Alcohol dragster? - Page 2

MUSTANG3637 · 07-11-2010, 07:24 PM

isn't it weird that all the improvement to the sand trap area that was to be safer doesn't seem to be working. sure it's keeping the cars within the track but doesn't seem to have much give. i feel bad for the 2 families in the last few races. r. i. p.

jeff d.

Tim H · 07-11-2010, 08:04 PM

Terrible news ... R.I.P.

Rusty2211 · 07-11-2010, 08:33 PM

This is really sad. I feel for the family and crew of Mr. Niver. I was at Atlanta Dragway a couple of years ago when a similar incident occurred. That was the first time I ever saw a hearse show up at a dragstrip and I hope it’s the last. I do have a question. Why do the chutes not fall off of Fuel cars? Are the requirements for the mounting points more substantial on the fuel cars?

A few observations:
1. The mounted points and any related hardware needs to be doubled in size/thickness immediately.
2. These cars need a 3rd parachute incase the first set fails.
3. Any or all of the chutes need to be able to be deployed by a 3rd party in case the driver becomes incapacitated.
4. The netting systems need to be re-designed. They work great for door cars (except for Woodrow’s), but not for dragsters and funny cars (or motorcycles). If you think about the physics of hitting that net at that speed and the parts that can come into contact with the driver, it just does not make sense. There has to be an alternative.

The last time I checked there has not been any NASCAR driver’s killed since Dale Earnhardt and these guys are crashing into stuff at 200MPH all the time. The reason is not luck, but that NASCAR decided to spend the money for the R&D and upgrades to protect the drivers. Has NHRA crash tested anything into one of these netting systems and studied the results?

W J · 07-11-2010, 08:45 PM

Another fatality today sadly proving that accidents involving non-deploying chutes--- or chutes detaching from car upon deployment needs IMMEDIATE attention. Cars hitting the sand traps at high speed appear to be skimming over top of the sand and slamming into these un-safe nets resulting in un-survivable impacts.... How many lives have to be lost before changes are made to both improving racecar chute systems and emergency slowing (traps)and containment(net) systems? Maybe non-flammable large containments of small foam cubes or blocks would work better than these deadly net systems....just my thoughts on another sad raceday.

WJ

X-TECH MAN · 07-11-2010, 09:22 PM

As I said before.....Isnt it about time NHRA changed the rules and slowed the alcohol and fuel cars down. Smaller cubes, smaller blowers, etc. ?

blkjack · 07-11-2010, 10:02 PM

Why not quad chutes? Seriously,let's take some personal responsibility.What do you want radio-controlled racing?

Ed Fernandez · 07-11-2010, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blkjack

Why not quad chutes? Seriously,let's take some personal responsibility.What do you want radio-controlled racing?

I don't think you want 4 chutes,especially deploying all 4 at the same time.The negative G's are about -5G's with 2 chutes.
The attachment and deployment methods need imediate attention,in my uneducated opinion in this area.I just wish they make these cars as safe as possible.
Besides this issue it seems the Pro Stock guys are getting fed up with "Dim" Light and Co.Krishner said maybe it's time for the Pro Stock drivers need Larry Morgan buttons that say "You can't fix stupid".
Just saw WJ's tirade to Gary Jerrold.He's my hero.
Quote WJ: "It'll fall on deaf ears.All they want is those fuel cars".Exit stage left.I wish Larry Morgan was interviewed.

W J · 07-12-2010, 11:10 AM

Are these 2 Alcohol classes (dragster and funny car) safety teched before racing program starts at each National Event by NHRA? And what do they look for? Anyone in the know...Thanks. WJ

cad · 07-12-2010, 12:05 PM

Tail hooks and arresting cables across the track flush in pavement grooves that are deployable via sensors or manual intervention.
Not too hard to figure out...I've emailed a few people within NHRA and never received a reply. I also emailed Jim Head. I dont expect a reply, just some action.

RIP Mark.

vic guilmino · 07-12-2010, 02:47 PM

What is NHRA supposed to do - have a person in every pit and check
that the chute is attached properly every time? Isn't that the crew's
responsibility? You can put on 10 chutes but if someone doesn't attach
it correctly you will still have failure. This is a tragic accident but it our choice to race and
I really don't see how NHRA is responsible.

07-11-2010, 07:24 PM	#11
MUSTANG3637 Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 52 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Alcohol dragster? isn't it weird that all the improvement to the sand trap area that was to be safer doesn't seem to be working. sure it's keeping the cars within the track but doesn't seem to have much give. i feel bad for the 2 families in the last few races. r. i. p. jeff d.

07-11-2010, 08:04 PM	#12
Tim H VIP Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 1,013 Likes: 921 Liked 434 Times in 145 Posts	Re: Alcohol dragster? Terrible news ... R.I.P.

07-11-2010, 08:33 PM	#13
Rusty2211 Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Georgia Posts: 118 Likes: 1 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Alcohol dragster? This is really sad. I feel for the family and crew of Mr. Niver. I was at Atlanta Dragway a couple of years ago when a similar incident occurred. That was the first time I ever saw a hearse show up at a dragstrip and I hope it’s the last. I do have a question. Why do the chutes not fall off of Fuel cars? Are the requirements for the mounting points more substantial on the fuel cars? A few observations: 1. The mounted points and any related hardware needs to be doubled in size/thickness immediately. 2. These cars need a 3rd parachute incase the first set fails. 3. Any or all of the chutes need to be able to be deployed by a 3rd party in case the driver becomes incapacitated. 4. The netting systems need to be re-designed. They work great for door cars (except for Woodrow’s), but not for dragsters and funny cars (or motorcycles). If you think about the physics of hitting that net at that speed and the parts that can come into contact with the driver, it just does not make sense. There has to be an alternative. The last time I checked there has not been any NASCAR driver’s killed since Dale Earnhardt and these guys are crashing into stuff at 200MPH all the time. The reason is not luck, but that NASCAR decided to spend the money for the R&D and upgrades to protect the drivers. Has NHRA crash tested anything into one of these netting systems and studied the results?

07-11-2010, 08:45 PM	#14
W J Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Paxton, Massachusetts Posts: 638 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Alcohol dragster? Another fatality today sadly proving that accidents involving non-deploying chutes--- or chutes detaching from car upon deployment needs IMMEDIATE attention. Cars hitting the sand traps at high speed appear to be skimming over top of the sand and slamming into these un-safe nets resulting in un-survivable impacts.... How many lives have to be lost before changes are made to both improving racecar chute systems and emergency slowing (traps)and containment(net) systems? Maybe non-flammable large containments of small foam cubes or blocks would work better than these deadly net systems....just my thoughts on another sad raceday. WJ Last edited by W J; 07-11-2010 at 08:48 PM.

07-11-2010, 09:22 PM	#15
X-TECH MAN Banned Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Lake Placid, Florida Posts: 3,207 Likes: 1,049 Liked 235 Times in 110 Posts	Re: Alcohol dragster? As I said before.....Isnt it about time NHRA changed the rules and slowed the alcohol and fuel cars down. Smaller cubes, smaller blowers, etc. ?

07-11-2010, 10:02 PM	#16
blkjack Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Belle Vernon, PA Posts: 283 Likes: 25 Liked 52 Times in 17 Posts	Re: Alcohol dragster? Why not quad chutes? Seriously,let's take some personal responsibility.What do you want radio-controlled racing?

07-12-2010, 11:10 AM	#18
W J Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Paxton, Massachusetts Posts: 638 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Alcohol dragster? Are these 2 Alcohol classes (dragster and funny car) safety teched before racing program starts at each National Event by NHRA? And what do they look for? Anyone in the know...Thanks. WJ

07-12-2010, 12:05 PM	#19
cad Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Omaha, NE Posts: 675 Likes: 141 Liked 72 Times in 40 Posts	Re: Alcohol dragster? Tail hooks and arresting cables across the track flush in pavement grooves that are deployable via sensors or manual intervention. Not too hard to figure out...I've emailed a few people within NHRA and never received a reply. I also emailed Jim Head. I dont expect a reply, just some action. RIP Mark.

07-12-2010, 02:47 PM	#20
vic guilmino Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: wv Posts: 882 Likes: 42 Liked 56 Times in 21 Posts	Re: Alcohol dragster? What is NHRA supposed to do - have a person in every pit and check that the chute is attached properly every time? Isn't that the crew's responsibility? You can put on 10 chutes but if someone doesn't attach it correctly you will still have failure. This is a tragic accident but it our choice to race and I really don't see how NHRA is responsible. __________________ Vic Guilmino 1129 STK