First S/ST Event in Bradenton

[65Shoebox]

Hello all.

I have been preparring to run my first S/ST event for some time. Tried to make it out last year but had to build up a new short bloock late in teh season. We are just putting the final touches on a new motor package and hope to have it sorted in time for Bradenton.

Any advice as I prepare for my first NHRA event? I have run many local events and some events in the NMCA series, but look forward to my first NHRA divisional.

Anything in particular I should be prepared for in tech? I already spoke to the division tech director to go overa few items and I think I am in good shape but appreciate your perspective for those areas that hang people up.

Not much pro-tree experience, but I have been practicing on my porta-tree and hope for the best.

Any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated.

Greg

[THE LEGEND]

Me too.
I'm thinking of coming. I have never been to a NHRA race. Can anyone give some insight?
How about the schedule?
Thansk
Chip

[Bob Verwold]

Well if you have a rule book, sorry if you look on the NHRA web site follow all the guide lines, rules and enjoy racing your in for the time of your life.
The people are more than willing to help and show ya what ever you need (if ya bring enough beer )..........Good luck

[jmcarter]

Division 2 website 'lags' compared to others and the Bradenton website is only showing the same schedule info as provided in last week's ND (link here for ref).

http://www.bradentonmotorsports.com/...5044&zoneid=84

Legend, I haven't compared NHRA/IHRA rulebooks but main difference is the weight minimum (2800 for NHRA and not unusual to be asked across the scales for round 1 winners). NHRA requires the locking trans dipstick (see other threads) and if you're running over 135MPH then you're inspected to S/G regs (mandatory chassis cert, license, diaper, SFI-5 pants, gloves, etc.).

I haven't had any trouble in tech, just always prepared with copies of certification on flywheel and items hard to access. They're going to check seat belt dates religiously since guys have given them trouble on that (including one racer bounced at the Valdosta National Open for switching belts just to get thru tech). Grounded plastic fuel cell, dual throttle return springs, functional on/off switch, functional neutral safety switch are the items I've been asked about most frequently....Legend, I KNOW you know the drill and for others new to NHRA S/ST your best friend is the rulebook that you can download from the NHRA website if you're not joining NHRA till you get to the trailer. After you get your credentials and run card just make sure you keep the run card for punch out in staging. They usually have clean up runs for anyone who gets hung up in tech or simply arrives late on Friday.

If you don't have a lot of data for your T/S settings then lots of luck because you're going to need it. Lots of good racers in S/ST but if you're just after a grade point to help your cause for getting into the Charlotte national event in March then have fun, observe and ask. Racers are racers...

[THE LEGEND]

JM,
You said keep copies of certification on stuff like the flywheel. What do I need there? It's got a sticker on it. I did put a new balancer on this year. The sticker was gone off the old one. My shield has a sticker on it too. Belts good. New cell with ground. New battery boxes. What about Window net? I have a mesh one. Is it legal? Does it need a sticker too?

Most important thing, do you think you can get in Charlotte with 1-2 grade points. Already 10 cars entered.
Thanks
Chip

[Bob Verwold]

Chip, I'm just guessing but with them only taking 50 and ten already signed up it's going to take at least 3 to get in..........
I've never had them ( tec) ask for copy's of cert for trans shield ,flex plate or parts they can't see. BUT that's in Div 3........

[jmcarter]

Legend; I've got copies of my recertification paperwork just in case but never been asked for it; if you have the stickers on you're good. The mesh type window nets do have a 2 year expiration period whereas the ribbon style has no expiration period. By the rule your mesh net would have to have a dated SFI 27 patch on it but not sure how likely they are for checking it. If it was mine I'd put a ribbon net in and forget it.

Suppose everyone has their own opinion on Charlotte grade points but given all the Div 1, 2 and 3 racers who are within an easy drive from Charlotte I gotta believe it will take more than 2 points to get in. Just look at the Division 1 racers who have already entered and you gotta think that at least 30-35 D2 racers will try to compete. Definitely think that S/ST will fill up before other .90 classes and doesn't help that they set the field at 50 for us. You better try for Gainesville as well to even have a chance. But again, that's my opinion.

65Shoebox; all this addressing what you were looking for?

[THE LEGEND]

I will get another net. I agree about the 3+ to get in Charlotte. I guess I will use this year to chase grade points and shoot for next year.
Thanks
Guys

[jmcarter]

Do the Bradenton, Gainesville, Orlando trio of races and you might get in...it's worth a shot. NHRA is usually pretty quick about updating grade points.

[ItsyBitsySpider]

Greg & Legend
Welcome.
This is everyone's first big race of the season, so many of us don't yet have 100% handle on our cars either. New engines, electronics, combos etc,
Tech is by the book (so be sure to check NHRA updates too... how about those locking dipsticks?)
We usually only get a few good time trials (as long as the weather cooperates) so your pro tree practice is a good idea.

For all the deep south folks that had the unusual freezing weather, be sure to check your freeze plugs. Some engines froze and pushed out the freeze plugs. Not something we're used to dealing with.

And personally, I recommend a diaper for every car. Not only will save the track major clean up if you have a problem, but it may save you and the car by preventing the slip n slide of oil on tires.

See you there & good luck!


Ed too....(the Flying Monkey Camaro)