Competition Is the smoke gonna kill us?

[DavidTD]

When are the tracks and other racers going to complain?



These are a couple of questions I have been asking myself. So far, down here anyway, both racers/fans/and tracks think it is "cool" but they also don't see 100 diesel trucks at a Saturday bracket race either.



We all know NOS will burn the fuel and eliminate most of the smoke. Should those that are heavily over fueled be required to clean up? If we don't police ourselves, do you think someone else will take charge and make us clean it up?



DHRA has already addressed the issue with exhaust has to be upward or rearward which addresses a big one... the starting line crew. But everyone including us are always looking for a great hooking track. When do you think racers are going to begin to blame the soot for poor track conditions? How about a slight cross breeze that blows that smoke into the next lane obstructing the other racer?



Like it or not the diesel racers of today are the pioneers in this sport. Should we clean it up or not?

 

[lmills]

Yeah, I have to agree. I like smoke as much as the next guy, but somehow I think it will be our demise at some time. I don't want to see the performance side hurt and do not want to have to detune. But something will probably have to be done

 

[HoleshotHolset]

ULSD is going to really help quite a bit...



In the meantime... I've been keeping my street 'foggings' down to a minimum on the truck and the car. I don't want some lawmaker riding behind me in his limo to give diesels a bad rap... just because mine run a little rich until they're up on boost... .



Matt

 

[Forrest]

The Valet switch helped the day to day smoke, like 100%. I had a Hwy Patrolman shake his finger @ me. We were in slow traffic, going up a hill, 5th gear, traffic picked up ... hello cloud. He pulled up beside me, shook the finger.

 

[RustyJC]

A few of us (not me, especially) may think billowing clouds of black smoke are "cool", but John Q. Public doesn't. Yes, IMHO, we dieselheads are gonna have to clean up our act!



Rusty

 

[JSHAW]

What does the valet switch shut down? Everything but the injectors?



Jim Shaw

 

[Forrest Nearing]

valet switch is for 12v trucks... it's basicly a solenoid that bleeds the boost signal to the pump... neuters the truck pretty good.



Forrest

 

[Turbo Thom]

David is right. I keep going back to the EPA. You say they have nothing to do with it. Well they made power plants clean up. Also caused the 24 V to come into being. How about the cat in the exhaust line? Do you really think they don't have the power to fine tracks that allow "enviromental disasters", in they're minds, to happen? I really think we better clean it up or we will be shut down or at least have "Big Brother" taking care of us.



That's my thoughts.



. . Preston. .

 

[HOSS]

I for one am putting stack(s) two not one on the Red Rocket before the track officials make me. It is coming. I like em anyways!!!!

 

[BillGotthelf]

Hey David how about talking some of your Georgia "friends" into coming down to Gainsville for the May 29 DHRA race. Be nice to see you, Jeff and company. Its closer for you guys than me.

 

[GatorRam]

Originally posted by BillGotthelf

Hey David how about talking some of your Georgia "friends" into coming down to Gainsville for the May 29 DHRA race. Be nice to see you, Jeff and company. Its closer for you guys than me.

I'll be there Bill. I look forward to meeting you and seeing that truck. I don't have enough to run but I got a buddy here that might come out if his truck is done in time.



Adam

 

[y-knot]

I believe the sport as you know it now it not survive, if they do not clean it up, it most likely will be band. Every diesel article I pick-up seems to be riddled with new or upcoming EPA standards. The next hurdle for the diesel industry is the 2007 dead line. This set of standards include on and off-road vehicles. So that means every tractor,truck and dozer as well as the smaller line-up of generators and pumps. I sure hope they don't require the older trucks to convert over to the cleaner standards! You never know around here. The two cycle engines are already a thing of the past, it's all 4-cycle now. I think it would be very wise to take a look at what could be done to help keep the smoke to a minimum. Just the fact that people in the sport are considerate of their obligations, and trying to solve the problems goes a long way.

 

[jtisdale]

Originally posted by Forrest

The Valet switch helped the day to day smoke, like 100%. I had a Hwy Patrolman shake his finger @ me. We were in slow traffic, going up a hill, 5th gear, traffic picked up ... hello cloud. He pulled up beside me, shook the finger.

Did you give him the finger back?:-laf

 

[BillGotthelf]

You don't have to have a fast truck to win in the Street Diesel class-just be consistant and get off the line good. You don't evan need a fast truck to win in Pro Street just don't break. We'll be up there Friday late afternoon. Call me at 561-644-0826 for a get together Fri night if you want.

 

[StakeMan]

I see a lot mentioned about the EPA. I didn't think they had that much control over off-road activities.



I think the people that have control over this is rule making commites for the DHRA and NHRA. If enough racers complain, or it gets dangerous they will change the rules to fix the problem.

 

[wxman]

I agree about reducing the smoke, but in reality, the gassers at the race track are likely putting out as many, possibly more, particulates than the "smoking" diesels. They're just much smaller and can't be seen with the unaided eye.



Unfortunately, it's what can be seen that gets the attention.

 

[RustyJC]

Originally posted by wxman

Unfortunately, it's what can be seen that gets the attention.

There's a saying in marketing - "Perception IS reality. " To John Q. Public, if it looks clean, it is clean. Conversely, if it looks dirty, it is dirty.



Whether we like it or not, that's his thought process when heading for the voting booth or calling his congressman.



Rusty

 

[CATCRACKER]

i would say yea we need to clean it up. once you get going down the track its no big deal but building boost will get old after watching 100 trucks do it. i think its cool but we must protect the diesel image we are all trying so hard to promote. i have been trying to keep my smoking on the street to a minimum.