I do not like this!! Thoughts people?? (Enclosed cockpit)

[mike]

NHRA TFD/FC

 

[d'kid]

Not a surprise, I understood that this was where the new roll cage cowling was leading. Big and others have done it in the past, with mixed results.

d'kid

 

[big guy]

it has saved many many lives in dragboat racing.

 

[Percboy]

Not a surprise, I understood that this was where the new roll cage cowling was leading. Big and others have done it in the past, with mixed results.

d'kid

Yeah , "Big" seemed to think it was a good ideal.
Swamp Rat Gallery, Don Garlits Museum, Ocala, FL

 

[Von Halen]

I liked it when Big did it, and I like it now. Has to be more aerodynamic, and should lessen the chance for debris to enter the cockpit.

 

[HEMI6point1]

I like it! Looks really cool and if it enhances safety, I'm all for it.

 

[FABMAN]

I liked it when Big did it, and I like it now. Has to be more aerodynamic, and should lessen the chance for debris to enter the cockpit.

It would be interesting to find out why Big Daddy didn't stay with it??

 

[Just Paul]

I like it!

 

[clwill]

From a driver's perspective, I'm already claustrophobic enough. But maybe...?

 

[stanzig44]

It would be interesting to find out why Big Daddy didn't stay with it??

Because he retired!

I'm pretty sure he had an enclosed cockpit on all his dragsters since SW30. I believe that when fuelers started using enclosed cockpits NHRA made them have extra onboard fire systems and the weight gain wasn't justified.

About time we see some innovation in Top Fuel again!

 

[MHayes]

From my understanding, this is way beyond what Big Daddy had! Big just had a lexan cockpit cover that really didn't offer much additional safety, except for maybe protecting from debris.

Maybe I should back up since it isn't clear from the link....is this one of the safety capsules like on the top fuel boats, or is it just a cockpit cover? If it is the safety capsule, then way, way different from what Big had.

 

[Greg]

I like it, and I see the reasoning behind it. It does make me feel a little claustrophobic looking at it though. Dragsters can be a little awkward to get out of as it is, especially if they are upside down. I don't see you getting out on your own if that happens. I think some would be bordering on panic if they felt trapped in there because they couldn't get the cockpit opened. That's just my opinion though.

 

[yoda]

Franklin is out there somewhere, dancing a little victory dance...

 

[mick]

i like it........and add the mono wing

 

[onfire]

Franklin is out there somewhere, dancing a little victory dance...

He's probably sitting in the "Propster" as we speak.............Classic, Martin.

Mitch

 

[TR]

More weight for sure, if not for the capsule the fire system is going to add a bunch of weight. Didn't some one who tried this say it got very warm in there with the enclosed cockpit, plus the sun hitting the shield increased the compartment heat. Sorry I guess I am old school but I give it a thumbs down.

Rick

 

[Bullet]

Franklin is out there somewhere, dancing a little victory dance...

Good old "Ratlips"!

 

[JL]

does the "Propster" have a FE motor in it?

 

[Gordon]

I like it... and as has been mentioned, if it improves safety, even a little, I like it even more.

And though I've never sat in one with the body on it, I doubt this would cause too much more claustrophobia than a Flopper already does.

 

[Toejam]

it has saved many many lives in dragboat racing.

Apples and Oranges! These cars don't crash in 30' of water!