Parachute protocol?
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Dallas (Richardson), TX, USA
Parachute protocol? Hey guys,
My dad's Nova is starting to reach into the 9's, so we now have a parachute. We're going to deploy it a few times just to make sure we know how to pack it and such. The question I have is this... what is protocol for when you deploy a 'chute? Do you guys just stop on the return road and stuff it into the trunk? Do you drag it back to the pits?
Oh, and should the track staff be notified that you're going to deploy? I mean, are they going to be alarmed by a 'chute deployment? I'm not sure I've ever seen a 9-second car deploy its 'chute, so I don't know how track staff would react.
My dad's Nova is starting to reach into the 9's, so we now have a parachute. We're going to deploy it a few times just to make sure we know how to pack it and such. The question I have is this... what is protocol for when you deploy a 'chute? Do you guys just stop on the return road and stuff it into the trunk? Do you drag it back to the pits?
Oh, and should the track staff be notified that you're going to deploy? I mean, are they going to be alarmed by a 'chute deployment? I'm not sure I've ever seen a 9-second car deploy its 'chute, so I don't know how track staff would react.
Yup, stop asap and get it off the ground. There's no way to stop it from dragging some, but there's really no reason to drag it anymore then you have to.
In case you didn't know, don't let off until the shoot is deployed. In case you're never noticed, NHRA top fuel, prostock, funny car all have the shute flying behind the car before they cross the finish line, they pull them well before the finish because it takes a second for it to catch the air.
Depending on the car, will depend on how long it takes the chute to open up. First time ya pull it do it early and just figure on the run being a waste, so ya can get a feel for how long it takes before it catches the air from when you pull it.
You'll probably be safe pulling as you go across the traps, but to be safe try it early the first run. Packing isn't too hard, just take your time and do it the same every time so you know it's going to open and open the same way.
In case you didn't know, don't let off until the shoot is deployed. In case you're never noticed, NHRA top fuel, prostock, funny car all have the shute flying behind the car before they cross the finish line, they pull them well before the finish because it takes a second for it to catch the air.
Depending on the car, will depend on how long it takes the chute to open up. First time ya pull it do it early and just figure on the run being a waste, so ya can get a feel for how long it takes before it catches the air from when you pull it.
You'll probably be safe pulling as you go across the traps, but to be safe try it early the first run. Packing isn't too hard, just take your time and do it the same every time so you know it's going to open and open the same way.
Don't need to tell them they will see it, pretty sure its not even required untill you trap 160mph.
Like said above don't let off untill you feel it first start to pull, if you get off the gas then pull it you will be in for a nice suprise when it catches air...
Like said above don't let off untill you feel it first start to pull, if you get off the gas then pull it you will be in for a nice suprise when it catches air...
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Dallas (Richardson), TX, USA
What surprise is that? Is it neck-breaking or something?
Think of what happens when you jump on the brakes really hard how your body reacts, now think of that but a lot more violent for some people.
Its just a lot easier on your body if you wait to get off the gas untill it deployes.... but it all depends on the car and the person
A lot of people deploy just before the traps or at the traps and are off the gas before it hits... First few times I would not worry about being off the gas untill you are used to it then when you have it timed you can try it off the gas.
Its just a lot easier on your body if you wait to get off the gas untill it deployes.... but it all depends on the car and the person
A lot of people deploy just before the traps or at the traps and are off the gas before it hits... First few times I would not worry about being off the gas untill you are used to it then when you have it timed you can try it off the gas.
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id assume so u ever run with one of them parachutes for running? theres alot of resistence wit them and u goin at the most 10mph. imagin goin 140-150mph and hittin it if ur not continuing to put force against it its gonna yank the car hard
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Verdad Gallardo They are requires as soon as you start trapping 150, not 160. Once you're over 160 you're gonna need it to stop at most tracks, unless you have a very light car with stock brakes on it still, which by the time most people have to put a chute on all the stock braking system's are gone for LW options.
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Dallas (Richardson), TX, USA
We haven't had it to the quarter in its current form yet, but we're guessing 134ish. Dad said that it was required any faster than 10 flat according to the NHRA rule book. I don't anticipate ever needing, but we thought we'd try it out anyway.
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From: Cecil County Raceway!!!
In case you didn't know, don't let off until the shoot is deployed. In case you're never noticed, NHRA top fuel, prostock, funny car all have the shute flying behind the car before they cross the finish line, they pull them well before the finish because it takes a second for it to catch the air.
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From: Gainesville, Florida # of drag strips runs: ?!?!?
A chute is not needed until 150 mph or above per the 2009 NHRA rule book. As mentioned above, there is a certain method for deploying one correctly. And as some will tell you, the worst thing is not using a chute for a long period of time (some will deploy/unpack them while in the trailer or not at the track).
A nine second, 130-135 mph car should be able to stop fine (of course depending on brakes, how early/hard you get on them, and the length of the shutdown area) after a pass without a chute. I have been doing it the last 2 weeks with my Nova.
Derek
A nine second, 130-135 mph car should be able to stop fine (of course depending on brakes, how early/hard you get on them, and the length of the shutdown area) after a pass without a chute. I have been doing it the last 2 weeks with my Nova.
Derek
