Competition RR has NHRA trouble at Mission, BC

[DHRA]

We'll do Rhonda, I told NHRA that the DHRA encourages racers to race at their local tracks to fill in between the DHRA divisional events. How does that make us look if the racers then go to the track and get hassled? NHRA and SFI agree that this needs to be resolved as the rule is 36" for OEM trucks and that is how it will be enforced. The terms "Selective Enforcement" came up (just as Keith said). The person I spoke to was not too happy about that. This same thing happened to BD two years ago at the same track. Funny thing is, it only happens to those that start winning.

 

[Jim Fulmer]

Yep the knuckle heads that do rules only like it when the field is level and no one is complaining, if they let her go with this deal the next thing they will do if she keeps winning is make her add weight, I'm glad you guys like that track cause I'd drop it like a rubber ball.



Eric, was there ever a rules decided on if a guy can run straight Water Injection and no Methanol?



Jim

 

[nascar mark]

Eric,



Can you explain "OEM" in the eyes of NHRA?



The reason I didn't join the DHRA was when I read over the rules book, it was full of possible problems that one would have to jump through hoops and comply with, then change again and again as the rules change to please the losers or track official's.



I was at the race track last night for street drags and watched a home made POS that was able to race with no doors. This truck/car or what ever you call it, runs low 12's and is allowed to race all the time (have seen it on the track many times) and they hassle Rhonda and others because they say its not safe. I think they need to give there head a shake and wake up. Whats good for some is good for everyone!

 

[Rhondasway]

Both Eric and Mark make good points for sure. What I'd like to see is a better defined rule. I understand that the 24" rule was made because of a truck flipping over the barrier. Now, perhaps there could be a "happy medium", wherein we're not dropped a whopping 12" if we add a bigger turbo... Maybe better teching would weed out those monstrosities that are ruining it for us.

Of course, I passed tech today at Pacific Raceway in Kent, but I won't be forgetting I'm on borrowed time.

It's funny how they like us as crowd-drawers, novelty items, but when we make the gassers uncomfortable, they bump us. Understandable, but not tolerable...

Some guy in a pretty nice little ricer came up to me at a gas station today because he saw my numbers on my window and couldn't believe it. He was in awe, and I quickly pointed out that I'm not nearly the fastest "in the West" (get it? hee hee). We're actually getting some pretty positive attention from a lot of the other racers out there, so I think we can squeeze our way in if we stay with it and keep the right outlook.

 

[BillGotthelf]

Fletcher-you got a wierd sense of humor-are you from this planet or does going that fast in a diesel mess up your mind?

You hit the nail on the head-you start winning and everyone complains. If smoke becomes a problem then we all have a problem. Most twin trucks clear up after they leave the line and trucks running NOS clear up after they hit it.

Stephan-how do our truck mess up the track?

 

[fest3er]

Originally posted by nascar mark ... The reason I didn't join the DHRA was when I read over the rules book, it was full of possible problems that one would have to jump through hoops and comply with, then change again and again as the rules change to please the losers or track official's... . [/B]

Mark,

At the risk of digressing from the topic at hand, we're always open to constructive discussion. If we don't listen to our racers, soon enough we won't have any. What potential problems do you see with the rules? And what possible solutions are there?

Neal

 

[CGriffith]

On the 24" rule:

I was told by my father- in-law who did a lot of drag racing and set a few records in the late 50's and 60's that NHRA created the 24" crank line because a lot of the racers were lifting their cars/engines because it helped with weight transfer off the line. He was there in the 60's when the rule was instated so I'm inclined to believe him. From what he said the higher the engine/weight is in the frame the better it transfers weight to the rear axle. He also said this was before they understood the dynamics of the situation and the rule was used to limit the shade tree racers of the day. I think the "in the name of safety" line is being used in an improper context to keep the rule alive. You know if you weren't so fast there wouldn't be a problem. Good luck jumping through the hoops and getting back on the strip.

CGriffith

 

[DHRA]

Things are getting worked out. I talked with NHRA Division 6 director today he and NHRA tech are putting something together. Mission actually put together a formal letter (Rhonda, did you get one?) explaining their position.

The official ruling is that as long as the truck has the OEM engine, regardless of speed, and the necessary SFI safety gear for their ET and/or speed, that 36" is the maximum centerline crankshaft height. I'm sure they will put something together in writing in the following days for Mission. I told them that if Mission doesn't like diesels, they need to make a stance on all of them and not single out the one whipping their racers.



Jim, yes it is allowed in the bracket classes.



Mark, any change we make isn't because of a loser as you put it. Typically it is from feedback from our members, SFI, NHRA or IHRA. We are learning and growing, making changes will be a constant for a while. The SFI requirements are the same as NHRA's (Helmets, driveline loops, driver safety, etc. ) and we are always going to be refining the classes to better accomodate the racers. I hope this helps.



Back on topic, Rhonda, I would imagine that you will be okay to go back to Mission as soon as a formal NHRA ruling is put in writing. My previous posting is from a conversation between Mike Rice and myself. Keep us posted on the progression.

 

[Pat@BD]

We were ok at Mission until we showed up with the big slicks. They told us it was the last time we could run it. We had very lengthy talks with NHRA and Mission but it was never resolved. It seems around the mid 12s is when they hit us with the ruling. I can see it from the safety side of things as well. I guess they just have to clarify and hopfully let us run.

 

[nascar mark]

Neal and Eric,



Its been over a year since I was asked to join, so I don't recall the problems that jumped out at me at the time.



I realize when something is new, there will be changes. Myself and some others can't afford to build something to meet the rules of the day, just to find out the rules changed and now you need stacks or something else as a example when one has a daily driver. The rules need to be worked out soon so racers don't waste time and money being turned away.



I know you guys have a tough job ahead. Thanks for the response.



Mark

 

[DHRA]

Just an update for everyone;

John Miller of NHRA tech said that he and Mike Rice (Division 6 director) have submitted a proposal to the E. T. committee suggesting the following rule change:

12. 00 and slower 36" maximum crankshaft centerline height

10. 00 to 11. 99 31"

9. 99 and quicker 24"



This comes as a surprise that a rule change was necessary and an even bigger surprise that they would use our rulebook to amend their own. We are completely flattered!

Don't know how long it will take to be put in to effect, so I will update once again as soon as I know.

 

[Rhondasway]

I'm keeping my fingers crossed! If it gets ruled that way, I'm safe going all the way to 10 flat. I better get another credit card and just hand it to Piers...

A big thank-you needs to go to the NHRA for being open-minded enough to change rules in recognition of diesel racers' needs!!

 

[Turbo Thom]

Things are looking up indeed. Good job Eric.



. . Preston. .

 

[Rhondasway]

Good news!

I was told today that the NHRA has changed the ruling on the height. I understand it will now be 31". Oo.

Mission Raceway will be notified by Friday, I guess, so the other tracks around here should know then too. Too bad I've already gotten into the points at Pacific; I probably won't be seeing Mission much this season...

Anyway, on behalf of all us diesel racers, thanks to the folks who worked behind the scenes including DTT and others, who got this resolved in such a timely manner!

On a related subject, I've got a stack now, and at its premier at the High School Drags last night it was a hit, especially with the crew!!

I may no longer have to suffer from "Tech fear"...

 

[HoleshotHolset]

The 'starter' and the spectators near the skinny end of the track probably like the stack a lot as well.



Matt

 

[Sled Puller]

DTT helped get the NHRA adopt the DHRA crank measurments? Thats awesome!! Thanks Bill!

 

[kaptn]

Darn that was to easy. I was looking forward to a road trip. kick some butt or something. You diplomats I visioned several hundred trucks showin up and turning it into a fiasco.

 

[Rhondasway]

Originally posted by Sled Puller

DTT helped get the NHRA adopt the DHRA crank measurments? Thats awesome!! Thanks Bill!

Uh... DTT helped get the crankshaft centerline height changed, yes, and there were others not affiliated with any business who participated as well, they're just not advertising it. Sure, you guys did help, but you absolutely did not do it alone.

I realize the DNRA is desperately trying to drum up business out west, but I just don't get how you think you're fooling the people who are really in the know. A bit of advice: perhaps your group should listen to the input of potential members (like the input you got on another site) and potential sponsors (like DTT), but instead you swoop in and take credit for every single thing that ever happens anywhere... Perhaps that's why your organization is failing so miserably out here. It ain't lack of good, high-profile racers, that's for sure.

Do me and other non-DNRA member racers a favor and stop using our names to make folks who don't really know the scoop think we do or will support you. The only way you could ever get our support would be to stop your little propoganda tactics, and treat us with respect. I won't hold my breath...

I personally thanked Mike Rice this weekend for his work on getting the rule changed, and got my NHRA race number - in addition to my NHRA membership number.

 

[Sled Puller]

Uh Rhonda? You are a little out of touch with reality in that entire post.

 

[Sled Puller]

Originally posted by EMcBride

Just an update for everyone;

John Miller of NHRA tech said that he and Mike Rice (Division 6 director) have submitted a proposal to the E. T. committee suggesting the following rule change:

12. 00 and slower 36" maximum crankshaft centerline height

10. 00 to 11. 99 31"

9. 99 and quicker 24"

From DHRA Rule book:



DHRA Street :Vehicle height may not exceed 36” from the ground to the crankshaft centerline.



DHRA Pro:Vehicle height on 4WD may not exceed 31” and 2WD may not exceed 24” from ground to crankshaft centerline.



DHRA Mod: Vehicle height on 4WD may not exceed 31” and 2WD may not exceed 24” from ground to crankshaft centerline









Not sure why a couple of outspoken North Westerners attack an orginization that is trying to help the competitor and the business man at what they do?