Officials at Pro Alcohol Drag Racing (PADR) have announced a new starting procedure for all PADR races. A synchronized system where all three amber lights and the green light are triggered simultaneously to signal the start of the race. The new modified starting system will be termed a “synced tree”.
The PADR has a very simple goal, better racing with an improved showcase of driver talent, and fewer red-lights, stated Kevin Hool, Director of Operations for the PADR.
The reason for the change is simple. The advancement in race car technology and driver ability has reached a point where red-lights are much too common in the Alcohol Funny Car ranks. The PADR feels that red-lights have become detrimental to the sport.
A top driver in a good Alcohol Funny Car has the ability to outperform the current starting system. An experienced and talented driver in a top car, reacting as fast as they are able, will red-light almost every time in the present system. Many teams have to continually modify the car to slow the drivers’ reaction or risk red-lights on almost every run.
The drivers and teams that have worked hard at making themselves and their cars’ quicker and more efficient are being penalized by the current 4-Tenths Pro-light System. The modern Alcohol Funny Car has simply outpaced the current starting structure and the PADR believes it’s time for a change to make Alcohol Funny Car racing better.
“Everyone wants to see and appreciate which drivers and cars are the best at reacting to the light, not who’s the best at ‘delaying’ their reaction to the light”, stated Hool.”
“Race fans want to see cars racing to the finish line, not idling down the track after a red-light start. Discussions with top drivers and race track operators have signaled a need for something to be done that benefits drivers, fans, and track operators”, Hool Said.
The PADR also understands the importance of not disrupting drivers that participate with other sanctioning bodies. Keeping the flash of the amber lights and the green light together will make it easy for any driver to compete in any arena.
Hool also added, “The drivers won’t see any difference in the staging procedure. All we are doing is tightening up the delay between the actuation of the amber and green lights. They simply will all come on together. Most drivers won’t know the difference, except that they can really push the light and react as fast as they are able, and not be penalized. But if a driver stages the car too deep, gets pulled through by a tight clutch, or tries to anticipate the light and leaves the beams early, they still will get a red-light.”
“Everyone we have talked to likes the program and thinks it will It will make for great racing. We believe this new system will create an opportunity for the driver to have a larger effect on the outcome of the race”.
About the PADR:
The PADR is an organization dedicated to the expansion and enhancement of opportunities for (1/4) Quarter Mile – Alcohol Funny Car racing. The PADR will present the Methanol Burning, Screw Blower, Clutch Driven Funny Cars, as a Professional Category. The PADR is actively developing programs to heighten the level of media attention, revenue streams, and promotional opportunities for participating Race Teams, Sponsors, and Race Tracks.
Pro Alcohol Drag Racing is simply: The Best Drivers In Drag Racing – in the Toughest Cars To Drive In Drag Racing.
PADR Media