Kudos To NHRA - Elite Infraction @ Bristol

[NitRob]

Regarding the June 11th NHRA.com story (see below) about Elite Motorsports rule breaking at Bristol - Assuming all info is on point, it appears NHRA has gotten it right this time in their handling of this issue, AND publicly reporting the story for all to see. First - NHRA addressed the issue immediately, during the event, allowing the team to make a correction and continue. Secondly, NHRA provided their fans with a very timely and concise reporting of a rule violation, within 3 days of the event conclusion. This is the first time in my history, as a lifelong fan of the sport, that NHRA has clearly stated their position on a rules infraction to both the team and the fans in such a timely and complete manner. The story posted yesterday gave the rule broken, the assumed performance advantage, and addressed the previously reported conversation with Elite and NHRA prior to the infraction. This public posting of the issue also allows Elite to come forward with any clarification they feel is necessary, from their viewpoint.

Well done, long overdue, and critical to the health of the sport, and the reputation of both the NHRA and all of their participating teams. We’ve seen this story play out way too many times –When an incident like this happens, and clarification is not given, imaginations run wild, stories spread and continue to grow, and everybody loses.

I hope this is a sign of the way all future incidents are handled. Kudos to the NHRA – I believe you got this one right!

NHRA: Prohibited Pro Stock beadlock liner wheels offered 'performance advantage'

The NHRA Technical Department has issued a statement to further explain the fine and points penalty levied on Erica Enders' Pro Stock team after its car was found to be equipped with prohibited beadlock liner wheels at the Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals.

www.nhra.com

 

[camaro]

there seems to be 2 versions of the story. Richard Freeman says he asked about the rule ahead of time and was not given an answer. According to The NHRA Statement, the Rule was was communicated to Freeman and was subsequently disregarded. I suspect the reason it was disregarded is that the rule is kinda stated in broad terms and did not specifically address tire liners, nevertheless the implementation of the liners fell under 'optional performance equipment or performance-related modification' and therefore was prohibited

 

[NitRob]

there seems to be 2 versions of the story. Richard Freeman says he asked about the rule ahead of time and was not given an answer. According to The NHRA Statement, the Rule was was communicated to Freeman and was subsequently disregarded. I suspect the reason it was disregarded is that the rule is kinda stated in broad terms and did not specifically address tire liners, nevertheless the implementation of the liners fell under 'optional performance equipment or performance-related modification' and therefore was prohibited

As long as people with different agendas are involved, there will always be 2 opposing views. I intended to only point out the fact that NHRA has taken a lot of heat over the years for the lack of transparency in evaluating and communicating rules infractions, which is very destructive to their relationship with both participants & fans. They deserve credit for major improvement of their handling, in this case. Regarding Freeman‘s viewpoint – you could clearly see in his answer, that he knew he did not have a complete clarification or approval from NHRA on usage of the illegal wheel. He said that after his conversation about having a set of wheels he “wanted to try”, and not getting a clear approval, he “should have asked for permission“ from NHRA. It sure appears to me, he knew he was skirting the boundaries of the rulebook, to say the least. For the record – I I am a big fan of Richard Freeman and the Elite team, and their aggressive nature. Pro Stock and NHRA would not be the same without them.

 

[Nitro Fiend]

I totally agree that at this point It looks like NHRA tech handled this issue very well. Their statement says that had a conversation regarding this in Epping with the "Elite Team" (not necessarily Freeman) and they still chose to do this in Bristol. If the conversation was clear communication with proper person(s) within Elite (it's a big operation) I'm surprised that the punishment was not more severe. If a NHRA tech official said something in passing to an Elite crew member I can see how a clear message was not received.

 

[BOO BOO]

Freeman is saying he spoke to a Tech Official (Rick Dodge) about the wheel tire at Epping. I guess he was under the impression it was legal.

 

[DragFan2]

Freeman is saying he spoke to a Tech Official (Rick Dodge) about the wheel tire at Epping. I guess he was under the impression it was legal.

That's the way I read the statements. NHRA seems to indicate that they TOLD Richard Freeman at Epping that they had violated the rules. If true, then Freeman was at fault for using the liners again at Bristol. But, I can't believe anyone would be that blatant in doing something that obvious if they understood it was against the rules. I think NHRA gave a vague answer or no answer other than to read the rulebook which was not explicit. I think Elite has grounds for an appeal unless they are lying.

 

[NitRob]

That's the way I read the statements. NHRA seems to indicate that they TOLD Richard Freeman at Epping that they had violated the rules. If true, then Freeman was at fault for using the liners again at Bristol. But, I can't believe anyone would be that blatant in doing something that obvious if they understood it was against the rules. I think NHRA gave a vague answer or no answer other than to read the rulebook which was not explicit. I think Elite has grounds for an appeal unless they are lying.

 

[NitRob]

Listen to Richard Freeman's interview on the Fox broadcast when specifically asked about the incident by Bruno M. at Bristol on Sunday morning - when asked by Bruno to explain why their run was thrown out, Richard Freeman's response was "we spoke with one of the Tech guys at the previous race and told him we had a set, and he really didn't say anything, we probably should have asked for permission". Hmmm...His words - you decide...