Clutch switch

[terry1]

The switch behind the clutch pedal,that allows the starter to engage; is it required, per NHRA?

[Sean Marconette]

Right, wrong or indifferent, looks like Auto's yes, and Stick no. I do not know of anyone having one. It may not be a bad idea, but not a rule for a stick car.

Sean

See General Regulations 2:11.

TRANSMISSION, Automatic

Any model transmission (must be same make as car) having same
number of forward speeds (O.D. gear not required) and reverse
permitted. Transmission case must be OEM or aftermarket OEM
replica from a standard, automotive application as found in the
Official NHRA Stock Car Classification Guide. Aftermarket case
must meet SFI Spec. 4.1 and 30.1. NHRA-accepted adapter plates
permitted. Modifications to shifting patterns are permitted, provided
full shift pattern is retained. Full shift pattern must include park and
reverse. Any gear change must occur as a result of an internal
function of the transmission or from direct action by the driver.
Lockup converter permitted if OEM-equipped with lockup converter
and OEM transmission is used. Otherwise, lockup converters
prohibited. Electronic rpm controls for the electric (internal or
external to the transmission) shifting of automatic transmissions
permitted in computer-controlled vehicles only. Otherwise, any gear
change must occur as a result of an internal function of the
transmission or from direct action by the driver. Pneumatic,
hydraulic, electric, etc. controls and shifters in all noncomputercontrolled
electronic-fuel-injected vehicles prohibited. Deepened
stock or aftermarket transmission oil pans permitted. Drilling of
transmission case or rear of engine block to adapt incompatible
units prohibited. Functional neutral safety switch mandatory.
Transmission brake prohibited. Tailshaft modifications for bushing
replacement, or NHRA-accepted aftermarket tailshaft, permitted.
See General Regulations 2:12, 2:14.

TRANSMISSION, Manual

OEM or NHRA-accepted aftermarket transmissions having same
number of forward speeds (O.D. gear not required) as original, and
reverse, may be used. All gear changes must result from direct
action by the driver. Pneumatic, hydraulic, electric, etc. shifters
prohibited. Floor-shift conversion kits permitted. Clutchless
transmissions prohibited. Clutch must be used to change gears in a

conventional manner. See General Regulations 2:12.

[tj310]

We used to get asked for that a lot. Usually when you explain it's a stick shift they said OK ----Trevor

[terry1]

Thanks for the input.I got a reply from Div 1 Tech.They said,although it is a good idea, they have never seen it asked for in/on the tech line.
Hopefully that means that it is not required per NHRA

[Rory McNeil]

I`ve never been asked in Tech, besides, most older stick cars never had a clutch pedal starter switch from the factory anyhow.

[Bill Belden]

Not needed for a stick, It is not a good Idea to push the clutch in when starting, puts pressure on the thrust bearing before the oil is circulated through the bearings

[Ed Wright]

Without syncros, I don't think I would want to start mine in neutral with my foot the clutch pedal, then put it in gear. Could be a tad tough on things.

[Jeff Lee]

NHRA does NOT require a neutral safety switch with stick cars.

[Aubrey N Bruneau]

Personally, in the manual transmission vehicles I own, and all that I've driven.... I never have the transmission in gear when I spin the engine over. Clutch switch to me, is redundant.

[Sean Marconette]

Originally Posted by Bill Belden

Not needed for a stick, It is not a good Idea to push the clutch in when starting, puts pressure on the thrust bearing before the oil is circulated through the bearings

Bill,
Thats an interesting thought? Just couriuos, even with almost nonexistent base pressure? I can operate my clutch fork by hand. I am not doubting, just trying to learn.

Thanks
Sean