Competition Get ready for new NHRA rules - Diapers!

[sbentz]

If you are running in the 9's, get ready:



From the NHRA Web Site:





Oil-retention Device



Beginning Jan. 1, 2007, all Comp competitors will be required to have an oil-retention device meeting either SFI Spec 7. 1 or 7. 2. For Jan. 1, 2008, the same rule will apply for Super Gas, Super Comp, and any E. T. vehicle running 9. 99 or quicker or 135 mph or faster. NHRA is developing an implementation strategy for an oil-retention device meeting the SFI specification for the reminder of the NHRA Lucas categories.



OK, Let the Diaper jokes begin!

 

[MMeier]

You mean come 2008 , my 6 cylinder street car is gong to need a diaper?? WTF??

 

[RacinDuallie]

If you are running in the 9's, get ready:

From the NHRA Web Site:


Oil-retention Device

Beginning Jan. 1, 2007, all Comp competitors will be required to have an oil-retention device meeting either SFI Spec 7. 1 or 7. 2. For Jan. 1, 2008, the same rule will apply for Super Gas, Super Comp, and any E. T. vehicle running 9. 99 or quicker or 135 mph or faster. NHRA is developing an implementation strategy for an oil-retention device meeting the SFI specification for the reminder of the NHRA Lucas categories.

OK, Let the Diaper jokes begin!

Who do we contact for our oil retention device to comply? Is there a contact?

 

[COMP461]

This means if you are running in Competition Eliminator, you will need a ballistic blankets or diaper as it’s called, by January 1st

Think that NHRA is picking on diesels because of smoke or soot, its not just diesels, its every potential to put any drop of fluid or matter on the track surface during the highly choreographed Live TV time. When I ran Pro Mod we had to have them . T/AD, TA/FC , TD, Top Comp and Top Sportsman are required to have them now

By January 1st 2008 every vehicle running faster then 9. 99 and competing in a NHRA race or on NHRA track will need them. Most people don’t know what it takes to prep a track, or keep it prepped to a level that a Pro type Car can stay stuck to the track all the way to the strip.



It’s very expensive and time consuming. Picture this , it Sunday afternoon, at the NHRA world finals in Pomona. It’s just before the final round of top Fuel and the Champion ship is on the line, this is the time that they run the sportsman finals, the very worst time for someone’s engine to pops and puts fluid on the track, requiring a 20 min clean up. The fuel cars are under the tower, and the sun is going down, everyone in drag racing knows that the right lane is impossible to get down when the sun dips down low enough to no longer warm the right lane, but continues to keep the left lane just right. GET THE PICTURE





The time down while everyone waits for the track cleaners is sweeping the track means your wait in then staging lanes is longer , and the number of test laps is less for you enter fee. People didn’t come to the track to watch the track prep crew’s race up and down the track that can to see that great American sport of Drag Racing.



The diapers are no problem and easily obtained

 

[Timbeaux38]

Greg should know about diapers, he has worn one for years :-laf

Even worse, PICTURE THIS:

It is the TS race in the spring, feeling racthet-headed from an evening of consuming adult beverages at the open house, you order a fried bologna sammich at the concession stand at Beech Bend to help you feel better. Just then, someone oils down the track. While waiting for cleanup, you feel a rumbling down below, and notice the sun setting in the left lane obscuring your view of the bathroom. Feeling the sammich start to rev-gain through your lower GI tract, you feel that a record may be set today... . by you
But you dont worry, no... ... no, you are okay because you have the mandated diaper.

 

[DavidTD]

This means if you are running in Competition Eliminator, you will need a ballistic blankets or diaper as it’s called, by January 1st

Think that NHRA is picking on diesels because of smoke or soot, its not just diesels, its every potential to put any drop of fluid or matter on the track surface during the highly choreographed Live TV time. When I ran Pro Mod we had to have them . T/AD, TA/FC , TD, Top Comp and Top Sportsman are required to have them now

By January 1st 2008 every vehicle running faster then 9. 99 and competing in a NHRA race or on NHRA track will need them. Most people don’t know what it takes to prep a track, or keep it prepped to a level that a Pro type Car can stay stuck to the track all the way to the strip.



It’s very expensive and time consuming. Picture this , it Sunday afternoon, at the NHRA world finals in Pomona. It’s just before the final round of top Fuel and the Champion ship is on the line, this is the time that they run the sportsman finals, the very worst time for someone’s engine to pops and puts fluid on the track, requiring a 20 min clean up. The fuel cars are under the tower, and the sun is going down, everyone in drag racing knows that the right lane is impossible to get down when the sun dips down low enough to no longer warm the right lane, but continues to keep the left lane just right. GET THE PICTURE





The time down while everyone waits for the track cleaners is sweeping the track means your wait in then staging lanes is longer , and the number of test laps is less for you enter fee. People didn’t come to the track to watch the track prep crew’s race up and down the track that can to see that great American sport of Drag Racing.



The diapers are no problem and easily obtained

I would like to make one correction to the above. Greg you state "By January 1st 2008 every vehicle running faster then 9. 99 and competing in a NHRA race or on NHRA track will need them. " and you need to add to that, unless that track is being operated under a NHRA Alternative Sanctioning Organizations rules such as DHRA or others.



While I am not opposed to the diaper rule, currently it is not a requirement for DHRA events. Will it be? That will depend on some research that I will have to begin.

 

[RacinDuallie]

I would like to make one correction to the above. Greg you state "By January 1st 2008 every vehicle running faster then 9. 99 and competing in a NHRA race or on NHRA track will need them. " and you need to add to that, unless that track is being operated under a NHRA Alternative Sanctioning Organizations rules such as DHRA or others.

While I am not opposed to the diaper rule, currently it is not a requirement for DHRA events. Will it be? That will depend on some research that I will have to begin.

My thoughts: When you are running at or faster than this level, why would you want to take a gamble and risk your life and safety as well as the safety of others, as well as the putting the hosting tracks insurance for future events in risk? If your engine pops atleast you wont have oil slopping down under the slicks while @ 130+mph , it will be contained in the blanket.

Second- When your CEO of the DHRA, gets on here and boasts about being the ONLY sanctioning body for diesels..... then you need to abide BY THESE RULES AS PER NHRA- - - - - - unless your insurance policy structures different in the event of litigational matters.

On top of it all, when you make this statement David, how is this to encourage other racers to run at this level at DHRA sanctioned events, when you are allowing racers to run in a dangerous manner? I wouldnt feel comfortable running against another racer that could very well run into me or my truck because of your alternate status and rule skirting of the NHRA? But then why call it a sanctioning body of the NHRA- if your not conforming to their rules??

 

[RacinDuallie]

I was always under the assumption that in order to maintain 'alternate sanctioning body of the NHRA' the association must fall under the rules, as written, by the NHRA- to be remaining under their umbrella of sanctioning status.....

 

[sbentz]

For Jan. 1, 2008, the same rule will apply for Super Gas, Super Comp, and any E. T. vehicle running 9. 99 or quicker or 135 mph or faster. NHRA is developing an implementation strategy for an oil-retention device meeting the SFI specification for the reminder of the NHRA Lucas categories.



OK, Let the Diaper jokes begin!

I guess I was of the assumption that since we have to abide by the general rules of the NHRA, that this would apply. We will do it anyway, just for the safety element.



Let us know what you find out, and how it applies, David. My vote? Comply.

 

[RacinDuallie]

I guess I was of the assumption that since we have to abide by the general rules of the NHRA, that this would apply. We will do it anyway, just for the safety element.

Let us know what you find out, and how it applies, David. My vote? Comply.

My vote: comply also- and I will comply, under the rules passed forth by NHRA... .

Please keep us updated David as to your findings.

 

[COMP461]

Every rule is written in Blood!!!!!

Repeat for effect

Every rule is written in Blood!!!!

This is the saying of wise people at Tech.



I am sure that David is not meaning to say that DHRA will let certain rules NHRA puts forth be ignored at DHRA races. I do think that this new rule is partly about TV time in NHRA, but there is a history of oil downs crashing cars. I almost crashed at Atlanta when my Dry sump system leaked the clean up cost a good about of time, and I’m sure money in VHT to fix. If I had of had a diaper on the truck, that pass would have been one for the record books, 1. 18 60’ sideways.



I think that that racers are all about going fast, and a ballistics blanket weighs 30 lbs unless you get the carbon fiber one and spend big bucks.



If not required, I would not run one, but should!!!!! Look at pro Stock they had a rash of crashes, and it’s because of lack of down force in the wing at ZERO. the fix is put 1 to 2 degrees of wing in the car , well in prostock that 1 to 2 degrees will cost . 01 of a second , that is some time the difference in qualifying and not . So NHRA’S response, everyone gets a taller wicker bill on their wing, next year.

It is the reasonability of sanction bodies to make sure the minimum standards of safety are set. If NHRA sets the standard as such, it would behoove other alternate bodies to use due diligences to as well as any other rule proffered by NHRA

 

[DavidTD]

My thoughts: When you are running at or faster than this level, why would you want to take a gamble and risk your life and safety as well as the safety of others, as well as the putting the hosting tracks insurance for future events in risk? If your engine pops atleast you wont have oil slopping down under the slicks while @ 130+mph , it will be contained in the blanket.



Second- When your CEO of the DHRA, gets on here and boasts about being the ONLY sanctioning body for diesels..... then you need to abide BY THESE RULES AS PER NHRA- - - - - - unless your insurance policy structures different in the event of litigational matters.



On top of it all, when you make this statement David, how is this to encourage other racers to run at this level at DHRA sanctioned events, when you are allowing racers to run in a dangerous manner? I wouldnt feel comfortable running against another racer that could very well run into me or my truck because of your alternate status and rule skirting of the NHRA? But then why call it a sanctioning body of the NHRA- if your not conforming to their rules??

Jeff I will not let this turn into the direction you are intending.



Please re-read my statement.



Also refer to this statement made by Danny Gracia on ASO's.



NHRA has in place the NHRA Alternative Sanctioning Organization (ASO) program which is designed to enable independent sanctioning organizations to conduct drag racing programs not offered by NHRA at NHRA Member Tracks. Under this program, no organization may conduct any drag racing activities under its own organization’s name at NHRA Member Tracks that are not in full compliance with NHRA rules and procedures without becoming an approved ASO. Likewise, each NHRA Member Track is obligated to enforce NHRA rules at ALL its drag racing events, unless an event is conducted by an ASO.



This supports what I said to Greg's statement. As far as being safe, I believe my comments where that I supported this but CURRENTLY there was not a rule in place with DHRA. Then I followed up with I would have to research it.



Again, Greg made a statement that was incorrect. I corrected it.

 

[RacinDuallie]

David I am not turning this into any direction?

I'll just need to re-read the rules that fall under the ASO Program... .
I know you wouldn't want unsafe situations... .

 

[Fletcher]

Plain and simple

I think this answers everyone's questions as to the logic behind a group of drivers that want to have input to their's and other's safety.

 

[fest3er]

I was always under the assumption that in order to maintain 'alternate sanctioning body of the NHRA' the association must fall under the rules, as written, by the NHRA- to be remaining under their umbrella of sanctioning status.....

If it was as you thought, then there would be no reason to have alternate sanctioning bodies in the first place, since NHRA's rules and classes would be completely suitable for and applicable to the non-NHRA organization operating the event. If it was as you thought, then IHRA would never have come into existence, because NHRA's rules, classes and procedures would have handled all cases and circumstances at all racing events.



The whole purpose of the ASO program is to allow sanctioning bodies with classes and rules that differ from NHRA's classes and rules to operate at NHRA and NHRA-member tracks as long as:

• NHRA approves the alternate rules, and
• the alternate sanctioning body has its own insurance coverage for each event that it operates at NHRA and NHRA-member facilities

There are a few other smaller details in the ASO rules and regulations.



NHRA, IHRA, ATPA, DHRA, NHL, NASCAR, WBO, MLB, NFL, both AMAs and others are all sanctioning bodies independent of each other. They all carry their own liability insurance. They all develop and enforce their own rules. They all sanction activities independently of each other. When a sanctioning body sanctions an activity, they are saying, in effect, "The activities we sanction will procees according to our rules and we will exercise due diligence to ensure that all participants in our sanctioned events adhere to our rules. We carry liability insurance to cover damage to the facility and/or injury to bystanders, competitors/operators and officials in the unlikely event that our rules fail to prevent such damage or injury. No other sanctioning body can be held responsible for our actions. "



An organization that does not develop and enforce its own rules, that does not carry suitable insurance to cover its own errors and omissions that can lead to its own liability, is not a sanctioning body because it does not have the authority to enforce rules or to assume liability for mishaps at events.



This is not a legal definition of a sanctioning body or a definition of the source of its authority; such a definition would likely be much, much longer.

 

[RacinDuallie]

Neal,



Maybe I was confused slightly when I read a post from an organizations leader that stated and I quote: "We are the only sanctioning body for diesel racing".....

When it should have said as you have pointed out above-

We are the only "alternate sanctioning body", for diesel racing... ... .

Therein lies two different sets of definitions upon rulings as per NHRA / ASO guidelines... ... .

So it's easy to be mislead when the correct wording is left out..... .

And b. t. w. The NHRDA also is an alternate sanctioning body of the NHRA as well.



And I do not care if people want to throw me under the bus for taking a stand upon the safety of myself, other racers, tracks personell, and most importantly the spectators... . I'm more than willing to fight for that.

 

[COMP461]

Racers like Dustin and Myself are both licensed by NHRA as advanced ET or Pro. This requires us to set the bar and use NHRA rules anytime we set foot on a NHRA track, no mater who is the promoter of that race. I for one have always been treated good at the DHRA races by tech, but Have always felt that it was kind of the honor system, as most of their tech experience was not on Pro Type cars, and felt a duty to make sure I presented a Race vehicle that was the safest , I could make it.

 

[Pat@BD]

I would like to make one correction to the above. Greg you state "By January 1st 2008 every vehicle running faster then 9. 99 and competing in a NHRA race or on NHRA track will need them. " and you need to add to that, unless that track is being operated under a NHRA Alternative Sanctioning Organizations rules such as DHRA or others.



While I am not opposed to the diaper rule, currently it is not a requirement for DHRA events. Will it be? That will depend on some research that I will have to begin.

DHRA Rules will have no effect on this. This will be any NHRA sanctioned track. DHRA events run mostly at NHRA tracks, making it manditory for any DHRA competitor unter the 9. 99 index.

 

[JDerbedrossian]

so your telling me that my camaro, if it runs 9. 99 or faster then 135mph that I need a blanket for a T-N-T night at a nhra track. If thats the case I see profit margins falling at tracks that rely on T-N-T's . Am I off base here.



Jake

 

[COMP461]

If you run faster then 9. 99 , you need a NHRA certified Chassis , up to date seat belts , NHRA license, and January 1st 2008 a diaper. I would bet that when this goes this broad, a diaper will get down in cost to a few hundred bucks or so for normal cars. Truck will be a different story