New top fuel chassis spec

[.]

Anybody know what the reasoning for this is?

 

[Just Paul]

It's to keep the top rails from spreading when the chassis arches.

 

[stitcherbob]

Dixon's car came apart around that area....in Gainesville of all places......

 

[.]

Why the change now though? Has there been any chassis failures in that area in recent months?

 

[TooTall999]

Well at least it's not a budget killing change for the smaller teams to make.

 

[flapjack]

I remember when Shirley crashed in 1984, and when she came back, the tubing around the driver was doubled up. I don't know for sure, but I think that is a requirement now.

 

[ironpony]

I agree with Paul, also to keep the rails tied together if it does break there. If you look at the picture and explanation there is also another bar in front of this one that needs to be there or be added. That is a long straight tube with not much support, The bar being added appears to be right above the drivers feet.

 

[Sherman, Sherm, & Sherm Gun]

The bar being added appears to be right above the drivers feet.

Those bars are forward of the driver. Just behind the "new" tube, you can see the black sheet that is the foot box bulkhead. I think any additional bracing forward and behind the driver is a great step towards safety. Although, for the crew chief, it is most likely a step backwards for traction. Left to right bars should not matter much, but front to rear bar should stiffen the chassis, letting it flex less, and reducing traction. IMO...

 

[Jeff]

Interesting. Big difference between 3/4 round and streamline with a 1.64 major axis.... gotta wonder why that option under the body.

Given that the upper frame rail is arching around the lower framerail any "bowing" must be a result of torque induced chassis wrap.

Hopefully the nitro school professor will weigh in.

 

[T.Smith]

Why the change now though? Has there been any chassis failures in that area in recent months?

Two cars needed to be front halved after the Phoenix test.

 

[.]

Somebody on the broadcast team must be watching Nitromater posts. I was kind of surprised they spent a couple minutes on a segment about the rule change.

 

[Cliff]

I'm all for any changes that keep the driver safe. Some years back, there was talk about putting a "capsule" inside the frame, ie: like a drag boat has. Nothing came of it but I thought it was a good idea at the time.

 

[Mike]

They way it was explained to me is that the top frame rails are trying to bow out as the chassis flexes up going down track. This is a tie bar to prevent the upper rails from doing this. This tube is to be placed at the cross section of the upper frame rail and the first upright tube forward of the foot box and also at the second upright forward of the foot box if there is not one there already. The reason for optional streamline tubing is that the steering shaft crosses at or near the area where this tube is to be placed and could interfere and is slightly thinner than a 3/4" OD tube. This will allow for better clearance if necessary.