[Jeff Lee]

I think NHRA doesn't understand stick racers are not the problem (perceived or real) with the two step buttons. Long travel buttons have no place in a clutch environment as you wouldn't want a delay in releasing the two-step after engaging the clutch disk which typically have a .035" to .075" air-gap. A 3" travel two-step button obviously has no place here. The problem you would run into is a two-step activating early or late as a result of a improper micro-switch adjustment. To early and the RPM goes to the next stage of the two-step and you hit the clutch engagement to hard. To late and the clutch engagement occurs on the two-step and their is less power at the crankshaft possibly causing too much slippage.
Stick racers should have a choice between running two switches (one for linelock, one for two-step) or tie both together as traditionally done (usually with a single button on the shift handle) as long as all wires are visible and easily traceable. I think NHRA doesn't understand stick racers are not the problem (perceived or real) with the two step buttons. Long travel buttons have no place in a clutch environment as you wouldn't want a delay in releasing the two-step after engaging the clutch disk which typically have a .035" to .075" air-gap. A 3" travel two-step button obviously has no place here. The problem you would run into is a two-step activating early or late as a result of a improper micro-switch adjustment. To early and the RPM goes to the next stage of the two-step and you hit the clutch engagement to hard. To late and the clutch engagement occurs on the two-step and their is less power at the crankshaft possibly causing too much slippage.
Stick racers should have a choice between running two switches (one for linelock, one for two-step) or tie both together as traditionally done (usually with a single button on the shift handle) as long as all wires are visible and easily traceable.
I'm copying this to Len Imbrogno. (Limbrogno@nhra.com)