Roll Bar Ronnie

Answer: No, all vehicles with OEM frame, such as an S-10 must have 1 ¾” roll bar welded or bolted to frame; also the installation of frame connectors on unibody cars does not constitute a frame.

(Posted 02/21/2012)

 Drivers Emergency Plan      

    Parts of this article are taken from an article written by track operator and drag racer Royce Miller, Maryland International Dragway

Imagine you are approaching the finish line at a high rate of speed when all of a sudden your motor expires and you have 2 gallons of oil under your tires, and on top of that, a piece of connecting rod cuts a brake line. You push on the brake pedal and there is no stopping this freight train. WHAT WOULD YOU DO?   

Do good drivers act solely from instinct or by the seat of their pants? Do others simply panic because they don't know what to do? After a serious accident there is always the talk about "shoulda, woulda, coulda," and then everyone has an opinion on what happened. But no one really knows how he or she will act in a crisis until they are faced with it.

Drivers need an emergency plan! Regardless of how fast your car or motorcycle is, you need to run through your head the best options to stop your vehicle in all different emergency situations. It is easier to quickly think back on what to do in a situation if you have thought it out previously.

If you have never seen the end of the track you are about to run on it is imperative  before you make a time run, go to the end of the track and look at the surrounding area and study the best plan if you are in an emergency situation. Yes throttles do stick, brakes do fail, and parachutes do not always deploy, and then what is the best thing to do? Thinking about different situations ahead of time will make emergency decisions easier.

If you have a parachute on your car, you should pull it on the first time run of the day to make sure everything is in good working order. You would be very surprised how many parachutes never get out of the pack. They are damp and wrinkled and may not blossom correctly if not properly maintained. Don't hesitate to use your parachute; it is an important piece of safety equipment.

In case of a stuck throttle, always kill the ignition first, then pull your parachute and brake carefully. These are a few points to get you thinking about what to do in your race car in the event of an emergency situation.

(Posted 02/20/2012)

 Battery Box Billy

Answer: Yes it is.  In the 2012 NHRA Rulebook section 4A, E. T. Handicap Racing, page 7, Electrical: 8, Master Cutoff it states “Mandatory on any car with a battery running 9.99 (6.39) or quicker, any car exceeding 135 mph, or on any car where the battery is relocated into the trunk area.”

(Posted 02/14/2012)

Snowmobile Stu

Answer: Yes it is.  In the 2012 NHRA Rulebook section 4E  E. T. Snowmobile, page 17, chassis: 4, fuel tank, it states “Oil injection tank may be used as a fuel tank.

(Posted 02/07/2012)

Wilson’s Willies

Answer: When you go to an NHRA Member Track to do licensing runs the tech inspector will do a tech inspection of your car.  My process is to ask the driver for their NHRA license.  Since you do not have one yet, they should direct you on how to do your licensing runs.  Next, SFI 16.1 seat belts should be within two years of manufacture, SFI 31.1A, 31.2A, 41.1A and 41.2A helmets, chassis need an NHRA chassis tag within three years of current month and SFI 27.1 window net must be within two years of manufacture.  Other non-dated items will be inspected such as throttle return springs, battery hold downs and shutoff.

(Posted 02/01/2012)

 Fuel Pump Joe,

Answer: Yes it is.  In the 2012 NHRA Rulebook General Regulations, section 20, page 5, Pumps/Valves it states “Cars equipped with carburetor(s) or non-electronic fuel (EFI) systems but with mechanical non-OEM fuel pumps must have a quick-action fuel shutoff valve within easy reach of driver and located in the main fuel line between fuel tank and carburetor and/or injectors.”.

(Posted 01/24/2012)

 Biker Boy Bradley

Answer: Yes it is.  In the 2012 NHRA Rulebook E.T. Motorcycle, section 4C, page 13 it has all the requirements such as a stamped DOT-1800 pound rated bottle and permanently mounted (no hose clamps or tie wraps).

(Posted 01/18/2012)

 Helmet Harold

Answer: The chart in the General Regulations on NHRA Helmet Expiration Dates is  correct.  Snell M2000 and SA2000 helmets expired on 1/1/2012.  Next week there will be a release of the new 2012 NHRA Rules Amendments that will clarify the expiration of the M2000 and SA2000 helmets

(Posted 01/10/2012)

 Junior Jack

Answer: You now can go online and view the 2012 NHRA Jr Dragster Rulebook.  Go to www.nhraracer.com .  Just as a side note, this is the 20th Anniversary year for Jr Dragsters

(Posted 01/03/2012)

 Driveshaft Denny

Answer: Your buddies are correct.  New for 2012 Advanced ET, Top Sportsman and some of the higher Competition Eliminator classes now require the driveshaft tube.  Driveshaft must be covered by 360-degree tube, covering the front u-joint and extending rearward a minimum of 12 inches.  Minimum thickness of tube is .050-inch chromoly or titanium tuing.  Driveshaft tube must utilize a minimum of four attachment points to the chassis, either bolted with minimum 5/16 SAE bolts or welded or ¼-inch push/pull pins.

(Posted 12/23/2011)

 Nova Cane

Answer: In the 2012 NHRA Rulebook on page 5 of E. T. section 4A, Roll-cage padding meeting SFI Spec 45.1 mandatory on any vehicle running 9.99 (*6.39) and quicker. Padding must be used anywhere driver’s helmet may come in contact with roll-cage components. See General Regulations 4:11, 10:6.

(Posted 12/22/2011)

 5.0 Fred

Answer: In the 2011 NHRA Rulebook on page 3 of E. T. section 4A, DRIVELINE it states “Driveshaft loop required on all cars running 13.99 (*8.59) or quicker and utilizing slicks, except vehicles running 11.49 (*7.35) seconds or slower equipped with street tires

(Posted 11/30/2011)

 Monza Mikey

Answer: You would only be able to use a nitrous oxide system in a Super Street, Super Gas or Super Comp car if the engine is a diesel-powered turbocharged engine.

(Posted 11/15/2011)

 SFI Stan

Answer: The following criteria are presented in a chronological order; i.e. applicant may not take the written test before attending a seminar, must be 18 years old to attend the seminar, etc.  Work experience may be accumulated before the 18th birthday.

1.  Applicant must have work experience at an NHRA event or NHRA Member Track event.

2.  Applicant must be a minimum of 18 years old.

3.  Applicant must attend an NHRA Technical Seminar (preferably Division Tech Seminar).

4.  Applicant must complete an “open book” written examination.

• Bronze Level I Test, must successfully answer 34 of 40 questions within 60 minutes time limit.

5.  Applicant must demonstrate a through knowledge of the NHRA rulebook, the fair and impartial application of NHRA rules and procedures, and the character to uphold the integrity of the NHRA

(Posted 11/09/2011)

 Motorcycle Mack

Answer: The 2001 NHRA Rulebook states “Full all-leather or SFI 40.1/2 suit mandatory on motorcycles running 120 mph or faster.  Two-piece suits must be joined together with zipper at the waist.  SFI 40.1/1 or 40.1/2 suit or leather jacket, leather boots/shoes above ankle, and leather gloves are mandatory on ALL motorcycles.  Gloves must be Kevlar-lined or equipped with slide buttons

(Posted 11/01/2011)

 Head & Neck Harry

Answer: In the 2011 NHRA Rulebook on page 6, section 6B, Top Sportsman, NECK COLLAR/HEAD AND NECK RESTRAINT DEVICE/SYSTEM the second paragraph reads “Beginning Jan. 1, 2012, all drivers in this class will be required to wear a head and neck restraint device/system meeting SFI Spec 38.1.”  A head & neck restraint device can be used with, or without, a neck collar; when a neck collar is not used, an SFI 3.3 head sock or SFI Spec 3.3 skirted helmet is required. This would also apply to all Top Dragsters and any Advanced ET vehicle running 7.49 and quicker in 2012.

(Posted 10/18/2011)

 Swing Out Sally

Answer: Yes you can.  In the 2011 NHRA Rulebook, section 20, page 15, 3.3 Steering, the last sentence states “NHRA-accepted swing-away steering column permitted with removable steering wheel.”

(Posted 10/11/2011)

 Pinto Pete

Answer: A fire extinguisher in any race vehicle that is not required by rules to have an onboard fire system is a great idea.  A small fire on the return road can get out of control in a hurry.  In the 2011 NHRA Rulebook Section 20, page 35 talks about fire extinguishers.  It is recommended that each contestant have a loaded, serviceable fire extinguisher in their race car, available for immediate use.  Dry chemical or CO2-type, 2 ½-pound minimum size recommended.  Must be mounted in a secure manner; use of flip-open-type clamps prohibited.  Flip-open-type metal clamps with locking hairpin is acceptable

(Posted 10/04/2011)

Transmission Tony

Answer:  You would be able to add an SFI 4.1 transmission shield over your expired aftermarket case and it would be legal.  The other thing to remember is that the aftermarket case was also SFI 30.1 flexplate shield certified and you would need to now add a SFI 30.1 flexplate shield.

(Posted 09/27/2011)

ET Finals Eddie

Answer:  Below is a list of items that the local NHRA Member Track NHRA/SFI Tech Inspector did not fail at their track and in turn the racer had to correct before they could race at Indianapolis.

2011 North Central Division Summit Racing Series ET Finals

Failed items that did not pass tech in Super Pro & Pro quicker than 6.40 in the 1/8th mile.
All items were repaired before they ran.

SFI 45.1 roll cage padding                    9
Missing transmission straps                   7
Locking dip stick tube                          5
SFI 3.3/1 gloves with holes                   5
Seat belts expired                               4
Seat not attached to roll cage              4
Holes in SFI 3.2A/5 jacket/pants            3
No ladder bar safety straps                   1
Excessive rubber fuel line                      1
Fuel cell bottom protective shield           1

(Posted 09/20/2011)

 Website Willy

Answer:  Yesterday NHRA launched a new racer website, www.NHRARacer.com where you can find all sorts of NHRA racer information.  When you open the site along the left side it has some of the following.

Latest Updates: which has racer bulletins, HP adjustments, etc.
Competition: that has national event schedules, NHRA Division contacts, license and numbers.
Tech: which has classification guide, blueprint guide, NHRA-Accepted products, NHRA Rulebook that can be looked at.
Contingency: Full Throttle Drag Racing Series, Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series and sponsors.

(Posted 09/13/2011)

Super Pro Phi

Answer:  All Super Pro cars and any Pro vehicles that run quicker than 6.40 in the 1/8-mile must come to the paddock area (finish line area on the West side) for tech inspection.

• 6.40 and quicker cars must have current NHRA chassis inspection tag.
• Current SFI 16.1 seat belts within two years of manufacture.
• Full-face Snell or SFI helmet 2000 or newer required.
• SFI 4.1 transmission shield with transmission straps required on any vehicle running 6.99 or quicker. 
• If you run quicker than 6.40 you are required to have a current NHRA license.
• SFI Spec 45.1 roll-cage padding is mandatory anywhere driver’s helmet may come in contact with roll-cage components.

(Posted 09/06/2011)

 Expired Number Eddie

Answer: I’m glad you looked at your NHRA number/license card before it expired.  I hope that your local NHRA Member Track SFI Tech Inspector would have told you that your NHRA number was going to expire this month.  You should mail in an NHRA number/license so that it is in the NHRA Division 3 office before September 9, 2011.  Starting Monday, September 12 all other NHRA number/licenses new or renewal for the NHRA Summit Racing Series ET Finals must be taken to the paddock area building at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis starting at noon, Thursday September 15 for processing, there will be an extra $10 service fee when done at the event.

(Posted 08/23/2011)

 SFI Tech Tony

Answer:  The following NHRA classes require an NHRA-Accepted oil containment device or belly pan:
Advanced E. T., Super Street 135 mph or more, Super Gas, Super Comp, Top Dragster, Top Sportsman, Competition Eliminator, Pro Stock Motorcycle and Pro Stock.

Top Alcohol Funny Car and Top Alcohol Dragster require SFI Spec 7.1 lower-engine-ballistic/restraint device and engine oil-retention pan.

(Posted 08/17/2011)

 Seat Belt Stu

Answer:  Yes, your seat belt expiration date was July 31, 2011.  On page 45 of the 2011 NHRA Jr Dragster Rulebook in the DRIVER RESTRAINT SYSTEM paragraph it states “Five-point, 1 ¾-inch-wide driver restraint system mandatory.  Driver restraint system must meet SFI Spec 16.1 and be updated at two-year intervals from date of manufacture.”  As a reminder this also includes the crotch strap.

(Posted 08/02/2011)

 Sparky

Answer:  There are two ignition systems that are not legal.  In the 2011 NHRA Rulebook in the General Regulations section 20, page 33, ignition, fourth paragraph it states “The use of any programmable multi-point rev limiter and/or rate-of-acceleration rpm limiter, either by themselves (e.g., MSD 7561) or integrated into the ignition system (e.g., MSD 7531), are prohibited in NHRA competition.”

(Posted 07/26/2011)

 Diaper Don

Answer:  In the 2011 NHRA Rulebook on page 10 of the Advanced ET section the top paragraph, Oil-Retention Device it states: “All vehicles running 7.49 or quicker must utilize an NHRA-accepted lower engine oil-containment device; may use a belly pan in lieu of a device attached to the engine.”  This also would apply to any Advanced ET vehicle that runs 4.49 - 3.66 in the 1/8-mile

(Posted 07/19/2011)

Helmet Harold

Answer:  Here is a little chart that is in the General Regulations section on page 41 of the 2011 NHRA Rulebook.

Label	Expires
Snell 2000	1/1/2012
Snell 2005	1/1/2017
Snell 2010	1/1/2022
SFI 24.1 JDRL Only	1/1/2015
SFI 24.1/2005	1/1/2017
SFI 31.1A	1/1/2014
SFI 31.2A	1/1/2014
SFI 31.1/2005	1/1/2017
SFI 41.1/2005	1/1/2017
SFI 41.1A	1/1/2014
SFI 41.2A	1/1/2014

(Posted 06/28/2011)

Roll Cage Ritchie

Answer:  We have seen a number of cars that do not meet the new roll-cage padding rule that went into effect June 1.  Let’s see if we can get racers into compliance with this rule.  In the 2011 NHRA Rulebook on page 5 of the E.T. Section 4A and in the General Regulations Section 20, page 20 it states “ Beginning June 1, 2011, roll-cage padding meeting SFI Spec 45.1 mandatory on any vehicle running 9.99 (6.39 1/8-mile) and quicker.  Padding must be used anywhere driver’s helmet may come in contact with roll-cage components.”

(Posted 06/21/2011)

 Head & Neck Harold

Answer:  You heard correctly.  In the 2011 NHRA Rulebook Advanced ET, Section 4C, page 12; Top Sportsman, Section 6A, page 6; and Top Dragster, Section 6B, page 9 it all reads the same.“Beginning Jan. 1, 2012, all drivers in this class will be required to wear a head and neck restraint device/system meeting SFI Spec 38.1.”

(Posted 06/14/2011)

 Jr Daddy Denny

Answer:  No the rules have not changed.  As a matter of fact at the past couple of NHRA Division 3 races that we have ran Jr Dragsters, the Division 3 Safety Crew had to warn Jr Dragster to wear their SFI 3.2A/1 fire pants (yes even though it was hot) and display their fluorescent towing flag anytime the Jr Dragster is towed.

(Posted 06/07/2011)

 Roll Cage Rodney

Answer:  Glad you asked that question.  A new roll-cage padding rule goes into effect tomorrow.  In the 2011 NHRA Rulebook on page 5 of the E.T. Section 4A and in the General Regulations Section 20, page 20 it states “ Beginning June 1, 2011, roll-cage padding meeting SFI Spec 45.1 mandatory on any vehicle running 9.99 (6.39 1/8-mile) and quicker.  Padding must be used anywhere driver’s helmet may come in contact with roll-cage components.”

(Posted 05/31/2011)

Flexplate Floyd

Answer:  No you are not allowed to modify an SFI product.  On page 3 of the General Regulations the second paragraph it states “Under no circumstances may any certified product be modified, altered, or in any way vary from the “as manufactured” condition.”

(Posted 05/24/2011)

Top Dragster Denny

Answer:  When looking at the 2011 NHRA Rulebook the Top Dragster class builds off of the Top Sportsman class.  T/D rules on parachute are silent so looking at the T/S parachute rules on page 4 if running 200 mph dual parachutes are required.  In T/D on page 9 an SFI 38.1 head and neck restraint is required if running 200 mph or faster.  Both T/S & T/D will require an SFI 38.1 head & neck restraint for all competitors starting 1/1/2012.

(Posted 05/17/2011)

Delay Box Dan

Answer:  You are correct.  In the 2011 NHRA rulebook, Section 4A, Super Pro, Page 7, ignition, it states "No other wiring shall be connected directly or indirectly between any other part of the ignition system and the delay box/device.  All wiring associated with the ignition system must be full visible, labeled and traceable".

(Posted 05/03/2011)