Pacific Division News

Earlier today the NHRA Technical Department released a few minor corrections to the 2013 to 2014 Rule Amendments released on Monday. These amendments document the NHRA rule changes that will come into effect beginning January 1, 2014. A few additional rule changes will be announced before the end of the year. The entire 2014 NHRA Rulebook will be available online to NHRA members on December 2nd . A hard copy version of the 2014 NHRA Rulebook will be available for purchase in

Question: I was told by my local technical inspector that my Advanced E.T. Chevy Cobalt is required to have a fire extinguisher system. I did not think this was the case. Can you please tell me who is correct? Cobalt Carl Answer: Cobalt Carl, Your local technical inspector is correct. A 5-pound, minimum, fire extinguisher system is mandatory on all cars, except rear-engine cars without an enclosed cockpit. 57719

Earlier today the NHRA Technical Department released the 2013 to 2014 Rule Amendments. These amendments document the NHRA rule changes that will come into effect beginning January 1, 2014. A few additional rule changes will be announced before the end of the year.. The entire 2014 NHRA Rulebook will be available online to NHRA members on December 2nd . A hard copy version of the 2014 NHRA Rulebook will be available for purchase in mid-December. The 2014 Rule Amendments can b

Question: I was told by my local NHRA Tech Inspector that I needed to weld the quick-disconnect steering wheel adapter to the steering shaft. Is it not legal to connect the adapter to the steering shaft with a bolt and locking nut? Adapter Al Answer: Adapter Al, A bolt and locking nut is not a legal method to attach a quick-disconnect steering wheel adapter to the steering shaft. The adapter must be welded to the shaft. 57491

Question: Can I add a wing to the back of my Super Pro 68 Camaro? Winged Wendy Answer: Winged Wendy, Yes you can. First off let me state that a wing/airfoil has air flowing above and below the surfaces, and a spoiler is attached to the body and air only flows over the top. So, if you add a wing/airfoil to the Camaro it must be permanently attached to the frame or roll cage and be non-adjustable during the run. 57490

As the result of runs under the Automatic Horsepower Factoring System (AHFS) 1.20-second under policy at the NHRA Toyota Nationals, the following change has been made. The horsepower rating for 2010 Ford Cobra Jet entries with the 352 cubic inch engine and a factory rating of 285 currently rated at 316 has been increased by fourteen horsepower, to 330 horsepower; for Stock Eliminator. NHRA's 2013 Automatic Horsepower Factoring System outlines that any run of 1.20-second o

Question: I have a Snell 2005 helmet that I am using at bracket races throughout my division. My helmet is in good condition, but I think that it will not be legal soon. Is this the case or can I continue to use it for a while? Helmet Hank Answer: Helmet Hank, Your helmet does not expire for a few more years. The Snell 2005 helmet expires on 1/1/2017. You can find all helmet expiration dates in the 2013 NHRA Rulebook, General Regulatio

Question: I am just finishing up my ’41 Willys Top Sportsman car. I noticed that some cars in the class have beadlock wheels and others do not. What kind of wheels do I need to purchase? Beadlock Bill Answer: Beadlock Bill, If you plan to run 6.50 or quicker or 210 mph or faster you will need to have SFI Spec 15.1 wheels. These wheels must either be beadlocks or have liners. For more information, please see General Regulations Section 5 in your 2013 NHRA Rulebook. 5731

Question: I recently purchased a 1989 Ford Mustang that I plan to use to compete in Stock Eliminator. Are there any restrictions on what fuel I can use? I would like to run methanol if I am allowed. Fuel Guy Fred Answer: Fuel Guy Fred, There are fuel restrictions in Stock Eliminator and you cannot use methanol. You may only use NHRA-accepted racing gasoline. To find a list of these fuels, please see NHRA’s Accepted Product List which can be found on NHRARacer.com. 5731

For the immediate future, all Division 2 Technical questions should be directed via email to TechDL@nhra.com or by phone to 317-216-4869 or 626-250-2485. 57318

Question: I am building a new Chevrolet Camaro to run in the Top Sportsman class. With the aid of nitrous, I should be able to run in the 6.5 second range at about 210 mph. Will I need to have two parachutes instead of only one? Parachute Paul Answer: Parachute Paul, Yes you will need two parachutes. In fact, any cars running in excess of 200 mph must use dual parachutes. For more information, please reference your 2013 NHRA Rulebook and see General Regulations 4:8. 57

Question: I have a motorcycle with tubeless tires that is capable of running in the 10-second zone. Will I need to have metal valve stems installed? Motorcycle Mike Answer: Motorcycle Mike, Yes you will need metal, screw-in valve stems. These valve stems are mandatory in tubeless tires on any vehicle running 11.99 or quicker. 57167

As the result of runs under the Automatic Horsepower Factoring System (AHFS) 1.20-second under policy at the Jegs SportNationals, the following changes have been made. The horsepower rating for 09-10 Dodge Drag Pak entries with the 360 cubic inch engine and a factory rating of 275 currently rated at 328 has been increased by eleven horsepower, to 339 horsepower; for Stock Eliminator. The horsepower rating for the 2012 Ford Cobra Jet entries with the 330 cubic inch engine

Question: I am building a car to compete in Stock Eliminator. The car came with power steering but I would like to remove this system. Am I allowed to do this? Power Steering Paul Answer: Power Steering Paul, Yes you are allowed to make this change. In Stock Eliminator power steering “may be removed or converted to manual steering.” 56997

Question: I’m finishing up my Super Pro Mustang, and one of my racing buddies said he did not think I could use a ball-lock pin in my parachute mount. Is he correct? Parachute Pin Pete Answer: Parachute Pin Pete, Your racing buddy is correct. The use of ball-lock pins for parachute mounting is prohibited. Instead, parachutes must have their own independent mounting with sleeved 3/8-inch minimum steel bolts or steel pins. 56708

A rule amendment will be made to the 2014 rule book to allow either an NHRA accepted tethering system or a minimum ½” (half inch) stich weld located on each primary tube. The NHRA Technical department has also received numerous requests and submittals from various manufacturers for acceptance of their tethering systems. Please continue to monitor the NHRA Accepted Product listing, which can be found on www.NHRARacer.com , for additional manufacturers as they are accepted and

As the result of runs under the Automatic Horsepower Factoring System (AHFS) 1.20-second under policy at the NHRA LODRS 1-7 event, the following change has been made. The horsepower rating for 2012 Chevrolet COPO Camaro, entries with the 327 cubic inch engine and a factory rating of 550 currently rated at 568, has been increased by twenty five horsepower, to 593 horsepower; for Super Stock Eliminator. NHRA's 2013 Automatic Horsepower Factoring System outlines that any run

Question: What rules would I need to follow to have a video camera mounted inside or outside of my race car while going down the track? Video Camera Vic Answer: Video Camera Vic, One camera is permitted, and it may not be intentionally directed at the racer in the other lane without NHRA permission. Camera must be securely attached to the vehicle with appropriate fasteners. The camera may not be attached with suction cups, wire ties, hose clamps, etc. For any camera mou

As the result of runs under the Automatic Horsepower Factoring System (AHFS) 1.20-second under policy at the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals, the following changes have been made. The horsepower rating for 2010 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet, entries with the 330 cubic inch engine and a factory rating of 500 currently rated at 636, has been decreased by twenty six horsepower, to 609 horsepower; for Super Stock Eliminator. As a result of an error found in the race data, the h

As the result of runs under the Automatic Horsepower Factoring System (AHFS) 1.20-second under policy at the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals, the following changes have been made. The horsepower rating for 1978 Ford Mustang II, entries with the 302 cubic inch engine and a factory rating of 139 currently rated at 139 has been increased by sixteen horsepower, to 155 horsepower; for Stock Eliminator. The horsepower rating for 2010 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet, entries with th