CLASS RACER FORUM - View Single Post - Do you believe that the NHRA techs are doing their job?

Wade Mahaffey · 08-04-2010, 10:18 AM

I think that the NHRA Techs reflect the fabric of any other work force. You will always have some folks more passionate about their job than others. I know some will say, this is about safety. I saw it in my job as a career firefighter, for some it's just a job. Also it is the job of the supervisor and/or director to motivate and insure the subordinates carry out their job to the level of their training. Most Techs see the same cars race after race, and therefore don't look as hard. I also think if they see a car for the first time, if it appears professionally built they will not look as hard (maybe thinking/trusting the home div has givin it a good looking over/blessing. I think that there should be flexibility on very minor issues ie. trim, badges, dash correctness, etc. I will say that in my short time in this type of racing, I have much to learn about how to play the game. I can also say that I had a situation in which I spoke to several Techs and Div Tech Directors about an issue and the only one that was correct was Wesley Roberson. The rule book was revised the following year so that everyone that was in violation (and there were many that had been getting away with it) where now in compliance with the rule book. I did find out that the system worked, I followed the proceedures all the way to Bruce Bachelder and I showed him the violations were wide spread. I am not and have not ever been a Tech person. But I do know that it is paramount that all Techs work from the same manual and recieve regular continuing education, bulletins, case studies, rules amendments, etc. over the internet and requiring their signiture as having read the information.
I have great respect for the work that the Techs do. However there is a thing called experience, that has to be gained as a worker becomes seasoned at his job. I say give them a break and discuss any issue you may have with them. If they're smart, they will listen to the racer and bring the issues to their supervisor for clarification.

Wade Mahaffey

08-04-2010, 10:18 AM	#17
Wade Mahaffey Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 581 Likes: 0 Liked 17 Times in 7 Posts	Re: Do you believe that the NHRA techs are doing their job? I think that the NHRA Techs reflect the fabric of any other work force. You will always have some folks more passionate about their job than others. I know some will say, this is about safety. I saw it in my job as a career firefighter, for some it's just a job. Also it is the job of the supervisor and/or director to motivate and insure the subordinates carry out their job to the level of their training. Most Techs see the same cars race after race, and therefore don't look as hard. I also think if they see a car for the first time, if it appears professionally built they will not look as hard (maybe thinking/trusting the home div has givin it a good looking over/blessing. I think that there should be flexibility on very minor issues ie. trim, badges, dash correctness, etc. I will say that in my short time in this type of racing, I have much to learn about how to play the game. I can also say that I had a situation in which I spoke to several Techs and Div Tech Directors about an issue and the only one that was correct was Wesley Roberson. The rule book was revised the following year so that everyone that was in violation (and there were many that had been getting away with it) where now in compliance with the rule book. I did find out that the system worked, I followed the proceedures all the way to Bruce Bachelder and I showed him the violations were wide spread. I am not and have not ever been a Tech person. But I do know that it is paramount that all Techs work from the same manual and recieve regular continuing education, bulletins, case studies, rules amendments, etc. over the internet and requiring their signiture as having read the information. I have great respect for the work that the Techs do. However there is a thing called experience, that has to be gained as a worker becomes seasoned at his job. I say give them a break and discuss any issue you may have with them. If they're smart, they will listen to the racer and bring the issues to their supervisor for clarification. Wade Mahaffey Last edited by Wade Mahaffey; 08-04-2010 at 10:29 AM.