i dont think that they will go 1/8 mile. in the fuel classes that goes by way to fast. i was feeling that the 1000 foot thing is good. the other options are slowing the cars down, they can do this by several methods, smaller fuel pumps, go back to only one mag, and there are several other methods that can be done. i think they should slow them down to reduce costs to operate a fuel car, this will increase the car counts at the events. i would keep it at 1000 ft so the time would be back at the 4.5 sec range. nobody wants to see 5 sec and slower 1/4 times out of top fuel. these changes in my opinion would be well accepted and help grow the sport, due to more car trying to get into the field. As for all other clases going to 1000 feet, i dont think thats really nessary. it may be easyer for the nhra to run things if its all uniform but i dont think there is the same safty issue that the top fuel cars have.
The good thing about it is that since my car is already set up for 1000', I can just run over to MMP and go play if I want. Cool. Don't have to set the car up for 1/4, 1/8, AND 1000' now. Just set it up for 1000 and run it.
I don't know it just does not sound as cool..... Example... Hey buddy, nice car...What will that thing do in the 1/4..... Response "It does mid 11's @ 118mph" Damn buddy that is smoking.... or Dear Sir, That is a very clean looking car, What will it do in the 1000 feet.... Response "It will do high 10's @ 110mph" How many feet per second is that? i do see the saftey issue for the faster cars and in all honesty when they thunder by you as only a top fuel or nitro car can(you know what I mean if you have been) It doesn't matter since in a blink of an eye they are done racing.
never hapen.....i hope. why... we rejected the metric system. i say as long as they sell gas by the gallon theyre gonna race by the 1/4 mile
has anyone noticed that since Nitro has gone to 1000' that the competition is much closer? I love seeing a side-by-side 300 mph race, with only ten thousandths of a second separating loser from winner. Don't konw about ya'll. Also, the topic of the post states that all classes are going to 1000'. Not true. IT's all speculation. Just like everyone saying that gas is going to be $7 a gallon soon. Until it happens, it really is pointless to even speculate. going to 1000' will make it easier on guys like me who race 1/8 mile. We won't have to re-do the converter, gears, etc to run 1000' generally speaking. Now if we was to run 1/4 mile, yeah a gear change and possibly converter and camshaft change would be necessary for us bracket racers (to stay optimal). I already know what my junker runs in the 1000'...we have run 1000' for years until the last 2 seasons when we went 1/8 exclusively. I can tell you, though, that 1/8 is not as fun to WATCH, but if you are driving, there is a LOT less time to react when driving the stripe. That in itself makes it more fun, more challenging. Some are too hard headed to accept a new challenge, and to each their own. But as a driver, I prefer 1/8 and 1000'. Even at 1000' and running 132-135 mph, it still makes you think about things a little more than just running 1/8. In the 1/8 I am about 120. it is kind of cool though to run down the freeway with a 7.70 dial on the window. People are like "wow" 7.70 in the 1/4....nope....1000' LOL.
I personally think slowing the cars down is the answer but i geuss i wont quit watching it if it goes 100ft.
I don't like it either, if a 1000 feet becomes the new standard it would be hard to compare some of the Muscle Car times to todays cars, My old Gto Judge, pure stock with slippery G60's would run low 14's, A few years from now that time would mean nothing to the yonger crowd
I think it is a great idea, only 320 ft short of the 1/4. For those of us who race on limited budget's, it would save fuel and wear and tear on equipt. No one like's change but in the long run it will prove to be worthwhile. Insurance rate's should drop for track owner's and maybe not so many would go out of business. When we went from 1000ft to 1/8th, the boy's raised all kind's of hell about it and weren't going to race there anymore. Well they are all still there and getting to like the new challange of setting up the car. Most are surprised at the fuel savings and also the longevity of part's, too. Trying to make the car's slower, only make's for more cheatin and take's away the whole concept of racing in the first place. Who can come up with the right combination and run the number. The competition is alot closer and more driver oriented also. For the longest time, a 5.25 and up, would win lot's of round's. Now you better be in the 5.10 and below, to win in foot brake racing. Mavman has alway's cut good lights, but to stay competitive, he has to be in the 5.O's range to win. Yesterday he had several 04 and 07 lights in time trial's, which make you push the envelope tighter in elinination's. Won first round and lost second rd., bought back and had a -0006 red to lose. 4 ten thousand's, and your on the trailer cussing yourself for doing it. Been there, done that myself, boucou time's. His car ran the number all day, 5.93 or 4. then when condition's changed, ran 95 and 96. Let's give the NHRA some credit for going for the safety and even some "Green" deal for the enviroment. Wait till we all have to go to electric racing, betcha the guy's will figure out how to make them run faster too, just like I did when building motor's for the slot car's Todd raced, many moon's ago. And, yes, he won with them too. ( A little horn tootin for me, don't you know)
Safety is the issue and being involved in drag racing as a driver and official for over a 30 years I see no problem with a 1000ft rule. The cars keep getting faster, but the tracks don't get longer. We have 150 mph tracks running 300 mph cars. Three tracks I've worked were built in the 50's (Pomona & Famoso) and 60's (LACR). Safety first. I've heard simular dissatisfaction about seat belts, roll bars and helmuts as well as other safety issues. I have seen more cars in the last two years go off the end of drag strips then in the past 30 years combined. Enjoy the racing, don't worry about the 320 feet they may remove from the racing length.
Bob, did you hear that Bernie Longjohn is now the track operator at Speedworld. I never met him at LACR, but I hear he put on a heck of a show. Also their planning on doing the Hangover nationals there on New Years.
Hi Don, Yep, I have kept in touch with Bernie and we trade jokes and such. Never thought 'Bamma could keep up with him. I gotta see if I can help him out with that one. It was always a kick at LACR. Pits were full of fun and people. That may have been where we started the 39.99 heads up index class for Jay Cason... Jets, funny cars and more were always part of the fun. I'll try and make that one..
