NHRA races to 1000' instead of 1320' now?

[chrisheltra]

NHRA shortens race distance for Top Fuel and Funny Car classes to 1,000 feet as an interim safety measure
7/2/2008

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.

ÔÇ£The board members of the Professional Racers Owners Organization (PRO) wholeheartedly and unanimously support this decision,ÔÇØ said its president Kenny Bernstein. ÔÇ£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.ÔÇØ

[Silver-Dollar]

News spreading like a wildfire. Hopefully, it is as stated; interim.

[slowgreen99]

I saw an interview of some veteran driver, dont remember who, but he was saying that when something goes wrong, its usually beyond the 1000 ft mark. I was wondering if they were going to do it or not. Should be pretty interesting to now see how the cars are tuned in order to make it to that point a little quicker if possible. I think everyone agrees that a 330+ MPH pass is fun to watch, but I guess if they feel its to risky then they have to do whats best for their drivers and teams.

[Darryl Buckner]

There is also another change they are getting ready to implement that will slow the cars down. The Federal Government Department of Homeland Security has recently stopped all nitro shipments from entering the United States. So some teams are doing research with alcohol, and other fuels, to figure out what to run in the cars for next season..

[slowgreen99]

Originally Posted by darryl buckner

there is also another change they are getting ready to implement that will slow the cars down. The federal government department of homeland security has recently stopped all nitro shipments from entering the united states. So some teams are doing research with alcohol, and other fuels, to figure out what to run in the cars for next season..

87 ftw!

[Mr DayZee]

Racin is Racin, guess it is ok if it helps though!

[Lurch]

Was reading in Popular Mechanic Mag. That all tracks that Cater to Top Fuel and Funny Cars will only run 1000 feet because of the cost of having two finish towers. John Force Quoted that he was all for it because he was tired of burying his friends. Mitch

[slowgreen99]

last night I watched one of the 1000' races.....pretty interesting to see a 4.2 at 290 still! Not to mention Tony Pedregon has the 1000" record last year at 3.95 at 297 or some crazy shit! Now thats ridin