Ray Cook: “Probably the simplest tech I’ve done in a couple years.”
The drool rule was introduced to the dirt late model world back in March. We’ve heard from several drivers who’ve run one of those races with the Southern Nationals Series. How about from the officials side?
The droop rule is a chain that’s installed on the left rear of the car. It hooks from the rear end to the chassis. It’s designed to limit the lift of the left rear body.
Ray Cook is the man behind the series. He put the rule in place this winter.
The first drool rule race has been completed. How did it go?
“It went good.”
“We didn’t have no issues. Probably the simplest tech I’ve done in a couple years.”
Why do you say that?
“Just cause it eliminated everybody arguing and fussing over — ‘Somebody’s got this and that.’ ”
“It just eliminates all the confusion.”
How about the racing itself?
“It didn’t hurt it none. If anything, it was probably better.”
In what ways specifically?
“It makes the guys just a little bit looser on the gas. It puts it back in the drivers hands.”
The rule was put in place mostly for safety reasons. As Ray Cook says, more cars are turning over than ever before. This was put in place to try to solve that.
Cook also admits that it will do many other things as well. Things like make an old car competitive, a car that isn’t designed with a lot left rear extension. It would also take some of the motor game out of the sport.
Before the droop rule, Ray Cook tested a car without a spoiler. He turned lap times within range of laps with a spoiler installed. That wasn’t going to work as he was actually going faster down the straights without a spoiler as well.
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