2011 NHRA Rulebook_0

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Transcript of 2011 NHRA Rulebook_0

  • iNATIONAL HOT ROD ASSOCIATIONMarking its 60th anniversary in 2011 as the premier sanctioningorganization of drag racing, NHRA continues to offer an unequaledmotorsports experience for racers, sponsors, and fans. Keys to thesuccess have been NHRAs focus on racer participation at all levelsand providing venues to race with rules designed for faircompetition and to enhance safety. One way that NHRA consistently achieves these important objectives is through thedevelopment of a Rulebook designed to provide guidance for NHRAactivities, participants, and member tracks. NHRAs wide variety of racing series accommodates racing at alllevels of interest, all types of vehicles, and competitors of all ages.Top Fuel dragsters, Funny Cars, Pro Stock cars, and Pro StockMotorcycles share top billing in the sports major league action the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. The Full Throttle Seriesis a full seasons tournament of major national events produced inprime market locations from coast to coast.In addition, racing is conducted at both a national and divisional levelin the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, a schedule that includesmyriad classes ranging from Top Alcohol Dragster to Super Street.Introduced in 2010, the NHRA Get Screened America Pro Mod DragRacing Series features supercharged or turbocharged, methanol-burning or nitrous-oxide-injected, gasoline-burning full-bodied cars.E.T. racing is based on the bracketing of elapsed-time performancesin producing categories for handicap-start competition. Because ofits open-ended rules, E.T. racing encourages participation by a widevariety of vehicle types, from street rods to muscle cars to the latestofferings from domestic and foreign automakers. The NHRA SummitRacing Series is the entry level for most first-time racers, and its grassroots nature offers an affordable welcome to newcomers andold-timers in the sport. More than 5,000 events are conductedannually at 140 NHRA member tracks throughout the United Statesand Canada. About 80 percent of total entries at these events areE.T. racers. And NHRA Drags: Street Legal Style presented by AAAlets almost anyone take almost any street vehicle out to a local trackfor a thrilling taste of the strip.The NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League is based on half-scale dragstersand a single-cylinder engine. The class is open to youth 8 to 17 whocompete at most NHRA member tracks.NHRA invites you to share the fun of organized drag racing at your nearest NHRA dragstrip. We hope, too, that youll join us as amember of NHRA, the worlds largest auto racing organization.

    NATIONAL HOT ROD ASSOCIATION - A member of ACCUS-FIACOPYRIGHT 2010, 2011 by the National Hot Rod Association. No part of this Rulebook maybe reproduced without the express written permission of the National Hot Rod Association.

  • ii

    TABLE OF CONTENTS2011 NHRA Rulebook

    Section PageIntroduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iNHRA Personnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iiiNHRA Division Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ivHow to Use This Rulebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xvGeneral

    Administrative Procedures & Appeals . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1Race Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 1Points and Related Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 1

    NHRA Summit Racing Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 1Super Pro, Pro, Sportsman (7.50 & slower) . . . . . . . . . . 4A 2Advanced E.T. (6.00 to 7.49) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4B 9E.T. Motorcycle (7.50 & slower) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4C 12Advanced E.T. Motorcycle (6.00 to 7.49). . . . . . . . . 4D 15E.T. Snowmobile (7.50 & slower) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4E 15All-Terrain Vehicle (7.50 & slower) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4F 19Electric-Powered Vehicle (7.50 & slower) . . . . . . . 4G 21Electric-Powered Motorcycle (7.50 & slower) . . . . 4H 23Legend Cars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4I 23

    NHRA Get Screened AmericaPro Mod Drag Racing Series. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 1

    Top Sportsman and Top Dragster. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 1NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series

    Super Street . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 1Super Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 1Super Comp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 1Stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 1

    Stock Cars. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10A 1Super Stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 1

    Super Stock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11A 1Super Stock/GT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11B 10GT/Truck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11C 14Modified Stock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11D 15Modified Truck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11E 20Modified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11F 22Super Stock/MX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11G 27

    Comp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 1Gas Dragster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12A 5Econo Dragster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12B 9Nostalgia Dragster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12C 13Altered & Street Roadster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12D 16Altered Truck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12E 25Econo Altered . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12F 30Super Modified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12G 35Pro Modified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12H 42

    Top Alcohol Dragster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 1Top Alcohol Funny Car. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 1

    NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing SeriesPro Stock Motorcycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 1Pro Stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 1Funny Car . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 1Top Fuel Dragster. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 1

    Exhibition Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 1General Regulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 1Charts and Formulas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 1In the case of differences in interpretation regarding terms used in varioustranslations of the rules and regulations of NHRA, the English text will control.

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    NATIONAL HOT ROD ASSOCIATION2035 Financial Way, Glendora CA 91741

    626-914-4761; Technical Services fax, 626-914-7551Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

    Founder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wally Parks1913-2007

    Board Chairman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dallas GardnerBoard of Directors

    Dallas Gardner Tom ComptonPeter Clifford Graham Light

    President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tom ComptonExecutive Vice President/General Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peter CliffordSenior Vice President-Racing Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Graham Light

    Director of Racing Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Josh PetersonVice President-Technical Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Glen Gray

    Director of Top Fuel & Funny Car Racing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dan OlsonNational Technical Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Danny GraciaTechnical Services Representatives . . Pat Cvengros, Bruce Bachelder, Sarah AllenElectronics Specialist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jake Hairston

    Senior Vice President-Sales & Marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gary DarcyDirector of Marketing & Client Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gary Raasch

    Senior Manager-Corporate Marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mario HiroseVice President-Sales & Business Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tony Driscoll

    Senior Director of Sales & Business Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . John SiragusaDirector of Advertising Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jeff Morton

    Vice President-National Event Marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Glen CromwellDirector of Field Marketing & Contingency Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eric LotzDirector of Advertising & Promotions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Pesetski

    Vice President-Public Relations & Communications . . . . . . . . . . Jerry ArchambeaultDirector of Media Relations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anthony VestalDirector of Public Relations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael Padian

    Director of Broadcasting & Video Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jim TraceVice President-Publications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adriane Ridder

    Editorial Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Phil BurgessVice President & General Counsel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Linda LouieDirector of Customer & Ticket Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Don BoudreauDirector of Human Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Marleen GurrolaDirector of Information Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jared RobisonEmergency Medical Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Randy Jenkins

    Rulebook StaffProduction Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matthew HurdManaging Editor - Special Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lorraine VestalArt Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Daniel KimSenior Graphic Designer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deborah PierceSenior Marketing Graphic Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tommy WalkerGraphic Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carl LandkammerPhoto Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Teresa LongAdvertising Sales Representatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joni Elmslie, Susan BulotSenior Advertising Services Representative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maria G. AguilarAdvertising Services Representative. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cynthia Cabrera

  • iv

    DIVISION FIELD OFFICESNORTHEAST DIVISION OFFICE

    Bob Lang, division director Ryck Campbell, tech director366 Easton Road, Warrington, PA 18976 315-335-8295215-343-2558; fax, 215-343-0159 Monday and Thursday, 7-9 p.m.e-mail, [email protected] e-mail, [email protected] Division: Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland,Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island,Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia; Maritime Provinces, Eastern Ontario, and Quebec,Canada

    SOUTHEAST DIVISION OFFICERich Schaefer, division director Jim Collins, tech director4424 N.W. 13th St., Suite C6 phone and fax, 757-686-2222Gainesville, FL 32609 Tuesday and Thursday, 8-10 p.m.352-374-9922; fax, 352-372-0418 e-mail, [email protected], [email protected] Division: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia; Puerto Rico and the Caribbean

    NORTH CENTRAL DIVISION OFFICEJay Hullinger, division director Ritch Bowers, tech director5 West State Road 218, Bunker Hill, IN 46914 765-689-8377765-689-8727; fax, 765-689-7956 Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.e-mail, [email protected] e-mail, [email protected] Central Division: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin;Western Ontario, Canada

    SOUTH CENTRAL DIVISION OFFICECraig Hutchinson, division director Chuck Nelson, tech director401 N. Loop 336 West, Suite C phone and fax, 936-344-9589Conroe, TX 77301 Monday and Friday, 7-9 p.m.936-539-4474; fax, (936) 539-4477 e-mail, [email protected], [email protected] Central Division: Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma,Tennessee, and Texas; Mexico

    WEST CENTRAL DIVISION OFFICERob Park, division director Bob Blackwell, tech director3720 Arrowhead Ave., Suite 103 816-795-8055; fax, 816-795-0515 Independence, MO 64057 Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.816-795-8055; fax, 816-795-0515 Friday, 9 a.m.-noone-mail, [email protected] e-mail, [email protected] Central Division: Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska,North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming; Manitoba, Canada

    NORTHWEST DIVISION OFFICEJonathan Adams, division director Dave Schaffel, tech consultant 818 39th Ave. SW, Suite A-3 306-374-3685; fax, 306-477-7707 Puyallup, WA 98373 Monday and Friday, 7-9 p.m.253-446-6594; fax, 253-446-6683 e-mail, [email protected] e-mail, [email protected] Northwest Division: Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington; Alberta, BritishColumbia, and Saskatchewan, Canada

    PACIFIC DIVISION OFFICEMike Rice, division director Ben Wilson, tech director2035 Financial Way 520-579-1426Glendora, CA 91741 Tuesday and Thursday, 7-9 p.m.626-914-4761, ext. 498 e-mail, [email protected], 626-914-8963; e-mail, [email protected] Division: Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah; Mexico

    National Technical Services RepresentativesMonday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Friday, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

    Pat Cvengros, 626-250-2485 Sarah Allen, 626-250-2485Bruce Bachelder, 317-216-4869 Tech Services: [email protected]

  • Pro Stock Motorcycle competition

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    NHRA FULL THROTTLE DRAGRACING SERIES 2011 SCHEDULE

    51st annual Kragen OReilly Auto Parts NHRA WinternationalsAuto Club Raceway at Pomona, Pomona, Calif. Feb. 24-2742nd annual Tire Kingdom NHRA GatornationalsGainesville Raceway, Gainesville, Fla. March 10-1312th annual SummitRacing.com NHRA NationalsThe Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas April 1-32nd annual NHRA Four-Wide NationalszMAX Dragway, Concord, N.C. April 14-1724th annual OReilly Auto Parts NHRA Spring NationalsRoyal Purple Raceway, Houston April 29-May 131st annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern NationalsAtlanta Dragway, Atlanta May 13-1523rd annual NHRA Summer NationalsHeartland Park Topeka, Topeka, Kan. May 20-2242nd annual NHRA SuperNationalsOld Bridge Township Raceway Park, Englishtown, N.J. June 2-511th annual NHRA Thunder Valley NationalsBristol Dragway, Bristol, Tenn. June 17-195th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA NationalsSummit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park, Norwalk, Ohio June 23-2614th annual OReilly Auto Parts Route 66 NHRA NationalsRoute 66 Raceway, Chicago July 7-1032nd annual Mopar Mile-High NHRA NationalsBandimere Speedway, Denver July 22-2424th annual Fram Autolite NHRA NationalsInfineon Raceway, Sonoma, Calif. July 29-3124th annual OReilly Auto Parts NHRA Northwest NationalsPacific Raceways, Seattle Aug. 5-730th annual Lucas Oil NHRA NationalsBrainerd Intl Raceway, Brainerd, Minn. Aug. 18-2157th annual Mac Tools U.S. NationalsOReilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis, Indianapolis Aug. 31-Sept.5

    4th annual OReilly Auto Parts NHRA NationalszMAX Dragway, Concord, N.C. Sept. 15-1826th annual AAA Texas NHRA Fall NationalsTexas Motorplex, Dallas Sept. 22-2527th annual NHRA Keystone NationalsMaple Grove Raceway, Reading, Pa. Sept. 29-Oct. 227th annual NHRA Arizona NationalsFirebird Intl Raceway, Phoenix Oct. 14-1611th annual NHRA Las Vegas NationalsThe Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas Oct. 27-3047th annual Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA FinalsAuto Club Raceway at Pomona, Pomona, Calif. Nov. 10-13

    COUNTDOWN TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP

  • vi

    THE BASICS OF DRAG RACINGWhat is a drag race?

    The sport of drag racing is an acceleration contest between twovehicles racing from a standing start over a straight race course. Adrag racing event is made up of a series of individual two-vehicleraces called eliminations, with competing machines divided into avariety of classes. Class eligibility is governed by criteria that limitengine size, type of fuel, vehicle weight, allowable modifications,and aerodynamics.

    A set of lights, commonly called a Christmas Tree, is used at thestarting line. There is a .4-second difference between the flash of allthe amber lights and the flash of the green light in the Pro startsystem. In handicap racing, the amber lights illuminate individually,with a .5-second difference between the last amber and the green.Upon leaving the starting line, each contestant activates a timer,which is then stopped when his or her vehicle reaches the finishline. The start-to-finish clocking is the vehicles elapsed time (e.t.),which serves to measure performance and often to determinehandicaps during competition.

    Virtually anyone can compete in drag racing. Drivers must have avalid state- or government-issued drivers license beyond alearners-permit level or, in some cases, an NHRA competitionlicense and must be capable of the safe operation of the vehicle.The vehicle must meet basic safety criteria (brakes, seat belt, etc.).This applies to most street-type vehicles. Faster, all-out race carsmust meet more stringent requirements as outlined throughout thisNHRA Rulebook.

    Prime responsibility for the safe condition and operation of a vehicle in competition rests with thevehicle owner, driver, and crewmembers. The trackoperators main concern is to provide a place toconduct events. NHRA produces guidelines basedon experience and circulates information to help perpetuate the sport. Close observance of the standards set forth in this Rulebook is required forall participants, including owners, drivers, andcrewmembers. However, drag racing is dangerous.Therefore, no express or implied warranty of safetyis created from publication of or compliance withNHRA rules, nor does compliance with NHRA rulesguarantee against injury or death to participants,spectators, or others.

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    Though some choose to race vehicles they build to certain specifications to fit into a certain NHRA class (outlined elsewhere inthis Rulebook), an ever-growing number of racers choose tocompete on a local level in categories divided on the basis of performance, or e.t. (elapsed time), brackets. This form of drag racing offers a good starting point for the novice wishing to becomeinvolved in the sport. Thousands of drag racers enjoy E.T. handicapracing, which allows drivers in slower vehicles to compete on anequal basis with drivers of quicker and faster machines. Theperformance predictions for all vehicles are compared, and theslower car receives an advantage at the start equal to the difference between the vehicles anticipated e.t.s. For example, avehicle with a dial-in of 15.75 will have a 2.5-second head start overa vehicle with a dial-in of 13.25.

    With this system, virtually any two vehicles can be paired in a competitive drag race. It is designed so that if both vehicles coverthe race distance in exactly the predetermined elapsed time, thewin will go to the driver who reacted quickest to the starting signal.That reaction to the starting signal is called reaction time. Eachlane is timed independently, and the clock does not start until thevehicle actually moves. Because of this, a vehicle may sometimesappear to have a mathematical advantage in comparative elapsedtimes but will actually lose the race. This fact makes starting-linereflexes extremely important in drag racing.

    In most cases, the vehicle that gets to the finish line first wins. Anexception: When both vehicles run quicker than their dial-ins, knownas a double-breakout race, the vehicle closest to its dial-in is thewinner. For instance, if both vehicles have a dial-in of 8.90 and onebreaks out at 8.854 and the other at 8.864, the vehicle that ran8.864 wins.

    Another form of disqualification is a foul start, or red-light. Thishappens when the driver reacts to the Tree too quickly and drivesaway from the starting line before the green go signal. Should dualinfractions occur a red-light and a breakout, for example thedriver who red-lights would be classified as committing the worseinfraction and lose.

    Hence, the start is key, because all races start from a standstill.Todays modern starting system is a product of continued development, designed to provide each competitor with the faireststart possible. The Christmas Tree system features a vertical seriesof lights, displaying a visual countdown for each racer. Technique instaging and starting is one of the most vital skills a drag racer candevelop because a majority of races are won or lost at the startingline. Close observation and practice can pay off.

    Two performances are monitored for each run: elapsed time andspeed. The elapsed time is started when the vehicle first leaves thestarting line, breaking the beam that activates the electronic timer.As the vehicle continues down the course, the timer records theelapsed seconds until it breaks the finish-line beam and stops thetimer. Speed is determined by two additional light beams at thefinish line.

    The wide variety of classifications in NHRA Championship DragRacing provides a showcase for everyones favorite type of vehiclesand assures excitement for fans and drivers alike, whether drivenby passion for the automobile, vehicle appearance, or speed.

  • PRE-STAGE INDICATOR LIGHTS:Round amber bulbs warn racers thatthey are approaching the starting lineand the staged position.

    STAGE INDICATOR LIGHTS: Signal racers that they are on thestarting line and ready for a run. These amber bulbs are turned onwhen the front wheels of the race vehicle interrupt the beam from alight source to the photo cells that also triggers the timing equipmentwhen the vehicle leaves the light beams.

    THREE-AMBER STARTING SYSTEM: All three ambers/LED lightsin a racers lane flash simultaneously before the green light comes on.This is called a Pro start system. Racers running in handicapcategories get a countdown of one amber light at a time until thegreen light comes on. The Pro start system runs with a .4-seconddifference between the amber and green lights. (Super Street racershave a .5-second difference.) The handi cap system runs with a .5-second difference between bulbs.

    GREEN LIGHT: This is the one that makes it all happen. Once thegreen light flashes, the racer in that lane is free to make a run downthe track. Anytime a green light is shown in a racers lane, itindicates that a fair start was accomplished.

    RED LIGHT: When the front wheel of a vehicle leaves the startingline before the green light comes on, the red light will flash in thatlane to indicate that the racer in that lane has been disqualified. During competition, only one red light will flash, thus eliminatingonly the first offender.

    NHRA NATIONAL EVENTSTARTING-LINE SYSTEM

    PRE-STAGE INDICATOR LIGHTS

    STAGE INDICATOR LIGHTS

    THREE-AMBER STARTING SYSTEM

    GREEN LIGHT

    RED LIGHT

    viii

  • The NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series brings the quickestform of motorsports to 19 markets in the United States eachseason, showcasing competition in the categories of Top Fuel,Funny Car, and Pro Stock at all events and Pro Stock Motorcycleat a select number.Professional drivers and teams present 7,000-horsepower,nitromethane-burning cars as well as the quickest Pro Stock carsand motorcycles with an ever-growing fan base watching the action.Top Fuel dragsters, the kings of the sport, and Funny Cars use500-cid, nitromethane-burning engines that produce 7,000 horsepower. The 300-inch-wheelbase Top Fueler is quicker than theFunny Car, which is less than half as long and has a carbon-fiber-replica production-car body. The fire and thunder they producecreate a sensory experience unequaled in all of motorsports, onethat must be seen and heard to be believed.Pro Stock cars more closely resemble production vehicles but arenonetheless highly sophisticated race cars. With basically stockbody contours and minimal aerodynamic aids, they record elapsedtimes of less than seven seconds at more than 200 mph using anengine of 500 cid, spec racing gasoline, and just two carburetors.The competition in Pro Stock is some of the closest in motorsports;races are often decided by just a few thousandths of a second.Pro Stock Motorcycle is the two-wheeled category in the NHRA FullThrottle Drag Racing Series. Competitors rely on spec racing gasoline to produce elapsed times of less than seven seconds atspeeds in excess of 195 mph.To get a close look at these machines and the people who racethem, visit one of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Seriesevents listed on page v or on NHRA.com.

    ix

    NHRA FULL THROTTLEDRAG RACING SERIES

  • xNHRA LUCAS OIL DRAG RACING SERIES

    Many of the future stars of NHRA Championship Drag Racing developtheir skills in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. The premierSportsman racing program in motorsports, the NHRA Lucas Oil DragRacing Series showcases competition in eight categories, highlightedby the 260-mph Top Alcohol Dragsters and Top Alcohol Funny Cars, aswell as Comp, Super Stock, Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas, andSuper Street. Racers compete for national and divisionalchampionships and a share of the more than $560,000 in prize money.In seven geographic regions of North America, more than 35,000licensed racers can score points toward divisional championships atfive events. Each geographic division hosts at least five NHRA LucasOil Drag Racing Series events at facilities across the United States andin Canada. The season runs from February through November. Ineach region, the driver with the most points in each of the eightcategories is declared the division champion. The season national championship is contested in seven categories Top Alcohol Dragster, Top Alcohol Funny Car, Comp, Super Stock,Stock, Super Comp, and Super Gas and is awarded based on acombination of performances at national and divisional events.Run in conjunction with the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series is apopular program for each divisions best racers: the JEGS Allstars.Drivers score points at divisional races toward qualifying for the Allstarstournament, held at the OReilly Auto Parts Route 66 NHRA Nationals atRoute 66 Raceway in July. Boasting a $119,000 purse, the JEGS Allstarsis one of the most lucrative single-day events in Sportsman racing.For the location of the nearest racetrack hosting an NHRA Lucas OilDrag Racing Series event, call NHRA headquarters, 626-914-4761, oryour local division office. An up-to-date listing is also published inNational DRAGSTER, the weekly publication of NHRA, and onNHRA.com. National DRAGSTER is sold at leading performanceretailers across the nation. To find a dealer in your area, log on towww.nhra.com/features/dealers.aspx. For a sample issue, send $4 toNational DRAGSTER, Dept. RB, P.O. Box 5555, Glendora, CA 91740-0950.

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    NHRA GET SCREENED AMERICAPRO MOD DRAG RACING SERIES

    The NHRA Get Screened America Pro Mod Drag Racing Series,introduced in 2010, features supercharged or turbocharged, methanol-burning or nitrous-oxide-injected, gasoline-burning full-bodied cars. With body styles ranging from 41 Willys to '53 Corvettes, 57 Chevysto 70 Cudas, and first-generation Camaros and Firebirds to profiles asracy as the latest Ford Mustang and Dodge Viper along with show-quality themed paint jobs, Pro Mods were crowd-pleasers at NHRAevents for several years as an exhibition. With huge slicks at the rearand superchargers poking through the hoods, theres no doubt thatthese cars are a whole lot more than souped-up classics.

  • xii

    The NHRA Summit Racing Series that is contested across NorthAmerica forms the worlds largest motorsports program in terms ofracer participation. Participating NHRA member tracks across NorthAmerica host regularly scheduled events and award points. At theend of the season, each track selects a team of racers from amongits top points finishers to represent the track in a divisional SummitRacing Series Finals. Competitors running in different categoriesbased on performance race until a champion is crowned in each category. Points totals also are tallied for team honors. Division champions in Super Pro, Pro, Sportsman, and Motorcycleare eligible to compete at the season-ending Automobile Club ofSouthern California NHRA Finals in Pomona, Calif., to determine anational champion. In addition to the lucrative Summit prize fund,many manufacturers post contingency awards, making the finalpayouts indeed worthy of the caliber of racing. Run in conjunction with the NHRA Summit Racing Series is a popular program for high school students. Each participating trackholds special High School eliminators, and a student is selected torepresent the track at the NHRA Summit Racing Series Finals ineach division. A breakdown of rules regarding construction and preparation ofvehicles for Summit Racing Series competition is in Section 4 of thisRulebook. Novice racers are invited to ask for advice in gettingstarted in the sport. To do that and to find the location of the nearestracetrack, call NHRA headquarters, 626-914-4761, or your localNHRA division office (listed on page iv). An up-to-date listing ofmember tracks is also published in National DRAGSTER, theweekly publication of NHRA, and on NHRA.com. NationalDRAGSTER is sold at leading performance retailers across thenation. To find a dealer in your area, log on towww.nhra.com/features/dealers.aspx. For a sample issue, send $4to National DRAGSTER, Dept. RB, P.O. Box 5555, Glendora, CA91740-0950.

    NHRA SUMMIT RACING SERIES

  • The NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League was born when Vincent Napp,the late owner of Old Bridge Township Raceway Park inEnglishtown, N.J., built a half-scale dragster for his son, David. Thecreation was quite a sensation and was the catalyst for what is nowknown as the NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League.In this family-oriented program, kids can begin preparing for acareer or hobby in drag racing long before they can even obtain astate drivers license.Formed in 1992, the Jr. Drag Racing League is a multifaceted program designed to afford youth ages 8 to 17 the opportunity torace against their peers in near-replica models of the cars the Prosdrive. NHRA Jr. drag racers are restricted to competition in half-scale rear-engine dragsters over a maximum distance of an eighth-mile. Racers are permitted a single-cylinder, four-cycle,NHRA-accepted engine. However, because racing is conducted inan elapsed-time, dial-your-own format (similar to E.T. handicap) orwith a preset index on a heads-up, breakout basis (similar to SuperComp and Super Gas), engine modifications are allowed. Racinggasoline or methanol may be used as a fuel.Drivers 8 to 9 years old are restricted to eighth-mile elapsed timesof 12.90 seconds or slower. Drivers 10 to 12 years old are held toeighth-mile elapsed times of 8.90 seconds or slower. Drivers 13 to17 may run as quick as 7.90 in the eighth-mile.During the summer, Jr. drag racers who have qualified in localcompetition at NHRA member tracks around the country travel toone of two NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League Conference Finals.There, drivers compete for an Eastern or Western Conference titlein eight age brackets.The NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League Rulebook contains completerules for construction of a Jr. Dragster. Membership in the NHRA Jr.Drag Racing League is required to race a Jr. Dragster. To purchasea print copy of the NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League Rulebook, log onto store.nhra.com or call 800-308-6472. For information about theNHRA Jr. Drag Racing League, log on to jrdragster.nhra.com.

    NHRA JR. DRAG RACING LEAGUExiii

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    Drag racing can trace its roots to local streets anywhere astraight piece of asphalt and a set of traffic signals existed. In theearly 1950s, NHRA worked with local law-enforcement agenciesaround the country to entice such traffic-light racers off the streetsand onto dry lakes and abandoned runways, where more organizedcompetition could be staged. From those humble origins, the sportof NHRA Championship Drag Racing was born.Unfortunately, not everyone participates in legitimate, organizedevents. Many still choose to race illegally on public streets. Recognizing the seriousness of the problem, NHRA establishedrelationships with law-enforcement agencies throughout the country. Through these relationships, the NHRA Drags: Street LegalStyle presented by AAA program was born. One of the mosteffective tools in the fight against illegal street racing is theestablishment of Street Legal events at NHRA member tracks.This category is reserved for foreign and domestic production-typeautomobiles and trucks. All vehicles must be street driven and carryproof of vehicle registration and valid insurance. Vehicles must alsodisplay valid license plates. Vehicles running in the Street Legal category must be able to pass all state highway safety requirementsfor the state in which the vehicle is registered.Requirements and specifications for Street Legal are the same asthose for the Summit Racing Series.

    At Street Legal events, only legitimate street-legal machines arepermitted to participate. Though competition structure varies fromtrack to track, emphasis is placed on fun. A common Street Legalvenue will feature time trials and grudge racing only, which ensureseach participant the opportunity for a maximum number of passesdown the dragstrip. Grudge racing permits participants to choosetheir competition rather than participate in an organized eliminator.And, once eliminated, a participant may return to the staging lanesfor more time trials or grudge runs. Being eliminated at a StreetLegal event does not necessarily mean its time to go home.Street Legal events provide a legal environment where you candrag race. Have fun!

    NHRA DRAGS: STREET LEGALSTYLE PRESENTED BY AAA

  • NOTICEDrag racing is a dangerous sport. There is no suchthing as a guaranteed safe drag race. Drag racingalways carries with it the risk of serious injury or deathin any number of ways. This risk will always exist nomatter how much everyone connected with drag racingtries to make our sport safer. Although NHRA works topromote and enhance the safety of the sport, there areno guarantees that such safety measures will guaranteeor ensure safety. The participant always has theresponsibility for the participants own safety, and byparticipating in drag racing, the participant accepts allrisks of injury, whether due to negligence, vehiclefailure, or otherwise. If at any time a participant doesnot accept these risks, the participant agrees not to participate in drag racing.

    HOW TO USE THIS RULEBOOKThe NHRA Rulebook provides guidelines and minimum standardsfor the construction and operation of vehicles used in NHRAChampionship Drag Racing and at member-track events.

    Additional safety equipment or safety-enhancing equipment isalways permitted and the levels of safety equipment stated inthis Rulebook are minimum prescribed levels for a particulartype of competition and do not prohibit the individual racerfrom using additional safety equipment. Participants areencouraged to investigate the utility of additional safetydevices for your type of competition. In disputed cases,whether an item of equipment is safety-enhancing or performance-enhancing will be determined by NHRA inNHRAs sole and absolute discretion.

    On the other hand, as to performance equipment, it is the general rule that unless optional performance equipment orperformance-related modification is specifically permitted bythis Rulebook, it is prohibited. All model, engine, or equipmentchanges or modifications not specifically addressed in thisRulebook must be submitted in writing to NHRA forconsideration prior to competition. Approval will be granted ordenied in NHRAs sole and absolute discretion. The applicantwill be notified of approval or rejection in writing from NHRAheadquarters in Glendora, Calif.

    Throughout this Rulebook, a number of references are madefor particular products to meet certain specifications (i.e., SFISpecs, Snell, DOT, etc.). It is important to realize that theseproducts are manufactured to meet certain specifications, andupon completion, the manufacturer labels the product asmeeting that spec. Therefore, except as outlined under SFIrequirements, any change to the product voids thatcertification.

    Under no circumstances may any certified product be modified,altered, or in any way vary from the as manufacturedcondition. Such a practice is in violation of the SFI, Snell, DOT,etc. program, voids such certification and therefore will not beaccepted by NHRA.

    NOTICE: It is the responsibility of the participant,not NHRA or any track, to ensure that all safety equipment is approved and is correctly installed,worn, maintained, and used.

    xv

  • xviUnauthorized cars, parts, and/or equipment will not be considered approved by reason of having passed throughtechnical inspection at any time, or any number of times.Moreover, having passed through technical inspection at anytime, or any number of times, is not a defense to a violationfound on further inspection. The Rulebook divides these guidelines and standards for the construction and operation of vehicles into two basic groups:

    Requirements & Specifications: The minimum standards thatdifferentiate the various categories of competition vehicles.General Regulations: Guidelines that concentrate on specificareas of construction or operation of a vehicle. Many guidelinesin the Rulebook are applicable to many or all categories. General Regulations provides a central location for the description of those guidelines.

    Both Requirements & Specifications and General Regulations arefurther divided into 11 subcategories: 1-Engine, 2-Drivetrain, 3-Brakes & Suspension, 4-Frame, 5-Tires & Wheels, 6-Interior, 7-Body, 8-Electrical, 9-Support Group, 10-Driver, and 11-General.In many instances, the Requirements & Specifications for a particular class will reference a General Regulations section. Forexample, in Section 4A, Liquid Overflow, the paragraph ends withthe sentence See General Regulations 1:7. By turning to GeneralRegulations, Section 1:7, Liquid Overflow, you will find additionalinformation about mounting the overflow container and routing theoverflow hoses. Because this information applies to virtually allcategories, it would be repetitive to reprint it in each individualcategorys Requirements & Specifications. It is, nonetheless,important information to the competitor and/or builder. (An index ofGeneral Regulations is at the beginning of that section.)Conversely, General Regulations may refer the reader back toRequirements & Specifications by stating See Class Requirements. The majority of minimum standards found in theRulebook are based on the performance level of the vehicle. However, certain categories classed by cubic inch to weight orhorsepower to weight have additional rules and regulations thatlimit the parameters within which a particular performance levelmay be reached. For example, Section 7:4, Firewall, GeneralRegulations describes the minimum standards for construction of afirewall or bulkhead separating the driver from the enginecompartment. Section 7:4 also states See Class Requirements. Ifyou were considering building a Stock vehicle and turn to Firewall inthe Stock section, the Rulebook states Alterations prohibitedunless expressly permitted in this section. Firewall coveringsprohibited. This, then, negates construction of a minimum firewallby requiring the original, unaltered OEM firewall. Before decidingwhich standards are applicable to your vehicle, Class RequirementsAND General Regulations must both be considered.

    Another key to understanding the NHRA Rulebook isthat certain classes build from another.When the Rulebook states Requirements and Specifications for are the same as those for ... you must read the referencedsection first. For example, before reading Section 4B, AdvancedE.T., one must first understand Section 4A, Super Pro, Pro,Sportsman. Before reading the Super Gas section, one must firstread the Super Street section. If a particular requirement ismentioned in the Super Street section and not in the Super Gassection, then the requirement is the same in both categories.If after reading the Rulebook you still have questions, consult page xiv forhours and phone numbers where tech personnel may be reached. Thesephone lines are extremely busy, so prepare your questions in advance.

    Remember, it is your responsibility to follow thestandards in this Rulebook that pertain to your vehicle.