MR YES
Welcome to Mr Yes and Mr No. This month our anonymous contributors debate if turbochargers should be brought into Top Doorslammer.
The world of drag racing is one where innovation has reigned supreme, but it seems these days innovation is something to stifle rather than encourage. Such is the case when it comes to bringing in turbochargers for Top Doorslammer. It is very possible that this may be the 'better mousetrap', or at least one that is just as effective. Allowing turbochargers into Top Doorslammer will be the boost (pardon the pun) that the category needs to really propel it forward. Entry numbers have plateaued and to be honest, have probably even dropped in recent years. Allowing a new group of racers with new enthusiasm for the sport of drag racing into the category can only be a positive. I will say that turbocharged cars should meet Top Doorslammer body regs, as a lot of teams in the ANDRA series have spent time and money following that ruleset. But when it comes to what device you are strapping on to the engine to make your horsepower, I say have at it. A new group of fans can be brought to Top Doorslammer with this added variety, making them more marketable again to sponsors. Turbocharging is the power adding technology of choice for all modern manufacturers as well, so dare we say there may even be some room for manufacturer support? I really can't see a downside. So the cars make a different noise, is that really a major issue? They are just as wild, if not more so, they pop flames on the start line and for fans who are really into their superchargers well guess what, those supercharged cars will still be there! In fcat I can see the potential for a great rivalry that will be promotional gold for those teams and tracks who take advantage of it.
MR NO
Top Doorslammer has been a success story for Australian drag racing and the old adage comes to mind, if it ain't broke why fix it? It enjoys the strongest fields in the pro ranks and has delivered very tight racing in recent years. Part of that is thanks to having the same ruleset for everyone. No need to constantly tweak rules to have parity. I fear that if turbocharging is introduced we will see constant complaints on both sides that the rules are not fair. When looking at other successful motorsport formulas, they typically all have the same ruleset. Formula One, V8 Supercars, NASCAR, you build to a formula and then you race against cars of that same formula. That is what we have in Top Doorslammer. The racers enjoy racing against similar cars to their own. If turbocharging is your thing then it is time to push forward and develop the critical mass of cars needed to get your own pro class going. At the moment there are very few teams who could sustain the pressure of a whole season, in my opinion. Quite frankly we have a good thing going. Why should it be messed around with now?
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