2012 Rules Are Posted

[Alan Roehrich]

SECTION 10A: STOCK CARS, ENGINE: 1, ROCKER ARMS (Page 5)
OEM or OEM-type aAftermarket rocker arm permitted. Either adjustable pushrods or adjustable OEM rocker arms permitted on any application, but not both. Aftermarket rocker arm must be identical to OEM. Either adjustable pushrods or adjustable OEM rocker arms permitted on any application, but not both. OEM roller rockers permitted ONLY if application was originally equipped with roller rockers.


Note that the part in red is actually "struck through" in the NHRA publication, meaning it is the old rule that was amended and no longer applies. The part in blue is the new rule and the portion of the old rule that remains.

So here is what the new rule, by itself, actually says : Aftermarket rocker arm permitted. Either adjustable pushrods or adjustable OEM rocker arms permitted on any application, but not both.

The removed the part of the rule requiring the rocker arms to be identical to the OEM rocker arms.

What that means is that aftermarket rocker arms no longer need be identical to the OEM rocker. The only aftermarket rockers that are not identical to OEM rockers are race type roller rockers.

Note also that the rule as written and published is exceptionally and unacceptably vague. Nowhere does the new rule stipulate or specify that the OEM ratio or mounting configuration must be retained. By the letter of the rule, shaft mounted 1.9:1 rockers are not prohibited.

Now, of course, the NHRA position on this will revert to their standard "just because we did not tell you that you could not do that, does not mean that you are allowed to do that."