The NHRA announced on May 17, the formation of nitro technical advisory council aimed at making better decisions on rules and other technical matters. The seven member technical committee met for the first time on Saturday morning during the Dollar General NHRA Summernationals in Topeka. Kan.

Glen Gray, vice president of technical operations, and also chair of the committee believes this committee will be proactive in improving the nitro categories by providing a good cross section of input.

“We just thought it was a good idea to get the best minds out there who represent not only the big teams but the smaller ones too about technology and where we should be going,” said Gray. “We want to bounce ideas off of them and get their opinion. We felt with this strong cross section of technical people we would get honest answers about what’s right for the sport and their class.”

The formation of the committee, sources say, could be the NHRA’s version of replacing the nitro liaison position previously held by Dan Olson and before him, Ray Alley. Gray wouldn’t say this was necessarily the case and emphasized the importance of the new committee.

“I think even if we did have a nitro liaison, we would still have formed this committee,” added Gray.

One of the tasks Olson was challenged with during his tenure as nitro liaison was slowing the nitro cars down for a possible return to quarter-mile racing. While Gray didn’t speak specifically on a return to quarter-mile nitro racing, he did point out the committee was not formed with the intention of finding a viable way to slow them down.

“We just want to do what’s right for nitro racing to keep this kind of racing strong,” explain Gray. “We want to address safety issues when they need to be as well as cost issues. If speed gets to be an issue we'll then address that. Any issues we have we will bounce off of this committee.”

One of the largest fears many have conveyed from the nitro pits is getting the committee together on the same page when it could be easy to have multiple agendas in play simultaneously.

“There absolutely will be,” said Mike Green, crew chief for Tony Schumacher and committee member when asked if he believes there will be agendas in place. “Hopefully we can get past that. That’s the reason for having the group is to get different ideas. Hopefully we can accomplish stuff in these meetings. It’s like any decision that’s going to be made, there’s always going to be one person unhappy. We have a good group here and everybody wants the same thing. We want this sport to grow. We want it to be successful and do the best we can.”

Multiple agendas can have its benefits; at least that’s how Mike Neff sees.

“I’m sure everyone will have their own points and in the end, there might be someone who explains an issue that enables you to see something in a different light,” added Neff. “Common sense tells you the most logical solution will prevail. The NHRA has to be the judge in the end. We will help them see it in a different light.”

Communication will be key to the survival and efficiency of this group’s efforts. This is one area which intrigues green the most.
 
“I think the biggest thing this will do is improve the communication,” said Green. “If they want to accomplish something that is very technical. They can give it to us and we can help develop the best way to do something. This is the cheapest way to do it. They don’t know because they haven’t been crew chiefs. I think this is a situation where we can help to educate them before decisions are made. I think it will be good.”

Gray understands he hasn’t studied the nitro tuning curriculum as long as those on his committee have and in the end believes this could lend a different perspective to the group. He understands how easy it could be for the group to develop tunnel vision.

“I think me not being a tuner will help,” said Gray. “I will have a wide view of what we plan to do. My interest is in doing the best thing for the NHRA. I don’t think it will happen. But if it does, I think we will know right away by having something specifically that they want to do. It will be evident they have blinders on. By having myself and Rich Schrek, neither of us with tuning backgrounds, we will be able to see the big picture."

Gray isn’t so naïve that he hasn’t realized committees have been formed in the past which have essentially fizzled away over time. His role as chairman is to ensure this doesn’t happen.

“I think we need to continue to engage the group,” said Gray. “It’s our responsibility to keep the lines of communication open. We won’t have meetings every race. I will actively keep in contact through emails, texts and voice mail. I want to keep them in the loop and get their input. I see us meeting every three races or so. Even if it is for an hour or so, that will be my responsibility.”

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