New NHRA roll bar rule
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,108
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
New NHRA roll bar rule
http://www.dragzine....street-vehicles
I just got off the phone with an authority (local dragstrip owner who attended a NHRA tech symposium last week) and have the definitive answer of the roll bar rule.
The term "unaltered" means absolutely zero changes from the way the car came from the factory, according to the lawyers who wrote the rule. Unfortunately, the lawyers wrote it for liability reasons and left the NHRA to define the limitations allowed.
However, when the top NHRA tech officials at the Div 7 tech session were questioned on the definition by dragstrip operators, they didn't have an answer.
Since the rule is in the book and NHRA can't define the specifics, it's left to the track operator's discretion and interpretation. So if you show up with tinted windows on your brand new ZR1 and the tech guy says you need a rollbar, then you don't get to play. On the other hand, if the tech guy says it's OK to run low 10's with your stripped '90 CRX with NOS and no rollbar, then why worry about the new rule.
The bottom line is that the rule tends to give strip operators a little more leeway and hints at permission to bend the rules as they see fit.
I just got off the phone with an authority (local dragstrip owner who attended a NHRA tech symposium last week) and have the definitive answer of the roll bar rule.
The term "unaltered" means absolutely zero changes from the way the car came from the factory, according to the lawyers who wrote the rule. Unfortunately, the lawyers wrote it for liability reasons and left the NHRA to define the limitations allowed.
However, when the top NHRA tech officials at the Div 7 tech session were questioned on the definition by dragstrip operators, they didn't have an answer.
Since the rule is in the book and NHRA can't define the specifics, it's left to the track operator's discretion and interpretation. So if you show up with tinted windows on your brand new ZR1 and the tech guy says you need a rollbar, then you don't get to play. On the other hand, if the tech guy says it's OK to run low 10's with your stripped '90 CRX with NOS and no rollbar, then why worry about the new rule.
The bottom line is that the rule tends to give strip operators a little more leeway and hints at permission to bend the rules as they see fit.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 974
Likes: 1
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 11,549
Likes: 27
From: Southampton NJ
http://www.dragzine....street-vehicles
I just got off the phone with an authority (local dragstrip owner who attended a NHRA tech symposium last week) and have the definitive answer of the roll bar rule.
The term "unaltered" means absolutely zero changes from the way the car came from the factory, according to the lawyers who wrote the rule. Unfortunately, the lawyers wrote it for liability reasons and left the NHRA to define the limitations allowed.
However, when the top NHRA tech officials at the Div 7 tech session were questioned on the definition by dragstrip operators, they didn't have an answer.
Since the rule is in the book and NHRA can't define the specifics, it's left to the track operator's discretion and interpretation. So if you show up with tinted windows on your brand new ZR1 and the tech guy says you need a rollbar, then you don't get to play. On the other hand, if the tech guy says it's OK to run low 10's with your stripped '90 CRX with NOS and no rollbar, then why worry about the new rule.
The bottom line is that the rule tends to give strip operators a little more leeway and hints at permission to bend the rules as they see fit.
I just got off the phone with an authority (local dragstrip owner who attended a NHRA tech symposium last week) and have the definitive answer of the roll bar rule.
The term "unaltered" means absolutely zero changes from the way the car came from the factory, according to the lawyers who wrote the rule. Unfortunately, the lawyers wrote it for liability reasons and left the NHRA to define the limitations allowed.
However, when the top NHRA tech officials at the Div 7 tech session were questioned on the definition by dragstrip operators, they didn't have an answer.
Since the rule is in the book and NHRA can't define the specifics, it's left to the track operator's discretion and interpretation. So if you show up with tinted windows on your brand new ZR1 and the tech guy says you need a rollbar, then you don't get to play. On the other hand, if the tech guy says it's OK to run low 10's with your stripped '90 CRX with NOS and no rollbar, then why worry about the new rule.
The bottom line is that the rule tends to give strip operators a little more leeway and hints at permission to bend the rules as they see fit.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,880
Likes: 4
From: Montgomery Texas
I hate the local track people, the whole tech section at HMP is a joke. Several times I have gone up to make a pass and refused to run because of the crap they put in the lane next to me. missing lug nuts, heating N20 bottle with a torch and no pressure gauge, no blow down pipe, etc, etc, etc. I have no desire to have one of these beaters lose control and hit my car.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,108
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 27,254
Likes: 136
From: Short Hills, NJ
I'm quite sure that any track with even a remotely thorough tech line/tech process will NOT allow a 2008+ Corvette with a supercharger or nitrous and drag radials/skinnies on it to run under 11.50.
A bone stock (right down to the runflat tires) 2008+ C6 Z06/ZR1, late model Dodge Viper or Porsche Turbo S, all capable of low 11/high 10 second 1/4 mile ETs should be fine under this new rule though.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 27,254
Likes: 136
From: Short Hills, NJ
And of course one's local track will still have the final say anyway...they can choose to allow a car with only a 5 point roll bar into the 9s at over 135mph...and they can also throw a bone stock C6 Z06 out of the track facility immediately for running an 11.45 with no bar (not likely, although I have actually seen this happen first hand). Regardless of what the NHRA rulebook states.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,950
Likes: 264
From: St. Louis, MO
St. Jude Donor '08
I hate the local track people, the whole tech section at HMP is a joke. Several times I have gone up to make a pass and refused to run because of the crap they put in the lane next to me. missing lug nuts, heating N20 bottle with a torch and no pressure gauge, no blow down pipe, etc, etc, etc. I have no desire to have one of these beaters lose control and hit my car.
If the car is nitroused up and/or looks fast, I now just stage and wait until they are 1/2 way down the track before I leave. If it's a slow car and I know I'll be way out in front of them I'll go ahead and try to cut a light.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,108
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
I don't think it means that at all. But I guess we'll find out for sure the first time a modified 2008+ Corvette busts out a low 10 at 134mph with no roll bar/harness in the car.
And of course one's local track will still have the final say anyway...they can choose to allow a car with only a 5 point roll bar into the 9s at over 135mph...and they can also throw a bone stock C6 Z06 out of the track facility immediately for running an 11.45 with no bar (not likely, although I have actually seen this happen first hand). Regardless of what the NHRA rulebook states.
And of course one's local track will still have the final say anyway...they can choose to allow a car with only a 5 point roll bar into the 9s at over 135mph...and they can also throw a bone stock C6 Z06 out of the track facility immediately for running an 11.45 with no bar (not likely, although I have actually seen this happen first hand). Regardless of what the NHRA rulebook states.
Firebird (Phoenix) has always been real tight. They once gave me a warning at 11.57 and booted out a friend whose back bars of his rollbar met the size the rulebook mandated, but claimed the rulebook was wrong.
Speedworld (Phoenix) has been fairly loose in that they look more closely at the quality of the car and the ability of the driver, rather than being solely focused on a timeslip number.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 27,254
Likes: 136
From: Short Hills, NJ
Until NHRA further defines the ruling, it's up to the individual track to determine how they choose to handle the tech issue.
Firebird (Phoenix) has always been real tight. They once gave me a warning at 11.57 and booted out a friend whose back bars of his rollbar met the size the rulebook mandated, but claimed the rulebook was wrong.
Speedworld (Phoenix) has been fairly loose in that they look more closely at the quality of the car and the ability of the driver, rather than being solely focused on a timeslip number.
Firebird (Phoenix) has always been real tight. They once gave me a warning at 11.57 and booted out a friend whose back bars of his rollbar met the size the rulebook mandated, but claimed the rulebook was wrong.
Speedworld (Phoenix) has been fairly loose in that they look more closely at the quality of the car and the ability of the driver, rather than being solely focused on a timeslip number.
So the best way to avoid any conflicts at all and get to race all day long is for people to simply buy one of your awesome (and easily removable) roll bars (and a harness belt of course) and call it a day.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,108
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
He also said most all cars are far stronger now than when the rollbar rule was first in effect. i.e. body/frame was not a major factor.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,950
Likes: 264
From: St. Louis, MO
St. Jude Donor '08
Frankly I question how the NHRA thinks they can design an automobile better than the car manufacturers?
If the car manufacturers, who are subject to roll over and many more regulations, don't believe a steel bar is an appropriate thing to have inches away from a driver's head, why does the NHRA think this is a good thing?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,157
Likes: 1
From: Oxford Pa
This has been my point for years.
Frankly I question how the NHRA thinks they can design an automobile better than the car manufacturers?
If the car manufacturers, who are subject to roll over and many more regulations, don't believe a steel bar is an appropriate thing to have inches away from a driver's head, why does the NHRA think this is a good thing?
Frankly I question how the NHRA thinks they can design an automobile better than the car manufacturers?
If the car manufacturers, who are subject to roll over and many more regulations, don't believe a steel bar is an appropriate thing to have inches away from a driver's head, why does the NHRA think this is a good thing?
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 11,549
Likes: 27
From: Southampton NJ
This has been my point for years.
Frankly I question how the NHRA thinks they can design an automobile better than the car manufacturers?
If the car manufacturers, who are subject to roll over and many more regulations, don't believe a steel bar is an appropriate thing to have inches away from a driver's head, why does the NHRA think this is a good thing?
Frankly I question how the NHRA thinks they can design an automobile better than the car manufacturers?
If the car manufacturers, who are subject to roll over and many more regulations, don't believe a steel bar is an appropriate thing to have inches away from a driver's head, why does the NHRA think this is a good thing?