NHRA to race to 1,000 feet

Craig · 05-07-2008, 12:29 PM

As the title says the NHRA will be racing to the 1,000 foot mark as of the next event. Interesting......

Follow the link to the NHRA's website here.

http://www.nhra.com/content/news/30355.htm

Cheers Craig

KBBossedXR · 05-07-2008, 01:17 PM

I am quite suprised with this decision as the time saved over the last 320 foot is not going to be a great deal, you do see alot of engines go in that last 320 foot.

They raced on the weekend with out any problems and i beleive the run off at the previous track where Scott Kallita died was not good enough.

Maybe they could look at a set up where the chutes come out if the body comes off, Its even possible that Kallita was unconscious and thats why he continued down the track, maybe they could look at a button on the wheel and if the drivers hand comes of the wheel the chutes are released.

Just a couple of things a mate and i were talking about.

Mr. CVE · 05-07-2008, 07:53 PM

As the chute cases are attached to the body, when the body comes off it should pull the chutes out of the bags anyway.
The problem is in Scotts case if you are knocked out, there is nothing that can be done.
I too am saddened by his passing. The only real thing I can think of is a heavier , longer sandtrap. In that track's case there was a main road behind that wall.
I do agree that these tracks that were designed and built for 280 mph, now are not up to scratch at 330 mph.
As sad as it is I still believe it is safe sport, but not 100% proof.
I do think the cars with the tyre shake issues are too fast for the human body.
I think there should be more weight, less nitro.
If T/F ran 4.9 - 5.1 290-300 mph they would still be a huge spectacle.
And Craig correct me if I am wrong, less nitro less torque ?? That would help the first 330 ft ??
just my thoughts.

Craig · 05-07-2008, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by v8capri

And Craig correct me if I am wrong, less nitro less torque ?? That would help the first 330 ft ??

Yes but they tried lowering the nitro percentage to 85% but the crew chiefs just found ways to make more power but that was at the expense of some big time engine failures.

This unfortunate accident happened because the braking area is too short and it had concrete poles at the end holding up the catch net which Scott hit big time. At any other track he should of been OK.

I don't like the 1,000 foot deal but i understand it and hopefully NHRA come up with a better set of rules. They have tried for years to slow them down with set rules like weight, diff gear ratios, cubic inches, rev limiters, blower overdrives, ignition timing etc etc etc.

Time will tell.

**Charliewool** · 05-07-2008, 10:19 PM

Calder was 1000ft in the late 70's from memory?
I think due to lack of run-off until BJ bought the land at the end of the drag strip.

Mr. CVE · 05-07-2008, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charliewool

Calder was 1000ft in the late 70's from memory?
I think due to lack of run-off until BJ bought the land at the end of the drag strip.

Tommy Easton would have been glad for that !!

Mr. CVE · 06-07-2008, 02:52 PM

The 1000 ft et would also mean a whole new set of records !!

TheSneakiness · 07-07-2008, 09:37 AM

Just doesn't have the same ring to it, does it?

1/4 mile to 3/10 mile.

I suppose in the wake of Kalitta's death it was something to help but I would point the finger at the NHRA and track safety first and foremost to make sure it's up to standards to suit the huge HP cars (maybe a standards review is needed???)

xbcool · 27-07-2008, 04:23 PM

I'm glad someone started a thread on the NHRA running to 1000ft.
I just turned on the qualifying session on ESPN and got a huge shock to see top fuel running 3.8 times
I thought my eyes were playing tricks

Quadcams · 27-07-2008, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xbcool

I'm glad someone started a thread on the NHRA running to 1000ft.
I just turned on the qualifying session on ESPN and got a huge shock to see top fuel running 3.8 times
I thought my eyes were playing tricks

Yeh I was watching the other day, was scratching my head at the times they were running until I realised they were only running to the 1000ft.

northey · 24-08-2008, 01:34 PM

Last time NHRA tried a big slowdown to hold off the 300+ mph runs (it was insurance companies at the base of it all) the crew chiefs built smaller engines, changed the cams and heads and they were running quicker than before in a matter of months. It's a bit hazy now but that's the basics.