What everyone here needs to keep in perspective is that this is just one person's opinion of the tech staff and management of New England Dragway. Though I live right next door in Maine, I don't race there a lot, but I do try to go a few times a year. Yes, the tech staff at NED are strict. Let's examine why that is..... it's for SAFETY! Safety of the driver of the car being teched, safety of the other competitors, and safety of the track staff. This shouldn't be an issue. I know the first time I went to NED with my 72 Dart they went over it with a fine tooth comb. The inspector pointed out a few things to me that he felt could have been done better and I took care of those items. I remember last year I went to NED for a special memorial race and I left my helmet at home. The tech staff loaned me one so I could compete. I have no complaints with the tech staff at NED. I would much rather have an inspector tell me " Sorry Les, but we can't let you run until you correct this issue" than have it passed over and potentially having an accident in which my car could be destroyed, my life endangered or that of a fellow competitor or track staff. Now perhaps this situation with the FAST car gentleman could have been handled better by all concerned. I don't know, I wasn't there. But I do know that when my car was fine combed inspected there, the inspector gave me a detailed reason for why he felt something needed to be addressed.
I just think it's wholly unfair for so many to jump on the 'let's bash the track, the management and the tech staff' bandwagon just because on one person's experience or opinion. Safety is the bottom line and if you want to run a car that MAY be unsafe in the opinion of the inspector then go to a track where they aren't as professional or caring, and I hope it works out for you.
