Driver's responsibility to enter with a safe vehicle. There are some death traps running everyday that care more about running their 14.00 than the death wobble. I'd like to say tech would keep them off the track. After working a part time job for a summer at Bandimere, and watching the local track, I would not bet on it. Also in a simulation, I'd be interested in seeing how an 8.50 cage holds up in a 7000lbs+ truck trapping 140mph. Only a matter of time before a new rule is written in blood.
I've said something similar a number of times... cage rules based on ETs from the NHRA that were created with 2500-3500-pound Camaros and Mustangs in mind are likely NOT adequate to protect the driver of a 6000-7500-pound truck running the same ET at 20-40 MPH faster speed. We can't cheat physics, more speed and more mass equals more energy in a crash and a stronger cage will need to be built to protect the driver in the event that stuff goes bad!!!
Rather than building to NHRA standards designed for lightweight cars, the diesel orgs should either develop their own safety standards for the heavier and faster trucks or lobby the NHRA to develop safety standards specifically for go fast diesel trucks, then they need to adopt and enforce the standards.
Anyone who thinks the same diameter and wall thickness cage that will protect a Camaro driver at 120 will protect a quad-cab diesel truck driver at 140 is not considering the physics of the matter, or just ignoring the facts.
I worry that someone will get hurt badly or killed at one of our events and then the NHRA will step in and put a stop to diesel truck racing at sanctioned tracks until they develop safety standards or for good... I HOPE I NEVER see that day!!!!
As far as track operators go, some take it much more serious than others. We have seen some events where water or debris is put down and the track guys just let them keep running while we have seen others that are very good about tech and safety!!!
Ultimately it does come down to personal responsibility. Make sure your stuff is safe, not only for you but also for your competition, the track crews and the fans and if you take all those things into consideration then the risk will be reduced, but nothing can make it go away all together!