Finke & Griffis DQ'd for cold fuel in R1

Was it from the weather?

 

Weather?

I would not think it was from the weather since no one else had a problem.

 

That is really too bad (heard it was off by 1/2 of a degree ) Cherissa was just starting to run good, she had a career best run earlier in the day too. She is very sweet (and beautiful too ) I got to meet her, when her dad Ron Griffis of Innovative Chassis, built my rear engine funny car chassis, they are a really nice family, and do awesome work

 

i know I don't have a horse in this race, but 50 degrees doesn't mean 49.

 

I was in the lanes when they were backed out. I had the chance to meet John, super nice guy, I haven't met Cherissa. I didn't see the temp. gun but was told by Jim Collins personally that he would have worked with them if it was close. I agree with Bruce, 50 degrees means 50 degrees. My alky has to be 100% pure, I have to weigh a certain amount, o.d., rear gear, etc. etc... How pissed would an A/Fuel or even a B/AD competitor be if I was just a bit on the illegal side of the rules for previous mentioned rules....and I beat them....think they'd just "let it go"?

Brandon Booher
NHRA TAD #35

As far as running before and being legal, they didn't check fuel before the run in qualifying.

 

I didn't mean the ruling was unfair at all, I agree 50* means 50*, just said it was a shame, she ran good earlier without being illegal, so why push the limits to the extreme ??

 

Well said Brandon..also car is lookin good..see ya Dave

 

Some one please tell me that the NHRA was not using a IR gun on a reflective aluminum tank or fuel line to check temperature and subsequently D.Q. this team?

 

I wasn't there, I got 2nd (or 3rd or 4th) hand information I'm glad it was more than just a 1/2 of a degree, and they were willing to work with them if it was 'close' to being legal

 

I'm assuming "work with them" meant if it's not 50 by the time you have to fire you're dq'd. As strict/tough as a guy that J.C. is, I don't see him letting that slide.

Brandon Booher
NHRA TAD #35

 

Thanks Will for the info. The Anton Paar Nitro Hydrometer would be a fare way to check temps as it is the same tool/thermometer that is used for correcting the specific gravity to determine the % nitro.

 

Now I'm certainly no rules expert, but my read of the rule is that under 50* fuel in the lanes is illegal. Warming it up after it is found to be illegal does nothing since you are to be DQ'ed on the spot.
To make a comparison, why don't I bolt on a C blower, and if caught I'll be allowed to simply change it for a D in the lanes before we run. Everbody good with that?
Jeff Johnsen

 

If you tow out of the pit area with fuel under 50* you know you are illegal, you are just hoping not to get caught.
Jeff Johnsen

 

Will, earlier you said that it was not close; that Collins told you it was too cold to be fixed in the staging lanes. Last temp info on DRC indicated 68* ambient temp. Fuel didn't cool itself. I see in the National points that they were both given first round loss points; from my point of view a disqualification like this should result in the race counting in the total but forfiture of all points.
As an aside, I note that the rule book prohibits insulating fuel tanks and lines but I see some cars wraped in insulation in the staging lanes. Is that "legal?"
JeffJ

 

Steve Harker's and mine are dead nuts.

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Sorry to hear about your nuts.

You can always play golf.....

I agree with Jeff. Wrong is wrong.