Impact & SFI

[Adam]

If anyone is interested SFI Web Site

the saga continues...

 

[HEMI6point1]

Wow! I wonder why it took so long for them to find out?

Isn't SFI the company that NHRA contracts to approve safety gear? If Impact can no longer participate after this is over than bye-bye to the sport of NHRA drag racing for impact. That's a lot of money down the drain.

 

[d'kid]

Wow! I wonder why it took so long for them to find out?

Isn't SFI the company that NHRA contracts to approve safety gear? If Impact can no longer participate after this is over than bye-bye to the sport of NHRA drag racing for impact. That's a lot of money down the drain.

Not Just Drag Racing, You loose your SFI, and there is not a motorsport that will touch you.

 

[Nick Name]

I can't believe Bill would be involved in something like this. Wonder if he is still running the show.

 

[Randy]

I can't believe Bill would be involved in something like this. Wonder if he is still running the show.

I'm speechless.

 

[Bullet]

This is insane, sickening! Bill Simpson's company doing this, really?

 

[Nunz]

Can Randy or someone summarize this whole Bill Simpson saga for me? I remember that he left his own company when he became a target after DE Sr. got killed, and then started Impact, was he really trying to cut corners with this new company without concern for safety?

 

[Randy]

Can Randy or someone summarize this whole Bill Simpson saga for me? I remember that he left his own company when he became a target after DE Sr. got killed, and then started Impact, was he really trying to cut corners with this new company without concern for safety?

The chain of events speaks for itself.

He sold the company with a clause not to compete for 5 years. 5 years went by and he went back into business. Somewhere during this process some very bad decisions were made.

This counterfeit SFI label decision, the Hans device counterfeit posts decision and the decision to release fire suits and safety equipment that did not comply with the SFI spec labels sewn into the equipment makes me think someone cares more about making a buck than the racers who buy from them.

Glad to see SFI is on top of this. The time to find out is before disaster strikes.

RG

 

[The Counterfeiter]

SFI decertifies Impact products

If this holds up, its going to be really ugly, and not just for drag racing. SFI Member Sanctioning Bodies include NASCAR, IRL, SCCA and many others.
The four Specs listed include almost all drivers suits and accessories (i.e. arm restraints) and restraint systems.
If true, this is tragic. Bill's innovations have saved the lives of many drivers for decades -

SFI DECERTIFIES IMPACT RACING

 

[MM]

Re: SFI decertifies Impact products

http://www.nitromater.com/nhra/25138-impact-sfi.html

 

[Jenn]

Holy Crap! I'm actually really glad I couldn't afford to buy that suit from them!

 

[The Counterfeiter]

Re: SFI decertifies Impact products

http://www.nitromater.com/nhra/25138-impact-sfi.html

Sorry, didn't see the other thread. I'm sure Mods will combine them.

 

[Tom]

The chain of events speaks for itself.

He sold the company with a clause not to compete for 5 years. 5 years went by and he went back into business. Somewhere during this process some very bad decisions were made.

This counterfeit SFI label decision, the Hans device counterfeit posts decision and the decision to release fire suits and safety equipment that did not comply with the SFI spec labels sewn into the equipment makes me think someone cares more about making a buck than the racers who buy from them.

Glad to see SFI is on top of this. The time to find out is before disaster strikes.

RG

Allot of folks have big money the suits and helmets. I heard that the helmet are not hit on this deal, is that correct?

 

[big guy]

Allot of folks have big money the suits and helmets. I heard that the helmet are not hit on this deal, is that correct?

I don`t have insider knowledge,but from the way the artical reads,he lost ALL his SFI ratings.

 

[Tom]

Looks like my partner will be out big money. He bought a helmet and all except the suit.

anyone else sell a fresh air helmet. Is Simpson still certified?

 

[Jeff]

I got to spend $2100 yesterday replacing a 1 year old /15 firesuit and driving shoes. I've got no choice but to get an order in immediately with Simpson. At best, the new suit will be done the day the grace period lapses on the Impact suit and right in between two races. So even if it does somehow "blow over" it can't save someone who regularly races, you've got to buy a new suit immediately.

Helmets are Snell rated (generally) and there is no word that is being pulled.

The line between ethics and safety is very thin . . . no compromises are allowed. Stick a fork in him . . . he's done.

 

[sdwarf36]

I'm shocked by this. By reading the article, it doesn't say anything about the quality of the product being in question (I'll pass on the firesuit arguement) -it just sounds like he was screwing over SFI by not giving them their cut.
I have a set of Impact belts (best belts I've ever owned) and shoes (most comfortable shoes of ANY kind I've worn). I'm in a bind now-I'm the president of our hillclimb club-lots of our members have Impact equipment-I think I'm gonna wait till the smoke clears on this one.

What was the question with SFI and its responsibilties a couple of years back-T/F chassis cert. i think?

 

[.]

What was the question with SFI and its responsibilties a couple of years back-T/F chassis cert. i think?

TUBULAR TALES -- AN INVESTIGATIVE STORY

On Friday, September 21st Top Fuel team owner Bill Miller presented a three-page document to the PRO Top Fuel and Funny Car Committee and NHRA officials, including Graham Light and Dan Olson, a document dated August 27th and addressed to the PRO membership.

Accompanying the letter was a supporting document from Dr. Rory R. Davis, PE, of Convergence Engineering Corporation of Gardnerville, Nevada. Miller’s letter, broken down into four sections, outlined the current chassis situation regarding SFI and NHRA. It went on to a similar outline of Funny Car chassis specs, then offered some general points. The letter ended with a conclusions and recommendations section.

The gist of Miller’s missive was that the use of heat treated tubing in Top Fuel and Funny Car chassis had not been made with any scientific supporting documentation, and that there had been a significant number of chassis failures as a result of its use. He cited incidents involving both Tony Schumacher and Cory McClenathan, but for different reasons. According to Miller, in his opinion, the Schumacher problem was the result of the use of too small tubing, mandated by the SFI chassis spec at that time, while the McClenathan problem was the result of the Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) failing from welding hardened or heat treated tubing in that area of the car.

Again according to Miller’s letter, “There is no provision for the use of hardened tubing in the present SFI Funny Car Spec. Without explanation the Funny Car Spec mandates normalized (not hardened) tubing…” Miller continues, “McKinney has admitted using hardened tubing in Funny Car chassis. Funny Car chassis failures, like Top Fuel, have increased since the use of hardened tubing.”

On April 9, 2006 Miller sent a letter to Arnie Kuhns of SFI. In it he writes, “Keeping in mind that McKinney has told JFR that the bottom frame rails of their chassis are not normalized SAE 4130 tubing as mandated by SFI 10.1E, please answer the following question: How did these JFR racecars get technical approval?”

Kuhns did not respond, and in Miller’s words, “hasn’t responded to anything I’ve said or written in the last two years.”

 

[n/a]

Called Impact about a custom made one piece -20 suit they made for me in 2006.Went on hold for about 2 minutes and when the lady returned on the line all she would asked for was my name and phone number.I asked her again the status of my suit and she said that some one from Impact will call.From all i have seen and heard it looks like on April 27,2010 my -20 suit will no longer be in compliance with sfi regulations.So my question is will Impact refund any portion of my money i spent on this suit?? I believe it cost me around $2000 when purchased new in 2006.I guess i better call Taylor or Oakley to get my order in for a new suit.

 

[Dragracer]

I have to believe this is just a procedural issue between IMPACT and SFI. If it was a real problem I don't believe that the major racing organizations - NHRA, NASCAR, FORMULA 1, etc. would let their drivers continue to use suits and other items that were unsafe until the end of April.

Bill Simpsons reputation is on the line here and I don't think he is going to let this ruin him.

Also, keep in mind that when Dale Earnhardt was killed, using Simpson belts, Bill did not own the company. He had already sold it and was on a consulting contract with Simpson Safety Products (whoever it was that bought them from him). He did everything possible to prove that the Simpson product was not at fault (and it wasn't) to keep his good name.

I think this issue is going to be resolved between IMPACT and SFI and they will be reinstated and approved.

I hope I don't have to eat my words on this one as Bill Simpson has made a tremendous contribution in the driver safety area and I would hate to see him go down this way.