Limited compression

Question on the spec engine program.

I am in no way, shape or form a fuel tuner, but I do know boost equates to power. Why can't the NHRA just limit the compression ratio and overdrive limit on the blowers (spec pulleys), and add another one hundred pounds or so (maybe a minimum weight of 250 pounds for the driver)? I could see Capps and Beckman tossing down a couple of Double Doubles before the race...

Thanks for the great coverage.     

Tim Davis
Camarillo, California

Lose those sliders

In regards to your Burk’s Blast column, I personally feel the fuel classes have not been the same since the advent of the slider clutch. There may be arguments to the contrary, but it seems to me costs went up dramatically when those showed up on the scene.

Having watched and worked on fuel cars (2) since I was ten, I can also tell you I also miss the "CACK" that 100% brought to the table. I say lose the sliders! I WANT DRY HOPS BACK! 100% in the tank, two mags, roots type blower late ‘80s, early ‘90s injection, take some downforce out... take them back to when they were running right at 300ish. They will be more fun to watch (with a two speed) and safer too!

Other than the speeds, I feel ultimately the fan experience has suffered since the early ‘90s. What do you think? 

Chris Ernst
Colorado

NHRA puts the ‘no’ in innovation

If the NHRA goes to a new spec motor, they might as well continue on and make all fuel, alcohol and funny cars go to a bracket type format as well (and how many fans are going to want to watch that?).

What I want is innovation and heads up, run-what-ya-brung racing, not spec motors and most certainly not monopoly supplier/sponsor deals.  Anyone that can make a better product should be encouraged to start making tires/parts/cars. Competition is what fans want, not pre-arranged demonstration "races". 

If the NHRA is really looking to slow the cars, them take us back to a stock block (doesn't even have to be a hemi), a limit on displacement, one mag, one pump and as much nitro as you can jam in the cylinder and that's it for the motor regulations. Think of the paper saved in printing the rulebooks too.

NHRA, why not bring back the rules from say, 1968 or 1970? As I remember, the rules only detailed engine displacement, wheelbase and safety items. Anything else was on the table and if you could make it go, then load it on your trailer and bring it to the track.

If the tuners start blowing up the smaller motors, financial pressure will dictate that they ease off. Besides, if you are blowing up, chances are that you are not winning and sponsors like winning.

The whole attraction to drag racing is one of minimal rules, lots of innovation, and let competition sort out the winners.

Bill Bolton
Longmont, Colorado