Other things I found interesting at that race:

I watched more racers than I could imagine race with their shoulder harnesses not pulled up tight. The reason for this is to enhance the driver’s ability to judge the other car at the finish line. Seems like the right thing to do until you have a crash jumping on the brakes or because of mechanical failure. I watched two dragsters crash hard at two events I have attended in 2009. Both drivers were OK but the cars were junk piles. Those guys were wearing the belts tight or they would have been in serious trouble.

In case you are one of the guys wearing your belts loose, consider this. You grab a little too much brake at the stripe, the rear tires grab and that breaks a hiem-end or you just plain spin out. Now you are headed for the concrete wall and a possible rollover. First thing that contacts the roll cage is your helmet and head (don’t worry; the foam padding is to protect the paint on the helmet, not your brain). That means the neck is compressed and it only gets worse from there on. KEEP THE HARNESS TIGHT, PLEASE! If you don’t care about yourself, think about your family and friends… you will be missed by all.

Super Comp and Super Gas cars are running 160 to 190 mph. Top Dragster is getting to the 200 mph mark with regularity. Don’t you guys think it is time to get a Head and Neck Restraint System? There are several on the market and prices start at about $650. That is less than a torque converter, and if you are paralyzed who gives a damn about a torque converter anymore? The best insurance for racing is your own CONCERN FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY. Nobody else is really very interested. Sure, they make some rules and sell a lot of safety equipment but ONLY YOU make the choices of using it properly.

Think I’m crazy? I had IHRA and NHRA certify my chassis this winter. The tubing checked but I didn’t see them checking any welds. Why? I have the latest and greatest polyester safety harness but NOBODY checks to see if the straps are pulled tight or if the arm restraints are even attached. Why? I must have a parachute but NEVER has a tech guy asked me to pull the cable to see if the ‘chute actually comes out or if the cable even works. Have you EVER been asked to perform the required “blind-fold cockpit test”? I have had a Competition License for nine years and I’ve never been asked, never.

Well, guys, that is my pre-season safety rant. I just want to get inside your skull a little bit and make you think about the stuff we take for granted. Tighten up those seat belts and shoulder harnesses and make a pre-race safety check. There is no way you will ever regret doing that!

Race safe and see you at the stripe!