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Decision on new MSD ignition system
1/29/2003
A hot item discussed over the winter was the pending decision regarding the use of the new MSD Digital 7 Programmable Plus (part number 7531) ignition system in NHRA's Pro Stock class and its Sportsman categories. After considering the request and following an in-depth review, NHRA's technical department decided that the use of this next-generation ignition system was not in the best interests of the sport and subsequently has disallowed the product for competition.
"After receiving input from both Professional- and Sportsman-level competitors, the NHRA tech department did not deem the introduction of this new concept of ignition control in the best interest of the sport," said National Technical Director Danny Gracia.
Among other reasons, the technical department believed that the use of such a product or similar products would have a negative impact on the close on-track competition that exists currently and would result in additional costs to race teams from the Professional to the Sportsman level.
"This and similar products represent potential advantages in the Professional and Sportsman heads-up, index, and handicap classes," Gracia added. "Such a conceivable advantage would force competitors to upgrade to stay at a similar level. NHRA does not intend to hinder technical advancements within the sport, but, as the sanctioning body, we do have an obligation to preserve a certain level of competition."
As part of this denial of use, the NHRA technical department has developed an accepted list of ignition systems for use in Pro Stock. For 2003, teams can use the following products: MSD's Digital 7 Programmable (part number 7530) and 7AL3 (part number 7230), Holley's Annihilator ICT-400 and Annihilator ICT-450 with launch, and Crane's Hi 8 (part number 7800) and Hi 7 (part number 7220). All ignition systems currently in the marketplace are allowed in the Sportsman categories.
Return to 2002 Sportsman News Archive