Before all the electronics got used at the tracks like today I was usually driving a faster car, if the other racer red lighted I would leave as soon as I saw his red light and treat that run as a single and even let off at the first MPH light, lots of racers back then didn't know what we know today
I've had conversations with some of them later at the track and they didn't understand how I could out run them to the other end when they red lighted and I ran slower than my dial
Originally first or worse meant exactly that, if the first racer red lighted and the other racer didn't hit the guardrail or cross the center line he won just like all the national events rules are raced with today
As far as you under standing my comment about needing to drive better than the other racer on the starting line and finish line to win, think about that
Another thing to consider is what happens when the first driver red lights and the second driver red lights worst because he didn't see the other side red light and he crashes and ends up suing the track about that lack of information distribution on that run which could have help him not have to race at WOT and possibly helped prevent that crash
I think the only persons that are reaping benefits from this new type system is the companies selling those new system for more money to the tracks, NOT GOOD
Not all rule changes are good, just look at the Affordable Care Act

Personally I believe it is a good thing. First or worst is what we have all been told. The only place that didn't pertain was at the tree. It was first period. 10.00 car goes -.001 and the 8.50 car goes -.025 red and still wins..

Cab, your example about wrecking after not seeing an opponent go red is no different than current rules without TruStart. The win light still kicks on, just not immediately after the first red. It doesn't wait until both drivers cross the finish, but rather only after both cars cross the start.

There is no recourse a racer could, or should, take in the event he/her wrecks because they ran it out and got loose.

Many of us have believed for years that this is the way it should be. I have had correspondence with NHRA on this subject. Years ago I even had a simulation developed with a fast car and a slower car. the drivers were equal capable in that they redlighted the same percentage of time. In the simulation the redlights were random. We ran the simulation for 1,000,000 passes and proved that the faster car definitely has the advantage. NHRA would not even look at the simulation or the results. Their response was that data from their races did not back up the results. Anyway I'm glad to see it come and it's extremely late coming!!

Big bucks have no advantage in this type of racing, hoping the slower guy red lights. Actually in bracket racing you don't race anyone but yourself. They run side by side to make it look like a race to the spectators. Now the other driver, fast or slow, can make it easy or hard for you to win by a bad light or bad dial. If he has a .0001 and dead on with an 0, you go home and visa versa.
I like this red light thing, makes it fair for whatever car you drive.

Tell me how easy it is to sit on a full tree, foot brake, no rev chip against a 5 second spot , big advantage, not.
Doug

I don't like it, but I also don't like crosstalk, buybacks and 1/8th mile racing. I would probably be happier running class at NHRA events, but I can't afford the travel and the 4-5 days at the track.

I agree with DVW Tru Start has no place in bottom bulb bracket or mixed index racing.

I like the fact that the current rules now encourage people to build a faster car.

Why are you looking at him? If you are, he's already in your head. 5 second spot, count to four, bring the revs up to what you leave at and be ready for your light.
From one of the things said in above posts, buy backs. IMO the single most terrible rule to come about.

The flip side of that arguement is that by taking away the big advantage the faster car has, the possibility arises that more people might compete because the wallet becomes much less a factor.
Might ask the Bader’s at Norwalk about that, they are very astute business people

What about instant green?
Heck take the red bulb out entirely. Then the timeslip will tell the story.

Make it real fair, just flip a coin, just have to have a picture of a race car.
Bracket racing came about because you could run anything, run any ET, run within your budget and not be run over by the money bags. One reason it's lasted almost 50 years. With tru start, everything is evened up finally.

How about just drawing straws? Buy backs, sure, no problem. Plus, you wouldn't have to worry about overheating or broken parts.

OK so back to tru-start, who wins on a double red double breakout?

But let the guys with the faster cars have the option to draw first. After all they have spent more money to make their cars faster so thay are "entitled" to choose when to draw.

Worst red-light race over

Are you sure What about the first or worst rule ?
I've been screwed by NHRA officials in the past because I beat the NHRA directors sister twice at a bracket race, she was lame on the light, the first run I was told that I had to race again because she didn't get a timeslip, [ Moparts Family Site - Keep it Friendly ] second time I beat her more and they swore I broke out when I was on the brakes before the first MPH light and let off around 1200 FT
This new True Start deal sounds like someone is trying to get more racers to play, why does the slower car get a second chance after red lighting first
This sounds like the new age rules of nobody looses, every body gets a trophy
Time to get the political action committee busy

Has nothing to do with who I'm racing being in my head. Heck I've had to spot a car 7 sec in an 1/8 mile race. Yes the guy really was running 14 plus sec in the 1/8.

When he red lit I used the run as another test run. Didn't care about the light and left immediately. Thereis no reason to keep it against the convertor any longer than I have to.

If you are saying you aren't able to see the opponents red light then they must block the light better than where I go.

Personally I'm w/Cab and Doug on this and I'm no where near one of the fastest cars at my track and have no problem w/the rules as they are.

The slower car is always at a disadvantage for a variety of reasons. Tru-start eliminates one of them. Personally, I don't care as long as everyone plays by the same rules.

If your car can't handle being on the converter...change converters or add a restictor plate.

I've had to race 18 second pickup trucks at the Mopar Nats two years straight...nothing you can do.