Might be time to say good bye to the quarter mile drag strip.
07-03-08, 01:14 PM
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Might be time to say good bye to the quarter mile drag strip.
Obviously a reaction to the death of Scott Kalitta.
Breaking News: NHRA Shortens Racing Distance To 1,000 Feet
Written by David Lamm · July 2, 2008
As the investigation continues into the tragic accident that took the life of driver Scott Kalitta, NHRA announced today that beginning at the Mopar Mile High Nationals in Denver, Colorado, 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.”
Breaking News: NHRA Shortens Racing Distance To 1,000 Feet
Written by David Lamm · July 2, 2008
As the investigation continues into the tragic accident that took the life of driver Scott Kalitta, NHRA announced today that beginning at the Mopar Mile High Nationals in Denver, Colorado, 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.”
07-03-08, 03:38 PM
#2
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Of course, every racing death is a tragedy, but those who get involved in the sport must accept the inherent risks with it. Even NASCAR king Dale Earnhardt was not immune.
I don't see the traditional quarter-mile drag strip going away...or even a 1000-footer. Too many teen-agers and young adults drag-race on public roads now as it is. Take away the option of the remaining legitimate drag strips and the problem will only get worse.
I don't see the traditional quarter-mile drag strip going away...or even a 1000-footer. Too many teen-agers and young adults drag-race on public roads now as it is. Take away the option of the remaining legitimate drag strips and the problem will only get worse.
07-03-08, 04:24 PM
#3
Out of Warranty
Many years ago when dinosaurs roamed the earth and Top Fuelers ran in the low 200's, it was possible to engineer the car so that the driver could survive practically any accident. Protective suits, onboard fire extinguishers, heavy roll cages and the like were basic requirements of drag racing. Sadly, as trap speeds surpassed the 300 mph mark, existing tracks were not sufficiently long to allow a proper run-off area, and most resorted to sand pits to catch cars whose brakes or 'chutes failed. It is simply not enough.
The sport has a choice: Either shorten the strip, limit displacement or intake area (power), or rebuild all of the tracks on which Top Fuel and Funny Cars appear. I for one would prefer to see the tracks brought up to date, but given the number of tracks, there may be a lot of resistance from track owners to this option. That leaves displacement/intake restrictions similar to NASCAR - not a great option, but perhaps more economical. It might have the effect of leveling the playing field for some of the mid-level sponsors that can't quite afford the stratospheric costs of fielding a car for a season's racing.
The sport has a choice: Either shorten the strip, limit displacement or intake area (power), or rebuild all of the tracks on which Top Fuel and Funny Cars appear. I for one would prefer to see the tracks brought up to date, but given the number of tracks, there may be a lot of resistance from track owners to this option. That leaves displacement/intake restrictions similar to NASCAR - not a great option, but perhaps more economical. It might have the effect of leveling the playing field for some of the mid-level sponsors that can't quite afford the stratospheric costs of fielding a car for a season's racing.
07-03-08, 04:37 PM
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Even earlier about the time Top Fuelers transitioned from wood to coal, drag strips were available in 1/8 mile, 1/4 mile, and 1/2 mile. The 1/4 mile won out. Nobody is going to tear down a quarter mile strip to make a 1,000 foot strip but with the speeds the hotshoes will reach in a 1,000 feet, extra runoff is going to be useful.
I didn't see very detailed video of Kalitta's accident but it looked like he did the typical Funny Car explosion but then when he got to the end he hit something and the car just disintegrated. Not much you can do about the explosions, getting 6K hp from a V8 isn't a way to get long motor life, but the runoff area could be improved. Just like F1 and even NASCAR have looked at track safety, the drag racers probably need to do more in this as well. A little more technology then a sand pit may be called for. As for slowing the cars down, shortening the strip is sure something that can be done quickly. I applaud them for doing something quickly. If it was up to GM, they'd be looking at a proposed solution sometime next century.
I didn't see very detailed video of Kalitta's accident but it looked like he did the typical Funny Car explosion but then when he got to the end he hit something and the car just disintegrated. Not much you can do about the explosions, getting 6K hp from a V8 isn't a way to get long motor life, but the runoff area could be improved. Just like F1 and even NASCAR have looked at track safety, the drag racers probably need to do more in this as well. A little more technology then a sand pit may be called for. As for slowing the cars down, shortening the strip is sure something that can be done quickly. I applaud them for doing something quickly. If it was up to GM, they'd be looking at a proposed solution sometime next century.