Az. Drag racing

mannyjoe · #1 (**permalink**) 10-31-2003, 10:45 PM

Does anybody know if there are any Cobra friendly dragstrip facilities in the phoenix area?
I just got back from Firebird Friday nite drags but couldn't pass tech. due to a lack of arm restraints(?).
I was told if I had the arm restraints and if the car ran slower than 14.0 seconds I could run, but 13.99 or faster and I would have to have a 5 point roll cage.
I can see their point on the arm restraints I guess, But the car has only been finished about a month, It only has 370miles on it and I wanted to sort it out a little before driving to Vegas next week.
If anybody knows of a track in the area but doesn't want to post publically you can e-mail me at ejae@aol.com.
Thanks in advance.
Mannyjoe

vettestr · #2 (**permalink**) 11-01-2003, 08:12 AM

Arm restraints are a good idea and cheap ( I can get for under 50 bucks) but the fact it is a = pop top, means all items pointed out are needed so TO MOST TECH guys it will not pass inspection. You will run under the time on a full pass but another way to skin cat is click it off early each pass. You get most needed info in the first few gears anyway, so just short shift out back door. The club has run and been given a waiver for group but... Hope Mike or Paul G jumps in here as they may have an inside path to help.

Marc Walker · #3 (**permalink**) 11-01-2003, 08:15 AM

The facts are that any track that is NHRA sanctioned has to meet their requirements for safty and that includes tech. The typical Cobra with its hoop type rollbar is not going to meet the requirements for a convertable running under 14 seconds.

I have seen Cobras owners claim that they'll keep it under 14 sec then go out and go faster....... once. Of coarse that gets you suspended for the rest of the nite but it's not like they can throw you in jail.

Another "legal" way to do that is just run it hard through the 1/8 mile and then shut it down and slow it down so that you don't finish the 1/4 in less that 14 sec. That will give you an 1/8 mile time that will give you an approximate idea of what it will do in the 1/4. Of coarse then once you've got the hang of getting it launched and on its way to a good pass...... you could drive it all the way through, pick up your time slip and head for the gate.

Of coarse this is just what I've seen others do. I don't recommend anything that is against the rules!

mikiec · #4 (**permalink**) 11-01-2003, 08:17 AM

Manny,

The only track that has let us run has been Speedworld and ONLY on Wed. nights. You still have to pass tech. Arm restraints, helmet, correct dated seat belts etc.. The have let us run ti 11.99.. This was about a year ago. You might want to give them a call.

Mike

mannyjoe · #5 (**permalink**) 11-02-2003, 03:55 PM

Thanks for the insight guys. I hope to see most, if not all, of you in vegas.
manny(joe)