NHRA Competition Index Control changes for 2013

Feb 5, 2013
3 min read

NHRA has announced changes to the CIC system for the 2013 season. The changes include an adjustment of permanent index in some classes, the introduction of year-end review and a change to the “mineshaft” policy. NHRA COMPETITION ELIMINATOR COMPETITION INDEX CONTROL (CIC) CHANGES FOR 2013

1. To decrease the potential for permanent index adjustments when favorable atmospheric (i.e. “mineshaft”) and/or track conditions may have contributed to extraordinary performance: If at the conclusion of qualifying the first competitor in the bottom half of the field (17th in a 31 or 32 car field, 16th in a 29 or 30 car field, ….. 10th in a 17 or 18 car field, ….9th in a 15 or 16 car field, ….8th in a 13 or 14 car field) is .610 seconds or more under the class index the threshold for permanent index adjustments will move from .610 to .660 seconds under the index for all competitors for the duration of that event. The threshold for permanent index adjustments of more than .05 will also move from .710 to .760 seconds under the index. There is no change to the temporary adjustments made for that event only. This will only apply to qualified fields of 13 or more cars. Any permanent CIC adjustment in these conditions will follow the chart (similar to the normal chart on page 2.5 of the 2013 NHRA Rulebook) below:

Runs Under Adjustment Runs Under Adjustment

.65 .00 .76 .06

.66 .01 .77 .07

.67 .02 .78 .08

.68 .03 .79 .09

.69 .04 .80 .10

.70-.75 .05 .81 or greater .10

2. To accommodate indexes that have become unreasonable NHRA will conduct a year-end review based on the indexes and performance at the conclusion of the season.

CRITERIA FOR YEAR END INDEX REDUCTION:

1. If any class had two or more entries (an entry is one car at one event and only the quickest run at each event is counted) run .760 or more under the year ending index then reduce the index by the amount necessary to bring the slower instance to .700 under the index; i.e. if there were two C/D entries that ran 6.555 (-.805) and 6.569 (-.791) with respect to the year ending 7.36 index then adjust the 7.36 index to 7.27 (6.569 +.709 = 7.278; 6.569 – 7.27 = -.701).

2. Runs at altitude factored tracks, National Opens and events that were considered “mine-shaft” (see policy above) will not be considered. Runs during the All Star event will be considered.

CRITERIA FOR YEAR END INDEX INCREASE:

When a review is requested, data will be evaluated by the Competition Eliminator Rules Sub-Committee and a minimum two-thirds vote is required to increase an index. An index that has been lowered through competition will not be considered for an increase unless there have subsequently been at least five quality entries and none have been capable of running at least .400 under the index. The index shall not be increased more than would be required for the quickest recent run to be more than .450 under the index.

The altitude factors for the altitude factored tracks will remain as they have been since 2011.

FOR THE NATURALLY ASPIRATED CLASSES:

TRACK

DENVER

FALON

ACTON

TUSCON

BOISE

SPOKANE

LAS VEGAS

GREAT BEND

ALTITUDE