What's New What's Old What's New - March 29, 2000 What's New - March 27, 2000 What's New - March 26, 2000 What's New - March 24, 2000 What's New - March 23, 2000 What's New - March 21, 2000 What's New - March 20, 2000 What's New - March 19, 2000 What's New - March 6, 2000 What's New - March 5, 2000 What's New - March 1, 2000 E-MAIL to NORTHERN THUNDER Home Page  
WHAT'S NEW

in the world of drag racing

Black Bar

The latest update as of March 28, 2000

Welcome to the second installment of "As The Rotor Turns": the latest controversy to hit the world of drag racing. At least to some folks, it's controversial. Let's see where we stand on the issue today. First though, check out Norm Drazy's reply to my first posting on this subject.

Okay, now that you've seen what Norm had to say on the subject and been suitably surprised (like I was) that he didn't slam me for my comments on the situation, now let's see what some of other parties have to say. Next up is the letter that Danny Gracia, National Technical Director for NHRA, issued to all the Federal-Mogul Dragster and Funny Car racers when they arrived in Gainesville for the recent MAC Tools Gatornationals.

NHRA

To:     FM/D & FM/FC Competitors
From:   NHRA Tech Department
Date:   March 15, 2000
Re:     Screw Superchargers

Ladies & Gentlemen:

Screw superchargers in Federal-Mogul Dragster and Federal-Mogul Funny Car are limited to those that were generally available on January 1, 1997.

The PSI "A", "B" and "D" models are the only PSI screw superchargers that meet this criteria. The new PSI model screw supercharger, or any other PSI screw supercharger with rotor geometry and/or case geometry different from the "A", "B" and "D" PSI screw superchargers that were generally available from 1997 to 1999, is prohibited.

Likewise, any similar modifications to Whipple screw superchargers that were generally available from 1997 to 1999 are also prohibited.

Thank you for your attention and cooperation.

Signed, Danny Gracia
NHRA National Technical Director

cc: Rules Committee
    Tom Compton
    Norm Drazy
    Art Whipple
    SFI

Pretty straightforward letter . . . at least on the surface, eh? Notice that there was NO mention of the dreaded letter: "C". Hearing all this talk lately about this virtual alphabet of blowers has me thinking of future marketing slogans: "Build more horsepower with the new, improved, Vitamin "C" blower" or "Give your engine the boost it deserves: Vitamin "C" is the answer"

Okay, enough of the cornball puns; back to business. I'm still waiting to hear back from the man himself (Norm Drazy) with some answers to several questions prompted by his weekend message. In the meantime, there's lots of stuff I could post from the Compuserve Discussion Board, but common sense (an altogether too uncommon commodity around here -- most of the time) prevents me from doing so. If you really want to see how bitchy some people (Art Whipple's kid, specifically) can get, check it out yourself.

It's now 1:30 AM (Wednesday) and the tank is empty. The coffee pot is empty, my brain is leaking metaphors and I'm done for another day. Tune in tomorrow, Wednesday, March 29th for a continuation of tonight's ramble. PLUS: Finally, the long-promised and not-much-anticipated "Letter" to Rick Santos and Jack O'Bannon . . . possibly with a postscript to Norm Drazy for good measure.

Black Bar
More news as it happens, and if you wish to provide us with any news or information to upgrade or correct any errors at this site:

E-MAIL to NORTHERN THUNDER