Girlfriend set rules for racing. Need thoughts

Chris · January 30, 2013

So she figured out what I'm building my truck for. She said she won't go to a track if I'm involved in racing or even watch video or look at pics of me on a track unless I meet her requirements.

I told her that the races are 1/4 of a mile and last no more than 15 seconds. I have seat belts and airbags. And she said its dangerous. I then said I won't be spraying so less chance of explosion.

I then compared it to her barrel racing. That was a mistake. I got an ear full. Things like its not the same. Falling off a horse is different than rolling a truck.

So the rules set were I have to wear a nomex fire suit, head sock, gloves, shoes, and full helmet. The Stig treatment pretty much. Is this required to send a 5500 pound 408 powered truck down a track? It seems excessive.

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kstruckcountry · January 30, 2013

I think horse injuries are more common than drag strip injuries. Give her some time, maybe she'll change her mind after a while. Is the conflict with her worth what you'll get out of drag racing? Just some thoughts.

I've found that most people who are really into horses are around them enough that they don't really realize the danger anymore. They don't see a horse as a big animal, they see them as their buddy. I've ridden quite a bit (cattle work), and no matter how good you know your horse, there's a lot out of your control that can hurt you. Like I said, give it some time, if all else fails take her out to the track if she'll go and watch some racing with her. Don't forget to buy her a nice dinner afterwards!

All in all, I think wearing a helmet is reasonable. I used to not wear a helmet for anything, but now I do for snowboarding because a majority of snow sport deaths could have been prevented by one. A fire suit does seem a little much, lol.

SarahsGMC · January 30, 2013

Tell her if she don't like it take a hike... I can't stand it when I see women try to control men.. It makes us all look bad.. Not to sound mean I've just lost alot of guy friends because of girls like that.

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Chris · January 30, 2013

I understand a fire suit if I was going to spray. But I will be running a 408. After time a supercharger on the 408 and possibly meth injection. Its something I wanted to get into for a while and since I hurt my back most the other hobbies have stopped. When I get the stroke and tranny taken care of I will start at the track.

Sarah she said I can do it, just she was wants no part of it if I'm not taking every step possible to prevent any injury.

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Knowklew · January 30, 2013

Geez! I would walk away from this right now. The control issues here and in the future will bite you in the butt IMO. I have seen this before and I am so glad that my wife is not like this. My bosses ex business partner is 87 years old and his wife started out just like this. He will tell you that he regrets putting up with her nonsense. He is still married to the same controlling woman 50+ years later and his life is miserable.

This is my opinion and my opinion only.

Chris · January 30, 2013

Like I said. It wasn't a no I can't do it, she just won't go to the track. But the more I think about it there are way too many videos out there that show disasters at the track. More bad videos than good. And movies don't help either over dramatising everything.

If like here to get a little involved and go but that's not a big deal if she doesn't. I haven't been on a track in a few years either

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MikeNH · January 30, 2013

Read the NHRA guidelines, safety requirements get stricter as you get faster. I think below 14 second ETs require a helmet. Not sure beyond that. Tell her if the sanctioning body for drag racing doesn't require it for your target speeds/times, then it is not needed.

Chris · January 30, 2013

When all is aside and done I want this truck to be mid 12's which is possible. But I have to sit down and red the regs.

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SILVERADOSC540 · January 30, 2013

I think that you're lucky to have someone care that much about you. If you're planning to get faster and faster, you may as well meet requirements early, both her's and the sanctioning body's. What if she was right, and some newb came across and hammered you in to the wall and his ride went up with you pinned? Doubtful, but possible. Thank her for caring so much and go buy some gear. Buy large, you're young and the fat is coming...

kstruckcountry · January 30, 2013

She sounds like a good girlfriend. A good one may make you take some precautions. A bad girlfriend wants you to die so she can sleep with your friends. JMO

diggerdan11 · January 30, 2013

I have been the the drags many times and know lots of people who drag there vehicles. I have never known a single person who has been injured drag racing on an NHRA sanctioned track. Your not driving a top fuel dragster, your only going to be driving a 12 second car.

On the other hand I know lots of people who have been injured by a horse. I personally know somone who is paralized when he was flipped off of his horse, so I dont think it was wrong for you to bring up her barrel racing.

Sometimes you have to do what you want to do. If you want to drag race then go ahead and drag race. If she does not want to go and watch and does not want to involve herself in something that makes you happy then its her loss.

Chris · January 30, 2013

Jon, the fat came already. I got out of the military and stopped working out

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Morgan1986 · January 30, 2013

Does she wear a helmet when she barrel races ? I use to barrel race as a teen and just wore a cowboy hat ... horses are awesome animals and pets but since they are pet we lose sight of the dangerous of them. I think she just loves you alot and does not want to see you get hurt. If you want her to come dress up even if it looks stupid . If you dont want her to come then just say dont come I am to embarrassed to put all that safety gear on. The way I see it its all about pride to look like safety boy and have your girlfriend show up or just keep your hobby totally separate from your girlfriend.

(see if she wears a helmet on barrel racing )

kstruckcountry · January 30, 2013

My grandparents have been married over 50 years. He has flown since he was 20 in the Navy. One day there was an aerial jet collision near base, her and everyone else saw it, and she had no idea if he was in it. He started flying acro after the Navy, and she has never gone to a show, she can't stand to watch him do stunts. Sometimes that's just the way it is.

SILVERADOSC540 · January 30, 2013

In life, and in relationships, we must choose our battles. It sounds as if she said I love you, I'm concerned about you. Go spend what you want and do what you want to your truck, just wear this so you're safe and I feel better.- This to me isn't a battle that I would choose to fight. I would give her a hug and start ordering parts...