7/30/04

SAFETY

The problem's not about speed, it's about open cockpits.

The net effect of a 250 mph crash vs. a 300 mph crash is probably negligible. If you get through one, you'll probably get through the other. Indeed, witnessing modern era high speed crashes that have occurred, it's actually a testament to the integrity of the machines. If we want to really talk about odds and danger, let's talk about Indy cars rocketing towards 4 concrete corners per lap at 200+ mph.

And drag racing isn't about going in circles like IRL or NASCAR. And it isn't about going around corners like F-1, Champ, and road racing. It IS about TOP SPEED. Period. Slowing it will only cheapen the product- SPEED !

But like F-1 and Indy type cars, dragsters have open cockpits subject to intrusions by outside objects. That's why Indy cars have, for example, wheels cable attachments to try to prevent bouncing wheel hell. Now, you can enclose the cockpits on Indy cars and have Daytona type cars and enclose dragsters- oops, already done- funny cars.

Open wheels and open cockpits is a category of racing, much different than it's alternative and much, much more dangerous. But to fix it, you have to get rid of a category. You don't fly acrobatics, for example, or drive race cars if survival is your only concern. Race car drivers die- it's the hard fact of this sport- just like football players break things and spend the rest of their lives on pain killers. It's not pretty, but those who participate accept the risks- and the handsome financial rewards and fame.

Imagine all these speed reduction change suggestions- will we quote pre and Post 2004 records ? And how many of those accustomed to 300+ quarter miles will tune in for 200 mph quarters? Not this guy. Want to see viewers evaporate; ESPN contracts not renewed; drivers' and crew members' salaries cut in half or see their team completely shut down? It's taken a long time to build the NHRA into what it is. I can't think of a faster way to turn back the clock- or stop it- than by slowing down cars. I, for one, want to still have good drag racing to watch and not see it replaced by more baseball or tennis.

Everything possible to improve safety should obviously be done that can without sacrificing speed. And I suspect most of the drivers, owners, TV execs, and sponsors would agree. It "ain't" NASCAR. This is SPEED CAR.

Dave Kenley
Phoenix, Arizona

CARS NEED A RE-DESIGN

Wheelie bars should be installed on ALL Top Fuel cars, and even the Top Alcohol cars (yes, they blow over also, ask Cantrell). A CARBON FIBRE tub should enclose the entire inside cockpit, not just around the back of the drivers head. A redesign of the body is necessary, CARBON FIBRE, not .040 Aluminum, GROUND effects to eliminate (or downsize the wing). Half the time these cars have the front wheels OFF the ground, (a rudder would work).

Attempts have been made in the past, and in the present on these 30-year-old designs, but now is the time to get the innovators involved. (Mike Spitzer, Don Garlits etc).

Shouldn't SAFETY be an ongoing endeavor, not a band-aid for an unfortunate incident.

Voice your opinions to the various people in charge at NHRA, IHRA, and lets see if the powers that be TRULY want a SAFER, and just not a more LUCRATIVE sport.

As long as there is a level playing field, the sport of drag racing will prosper.

Gene Wagner
Boca Raton, Fla

NO FUEL, NO GO

If NHRA is serious about slowing down Top Fuel dragsters and Funny Cars why don't they regulate the size of the inlet port on the fuel pumps?

Bob Van Luven