This is a subject that really has me ticked off, as stated in SCTA Rule Book in 2012 as follows:
3.M "Parachutes"
An approved parachute is required on all cars that qualify for the long course (175mph). Vehicles that exceed 300 mph shall be equipped with two (2) independent parachute systems, all Parachutes shall be opened during inspection. etc
Then new 2012 rule change states the following:
On those vehicles required to have a parachute/s the deployment of the parachute/s is at the driver's discretion, consistent with safe and efficient event and vehicle operation To me this new change is like hiring a lifeguard that can't swim, its "dumber than dirt". Here is my reason for saying I'm against this rule and suggest SCTA get rid of it ASAP. When I not racing my Avanti I help SCTA with the Timing duties at Speed Week, last year I did the timing on courses 3 & 4, had about 125 rookies on course #4 and really no problems with the rookies, our starter would tell me at the tower what car number was coming and for me to watch at the 2 mile point how the car did in speed, handling and if it had a chute, report if it deployed OK then how did they do on exit speed and clear the course. I feel this is a important requirement for those cars that have a record over 175 mph, that they must deploy their chute at this lower speed to make sure the chute was attached correctly on the race car. Now with this new rule, you don't have to use you chute at the driver wish, thus you don't have to waste your time in the pits repacking your chute. Then later in the week I was doing the timing on course #3 and a Corvette made a very nice run at the 3 mile, his speed was around 200 mph, then as I was watching him from the tower, no chute at the 4, no chute at the 5 and finally he slows down and exit the course around the 5 1/2 to 6 mile point, so I called my long patrol car and asked them to go over the racer and ask the driver why his chute did not deploy. The patrol told me that the guy in the Corvette decided not to use the chute, so I told my patrol man "You tell the driver I'm not happy with him refusing to use the chute, he has cause additional delay on course 3, which means the next racers are suited up and have to wait longer for him to get off the course." So I got on the FM and notified Lee Kennedy the car number and asked him to give him a warning" Now, folks this happened because last year I was not aware of this new rule, so I'm guilty of making a mistake and I owe that racer an apology, I hope he reads this message. Later I told Mariam that I thought that new rule was stupid and needs to be changed so our cars would be safer and move the waiting lines faster by using the chute and not making so many ruts in the salt from applying the vehicle brakes.
Now I realize a parachute can be your friend or your enemy if you attach it wrong on your vehicle, but mounted correctly and checked at lower speeds. it should be required to use. Question, why is it required to have parachute at inspection but not required to use on the race course?? So I'm hoping for some remarks from you racers if you think the current rule should stand or go back to the old rule before 2012 which states you must use your chute if the record your racing in is over 175mph. Please, if you respond give your name and race car number so I can put a survey together to give to SCTA rules change process, Please give me pros & cons on this statement, thanks for your time, Dave Bloomberg (Avanti Kid Racing)
