Volume IX, Issue 10, Page 2

When is the Right Time for Change?

10/9/2007

That question has been asked a million times and can apply to almost everything we do. In my world I can handle the day-to-day changes that life can throw at you, but what I am talking about is drag racing. I look forward to several changes in the near future starting with the local ET racers right through the professional classes.

Lately we have heard a lot about safety and the professional racers. That is expected when the only legitimate attraction to professional drag racing, John Force, is injured in a racing accident and then cannot attend a national event. Not only did he announce he would not be at the event but he was also holding his daughter out of competition until her chassis had been outfitted with their latest driver protection hardware. I say “GOOD FOR JOHN” on his decision to protect his daughter to the best of his abilities.

Now, if we would all take a little of that attitude when we go to the track for some ET racing. From parents with children driving Jr. Dragsters to us over-50-year-old racers going 170 mph, we all need to rethink our safety for minute.

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First, let’s go over the ET racers -- or if you want to call us all Sportsman racers, that’s fine. Whatever name we give those of us who race practically every week, it is important to know we are the backbone of the sport. Hundreds of drag strips and aftermarket manufacturers are in business because of us and to that end we owe it to the sport to race as safely as we can. Here are a few questions I want you to think about before you leave for your next race.

  1. Do you think 1/8-mile racing is safer in general?
  2. If payouts, entry fees and track facilities were the same and both tracks were the same distance, would you choose the 1/8 mile or the 1/4 mile?
  3. Do you use a head and neck restraint?
  4. Do you think it would be a fair rule that any class requiring a Competition License be required to have a Head and Neck Restraint for the driver?
  5. What is too expensive when it comes to your personal safety?

If the NHRA and IHRA were to put a moratorium on 1/4-mile professional racing until the tire and chassis issues were studied and improvements mandated, do you think it would affect how many people watch the race on TV or attend in person? Before you say yes, think about it. These fuel cars can run 270+ in the eighth. Give them more nitro and they could almost reach 300 mph, BUT they wouldn’t carry the speed for as long or load the rear tires for as long.

If all local bracket racing, divisional events and national events changed to 1/8 mile only do you really think it would change who is attending the races?

I realize there would be a lot of complaining, but how many racers would quit? Not many in my opinion.

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