Disqualified…My Side Of The Story

[@billclark5943]

NHRA needs some competent individuals to make these decisions. They executed this in an unprofessional manner.

[@lifestream4191]

It needed to be even more "unprofessional" than it was. That was a highly dangerous situation and incompetence on the race team.

[@MikeM275]

@@lifestream4191 LOL...this is so monumentally minor it isn't even funny. If you think 1 shot bag coming out is "highly dangerous" you need to stay home on your couch.

[@lifestream4191]

@@MikeM275 do you think 8 pounds of lead coming out at 330 mph is NOT dangerous? What if it happened near the finish line? A blow-over, a crash, obviously anything could fling the lead out... just like it did. Luckily, it wasn't a huge crash that caused the separation of the car and bag, no telling where it would have gone at high speed.

[@lifestream4191]

@@MikeM275 8 pounds at 100 mph (146feet/second) has 2,650 foot-pounds of energy, at 200 mph (293 FPS) has 10,672 foot-pounds of energy, at 330 mph (484 fps) has 29,123 foot-pounds of energy. It was dangerous and could have been deadly in the right circumstances. A clear violation of the rules (and deadly) at most, incompetent at the least.

[@MikeM275]

@@lifestream4191 Think thru what you just said. If it was a "huge crash that caused separation of the car" as you just mentioned, there would be *hundreds* of pounds of flying debris....Pieces of Chromoly metal tubing, perhaps wheels, perhaps rear end parts, possibly the blower, pistons, rods, the billet steel crankshaft, the headers, the rear wing and supports, the front wing and supports, and a thousand other pieces adding up to hundreds of pounds or possibly up to the weight of the car at 2330 lbs! 8 lbs of lead inside a bag at that point would mean absolutely nothing compared to all the other things in a "huge crash" as you alluded to. An 8 lb shot bag of lead coming out on a run as it did, means nothing. I've raced for years, decades, I own(ed) 25 world and national records in my career along the way...This is a nothing burger!

[@jjcaruso44]

I totally agree with you, Clay. Bob Tasca is now under the microscope by NHRA for their intake manifold COLOR..! - We need a different governing body for drag racing. - John

[@Nesie1965]

I think the way NHRA handled the issue was COWARDLY. They should have approached the Crew Chief when the incident happened, and went over the rules, and what happened while everything was still fresh. The way they handled it kept them from facing any drama in the pit....again, Cowardly. I'm with you!!!

[@quickdeuce]

At a minimum they (NHRA) should have notified the team that race was under review.

[@markwatkins5416]

Maybe they were fearing some old school Kalitta justice for this ill advised decision.

[@richardelliott8352]

in 2023, the NHRA probably didn't say anything beyond conversation needed to gather facts, for fear of it being considered as having a biased opinion, since lawyers are always chewing around the edges of big money , hoping for a bite. Even I know cars that can't pass tech are disqualified . I would say the bent frame made things pretty clear was not safe to run and disqualified , , before checking the rules about requirements for adding loose weight.

[@mickeyscott1054]

I think NHRA is so incompetent, they were afraid to approach you for fear of them looking stupid. The rule of no shot bag and then reversing it makes me wonder who wrote the rule book.

[@dloneyv8]

Appreciate the fact that while you are absolutely an ambassador of the sport you also tell it like it is. Appreciate all you do on social media, you are simply better at that stuff than the rest. Thanks for the entertainment.

[@RandolphRelicRecovery]

The governing body of any sport needs to be transparent and consistent. That's all I got to say about that.

[@fasst5511]

What's more amazing to me is that only 8 lbs can make a difference between front wheels staying on the ground or not. Clay I still root for you at every event. You really seem so happy to be doing what you do. Such a great attitude. Hang in there bro.

[@Ole_CornPop]

Leverage is cool

[@54raceman]

The farther from center of rotation something is the more it weighs dynamically

[@valerieumphenour3565]

His wheels still came up so, 8lbs was not enough.

[@internationaldynoauthority693]

It's actually not 8 lb. You have to take 8 lb and multiply it from the moment of center, for each foot. Have two feet you have 16 lb, 3 ft 24 lb etc etc etc. How far is the 8 lb from the moment of center?

[@CKMAX]

I went to my first race at the 1964 Winter Nationals. Over all of these years I've seen changes mandated by NHRA AFTER "incidents" that changed racing for the good. The changes were mandated after it was found that there was a potential problem.....clutch cans, blower restraints, puke cans, diapers, etc.,etc, etc. You had a one in a million incident after following the rules. What's wrong with NHRA looking at your incident and refining the rules as to how ballast can be attached to the car. You did it according to the rules and it didn't work. CHANGE THE RULE! It would benefit everyone! These sactioning bodies, not just NHRA, are going to ruin racing. Ask a NASCAR fan how he feels. I fear NHRA is goind the same way. It's not like there's an over abundance of top fuel cars available to make a full show anyway. You'd think NHRA would want to help the teams instead of working against them. Geez!! Chin up Clay!

[@curtiswalter86]

Well said the world order is coming and they don't like us deplorable.

[@randywl8925]

Key word here is "after" You're absolutely right.

[@markpratt3106]

Sorry brother! Yal got screwed big time.

[@htdriver2012]

I very seldom check my emails right on time. Sounds to me like NHRA had something to settle with your team. I agree with you Clay. As long as you've been doing this, you know and NHRA knows that you wouldn't deliberately try to get something over on them. So sorry they treated you and your team this way.

[@outragousbob4367]

If I understood what you read, loose ballast such as liquid or shot bags etc are illegal if not secured as outlined. It sounds to me like they are saying shot bags are legal if they are in a metal container that is securely mounted to the chassis. I feel like you met the intent of the rule and only had an issue due to wrecking the car. Secondly, if that is a common place to add ballast, DSR should modify the design so that can’t happen . Either way, in my humble opinion you and your team did nothing wrong. Btw, nothing like this will change the fact that you and your team are a total class act and my favorite fuel team!

[@flipfloptanlines926]

I agree "loose" should be clarified and is causing confusion. It should say, materials other than solid metallic single objects used as ballast, must be secured inside a box with 2 bolts minimum. The point of the fasteners is not necessarily to support the load, but also so a tool is required and you have to go through a process to add weight to the car. Something that would make it more involved and time consuming. Something that would be difficult to accomplish after a run before the scales. Crew member droppin 5 lb bag in drivers compartment or slipped down a header tube is quik and easy and hard to detect. So any loose ballast, especially shotbags are a red flag to NHRA

[@richardelliott8352]

@@flipfloptanlines926 thanks for the insight. A lot of commenters miss the part about the incorrect location that broke the rule, thinking the action of the car caused the violation

[@JoeBlow-zr2ru]

Also, if the tube was not constructed from 1/8th inch material (interesting that metal was not mentioned in the reading though) ... then the tube may have not been a legal weight-box container for the shot bag.

[@UncleKennysPlace]

@@flipfloptanlines926 I think Mel Troxel was DQ'd for the same, it appeared that a crew member tossed in some weight after the run.

[@davidmack3806]

Wow, sorry you and your team had to go through that. All I can say is move forward and get the championship next season. Looking forward to seeing you guys Stomp That Loud Peddle.

[@michaelupchurch166]

Having worked with/for NHRA, I’ve never been a fan of the fact there were NO fire suits in Glendora, only business suits. No racers to empathize with the competitors! This ruling was a travesty. Have long wished there was a competing Sanctioning Body for you to race with as before. Just so angry they stripped you of a podium finish to a great year Champ!🤬🤬🤬🤬

[@rogeeeferrari]

I fail to see a "travesty". a rule was clearly broken and the team was penalized according to the rulebook. The travesty was the teams performance in the final 2 races, of which they have a list of excuses for. They were informed more than a week before the next event that they had been DQ'ed and I fail to see how knowing this at an earlier date would have made any difference.

[@intentsmodz]

@@rogeeeferrari But what rule was broken?? The shot bags are allowed, just not "loose" bags. It was Clearly in a designated area of the frame made to hold it such as "the box" in the rule book. Unfortunately during said "incident" the frame CLEARLY twisted and one of the end caps apparently popped off allowing a Legal bag to fall out of it's "fixed" location........ I'm with Clay on this one 🤷

[@stevencwilliams5517]

NHRA should have understood that this was not a "normal" run. There was clearly an "incident" in progress when the bag came out. Sorry Dallas was such a bad weekend for you, Clay. You had this run, which bent the car, also the engine explosion, the Fox guy crashing into your tow vehicle and now this from NHRA!!! Kind of gripes a person's butt.

[@bobvines00]

​@@intentsmodz Watch the race replay that Clay showed in this video. It clearly shows the shot bag sliding down the track behind Clay's car, _before_ the car hit the ground & bending the frame. At the point where the shot bag fell out due to the end cap popping off, I have to assume that the frame wasn't twisting more than typical for any wheelie by a Top Fuel car (typically no ballast falls out). I bet that Clay's Team will never run a car without the end cap being pinned in place (or equal) to ensure this never happens again! I have to assume that the rule that was broken was that the (by then) unsecured ballast fell out of the car. I agree with Clay that wheelies by Top Fuel cars aren't "normal," but they happen an awful lot of the time, just not as high as Clay's was on this run. I lean toward this "higher" wheelie than normal being an "incident" like Clay said. I would have liked to be a "fly on the wall" in the NHRA meeting room when they decided that this wasn't an incident but was a violation of the rules!

[@michaelupchurch166]

@@rogeeeferrari the travesty is that this infraction was not a performance enhancer, did not lower the et or increase the mph of the car, did not endanger anyone, and was never intentionally meant to break any written rules. Obviously you’re not a fan of Clay, so no point in defending the team to your liking, but I do wonder how many other team’s shot tubes would fall out at over 100mph if their car were jacked 4’ in the air at the time?

[@chrislowery185]

NHRA, overall, has a pretty good program, but they really have many things that need cleaned up. This is a perfect example of poor leadership at the top. No way was this an infraction done on purpose to circumvent any rules for a performance advantage. Anyone in the rules committee that can't see this has selfish/corrupt reasons for this judgment.

[@davejohnson7782]

What a joke nhra

[@billwithrow-rl1xi]

If he doesn't like it he can go run somewhere else but most likely without RWR.@@davejohnson7782

[@Dealete420]

NHRA has become a total joke!!

[@richardelliott8352]

I respectfully disagree that a good rule shouldn't be enforced because it was accidentally broken. loose weights are forbidden in the front because of the possibility of coming loose and getting energized into the air by the rear tire, for one concern. Just because a broken rule doesn't result in a performance advantage doesn't mean the rule doesn't have reason to be enforced. Plus, it is just a fact , as competition and the stakes go up, more and more rules will get accidentally broken. what happens then, ever changing rules, judges, psychological questioning for intent, run what ya' brung and clear out the stands ?

[@bad406camaro]

@@richardelliott8352 Considering the totality of the event this was not a broken rule. It was a broken car. At the is starting line the car was compliant with the rules. During the run an unintended failure of a non-related system or systems caused a failure of the safety device containing the shot bag. This is not a violation of rules. If it were every single crash ever occurring at every NHRA event would result in a rule violation. If NHRA wants to dictate the specific construction requirements, then they cannot claim a violation when the required device fails. If you cannot see the political consideration of this decision then you are part of the problem not the solution.

[@thgilne5060]

Dang dude I'm sorry. I really appreciate your honesty in the fact that using the video to express your frustration and a very professional manner. I do think though that doing this is therapeutic and I might use it for that reason for a lot of different things now. You are an awesome person and your race team is incredible. ❤

[@vehdynam]

Unprofessional and unacceptable behaviour on the part of the NHRA. At the least you should have been informed immediately , and maybe lost the run. It almost sounds like a poorly planned vendetta. So sorry about this . Best of luck in 2024 Clay , and to your entire team.

[@rogeeeferrari]

Yes, shame on the NHRA for enforcing rules , must be a conspiracy against Clays team...

[@richardelliott8352]

perhaps NHRA assumed a big bucks pro team would already know that cars that don't pass inspection are disqualified , and didn't want to insult any one's intelligence since tech inspection consequences are known from the first qualifying entry inspection when people play for this kind of money , any rules violation could technically be called cheating, because that's the only way people can cheat. unless you think innocence is preserved among males, or women , who have achieved the top levels of profe$$ional car racing.

[@user-jf7qq7ti5b]

Who moved up?

[@wobblysauce]

And or a delayed protest, and reviewed.

[@scarter176]

So…..what’s new ?

[@jerilynskanes4981]

Sounds to me like a shot is fine as long as it's in a box...which you had. I don't think there should be an expectation that the shot WOULD stay in at that angle. Clearly you got screwed and Boo NHRA. Thank you for being so good to your fans...we appreciate you!

[@woolymansmachining6016]

I don;t know how the plug is retained. But it sounds like to me you had a frame failure. If the frame "broke" and released the ballast what is the difference when other items break and litter the track. I'm still be hind you guys 100%!!

[@ni_wink84]

100% agree with you

[@richardelliott8352]

if a frame failure caused the car to red light, would you still think what's the difference, don't disqualify the car? in this case, the action of the car only exposed the violation, the violation was a choice, even if poorly informed.

[@BrettAirsun]

I have been a huge Clay Millican fan since your first IHRA season. That being said, I will probably catch crap for this but oh well, that ballast came out after it shook the tires and Clay peddled it, which happens all the time . Nothing un-ordinary about that. That ballast was coming out even if there was no wheel stand. The crappy part is that the NHRA waited 6 days to make the call on the penalty!! The NHRA definitely could have handled things better for sure

[@SC457A]

This was handled pretty poorly by the NHRA. I hope the process is looked at and corrected. Sure a rule was broken, but the notification was done so poorly. The lateness of the notification is my issue. Like you mentioned, what if there was an event the following week? 5,000$ is not exactly pocket change for some teams, and to be told at an event you already drove to... "oh, you owe us 5k before you can race..." Be better NHRA.

[@dwc4343]

I agree with you, but 5 grand is pocket change for those kinds of teams. Do they want to pay it, no, but they got it on hand and then some. It's not a legal box. Did you miss the part where the rules say the weight has to be bolted down by exact size bolts?

[@MegaCm123456]

"what if there was an event the following week?" Heck, if there was an event next week, then maybe they would have prioritized this. But there was no other even. Don't you think the NHRA knows when they have another event? This is a BS hypothetical.

[@SC457A]

@@MegaCm123456 Then why would it take so long to notify the Racer via Email? It should be a procedure to contact, and notify the racer quickly and properly. The racer could do the proper procedures to protest the citation or make corrections to car, etc. The NHRA handled this poorly. That is the bottom line.

[@MegaCm123456]

I don't care if they handled it poorly. The team should have known they were in trouble the moment they decided not to comply with the rules. When the ballast dropped out, then clearly it was obvious to everyone that they were going to get repercussions. They are now just playing the victim, because they got notified by email, when it was clear as soon as the weight fell out that they circumvented the rules and were caught. They are just trying to pull smoke and mirrors afterwards. Don't fall for it. @@SC457A

[@MegaCm123456]

What corrections to the car??? They already broke the rules and were caught. You think it works that if you get caught, you fix it and its like nothing ever happened??????@@SC457A

[@Airplanefish]

Now after hearing you read the rule and watching the slow mo of the run I can see where NHRA is coming from. One would think the tube that holds weight wouldn't have a hole in the back? You said it had a plug, but the plug obviously wasn't secured in place. That weight looked like it slid out easily?

[@49ProRatStreet]

I agree with this and from what you read it was to be in a box with 3/8" thick walls and attached with bolts. Disregarding the bolts versus welded on, the plug violated the enclosed box rule. I get the 6 days frustration. This aside, I love your videos.

[@jeffreywilliamson4863]

Yes. And I would suspect the G-force of the launch would be much more significant in ejecting the ballast out the rear of the tube rather than the lifting of the front end. Sucks hard to lose the entire event though.

[@michaelrockey4728]

NHRA needs to institute a decision making panel of drivers/crew chiefs voted on by the competitors to make these decisions. Obviously the rule was broken but what constitutes an incident? The shear violence of a fuel car leaving the line could be classified as incident if it doesn’t go as planned. Even if it doesn’t hit the wall things can rattle loose.

[@williamgauntt1164]

I don't have a dog in this fight but my thought is the weight goes in a tube at the nose of the car...given the incredible Gs that fuel car can AND will accelerate to, why was this tube not closed at BOTH ends? I feel for ya Mr. Millican but surely team engineers know more than I that a vehicle that accelerates this hard, wheels up or not, the ballast needs to be contained...I'm still a fan, let's learn from this...We don't walk around with our zippers down do we?

[@billwithrow-rl1xi]

Apparently Clay does.@@williamgauntt1164

[@brentdavis4867]

it was contained both ends were closed , if the nose stayed down no issue with the g forces , nose up g forces are multiplied. Nose up is not a consideration in design, it is an oddity in top fuel as such a racing incident in which something has gone wrong to cause a nose up situation.

[@richardelliott8352]

@@brentdavis4867 good thing they already had a rule about shot location and placement just in case of a "Racing incident"

[@MrWarren1991]

The issue is they have conflicting rules on the books, you can't say no lead shot with on breath, then say hey this is how you bolt a box of lead shot onto your chassis with the next...

[@mikerice2430]

Sorry this happened to you and your team. Hope you have a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

[@user-xw5dc8wd3u]

Plain and simple, you guys got screwed!!!!

[@dwc4343]

It's not a legal box. Did you miss the part where the rules says the weight has to be bolted down by exact size bolts?

[@DACoutBack]

I sent a message to the NHRA just now. Told them to treat it as other pro sports do. If the officials miss a call during the event. It is a MISSED CALL. Re-instate Clay Millican points and remove the DQ on the MISSED CALL by the NHRA Officials.

[@Jonathan-L]

I like the 'missed call' principle ... I could apply that to when my wife nags me every six months for handyman jobs that I haven't even started yet.

[@kevinritchie9227]

Even if I thought the penalty was deserved, they could have let you know in a more professional manor. Our local dragstrip was NHRA sanctioned for a long time but went to IHRA because of some shady stuff. (From what I was told)

[@guest6423]

They let him know in the most professional manner. According to many other comments here. 'professional' would have been to have a fist fight in the pits. NHRA: "Hey, should we divert personnel from running this race to try to figure out why shot fell out of Milliken's losing car? Why would we? We'll deal with that later. People on the internet will be mad about it? They always are."

[@marks2254]

You’re right, the rule regarding shot bags should be clear - in fact, all rules should be clear. One problem with people who aren’t properly trained is that we aren’t able to write what we mean very well. NHRA should do better in that area.

[@Jonathan-L]

It makes you wonder that nobody proof-read the rule, but instead either more than one person wrote the rule, or someone just got sloppy with their copy & pasting skills. Were maybe lysdexic well they as.

[@NoName-tq9fi]

The rule is clear if you read it in context. Clay intentionally tried to make seem unclear to win uninformed people to his position.

[@ANotSoHotRodGarage]

I wouldn't be surprised to see you get another fine for reading the letter on air. NASCAR and NHRA have no problem taking money if they feel like someone has a disagreement with them.

[@cotton-Dave]

ANot--That crossed my mind also. Since they were petty enough to do THIS, they very well may attack again.

[@danocamaross]

No kidding, Clay better tighten every bolt on that car after every pass next year!

[@NWvideo10]

Clay, big time fan here, you have made me a top fuel addict! I agree with you that this was an ‘incident’ and most defiantly should have been ruled as such. The latest you should have been informed was when the event was concluded. I think the delay was caused by some ongoing indecision’s by NHRA’s rules committee. Like some folks have mentioned someone in rules is biased against your team and influenced/controlled by another, there needs to be a formal outside investigation! Hopefully some large motor sports media source has looked into your ‘complaint/overview’ and published some questions related to this ruling?

[@alanlocklear8564]

Corruption is everywhere these days. You and your team are great, and an incredible asset to the sport and NHRA. The FANS ALL LOVE YOU ❤️

[@dougadler4235]

100% true these sanctioning body’s are all now tied to the international racing cabal. It’s all about money.

[@Reece634]

Big respect for you Clay and love the NHRA. It’s just really sad some of the stuff they do.

[@edsullivan1710]

Mr. Milligan -- you are a "Class Act"! You did a great video, and DID NOT throw NHRA under the bus (I could not been so eloquent in my words). You are a true ambassador for NHRA. I started to following you this summer, truly enjoy behind the scenes video's. Great job of taking the winning lane!!!!!!!! Former Gear Head 🤪🤪

[@dragillustrated]

This is really good information, when it comes to rules in any sport all everyone wants is consistency and transparency. It’s not to much to ask to be honest.- JT

[@tnargdonald]

Seems to me like it was justifiable DQ, but a warning should have been issued. A simple 1/8” “cap” at the back of that tube should remedy this issue. Best of luck I really enjoy your content.

[@WilksGRendai]

If you put a caliper on the wall of that front tube and it is 1/8th inch or larger then you should be golden. it was in a holding container - it wasnt loose ballast, that section of tube doesnt weigh 100lbs, done deal you’re good! as you say cars can blow apart and win, despite an incident which renders the car off-tech. It only became loose ballast as a result of the wheelie, and in no way gave you any advantage during that event. I’m with you Clay!

[@flipfloptanlines926]

Almost. They need 2- 3/8" through bolts on both ends to meet the rule. The bad part of the deal is the no appeal points deduction, especially in a no gain situation. NHRA is touchy about "loose" weight with competitors regularly violating this rule before the scales. NHRA moving forward to warn all the teams of ballast box regulations, and regularly start enforcement.

[@jdoe9518]

"If you put a caliper on the wall of that front tube and it is 1/8th inch or larger then you should be golden. it was in a holding container - it wasn't loose ballast" There is massive flaw in your argument. The ballast fell out. By definition making it loose. How many shotgun shells worth of lead shot you think is in 8lb bag? How many people you think you could put holes in using 11,000hp to shoot lead shot between the tyre and track surface?

[@rebekahfrench5747]

​@@jdoe9518 None. that bag of shot loose on track and under the slicks would have ended clays vehicle.. Fact bag contained contents and did not expell contents..

[@jdoe9518]

@@rebekahfrench5747 Is it possible the contents of a bag of shot could be expelled? And is that maybe why the rules about the mounting of ballast exist? The stupidity of the people in this comments sections is extraordinary

[@jdoe9518]

@@rebekahfrench5747 Can I ask what you mean by "ended Clay's vehicle"? Because it sounds like maybe if he ran over his 8lb bag of shot you're saying it would've caused accident? Or at least significant damage to the rear of the car. And that would cost the team money? And create a delay in proceedings at the event for clean up etc? Sounds like the ballast falling off cars is a bad thing... They should probably make some rules to stop that from happening. And enforce those rules if it does happen.

[@54raceman]

I definitely agree that at the point that the car was bent like it was from the landing the car now falls under being considered a wrecked racecar

[@ianduckitt9224]

Amazed by how the NHRA handled this! ESPECIALLY as it involves arguably the best advert for the sport they have - Clay Millican! Clay - you’ve handled this professionally as always - not sure they deserve what you bring in for them in terms of crowds, reputation and $$$….better luck next season!

[@russellharris9579]

May be why it took so long trying to dodge a lot of bad press?????

[@ni_wink84]

@@russellharris9579very good point!

[@volunteerflstc]

I'm stunned. I've had discussions about rules violations with local track officials and yes, the resolution was made before the end of that event. I'm a tiny fish in a big pond but to wait six days is unconsionable.

[@shotsrodder]

I’m sure that the team didn’t think that the bag would ever fall out not knowing that the plug would fail 😬

[@xPr1m3]

You're right. I'm kind of surprised that the tube end had a plug and wasn't a welded cap. We have a very similar front half to Clay's that has a large tube, but ours has a cap welded on. We also use this for nose weight, but nothing can come out the back.

[@cnftnf]

Anything can happen no matter how much you prepare. I like Clay's point of a funny car ( or any car ) can pass weigh in etc after a crash or "incident ". ❤ Clay and his team and drag racing (50 years +)

[@1STGeneral]

​@xPr1m3 I doubt the end of the front wing tube was left unwelded by accident. Anything is possible though

[@54raceman]

Its removable for that reason but it should’ve been pinned rather it was a bolt completely thru the tube and cap or even a set screw that only goes thru one side of the tube and plug

[@j.tomaselli6406]

WOW Clay. Sounds like a very disorganized response. You handled it like the pro that you always are brother! :) See you in 24 so you can get even on the track.

[@erichuff2538]

Sounds Luke someone didn't want you guys in the top ten. Just saying what I think. They have their favorites.

[@craigsouthern5089]

They always have an always will,Amen to that.

[@richardelliott8352]

it's human nature to have favorites, but that doesn't mean humans are basically unfair. Competition fairness is why rules are created and enforced , and why they must be observed impartially, not conditionally.

[@TheoneGodfather]

Clay IS one of their favorites.

[@wobblysauce]

Depends on whom gets put into the 10

[@edbennett8257]

It really sounds to me like the issue isn't that you had a shot bag in a weight box, it is that the weight box was not properly constructed to contain the shot bag. A friction fit plug can not be expected to hold up against 48 lbs of force (8 lbs of shot at 6G) and is not the same degree of security as 2 1/2" bolts. The fact that it came out without other major damage being done to the car indicates that it was indeed "loose weight" and not properly secured, which is both the intent and the letter of the rule.

[@dwa3093]

If the bag coming out did not affect the car in the other lane then it shouldn't be an issue

[@bobroberts2371]

What if the bag coming out was not noticed by track workers and the next car down that lane crashes?

[@dwa3093]

@bobroberts2371 You could ask that same question about a bolt or anything else that might fall off of a car

[@bobroberts2371]

@@dwa3093 Ballast is specifically called out by most racing rules as either it has been haphazardly been attached or is intentionally detached from the car while on the track. Regardless, the car didn't suffer a incident, it didn't crash. It made it to the end of the track and onto the return road. Besides, would you really trust a car builder to make a roll cage if they can't weld a plug into the end of a tube without failure?

[@ni_wink84]

@@bobroberts2371I was under the impression the plugs are not welded but press in for ease of ballast change? But I don’t know that just what I gathered from the video, threaded would make sense in that case I would assume?

[@bobroberts2371]

@@ni_wink84 The tow eyelet in the front is what comes off to load the ballast and SHOULD be used to extract too. If by design the plug on the rear ( facing the fuel tank ) is designed to be pushed out to extract ballast, that is a serious design flaw. I'm now wondering if the nose tube was never intended to hold ballast and in a pinch it appeared to be a good place to load it.

[@justacoupleofkids320]

As I see it, the shot bag wasn’t loose ballast until the car malfunctioned and damaged the ballast container. One question, what kind of plug was at the end of the tube that allowed the shot bag to leave the ballast container, was it welded, threaded or otherwise mechanically secured in a manner that should have kept the shot bag in the container and if so, what analysis of it’s failure has been done to avoid a recurrence?

[@rmzlife]

We all know if you had a normal run, the bag would not have come out. That's NHRA being pedie. That's why tracks are closing down all across the country, and the outlaw tracks are growing crazy fast.

[@colehara]

I've never met Clay. Haven't been to a national event since the early nineties. But I like him. Seems like a down to earth guy.

[@H3110NU]

To me it sounds like loose shotbags are not allowed unless they are completely contained and not moveable. Meaning don’t throw a shot bag into the car loose. The only way the shotbag comes out is it was able to move in that tube sorta like a kinetic projectile cuts through a tank. I would think on deceleration the bag moved forward at the end of the previous run, and then on acceleration on the next run it slammed the back of the tube and blew out. Some sort of space filler may have been needed so the bag couldn’t move around on acceleration and deceleration. Either way, that vaguely written rule needs clarification and notification should occur must quicker.

[@davidzimmer2694]

Outstanding explanation. Bottom line it's a missile hazard to the public if a car hits a wall at 245mph and the weights disengage the car they are traveling at 245mph into something, like a person.

[@David-hm9ic]

@@davidzimmer2694 If a wreck is that bad I would be more concerned with things like tires/wheels and engines flying around.

[@pauldavidgordon]

God bless you brother. 100% an incident. Once the front end is up and the whole car is shaking anything can happen. That's racing. If the NHRA is going to disqualify and fine race teams every time something comes off a car, we may as well lock up the gates right now.

[@richardsink9198]

Sounds to me Like an HOA that just wants you to move. Give them 5000 in pennies.

[@keithdumas]

I stopped being an NHRA member/competition license holder(top sportsman/top dragster) back in '09-10 and began running with the IHRA sanctioned programs (NHRA hates the sportsman racers). Unfortunately after the IHRA demise I chose to attend mostly local bracket racing events until ultimately getting out of the sport. After NHRA today took away any possible exposure with sportsman racers and did an interview with Bruce Jenner I chose to never watch or attend another NHRA event. I now watch PDRA and MId West Pro Mod series events. Just my 2 cents. Good luck to you because you are truly one of the good guys and a sportsman racer at heart!

[@og190]

Clay, i and many other racers i know have had a problem with the rule books for years the contradictions and the vague descriptions its frustrating that after all these years that they could get it right. I assume that the team has changed how the plug is held in place. Best wishes in 2024.

[@user-lu6ot8oo5d]

I would keep fighting against that ruling. Like You said, the race car had a problem during the run.

[@retired-pipefitter]

I would love to know how the shot bag came out the back of the frame rail? Rule was applied as written. Motivation for next year.

[@danielcarroll5667]

Fell out of love with NHRA in the 70's because of their capricious and inconsistent application of rules , sorry to see this happen to you and your team...

[@Oilerguy21]

I’m a big fan Clay. 3 things are true here. 1. NHRA, once again, has proven how short-sighted their methods are. Not the rules, but the application of the rules. 2. I agree with your assessment regarding the fact that there was an “incident”. If you would have shredded that tire in the same spot, no disqualification. 3. Unfortunately, the hardest lesson, is next year hopefully you are in a spot where you are higher up in the standings and 74 points isn’t the difference of being in the top 10. I feel big things happening for y’all next year. If I can escape the great white north I hope to see you in Seattle or Vegas next year.

[@JimMcnevin]

GREAT VIDEO !! UNFAIR DECISION !! WISH GREAT RESULTS IN NEW YEAR !! NHRA SHOULD TREAT DRIVERS/TEAMS WITH PROFESSIONAL RESPECT AND FAIRNESS !!

[@MattHughesRealtor]

I think you got the shaft. On top of that, the tone Tony P used while discussing this issue on air was inappropriate as well. He should have stated the facts and not added in that it was duct taped on as surely wasn't. Also didn't he make some disparaging mechanics remarks?

[@fsmith395]

I agree with Your statement!! Tony P. should at least think a little longer,, before making derogatory statements. Bring Mike Dunn back👍🏼🏁

[@whitneystringer396]

I agree. It was a completely classless move on Tony’s part.

[@terjejohnsen3651]

Corruption someone want you loose this points.

[@OttoByOgraffey]

*lose

[@terjejohnsen3651]

@@OttoByOgraffey ok mr Perfect.

[@OttoByOgraffey]

@terjejohnsen3651 lost, lose, losing, loses, loss, losses, and loser. See how they all have one 'O'? Now you know. You could have just fixed your original comment.

[@terjejohnsen3651]

@@OttoByOgraffey if you not have any better to do then correct people you must get another hobby. By the way it was Google​ that write loose as it changed when i sendt it as im from norway and write Norwegian and Google​ translate, so send them a reminder that they do wrong.

[@onetallone41]

Common sense says you lose any points for that run when the shot bag came out or any run when the shot bag was improperly secured. You should still keep the points for qualifing and round wins before the incident. imho.

[@NoName-tq9fi]

This is directly from the rulebook: “Discovery of loose or disguised ballast will result in disqualification from the event, regardless of whether the infraction occurs during qualifying or eliminations.”

[@jasonwehrling738]

NHRA holds a good event every weekend and they do a good job but I think they dropped the ball on this one we should have told you guys that weekend that you were going to be penalized not 6 days later. I think there should be something in the rules with a time frame for a penalty and not 6 days. You guys do an amazing job keep up the good work clay and RWR crew keep the videos coming and get them on the next one. Stomp on that loud pedal.

[@DACoutBack]

Ok, I was outside pulling the engine out of my car and thinking about this some more. I was thinking. They don't come back days later and throw a flag in a over-looked penalty days later in the NFL. It is just reported as a MISSED CALL during the event by the officials. NHRA needs to accept their mistake and award the points as the infraction was not caught during the event.

[@ronmedenwaldt]

There are times that I get frustrated with the way things are and my better half usually lets me know, " It's their game, it's their rules!".

[@ronmedenwaldt]

@@Jonathan-L our marriage and family life isn't average. It's about taking care of a child that needs constant care and gets high anxiety when in crowded environments. In a situation like that it isn't about you and how you feel or what you want.

[@ronmedenwaldt]

@@Jonathan-L no need to apologize. It wasn't a quote that you stated. Just stating some facts that some peeps don't consider.

[@ronmedenwaldt]

​​​@@Jonathan-LI'm the stay at home husband and parent. So those statements are true here. Never really been one that keeps finances in secret from her either. The money I did make was hers also. It's what it takes to be honest. And by the looks of the weather forecast I don't want to be living in the streets! Oh and you tubes removed your replies from my notifications. Oh it's bc you deleted your comments. Uuuhhhhhh ok then!

[@HonestOtter]

The whole situation makes much more sense now after seeing the application. NHRA should have definitely handled this better and the delay/communication method was unacceptable. At the very least you would think the tech inspectors would have been looking at the chassis to understand how the ballast was installed and why it came out. Seems like the boots on the ground didn't think it was an issue but someone elsewhere did. The penalty also seems unusual as the car did not do anything known to be "illegal" on the previous passes. That being said, I also can see why it was viewed as a violation of that rule. The force to slide the ballast out of the tube would not have been that much more with the front of the car elevated so it was only a matter of time until it came out. Even if the car went fully vertical that is only 1g and the car sees far more than that at launch. That tube needs a cap on the back of it that is guaranteed to contain the ballast to meet the rule IMO. Based on that DSR badge on the tube... I wonder how many other cars in the field have this same potential issue.

[@zrxdoug]

The issue is the lack of retaining bolts...that point in the rules is there specifically to prevent a team from easily cheating the scales after a run. NHRA wants ballast addition/removal to be a procedure requiring a dude with a wrench, not something that can be popped in & out on the sly to make weight after a pass. The tube in question is a tow hook attachment point, not an approved ballast box. The way NHRA sees it, Clay & his team got caught with their fingers in the cookie jar.. Understandable. The delay was BS though...and the fine was uncalled for.

[@mrbigw100]

Well it’s 1am in australia I’m glad I stayed up to watch this I feel that the NHRA should be more proactive/better in making their rules not contradict themselves and also if their is an infraction act straight away as the officials their would of know that you may have broken the rules but once they do say that give the recipient a chance to defend them selves and actually listen but also maybe for next years car you could have the guy weld a plug in place so if you need to place shot there again it doesn’t come out

[@richardelliott8352]

the forward location and chosen securement of the shot was the violation, not that it was exposed by the wild run.

[@ruhtardedninjas]

I don’t understand why the NHRA doesn’t seem to like you very much. You are the reason I am starting to get into NHRA.

[@angushoover8670]

NHRA has been pulling chicken shit games for decades. It's pathetic that a bunch of suits decide the rules and outcome. There needs to be a group of actual drivers making these decision's or at minimum having equal input.

[@happydays8171]

Good point. They used to make rules based on driver input.

[@chuckhawes7519]

My thoughts are that they need to make the rules crystal clear. There should not be any descepencies at all. Every violation needs a set fine.

[@rogerrandolph9685]

Wow! I agree 100% you all got screwed! They need to own up to their mistakes before they can expect anyone else to. Obviously an incident! NHRA pull it together peeps!!!

[@richardelliott8352]

that the shot fell out was an incident. locating and securing it in violation of the rules was a decision. apparently just one of many bad ones.

[@lawrenceheavirland590]

Thanks for the infomation , very interesting , you teach me more everytime i watch you, thank U and the best to you and yours and I will watch you every chance i get , U amaze me , thanks again, Lawrence.

[@angryhornet6233]

Well at risk of getting myself in trouble and without talking to Clay about this first here's what I think. I hope that this pro race and others like it do really well so that professional classes have other venues to race. NHRA needs the competition from other organizations at professional level to improve or fail. I HAVE SEEN FIRST HAND TEAMS STRAIGHT UP CHEATING FOR A PERFORMANCE ADVANTAGE AND GET QUIETLY FINED AND NO LOSS OF POINTS. Everyone is treated the same unless you have the right last name. In this case I believe they are splitting hairs to actually be this heavy handed.The team was adding ballast the way most top fuel teams do. At the end of the day it is thier sandbox and that is why we need other sandboxes to play in. Otherwise NHRA will never clean thiers up.

[@ni_wink84]

EG Erica Enders… amazing how her car was always so much faster than other pro stock cars and they chalked it up to driver talent… sorry in a class that tight, that’s just not possible…

[@ben10094]

ANGRY THEY ARE JUST LIKE NASCAR YOUR NAME HAS TOP BILLING JUST ASK HMS AT MASCAR LOOKS AT THERE RECORD OF CHEATING VERY LITTLE POINTS OR MONEY TAKEN AWAY NHRA IS GETTING JUST LIKE THEM MUST BE NHRA'S DADDY THING

[@GAlan-nn6mu]

Definitely seems like some favoritism going around. You even hear it in the booth.

[@jeffreyperrault3792]

😮Well son of a biscuit Clay! I'm just gosh darn glad you didn't have a blow over buddy.Great job pedaling that deal and shutting it down.Mad skills which I already knew you poccessed.God bless the best driver and one of the nicest people I have ever met.

[@JC-xv9dr]

May have missed it in your explanation. But how are the end caps in the pipe where the bag goes secured in the pipe?

[@GeoffInfield]

What a crock, that's absolutely disgusting, as you allude to, if you lost control and that shot bag - borrowed from another top team ffs - escaped when the chassis disintegrated that'd be FINE. Unbelievable. I can only hope it took six days because sensible people in NHRA were fighting it 🤬

[@chadmason5313]

Y’all got screwed by the NHRA!! Plain and simple

[@HighMaintenancePS]

Weight container is not built well enough for these reasons; -It leaves room for the weight to slide around and build up inertia. The weight likely slammed into the rear plug on launch. These movement and arrest forces are not good for stability period. -The rear plug was not nearly strong enough. Why was it a plug? Why was it not solid welded? -The weight tube and weight should be constructed to hold the weight as far forward as possible and hold it contained as possible. Ideally zero movement so that you don’t get big recoil forces affecting the chassis and launch. At the end of the day the weight here was not secure. This compromised the launch and the rules. To remedy; -Design weights of solid lead that are bolted or otherwise solidly secured to the front of the chassis.

[@fitts3396]

To get the answer as to why they took all your points away, one just has to look closely as to who had the most to benefit from this move !!!!!

[@NoName-tq9fi]

They took all the points away because that is what the rulebook says they must do for that infraction.

[@mikezachan7117]

From my view that tube should have a welded cap on the back of it and there should be one 3/8 grade 8 bolt through the tow ring plug.

[@robertanderson9724]

Sounds like NHRA needs to get their stuff together. They wanted to make an example, and it turned out to be you this time. How about an independent commission handling these situations? Outside of NHRA!!!

[@richardelliott8352]

would you enjoy paying for, and policing, such a service

[@AB-80X]

I feel your pain Clay. I'm a former pro athlete rower from Europe who has done world cups world championships, Euro championships and one Olympics in 2008, and I can't even count the times I have had to deal with a sanctioning body or umpire who have done odd stuff that led to either a disqualification or warning. 6 days? They can go F themselves. Absolutely atrocious. If something is as clear cut as they claim this is, 24 hours is more than enough. I'm guessing that they have had some internal discussions on whether or not they could make that ruling stick, and that leaves a really bad taste in my mouth, because that makes me wonder what's actually going on. This have an aura of vindictiveness if you ask me - it strikes me as calculated somehow.

[@terry4343]

Rules are rules however when I hear a story like this it makes me wonder who complained to improve their standing and/or financial gain during those 6 days. Was it an NHRA official, fellow competitor or competitor’s sponsor or just a fellow competitor who was penalized for the same rule previously who felt your team was getting preferential treatment.

[@fsmith395]

it’s Sad, to think of “who” may have benefited from such a delayed infraction notification, which suggests “corruption” in the NHRA corporate entity. ? Clay “is” a Class individual & and same go’s for the entire Team! Keep Strong in Your ways to Clay & the Team!! Good and Right will prevail in 2024!🙏🙏🏽🙏🏼

[@CarsandCats]

Sounds like a DSR problem to me. I bet they put a couple tack welds on that plug moving forwards. They ought to do the right thing and pay your fine as well.

[@stratostatic]

Did an NHRA official ever go to your pit after the incident to determine why the shot bag came out of the car? They should have been willing/able to tell you if they were going to make an issue of the matter at that time.

[@joshuagibson2520]

12:21

[@denniswheeler7835]

If there was truely a problem the NHRA should have addressed it the second they returned the shot bag. As said earlier, who really stood to gain from this decision. I was so glad to be present when y'all won the Mile High Nationals.

[@BenjySparky]

Clay and crew, y'all rock! Like I've seen on someone else's comment, they need to have crew chiefs and drivers make the decisions on what breaks the rules. Y'all are going to have a great 2024 season. Peace ❤

[@textoad7724]

Tech stewards to evaluate an appeal should be involved. The time limit for penalty at an event should at least require a notice of investigation BEFORE the event ends and points are awarded.

[@borgonianevolution]

You are right.. usually officiating entities will drop the ban hammer immediately. The behind the scenes lack of notification, the skirting of normal procedures tells me this was instigated by one of your competing teams and that there was some bargaining or debating process happening those few days prior. This happens all the time and when it does usually there is some benefit or gain for the outside parties involved on both sides. It is a sad thing but when there is money involved in any competition certain mindset people will do some skeevy shit to get the win.

[@danocamaross]

Which team had the most to gain? Makes you wonder....

[@borgonianevolution]

@@danocamaross ALL of them!. would you want to have to drive against that team with Clay in the seat n a finals scenario?

[@Jonathan-L]

Or maybe someone in the NHRA wanted to pay for his kitchen renovation and thought that a bag of lead pellets laying on the track looked more like $5000 cash.

[@daledavies2334]

Permanently attached to me says welded in. Two 1/2" bolts holding 100 pounds is also to me sketchy, considering the shock loading these cars are subjected to. I would think a container that has a "lid" facing to the front and bolts into the frame tubes such that the weight can not come out. I used to corner marshal.for road racing in the 1970s to the later 1990s. I have issues with some of NHRA BS.

[@sleekimagesphotography]

Hope this deal in Bradenton is huge. It will show the joke that is the nhra that they're not the only game in town anymore. Maybe Rick can get on board with who's putting it on and form a new sanctioning body and push the nhra out !! Happy Holidays Clay and team !

[@Ceemysix]

What is happening in Bradenton?

[@dragindart]

Big race in February. $250.000 to win top fuel, funny car. $125,000 to win pro stock.

[@sauletto1]

I love Bradenton ! Took my old '72 Nova down the track a few times back in the late '90's.

[@garykarenmcgruther6386]

Clay, My take on this? Please highlight THEIR OWN MISTAKE IN RULE MAKING and send it back and require a $5000 dollar rejudgement fee to them. Then ask if you can see the rule on points deduction because of said rule being broken? I would definitely Highlight their own mistake and show everyone it including on here. You and that team is one of kind, You we refer the team to "Us" and not just you. You rock my friend.

[@wythetrumpet6419]

NHRA did you wrong. There absolutely was No cheating or Rigging of the car illegally. It was an incident plain and simple. Any component of the car can go south due to all those G-Forces and raw power! When the car torqued up in the air and the weight came out that certainly was NOT cheating! You and Your Team did nothing wrong!

[@richardelliott8352]

when playing for these kinds of stakes, one might say that any violation of the rule is cheating, and that is why the cars are inspected, aside from safety compliance. sometimes violations are accidental, sometimes not. I do not include any single person in this factual observation.

[@TheBDD1970]

I can only guess which is next to useless.....that they wanted to see where the car was damaged to ascertain if the shot came out from the "incident" or because it was not properly contained as per the second rule you read. Not sure why it took 6 days but I agree with them that the shot came out of the car without a defect caused by damage and quite frankly if it came out at 200 mph could have been a serious safety concern. Best of luck to you this year, great racing and thanks for being so open about the issue.

[@MotownHouse]

"Intent" should always factor into a sanction like they imposed on your team...the wheelie was so violent it wrecked the car. Common sense says that's not a normal run... the whole thing stinks. Sorry about the loss of the Top10 finish bonuses. You guys had a great year! Hope you build on it!

[@dwc4343]

Who says the loss of the shot bag did not cause the incident?

[@williamallen7836]

​@@dwc4343 because the shot bag didn't come out until after the wheel shake & front end lift. Traction was the issue that knocked the bag lose.

[@williamallen7836]

The rule violation is that the tube did not qualify as a containment box due to the rear plug not being welded in place. The 2 ND part of rule clearly stares that shot bags can be affixed to the frame inside of a 1/8th inch welded box. If the plug had been welded in place the shot bag would not have come out. Which is the whole reason for the rule. Lose shots bags are a danger for the car, and others. Specialy if a lost shot bag is not noticed before the next run.

[@dwc4343]

@@williamallen7836 I know, I was just making a point.

[@Mr5and50]

NHRA is constantly placed in a position that they have to make "hard" decision's, due to some "wide spread" rules. That being said, the fact that the car had an "incident" is a non factor. If a car crashed and was found to have had a power adder (Nitrous for example) would the round be DQ'd or the whole event ? I know that this is an extreme .. but WHO decides how bad an "infraction" is? Rules are rules and sometimes they SUCK! Consistency is all we can ask for and something I'm sure NHRA is striving to achieve. I will also add that every single run that you won (Clay) I was on my feet cheering! You are a HUGE fan fav. Keep smiling, keep digging... you have a huge fan base. 2024 is YOUR year brother :)

[@nickcanada3687]

Agree with you guys 100% on the incident, but in my opinion the “shot bag” rule doesn’t contradict itself. I interpret that essentially as “it can be used if contained”. I’m sorry this happened to you guys and that was the least professional way of them handling it.

[@meanmechanic9]

i guess capping the back of that tube the weight was in will be done in the future?

[@jeffturnbull3114]

Clay, this makes one wonder who went to NHRA and protested you. This whole thing stinks of backdoor politics. Merry Christmas to all y'all.

[@KCadbyRacing]

Did I miss where someone said there was a protest involved with this incident?

[@richardelliott8352]

@@KCadbyRacingyou are correct, no protest was mentioned. you start changing the rules to conditional enforcement, the event becomes both unfair and un insurable.

[@christianfritz6333]

OK, so I understand the ruling and we can say the ballast came out before the wheelstand, OK. But the car shook then the ballast was slammed into the back of the tube breaking the welds and releasing the ballast... The rule does not make allowance for failure and there is the flaw. Retrospect the container failure is a manufacturing defect, which you might have noticed if you used ballast in the container regularly.

[@freedomfox8183]

I love you clay Millican and it's the only reason I watch anything that has to do with NHRA... I just can't get behind an organization like them that are their own worst enemy every step of the way .. pretty much every other organization out there is more enjoyable to watch and support at this point.. if I'm being honest I'd rather watch no prep racing than anything now a days but the NHRA just never gets on the bandwagon when the time's right... This whole situation is BS... It was obvious what happened from anybody with common senses eyes... But we are talking about the NHRA here that doesn't go with common sense... a big majority of their fans are only watching top fuel because of YOU

[@mre1984]

Me playing the arm chair crew chief for a moment, the tire shake caused the end cap to come loose which allowed the shot bag to fall out, not necessarily the twisting of the chassis. Tire shake can be very violent & damage things on race cars.

[@brianpoch4433]

Definitely not a fair judgement at all !!!!! With that impact I'm surprised you weren't picking up a lot more than just a shot bag . Didn't affect the track or the other car in the other lane. Looks like NHRA has to much time on their hands to come up with bogus rules!!!!

[@evracer]

As a tech official and a former competitor, I can see both sides of this, but the bottom line is there was loose ballast, and loose ballast is a DQ. I can he probably deserved to know a little sooner....but that doesn't change anything about the infraction. The car rolled out of the lane just as it would have any other time, and given the nature of how the weight was in the car, it didn't come out because of any failure of the car....it came out because it wasn't properly secured. This is on the team. Not the end of the world....but NHRA is correct on this one.

[@chrisgibson6960]

They should have definitely handled it better. You’re team was trying to comply with the rules as written. I agree the beginning of the incident was when the bag came out, therefore the rules are out the window because you’ve gone past normal. Sucks that it happened. Just come back stronger next year. 👍