Discussion
I can't pretend I really understand all the politics of these things but the impression I got was that the fuel funny car class has been encouraged by the 2 strips {Santa Pod and Hockenhiem} which were the most anti TF going to 1,000ft. If the class was to become FIA and use the Scandanavian strips I assume it would have to abandon full quarter runs and like in the NHRA become short track. Therefore losing the whole purpose of it's promotion. Speaking personally as I have never been to any of the Scandanavian rounds I'd much prefer it stayed over the full quarter and not in the FIA.
Upatdawn said:
Q. Looking at the current entries..
TMD (FIA) 2 cars
AAFC (non-FIA) 6 cars
if that continued when would/could the FIA decide AAFC should become a "pro" class?
(and yes, i know things can change in a heartbeat....)
Im sure everyone would love to see another touring 'pro' nitro class.TMD (FIA) 2 cars
AAFC (non-FIA) 6 cars
if that continued when would/could the FIA decide AAFC should become a "pro" class?
(and yes, i know things can change in a heartbeat....)
However, you have to understand that for the tracks to pay for 2 blown nitro classes is a huge extra outlay.
To ask every track to do that would hurt a lot.
Add into that the reason people/teams are looking at the aa/fc series as an 'alternative' way to go fast is because costs are lower etc due to not so much travel.
I have no idea what a full fia event costs to put on, but im damn sure its a lot of money.
Plus if the event has adverse weather, the promoter still have to pay everyone if the event is completed, yet might not have had nearly enough spectators in to cover that cost. Think main event last year.....
As with everything, it all comes down to money sadly.
Roll on the weekend, could we get that elusive first 4 second 1/4 mile pass in European funny car, turn up and find out
See you all there.
Darryl
Upatdawn said:
has its been said, no, over 1000ft, but AAFC may well be, someone will tell us
not sure about TMFC, TMD and Promod, id expect 1000ft to become the norm before long, for the FIA/Pro classes
What leads you to that conclusion?not sure about TMFC, TMD and Promod, id expect 1000ft to become the norm before long, for the FIA/Pro classes
Pretty sure that TFD is the only class cut back to 1000ft in FIA racing (ie Europe), and TFD + Nitro Funny cars in NHRA.
The emerging Nitro Funny Car Series here may or may not be a response to the 1000ft enforcement in TFD, I strongly suspect it is - and a very welcome one too - it would be a damn shame if they were knobbled as well.
It would be great to see them as a pro class IF there is some benefit to the teams (and from the outside listening in I get the impression the FIA classes aren't exactly pampered by the powers that be) but not under conditions that take something away from the sport, ie 1/4 mile nitro races (with all respect to Fuel Altereds). If the benefits are negligible and conditions would be imposed I'd be against 'losing' the class to the FIA.
I well know there are opposing or indifferent views (and then some in agreement), but this weekend I'm there for the floppers above all as they've been a lifelong favorite, but partly because it's a step back in the right direction as far as I'm concerned. The highest number of Main Event FC entries and the lowest TFD entries in many years shows a welcome shift in favor of this imo.
We may even see side by side 4s at 300+ again (and relate to it) one day! Just one this weekend would make my year
I am interested to know how the whole "one fuel class runs 1320' , one does 990'" affects track prep decisions. I know when NHRA first went to the shorter distance (seems incredible to think it is five years next week) there were problems. If tracks were fully prepared to 1320 feet the fuel tyres were being pulled apart when they unloaded at the end of the short course. If they only prepped to just beyond the thousand foot mark the Alcohol cars were destroying motors at the top end whilst the pro door cars were crashing.
Personally, I am looking forward to seeing a Fuel Funny Car cross the finish line under power again...
Personally, I am looking forward to seeing a Fuel Funny Car cross the finish line under power again...
Jon C said:
Upatdawn said:
Would it surprise anyone if the ruling bodies decided all "pro" FIA classes should be unified at 1000ft though?
Yes. It would surprise everyone.They are constantly running 320-330mph to 1000ft these days in the NHRA, the teams have just made the wick shorter!
I read online that insurance companies were getting uneasy about NHRA stating the cars made 10,000hp, so thats why more references are being made about them being 8,000 in coverage these days.
I cant see any other FIA classes going 1000ft for some time, we seem to be mirror the NHRA in major decisions.
I read online that insurance companies were getting uneasy about NHRA stating the cars made 10,000hp, so thats why more references are being made about them being 8,000 in coverage these days.
I cant see any other FIA classes going 1000ft for some time, we seem to be mirror the NHRA in major decisions.
Flying Toilet said:
They are constantly running 320-330mph to 1000ft these days in the NHRA, the teams have just made the wick shorter!
I read online that insurance companies were getting uneasy about NHRA stating the cars made 10,000hp, so thats why more references are being made about them being 8,000 in coverage these days.
I cant see any other FIA classes going 1000ft for some time, we seem to be mirror the NHRA in major decisions.
Yes, it's a point I have made before, when cars started regularly doing 330+ over the full quarter the NHRA was looking at various tweaks {fuel pumps etc} to tame the cars down a bit, then we had the Kallita accident and 1,000ft was introduced as a temporary measure 5 years ago. In the last year or so cars have started doing 320/330 over 1,000ft so my guess is the NHRA will be getting pressure again from the insurers to slow them down again either by limiting power or shortening the run still further.I read online that insurance companies were getting uneasy about NHRA stating the cars made 10,000hp, so thats why more references are being made about them being 8,000 in coverage these days.
I cant see any other FIA classes going 1000ft for some time, we seem to be mirror the NHRA in major decisions.
Ah the plot thickens. The NHRA also banned nitromethane for several years on safety grounds. Europe didn't follow suit.
Surely the severity of racing over a shorter distance meeting the same speeds (which was inevitable, drag racing is an acceleration contest ffs)is increasing risks?
There was also talk of 1000 f*rt making it more affordable for TF teams and so strengthening the class, yet we have fewer teams than ever at the first round of the FIA championship. Could be economic climate, but other classes are growing.
Whinge over, back on topic - roll on the weekend!!!
Surely the severity of racing over a shorter distance meeting the same speeds (which was inevitable, drag racing is an acceleration contest ffs)is increasing risks?
There was also talk of 1000 f*rt making it more affordable for TF teams and so strengthening the class, yet we have fewer teams than ever at the first round of the FIA championship. Could be economic climate, but other classes are growing.
Whinge over, back on topic - roll on the weekend!!!
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