Because the fix was not difficult with parts available-thanks to the vendors on the salt- it wasn't that big of a deal to fix but more the principle of the thing. I have always tried to have my cars meet the rules and even with a new build have only had minor issues found- except one year when the cage on my streamliner (Jim Knapp's current record breaking car) which had passed tech for about 5 years was pronounced illegal and needed a bar welded in.
The issue was Rule 3.C Head Rest. The rule clearly says a "padded head rest to prevent whiplash" without any specification other than needs to be within 2" of the helmet. Seats, even good full containment ones have some flexibility I think and many quite a bit inspite of back bracing as is also mandated. There is nothing that says what type of padding. My seat has an extension up behind the head. It is not a full containment seat, that function being made up by other portions of the ROLL CAGE ("funny car" style extensions on the cage) which have the SFI 45.1 and 45.2 padding. The rules (I have books going back to early '80's) have always separated the roll cage padding from head rest padding by type though they were lumped together in the paragraph until early '90's. So, you can see where I am going here.
The inspector said I needed SFI rated padding on the seat. The fact that the rule does not specify this did not matter. The response was: "Our interpretation is..." I was looking for Dan Warner (not inspector I know) to ask him what he thought when I ran into Steve Davies. He said " Our interpretation is.... needs SFI padding, change it". So that was one piece of stuff from my shop I didn't have in the trailer so had to buy some. No biggie as was available but the new wording in the rule book Paragraph 1.A clearly states this shouldn't have happened. OK, is for my safety I know and I don't argue that. My neck is important thus a Hans well before it was required.
So long rant. I should have just done it and no complaint but this type of "my interpertation is" by the inspectors has been a topic here in the past and I think may be part of the reasoning the 1.A rule was modified. Also, if we want a rule change, submit it. But this was my 17th trip to the salt over 33 years coming from Maryland and as I said, have prided myself on having my cars prepared to meet the rules. Just want to know what they are ahead of time.
