NHRA Tether Rule Update

[treessavoy]

Originally Posted by Crew Chief

I hear this mandate came down from NHRA's legal department after an incident where someone was hit by a collector that came off in the water box. If that's the case, they would want legitimate companies making the tethers because liability would then fall back on the manufacturer in a lawsuit.

I was at a track where someone standing behind the burnout area was hit by a pebble thrown out by the slicks doing the burn out.

So how are we going to tie down all the rocks and pebbles at the strip?

JimR

[Bobby DiDomenico]

Originally Posted by treessavoy

I was at a track where someone standing behind the burnout area was hit by a pebble thrown out by the slicks doing the burn out.

So how are we going to tie down all the rocks and pebbles at the strip?

JimR

Jim,
I think the tires do the best job of tracking them up:-) At Joliet they used to have the restricted area standing on both sides of the tunnel directly in front of the tower, it is now way off to the left and right side. Not sure what size pebbles, but there have been a few good size holes thru the first pane of lower level glass in line with the burnout area. I've also picked up a few screws and bolts that fell off of cars near the water box.

Does this rule apply to bolted on collectors also? And what about "grudge" night at the local tracks? I've seen cars there I have refused to run beside.

[Ed Wright]

Originally Posted by treessavoy

I was at a track where someone standing behind the burnout area was hit by a pebble thrown out by the slicks doing the burn out.

So how are we going to tie down all the rocks and pebbles at the strip?

JimR

Mandated SFI mud flaps.

[Greg Hill]

I would guess that the person who thought up this tether BS is the same one that approved those bogus AMC parts.

[SSDiv6]

Originally Posted by Greg Hill

I would guess that the person who thought up this tether BS is the same one that approved those bogus AMC parts.

I would assume you forgot to add the bogus Chevy, Ford and Mopar parts too, and let's not forget the bogus horsepower ratings.

[Terry Cain]

Hey, would Super Stockers or other cars that run a vac-u-pan system need them? They've got a hose holding the collector on.

[gsa612]

Originally Posted by Terry Cain

Hey, would Super Stockers or other cars that run a vac-u-pan system need them? They've got a hose holding the collector on.

Now were really grasping at straws lol.. It would probably pull the breather out of grommet in the valve cover if the collector came off, more carnage.

[63corvette]

I did get a very nice email back from NHRA refusing my submission for the tethers submitted last week.
At least they did answer my email and submission.
Below is the email.
Rick Cates

Hello Rick,

I am the right person to contact regarding the upcoming 2014 tether regulation.

I understand your concern with the current list of approved header collector tether manufactures, however I would like to indicate that we have recently received several additional submittals from manufactures to accept their tethers for use. Therefore the manufacturers, type, and cost will be changing soon. We cannot accept requests from individuals for one off tethers , due to the number of requests we would receive which would inundate our resources as well as make it very difficult to regulate in the field. If you would like to work with a manufacturer to market your idea, we would be glad to review their request for potential approval. The NHRA Technical Department will also accept a minimum ½” (half inch) stich weld located each primary tube as an alternative to the tethering system.

I hope you understand the reasoning behind our need to only accept Header Collector tethering systems from manufacturers willing to distribute NHRA accepted tethers. Furthermore, please watch www.nhraracer.com for additional accepted tether manufactures.


Best Regards,

Tim White
NHRA
Director of Engineering
10267 East US Hwy 136
Indianapolis, IN 46234
Office (317)387-7361
FAX (317) ) 291-4220

NHRA Plainband.gif
For further NHRA Racer information please visit www.NHRARacer.com

[jmcarter]

Originally Posted by 63corvette

I did get a very nice email back from NHRA refusing my submission for the tethers submitted last week.
At least they did answer my email and submission.
Below is the email.
Rick Cates

Hello Rick,

I am the right person to contact regarding the upcoming 2014 tether regulation.

I understand your concern with the current list of approved header collector tether manufactures, however I would like to indicate that we have recently received several additional submittals from manufactures to accept their tethers for use. Therefore the manufacturers, type, and cost will be changing soon. We cannot accept requests from individuals for one off tethers , due to the number of requests we would receive which would inundate our resources as well as make it very difficult to regulate in the field. If you would like to work with a manufacturer to market your idea, we would be glad to review their request for potential approval. The NHRA Technical Department will also accept a minimum ½” (half inch) stich weld located each primary tube as an alternative to the tethering system.

I hope you understand the reasoning behind our need to only accept Header Collector tethering systems from manufacturers willing to distribute NHRA accepted tethers. Furthermore, please watch www.nhraracer.com for additional accepted tether manufactures.


Best Regards,

Tim White
NHRA
Director of Engineering
10267 East US Hwy 136
Indianapolis, IN 46234
Office (317)387-7361
FAX (317) ) 291-4220

NHRA Plainband.gif
For further NHRA Racer information please visit www.NHRARacer.com

Great that they responded...hopefully they gave Mark Lelchook some formal feedback on the alternative solution he discussed with them at Indy this year. I don't think this whole deal has anything to do subterfuge or under the table dealings, just an Engineering group working with a liability-adverse bunch of bureaucrats and the corresponding absence of common sense approaches. This will hopefully result in a reasonable cost solution. On my chassis car (yea, I know our classes are a different animal) I initially balked at diapers but when I dealt with Diaperman and put his on I quickly recognized I was getting a good value that increased safety.

[chris ok]

Is there a possibility the NHRA's insurance company is requesting these after someone hearing of an accident or injury happening somewhere at some track?
I sure do understand if you can weld a roll bar, this would be a piece of cake to make. you guys have shown some nice designs on this thread.