2015 to 2016 NHRA Rule Changes

[Michael Beard]

Originally Posted by SS3718

With the speeds of the cars that you could be racing, shouldn't everybody be wearing full face helmets, full cages, ect...?

I don't disagree with that. Separate issue. My problem is with the uneven application of the rules. Is it safe or isn't it?
- If someone's 10.50 car doesn't need a cage, why does mine?
- If my 10.50 car needs a cage, why doesn't another one?
- If other 10.50-second drivers don't need a Competition License, why do I?
- If I need a Competition License to go 10.50's, why don't all 10.50 drivers?

Hey, if they want to make roll cages and Competition Licenses required for all cars 10.99-quicker, by all means, but make it ALL cars 10.99-quicker. Super Stock, Stock, and E.T. Um... how do I even qualify for a Competition License if I can't run 9.99 in the first place? Is there a new Competition License specifically for 10.00-11.05 Factory cars?

Again, why do the safety requirements for a vehicle change when the only thing that's changed is the decals on the window? This is not a new issue. I've argued this for a decade.

When NHRA developed the Factory classes, I asked the questions:
- If GT Trucks, Modified Stock, Modified Truck, and Modified classes with an automatic get a 5% weight break, do Factory automatics?
- If Factory automatics don't get a weight break, why do GT Trucks, Modified Stock, Modified Truck, and Modified classes?

I had *three* high up NHRA officials refuse to answer the question. One gave me a "no" on the first question, but no one would even acknowledge that the second question was asked. Not even a "Because I said so." I don't care which way it is, but there should be an even application of the rules. If they do, why don't we, OR if we don't, why do they? It should be one or the other, the same for everyone in comparable circumstances.