Tuesday H.P.

Mike Volkman · 03-17-2021, 12:30 AM

Irvin...

The way I see it is there is an issue with the process that is used by NHRA.

In my opinion, and it is not personal in any way, shape or form, the tear down should have taken place at the scales beside the tech official as they have in the past. I am not implying you were cheating or doing anything inappropriate but i have seen where others have abused the situation. We put locks on doors to keep honest people out. Had you known some history of the past, being the guy you are you would have insisted that the inspection took place at the tech trailer.

Back before Bruce B. left the process was different. You parked the car at the scale and got your tools. Over the years tear down has turned into check the head, carb or t/body, piston, deck etc. All contained to the engine.

In the past, wheel base was checked, under the dash inspected, trans brake wiring for extra splices (i had a splice where i had pieced the wire together because i ran out of length, making two splices, the other splice was going to the 2 step, which is allowed and I had to eliminate the 2nd splice). They checked seat belt, helmet, jacket, trans shield etc. I'm not sure how some of these items are checked in the trailer. How does the inspector look under the car?

These issues are not yours but is a NHRA procedural issue. What should or should not be checked? Does the inspector know what he or she is looking at? Should we be checking anything?

The rules are the rules, whether we agree or not, and NHRA is responsible to each racer to uphold them regardless of my or anyone's personal opinion.

For instance, no one has ever been allowed to polish the venturi area or anywhere near it. Bob Lang was over the top when he would toss someone because they had scratches from the assy process. Only modifications inside the carb are permitted. Polished boosters are not inside and are not allowed. It's an infraction of the rules. Guys replace the boosters all day long with other stock oem that may be smaller or flow better, that look original, but they are not polished. Do they increase air flow. Probably. Should it be allowed? Never been an issue.

The point is that since the new "no tech" process came on board, a lack of NHRA manpower and well rounded, knowledgeable inspectors we are going to have things to work through. Still the best game in town. I think NHRA is trying. I know all the tech guys i deal with at the races try to do the right thing and are good honest working guys. Thank God we have several still with us who get it and are trying the best they can.

Again, not attempting to offend. Just saying the how's and whys.

Mike Volkman
412.651.2356

03-17-2021, 12:30 AM	#22
Mike Volkman Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2020 Posts: 79 Likes: 32 Liked 497 Times in 50 Posts	Re: Tuesday H.P. Irvin... The way I see it is there is an issue with the process that is used by NHRA. In my opinion, and it is not personal in any way, shape or form, the tear down should have taken place at the scales beside the tech official as they have in the past. I am not implying you were cheating or doing anything inappropriate but i have seen where others have abused the situation. We put locks on doors to keep honest people out. Had you known some history of the past, being the guy you are you would have insisted that the inspection took place at the tech trailer. Back before Bruce B. left the process was different. You parked the car at the scale and got your tools. Over the years tear down has turned into check the head, carb or t/body, piston, deck etc. All contained to the engine. In the past, wheel base was checked, under the dash inspected, trans brake wiring for extra splices (i had a splice where i had pieced the wire together because i ran out of length, making two splices, the other splice was going to the 2 step, which is allowed and I had to eliminate the 2nd splice). They checked seat belt, helmet, jacket, trans shield etc. I'm not sure how some of these items are checked in the trailer. How does the inspector look under the car? These issues are not yours but is a NHRA procedural issue. What should or should not be checked? Does the inspector know what he or she is looking at? Should we be checking anything? The rules are the rules, whether we agree or not, and NHRA is responsible to each racer to uphold them regardless of my or anyone's personal opinion. For instance, no one has ever been allowed to polish the venturi area or anywhere near it. Bob Lang was over the top when he would toss someone because they had scratches from the assy process. Only modifications inside the carb are permitted. Polished boosters are not inside and are not allowed. It's an infraction of the rules. Guys replace the boosters all day long with other stock oem that may be smaller or flow better, that look original, but they are not polished. Do they increase air flow. Probably. Should it be allowed? Never been an issue. The point is that since the new "no tech" process came on board, a lack of NHRA manpower and well rounded, knowledgeable inspectors we are going to have things to work through. Still the best game in town. I think NHRA is trying. I know all the tech guys i deal with at the races try to do the right thing and are good honest working guys. Thank God we have several still with us who get it and are trying the best they can. Again, not attempting to offend. Just saying the how's and whys. Mike Volkman 412.651.2356