oil retention devices

[james schaechter]

I would love to see the data as well. I just get the feeling that this requirement is based on a SWAG and not any real data. If I made diapers, I too would want this, but I don't. This sounds like the government. Someone made a decision that impacts a lot of people in a negative fashion, but there are unintended consequences that NHRA has not considered. Now maybe I am jumping the gun since NHRA has not put out anything on their site. If they have some data that makes a logical case, I would just be quiet and order mine too.

I just have a hard time remembering an oil down for a stocker that held up the show. I mean, we could add a lot of safety equipment to stockers that sound good in theory but won't make a difference. Why this one?

Originally Posted by Evan Smith

I would like to see the data. How many S/SS cars oil down the track over the course of a year? If the NHRA can show us a real problem exists, then it should be considered, if not, don't institute it.

No one wants to spend money on stuff like this, or go through the trouble of fitting a new part that might be a pain in the ***, but at least take a look at the whole picture before being so negative. Most professional drivers hated the idea of the HANS at first, as it was cumbersome, however those who have used one (or a similar device), wouldn't get in a car without one now.

At least look at the data before crying foul. A rule like this could save your car and/or your life, or that of your competitor, but most of you will never blow and engine or crash so who cares, right?

Another solution would be a type of catch pan, which I believe is also legal. This would also improve aerodynamics and performance.

[Woodro Josey]

OK Guys, now is the time to be Heard, write you letters to NHRA with good logical reasons that this will be a hardship on Stock and Superstock racers as a whole and not just your combination. There are some that this would not be to hard on and others that this would just about be impossible, especialy with out a lot of cutting up of Frames, headers, and steering.
I would also like to see the data of downtime for these classes from NHRA, i know its all about TV time but is it the Stock/Superstock cars that are creating this problem? You have to realize these guys making these decisions, know nothing about a Stock/Superstock car!

[art leong]

Originally Posted by Woodro Josey

OK Guys, now is the time to be Heard, write you letters to NHRA with good logical reasons that this will be a hardship on Stock and Superstock racers as a whole and not just your combination. There are some that this would not be to hard on and others that this would just about be impossible, especialy with out a lot of cutting up of Frames, headers, and steering.
I would also like to see the data of downtime for these classes from NHRA, i know its all about TV time but is it the Stock/Superstock cars that are creating this problem? You have to realize some of these guys making these decisions, know nothing about a Stock/Superstock car!

I agree with you Woodro except for the use of the word "some" in the last sentence.

[Woodro Josey]

OK Art, read again!

[Kent Hanley]

Originally Posted by Woodro Josey

OK Guys, now is the time to be Heard, write you letters to NHRA with good logical reasons that this will be a hardship on Stock and Superstock racers as a whole and not just your combination. There are some that this would not be to hard on and others that this would just about be impossible, especialy with out a lot of cutting up of Frames, headers, and steering.
I would also like to see the data of downtime for these classes from NHRA, i know its all about TV time but is it the Stock/Superstock cars that are creating this problem? You have to realize these guys making these decisions, know nothing about a Stock/Superstock car!

First let's get over the notion NHRA is making any money on this. This rule is to prevent oil downs to speed up the races, a safety measure and
help meet the DEP standards. We have all been at races where they have
been delayed from one form of oil down or another and NHRA biggest concern is with National Events vs. the Lucas Oil or National opens for the obvious reason, TV which is great for our sport.

Second the SRAC committee has asked to see the "oil down report ". We have been told that NHRA does have one but we serious doubt it will separate engine oil downs from transmission, radiator or rear end leaks.
NHRA is going to report to the committee engine oil downs vs other track problems for Stock and Super Stock.


Woodro's post is absolutely right on. If you have a combination where its going to be virtually impossible to install a diaper or installation of a oil retention devise will create a some form of hardship ( the cost of a diaper doesn't constitute a hardship ). You need to not only
document it BUT take pictures so we can present to NHRA. Pictures are
probably the best thing you can do. Send or email this to your SRAC representative in your division.

From what we have been told NHRA wants to make a decision by Englishtown. Reason being is if we have to run an oil retention device in 2011 we have time to prepare for it. So you have until the end of May to get the letters and pictures to your reps.

In Division 1 I am going around with Bob Lang to look at various cars and to see what the real viability is for installation and servicing cars with diapers on. So if your going to be at Atco next week for the National Open and you feel there is no way to satisfy this rule without a severe hardship let me know.

When you submit your letters and photos be sure to include your name and car number. If you're not a current stock or super stock racer which means, current NHRA membership with a current license and car number don't bother submitting anything.

We are all working hard to represent you but you have to help yourself and us by submitting the letters with pictures.



Kent Hanley

[Alex Denysenko]

Originally Posted by james schaechter

If I made diapers, I too would want this, but I don't.

Now this I can understand.



Hey NHRA,
We sell Cal-Tracs, can you please make them mandatory on all leaf spring cars in competition?

T/S, T/D, S/C, and S/G oil the track 25 to 1 over S/SS.

Anyone who attends more than 5 NHRA/IHRA races knows that.

[Vic Santos]

One thing that I don't see mentioned is oil temperature and therefor viscosity and therefor the ability to take load without metal to metal contact. In my SS car I run 11 quarts of oil! At the beginning of a run the oil temperature is about 140F; at the end of a run it is about 160F to 170F; by the time I get back to the pits its about 180F to 190F. If I let the engine sit with the hood open it takes over 1/2 hour to get the temperature back to where I can make another run assuming the is no long trip to staging. When it gets round robin time (not as often as I would like) I have to cool the oil with water or I loose bearings! What will happen when the oil pan is in a snuggie blanket insulating the oil pan! I think diapers will cause MORE engine failures than before especially with the snake oil currently used and the small quantities used in the performanc based classes. The racer looses! My vote is HELL NO!!

This my first posting. The subject just irritated me big time!

[Racer 6x64]

Vic, I honestly have no ldea what the oil tempurature issue would be. As for snake oil, I run 8 liters of Joe Gibbs finest in my engine.

I do have the utmost respect for the stock and super stock guys. My father ran SS/HA in the mid 80's and other good freinds have been running SS forever in Division 6. I dont plan to know all the in's and out's of class racing but my whole post was just saying that a diaper can reduce the chance of a pretty serious mishap and I have seen far to many of those in my lifetime. I most definately prefer it when all racers and race cars leave the track in one piece.