According to sources in the zMax Dragway pit area the NHRA approved at least three different designs of wheel tethers – two of which were tested on the Monday following the Gatornationals in Gainesville.

The most impressive, according to one team, is the system designed by Ed “Ace” McCullough, crew chief on Ron Capps NAPA Dodge. Additional designs were submitted by Steve Chrisman, Jim Head and Alan Johnson. According to Larry Dixon, the designs of Chrisman and Johnson were tested at Gainesville by Del Worsham and Jeff Arend.
According to sources in the zMax Dragway pit area the NHRA approved at least three different designs of wheel tethers – two of  which were tested on the Monday following the Gatornationals in Gainesville.

The most impressive, according to one team, is the system designed by Ed “Ace” McCullough, crew chief on Ron Capps NAPA Dodge. Additional designs were submitted by Steve Chrisman, Jim Head and Alan Johnson. According to Larry Dixon, the designs of Chrisman and Johnson were tested at Gainesville by Del Worsham and Jeff Arend.

None of the teams associated with the design of a wheel tethering system are using a system this weekend at zMax Dragway. And, according to a member of the Ford camp, the issue of tethers is not the answer. The issue is the design of the wheel studs, “The real problem is with the design of the studs. If they fix the issue with the studs there is no need for tethers. Wheels shouldn't come off in the first place.”

Earlier this week, the NHRA released preliminary findings in the incident which led to the death of a spectator at Firebird International Raceway when a wheel broke loose from the Top Fuel dragster of Antron Brown.

The report states clearly there was an underlying issue with the studs holding Brown's wheels in place.

Through the team publicist, McCullough stated the NAPA team would not use the wheel tethers in competition until further testing has been done.