Electronic racing: more aggravation than it's worth?
Is anyone else out there as sick and tired of hearing cars go ripping off the line, just to have them fall on their faces a hundred feet out, then pick up a couple of seconds later? Stutter boxes! Throttle stops! I'm sick and tired of them, and so are many others I talk to, including guys that run them. But they claim that's the only way to stay competitive. I ran a bike in Pro Gas, and boxes were becoming the "in" thing at the time. I refused to follow the trend, and set my bike up (sprockets and tune up) to run the number (9.20). I wasn't afraid of technology, I just wanted to be the rider/driver who was under control. In fact, at the time I may have been ahead of the curve a bit, because I ran a two-step box and no tach, just a shift light. But that isn't throttle control. The guys that are running now, and I generalize, aren't used to actually being able to make a run without all the electronics involved. I'm lucky enough to be acquainted with several National Champions, and they say the same thing, drag racing is being in the right place at the right time. It's all in knowing where you are on the track. From what I can tell, I could run one these "electronic" cars with a remote controller. Why even bother getting in the car? The sanctioning bodies could save the trouble of imposing driver safety rules, just let them run with controllers. I know a lot of people are going to throw fits, and say that a lot of companies have a big investment involved here, but I say let them get involved in new technology. Be smart, figure it out. So, the next time all you "Super" class guys look over at the stands, and see everyone headed for a hot dog, just listen to your engine stutter for a couple of seconds, and you might get the hint. I can hardly wait for some of the responses to this!
My response is simple. AMEN !!When I was running the only thing stuttering was maybe the driver after a severe out of shape run.
Ever try explaning this kind of racing to a person who is new to Drag Racing? even when you don't really understand it yourself! Throttles are for going, not stopping.
Thanks for the comments, gentlemen. I just knew I couldn't be the only one who felt this way. My take is that if you know your vehicle, you know what it's capable of, and should adjust accordingly. I loved the "heads-up' class racing. I used to run away from the guys while their motors were stuttering down the track, then laugh when they had to chase me down. My tactic was to make them break out, and it worked pretty well. To Don, I see you were just a bit more ahead of what some of us were doing, must have been a thrill. Mike, explaining electronics to newcomers, is almo0st as difficult as explaining bracket racing. Ever see the look on their faces when you try to tell them about all the ways to loose? Thanks for your input, guys.
Having run some bracket races the last 2 seasons I have put together ways to produce several runs that were very close to the number. No electronics used. The original intent by NHRA in the Comp., Super gas, and Super street was to get the cars to perform the number not the elecronics. I agree with all about the stumble boxes. If they do allow electronics to slow the car it should be on the big end and you would not hear them.Dave Reitz
You're right on the money - I call it Nintendo racing when I'm announcing, and it pisses some people off. My answer? Get over it and stay over it - drag racing is pedal to the metal, or should be. My experience is that most good electronic racers would be good pedal (non-electronic) racers - all this crap does is artificially level the playing field and cost a lot of extra money. But since the companies that make all this junk help keep NHRA in business, it's here to stay. That's why I enjoy Nostalgia racing - no electronics allowed!