In response to the death of Scott Kalitta, the NHRA has apparently shortened their runs for 1/4 mile to 1000ft.
http://msn.foxsports.com/other/story...-Kalitta-death
I realize someone died here, but motorsports is hazardous, and I can't remember the last time someone else ran off the end of the track and was killed. I think it's a little over the top. I think the reason they gave was that it should reduce the trap speeds from roughly 320-330mph to 310mph. 310mph is still hauling the mail.. Are they saying they think he could've survived hitting the wall at a "mere" 310?
The 1/4 mile has been a benchmark for performance ever since I can remember. Even car manufacturers have adopted the 1/4 mile as a recognized performance baseline.
WTF?

 

dumbest thing ive ever read.......sad what happened...but what happens if someone blows up at 999 feet???

 

If they're worried about cars flying into the wall....

They could convert the strip to a "slot" track and require that the cars be modified to attach to it. Kind of like how they do it at those ammusment parks or speedzone

 

WOW....thats just insane. Its only a band-aid though. Before you know it they're going to have restrictor plates for top fuel and funny car.

 

they just need to lengthen the runoff area . some of those tracks were built years ago and the cars are so much faster now.

 

Exactly. I know GLD is that way.

 

It MAY seem dumb or w/e...BUT think of it like this, the drivers would get an EXTRA 320 feet of braking distance on all 1/4 mile tracks (new or old). Seems like a good idea as a short-term safeguard. Not sure if it is short-term but I would imagine after more precautions are taken in, it'd be back to 1320 feet.

 

Maybe they'll start testing cars "0-55" since that is the "safe" national speedlimit......

 

+1 Moroso being one of them... Its currently getting a facelift for that exact reason along with a nice dip at the 1/8 mile lol

 

im pretty sure it will be temporary...but in Scotts case...he wasnt braking....AT ALL from the time his car blew up, until the end...so it was 320 feet of coasting space that probably let him slow 5 mph.

 

we go to island dragway over here...they do not run NHRA events there...but there is 7-8 sec cars and ****...and i have no idea how they stop in time...it is real shory and scary!!!

E-Town well you know what happened there...though it is a decent run off...not long enough on that accident though...he flew up in the air.

 

GLENDORA, Calif. (AP) - Eleven days after Scott Kalitta was killed in a racing accident, the NHRA reduced the length of Top Fuel and Funny Car races from a quarter-mile to 1,000 feet Wednesday in an interim safety measure.

maybe im reading wrong but didnt they say they are only making it 1000ft for the top fuel and funny car??? not all vehicles..

 

no they are only running to the 1000ft mark now... very sad this happen.

1 thing I dont get is why have a WALL at the end of the track

 

Its ONLY for Top Fuel and Funny cars. So Pro Stock will still be 1320. I dont think its necessary but what is needed is longer shut down areas and a sand bit etc at the end not a wall!

 

Absolutely true^^^ Motorsports IS hazardous. The quarter mile is a benchmark test and a classic race. This is in line with modifying the 0-60 time to 0-55 for saftey issues. The only way racing can be safe is to sit in the stands. This is a shame...