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Understanding NHRA classes

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Old Nov 28, 2005 | 06:49 PM
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Default Understanding NHRA classes

I am struggling to understand the various classes in the NHRA competition. In comp they refer to a number of class as well as Superstock and Stock. Is there anywhere to go in order to understand all of this? I know that for various speeds there are safety requirements but not sure how they define all the different classes a number of the categorie. Any help appreciated.

Thanks
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Old Nov 28, 2005 | 06:57 PM
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Originally Posted by asmokegars
I am struggling to understand the various classes in the NHRA competition. In comp they refer to a number of class as well as Superstock and Stock. Is there anywhere to go in order to understand all of this? I know that for various speeds there are safety requirements but not sure how they define all the different classes a number of the categorie. Any help appreciated.

Thanks
You need an NHRA rule book. All the classes are defined and usually equipment that is allowed or dis-allowed. Then you have to start asking questions.
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Old Nov 28, 2005 | 07:26 PM
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Originally Posted by Special K
You need an NHRA rule book. All the classes are defined and usually equipment that is allowed or dis-allowed. Then you have to start asking questions.

OK - I have two at home covering 04 and 05. I don't recall them explaining how you fit into one class or another. For example - on competition eliminator there is a list that starts with A/D and goes on all the way to I/SMA - posted next to them are the index times for 1/4 and 1/8 but no explanation how to determine which one to fit into.
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Old Nov 28, 2005 | 07:35 PM
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Originally Posted by asmokegars
OK - I have two at home covering 04 and 05. I don't recall them explaining how you fit into one class or another. For example - on competition eliminator there is a list that starts with A/D and goes on all the way to I/SMA - posted next to them are the index times for 1/4 and 1/8 but no explanation how to determine which one to fit into.
Check this. http://www.nhra.com/tech_specs/determineclass.html

Alan, note at the bottom there is a phone number for tech.

Last edited by Special K; Nov 28, 2005 at 07:39 PM.
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Old Nov 28, 2005 | 08:09 PM
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Originally Posted by Special K
Check this. http://www.nhra.com/tech_specs/determineclass.html

Alan, note at the bottom there is a phone number for tech.
Thanks Bob - time to use the phone. When you click on the icon that is supposed to take you to how to determine the classes it say that that site in not available and to contact NHRA with questions. You would think that this is the best kept secret in the world. Plus - when you try to actually find out how to go about the licensing procedure you only get the forms. Is there some secret handshake or initiation right here. None of the NHRA tracks that I have looked at actually make an attempt to tell you what the procedure is at their track to obtain licensing. I know I know - pick up the phone but for a sport that is looking to build up a base they don't like to make it easy for ya.

OK - I'm picking up the phone. I've talked to the guys in division I in Warminster and they seem to be good guys.
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Old Nov 28, 2005 | 08:14 PM
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What car are you looking to race and how much to you want to spend, tells you what NHRA class you can run.

The cheepest is the 10.90 Super Street class, but it tough to be competitive without electronics.
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Old Nov 28, 2005 | 09:37 PM
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Originally Posted by asmokegars
Plus - when you try to actually find out how to go about the licensing procedure you only get the forms.
That's all you need from NHRA. Then you make 6 passes and have 2 licensed drivers sign off on them, fill out a physical form (by a doctor). and send the packet back to NHRA. That's it. Again, I'd strongly suggest going to a school like Hawley's to get your license.

With your green car, you should be looking to fit into local Quick 8 classes rather than NHRA. Do you have the time to travel all over the coast to participate in NHRA-sanctioned events?
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Old Nov 29, 2005 | 01:43 AM
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Originally Posted by Paul_Z06
With your green car, you should be looking to fit into local Quick 8 classes rather than NHRA.
How fast are we talking, is this a 7 second car?
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Old Nov 29, 2005 | 08:00 AM
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Originally Posted by Paul_Z06
That's all you need from NHRA. Then you make 6 passes and have 2 licensed drivers sign off on them, fill out a physical form (by a doctor). and send the packet back to NHRA. That's it. Again, I'd strongly suggest going to a school like Hawley's to get your license.

With your green car, you should be looking to fit into local Quick 8 classes rather than NHRA. Do you have the time to travel all over the coast to participate in NHRA-sanctioned events?
Spend a few bucks and head to Gainesville. They'll take care of all the licensing. Glad you called tech. Try and get a name. You're better off working with one guy.

I always ran stock classes but now I'm told you can't make any money and need to run SuperComp, 8.90, or SuperGas, 9.90. If you PM Tracy Lewis he has a lot of info he'll share with you. He's very active and I've been out of it over 30 yrs.

If I can help I will but Tracy is the MAN.
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Old Nov 29, 2005 | 08:17 AM
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Originally Posted by mackeyred96
How fast are we talking, is this a 7 second car?
That's what they're shooting for.
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Old Nov 29, 2005 | 08:26 AM
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Thanks everybody for the comments - very helpful.

At least for 2006, the green car will be limited by the powerplant as we are using an LS block sleeved to a 427. The turbo is a 94MM which we picked for sizing limited by RP Q8. Backhalved with a ford 9" and a 2 speed powerglide. Built to 25-2 specs. I have looked into the Frank Hawley school and talked to the folks there. It would be fun to head to Aiken early and go to the school then come back to Aiken on the way back. This is gonna cost me $$$$ with the Mrs.

Anybody interested in a group going to the Frank Hawley school before Aiken? I would be happy to arrange if there is an interest. Have not mentioned it to they so I would need to check if the dates are OK.
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Old Nov 29, 2005 | 09:01 AM
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Originally Posted by asmokegars
Thanks everybody for the comments - very helpful.

At least for 2006, the green car will be limited by the powerplant as we are using an LS block sleeved to a 427. The turbo is a 94MM which we picked for sizing limited by RP Q8. Backhalved with a ford 9" and a 2 speed powerglide. Built to 25-2 specs. I have looked into the Frank Hawley school and talked to the folks there. It would be fun to head to Aiken early and go to the school then come back to Aiken on the way back. This is gonna cost me $$$$ with the Mrs.

Anybody interested in a group going to the Frank Hawley school before Aiken? I would be happy to arrange if there is an interest. Have not mentioned it to they so I would need to check if the dates are OK.
I'm going, but don't know when and I can't commit. Damn good idea Alan.
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Old Nov 29, 2005 | 09:53 AM
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Not to let the cat out of the bag, and it will likely be too late before Aiken/Jackson, but Tim is working on getting us a drag racing class ride for our Corvette Challenge banquet
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Old Nov 29, 2005 | 11:46 AM
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Now here is an idea - what if we had enough interest in the Aiken trip that maybe we could get the school to come there for maybe a thursday/friday class setup. We will have at least three cars and drivers needing to be licensed out of the ECS shop. Class during the day and run during the night on Thursday and Friday!!

Bring your own car & maybe they would bring a few cars?? Does it matter that its an IHRA track? What do you think - would you be willing to get to Aiken Wednesday PM for a thursday/friday class?
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Old Nov 29, 2005 | 02:45 PM
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Just a heads up, Frank Hawley ain't cheap. But if EVERYONE brings their own cars and all he has to do is fly himself to SC, it may be considerably less expensive. He's the official drag racing school of NHRA, however, and I doubt that his contract allows him to hold class at an IHRA track. Also, I don't know if all tracks would allow him to hold classes. His classes are about 14 students per class. You'd need to get at least a dozen guranteed participants, in my opinion, for him to be even interested in coming to SC.
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