Competition NHRA Reply to "New Diesel Classes"

[sbentz]

For those of you that may have seen the postings over on All Diesel Motorsports, from COMP461, about getting Stock and Superstock classes established in NHRA, here is the real scoop:



I emailed the senior tech guy, and asked. He replied with the following:



NHRA has been in contact with a few individuals, including Eric McBride as well as Greg Houge, about the topic of diesels. We have told these individuals that NHRA has not a seen a big interest, therefore no future plans for a diesel class within Super Stock or Stock is being considered. We have notified anyone that has contacted us to submit a request in writing, and if we receive enough enquiries on this topic NHRA would review more. At this time, NHRA is not moving forward with any classes that are specific to diesel engines.



John Miller

Senior Technical Communication Specialist









He did indicate again during my followup call, that all diesels are welcome in S/G, S/C, and other index classes, but policing the mod's on diesels would be nearly impossible.



Thought some may want to hear the facts.

 

[powerwagon440]

man they sound like they need to open up there eyes!!! this diesel stuff is just exploding!!! think this year will be the year all of us diesel guys put ourselves on the map!!!

 

[DHRA]

The NHRA has been incredible to work with. Their eyes are open Mark, they know what is happening and support the DHRA 100%. We will continue to work with NHRA and if the numbers warrant it, they will consider, but tracks can use our sanctioning in the meantime. We have to show them that we do have the numbers so join the DHRA today and help bring diesel drag racing to the main stream! www.dhraonline.com

 

[Rhondasway]

Thanks for the info sbentz (Mark?). Personally I have a lot of fun running my diesel against gassers, as the shock value is great and I get a broader range of vehicles to beat too!

Plus, in brackets those gasser drivers have a heck of a time "reading" me, a definite advantage...

 

[sbentz]

Agree, Heads up vs. Gassers=SHOCK

Yep, there is nothing better than taking a FAST diesel rig to a track and have the tech guys and spectators roll their eyes in the staging lanes, and then drop their jaws during the pass.



Heads up classes, ET, no finicky rules, bring it on. Best ever, a Dodge 3500 blowing away a Z06 Vette at Denver, Vette driver never even stopped to get the ET slip, just drove out of the track and left.

 

[BillGotthelf]

Been there, done that. However I did get my butt handed to me by a hot young lady in a twin turbo supra that I later found out ran 10's at the track all the time. :{

 

[Rhondasway]

Brackets are better!

Heads-up is what you get in time trials in the morning...

Then you come back later in the day and either beat 'em on the lights or make 'em "break out" trying to outrace ya...

I did beat a guy at Bremerton in the semi-finals who sped from the time shack right out of the track; folks were not impressed with his conduct.

*sigh* I CANNOT WAIT FOR RACE SEASON!! :{ Something's gotta get me off the streets while I still have a license!

Oh, and Bill, sometimes getting beat by a lady is a nice thing. Could make for a great opening line...

 

[Stefan Kondolay]

I agree with Rhonda brackets are better for diesel, obviously if stock/super stock comes in that would be great as it's bracket racing.



S/G and S/C is pretty much a waste of time as the diesel truck weight and the fact that the turbo/s need to be spooled to react, and also the fact that there is auto-start you can't take your sweet time staging. Beside if we all try and run s/g or s/c and people see that were not competitive people won't give use a chance in any other class. Stock or Super Stock would be awesome keep up the good work, I have talked with our tech guy and he said that NHRA is a business who looks after there sponsors, and if classes got over run with diesels the majority of there sponsors might start complaining. Causing them to lose money, and thats as far as I got. Keep in mind that if your talking to guys high up on the food chain, than you are above that guys head.

 

[sbentz]

Right now, I think that NHRA is getting more requests about diesels than they want to admit. I think that the key is for all of us to be professional, safe, and stick together. There is a natural tendency for all of us to "compete" against each other, but at the end of the day, the gas boys outnumber us 99-1.

<p>

About the time we start spitting parts all over the track, exploding turbos, and spewing 3 gallons of coal black oil down the length of the track, a swipe of the pen would take us all out. We need to all keep that in mind, and police ourselves.

<p>

Stefan, I agree that NHRA is all about the sponsors. We tried to convince them to let us run Funny Car with the 56 Crown Victoria body against late models. They wanted no part of it, as they claimed that Ford would not like to see the old car styles, but rather what they are currently selling. We tried. We lost.

<p>

Regarding spool up time. Dead on. We are burning midnight oil, cash and fuel on the engine dyno to figure out the right turbo(s), wastegate(s) and fuel settings to get the quick spool, and then good air flow down track. Right now, we spool OK, but still needs to be faster up here at a mile high.

 

[CATCRACKER]

ball bearing or in the future VVT/VGT no more waiting for spool! but then you dont get that dramatic surge and rocket like effect on the track which is a real eye catcher!