The torrent of changes being made by the National Hot Rod Associaton during this off-season continues with the announcement that national records will no longer require a 1% backup run to be certified as such. This is a welcome change to many who have complained that the NHRA’s system was confusing and difficult to explain to new fans of the sport. When one looks at series like NASCAR, IndyCar, and others lap records and speed records do not require backup but are set when the existing marks are surpassed. With the new system NHRA has announced for the Mello Yello, Lucas Oil alcohol classes, and J&A Service pro mods, all one needs to do to set a record is to beat the existing mark. No backup required.
If you are wondering how the record setting procedure could have been confusing to a casual fan who is attending an NHRA event for the weekend and doesn’t eat, sleep, and breathe this stuff like everyone else, check this out. Let’s say a racer runs below the current record during the final round of qualifying on Saturday. On Sunday he shows up for the first round and then goes even quicker. If he was within 1% of his previous run he’d have a new record. If he went 2% quicker than the standing national record, he would not have the record until he ran within 1% of that quickest run. If he made the monster run and then went slower for the rest of the weekend he would not have a record.
As an announcer, this is a welcome change because there are times when you are trying to relate relevant information and the process explanation is so murky that even when broken down into the simplest language you can see people’s eyes rolling into the back of their heads.
We’re sure that there will be some gnashing about this change to a longstanding policy. What do you think? One thing that the NHRA cannot be accused of this off-season is standing pat and not messing with anything!
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE NHRA.COM STORY ON THIS BIG CHANGE
