The question of the lack of tunnel enclosures per ISR Rules and the previous lack of enforcement prior to the Annandale Race on January 15th, 2011 has created substantial concern and debate.
My first decision was to enforce it per the ISR Rule as many are aware of if you do Ice Drags, Grass, Oval, or other forms of racing.
I spent last night reviewing photos of the sleds that were in competition last year and recognize that some sleds will be a lot easier to remedy than some of the new production sleds and then slept on what the solution might be.
The tunnel enclosure has been included in the ISR rules as a preventive measure of keeping arms and legs out of the tunnel and getting mangled by the studs when such is trapped in the tunnel. This is still a concern, but I don't know if it outweighs the concerns below.
It is true that most of the new chassis with cut away tunnels and plastic enclosures are going to be challenging to retro fit with a tunnel enclosure.
There is also the concerns raised about the safety of this enclosue for hitting the ice when the skis are pulled and then also keeeping the track under the tunnel if there is a track breakage as we have seen recently. Without the tunnel enclosure, the track does seem to find its way out the back of the sled.
After consideration of the discussions I have had with racers and others involved in racing outside of NSSR I am going to revise our decision at this time to the Following:

1. Tunnel enclosures are highly recommended to be installed at this time by NSSR on all Improved Stock, Pro Stock, Open Mod, and Super Mod sleds, including the improved stock and Pro stock four stroke classes.

3. NSSR will discuss if this rule will be mandatory for the 2012 race season after discussion with the NSSR members on rules at the 2011 Annual Rules Meeting and with further discussion with ISR.

Hopefully this addresses the concerns expressed to me by many of you.
Let me know if you have comments or questions. Thanks!
Ron Bray 612.360.1280