Fine them and then make it legal. Wowwser

[Cglrcng]

Originally Posted by 1700camaro

Blackbird Performance posted a couple of interesting recent posts about not competing with NHRA anymore. We'll see if he sticks to his guns!

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php...ref=embed_POST

Sorry to correct you, he said a ton of extremely well written deep introspection (words and feelings), I highly respect but he never mentioned parting with NHRA racing per se at all. He did say that Blackbird Performance would be attempting to race harder, but that it just would not be in the particular class of Factory-X.

There is a lot more to just car and driver involved at that level of competition and class (and it is really hard to tell the cast of characters without a program also in an unsigned- but very well intentioned, thought out (full of grace both giving and receiving), and heartfelt social media post).

Well done to the writer. I cannot certainly blame them for their decisions whatsoever for whatever reasons, will miss seeing their participation in the class, but you must respect their reasoning and personal reasons.

The old saying comes to mind..."But there, for the Grace of God, go I."

[1700camaro]

Here's the more specific & correct wording from one of them post. Yes, you're correct, he didn't state he's parting with NHRA racing.

"As I?ve often suggested to those who saw it this way, we will no longer compete in these heads up Factory Showdown or Factory X classes in the NHRA."

[Another Friendly Racer]

For the first time?, all eyes will be on Factory X at the next event, and the Blackbird car decides to walk away. They were running very strong at Indy. They have the driver. The class now has everyone's full attention. Hopefully they reconsider and go out there and kick some butt.

[1320racer]

of course he will

[bigshow2966]

My understanding is he is done with Factory X, but still has customer cars running in FSS.

[JP1738]

Originally Posted by 63corvette

I have watched this thread and I am amazed at several of the opinions expressed.
In my opinion which is just that an opinion, anyone who cheats knowingly just for advantage trying to win fame and fortune has a basic character flaw.
I also can not believe NHRA did not come down much harder on those caught as discussed in this thread.
That says a great deal about NHRA management?s character also.
I currently believe there is cheating going on in all of the sportsmen categories and NHRA does not seem to care.
I also think safety has been compromised since tech seems to no longer exist.
I just competed at an unnamed Division Race and witnessed several blatant safety violations in the staging lanes as we prepared to run.
One competitor made a pass in a roadster without a head and neck restraint, neck collar, head sock, or helmet drape. Another made a pass with the parachute attachment to the car dangling down behind the body.
Both of those things were easily spotted by many in the lanes.
Both should have been required by the rules in the rule book.
I am just very disappointed in NHRA for many reasons currently.
Just my 2 cents.
Rick Cates
Canyon TX

Was the roadster 150mph+? If not, a hans is not required I don't think

[Dan Bennett]

One thing I haven't seen mentioned in this mess is the outsized influence the manufacturers have.

While racing in Pro Stock and PST, I saw serious pressure campaigns a lot. Some from chassis builders, some from the OEMs. All were for changes that weren't needed and didn't make sense other than to certain parties.

I saw the same thing in Stock and Super Stock. The one that sticks in my mind was an over 30 year old letter being "found" allowing certain models to run hood scoops that never happened on the production line. I was heavy into restoration at the time, a tremendous amount of research was going on, and nothing was found to prove it ever happened. Until those letters appeared.

Harley decided they wanted to go drag racing with an engine that was not - and could not - be competitive. I never saw the exact amount, but for enough money, they bought the class and were allowed to bring something totally different which was not available to other competitors.

So I'm not sure at all, but it's entirely possible in my mind that a "we're not going to spend money if we can't win" campaign was put into place and somebody agreed just to not look at certain parts. I can't blame GM solely for this since I knew of all the manufacturers making that statement at one time or another in various classes. Why did they now look? No idea. Maybe more money was asked for and the parties are now not happy with each other.

I almost feel guilty at slamming the NHRA twice in one day. Almost.

[Oscarf164]

Originally Posted by Mike Schwartz

Why was one participant disqualified, with loss of all points and a fine, while the others were allowed to make corrections and continue racing, were fined, but only lost 100 points?

I was wondering the same thing. Could it be because he had a different engine builder than the other cheaters?

[63corvette]

Originally Posted by JP1738

Was the roadster 150mph+? If so, a hans is not required I don't think

Yes it was and by the rule book a head and neck restraint was required. A neck collar would have made it less obvious.
He had none of the requirements.
I was amazed he was allowed to make a pass and the car with the parachute attachment loop was very obvious to anyone from behind.
I could not believe it.
Just my observation.
Rick Cates
Canyon TX