of enthusiasts, but whatever. However it seems to me that an individual has come to a group of people via this web site and attempted to raise interest in his pursuits by capitalizing on the DHRA exposure here, then proceeds to try and garnish support with rhetorical knocking of the DHRA, for the obvious interest of advancement in his adventures. There is a niche' group of people that for all practical purposes can participate in a full blown NHRA venue. These people's interest could have been obtained here without all the negative remarks toward the DHRA that have been posted.



I can only speculate why anybody would choose to pave an new road instead of supporting an established organization's growth, well whatever we all have our own motivations. I am not questioning this, just pointing out that it exists. It might be a shame that the DHRA does not have everybody's support, but then it might also be a blessing. I have absolutely nothing against the NHRA, however given the negative tactics, character, and integrity that has been demonstrated in these forums, I am thankful that some are not part of the DHRA, the NHRA can have him.



FWIW,

Bill Soule

 

[Turbo Thom]

Bill, is that really the way you feel? Don't hold back, now. Greg's really a pretty nice feller. Just a little rough around the edges, by Southern standards. Why, he even let me watch the his TV in the trailer that sunday in Houston. Peyton was playing. Heck, even Eric can be a little caustic at times. But I think that comes with the pressure of trying to make this thing work. Me? I'm just warm and fuzzy with no opinions are hangups.



See ya.



. . Preston. .

 

[R-N-R]

This situation has been aggravating me for a while now so unfortunately, yes that is how I feel. However I probably should have knocked the dust off my soapbox before submitting this morning. You made good points and I appreciate your being gracious in response.