S/g 1983

[Chris Williams]

Originally Posted by 63corvette

Last year NHRA posted a new rule for the Super Classes that you could not have any data pickups on the wheels or drive line components. The problem is no TECH OFFICIAL at any race I have attended has ever looked for one.
I thought this might clear out some of those who use the counter systems to detect where they were at et wise and whether to take the finish line or give it away.
I was wrong!!!
I know that is still going on with some racers using data going to the MSD system to stutter the ignition if they are to quick at a measured point on the track.
I have observed this at test sessions. When you hear an engine miss or stutter at 330, 660, and 1000 ft and still the car runs a 9.90-- you have a good feel something is being counted and controlled.
I continue to race but I know it is not a level playing field at some races.
Just My 2 Cents

As I recall, that rule was a typo, and was quickly revoked. I don't believe any such rule is in the current rulebook.

[63corvette]

As I recall, that rule was a typo, and was quickly revoked. I don't believe any such rule is in the current rulebook. Chris Williams

Chris, if you read the 09 rulebook page 91 Section 5 second paragraph under Super Street with the rules follow over to Super Gas and Super Comp it states:

"Timed vehicle-control devices (counters, time displays, etc.), except as outlined under Class Requirements, are prohibited. Display or transmission of track location, time/distance data, etc. prohibited."

That does not sound like a typo to me as it is in the 09 rulebook. Pretty cut and dried only if NHRA enforces it.
My 2 Cents

[Chris Williams]

Sorry, now I remember, it was in Jan 08, NHRA accidentally had a sentence that outlawed all driveshaft logging, that was quickly rescinded as it was found to be a typo. The problem with the rule as it is, is enforcement. Driveshaft RPM logging is legal and crucial (at least to me) to figuring out track conditions. But expecting a tech person to determine if that line is then being used to control the ignition, is a complex wiring issue. It's probably best if they do what they do for many other rules: respond to complaints from competitors, and examine cars that appear to be violating the rule.

[Ed Fernandez]

Originally Posted by Chris Williams

Sorry, now I remember, it was in Jan 08, NHRA accidentally had a sentence that outlawed all driveshaft logging, that was quickly rescinded as it was found to be a typo. The problem with the rule as it is, is enforcement. Driveshaft RPM logging is legal and crucial (at least to me) to figuring out track conditions. But expecting a tech person to determine if that line is then being used to control the ignition, is a complex wiring issue. It's probably best if they do what they do for many other rules: respond to complaints from competitors, and examine cars that appear to be violating the rule.

But would they know how to find anything?It would amaze the CIA and the old KGB how far some drag racers would go to win races.Matty boxes,AM/FM delay boxes etc.James Bond would be proud.

[ItsyBitsySpider]

I've chatted online with a guy that plays with the data acquisition style dash mounted boxes, and yes, they are programmable. (it's amazing what you can get people to admit to online)

Sadly, it would be nearly impossible for any of the NHRA techs to tell that they've been messed around with unless they happen to be a talented IT tech and know what tests to run.
Electronics have gone too far, it's time for a change.

[Roger Weaver]

In the 2009 rule book go to page 95 Electrical:8 and page 96 these rules are for s/g and s/c .
Go to page 98 section 6 same thing on page 100 section 7. But who checks?

[Michael Pliska]

Originally Posted by JJ3159

.oo lights and .90s win races ,no matter what electronics you have ,the electronics don't drive the cars .high mph or slow mph you have to know car ,if you are bracket racing you can bet you will race faster cars.

While this is true, under changing conditions (some of which you can't predict with a weather station), you may need to trim the stripe close to keep from breaking out. The higher-mph car has better visibility for doing this.

I'm trying to decide which way to run my car for an upcoming 1/8-mile national open (my first S/G racing in 15+ years). At least in the 1/8 mile the speed differentials will be smaller. At my local track I recently went from one of the slowest cars in Pro bracket to one of the quickest, and I must admit that it is much easier judging the stripe from behind. OTOH maybe that experience being chased in bracket races will pay off if I run low trap speeds in S/G.

If I could snap my fingers and return to the way S/G was run in the 1980's, I would do it in a heartbeat.

Regards,