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