TRACTION CONTROL DEVICES FOR NHRA PRO STOCKERS?

Agent 1320 received a call from a very well connected source within the Pro Stock community who said there are four GM Pro Stock teams currently testing a traction control device. According to this source, traction control will become legal in Pro Stock after the third race of the season.

If this rumor is true - the Agent seriously doubts that it is and it was denied by Len Imbrogno, NHRA Director of Sportsman Racing -- this could be the beginning of the acceptance of traction control for all drag racing classes. DragRacingOnline magazine fully supports traction control for every class for reasons recently stated in Burk's Blast. [1-31-2003]

NHRA BANS ADVANCED MSD DIGITAL CONTROL BOXES

On the same subject as the above entry, NHRA tech recently banned MSD's newest digital ignition control box which some think could be used as a traction control system. In a letter from NHRA, one of the reasons stated for the competition committee doing so was "that among other things In reaching its conclusion the Committee believes that the use of such a product would have a negative impact on the close on-track competition that currently exists and would add additional costs for the race teams." Say what?

A quick check with MSD indicates that the current MSD digital control box (7530) used by many teams retails for $734. The improved unit (7531) retails for $892 and additional cost to the teams of less than $150. The Agent is fairly sure that the other ignition manufacturers such as Holley and Moroso probably have similar pieces. So how does banning these devices save professional racers money and keep the competition closer, the Agent asks? [1-31-2003]

DRO ADDS COMP ELIMINATOR PROJECT CAR

DragRacingOnline magazine has joined with Mike Ashley's Gotham City Racing and InfiNet in supporting former Super Gas racer Kenny Nowling's new Comp Eliminator program. The car will be a project car for the online magazine.

"According to NHRA, Comp is the fastest growing sportsman class they have," said DRO editor Jeff Burk. "Besides, I like any class where the word 'breakout' is a part of the language. I thought it would be interesting to our readers to see what goes into building and racing a Competition Eliminator car."

The Jerry Bickel-built '98 Firebird will be powered by an Alan Patterson 331 inch small block Chevy. Other companies joining in the project include BG Fuel Systems, MSD, TCI, and Scott McClay Engineering. The car is being prepared in Tim McAmis Race Cars' Hawk Point, MO shop. McAmis is also DRO's chassis expert and answers chassis tech questions monthly. Look for an update on the car and more information about the team and car in the February 8th issue of DRO. [1-31-2003]

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