Quarter Mile? That's so yesterday. - Subaru Enthusiasts Car Club of the Sierras

Nick Koan · 2008-07-03, 01:16 PM

In light of Scott Kalitta's fatal accident, NHRA has temporarily shortened race distances to 1,000 feet for Top Fuel and Funny Car races.

Seems kinda weird. Shortening the races by about ~300 feet doesn't seem like it'll drastically improve safety of the sport, especially for those cars. But, I guess it is a temporary measure while they take a look at their safety regs.

http://www.nhra.com/content/news/30355.htm

MattR · 2008-07-03, 01:21 PM

That's retarded. I really doubt that will make a difference, cars blow up well before teh 1000 ft mark, so I don't think that would have made a difference in this instance. Drag racing= meh.

sperry · 2008-07-03, 01:29 PM

The difference is probably 250mph vs 300mph. And Kenetic energy = .5mass * velocity * velocity. So, 50 mph would drastically reduce the energy involved if there's a wreck.

cody · 2008-07-03, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sperry

The difference is probably 250mph vs 300mph. And Kenetic energy = .5mass * velocity * velocity. So, 50 mph would drastically reduce the energy involved if there's a wreck.

Sure, assuming the wreck was at the finish line, but that's not usually the case, so in most cases, the shorter track won't be any safer.

sperry · 2008-07-03, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cody

Sure, assuming the wreck was at the finish line, but that's not usually the case, so in most cases, the shorter track won't be any safer.

No, but the overall risk will be lower, since it's now impossible to crash at 300mph since you're never going that fast.

cody · 2008-07-03, 01:37 PM

Am too.

2008-07-03, 01:16 PM	#1
Nick Koan JDM Cowboy Real Name: Nick Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Somewhere Posts: 8,642 Car: 2015 Mazda 3	Quarter Mile? That's so yesterday. In light of Scott Kalitta's fatal accident, NHRA has temporarily shortened race distances to 1,000 feet for Top Fuel and Funny Car races. Seems kinda weird. Shortening the races by about ~300 feet doesn't seem like it'll drastically improve safety of the sport, especially for those cars. But, I guess it is a temporary measure while they take a look at their safety regs. http://www.nhra.com/content/news/30355.htm __________________ While a standard engine is powered by a belt connected to the crankshaft, a turbo engine runs on its own exhaust steam, making it more energy efficient. -- CNN

2008-07-03, 01:21 PM	#2
MattR El Matador Real Name: Matt Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 10,660 Car: 2012 Toyota Tacoma Class: ?	That's retarded. I really doubt that will make a difference, cars blow up well before teh 1000 ft mark, so I don't think that would have made a difference in this instance. Drag racing= meh. __________________ "Dallas..We have a problem.”

2008-07-03, 01:29 PM	#3
sperry The Doink Real Name: Scott Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 20,335 Car: '09 OBXT, '02 WRX, '96 Miata Class: PDX/TT-6 The way out is through	The difference is probably 250mph vs 300mph. And Kenetic energy = .5mass * velocity * velocity. So, 50 mph would drastically reduce the energy involved if there's a wreck. __________________ Is you is, or is you ain't, my con-stit-u-ints?

2008-07-03, 01:37 PM	#6
cody Candy Mountain Real Name: Cody Join Date: May 2005 Location: Californication Posts: 7,751 Car: 03 Pussy Wagon, now with more pink! Class: TESP OMG Internet!	Am too. __________________ Slow and low, that is the tempo.

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