Is the 2018 Dodge Demon Really Banned?

[65RoadRacer]

I find this topic rather amusing, because we all know that being banned because of your excessive speed or low time slip just means you or your car weren't compliant. But the word "banned" seems to have people irritated, and they insist the car isn't banned.

But then, those same people who say the Demon isn't banned will say, "it's only banned until you install a cage." So the same people who are bothered by the word "banned" use it to help express why it's not actually "banned".

Anyway, that prompted me to call the NHRA and Dodge and ask a few questions, and this is what I came up with. Enjoy: Is the 2018 Dodge Demon Really Banned?

 

[LemonWedge]

No different than any other 9 second car without proper safety gear. Only difference here is that the NHRA is already aware of how fast the car is. I don't think "banned" is correct terminology. I would say it's "not NHRA legal".

 

[69roadr]

Not to go off topic but that is one badass car getting a wheel lift from a production car!

 

[65RoadRacer]

No different than any other 9 second car without proper safety gear. Only difference here is that the NHRA is already aware of how fast the car is. I don't think "banned" is correct terminology. I would say it's "not NHRA legal".

I kind of related the word to being a "bragging right". A couple weeks ago, my friend went to Fontana and ran 13s, and he didn't bring a helmet. He came back with his slip and said, "I got banned. I don't have a helmet," and everyone knows exactly what he meant. Nobody said, "well, technically you weren't banned, you just need to bring your helmet."

It's just a phrase that gets used for convenience, or bragging rights. It's much like saying, "can you make me a Xerox of this?" Technically, they can't because they have a Brother photocopier, but everyone knows exactly what they meant. LOL

 

[69roadr]

not your grandpas Demon!

 

[super-bee_ski]

Simply put: YES

 

[747mopar]

I think it's the highest form of complement to be banned before even being sold.

 

[not so famous bob]

I think it's the highest form of complement to be banned before even being sold.

Regardless, that`s one kick a$$ looking car. I`d have one in a heartbeat if I could swing ($$$$$) it .

 

[HEMI-ITIS]

Nicly written!! It's become my opinion that an acceptable/certifiable cage should be built into the car from the factory to make it at least good for 8.5.It would be so nice if it were built in so it is hardly detectable.

 

[snakeyes]

Me Likes

 

[Budnicks]

SRT is wearing the "banned by NHRA" label,
like a badge of honor too...

1st thing I thought of was the safety equipment & cage rules...
When Dodge/SRT announced the times & speed...
As soon as they surpassed the 11.50 et barrier
"they weren't in compliance"...
They are borderline needing a parachute too,
required @ 150mph or greater...

Just comply to the rules & they aren't banned from any competitions,
NHRA or otherwise...

nice article too, as normal 65roadracer

 

[doublekrossd]

On the other hand its a production car from a company that is worth "bajillions" of dollars. They probably have made sure that the car is completely safe in an accident if one may occur. Why does the nhra think they are the end all be all?

To me, this is kinda the same thing as the B.S. they tried to pull with the so called street racers in where if they were caught reading on a street they would pull the offenders license.

 

[HEMI-ITIS]

The rules for saftey in a production car only apply untill the vehicle goes 11.98 ET.After that the NHRA rulebook determines what saftey equipment is needed.You only need a state drivers licence to go as fast as 10.0 ET.ANY faster than that a competition licence is also required along with add'l saftey equipment.

 

[doublekrossd]

I understand where they come into play but does the nhra really think that because the demon will run 9 whatever, ma mopar didn't make it safe? Just my opinion, not looking to argue simply because i don't know enough to do do accurately.

 

[HEMI-ITIS]

Just helping you to understand.IS the car safe safe enough to go 9.6,,,maybe.But the rule requires the saftey stuff.Now if they built it into the car,this would not be an issue as long as it can pass tech.

 

[doublekrossd]

Gotcha... to me, it seems that it would be very irresponsible of FCA to design, build, and sell a car that wouldn't be capable of withstanding a crash of a car that's designed to go that fast. Is there a traditional style cage, no, is there rollover protection, without knowledge my money would be on absolutely.

I've just never been a fan of rules of any type. For some reason i always seem to push back against authority whether it was school, work, or whatever. Oh well, that's probably why I don't race...

Either way, banned or not, I think it's one bad *** car!

 

[HEMI-ITIS]

Yea,badazz for sure.As far as the manufacturer,they also have to meet or exceed certain saftety standards for their vehicles.But are still cheap *** mofos and if they can save a buck they will.
When you buy a track ready race car,it has the monkey cage already installed.

 

[1fastrunner]

Yea,badazz for sure.As far as the manufacturer,they also have to meet or exceed certain saftety standards for their vehicles.But are still cheap *** mofos and if they can save a buck they will.
When you buy a track ready race car,it has the monkey cage already installed.

I have heard that it "might" have a cage from the factory

 

[vintage chromoly]

It would be hard for me to install a cage in a car I paid 100 G's for. (Let me qualify this by saying I don't ever anticipate buying a 100,000 dollar car)

After you make it NHRA compliant, you and all your passengers will need to wear your helmets each and every time you drive the car. Probably make the rear seat inaccessible as well.

Neat marketing and badass car, but at what point does the car become too much?

 

[HEMI-ITIS]

I have heard that it "might" have a cage from the factory

Then it should have passed tech,,,,,,,,,,