Roger Fain's Idea
 

I was intrigued by Roger Fain's idea on another post on what could present a safer alternative to blinding the tree. I remember earlier this season a PS racer put a new hoodscoop on the car and they couldn't even see the tree in qualifying! I have no side on the blinder issue but I did a quick illustration on what it would be like. Would you race on a track like this? Would you find yourself using the "lane" tree? If present, I don't think I would use it.....

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2322/...5c4ab02c20.jpg

-steve

Re: Roger Fain's Idea
 

That split tree is a cool idea.The only modification I would make is to put the pre stage/stage lights for both lanes on both trees and eliminate the center tree.Perfect right?Wrong gasoline breath.Someone will whine that the visual distraction is gone but the faster car can still hear the slug leaving the line,thus causing a disruption of his concentration.Solution? A noise cancelling wall between the lanes.I'm sure Mr. National Tech Director would approve it in a Kalifornia minute.


Ed F.
NHRA #1945
IHRA #14

Re: Roger Fain's Idea
 

It's funny you say that Ed because that's the EXACT same thing I was thinking when I first read Steve's post. I also thought the side trees were a good idea, but was sure somebody would complain about not being able to see the tree from the right lane due to their hoodscoop, or still being able to see the other car in their peripheral vision because they had to spot them a 2-second head start.

I like the wall idea. I think there should be a wall 1275' long built between the lanes. Drivers would then have the last 45' to decide what they were going to do.

I would then also propose that a wall be constructed in the shutdown area from 1321' on to keep the cars that crash from excessive braking from coming into my lane.

We might want to think about robotic drivers too...

Re: Roger Fain's Idea
 

What are ya'll doing with the photographers? Put them in the middle.

Greg

Re: Roger Fain's Idea
 

I think the "lane trees" idea is an excellent example of "thinking outside the box" To me; it is one of those ideas that once you see it you say, "why have we not been doing that all along?" I commend and appreciate the thinking.

In my opinion, drag racing is at an important crossroad. We as racers, promoters, and track owners can encourage such forward thinking and be willing to at least consider new ideas, or, we can expect or sport to decline.

I challenge a track owner to install the lane trees and see what happens.

?Nothing ventured, nothing gained?

Larry Woodfin

Re: Roger Fain's Idea
 

Very interesting, I'd like to try it.

Re: Roger Fain's Idea
 

Why not put them on the left side of each lane and hood scoops would no longer be a problem?
Jeff Ross

Re: Roger Fain's Idea
 

Good solution to that 'problem', Jeff. What about the Australian guys? :cool:

Steve - nice job on the quick graphics. Looks like you're using the old 66' "before and after" speed trap?

Something I heard guys in the northwest complain about before, who ran with FULLY blinded tree except for the stage bulbs, is that they could see the pre-stage & stage bulbs flicker when the slower car left. It's always something.

Re: Roger Fain's Idea
 

PROBLEM SOLVED------one tree in the middle but overhead, like the lights at an intersection.

Ron Ortiz
U/SA too simple

Re: Roger Fain's Idea
 

A vesion of this is already in play at Infinion Raceway. Due to a sun problem at sunset, we built a tree with both lanes pre-stage and stage and right lane only Ambers and Green / Red and placed on the right wall. This way the right lane doesnt have to look left toworads the sun. Seems to work well.

I think a heads up veiw on your windshild would be best but way to spendy.

This idea of a tree on each wall has been discussed at national events by the tower staff a few times in the past 2 years.

Jeff Foster
Compulink

Re: Roger Fain's Idea
 

Sure could use it at Rockingham.

Re: Roger Fain's Idea
 

Just leave things alone. I don't know why , it seems , like everyone wants to change something. No one is happy with anything. I am glad to have the opportunities I have and plan to make the most of every one.

Too much change and NO ONE IS HAPPY !!

Deal with it and RACE!

Re: Roger Fain's Idea
 

wow,
great idea.

Re: Roger Fain's Idea
 

I like the idea of using the original tree and a mini tree on each side. Then the drivers can use the tree that suits them the best for either lane. Just a few extra bucks and got to be safer.

Re: Roger Fain's Idea
 

wow, then i could focus my photo cell(s) for one position and not have to worry about lane choice!

Re: Roger Fain's Idea
 

Milan Dragway had a similar setup in the 70's, but the side lights hung over each lane if I remember. Anyone have any old pics of this from Milan?

Re: Roger Fain's Idea
 

Ron;
NY National Speedway had a 3 light overhead tree in the late 1960's.When it was windy you would find your head swaying when you were waitng for the yellow light.
Dont think the fans at national events would figue out reason for double trees.Too busy waiting for crash and burn.

Ed

Re: Roger Fain's Idea
 

Ed, If they used overhead lights, and they were swaying too much, would'nt that kind of indicate that it might be too windy to begin with. Even if it did sway, it would only interfere with people using some method of blinding. This soloution is to simple, it covers too many situations, ie. hood scoop interference, blinders, weather conditions, focus on photo cells, videos on the tree, and it brings back the true sensation of how drag racing really started when it was on the streets. And if you are listening to some tunes it sways to the music. The lights should also be as large as normal traffic signals.

Ron Ortiz
U/SA simple and inexpensive

Re: Roger Fain's Idea
 

The fun will be gone if you get rid of the small variables such as seeing the other guys top bulb, flickering the bulb, dealing with the sun and all that.

Might as well put a robot in my car the way things are headed.

Re: Roger Fain's Idea
 

Many tracks 'back in the day' tried individual 'lane trees' but I don't know why they disappeared...maybe too much chance of failure with the electronics back then? I know Lebanon Valley in NY had them...I have an old Fram Filters/ Don Garlits video of him match-racing there with a front-motor fueler. I don't remember if they had 2 or 3 trees on the start line....I do remember him in the video with a beard though...that would be 1967 as he shaved at Indy when he won after a long slump. I think Motor City and Detroit Dragway tried these systems as well.......

Re: Roger Fain's Idea
 

Roger,

I think that may be the way the HHRA will do it tracks!

That is the Hillbilly Hot Rod Association for those of you who may be wondering.

Re: Roger Fain's Idea
 

The constructive comments regarding the staging lights and Jeff's recommendation to have the tree (singular) on the left side of each lane are very positive.