Forty-four years of experience has prepared him for the challenges of the off-season, which runs from December to February. During that time his team rebuilds motors, transmissions and their cars’ rear ends. They also have to replace brakes, rebuild super chargers and update or replace safety equipment. In this issue of Team Kendall, Moats reminds readers about the regular maintenance requirements as well as a few new NHRA specifications for 2007.

Certain components of race cars must be recertified by the manufacturer more often than others. The following list outlines what you should be keeping up on year after year:

• Super Charger – Every three years
• Clutch – Once a year
• Lower Pan Restraint – Once a year
• Seatbelts – Every two years
• Lower Restraints – Every two years
• Transblanket – Every five years
• Bell Housing – Once a year
• Chassis and race car body – Must be recertified every year by the NHRA at your first race of the new season

There are also three new and very important NHRA requirements for the 2007 season:

• Metal restraints that go from the front to the rear of oil pans are now mandatory
• All drivers must wear the HANS restraint device. The HANS system comes down from a driver’s helmet to protect the shoulders and back in the case of a crash
• All helmets must be newer than a 1995 series

It may take a lot of effort to meet the certification requirements each year, but as the saying goes, you can never put a price on safety.

As Moats finishes the final prep work for the season, his team is already looking ahead to the Gator Nationals this March in Gainesville , Fla. He hopes that if you plan to attend you will also stop by to visit with his crew. They can all answer questions and give you great tips regarding their use of Kendall Motor Oil products. In addition, Moats always loves to know what race topics you would like to read more about in future Moats’ Musings.

Thanks and best of luck this racing season!