Over Staging

[Signman]

Originally Posted by GTS340

Since NHRA made this rule after Orlando. They seen certain competitors are turning on both lights and backing up just enough to turn out the bottom bulb. They do it in their time runs and in competition every time. There is a reason they are doing it. You would have to ask them why. Same ones that have been doing it years past as well. They need an advantage to win the way I see it..

NHRA needs to provide a clear definition of "Over Staging".

Drivers that after the burn out put on 2 lights right away then back up to put out the stage light are doing a couple of things.
1. When applying the trans brake the car will move forward slightly it will fully stage without a bump the driver knows he's shallow and in the same spot every time taking out the stage position variable in delay setting and ET prediction. Foot braking if leaving at a high RPM the car will move forward when loading the suspension and brakes.

2. Inexperienced opponents will not be able to control their natural reaction to speed up their routine seeing the pre-stage light on handing the psychological advantage over and possibly making a mistake.

Remember a great ATCO racer many time super pro track champ who never did an over the line burnout with his dragster staging as described. Won a lot of rounds.

[GTS340]

I don't have a trans brake in my stocker. I've been doing it for 50 yrs with a foot brake. I'm sure NHRA would be glad to answer your question. I've been lucky to win championships in the pro E.T class when I would go on a regular bases. Never had to back out to know where the stage light is. Learn something new every day is a good thing.

Paul Haszlauer
7019

[bykr]

Backing out of the stage light or rolling into it, I don't see one being better than the other as far as "knowing where the stage light is". Still has to roll into the stage light after backing out. Seems like more of a mind games thing.

[curtis reed]

Originally Posted by Signman

2. Inexperienced opponents will not be able to control their natural reaction to speed up their routine seeing the pre-stage light on handing the psychological advantage over and possibly making a mistake.

It's true. I have my usual routine of doing a short burnout and rolling all the way into the prestage beam if the tree is ready. I don't do it to hurry anyone but I also don't need 45 seconds like some people do. Some have felt rushed, even some experienced racers.



Heck they can take all the time they need and it won't matter. I just don't need to stop 30' from the line, check belts, mirrors, hair, thumbs up from a crewmember, rev the car 15 times, etc.... LOL

[MR DERBY CITY]

Really confused here....NHRA is talking about overstating and the reply’s are backing out of the beams....??

[GTS340]

Originally Posted by MR DERBY CITY

Really confused here....NHRA is talking about overstating and the reply’s are backing out of the beams....??

Surely could use a better term than "over staging" possibly. Is staging twice over staging? it doesn't say deep stag. Write on the window I stag multiple times bare with me.

[1347]

I am reading and interpreting the rule as if you stage the car and go in so far that you turn off the top bulb, or “ deep stage” that you are now disqualified. You do not have the ability to back up and restage.
Is that not what some are thinking it means?

[Keith 944]

Originally Posted by 1347

I am reading and interpreting the rule as if you stage the car and go in so far that you turn off the top bulb, or “ deep stage” that you are now disqualified. You do not have the ability to back up and restage.
Is that not what some are thinking it means?

if you have turned off the top bulb and bottom you are out of the beams. this is over stage, and now is illegal to try to re-stage
Deep is just that, deep, (only bottom bulb lit) and will get a red if tree is activated.

[Mark Yacavone]

Originally Posted by Keith 944

if you have turned off the top bulb and bottom you are out of the beams. this is over stage, and now is illegal to try to re-stage
Deep is just that, deep, (only bottom bulb lit) and will get a red if tree is activated.

Is this a big problem for somebody , then?
I've watched thousands of rounds, and rarely ever see this.

[1347]

Originally Posted by Keith 944

if you have turned off the top bulb and bottom you are out of the beams. this is over stage, and now is illegal to try to re-stage
Deep is just that, deep, (only bottom bulb lit) and will get a red if tree is activated.

I would like to hear someone from NHRA explain the rule. My interpretation as soon you shut off the top bulb you are DQd, you dont have to go any farther than that. Only my perception, but NHRA knows what they meant when they posted it, It's just our job to figure it out before someone goes deep to stage and finds out. Especially if you are a person that does that.