Diaper required at Division 1 Tracks?

[SS Engine Guy]

Tell me more about these diapers. Sometimes cars unload or break while in the air and come down hard, sometimes touching the pan. If the diaper is torn is it required to be replaced in order to be acceptable? I would think that it would be.
What happens when an engine lets go and starts a fire? Does the diaper put out the 4-5 qts. of oil that it retains?
Will the diaper stop all parts from exiting the diaper? What I mean is it bullet proof?
Will the extra time spent changing the oil and looking for leaks cause more problems than it solves? Some aren't much on doing regular maintenence is what I'm refering to. An oil soaked diaper might be flamable?
What about the rear area of the block? I've seen cranks let go and take the flywheel and part of the converter with them.

I agree with some that have said. I am more worried about the car in the other lane than I am my car. Just look at some of the wheel alignment junk from pictures of cars in the air.

[hotrods1795]

First, let me say I am not one to oppose safety, but if safety is the issue, then why is it not a mandatory rule for all NHRA, IHRA, etc. and why only 9.90 and quicker.

My understanding is that the diaper does not have to be SFI approved, can be homemade, just so you have somthing to catch the oil and does not have to be fire proof. What if I have a small leak (that I am not aware of), have a diaper on and since the diapers are not fireproof, the leak could soak the diaper and cause a fire due to hot headers, etc.

Having a full bodied SS car makes it even more difficult to put on a diaper than say with a dragster due to header placement, tie rod running thru the oil pan among other things.

Not being required to have a diaper to race SS but being told I cannot test at my local track because I do not have one does not sit well with me.

Danny Henderson
SS/GA 1795

[david ring]

In comp we have a choice between a diaper and a belly pan-we use belly pans on our cars since they are so much easier-I don't know if you could build a belly pan to fit the frames of a stocker or super stocker, but if you could, see if the track would accept them as an alternative to a diaper.

[Mike Carr]

Since Hagerstown MD (Mason-Dixon Dragway) is the only NHRA Division 1 track we currently race at with our series, I sent an e-mail to Elmer (track owner) about the diaper issue. That NHRA does not yet require diapers on most Sportsman (S/SS and .90 cars), and as such, would we (S/SS) get a pass for the Lee Sherman S/SS Race in November? My e-mail first, and Elmer's replies:

"Hi Elmer. I had a question, that was brought up on a racing messageboard for Stock/Super Stock racing. It was stated that NHRA DIvision 1 is requiring an engine diaper/containment device on all 9.99 and quicker bracket cars. NHRA has, however, not mandated them for NHRA Sportsman racers at Division 1 Nat'l Opens, LODRS Divisional Events or National Events. So, would the S/SS cars competing at the Lee Sherman race in November be required to have a diaper to compete there? Diapers run up to $500, and I don't know how many of the 12 or so 9 second racers we would have in November,would want to pay that much to only need it once or twice a year. Thanks."

Elmer's two replies:

"Under current rules if operating as a stock or super stock event , bracket rules would not apply"

and a few minutes later:

"Also keep in mind that there is no certification or spec on what is a engine diaper it could be a metal tray with a pamper in it. I think you will find this to be true. The rule was put I place more for track oil downs than for other reasons in my opinion. However any thing that keeps oil off the track and from under the tires of a race car can't be a bad thing."

So, for the 10-12 Class cars that run in the 9's that we would get, it looks like you will be OK for the two S/SS races we'll have in November.

Hope this helps...I know several people here (Larry, Larry, Dan and Jeff) participated at H-town last November. So it looks like you will be OK for this year. Thought it appears for a normal weekly test and tune, you will need an oil-containment device.

[Robert Pare Racing]

I think I have a little more than $169.00 invested. I had to make some rather extensive mods for the diaper to perform properly, but I am glad I did it. Athey race cars did it, actually, I don't have the ability or know how to do any of this. Custom billet oil filter remote, etc.

[prixmoracing]

Originally Posted by hotrods1795

My understanding is that the diaper does not have to be SFI approved, can be homemade, just so you have somthing to catch the oil and does not have to be fire proof. What if I have a small leak (that I am not aware of), have a diaper on and since the diapers are not fireproof, the leak could soak the diaper and cause a fire due to hot headers, etc.

Danny Henderson
SS/GA 1795

You are right about it not having to be SFI approved for most classes (classes requiring SFI diapers are spelled out in the rule book under class requirements) but it does have to be NHRA approved, (list can be found on nhraracer.com )So your homemade diaper idea will not fly.

[Carl Juliano]

I understand the issues w/the S/SS cars fitting them in tight quarters and not an easy on and off. But I cant say enough about the benefit of having one . Unfortunately I've tested them both in my S/G car and my TS car over the past 2 seasons. Both incidents happened on top end around 1000'. Both engine failures were huge, rods thru the pan, and in the TS car I broke the block. The diapers both held 95% of the oil (very minimal cleanup for the crews) and all the pieces of block and rods were in them. Both times I was able to stop the car safely, and park it out of the groove. These $200 items saved my cars and possibly my life.
Just my .02

[hotrods1795]

Originally Posted by prixmoracing

You are right about it not having to be SFI approved for most classes (classes requiring SFI diapers are spelled out in the rule book under class requirements) but it does have to be NHRA approved, (list can be found on nhraracer.com )So your homemade diaper idea will not fly.

To reply to your quote about not allowing self-made diapers, below is the exact wording from a local track regarding what is required.

"CARS & DRAGSTERS
7.50-9.99 Oil Retention device must be employed Can be self made or purchased online (no SFI rating at this time)"

Danny Henderson
SS/GA 1795

[600ci]

I put one on my super stocker last year because I like my self. thanks DRE

[rognelson777]

Originally Posted by hotrods1795

First, let me say I am not one to oppose safety, but if safety is the issue, then why is it not a mandatory rule for all NHRA, IHRA, etc. and why only 9.90 and quicker.

My understanding is that the diaper does not have to be SFI approved, can be homemade, just so you have somthing to catch the oil and does not have to be fire proof. What if I have a small leak (that I am not aware of), have a diaper on and since the diapers are not fireproof, the leak could soak the diaper and cause a fire due to hot headers, etc.

Having a full bodied SS car makes it even more difficult to put on a diaper than say with a dragster due to header placement, tie rod running thru the oil pan among other things.

Not being required to have a diaper to race SS but being told I cannot test at my local track because I do not have one does not sit well with me.

Danny Henderson
SS/GA 1795

unfortunately i am an old guy, so i remember in 1966 my dad driving at 80 mph on rte 95 in a 4 door chevy with 2 kids and no seat belts. Today I do not even pull my car out of the drive without putting on a seat belt after being run into 3 times by idiots. Think about it

i think DRE that advertises on this site sells diapers for 169.00, sounds like a good investment to me.