| Official Statements Released by NMRA Technical Department Official Statements Released by NMRA Technical Department
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8\14\08
HALFACRE SUSPENDED FOR FAILING TO COOPERATE WITH TEARDOWN
The NMRA Technical Committee has formally confirmed the decision of Promedia regarding the protest and teardown non-compliance infraction on Jarrett Halfacre’s Super Street Outlaw '93 Ford Mustang that occurred at the Nitto Tire NMRA Ford Nationals at Atco Raceway in Atco, NJ on August 09, 2008.
The NMRA’s Head Technical inspector was provided an Official Protest Letter against Mr. Halfacre’s vehicle. Upon inspection of the vehicle it was discovered to have what appeared to be a solenoid which may not be in compliance with the rule on page 58 of the 2008 NMRA Rulebook, where under NITROUS OXIDE, it reads in-part, "NITROUS OXIDE: If entry is entered as a non-nitrous entry, all solenoids, lines, fittings, and bottles must be removed prior to technical inspection and any competition runs.” And whereas the high pressure line apparently attached to said device was not verifiable due to containment area, and the high pressure line could not be 100% verified that it did not connect to the engine or induction system which could violate the rule on page 58 of the 2008 NMRA Rulebook, where under NITROUS OXIDE, it reads in part, “Nitrous oxide may not be used in conjunction with any other power adder.” And page 56 where under Class Overview it reads in part “Super Street Outlaw is designed for single power adder ……Fox and/or Mustang-based vehicles.”
Upon finding what appeared to be a solenoid of some sort, along with high-pressure lines that could not be verified, Mr. Halfacre was asked to disassemble the vehicle further for inspection. Mr. Halfacre was non compliant in any further technical inspection. Once Mr. Halfacre refused further inspection he was informed of the options for further action. With this knowledge Mr. Halfacre denied any further inspection. This action is in direct violation of section B.5 TECH INSPECTION “During the initial tech procedure, the NMRA staff reserves the right to inspect any and every portion of the competing vehicle to ensure rules compliance, including teardowns, weight checks, P&G cubic-inch checks, etc. Do not enter your vehicle for competition if you are not prepared to prove the legality and compliance of your vehicle. During the running of the event, prior, during, or after the qualifying and/or eliminations the NMRA reserves the right to inspect, seal for inspection, and/or teardown any racer’s vehicle for any reason, or impound any vehicle and/or parts as deemed necessary.”
Therefore, the following penalties are imposed in addition to the disqualification, and removal of points from the Nitto Tire NMRA Ford Nationals event:
1. Competition privileges are suspended for a period of Two years, beginning on August 8, 2008 and ending August 8, 2010.
2. During the suspension the driver is prohibited from owning, driving, or otherwise participating in any NMRA or NMCA event held at any NHRA\IHRA member facility.
3. Upon his return, he must submit to, and pass, an entire vehicle teardown inspection before being permitted to make a qualifying run.
4. He will be placed on one-year technical probation, commencing on the first day of your return to racing and successful completion of a teardown inspection. Any technical violation during this probation period could result in additional penalties including further suspension of competition privileges or monetary fines.
The disqualification from the Nitto Tire NMRA Ford Nationals is not appealable. Should the party wish to appeal the remainder of this action, please consult page 44 of the 2008 NMRA Rulebook. There is a $300 filing fee for any appeal.
Promedia reiterates that there was absolutely NO proof established to support the statement that this driver and vehicle were illegally using nitrous oxide in conjunction with a turbocharger. The basis of this action is based solely on the refusal to cooperate with a formal protest and teardown request.
8\14\08
McCORMICK & GIFFORD SUSPENDED IN ATCO
The NMRA Technical Committee has formally confirmed the decision of Promedia regarding the teardown infraction on Brian McCormick’s Real Street '88 Ford Mustang and Steve Gifford’s Factory Stock '97 Ford Mustang that occurred at the Nitto Tire NMRA Ford Nationals at Atco Raceway in Atco, NJ on August 09, 2008.
Upon inspection of Mr. McCormick’s valve springs it was discovered they were not in compliance with the rule on page 104 of the 2008 NMRA Rulebook, where under SPRINGS, it reads (in part), "Single or dual steel valve springs required. Maximum valve spring pressure “on the seat” is 160 pounds for 5.0L combinations.”
As the vehicle was presented to tear down, the dual spring configuration was measured per individual spring and added together. The outer spring measured 220 pounds, while the inner spring measured 80 pounds. When added together, the inner and outer springs deliver a combined spring pressure of 300 pounds. Thus, the valve spring pressure was grossly in excess of the rule and therefore the vehicle component was not in compliance with the 2008 NMRA rules. When testing the springs together, the pressure maxed out the valve spring tester at 250 pounds of pressure considerably before the installed height was met.
In the case of Mr. Gifford, he had claimed on his tech card that the vehicle base weight for the combination in question was based on the engine using un-ported cylinder heads. Vehicles using ported heads are required to add weight to the base weight, as stated on page 120 of the 2008 NMRA rule book and in the midseason rules revisions, as it reads (in part),”2-valve combinations with ported heads add 225”. Upon inspection of the cylinder head it was discovered to not be in compliance with the rule on page 120 of the 2008 NMRA Rulebook, where under HEADS, it reads in-part, " 1.17d) HEADS, PORTING: Prohibited. (*Porting only permitted on 4.6L Ford OEM 2-Valve '96-'04 cylinder heads with 225 pound weight adder.) Runners and combustion chambers must retain OEM appearance. Final acceptance at the discretion of NMRA Technical Department.” As the vehicle was presented to tear down, the cylinder head was identified to have the wrong intake port shape (rectangular vs. round) indicating the intake port was indeed altered. Additionally, the intake port sides and floor appeared to have been retextured as to mask the port work that was done; there were faint, yet still distinctive sanding and cutter marks, and the port floors were considerably smoother than the port roofs. It was determined that the cylinder heads had been ported and were not in compliance with the 2008 NMRA rules.
Therefore, the following penalties are imposed on each individual in addition to the disqualification, and removal of points from the Nitto Tire NMRA Ford Nationals event:
1. Competition privileges are suspended for a period of Six Months, beginning on August 8, 2008 and ending February 8, 2009.
2. During the suspensions both individuals are prohibited from owning, driving, or otherwise participating at any NMRA\NMCA event held at any NHRA\IHRA member facility.
3. Upon their return, they must submit to, and pass, an entire vehicle teardown inspection before being permitted to make a qualifying run.
4. Both individuals will be placed on one-year technical probation, commencing on the first day of their return to racing and successful completion of a teardown inspection. Any technical violation during this probation period could result in additional penalties including further suspension of competition privileges or monetary fines.
Both of these disqualifications from the Nitto Tire NMRA Ford Nationals are appealable. Should either party wish to appeal this action, please consult page 44 of the 2008 NMRA Rulebook and note that there will be a $300 filing fee for any appeal.
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