Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael Beard
My car has BEEN on fire. I have no problem with firepants/jackets! A bolt backed out of the back bowl of the carb going down the track, and fuel got on the headers. Bizarre and unlikely? Yep. But it still happened. Billy should be allowed to race with shorts, a tank-top, and no helmet, because accidents never happen in Stock eliminator.
I also don't mind carrying a fire extinguisher in the car. I was walking the pits in San Antonio when a guy tinkering with his Top Sportsman car had it backfire... he had the plugs out of it, and flame shot right past me, and caught the dry grass on fire. Took longer than it should have to find a fire extinguisher.
Don't really have an opinion on the seats, although I have gone 10.90, so I guess I'm allowed to have one. I think it would be reasonable to allow them in AA cars. I don't see the need for them in 10.-slower cars. I wouldn't worry about the fold-back "feature" of new-car seats, as there is a roll bar there, unless I'm misunderstanding *how* it gives way. Not sure I understand what exactly would fail on a 40-yr old seat, though, either?
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the new seats will fail laterally as well as front to back. A 40 year old seat is just that, 40 year old metal. Most of us take good care of our stuff, some don't. but i would doubt that most can vouch for the history of their car back to 1960 something. the seats could have been involved in an accident previously and could be one small impact away from complete failure.
the SCCA even in their most restricted, slow speed autocrosses allow race seats. these are classes required to have the stock airbox in place. the SCCA truly has safety first with this rule. I just don't think NHRA should have a rule that prevents you from making a car safer (within reason).