AHFS Question

[Chuck Norton]

Originally Posted by Jim Wahl

This just means that the system is activated and a review will happen. It does not mean that a HP change WILL happen. It just means there will be a review of the combo. They then take all the other runs for that combo in consideration and the class average and then decide the proper course.

Jim, your interpretation is exactly the way the system has functioned for almost 10 years. Like it or hate it, the AHFS has survived long enough for most of us to have a feel for how it works. I can think of more than half-a-dozen very well-known NHRA officials who have been involved with administering the system and, it has served a purpose. The question seems to be, what constitutes a "trigger." The language of the original rule is vague and allows for a range of interpretations. The overwhelming preponderance of racers who have contacted me today have been working under the impression that one racer can only accumulate one trigger at a given event. I don't know how it was intended to operate but I believe that is the way it has worked since the words were written.

The issues that are puzzling to me are: 1. Who decided that the official interpretation should be changed? One person? Two persons? A committee of persons? 2. Why was it deemed important to change it? Does the system work too well? Not well enough? Not at all? 3. When was the decision made? In February? In April? In mid-July? 4. Who knew that the interpretation had been changed? The tech department? The RAC? Glen Gray? Anyone? 5. Did anyone stop to think that racers should be informed at any point along the way? If not, why not?