Securing Ballast Attn: Thom Bates

[HS85GT]

We were advised at Michigan that tech would be following nhra rules concerning ballast mounting starting at Reading. We were told that use of the round weights (for dumbbells, etc.) with bolts through them would not be acceptable anymore. All of our permanent ballast follows nhra guildlines as far as two 1/2" bolts through them per 100lbs. Each bar is actually less than 50, so we've got extra there. We also have four 10 lb weights that we move around, which are also secured to the frame with single 1/2" bolts through them. The nhra spec is one 3/8" bolt per 5 lbs. So are we legal? I don't want to get to PA and have to fab something new up. Thank you in advance,

Matt Schmidt HS4

[Thom Bates]

sounds like you got it handled

[nos84gt]

What if we have at least two 1/2 bolts holding down 100lbs of the round weights?

[Thom Bates]

Jonathan,
That's fine too. What this boils down to is this:

Any weight that is "removable" must be bolted down, or inside an approved design ballast box (see you NHRA rulebok for specifications). You must use (2) 1/2" bolts for every 100# of ballast, or (1) 3/8" bolt for every 5#.

What that means is you need the (2) 1/2" bolts from basically 5# up to 100#. (4) 1/2" bolts for 105# to 200#..... and so on. The other way would be with 3/8" bolts....... and that would be just plain silly....... (20) 3/8" bolts for 100#....... you'd be adding a lot of work and weight to hold it down.

Chains, bungee cords, rope, duct tape, zip ties, wire ties, hose clamps, sheet metal screws, string, glue, adhesive and air (no restraining mechanism at all) are NOT appropriate ways to attach any ballast.

One of the biggest things I've seen this last year is the use of super-coarse threaded ACME screws to hold down barbell weights.... they are usually 1" in diameter or better.... and folks..... those are made for other things than race cars. The nuts on those loosen up almost immediately and ar very, very unsafe. Don't use 'em..... we ain't allowing them. Not only are they unsafe, but they also do not meet the NHRA ballast rules.

Hope this helps............ be safe.

Thom

[HS85GT]

Your explanation sounds as if we are not ok. Our four 10 lb. "movable" weights are only secured by a single 1/2" bolt. So we need to add one more to each? Thank you again for your help.

[Thom Bates]

Matt,
I misread your first post. Sorry. Guess I'm glad to write my second one. I assume you've got it now.

Thom

[HS85GT]

Yeah, I've got it we will need to add additional bolts to each. Thank you for your quick replies.

Matt

[nos84gt]

Originally posted by Thom Bates

Chains, bungee cords, rope, duct tape, zip ties, wire ties, hose clamps, sheet metal screws, string, glue, adhesive and air (no restraining mechanism at all) are NOT appropriate ways to attach any ballast.



What....we can't use duct tape?!!

[Larry Geddes]

Several years ago at our local track I saw a guy use a 50 pound bag of potting soil for ballast.

How brilliant. He could then go home and plant flowers for his wife.

[gilmoujr]

Originally posted by nos84gt
What....we can't use duct tape?!! Only if you don't go over 100 MPH... It is 100 MPH tape after all, isn't it? Maybe you could get it approved if you use two layers (100+100=200, right?). LOL