NHRA wants a Yes or No on Delay Boxes in S/s in 2008

[Tom Briggs7100]

NHRA seeks competitor input on delay boxes in Comp, Super Stock

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4/18/2007


Super Stock and Comp are two of the oldest categories in NHRA Drag Racing. The variety and performance of cars in these categories also make them some of the most popular Sportsman classes. One hallmark of both eliminators is that they are contested on the traditional, countdown Tree, with delay devices strictly prohibited.

However, in recent years, the line between what is and what is not a delay device has become increasingly blurred. While a delay box is easy enough to police and prohibit, defining a delay device is not. A transbrake solenoid, or a torque converter, regardless of how slowly or quickly it reacts, is not considered a delay device because it is not readily adjustable, and the component itself must be changed to effect a change in the vehicle reaction. This same logic has been applied to transbrake switches and buttons, but recently, competitors have been spending an inordinate amount of time developing ever-more sophisticated buttons. With so much competitor time being dedicated to interpreting the delay-device rules, it is time to either permit delay boxes in these eliminators or restrict the type of buttons in use to one NHRA-accepted spec button.

To help in the discussion, NHRA is asking for competitor input on the subject. To isolate input from current drivers, responses will only be counted from active competitors in Super Stock and/or Comp who have earned points in 2006 or 2007. Each competitor must include his or her competition number, and each respondent's NHRA status will be verified. E-mail responses must be sent to jskelly@nhra.com with "Delay Box" in the subject line. Handwritten responses should be mailed to NHRA, P.O. Box 5555, Glendora, CA 91740, Attn: Jim Skelly, Delay Box. Responses should only be included for the category in which a driver is active.

Please respond to the following: Should delay boxes be permitted in Super Stock and/or Comp eliminator? Yes or no.

As stated above, if the final decision is to continue the prohibition of delay devices, NHRA will define one, and only one, transbrake button or switch to be used in either eliminator beginning in 2008. From that point, no other switches or buttons will be permitted.

All responses must be received no later than Friday, May 18, 2007, to be considered.

I like that they seek input from SS/Comp racers whom have gathered points in 2006 or 2007 only.
My response will be a simple "no". That will (according to the statement) allow only a spec button. And no, I'm not blind to all the other ways of creating an adjustable delay inside the confines of the transmission's oil pan (case, valve body, etc.).
Should NHRA allow delay boxes, then stick racers should be allowed electro-magnetic clutch release with delay box as well. ***-for-tat, that's that!

NHRA #7494 SS/H
1970 AMC AMX 390
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Now celebrating 14 years as a Realtor,
Call me @ 602-418-9797 or JeffLeeAzRealty@Qwest.net

[Darren Morris]

This is by far the most ridiculous idea i have heard in a long time. With all the cheating that is going on right now in the NHRA now some racers want a delay box. Super Stock is one of the most challenging classes in the NHRA because there is a lot of good competition out there. But if we go to a delay box someone will still find a way to have an advantage(or cheat).

SS/JA
3530

I am a young racer and I just don't realize why everyone has to think of stupid ideas.

[castle5]

no...no.......... NO

[Dick Butler]

The way I read the question as stated here there is recognition that all the adjustable buttons are a gray area that hadnt been stopped before. It is recognized that a button or box there is no difference a delay mechanism is being used. I think the input question is great. Now if everyone will just vote NO and let NHRA use the opportunity to enforce the one button deal it is a way to get rid of the other adjustable stuff. Obviously I wont have a vote but I think NHRA needs to be complimented on taking a stand on this one.

Dick Butler 3529

[seb]

I'm with you Dick. I like you won't be allowed to vote but have not permanently hung up the ol' helmet. This 'bunch' of newbies that
want any delay devices are NOT true S/SS racers. OK jump on me
but that is the truth. If you want nothing but a bracket race go to
one of the super catagories or a local bracket race. True Stock/
Super Stock racers do it to see how good they can get their combination
to run plus have some fun racing each other.
Delay devices of any kind do NOT belong in S/SS.

SEB

I will say this, the ones that are using something now, will diffinately not want Delay Boxes allowed! I've seen this before!

woodro josey
I miss Buster Couch and Lex Dudas.

[John Warehime]

NO!!! Enough already!

[Bobby Stevens]

DOES THIS MEAN SINCE I DIDN'T RUN A RACE IN SUPER STOCK LAST YEAR I CAN'T VOTE??? I'VE BEEN RUNNING SUPER STOCK SINCE 1995 AND MY DAD AND UNCLE HAVE RUN SUPER STOCK SINCE THE MID 70'S. I HOPE VERY BODY VOTES NO ON DELAY BOXES, THEY HAVE BUSINESS IN SUPER STOCK.

BOBBY STEVENS
5456 SS/IA
5029 F/SA

[Jeff Teuton]

Woody, your view comes from years of observation and I think you are very correct. You comin to No Problem?