NHRA TESTING NEW TRACTION CONTROL DETECTION DEVICES

Agent 1320 has learned that NHRA is testing the new MSD 7530T ignition for gasoline/carburetion applications and the 8971 Mag Timing Controller for supercharged nitro/alky applications. These devices have been developed by MSD to aid the sanctioning bodies in detecting and combating the use and abuse of electronic traction control devices imbedded in the ignition circuits.

If the 7530T ignition box detects a device it automatically restricts the engine to 4,000 rpm and requires a code from the sanctioning body representative to reset the ignition. The 8971 timing controller doesn't restrict engine rpms but rather has a light that comes on

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which can only be shut off by the official. At present the 7530T hasn't been tested on a vehicle with an electronic traction control device on board but that should happen very soon. The 8971 unit has been tested on at least one Top Fuel car as a replacement for the air-timers but not as a traction control detection device.

Sources tell the Agent that once the systems have been tested and proven on a nitro car and a Pro Stocker, both NHRA and IHRA will make use of the units mandatory for the Professional classes of Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock. Once the systems prove to be reliable and effective, it is a good bet that all of the classes contested in both sanctioning bodies will be required to have either the MSD units or the equivalent from other manufacturers, which will make life and racing a lot more enjoyable for the racers and sanctioning bodies. [1-9-2004]

GETTING' TESTY

Just when you thought it was safe to load up the transporter for the 44th Annual NHRA Winternationals, Chris Blair, Director of Drag Strip Operations at the Strip at Las Vegas has announced another chance for the pros to get in a few more test laps.

The popular Vegas quarter-mile will hold one more test and tune session on Feb. 17 and 18 following the PRO Tucson test. They will have a full safety crew and ambulance on-site with one lane prepped for nitro cars and the other lane ready for Pro Stock. The cost for the Professional only testing will be $400 per car, per day to offset insurance and track crew costs. Call Kimberly at (702) 632-8213 if your team is interested.

The spirit of pre-season cooperation between Vegas, Phoenix and Tucson will provide one of the best chances to get a first look at the new paint schemes and teams of the 2004 season. However Blair added that he'd open up for another couple of days to test after the Winternationals if enough teams show interest. (Photo by Zak Hawthorne)
[1-9-2004]