[77olds]

First I just want to say thank you to the staff for all you do to allow us to run these events, they are the most fun I think I've ever had with my clothes on.

Last night at the driver's meeting, it was brought up that the rules are going to become more strict in the future since it seems like almost everybody broke at least one, if not all of them, regarding the building of their vehicle.

I just wanted to point out some of the particular rules that had me confused, so maybe that will help for next year, if the rules are revised so it's more clear to everyone what they are supposed to be doing.

Trailer Race:
1. Overall Trailer Length: 16 ft minimum. (Important)
I think this one should say "MANDATORY" instead of Important, and underneath a description of what types of trailers are allowed would really help. I had a hard time finding a trailer to compete with, and the longest one I could afford was only 13 ft long. It never even crossed my mind to extend the tongue, but that's more my fault for not thinking about it. Maybe a few suggestions on what types of trailers to run and how to make them fall within the rules would be helpful to everyone.

4. All appliances and heating/cooling units must be removed.
I originally thought this rule was referring to the tow vehicle, but I assume it's actually referring to camper trailers and such. Is this correct?

5. Glass must be removed.
I was told that windshields are allowed, so maybe this rule could specify that.

14. Tow vehicle must have either a full cage “or” a minimum of a 1/8 inch steel plate bolted with at least (4) ½ inch to the drivers side door. The plate must be at least 18 inches tall and overlap each end of the door by a minimum of 6 inches.
This rule appears to be worded poorly (no offense intended).. I'm guessing the "at least (4) 1/2 inch" part means four half inch thick bolts?

The part about the plate needing to be 18 inches tall... does that mean that the plate itself must measure 18" from bottom to top, or that it must cover the door 18" up from the bottom of the vehicle, like in most demo derbies?

Most people would probably run guard rails or I beams and I think it would be hard finding something that measures 18" tall from bottom to top that you didn't have to have specially made at a steel supply place. I used a half inch thick I beam that only measure 12" tall, but it was certainly more solid than a steel plate.

Also, it says that it must overlap each end of the door by at least 6", but in the case of my truck, that length would have gone past the wheel opening and the tire would have rubbed. Wouldn't it be sufficient to just have the plate extend from the front of the A pillar to the back of the B pillar?

I think some heavy revision of this rule is needed to clarify just what is and is not acceptable as a form of driver's door protection.


Again, thank you all for everything you do and I definitely plan on coming back next year. I had about 20 people total come to the race last night to cheer me on, and they said they'll all come back next time, too.

Thanks again!

[bone]

ive ran and been involved in ALOT of these races. only once at spartan but were hoping to make some shows next year.

without a roll cage a "spreader bar" from door post to door post behind the drivers seat should be mandatory .

also the most common trailer length ive found as far as popup campers or boat trailers is 14 foot hitch to tail.
_________________
Eric Gilbert
"Bone"
-JDH MOTORSPORTS-
GET BENT