I would like to see engine diapers or belly pans that will hold liquids long enough for the racer to get off the track made mandatory for certain ET and sportsman classes and brackets. There could be an ET cut-off, but slow cars leak too!
There are several things racers could do to help this problem of UNECESSARY DELAYS at drag race events. Use AN-type fittings on EVERY line that carries engine oil or transmission fluid. NO MORE HOSE CLAMPS. There are very affordable “push-lock" fittings and hoses out there that hold up to 300 psi. I agree we do not all need braided steel lines that hold 1200 psi.
I have a challenge for you to consider. Check your pressure lines and hoses before you go to the track this year. I know you can’t prevent a catastrophic engine failure and a possible
hole in the oil pan, but you could get an economical engine diaper to prevent being the REASON the track was down for an hour cleaning up after you.
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Maybe the tracks should charge racers who leak on to the track surface for the clean up materials, if they do not have an engine diaper on the car. It doesn’t have to be anoutrageous fee; no track wants to chase customers away. The reality is that a few oil downs and the long delays are already doing that. Rice ash or similar materials to clean up oil can cost the track easily $50 to $100 for a normal cleanup. I don’t think it is unfair to make the racer pay the track for at least part of the expense they caused. I know, it’s hard to imagine, because it’s a new concept. If you blow up a $6,000 engine why the heck would you care if the track says you owe $50 for rice ash? I hope you would care because it is the place you race and you want to help it stay open and improve.
I heard they had a very nasty oil down at the NHRA Division 7 Lucas Oil Series race that resulted in a extreme delay in the event and very unequal lanes for competition. Whether that is the fact or not, we have all raced where a marginal cleanup has had an effect on one lane or the other. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to prevent oil downs and long delays? We can.
Keep our drag strips clean. . .use a DIAPER!! 
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