Racer Discussions with Race/Tech Officials

[Li'l Rick Pennington]

What would be some opinions or facts on what is the tipping point or grounds for a DQ when a participant/racer shows "character/conduct detrimental to the sport" towards a race official or tech staff?? I know there is a section in every rulebook/set, but when does that get enforced or does it ever??

I've witnessed some heated instances in the past couple of years, some even at the same event, and thought I'd ask some of you regulars.

Li'l Rick

[Billy Nees]

Originally Posted by Li'l Rick Pennington

What would be some opinions or facts on what is the tipping point or grounds for a DQ when a participant/racer shows "character/conduct detrimental to the sport" towards a race official or tech staff??

If you are going to ask this question then maybe another question that should be asked is, What would be some opinions or facts on what is the tipping point or grounds for a termination notice when a race official/tech staff shows "character/conduct detrimental to the sport"?
It should swing both ways.

[James Perrone]

There was an incident a few years back. Racer and official went back and forth
There was a tech issue. But tech man is always right
Racer threatens official is tossed suspended and hefty $$$ fine per Nhra
Fact. Don’t fight with. Tech officials.

[Fireofficer5]

Specifically, what offense was done?


Did that person have a civilized conversation or did that person flail about, scream
like the orange buffoon does on twitter?

Acting like a key board bully?

Tech officials are not customer service reps.

[Bob Don]

A few years ago at E-Town national event, a racer had a heated discussion with starting line crew over poor track prep and bald spots - all the high hp cars were spinning. I don't remember if he got tossed or not. (maybe someone with a better memory than me can help out...)

[Eric Merryfield]

Originally Posted by Bob Don

A few years ago at E-Town national event, a racer had a heated discussion with starting line crew over poor track prep and bald spots - all the high hp cars were spinning. I don't remember if he got tossed or not. (maybe someone with a better memory than me can help out...)

Bob, I was there, I don't think he got tossed, but earned a lot of status points in my mind.

You didn't go that year I don't think the low buck tank would have liked it, for some reason I left the Gremlin home, and just showed up with the Dakota, which of course didn't notice the starting line.

Eric

[Ed Carpenter]

Originally Posted by James Perrone

There was an incident a few years back. Racer and official went back and forth
There was a tech issue. But tech man is always right
Racer threatens official is tossed suspended and hefty $$$ fine per Nhra
Fact. Don’t fight with. Tech officials.

Even when “ said” official is dead wrong? Asking for a friend lol.....

[Keith 944]

Originally Posted by Bob Don

A few years ago at E-Town national event, a racer had a heated discussion with starting line crew over poor track prep and bald spots - all the high hp cars were spinning. I don't remember if he got tossed or not. (maybe someone with a better memory than me can help out...)

What a coincidence..... I talked to the same racer this weekend about that incident, he said he paid for it and advised against it 😝

[nhramnl]

I think we have to remember that officials generally develop a certain mentality. They're given a job that that has authority, which translates to power, in their mind. With that power comes the inherent belief that they're right and fair, because, they rationalize, if they weren't inherently right and fair, they wouldn't have been chosen to be an official. When someone challenges them, their authority and power are questioned or disrespected, and all but the most secure individual gets indignant (to some degree), essentially saying "How dare you challenge my authority! The people who run this thing see my leadership ability and made me an official". In order to have a chance to make a point with an official then, we have to come from a position that shows respect for the authority and power the official THINKS they have. That allows them to maintain their self-esteem and save face.

[Li'l Rick Pennington]

Originally Posted by Fireofficer5

Specifically, what offense was done?


Did that person have a civilized conversation or did that person flail about, scream
like the orange buffoon does on twitter?

Acting like a key board bully?

Tech officials are not customer service reps.

If a racer gives "the finger" to a tech official?? Does that count as an offense?

Li'l Rick