NHRA Rule Updates For 2007
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NHRA Rule Updates For 2007
Some pretty interesting stuff:
NHRA News: NHRA announces certain rule changes for 2007 (11/14/2006)
11/14/2006
Prior to releasing the 2007 NHRA Rulebook, NHRA is announcing a summary of notable changes for the upcoming season. NHRA members are scheduled to receive a complimentary copy of the 2007 NHRA Rulebook with one of 2006’s final issues of National DRAGSTER. The actual Rulebook will govern over the summary provided in this article.
Oil-retention Device
Beginning Jan. 1, 2007, all Comp competitors will be required to have an oil-retention device meeting either SFI Spec 7.1 or 7.2. For Jan. 1, 2008, the same rule will apply for Super Gas, Super Comp, and any E.T. vehicle running 9.99 or quicker or 135 mph or faster. NHRA is developing an implementation strategy for an oil-retention device meeting the SFI specification for the reminder of the NHRA Lucas categories.
Head And Neck Restraint System
Effective Jan. 1, 2007, NHRA will require all competitors in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, Top Alcohol Dragster, and Top Alcohol Funny Car to utilize an SFI Spec 38.1 head and neck restraint system. Certain classes in Comp (A/D, A/DA, B/D, B/DA, H/D, A/ED, AA/AM, AA/AT, BB/AT, CC/AT, A/AP, A/A, A/AA, B/AA, A/PM, and AA/PM) and any alternative sanctioning organization vehicles that run 200.00 mph or faster must also have a head and neck restraint system meeting SFI Spec 38.1 for the 2007 season.
New Comp Classes
NHRA has created four automatic classes in Gas Dragster — A/DA, B/DA, C/DA, and D/DA — with all of the same pounds-per-cubic-inch designations as manually shifted cars.
With the growing interest in small-displacement engines with power adder, as common in the NHRA Xplōd Sport Compact Racing Series, for 2007 NHRA has added H/D (six-cylinder, turbocharged, four-valve engines) and I/D (four-cylinder, turbocharged, four-valve engines).
Within Altered, NHRA has created AA/AF and BB/AF for front-wheel-drive vehicles that have a maximum engine displacement of 153 cubic inches. Methanol is permitted. These classes are patterned directly from existing sport compact categories so that a competitor may compete in two different series using the same combination (AA/AF is patterned after the tube-chassis Pro FWD sport compact class; BB/AF is for semi-unibody front-wheel-drive cars and is patterned after sport compact’s Hot Rod class). Both classes are restricted to four-cylinder, four-valve overhead-cam engines.
Indexes for these classes will be released at a later date.
Competition Index Control
Once a competitor permanently adjusts a Comp index in two classes through the permanent Competition Index Control system, that competitor is restricted to competition in the affected classes; he or she will not be allowed to compete in any other Comp class for the remainder of the current season. If a competitor adjusts a single class or does not adjust an index permanently, he or she will be allowed to compete in any Comp class during the current season.
National Record Procedure
For Comp, Super Stock, and Stock, records will be retired automatically after two years, on the last day of the previous month in which the record was set. Eighth-mile records may be set only at eighth-mile events.
Components In Alcohol
For 2007, NHRA will allow all applications in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car to utilize a programmable ignition system. Only preset times, throttle position, engine rpm, and other internal engine data may be processed with regard to control of the ignition system. Programmable multi-point rev limiter and/or any rate-of-acceleration rpm limiter in any form is prohibited. Also allowed in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car is the use of electrical or electronic timers to control pneumatic fuel-system valves.
Driveshaft Spec
Mandatory for the 2007 season is a driveshaft meeting SFI Spec 43.1 for all Pro Stock vehicles and Comp classes AA/A, A/A, A/AP, B/A, B/AP, C/A, PST, PS/TA, A/PM, and AA/PM.
Helmet Expiration Dates
Effective Jan. 1, 2007, where a Snell- or SFI-rated helmet is required in competition, the Snell 95 and SFI 31.1, 31.2, 41.1, and 41.2 helmets will no longer be allowed. Look in the General Regulations section of the 2007 NHRA Rulebook under Helmet and Goggles for expiration dates for all Snell and SFI-tagged helmets.
Stock/Super Stock Protective Clothing
Beginning in 2007 for all competitors in Stock classes A/S through M/S, A/SA through M/SA, and in any vehicle running 11.49 or quicker, a jacket meeting SFI Spec 3.2A/1 is mandatory. In Super Stock, the SFI Spec 3.2A/1 jacket is mandatory in SS/J through SS/P, SS/JA through SS/PA, and in any vehicle through Super Stock running 10.00 to 11.49 seconds. A jacket meeting SFI Spec 3.2A/5 is mandatory in Super Stock classes SS/A through SS/I, SS/AH through SS/IA, and in any vehicle running 9.99 or quicker throughout Super Stock.
Class Weight Breaks
In Top Alcohol Dragster, the minimum weight for A/FD has been increased to 2,125 pounds, a Roots-type application to 1,975 pounds, and a Screw-type to 2,050 pounds. In Top Alcohol Funny Car, the Screw-type minimum weight has been increased to 2,275 pounds. In Funny Car and Top Fuel, NHRA has increased the minimum weight by 25 pounds, to 2,425 and 2,250 pounds, respectively.
Roadster Spec
Effective Jan. 1, 2007, all new Street Roadsters must conform to SFI Spec 10.4. Effective Jan. 1, 2008, existing Street Roadsters must meet SFI Spec 10.4 at their next scheduled recertification. No car will be recertified early. This rule applies to Street Roadsters in E.T. classes, Super Gas, Super Comp, Comp, and any alternative sanctioning organization.
Taillight
For all NHRA Sportsman and E.T. racers, a functional light must be visible from the rear of the car. This eliminates all reference to night racing only, meaning a light must be functional at all times.
Select other rule changes by category:
Super Pro, Pro, Sportsman, Motorcycle
· The 135-mph rule does not apply to E.T. Motorcycle. E.T. Motorcycle must comply with 9.99-second e.t. restrictions.
· Screw-type supercharger permitted; does not need to meet SFI Spec 34.1 for any vehicle running 7.51 or slower. Overdrive limits are outlined in General Regulations.
· Delay Box/Device — Rules have been incorporated to the E.T. section to match the delay box/devices rules adopted into the Super classes in 2004.
Advanced E.T.
· Screw-type supercharger permitted. For any vehicle running 7.50 or quicker, supercharger must meet SFI Spec 34.1 and utilize SFI Spec 23.1 manifold burst panel plus restraint system meeting SFI Spec 14.21, mandatory. Overdrive limits are outlined in General Regulations.
· Aftermarket full-floating or live-axle rear-end assembly mandatory on any vehicle that runs 6.50 or quicker or 210 mph or faster.
Super Street/Super Gas/Super Comp
· Electronic fuel injection may control only fuel and ignition systems. System may not monitor vehicle speed, wheel speed, etc. All functions must be preset and not adjustable during the run.
· Connection of driveshaft sensor, directly or indirectly, to tachometer prohibited. Driveshaft sensor permitted with data recorder.
Stock
· Exhaust system for turbo applications, aftermarket header permitted. Turbo must be located in engine compartment.
· Crossmember may be altered for oil-pan removal.
· Weight of piston (without pin, locks, or rings) must be equal to or exceed minimum piston weight as listed in NHRA piston list.
· Roll bar mandatory on any car running 11.49 or quicker; permitted in slower cars. Roll cage mandatory in any car running 9.99 or quicker; permitted in all vehicles.
· Driver restraint system meeting SFI Spec 16.1 mandatory on any car running 11.49 or quicker.
Super Stock
· SFI Spec 4.1 transmission shield for automatics mandatory on any car running quicker than 10.99 seconds.
· Roll bar mandatory on any car running 11.49 or quicker; permitted in slower cars. Roll cage mandatory in any car running 9.99 or quicker; permitted in all vehicles.
Top Alcohol Dragster/Top Alcohol Funny Car
· Fuel gauge lines in driver’s compartment in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car must be steel or steel-braided with steel fittings.
· In Top Alcohol Dragster, maximum overdrive limits for PSI adjusted to 2.28.
· In Top Alcohol Funny Car, belly pan required under engine from motor plate to back of crankshaft pulley. Pan may be inside or outside framerails and fabricated to retain oil/liquid.
· Body on Top Alcohol Funny Car, in opening for blower hat, must have minimum 2.500-inch clearance between body and throttle linkage.
Pro Stock Motorcycle
· Scalloping, notching, etc. of brake rotors prohibited.
· Flat shield must be incorporated into front wheel, minimum of 5 1/2 inches from the ground.
Pro Stock
· The oldest a body can be in Pro Stock adjusted to 2002.
· Maximum 1 1/2-gallon fuel cell meeting SFI Spec 28.1 mounted in front of radiator mandatory.
· In driver compartment, panels must be installed between all of the tubing in the roof of the car on the driver’s side. A panel must be installed on the inside portion of the roll cage anywhere the driver’s legs can come into contact with the cage. Driver and passenger floor pan must be steel and welded into place on any car built after Oct. 31, 2006.
· Minimum .024-inch steel firewall mandatory.
· MSD 7530T ignition system must have three retard wires and the points input wire clearly disconnected.
· Wicker height on spoiler has been adjusted to 3/8-inch minimum and one inch maximum.
· All Pro Stock cars required to have cylinder that will activate the kill switch and shut off the engine when fire system is activated.
· For 2007, full-face helmet mandatory.
Funny Car
· Spacer between supercharger and fuel injector restricted to two-inch maximum. Steel and/or titanium prohibited. Two manifold burst panels mandatory.
· Carbon fiber/composite, magnesium, and cast aluminum valve covers prohibited.
· The oldest a body can be in Funny Car adjusted to 2000.
· NHRA has clarified wording for air-vent opening in taillight area.
· Maximum width of opening for blower is 26 inches. Opening for blower hat must have minimum 2.500-inch clearance between body and throttle linkage.
· Rear-release body mechanism must be unobstructed, easily visible, and not located within three inches of any other opening or part.
· Side windows must have a minimum opening of six-inch diameter, including liner.
Top Fuel
· Spacer between supercharger and fuel injector restricted to two-inch maximum. Steel and/or titanium prohibited. Two manifold burst panels mandatory.
· Carbon fiber/composite, magnesium, and cast aluminum valve covers prohibited.
· Minimum wheelbase adjusted to 280 inches.
· Windscreen or deflector must be a minimum 1/2-inch above helmet face shield with driver in driving position.
· Rear wing must meet SFI Spec 49.1.
Jet-powered Dragster & Funny Car
· All applicants must be minimum of 18 years of age.
· Head and neck restraint system meeting SFI Spec 38.1 required.
General Regulations
· Deflector-plate portion above shoulder hoop may be width of roll-cage bars unless radiator extends above top of shoulder hoop, in which case deflector plate must maintain width of radiator.
· All ignition system and/or component wiring harnesses and attachments must use those supplied by ignition system manufacturer.
· Shift light may only be triggered by tachometer output or ignition output.
Race Procedures
· Section on use of safety equipment added. Section on weighing of vehicle/fuel check lays out rules if a driver rejects weighing of vehicle and fuel check.
Points And Related Programs
· In the portion concerning rainouts, new wording has been included to clarify how points are awarded, the order in which the event will be scored, and how alternates score points.
Administrative Procedure
· Under Participant Conduct, section on conflict of interest has been added.
· Chassis Inspection section has been expanded to include rules and procedures on chassis inspections and their limitations.
· Under Stay Pending Appeal, included is clarification that points or awards obtained during a stay may be lost if the appeal is not successful or if otherwise deemed appropriate by NHRA.
NHRA News: NHRA announces certain rule changes for 2007 (11/14/2006)
11/14/2006
Prior to releasing the 2007 NHRA Rulebook, NHRA is announcing a summary of notable changes for the upcoming season. NHRA members are scheduled to receive a complimentary copy of the 2007 NHRA Rulebook with one of 2006’s final issues of National DRAGSTER. The actual Rulebook will govern over the summary provided in this article.
Oil-retention Device
Beginning Jan. 1, 2007, all Comp competitors will be required to have an oil-retention device meeting either SFI Spec 7.1 or 7.2. For Jan. 1, 2008, the same rule will apply for Super Gas, Super Comp, and any E.T. vehicle running 9.99 or quicker or 135 mph or faster. NHRA is developing an implementation strategy for an oil-retention device meeting the SFI specification for the reminder of the NHRA Lucas categories.
Head And Neck Restraint System
Effective Jan. 1, 2007, NHRA will require all competitors in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, Top Alcohol Dragster, and Top Alcohol Funny Car to utilize an SFI Spec 38.1 head and neck restraint system. Certain classes in Comp (A/D, A/DA, B/D, B/DA, H/D, A/ED, AA/AM, AA/AT, BB/AT, CC/AT, A/AP, A/A, A/AA, B/AA, A/PM, and AA/PM) and any alternative sanctioning organization vehicles that run 200.00 mph or faster must also have a head and neck restraint system meeting SFI Spec 38.1 for the 2007 season.
New Comp Classes
NHRA has created four automatic classes in Gas Dragster — A/DA, B/DA, C/DA, and D/DA — with all of the same pounds-per-cubic-inch designations as manually shifted cars.
With the growing interest in small-displacement engines with power adder, as common in the NHRA Xplōd Sport Compact Racing Series, for 2007 NHRA has added H/D (six-cylinder, turbocharged, four-valve engines) and I/D (four-cylinder, turbocharged, four-valve engines).
Within Altered, NHRA has created AA/AF and BB/AF for front-wheel-drive vehicles that have a maximum engine displacement of 153 cubic inches. Methanol is permitted. These classes are patterned directly from existing sport compact categories so that a competitor may compete in two different series using the same combination (AA/AF is patterned after the tube-chassis Pro FWD sport compact class; BB/AF is for semi-unibody front-wheel-drive cars and is patterned after sport compact’s Hot Rod class). Both classes are restricted to four-cylinder, four-valve overhead-cam engines.
Indexes for these classes will be released at a later date.
Competition Index Control
Once a competitor permanently adjusts a Comp index in two classes through the permanent Competition Index Control system, that competitor is restricted to competition in the affected classes; he or she will not be allowed to compete in any other Comp class for the remainder of the current season. If a competitor adjusts a single class or does not adjust an index permanently, he or she will be allowed to compete in any Comp class during the current season.
National Record Procedure
For Comp, Super Stock, and Stock, records will be retired automatically after two years, on the last day of the previous month in which the record was set. Eighth-mile records may be set only at eighth-mile events.
Components In Alcohol
For 2007, NHRA will allow all applications in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car to utilize a programmable ignition system. Only preset times, throttle position, engine rpm, and other internal engine data may be processed with regard to control of the ignition system. Programmable multi-point rev limiter and/or any rate-of-acceleration rpm limiter in any form is prohibited. Also allowed in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car is the use of electrical or electronic timers to control pneumatic fuel-system valves.
Driveshaft Spec
Mandatory for the 2007 season is a driveshaft meeting SFI Spec 43.1 for all Pro Stock vehicles and Comp classes AA/A, A/A, A/AP, B/A, B/AP, C/A, PST, PS/TA, A/PM, and AA/PM.
Helmet Expiration Dates
Effective Jan. 1, 2007, where a Snell- or SFI-rated helmet is required in competition, the Snell 95 and SFI 31.1, 31.2, 41.1, and 41.2 helmets will no longer be allowed. Look in the General Regulations section of the 2007 NHRA Rulebook under Helmet and Goggles for expiration dates for all Snell and SFI-tagged helmets.
Stock/Super Stock Protective Clothing
Beginning in 2007 for all competitors in Stock classes A/S through M/S, A/SA through M/SA, and in any vehicle running 11.49 or quicker, a jacket meeting SFI Spec 3.2A/1 is mandatory. In Super Stock, the SFI Spec 3.2A/1 jacket is mandatory in SS/J through SS/P, SS/JA through SS/PA, and in any vehicle through Super Stock running 10.00 to 11.49 seconds. A jacket meeting SFI Spec 3.2A/5 is mandatory in Super Stock classes SS/A through SS/I, SS/AH through SS/IA, and in any vehicle running 9.99 or quicker throughout Super Stock.
Class Weight Breaks
In Top Alcohol Dragster, the minimum weight for A/FD has been increased to 2,125 pounds, a Roots-type application to 1,975 pounds, and a Screw-type to 2,050 pounds. In Top Alcohol Funny Car, the Screw-type minimum weight has been increased to 2,275 pounds. In Funny Car and Top Fuel, NHRA has increased the minimum weight by 25 pounds, to 2,425 and 2,250 pounds, respectively.
Roadster Spec
Effective Jan. 1, 2007, all new Street Roadsters must conform to SFI Spec 10.4. Effective Jan. 1, 2008, existing Street Roadsters must meet SFI Spec 10.4 at their next scheduled recertification. No car will be recertified early. This rule applies to Street Roadsters in E.T. classes, Super Gas, Super Comp, Comp, and any alternative sanctioning organization.
Taillight
For all NHRA Sportsman and E.T. racers, a functional light must be visible from the rear of the car. This eliminates all reference to night racing only, meaning a light must be functional at all times.
Select other rule changes by category:
Super Pro, Pro, Sportsman, Motorcycle
· The 135-mph rule does not apply to E.T. Motorcycle. E.T. Motorcycle must comply with 9.99-second e.t. restrictions.
· Screw-type supercharger permitted; does not need to meet SFI Spec 34.1 for any vehicle running 7.51 or slower. Overdrive limits are outlined in General Regulations.
· Delay Box/Device — Rules have been incorporated to the E.T. section to match the delay box/devices rules adopted into the Super classes in 2004.
Advanced E.T.
· Screw-type supercharger permitted. For any vehicle running 7.50 or quicker, supercharger must meet SFI Spec 34.1 and utilize SFI Spec 23.1 manifold burst panel plus restraint system meeting SFI Spec 14.21, mandatory. Overdrive limits are outlined in General Regulations.
· Aftermarket full-floating or live-axle rear-end assembly mandatory on any vehicle that runs 6.50 or quicker or 210 mph or faster.
Super Street/Super Gas/Super Comp
· Electronic fuel injection may control only fuel and ignition systems. System may not monitor vehicle speed, wheel speed, etc. All functions must be preset and not adjustable during the run.
· Connection of driveshaft sensor, directly or indirectly, to tachometer prohibited. Driveshaft sensor permitted with data recorder.
Stock
· Exhaust system for turbo applications, aftermarket header permitted. Turbo must be located in engine compartment.
· Crossmember may be altered for oil-pan removal.
· Weight of piston (without pin, locks, or rings) must be equal to or exceed minimum piston weight as listed in NHRA piston list.
· Roll bar mandatory on any car running 11.49 or quicker; permitted in slower cars. Roll cage mandatory in any car running 9.99 or quicker; permitted in all vehicles.
· Driver restraint system meeting SFI Spec 16.1 mandatory on any car running 11.49 or quicker.
Super Stock
· SFI Spec 4.1 transmission shield for automatics mandatory on any car running quicker than 10.99 seconds.
· Roll bar mandatory on any car running 11.49 or quicker; permitted in slower cars. Roll cage mandatory in any car running 9.99 or quicker; permitted in all vehicles.
Top Alcohol Dragster/Top Alcohol Funny Car
· Fuel gauge lines in driver’s compartment in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car must be steel or steel-braided with steel fittings.
· In Top Alcohol Dragster, maximum overdrive limits for PSI adjusted to 2.28.
· In Top Alcohol Funny Car, belly pan required under engine from motor plate to back of crankshaft pulley. Pan may be inside or outside framerails and fabricated to retain oil/liquid.
· Body on Top Alcohol Funny Car, in opening for blower hat, must have minimum 2.500-inch clearance between body and throttle linkage.
Pro Stock Motorcycle
· Scalloping, notching, etc. of brake rotors prohibited.
· Flat shield must be incorporated into front wheel, minimum of 5 1/2 inches from the ground.
Pro Stock
· The oldest a body can be in Pro Stock adjusted to 2002.
· Maximum 1 1/2-gallon fuel cell meeting SFI Spec 28.1 mounted in front of radiator mandatory.
· In driver compartment, panels must be installed between all of the tubing in the roof of the car on the driver’s side. A panel must be installed on the inside portion of the roll cage anywhere the driver’s legs can come into contact with the cage. Driver and passenger floor pan must be steel and welded into place on any car built after Oct. 31, 2006.
· Minimum .024-inch steel firewall mandatory.
· MSD 7530T ignition system must have three retard wires and the points input wire clearly disconnected.
· Wicker height on spoiler has been adjusted to 3/8-inch minimum and one inch maximum.
· All Pro Stock cars required to have cylinder that will activate the kill switch and shut off the engine when fire system is activated.
· For 2007, full-face helmet mandatory.
Funny Car
· Spacer between supercharger and fuel injector restricted to two-inch maximum. Steel and/or titanium prohibited. Two manifold burst panels mandatory.
· Carbon fiber/composite, magnesium, and cast aluminum valve covers prohibited.
· The oldest a body can be in Funny Car adjusted to 2000.
· NHRA has clarified wording for air-vent opening in taillight area.
· Maximum width of opening for blower is 26 inches. Opening for blower hat must have minimum 2.500-inch clearance between body and throttle linkage.
· Rear-release body mechanism must be unobstructed, easily visible, and not located within three inches of any other opening or part.
· Side windows must have a minimum opening of six-inch diameter, including liner.
Top Fuel
· Spacer between supercharger and fuel injector restricted to two-inch maximum. Steel and/or titanium prohibited. Two manifold burst panels mandatory.
· Carbon fiber/composite, magnesium, and cast aluminum valve covers prohibited.
· Minimum wheelbase adjusted to 280 inches.
· Windscreen or deflector must be a minimum 1/2-inch above helmet face shield with driver in driving position.
· Rear wing must meet SFI Spec 49.1.
Jet-powered Dragster & Funny Car
· All applicants must be minimum of 18 years of age.
· Head and neck restraint system meeting SFI Spec 38.1 required.
General Regulations
· Deflector-plate portion above shoulder hoop may be width of roll-cage bars unless radiator extends above top of shoulder hoop, in which case deflector plate must maintain width of radiator.
· All ignition system and/or component wiring harnesses and attachments must use those supplied by ignition system manufacturer.
· Shift light may only be triggered by tachometer output or ignition output.
Race Procedures
· Section on use of safety equipment added. Section on weighing of vehicle/fuel check lays out rules if a driver rejects weighing of vehicle and fuel check.
Points And Related Programs
· In the portion concerning rainouts, new wording has been included to clarify how points are awarded, the order in which the event will be scored, and how alternates score points.
Administrative Procedure
· Under Participant Conduct, section on conflict of interest has been added.
· Chassis Inspection section has been expanded to include rules and procedures on chassis inspections and their limitations.
· Under Stay Pending Appeal, included is clarification that points or awards obtained during a stay may be lost if the appeal is not successful or if otherwise deemed appropriate by NHRA.
