Promising new from NHRA on Roll Bars!!

[pauls]

Here is a note to Ned of the American Supercar Challenge from Lenny Imbrogno, head of NHRA Sportman racing.

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Viper Racers,

I have received some news form NHRA regarding the roll bar rules for a Viper.

The following correspondence has been sent to me from Len Imbrogno, NHRA Director of Sportsman Racing, who advises that if we can show a history of safe racing, we will be able to negotiate for a lower ET limit in the future.

The siginificance of this matter is that the NHRA agrees that the Viper has better safety features to run faster, but a case must be put forward to convince the insurance underwriters. I think this presents a good opportunity to develop facts to prove that the Viper is safe to race at a faster ET limit.

Please circulate this to the Viper community so that everyone understands the issues and then we can proceed to try and develop a strategy to help expedite this process for lowering the ET regulations for a roll bar.

Thanks

Ned Erkman
American Super Car Challenge


----- Original Message -----
From: Len Imbrogno
To: [email protected]
Cc: John Miller
Sent: Thursday, April 21, 2005 10:50 AM
Subject: FW: NHRA - Roll Bar Rule


Ned,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the issue of roll bar requirements. While there are many of us that agree on the structural integrity and safety features of the Viper, the elapsed time cut-off limit is a function of the insurance underwriter requirements. Along with the structural integrity there are other issues considered by the underwriters such as tires, driver ability, spectator safety and other factors.
If perhaps we can show a history of safety going forward with the new 11.50 limit we may be able to negotiate with the underwriters for a lower ET limit in the future.
Len Imbrogno
Director of Sportsman Racing



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Mr Miller,

I run the American Super Car Challenge Corvette & Viper drag race series and I am writing to you regarding the new NHRA rules that limit elapsed times to 11.50 seconds for street cars that do not have a roll bar. http://www.rollingthunderz.com/ascc.html

There are numerous Viper racers who want to take their cars to the drag strip but they do not want to install a roll bar to run low 11's to high 10's because they believe that the car is already constructed with the structural integrity to go that fast.

There are legimate concerns being expressed by Dodge Viper owners who believe that the Viper should be allowed to run faster than the current 11.50 limit without a roll bar. The point being made is that the 11.50 rule is for the average car and the Dodge Viper is a superior car built to run 120+ mph in a quarter mile with a top speed of 190 mph in showroom stock condition. This problem will also apply to the new 2006 ZO6 Corvette with the 500 hp LS7 engine option. If these Super Cars are legal to be on the street, they should be legal to run faster than 11.50 at the track.

It appears that tech officials agree that the Viper is built safer to run faster, but the problem is that NHRA only has general rules that are not written for a specific car. What can be done to permit the Viper and Corvette to run faster than 11.50 seconds without a roll bar?

Any assistance that you can provide regarding this matter will be much appreciated.

Ned Erkman
American Super Car Challenge

 

[twinvipers]

Can they lower it to 9.00

 

[PhoenixGTS]

Does the insurance for most tracks follow the NHRA suggested rules even when they are not hosting an NHRA sanctioned event? If so, an NHRA rule change could trickle down to everyone. 11.50 would be perfect because that would cover almost all bolt-on mod Vipers. 11.00 would be better, but 11.50 would make a trip to the strip for a fun run worth it.

 

[GTSnake]

I vote for 11.0

 

[KenH]

Does the insurance for most tracks follow the NHRA suggested rules even when they are not hosting an NHRA sanctioned event? If so, an NHRA rule change could trickle down to everyone. 11.50 would be perfect because that would cover almost all bolt-on mod Vipers. 11.00 would be better, but 11.50 would make a trip to the strip for a fun run worth it.

11.50 is currently the limit. That was changed last year. The kicker is that the car is suppose to be pure stock to qualify for the lower et. The question at hand would seem to be what kind of mods can you get away with and still qualify. Does a catback get you kicked out? Very few people who go to the drags have a 100% stock car.

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa4078/is_200407/ai_n9441473

 

[sun diego]

Based on the number of newbies that have smacked their vipers or spun them at California speedway 1/4 at Fontana CA, an NHRA track, we may be in trouble.
I've got my NHRA license and all required safety gear for 9's, which I haven't hit. I hated spending the money on a roll bar, scattershield, loops etc. After 2 years of doing this I'm a believer in safety gear.
13 days ago a potential 10 sec. SRT had a differential go at about 85 mph and one rear wheel lock up at Fontana. Thanks to good luck and good driving he didn't smack. I hope they do not ease the regs anymore because if one of us breaks at the top end we could lose a friend.

 

[GR8_ASP]

How about 10.5?

 

[Viper X]

Hey sun diego,

I have all the safety stuff too. I've lost 3 ring and pinion gear sets now and two hydrolocks. Too bad DC won't step up and recognize the diff failures in SRT-10s. I won't be buying another SRT-10 until the diff is upgraded.

My Quaife is to be installed soon by Unitrax. Then we'll go back to the drags. Hope you and Greg can be there too. I'll bring the trailer next time.

Thanks for the ride home by the way.

Dan

 

[sun diego]

Great to get to know you! You have a strong, well prepared car and experience.
I worry about the new guys who buy a strong car that can do 11's and that is their first pass down the strip. If NHRA eases the safety equipment can they require licencing or experience? In Nov a guy let his buddy take a Final Edition down the track. Car + newbie + wall = $40,000 damage.
A few weeks ago a 2 Viper owner , new to the track hit the wall. The same night another one looped without hitting the wall.
The V10 nationals had no problems thanks to seasoned drivers.








greatb

 

[mntngts99]

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I've got my NHRA license and all required safety gear for 9's, which I haven't hit. I hated spending the money on a roll bar, scattershield, loops etc.
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Hey sun diego,
Where did you find the Flywheel Shield ? Short of pulling the transmission and making one, I'm at a DEAD END. Did you go to Vegas this year??

Brad

 

[sun diego]

Brad, great to hear from you! I think I got it from TNT. I skipped Vegas. Damn, that track hooks well.

David

 

[mntngts99]

David
Does it bolt on or did you install the 1/4" base plate between the transmission and block ? Good to see your still kicking around from time to time.
Brad