maybe a dumb question since i've never drag raced (on a supervised strip that is).

What are the rules for running a convertible on a drag strip. Is that just strictly "verboten"? can you do it with a roll bar? just wondering

 

I've done quite a bit of racing, but never in a drop-top, so I'm no expert on the topic, but.....

I believe verts w/o a roll-bar/cage are only allowed to run 13.50-or-slower, and ALL vert-drivers must wear an approved helmet, long-sleeve shirt, full-length pants, and closed-toe shoes.

Someone else with more knowledge regarding verts will come-along:
enjoy the drag-races!!!!!

 

The rules and their enforcement vary from track to track. Some smaller tracks are more lenient. I know a certain 67' vert w/ a 540 knocking on a 9 sec. qtr. in Texas.

 

New NHRA rules are that you can go as fast as 11.50 without a rollbar IF the car is stock

 

I believe verts w/o a roll-bar/cage are only allowed to run 13.50-or-slower, and ALL vert-drivers must wear an approved helmet, long-sleeve shirt, full-length pants, and closed-toe shoes.


what, no high heels?

 

I'd imagine that closed-toe 'pumps' would-be acceptable, but open-toed sandals would be verboten.....

 

OK, I refuse to race with you guys!!!!

 

..... you ain't SEEN my girlfriend in a skirt-and-heels at the track yet.....
HAVE YOU?????

 

It all depends on the track...trust me I've been kicked out of the best of 'em!!

The larger the track, the more strict. Test N Tune nights are usually a little easier than race days.

How fast is it do you think?

I can tell you from experience that soft tops start getting weird in the 115-120 mph range. Get completely whacko at 140 mph!!

Tricks of the trade....put duct tape across the windshield/top junction across top of windshield. It will keep air from getting under the edge and putting severe strain on soft top latches. Mine will "unlatch" to the safety catch at about 120 or so. Get's pretty exciting when you all of a sudden have a 2" gap of 120 mph air coming in! Pretty noisy too and "might" mess up your concentration for a second or two. I also use plastic wire ties to help make sure the latches stay latched "just in case". I'm sure it makes no sense at all, but for some reason your first instinct is to reach up and try to pull the top back down. Of course you still have to find 4th gear while doing it!! Not sure what I think I'll be able to hold on if it decides to try and "parachute" off the back of the car!

Seriously, just stick some duct tape across it and leave one/both of the windows cracked slightly to help equalize pressure inside.

My soft top used to fit so well...I can't figure out why it's so stretched these days??

In the videos mine looks like it's pregnant going through the traps...maybe I need to work on getting a hard top huh?

I really wish they would let me run with top down...it would actually be safer to me.

And I've yet to figure out why a motorcycle can rip off 9 sec et's all night with no one upset at all. Maybe I can get some leathers huh? With some high healed pumps? Uh oh...just got a visual...strike that!!

Good luck...you'll be fine.


JIM

 

No, but I'd like to (I think)!

 

I just spoke with the owner of Cecil County Dragway in Rising Sun, MD last week about the new rules.

Cecil County is a NHRA sanctioned track. They have hosted our Vintage Thunder NCRS drags for the past 14 years.

The new rules BASICALLY drop the ET's by 0.5 seconds.

SO... convertibles WITHOUT a rollbar can run to 13.49. Old rule was 13.99.

Coupes (OR convertibles with hardtops) can run to 11.49. Old rule was 11.99.

They usually cut you some slack, so I would guess that they won't give you too much trouble if your convertible runs low 13.00's.

Last year, my DEAD BONE stock 2000 automatic convertible with the performance axle, turned in the 13.50's a few runs. I had no problems. Chuck

 

No picts =

 

yourself..... I simply don't know HOW to post them....

Ask litevette.