Pacific Division News

Question: I just purchased a center-steer altered that ran 7.70 in the ¼-mile and I will be putting my blown small-block Chevy motor in it and I think it should run about 7.0 in the ¼-mile. I was told that I will need to cover the seat with flame-retardant cloth. Is this something I will need to do? Covered Seat Carl Answer: Covered Seat Carl, That is correct. In the 2012 NHRA Rulebook in the Advanced ET section 4B, page 11 it states “For all front-engine open-bodied veh

There was a typographical error made in the initial release of the NHRA 2012 to 2013 Rule Amendments. The correction will be incorporated in the document posted on NHRAracer.com. Please see the corrected highlighted text below for reference: SECTION 10A: STOCK CARS, ENGINE:1, ENGINE (Page 3) Must be same year and make as car used, aftermarket NHRA accepted cylinder blocks permitted. Equipment other than original factory-installed prohibited. Any special equipment export kit (

Earlier today the NHRA Technical Department released the 2012 to 2013 Rule Amendments. These amendments document the NHRA rule changes that will come into effect beginning January 1, 2013. Additional rule changes affecting the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series will be announced in the near future. The entire 2013 NHRA Rulebook will be available online to NHRA members very soon. A hard copy version of the 2012 NHRA Rulebook will be available for purchase in December. The 2012 Ru

Question: By the NHRA rules I’m required to have SFI 16.1 seat belts in my full-bodied car that runs 11.20 in the 1/4-mile. Is the crotch strap belt still required if I have OEM seat? Seat Belt Suzy Answer: Seat Belt Suzy, Yes it is. In the 2012 NHRA Rulebook on page 40 of the General Regulations it states “A quick-release 3-inch drivers restraint system, with a 2-inch crotch strap, meeting SFI 16.1 is mandatory in all cars in competition required by the rules to have a

Question: I have an 8 second E.T. Dragster, and I have made the decision to use a head and neck restraint system. Do I still need to wear a neck collar? Safety Guy Sal Answer: Safety Guy Sal, In the 2012 NHRA Rulebook, Section 4A, page 9, it states, “If SFI Spec 3.3 neck collar is required and driver opts to use head and neck restraint system instead, then SFI Spec 3.3 head sock or SFI Spec 3.3 skirted helmet mandatory.” 52419

SFI Specs 6.1, 6.2, 6.3 Bellhousings Effective: August 15, 2012* Modify Paragraph 2.3 as follows: “Any bellhousing pertaining to this specification shall remain as constructed by the original manufacturer and not modified. If a bellhousing is tested to this specification with the addition of a liner or liners, then the product must be sold and certified in that configuration. The liner(s) must be flush with the flange/mounting surface of the bellhousing. Steel and titanium a

As the result of runs under the Automatic Horsepower Factoring System (AHFS) 1.20-second under policy at the Big O Tires NHRA Nationals, the following change has been made. The horsepower rating for 2010 Ford Cobra Jet, entries with the 330 cubic inch engine and a factory rating of 500 currently rated at 589 has been increased by twenty horsepower, to 609 horsepower; for Super Stock Eliminator. NHRA's 2012 Automatic Horsepower Factoring System outlines that any run of 1.2

Question: I have a street bike that I would like to use to compete in E.T. Motorcycles. Do I have to have a wheelie bar on my bike? Wheel Stand Willie Answer: Wheel Stand Willie, In the 2012 NHRA Rulebook, Section 4C, page 14, you will find that wheelie bars are “Optional.” If you do choose to run a wheelie bar, however, the “Maximum length may be equal to, but may not exceed, the wheelbase of the motorcycle. Wheelie-bar length is measured from center of rear axle to cente

Question: I have a turbocharged, small-block dragster that I will be using to compete in NHRA’s Top Dragster category. Am I correct in assuming that there are no weight restrictions for this combination? Top Dragster Trish Answer: Top Dragster Trish, No, that is not correct. In the 2012 NHRA Rulebook, Section 6B, page 6, you will find weight restrictions for all Top Dragster combinations. For a small-block dragster that is supercharged or turbocharged, the total vehicle, i

As the result of runs under the Automatic Horsepower Factoring System (AHFS) 1.20-second under policy at the Dutch Classic National Open, the following changes have been made. The horsepower rating for 75-76 Chevrolet Monza, entries with the 262 cubic inch engine and a factory rating of 110 currently rated at 165 has been increased by six horsepower, to 171 horsepower; for Stock Eliminator. The horsepower rating for 2012 Chevrolet COPO Camaro, entries with the 327 cubic i

Question: I am getting ready to begin construction of an Altered to compete in Competition Eliminator class D/A. Are there any wheelbase restrictions that I need to be aware of? Comp Man Chris Answer: Comp Man Chris, In the 2012 NHRA Rulebook, Section 12 D Altered & Street Roadster, page 20, Frame, you will find a wheelbase section for Altereds. That section reads, “Minimum 90 inches, maximum 125 inches. Maximum wheelbase variation from left to right: 1 inch.” 52416

Question: I heard that there may have been a change in the helmet bar rule on Jr Dragsters? Helmet Bar Harold Answer: Helmet Bar Harold, No, there has not been a change in helmet bars in Jr Dragsters since 2008. The 2012 NHRA Jr Dragster Rulebook states “Helmet bars (3/4-inch OD X .058-inch chromoly tubing or 3/4-inch X .083-inch mild steel, or 1/2-inch X .090-inch flat strap) are required between the secondary upper roll cage hoop and the upper roll cage rear braces on each

As the result of runs under the Automatic Horsepower Factoring System (AHFS) 1.20-second under policy at the Auto Plus NHRA Nationals, the following change has been made. The horsepower rating for 1986 Chevrolet C-10, entries with the 350 cubic inch engine and a factory rating of 165 currently rated at 187 has been increased by eight horsepower, to 195 horsepower; for Stock Eliminator. NHRA's 2012 Automatic Horsepower Factoring System outlines that any run of 1.20-second

Question: I recently purchased a C/SA car to compete in NHRA competition. After reviewing my combination, I found that I will need to add ballast to my car to be legal. Are there any certain rules as to where or how I mount this ballast? Lead Weight Lenny Answer: Lead Weight Lenny, In the 2012 NHRA Rulebook, Section 10A, page 8, under Frame: Ballast, our rules state that “Weight box permitted. Only 100 pounds removable ballast permitted, including box (two-box maximum with

As the result of runs under the Automatic Horsepower Factoring System (AHFS) 1.20-second under policy at the Jegs SportNationals, the following change has been made. The horsepower rating for 1999-2002 GM Camaro/Firebird, entries with the 346 cubic inch engine and a factory rating of 320-325 currently rated at 369 has been increased by twelve horsepower, to 381 horsepower; for Stock Eliminator NHRA's 2012 Automatic Horsepower Factoring System outlines that any run of 1.20

Question: Would it be legal to mount a driver's seat using two bolts from the floorboard and then the seatback tie to the roll cage? Driver’s Seat Sandy Answer: Under General Regulations, section 6:2, the 2012 NHRA Rulebook states “The driver’s seat of any car in competition must be constructed, braced, mounted, and upholstered to provide full back and shoulder support. The driver’s seat must be supported on the bottom and back by the frame or crossmember. Except as noted i

Question: What is the minimum clothing requirement for a street legal 16 second car? Sandal Sandi Answer: Sandal Sandi, In the 2012 NHRA Rulebook on page 43 of the General Regulations it states “the minimum requirements are as follows: full-length pants; short-or long-sleeved shirt; closed shoes; and socks. No shorts. No bare legs. No bare torsos. No tank tops. No open-toe or open-heel shoes or sandals. Synthetic clothing not recommended.” 52411

Earlier today the NHRA Technical Department released new amendments to the 2012 Rulebook. These latest amendments document the NHRA rule changes that will come into effect beginning Sept 12, 2012. The 2012 Rule Amendments can be accessed by navigating to NHRAracer.com, TECH, Rules, 2012 Rule Book Amendments. Please continue to visit NHRAracer.com periodically to get updates on the most recent Rule Amendments 52423

Question: At what ET would I be required to have a locking dipstick on my automatic transmission? Dipstick David Answer: Dipstick David, In the 2012 NHRA Rulebook section 20, page 14, 2:14 Transmission it states “All cars running 10.99 (*6.99) seconds and quicker must have an NHRA-accepted locking-type dipstick on the transmission.” 52410

As the result of runs under the Automatic Horsepower Factoring System (AHFS) 1.20-second under policy at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, the following changes have been made. The horsepower rating for 1986 Chevrolet C-10, entries with the 350 cubic inch engine and a factory rating of 165 currently rated at 171 has been increased by sixteen two horsepower, to 187 horsepower; for Stock Eliminator. The horsepower rating for 85-86 Ford Thunderbird, Cougar, entries with the 140