Header Retention Rule Revision

[Bret Kepner]

For all the controversy this topic has raised, I wonder if anybody asked Rod Boertman his opinion on the rule?

Didn't think so.

[Randall Klein]

Look Brett, I admire your history and passion for the sport, however I find your veiled historical snarky comments a little tiring....and not the Boertman comment alone either

At Topeka got ran over by a kid on a mini scooter, at Denver, in the restricted area under the tower, got a rock off a burnout just above the eye, and on and on over 25 years....stuff happens, and if you've been around for awhile there's plenty of danger at the strip

A nanny state tries to insulate all from any possible consequences....maybe those worried about any potential harm should take up curling...oh wait! There was an injury in curling...maybe just stay in bed

[james schaechter]

Originally Posted by Randall Klein

Look Brett, I admire your history and passion for the sport, however I find your veiled historical snarky comments a little tiring....and not the Boertman comment alone either

At Topeka got ran over by a kid on a mini scooter, at Denver, in the restricted area under the tower, got a rock off a burnout just above the eye, and on and on omver 25 years....stuff happens, and if you've been around for awhile there's plenty of danger at the strip

A nanny state tries to insulate all from any possible consequences....maybe those worried about any potential harm should take up curling...oh wait! There was an injury in curling...maybe just stay in bed

True enough.
I am glad NHRA finally opened their eyes to other acceptable solutions to reduce risk and improve safety. Hopefully, they will learn to take a more reasonable approach to this in the future. If you recall, NHRA was suppossed to be dedicated to safety. That does not mean that all risk is eliminated.
I am sure that top management did not want to perform the due diligence that would have landed them where they are now.
I have said it before. The upper management at NHRA should be facilitating the discussions with qualified experts that they could consult within NHRA, their membership, and others. When they stifle this kind of discussion, they are left with a very narrow range of solutions that carry unintended consequences.
It is a shame that NHRA has no regard for the investment in time and resources that some have put forth in making tethers, but that should not be a surprise.
I think the common sense revision is a good one, and I like it. I just hate the way they got there. It is the same process that affects much of their decision making. I love class racing, I really hope that some changes are made in key positions so that the direction of the association meets the needs of the racers and fans. Even though NHRA dominates now, it will ultimately be replaced in some fashion if they continue to miss the mark on every opportunity. Time for a gut check at the top. Maybe the brass will come out to talk at another National event like they did at Indy. Remember that one....

[Chad Rhodes]

what a disaster

[fredjohnston]

I'm not sure about anyone else, but I think I would rather have a nice looking tether or a small weld on my header/collectors than drilling the body/frame and using a tail pipe hanger.

Just my opinion.

[Dwight Southerland]

Originally Posted by Chad Rhodes

what a disaster

X100

I still do not understand why the tabs with nuts and bolts that hold the collector to the primary tubes is not enough. Jack Mullins used to hold his collectors on with a bent piece of coat hanger; his never fell off. I figure its a matter of statistical percentages: so .000017% of the number of passes have collector incidents under the old rules. Under the new rules, .000004% will have collector incidents. Wow, I feel so safe now! Totally out of control and reasonable dialog.

[Ed Wright]

Originally Posted by Dwight Southerland

X100

I still do not understand why the tabs with nuts and bolts that hold the collector to the primary tubes is not enough. Jack Mullins used to hold his collectors on with a bent piece of coat hanger; his never fell off. I figure its a matter of statistical percentages: so .000017% of the number of passes have collector incidents under the old rules. Under the new rules, .000004% will have collector incidents. Wow, I feel so safe now! Totally out of control and reasonable dialog.

I agree. If guys would just use steel self locking nuts (not fiber locks) and keep an eye on them and the welds on the tabs, there would be no problems. Just start to bar the guys that loose them from running any more events, they would pay more attention.
And, I bet Jack used a real good grade coat hanger. LOL

[Troy Henderson]

Originally Posted by Ed Wright

I agree. If guys would just use steel self locking nuts (not fiber locks) and keep an eye on them and the welds on the tabs, there would be no problems. Just start to bar the guys that loose them from running any more events, they would pay more attention.
And, I bet Jack used a real good grade coat hanger. LOL

Or just use safety wire with drilled bolts? Seems like another easy solution.

[Harry 6674]

Originally Posted by Randall Klein

Look Brett, I admire your history and passion for the sport, however I find your veiled historical snarky comments a little tiring....and not the Boertman comment alone either

At Topeka got ran over by a kid on a mini scooter, at Denver, in the restricted area under the tower, got a rock off a burnout just above the eye, and on and on over 25 years....stuff happens, and if you've been around for awhile there's plenty of danger at the strip

A nanny state tries to insulate all from any possible consequences....maybe those worried about any potential harm should take up curling...oh wait! There was an injury in curling...maybe just stay in bed

I would bet more fans and racers have been injured by quads,scooters and golf carts in the pits one one year then injured by loose collectors since organized drag racing began.

[Bob Bender]

My tubes and collectors have been bolted for 10 years now to the frame. Never an issue.