NHRA Safety, who are you kidding

[Ron Finney]

NHRA needs to get their act together with regardsto racers sticking their heads out of the cage at 170+. They are even publishing close up photos of this in National Dragster. In this weeks issue you can clearly see Brad Plourd in two rounds with part of his head in front of the bars. There was a full page ad a few weeks ago for a company where the driver was outside the cage.

If you want to kill yourself thats fine....but don't pull surprise inspections at the end of the track like at the fall classic with the go-no go gauge to see if we are behind the cage far enough. It is obvious that these drviers are wearing their belts extremely loose. Yet, NHRA "threatens" to disqualify a racer for taking off his/her equipment while still on the racing surface. OK NHRA, which way is it???

Makes one question the integrity of the NHRA crew that are supposed to be looking for this type of stuff during an event. I know those guys are only human but come on Graham Light, Color glossy photos?????

[TS310C]

Would that be color glossy photos with circles and arrows and a paragraph on the back of each one... Sorry, I couldn't pass it up.

I do agree though, there are a number of drivers that don't tighten their belts enough. I would rather live through a crash then worry about if I can turn around enough to see the guy next to me.

[Mark Schmidt]

Slower cars are unsafe...is that what you mean Ron? Oops, I forgot..sbt. I have more than a few shots of prominent racers looking straight down while at speed. A 400mm lense is a wonderful thing. I also have video of someone winning Indy in a door car turning almost completely around. It's a major problem. I totally agree it should be addressed and video would do that.

[Mark Schmidt]

I almost forgot...the lower the strap comes thru the seat (center of backbone), the more the driver can pull forward even if the belt is tight. Bring them over the seat and you absolutely cannot move forward. Just my .02 cents.

[Ron Finney]

Rock,

Glad to hear you will mention it to Brad, I would hate to see him get hurt. I do agree that the racers need to be responsible for themselves, however, I also disagree that it isn't an NHRA problem. They must hold a consistent standard on rule application. While I realize they can not see every driver in every run, they can take a little responsibility with their publications and not print color glossy photos showing clear violations. Thumb back through the issues this year, Brad certainly is not the only one caught on camera and printed by the NHRA's publication. We used to fight this when the kids were in Jr.'s and it was tough. But when they see the big guys do it, then it gets even harder to get them to keep their belts tight.

Thanks for taking an interest in this topic. See ya in Stanton??

Ron

[Rick Bailey]

As Mark mention.......there's alot that maybe going on. Makes one wonder ? what could a person possibly be looking "Down" at when at speed.

I heard of a couple of questionable runs this passed weekend @ Norwalk in sc.......

I not suggesting a "Rat Squad" but maybe it's time that racers police things themselfs.

Theres nothing wrong with an "Equal Playing Field"

Just my 2 !!

Rick

[Jeff Beckman]

Rock, while were all whining, could I ad. Hey jerkoff get off the centerline as well! I can see from the middle of the lane just fine.

[1855sc]

This is a letter I typed & intended on sending to our D1 DD & tech director. I decided to wait until this weekends divisional.

Hello Ryck & Bob-

I'm not really sure if this is a complaint or FYI.
While we were at E-Town last weekend, during second rd. of SC
one of the officials came over to me while I was in the water box
and told/signaled to me twice to tighten my seat belts.
So, I did what he asked but my belts were already tight.
It was dark, and I have a "large" black cushion behind me so maybe
he didn’t see me moved further away than a "normal" person would sit. (I am 4'11 on a good day)
I was a little bit mad, but let it go. Here comes my problem.
On Monday, Kenny had to run Brad Plourd in the Semi's, he said he couldn’t
believe how far he was out of the cage going down the track. He said he
Litterally had his whole head out of the cage trying to drive him.
Now, I am about as safety consious as they get, but I am getting a little tired
of people doing this. I really don’t want to stir the pot, but this isnt about just
winning a round anymore.
Maybe some "spot" checks are in order?
I included a picture from competition plus from the Englishtown final, you be the judge.

PS> this is only the 60ft clock.
PSS> I don’t sit that far out with all of my cushions. lol

Debbie Moses

[Ron Finney]

Ryan,

That was awesome.....I wonder though how many of us got it?????

[TS310C]

Ron,

I was assuming that was what you were referencing. LOL I don't know how many people are fans of that song and will get that. I thought it was funny.