2015 to 2016 NHRA Rule Changes

[Michael Beard]

Cute. Now they require a Competition License, -5 jacket, -5 pants, SFI flexplate and SFI flexplate shield (those two I have already), and a full roll cage, for a car that runs 10.50's All because I have a DragPak motor. A "traditional" engine at the same HP rating would not require all of these updates.

The idea that safety requirements change solely based on the classification decals on the window is asinine. Common sense would dictate that safety rules would be predicated upon ET, MPH, and chassis construction. The one item that they have based on a 9.99 ET break rather than Class is Helmet. Maybe they'll go back now and change it so that 10-sec cars with a Factory engine will be required a full-face helmet too.

[SS3718]

With the speeds of the cars that you could be racing, shouldn't everybody be wearing full face helmets, full cages, ect...?

Nick Morris

[Mike Taylor 3601]

Originally Posted by SS3718

With the speeds of the cars that you could be racing, shouldn't everybody be wearing full face helmets, full cages, ect...?

Nick Morris

That's why I have a cage in my car.
Mike Taylor 3601

[Michael Beard]

Originally Posted by SS3718

With the speeds of the cars that you could be racing, shouldn't everybody be wearing full face helmets, full cages, ect...?

I don't disagree with that. Separate issue. My problem is with the uneven application of the rules. Is it safe or isn't it?
- If someone's 10.50 car doesn't need a cage, why does mine?
- If my 10.50 car needs a cage, why doesn't another one?
- If other 10.50-second drivers don't need a Competition License, why do I?
- If I need a Competition License to go 10.50's, why don't all 10.50 drivers?

Hey, if they want to make roll cages and Competition Licenses required for all cars 10.99-quicker, by all means, but make it ALL cars 10.99-quicker. Super Stock, Stock, and E.T. Um... how do I even qualify for a Competition License if I can't run 9.99 in the first place? Is there a new Competition License specifically for 10.00-11.05 Factory cars?

Again, why do the safety requirements for a vehicle change when the only thing that's changed is the decals on the window? This is not a new issue. I've argued this for a decade.

When NHRA developed the Factory classes, I asked the questions:
- If GT Trucks, Modified Stock, Modified Truck, and Modified classes with an automatic get a 5% weight break, do Factory automatics?
- If Factory automatics don't get a weight break, why do GT Trucks, Modified Stock, Modified Truck, and Modified classes?

I had *three* high up NHRA officials refuse to answer the question. One gave me a "no" on the first question, but no one would even acknowledge that the second question was asked. Not even a "Because I said so." I don't care which way it is, but there should be an even application of the rules. If they do, why don't we, OR if we don't, why do they? It should be one or the other, the same for everyone in comparable circumstances.

[kansas stocker]

I asked for a clarification from Pat Cvegros
This is the response.

Jim,

For 2016 Stock will be allowed to install forward strut bars; they can attach to the firewall via plates or through the firewall and attach to the roll cage A-pillar bars.

Pat Cvengros

Pacific Division Technical Director

(626) 250-2295


I'd want a second opinion before I started cutting holes and welding.
That is not the way that it reads to me.
Pete

[Billy Pires]

Again with the blinders/blockers. Didn't NHRA try to do something about this a few years ago after someone got run over? And after about two races everything was back to the way it was. Why not just say "If you have anything hanging down in front of your face, you will be shut off." I'll be happy to take the tape off my shield as long as the guy in the other lane blocking the top two ambers takes his down.

[james schaechter]

I thought so as well. I mean, there were some racers with cardboard boxes taped to their helmets! I thought the rule already had changed and was just not enforced. I don't use a blinder so I haven't looked that close I guess.

Originally Posted by Billy Pires

Again with the blinders/blockers. Didn't NHRA try to do something about this a few years ago after someone got run over? And after about two races everything was back to the way it was. Why not just say "If you have anything hanging down in front of your face, you will be shut off." I'll be happy to take the tape off my shield as long as the guy in the other lane blocking the top two ambers takes his down.

[Mike Keener]

In my opinion blinders of any kind are a crutch and have no place in handicap racing. If some drivers feel the need to try and seek some sort of advantage from blinders then perhaps another class using a pro tree would be more suitable.

If the rule were changed tomorrow making blinders totally illegal, regardless of where and how they are mounted- never fear. Every driver currently using them would still show up and the best will still be the best.