Blinder/Blocker clarification needed

[Whalen3186]

I reached out to Pat Cvengros, Lonnie Grim and Ned Walliser to voice my support for allowing the freedom to choose to use a blinder or not. A portion of the response that I received back from Pat C is highlighted below.

We have been told that this rule is solely based on safety as stated in the clarification posted on www.nhraracer.com Jan 20. IF that was the case, why is there a need to mention the fact that Stock/SS are full tree categories and bringing a level playing field to the starting line??

Maybe all 7 of the current SRAC reps can chime in and give us the details of the conversations that they’ve had with NHRA authorities over the past year or 2 on the subject.

‘I am continually confident that the new blinder rule will promote much better safety across the entire property and the end result will also make for better racing as the advantage of said blinder has been removed thus bringing a very level playing field in reaction time at the starting line back into play. It is a full tree category. The substantial difference in other classes that are still allowed a blinder is that they primarily tow to the starting line and from the top end of the racetrack.’

[Bob Gullett]

Originally Posted by Whalen3186

I reached out to Pat Cvengros, Lonnie Grim and Ned Walliser to voice my support for allowing the freedom to choose to use a blinder or not. A portion of the response that I received back from Pat C is highlighted below.

We have been told that this rule is solely based on safety as stated in the clarification posted on www.nhraracer.com Jan 20. IF that was the case, why is there a need to mention the fact that Stock/SS are full tree categories and bringing a level playing field to the starting line??

Maybe all 7 of the current SRAC reps can chime in and give us the details of the conversations that they’ve had with NHRA authorities over the past year or 2 on the subject.

But it states an oem sunvisor is allowed. Larger and covers more of the windshield than most blinders I’m guessing. I won’t get into how many times I’ve seen cars with hood scoops just about run into someone or something. But blinders are banned. So if we we choose to use the factory sunvisor as a blinder it’s totally legal correct? And for the record I use a blinder. Or at least I did. Still should be able to run a blinder if you want. Not because the people who chose not to use one (which is their choice) getting the rule changed that I can’t run one.

[Mark Yacavone]

Originally Posted by Bob Gullett

Not because the people who chose not to use one (which is their choice) getting the rule changed that I can’t run one.

....Which is exactly what happened to deep staging ;-)

[Jim Caughlin]

Originally Posted by Whalen3186

I reached out to Pat Cvengros, Lonnie Grim and Ned Walliser to voice my support for allowing the freedom to choose to use a blinder or not. A portion of the response that I received back from Pat C is highlighted below.

We have been told that this rule is solely based on safety as stated in the clarification posted on www.nhraracer.com Jan 20. IF that was the case, why is there a need to mention the fact that Stock/SS are full tree categories and bringing a level playing field to the starting line??

Maybe all 7 of the current SRAC reps can chime in and give us the details of the conversations that they’ve had with NHRA authorities over the past year or 2 on the subject.

Doesn't that mixed signal response from NHRA indicate that there is more to this than the 'safety issue' that initially was used as a basis for the change? Why would you start talking about the function of blinders as it relates to racing if the reason for the change was purely for pit safety? I'm hearing some rumors that this had more to do with certain racers burning NHRA's ear about banning them and not a safety issue at all. I still go back to my previous question, if there was a pit incident, someone on this site must have knowledge of it?

[MR DERBY CITY]

Originally Posted by Jim Caughlin

I'm hearing some rumors that this had more to do with certain racers burning NHRA's ear about banning them and not a safety issue at all.

Not rumors Jim, facts….Charley Downing is getting to the bottom of it ..LOL.!!

[Jim Caughlin]

Originally Posted by MR DERBY CITY

Not rumors Jim, facts….Charley Downing is getting to the bottom of it ..LOL.!!

Actually, I heard one specific name...

[MR DERBY CITY]

Originally Posted by Jim Caughlin

Actually, I heard one specific name...

So did everyone else Jim, …..

[4543]

Originally Posted by Jim Caughlin

Doesn't that mixed signal response from NHRA indicate that there is more to this than the 'safety issue' that initially was used as a basis for the change? Why would you start talking about the function of blinders as it relates to racing if the reason for the change was purely for pit safety? I'm hearing some rumors that this had more to do with certain racers burning NHRA's ear about banning them and not a safety issue at all. I still go back to my previous question, if there was a pit incident, someone on this site must have knowledge of it?

Kind of like the AHFS BS. I think the whiners won that round! Mike McMahan 2543 H/SA

[jmantle]

Maybe all 7 of the current SRAC reps can chime in and give us the details of the conversations that they’ve had with NHRA authorities over the past year or 2 on the subject.[/QUOTE]

In the time I've been a SRAC rep I can't recall any previous conversation about blinders.

After taking with great racer/ friend today. If there are racers crying about a few winning with a blinder , guess what? They will still win because they are better racers. All you did was pizz them off. Careful what you wish for….