Track Tech Rant...

[MLC40]

I am heading to China for two weeks and planned to get one last track night before I left. Last night was a great night to be at the track, 70 degrees not too humid. I leave work early get home jump in the car haul ass to the track, wait in the tech line for 20 minutes and they F'ing fail me for lack of a fire jacket. I am not the expert you guys are on the NHRA rule book but I have run there before without an issue. He told me that since the KB was not original equipment I can not run there until I have the jacket. I tried to talk my way out of it, no luck. Is this legit, or did someone piss in his cornflakes?

 

[retfr8flyr]

It's legit but some times you can slide and get away without one.

Earl

 

[don_w]

Yes, aftermarket poweradders require a fire jacket per NHRA. Most tracks I go to don't enforce it, but I keep one in the car all the time anyway. You can get one at Summit for about 50 bucks.

 

[Fastmover]

12.99 and quicker, full jackets 3/2 sfi required.

 

[don_w]

12.99 and quicker, full jackets 3/2 sfi required.

Page 108 of the rule book says 13.99.

 

[MLC40]

Thank you for the letting me know, I guess I got lucky at Route 66 last time. I spend more time at Byron and their tech is very easy. I guess I need to place an order with Summit. I hate to just order one thing, I think I will have to add...

 

[stkjock]

aftermarket blower/turbo/NO2 require a jacket... all the tracks here enforce this rule

 

[matt texass]

wow no one i know has ever been check for that here in texas the only thing their sopposed to check for that I had a friend fail on was a blow down tube...... baytown, ennis, temple, sealy, praire (scary) hill.......... they do check for helmets though

 

[marcspaz]

Around here they just say "do you have a jacket and helmet?" I just say yes. They never ask to see them.

 

[Boss281]

At Capitol a few Fridays back I was stunned to have him not only thoroughly look my helmet over but scrutinize the engine bay AND interior for evidence of nitrous. I'm not sure what bug was in his tech butt that night...

 

[94tbird]

our tracks check, but then i shove it in the back seat and never wear it. they jsut want to see it at tech

 

[marcspaz]

At Capitol a few Fridays back I was stunned to have him not only thoroughly look my helmet over but scrutinize the engine bay AND interior for evidence of nitrous. I'm not sure what bug was in his tech butt that night...

He probably had his ass kicked alot for being a geek in high school. :beat:

or he is over compensating for a tiny... ahh ... torque wrench

 

[TexasKyle]

wow no one i know has ever been check for that here in texas the only thing their sopposed to check for that I had a friend fail on was a blow down tube...... baytown, ennis, temple, sealy, praire (scary) hill.......... they do check for helmets though

When you planning on running at Sealy again?

 

[matt texass]

not sure really

 

[jsawyer]

Can you wear a full face motorcycle helmet?

 

[stkjock]

Can you wear a full face motorcycle helmet?

as long as its a SN2000 +, why not?

 

[SloSVO]

as long as its a SN2000 +, why not?

well if its a motorcycle helmet then it would be M rated???

 

[95PGTech]

I bought my SJC helmet from a motorcycle shop and it's Snell 2005 certified. Never had a problem with it at E-town, but it's an NHRA track and they're pretty strict. With that many people wanting to do 3 runs a test and tune you have to fail people so you have as few 20 minute oil downs as possible.

Ever since I put the bottle in the car I've brought the jacket and had it on the passenger seat. When you appear knowledgeable and prepared they are a lot easier on the car - going often, being nice, and striking up a conversation that makes them remember you also gets you through a lot quicker in the future.

 

[don_w]

well if its a motorcycle helmet then it would be M rated???

It could be both. The key for NHRA tech is to see "SNELL" on the there. Just a "DOT" motorcylce helmet won't pass. Mine is an "M" helmet, but it also says "SNELL2005" on it.

 

[Charlie Sheen]

...I've brought the jacket and had it on the passenger seat. When you appear knowledgeable and prepared they are a lot easier on the car - going often, being nice, and striking up a conversation that makes them remember you also gets you through a lot quicker in the future.

Exactly.

The different types of ratings on the helmets only refer to the type/organization that the manufacturer submitted it to for testing. Motorcycle helmets are generally designed to be more aerodynamic, not any more or less safer than those designed for auto racing.