Just read this on DRO

[SSTRACER323]

http://www.dragracingonline.com/burksblast/x_9-3.html

HMMMMMM!!!!!

[T Hall]

That isnt going to fix ****!

[frank v]

most of our crashes are from people slamming the brakes or maybe blowing an engine ,so how shorting the track is going to fix this problem?

[Jason Oldfield]

Well, I certainly hope this isn't the case. Maybe it's time for a poll to see if the sportsman racers support this, and if not to get the Sportsman Racing Advisory Council involved.

I loved Burk's analogy about NASCAR when Earnhardt died. Did NASCAR reduce the length of Daytona and Talladega by 25% or reduce the speeds of the cars any further? Nope. They improved the cars and the safety equipment being used. Plus, Dale Earnhardt was one of the most outspoken drivers about slowing the cars down and using restrictor plates.

Reducing the track to 1000' will definitely cut down speeds, which does reduce the possibility for injury when an accident occurs (its all about momentum). But, IMHO, the recent deaths that we have seen are not a direct result of the speeds at which these drivers were traveling. Instead, it was simply a series of unfortunate events. Seriously, before recent events, who was the last .90 racer to be killed at an NHRA national or LODRS event? Its just not that common of an occurrence, especially when you factor in the number of passes that have been made in these classes.

My sympathies go out to the families and friends that have lost loved ones while racing, but I for one don't like it (though, for us sportsman racers, it will be easier on the equipment, and many will probably like the decision because of this).

[S/G 386N]

Who's the 3rd driver in the last month to die besides Steve Engel and Doug McRobie?

[frank v]

i heard from someone that somebody died at atlanta but i didn't see anything on the computer.

[SSTRACER323]

Go to DRO under the 1320 agent it is the second page back i think
It was a AA/FC guy

[Bob Verwold]

Tony is that an attitude ? I think NHRA could find a better solution to the problem, this is a band aid on an open wound. NASCAR went to the soft walls in the corners can't they install something like this from 1000 ft on to the end. Is the cost to much for them to absorb.I think this is the beginning of every one going 1/8 mi. Hope it's not true.

[SSTRACER323]

found it

Martindale suffers fatal accident at Atlanta


Bobby Martindale, 65, of Glen Allen, Va. was killed Saturday, Oct. 4, during round 1 qualifying in Top Alcohol Funny Car at the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Southeast Division, event at Atlanta Dragway.
Martindale was on and off the throttle several times during his run and his engine quit with a bang at the finish line. His chutes did not deploy and his car hit the left retaining wall in the shutdown area. The body came off and the car continued on through the sand trap and the catch fence and into the wooded area beyond, where a small fire started, but was quickly put out.
DRO offers out heartfelt condolences to the Martindale family. [10/06/08]

[Rob Petrie E395]

Originally Posted by S/G 386N

Who's the 3rd driver in the last month to die besides Steve Engel and Doug McRobie?

Div 2 alcohol funny car driver passed away after a crash this weekend the name slips my mind at the moment

sorry guys was typing while somebody posted his name