10/26/2016
Chili Bowl Nationals
Carbon Fiber Suspension and Steering Rods Illegal For Tulsa Shootout and Chili Bowl Nationals
TULSA, Okla. (October 26, 2016) Starting with the 2017 Speedway Motors Tulsa Shootout and Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals presented by General Tire, officials with the events have established a new safety rule.
For both events, Carbon Fiber connecting rods having to do with suspension and steering are not permitted.
“We’ve started to run into this on the Sprint Car side with ASCS, and after looking at the construction of the product, we felt that the use of Carbon Fiber Radius Rods, Draglinks, Panhard Bars, etc. would pose a serious danger to the drivers as well as our staff and fans,” stated Matt Ward, who heads both events.
“We’ve seen it several times where Aluminum and Chromoly will give and bend without failing, and in most cases, will hold under the pressure of the race despite some damage. Having seen what Carbon Fiber will do when damaged and used under pressure, it presents a risk we want to avoid.”
Ward also stated that any car that attempts to compete with the illegal suspension or steering parts will be removed from competition until the infraction is corrected.
The 32nd annual Speedway Motors Tulsa Shootout takes place Wednesday, December 28, 2016 through Sunday, January 1, 2017. The 31st Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals presented by General Tire happens Tuesday, January 10, 2017 through Saturday, January 14, 2017.
For more information both events, log onto http://www.tulsashootout.com or http://www.chilibowl.com. If teams have any questions on rules or format, they can contact Matt Ward at (918) 838-3777.
Submitted By: Bryan Hulbert