The Quarter Mile is no more.

[Silverback]

At least for the Top Fuel and Funny Cars starting at Denver. However, it could be temporary.

From the NHRA web site.

NHRA shortens race distance for Top Fuel and Funny Car classes to 1,000 feet as an interim safety measure

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.

Now I'm really curious what they will do about the National Records and the points that are associated with them.

 

[Begood]

Very interesting.

Bill.

 

[Voodoo]

they really need to think about how to make it safer?? how about not putting a concrete wall at the end of the runaway pit!!!

 

[black pearl]

Why not use the type of nets that catch jets on Aircraft carriers. Would work much better than a solid concrete wall:dontknow:

 

[Django]

they really need to think about how to make it safer?? how about not putting a concrete wall at the end of the runaway pit!!!

Ya, no shit........................:congrats:

D

 

[ViperJeff]

I say just remove all the tracks from the schedule that don't meet what would be considered a good and safe shutdown distance. I know this would eliminate a bunch of the smaller tracks, but they are benefiting from big track dollars at the gate.

You want to fix that particular safety issue, take the date from the track.

I know there is no way to completely take the risk out of motorsports and so do the drivers and teams......

The track owners on the other hand will only do something about it when it hurts their pocket book...

 

[wheredwhogo?]

Why not use the type of nets that catch jets on Aircraft carriers. Would work much better than a solid concrete wall:dontknow:

they dont use nets, they have three arrest cables. if they miss the third cable they just take off again. thats why when they land they go full throttle in case they miss that third cable, they just take off and try again.

 

[Voodoo]

they dont use nets, they have three arrest cables. if they miss the third cable they just take off again. thats why when they land they go full throttle in case they miss that third cable, they just take off and try again.

they have nets as a back up to the arrestor hook set up encase the hooks dont come down and cant make it back to land

 

[wheredwhogo?]

i was thinking of something like a remote shutoff and remote chute deployment setup.

 

[Ronin]

I say just remove all the tracks from the schedule that don't meet what would be considered a good and safe shutdown distance. I know this would eliminate a bunch of the smaller tracks, but they are benefiting from big track dollars at the gate.

You want to fix that particular safety issue, take the date from the track.

I know there is no way to completely take the risk out of motorsports and so do the drivers and teams......

The track owners on the other hand will only do something about it when it hurts their pocket book...

Exactly...well said.

 

[FATJACK]

The sand pit works great if there is enough of it. The concrete walls are complete bull shit!

 

[Carlwalski]

That sucks. 330mph + 8,000hp = risks. They know these risks and is the reason these guys drive these cars. If it were like picking flowers they wouldn't be in it. Hopefully they leave it as is. Scott would be tossing and turning in his grave listening to this BS. Deaths at the top are very, very rare.

 

[mopower1958]

I am glad to see them do something. I agree with cutting out the tracks that don't have enough shutdown area. The Memphis track has PLENTY of shutdown area. A lot of these older tracks were designed for 200 or 250 mph. I am sure that 320mph is a different ballgame in trying to stop. 1 top end death is too many.

 

[WizzySRT10]

How about make the tracks wider would help matters too and maybe use the same walls used in nascar and etc.

 

[bigike]

Or how's bout shit happens and move on;..............................

 

[Yellow venom]

I say just remove all the tracks from the schedule that don't meet what would be considered a good and safe shutdown distance. I know this would eliminate a bunch of the smaller tracks, but they are benefiting from big track dollars at the gate.

You want to fix that particular safety issue, take the date from the track.

I know there is no way to completely take the risk out of motorsports and so do the drivers and teams......

The track owners on the other hand will only do something about it when it hurts their pocket book...

Your exactly right Jeff,very well put.

 

[Black1]

That's F*cking ridiculous.

 

[ViperJeff]

That's F*cking ridiculous.

My fear is there going to put kill boxes in them and remote chute delpoyment.......

 

[Silverback]

My fear is there going to put kill boxes in them and remote chute delpoyment.......

Wouldn't have done a tinkers damn in Scott's case. Engine wasn't running, so there was nothing to kill. The chute did deploy, but it didn't blossem.

 

[KRAZYSRT10]

they dont use nets, they have three arrest cables. if they miss the third cable they just take off again. thats why when they land they go full throttle in case they miss that third cable, they just take off and try again.

Actually, they do have a net in case the pilot cant for some reason hit one of the wires.

2 deployments aboard the USS George Washington CVN-73.(On the Flight Deck) Thats how I know that one.:dontknow::slug: