NHRA shortens race distance for Top Fuel and Funny Car classes to 1,000 feet as an in - SRT Forums

sphipps · 07-03-2008, 01:04 PM

As the investigation continues into the tragic accident that took the life of driver Scott Kalitta, NHRA has announced that beginning at the Mopar Mile High Nationals in Denver, Colo., both the Top Fuel and Funny Car classes will race to 1,000 feet instead of the traditional 1,320 feet or one-quarter mile. This is an interim step that is being taken while NHRA continues to analyze and determine whether changes should be made to build upon the sport's long standing safety record, given the inherent risks and ever-present dangers associated with the sport.

This interim change was made by NHRA in collaboration with professional race teams. NHRA believes that racing the Top Fuel and Funny Car classes to 1,000 feet will allow NHRA and the racing community time to evaluate, analyze and implement potential changes based on the safety initiatives outlined last week.

With the change, fans will still be able to enjoy the sights, sounds and thrill of NHRA nitro racing with speeds around 300 mph and quick elapsed times to 1,000 feet.

Over the years, NHRA has implemented many initiatives to enhance safety including measures to limit speeds from increasing, personal protective gear, vehicle improvements, and track enhancements such as sand traps, catch nets and concrete barriers the entire length of the drag strip.

In the wake of the tragic series of events that took Kalitta's life, the following technical issues are currently under investigation: 1) what might be done to reduce engine failures; 2) parachute mounting techniques and materials as well as identifying a parachute material that could be more fire resistant; 3) exploring whether there is a way to increase brake efficiency when cars lose downforce due to the loss of the body; 4) analyzing additional methods that might be developed at the top end of the race track to help arrest runaway vehicles; 5) considering whether current speeds should be further limited or reduced to potentially improve safety.

“The board members of the Professional Racers Owners Organization (PRO) wholeheartedly and unanimously support this decision,” said its president Kenny Bernstein. “We want to thank NHRA for listening to our input and suggestions to incorporate these changes. It is not lost on any of us that this constitutes a change in our history of running a quarter-mile, but it's the most immediate adjustment we can make in the interest of safety which is foremost on everyone's mind. This may be a temporary change and we recognize it is not the total answer. We will continue to work hand in hand with NHRA to evaluate other methods of making Top Fuel and Funny Car competition safer so that we might return to our quarter-mile racing standard. We also want to thank Connie Kalitta for his invaluable input. He has been a rock through these difficult times.”

SRTie4k · 07-03-2008, 01:09 PM

Talk about taking a step backwards.

Why not REMOVE THE CONCRETE FUCKING BARRIERS??

FUELED70 · 07-03-2008, 01:23 PM

What they really need to do is upgrade these outdated tracks to run the 330mph speeds, but thats not gonna happen so shortening the distance they run is what they'll do.

Mr.SRT4 · 07-03-2008, 01:32 PM

seriously, its not hard. take the tracks with short sand pits or none at all for that matter off the circuit untill they can be fixed to accomodate these cars.

ENapa · 07-03-2008, 01:36 PM

I think it is sad that he died, but honestly this is retarded. 1/4 mile is 1/4 mile. That is the standard length that has meaning. 1,000 feet? For fucks sake why don't they change it to meters and be done with gaying up the sport?

BobRoss46n2 · 07-03-2008, 02:06 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by ENapa

I think it is sad that he died, but honestly this is retarded. 1/4 mile is 1/4 mile. That is the standard length that has meaning. 1,000 feet? For fucks sake why don't they change it to meters and be done with gaying up the sport?

x2.....Aside this most recent accident, when was the last one?

kingj07 · 07-03-2008, 02:49 PM

i intend to watch 1/4 mile racing in 3 weeks in seattle. hopefully i can. side titty, roll through son.

j.r.

Tex · 07-03-2008, 09:00 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Mr.SRT4

seriously, its not hard. take the tracks with short sand pits or none at all for that matter off the circuit untill they can be fixed to accomodate these cars.

no kidding. seriously, why does this require a lot of thought? how many dragstrips cant add a sand trap at the end? its sand, its not expensive

Mr.SRT4 · 07-03-2008, 09:30 PM

it must be rocket science cus they havnt figured out that its the simplest solution.

**lifeisdeath** · 07-03-2008, 10:33 PM

worst idea ever.

so when the next accident happens are they just going to have 60' races? you want to be safe, after all...

Tex · 07-03-2008, 10:35 PM

hahahaha, whoever is off the line first wins. have a reaction time race. get rid of the cars all together and have two guys sitting on stools with push buttons to hit on green

**lifeisdeath** · 07-03-2008, 10:45 PM

they already have them at the races for the spectators, just put them on the track and have at it!!! let everyone bet on who will win.

SNOOPALOOP · 07-04-2008, 12:52 AM

something tells me attendance will drop this next season

THier · 07-04-2008, 03:27 AM

Here's something to think about,,,, Scotts motor came unglued at about the 1000 ft light anyway,, They have a gravel pit at E-town, it didn't help much at what is guessed 250mph he entered it.

Tom

wannasupra · 07-04-2008, 09:31 AM

the unique combination of shit gone wrong, thats what killed scott kalitta. if they want to make the sport safer, tell the teams they can only use one motor all weekend, instead of every pass gets a new motor. they'd be forced to detune the motors so they'd actually last more than 600 revolutions at wot. they'd have to develop new materials and engine building techniques to go fast again. fewer motor explosions, safer sport, but still cool.