2007 Cacklefest Guidelines
Updated 08-20-07
2007 Cacklefest Notes
California Hot Rod Reunion
To: All Cacklefest Participants
From: Steve Gibbs
Here are a few of the changes you can expect (they will be strictly
enforced):
More staff. We have been trying to do too much with too little.
I hope to be able to add a couple of staff members to help coordinate
Cacklefest activities, but we need some volunteer help in basic
oversight.
Strict enforcement of driveline
disconnect. We simply cannot allow cars to be started in spectator
areas, on the ground, with drivelines connected. We will establish
a centralized, secure, "failsafe" area, with barricades,
for any vehicle that needs to be started up, on the ground, with
driveline in place.
We urge you to check out the
new "in and out" box that has been installed in the
Howard's Cams Rattler.
Meetings/Instructions. Our "pre-Cackle" meetings seem
to be basically ineffective, so we will no longer be conducting
them. Participants can expect much more in the way of comprehensive
printed instructions/diagrams, and it will be up to each team
to follow those instructions.
Schedule. The 2006 schedule went to hell due to all the Top Fuel
oildowns, which I hope will not be repeated. Even so - we are
going to move to 2007 schedule up, with a little more "cushion"
between the fuel car activity.
Waivers. All participants, including
all crew members, must sign proper Waiver Forms prior to any
engine starts, including static starts in the pit areas.
Practice Starts. No new driver,
or new driver/car combinations will be allowed to be push started
in Cacklefest until practice starts have been performed. We will
make time available for all the practice starts necessary.
Preparedness. Looking back at previous events, this is a bit
of a sore point. We have quite a few participants who simply
do not seem to be able, or are willing, to follow instructions,
or basically "get with the program". It may take a
couple of minutes longer, but at this year's event we will not
push off the first car in line until virtually every other car
in line, and every driver, is completely ready to go. We will
use two lines for push start cars on the fire up road.
Cars must move forward with the
lines when push starts begin, rather than wait for the lines
to come to them.
In 2006, the Famoso return road
area, past the finish line, was really messed up due to all the
heavy construction equipment used in paving projects, and was
practically unusable. All that has been corrected, so all cars
will be able to be lined up properly.
Spotter cards. Trying to line
up 50 plus cars in a proper order to coincide with the announcer's
information cards is next to impossible. For this year, each
participant will hand their information cards directly to the
announcers as they pass by during the parade.
Blower start cars. For the Cacklefest
presentation, all cars doing self starts, or blower starts, will
be lined up in a group adjacent to the starting line, and will
be started simultaneously. We will not accommodate any self start
cars from the push down area.
Push start cars. Only push start cars will be staged on the fire-up
road. Each car must have its own dedicated push vehicle. We will
not allow push vehicles to do "double duty". We will
have a few volunteer push vehicles on site, but each participant
should make an effort to obtain their own "period correct"
push vehicle.
Drivers - push starts. All push
start vehicle drivers must be familiar with the proper techniques
of this procedure. After race car engine has started, all push
vehicles must follow directly behind the car. Do not pull alongside
the race car, and/or stop during the fire up sequence for any
reason.
On track parking sequence. Prior to the start of Cacklefest,
we will be marking of a sufficient number of spots on the centerline
of the track to accommodate all push start cars. When we start
push starting cars, the first car in line will be parked at the
farthest spot down track, and we will continue to park the subsequent
cars, working our way towards the starting line. The last car
to be push started will be parked just past the Xmas tree. All
push vehicles must proceed down the left side, between the guard
rail and fence line, and park across from your race car. This
should benefit photographers, and help avoid push truck congestion
on the left side of the track. Crews must stay off the track
until all engines are shut off.
Since its inception, we have wanted to avoid over regimentation
of Cacklefest, and have probably been guilty of being a little
too lax in certain aspects of the program. We still want this
to be fun for everyone involved, but it's clear that more stringent
enforcement of guidelines and procedures is necessary.
Entry Forms. Please use the link
shown below to print out your entry application for the reunion.
We must have an entry form for each participant/vehicle, and
each team is responsible for obtaining proper credentials.
http://www.nhra.com/2007/images/Museum/CHRRRacer_registration.pdf
Thanks for your attention and
cooperation…and thanks for your contributions in making
Cacklefest such a phenomenon.
General Guidelines
1. Driveline - All
cars must be equipped with a driveline (Greek type) coupler.
Coupler must be disengaged before any start-up at any
time with one exception - event supervided push starts. See #3
for other rare exceptions.
2. Clutch - Cars making
push starts must be equipped with a conventional clutch devoid
of added counter weights or other rpm pressure enhancements.
Clutch pedal must be easily and comfortably held in a released
position for as long as it is necessary for the engine to run.
Centrifugal clutches, i.e. Crowerglides may NOT be used...
period. Torkmasters and other automatic transmission derivatives
are also prohibited for push starts.
3. Driver Apparel (see
below) - All Drivers must wear period correct helmet, and fire
resistant jacket and face protection. Equipment is to be consistent
with that used during the era the car competed. Suitable non-slip
closed shoes as to allow comfortable long-term clutch depression
and use of other foot controls required. (no sandals or stocking
feet) Refer to information below for detailed driver apparel
information.
4. Throttle return springs
- Special scrutiny will be paid to the fail-safe condition and
installation of throttle return springs. If tension springs are
used, it is strongly advised that two be used and as near to
the butterfly shaft as practical. A positive pedal toe strap
is required. Hydraulic throttles in good working order permitted
where period correct, but positive linkage is preferred. The
quality, condition, and design of positive throttle closing mechanisms
are paramount to safety.
5. Driver comfort - All
Cacklefest drivers must demonstrate they fit the car, can safely
see what's ahead and be able to readily and safely operate all
necessary controls while wearing the required apparel. Seatbelts/harness
equipment must be fully utilized with drivers secure during any
push start activity where the engine is to be started.
6. Pushboards - A primary
concern is that of incompatible pushboard to pushbar interface.
Make sure the pushboard is securely mounted, of adequate size
and height and of a hard surface. Soft wood or thin metal over
a soft backing is not advised. An excellent choice is, ¼
inch or thicker polypropylene plate over a rigid backing.
Procedures
1. Static starts/driveline
engaged - If necessary to make static start, with driveline
engaged and tires on the ground, the car must be relocated to
a designated remote area free of spectators.
2. Speed Limit/Push Starts
- Maximum speed of 35 miles per hour. 20 is generally fast enough.
The slower you can adequately push start the car the better.
3. Qualifications - All
drivers - of both race car and push vehicle, must have demonstrated
experience in order to participate in push start Cacklefest activity.
A detailed guide will be available for push start procedures.
4. Licenses - Under consideration
- licensing program for Cacklefest drivers.
A. Push starts only
B. Burnouts and 300 ft. launch
C. Eighth mile runs
5. Participant "Letter
of Agreement" - Owners and drivers will be sign an agreement
to abide by any and all established guidelines prior to entry
acceptance at Cacklefest events. Consequence of not adhering
to accepted guidelines will be withdrawal of entry/participation
privileges.
CHRR, NHRR &
Other Push Start Events:
Push Vehicles - Each entrant must make arrangements
to have a "period correct" push vehicle for the Cacklefest
presentation.
Always make sure that the push
bar lines up with vehicle's push apparatus. WOOD IS NOT A GOOD
OPTION FOR PUSH BAR MATERIAL AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED. If
you have a single point bar on car it will dig into the wood
and not allow any sideway movement on bar thus making the push
vehicle steer the racecar. Not a good idea. It also will break
very easy. A bar made of aluminum or some material that is comparable
is best. It also needs to have a sufficient amount of surface
area horizontally and vertically.
Instruct the driver to slowly
move forward until contact is made while the driver lightly holds
the brake on the dragster so it doesn't bounce forward. When
the push board is aligned to center the dragster with the center
of the push car, the driver gives a signal with their hand in
the air as to when to start accelerating. Instruct the push car
drive not to react to anyone else's signal than the person in
the race car.
Watch for signals from whoever
is controlling the flow of cars down the push road. When its
your turn to go have the driver smoothly accelerate up to 30
MPH and hold it there. You can feel the car stop accelerating
so you know you're at speed to dump the clutch. The push car
driver's main job is to keep the dragster centered with the push
car at all times, if for any reason the race car moves right
or left the push car is to stay centered. The driver holds the
30 mph and stays in contact with the race car until the engine
is fired and it accelerates away from him. Once the race car
has driven away from the push car the driver is to slow down
and give some space between the two vehicles as the dragster
may decide to slow down or stop for a photo op and you don't
want the push car climbing over the top of it!
Keep in mind that other vehicles
could be push starting, and following close behind you. Do not
stop the flow of push road traffic.
Follow the racecar to starting
line. After the racecar makes its turn - DO NOT turn corner with
vehicle like Jeff Gordon. Crewmembers will fall off, toolbox
will slide and fall onto track and tools will be all over starting
line pissing off track officials.
Last but not least if car fails
to start on the first go don't push until you end up in the grandstands.
NOT GOOD. Just be careful and safe.
ANATOMY OF A PUSH START: THE
DRIVER
Push Starts - Bakersfield
Cacklefest - Push starts
will take place on fire-up road, at a starting point, approx.
300 ft. past scoreboards, towards starting line area. Rubber
traffic cones will be placed on fire-up road, approx 8 ft. from
fence line, as a guide to drivers, and to provide better view
for spectators. Headlights of push vehicles should be turned
off unless absolutely necessary to see the race car. (Other
events will give similar instructions to fit the facility and
time of day).
1. Back down engine with
a "turn over" wrench by cranking backwards. Check to
see if mag switch is OFF (push-pull switches are not a good idea
- driver can bump switch getting into car and turn mag on) toggle
switches are best. Make sure the fuel shut off is in the CLOSED
position. ."NEVER TURN THE MOTOR OVER BY HAND OR WITH STARTER
IF THESE ITEMS ARE IN ANY OTHER POSITIONS BUT OFF".
You don't need to turn it over more than three times. Cranking
it for the next thirty minutes will only make your arm sore.
If three times won't take any fuel out of the cylinder thirty
minutes won't either. (Every time you walk by the car always
look to see if this is done. Never taking anything for granted).
2. Prior to pushing off, make
sure the magneto kill switch is in the OFF position, and that
the fuel shut-off handle or lever is in the ON position.
3. Fully depress the clutch pedal
(just the opposite with a Crowerglide).
4. When the push vehicle gets
the race car up to approx. 25 MPH, release the clutch pedal.
5. Allow the engine to turn over
for at least 5 seconds (to get fuel at least up to the pump)
and make sure you have oil pressure.
6 Driver will then open throttle,
count to three, prime motor, close throttle, turn on mag switch
and "WAHOO" - motor should start. Stay with car until
motor is running on all eight and driver pulls away from the
push vehicle.
7. Depress the clutch pedal.
The engine RPM should be at a slightly high idle. As soon as
the engine has built sufficient heat, release the throttle pedal
to the normal idle position.
8. Use the hand brake to slow
as necessary.
If additional forward motion
is needed to carry the car ahead, slightly release the clutch
pedal. Some light additional throttle may be needed if traveling
at an extremely slow speed. (This will be important when making
turns, etc.)
BLOWER STARTING:
1. Always check to make
sure the mag switch is OFF and Fuel Shut OFF is in the CLOSED
position. "NEVER TURN THE MOTOR OVER BY HAND OR WITH STARTER
IF THESE ITEMS ARE IN ANY OTHER POSITIONS BUT OFF". Make
sure all fuel fittings are tight. (Every time you walk by the
car always look to see if this is done. Never taking anything
for granted).
2. Back down engine with
turn over wrench by cranking backwards. You don't need to turn
it over more than three times. Cranking it for the next thirty
minutes will only make your arm sore. If three times won't take
any fuel out of the cylinder thirty minutes won't either.
3. Make sure car is on proper
jack stands or coupler is unhooked - with driver in the car -
wearing jacket on and helmet.
4. Attach the starter, snug it
down and then spin the engine with someone watching the oil pressure
gauge. When the oil pressure reaches 60 or so pounds the person
watching the gauge gives the person spinning the engine the "thumbs
up". If no pressure is indicated - STOP RIGHT THERE. (Put
oil in motor)
5. The starter is then re-tightened
to the blower mount; the fuel shut off valve is opened to the
ON position.
6. Then injectors are opened
(usually by the guy spinning the starter) and he squirts about
half a pint of gas in the hat. (Gas is better to start with than
methanol, because it has a low flash point and will light quickly).
7. He then looks at who is going
to switch on the mag to make eye contact, then starts spinning
the starter and in around 3 seconds nods his head which signals
the person to turn the mag switch to the ON position. As the
engine begins to light he squirts more gas at the base of the
closed injectors to make sure it lights (It is important to keep
your finger on starter button until motor is running completely).
8. Should engine BANG, POP, FART,
or does not START…DO NOT start at the top of this list and
repeat - STOP! SOMETHING IS WRONG!
Check out all systems - Fuel,
Mag, and Timing before continuing.
One of the worst mistakes people make is to keep trying to start
an engine that has something wrong. Know when to stop.
Self-Starts/Blower Starts - All cars, regardless of class, not
being push started will be positioned at the staring line area,
and will be fired up simultaneously prior to push start vehicles.
Crew members - With the exception of one designated
"crew chief" for each vehicle (if required), all other
personnel must remain off the track, behind guard walls, until
ALL ENGINES OF ALL CACKLEFEST PARTICIPANTS have been shut off.
CHRR Entry - Participation in Cacklefest is a privilege.
Each entrant must conform to the fixed regulations and conduct
themselves in the spirit the category was intended.
General:
If you are considering a Cacklefest
restoration or recreation other than one you have previously
owned, the subject project must have the ongoing approval and
cooperation of the original principles (or their heirs). Cars
of no original prototype must have a strong connection to the
era. There are qualified, knowledgeable people willing to freely
advise you in all matters relating to Cacklefest cars, their
safety, appropriateness, and correctness.
Supplemental
Guidelines
Using the recommendations of
knowledgeable individuals, we will publish notebooks, with periodic
updates, concerning specific functions and procedures. The topics
will include:
1. Starting procedures/precautions
for supercharged/nitro engines (see above).
2. Detailed linkage installations
for throttle and clutch functions.
3. Push starts - Detailed tips
for push vehicle drivers (see above).
Suggested MINIMUM
Cacklefest Drivers Safety Apparel
PRE-1961
Helmet - Open Face
Goggles - Metallic Frames / Glass Lenses
Face Shield - Leather (optional)
Jacket - Leather
Gloves - Leather
Trousers - Full Length Denim
Shoes - Leather
Socks - Cotton
Undershirt - Cotton
Undershorts - Cotton
1961-1966
Helmet - Open Face
Goggles - Metallic Frames / Glass Lenses
Face Shield - Aluminized Cotton (with or without breathers)
Suit - Aluminized Cotton (one or two piece)
Gloves - Leather or Aluminized Cotton / Leather Palms
Shoes - Leather
Socks - Cotton
Undershirt - Cotton
Undershorts - Cotton
1967-1971
Helmet - Open Face
Goggles - Metallic Frames / Glass Lenses
Face Shield - Aluminized Cotton (with breathers)
**Suit - Multiple Layer Nomex (one or two piece) SFI 3.2A/5 Spec.
Gloves -Aluminized Cotton / Leather Palms or Nomex / Leather
Palms
Shoes - Leather
Boots - Aluminized Cotton (optional)
Socks - Cotton
Undershirt - Cotton
Undershorts - Cotton
**firesuit spec pants optional
for push starts, but required for burnouts and/or runs.
Please try to adhere to all
the guidelines that pertain to your car(s) so we can insure that
Cacklefest will be around for a long time to come. Please keep
in mind that one serious mishap could ruin this for everyone
and doom your $100K restoration to life in a museum.
