From 1,320 to 1,000

So okay, from 1,320 feet, they made it to a thousand. This is a good idea by the NHRA, but will this actually change anything? As the inquiry continues about the tragic accident that took the life of renowned dragster Scott Kalitta (may God rest his soul), the National Hot Rod Association announced just a week ago that starting at the Mopar Mile High Nationals in Denver, Colorado, both the Top Fuel and Funny Car Classes will race to 1,000 feet from that traditional 1,320 feet or a quarter mile. NHRA is making this change as an interim step to analyze and determine whether a concrete change should be implemented to build upon the sport’s long stand safety record given the natural risks and dangers that will always be associated with the sport. NHRA believes that racing the top Fuel and Funny Car classes to a thousand feet will give the racing community the proper time to evaluate, analyze and implement potential changes based on their own set of safety initiatives.

Aside from the change of proximity, it’s nothing major rally. Fans will still be able to enjoy the sights, sounds and thrill of NHRA nitro racing with speeds around 300 mph and quick elapsed times to 1,000 feet. This stop-gap procedure is, after all, a part of NHRA commitment in implementing many incentives to enhance safety measure to limit speeds from enhancing protective gear, vehicle improvement and race track modifications such as sand traps, catch nets and concrete barriers in the entire length of the strop.

What happened to Scott Kalitta is indeed unfortunate. In that wake of the tragic series, Fastmachines.com wrote that the following technical issues are currently under inspection from the NHRA:

1. What might be done to reduce engine failures

2. Parachute mounting techniques and materials as well as identifying a parachute material that could be more fire resistant

3. Exploring weather there is a way to increase brake efficiency when cars lose down force.

4. Analyzing additional methods that might be developed at the top end of the race track to help cushion runaway race cars.

5. Considering whether current speeds should be further limited or reduced to potentially improve safety.

As for me personally, looking up in those factors is a good step towards preventing these mishaps from reoccurring. Engine failure is always a possibility. That is why auto manufacturers put this on their top priority so at least this could be controlled right away. A faulty parachute that wasn’t fire resistant is what caused the downfall of Kalitta, that’s why enhancing the mounting techniques and coming up with a fire-resistant chute are great ideas to prevent flames from engulfing the whole chute. An increased break efficiency is apparently a concern for auto makers, that’s a given. But one thing that might alternately affect the whole sport is whether the current speeds should be reduced or not. It is without a doubt that people pay to watch these speed demons zoom up to 300mph, something lesser might probably prompt these fans to lose a bit of interest.

As it is, the NHRA implements this temporary change and they themselves recognize that it isn’t that total answer. For now, they will carry on in working hard to evaluate these different methods of making Top Fuel and Funny Car competition a lot safer. I personally applaud the efforts of NHRA for being open to these change that might affect their popularity and fan base. It just goes to show how they prioritize the safety of their racers and their dedication to make the strips a lot safer to use, that of course, without sacrificing the excitement that the sport gives. Kudos to NHRA and as for Scott Kalitta, may you rest in peace.