NHRA News: Caution: News from the NHRA Technical Department (3/4/2004)

News from the NHRA Technical Department

3/4/2004

The NHRA Technical Department has finalized a group of rules for the Professional categories that has a direct effect on the remainder of the 2004 POWERade Drag Racing Series. Those rule amendments, listed by category, follow:

Top Fuel
Front Spindles

In the latest 2004 NHRA Rulebook Rules Revision, found in National DRAGSTER and online at www.nhra.com, the following wording has been added under SUSPENSION, "Steel front-spindle shafts mandatory, minimum 4130 steel. All other materials prohibited."

All Top Fuel teams will be allowed to use aluminum spindle components except for the spindle pin (shaft), which must be made of steel. All Top Fuel vehicles must be in compliance with this rule beginning with the Summitracing.com NHRA Nationals in Las Vegas, Nev., April 1-4.

Top Fuel/Funny Car
MSD 8971 and 7570 Information

The NHRA Technical Department has accepted the MSD Pro Mag Digital Retard Control (part no. 8971) and Graphic Editor (part no. 7570) for use in NHRA competition. The implementation program for the 7530T unit is as follows:

The MSD Pro Mag Digital Retard Control (part no. 8971) and Graphic Editor (part no. 7570) will be optional in all Top Fuel and Funny Car vehicles beginning with the O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals in Bristol, Tenn., April 30 - May 2. This unit will not be allowed on any Top Fuel or Funny Car vehicle prior to this event.

NHRA has added this digital retard control and graphic editor to the accepted ignition systems in the fuel categories based on on-track test information, a review of the product, and its compatibility with existing pneumatic systems run-data history.

The NHRA Technical Department has also decided that the MSD Pro Mag Digital Retard Control and Graphic Editor will not be allowed in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car for the 2004 season.

Goodyear's new tire

The new Goodyear 2096 tire will be available in ample supply at the Mac Tools Gatornationals in Gainesville, Fla., March 18-21. The use of this new tire is optional, and Goodyear will continue to have the current 1486 tire in supply. Goodyear will no longer produce the 1430 tire.

Funny Car
Dry-sump Oil System

Beginning with the Summitracing.com NHRA Nationals in Las Vegas, Nev., April 1-4, all Funny Cars will be required to utilize a dry-sump oil system. The dry-sump system tank must be mounted inside the framerails.

Pro Stock
MSD 7530T Information

The NHRA Technical Department has accepted the MSD 7530T Ignition System for use in NHRA competition. The implementation program for the 7530T unit is as follows:

The MSD 7530T will be mandatory in all Pro Stock vehicles beginning with the Mac Tools Gatornationals in Gainesville, Fla., March 18-21. This unit will not be allowed on any Pro Stock vehicle prior to this event.

NHRA has made the MSD 7530T unit mandatory on the basis that its primary feature is the proprietary Traction Control Detection Circuitry (TCD). This circuit gives NHRA the means to detect illegal traction control devices. For the racer, the unit features a faster microprocessor, retard maps for each gear, and gearshift timing advance.

E.T. Categories
Data Recorders Acceptance

After researching the topic of data recorders in selected E.T. classes for more than two years, the NHRA Technical Department has accepted the use of data recorders. This rule is limited to Advanced E.T. and Super Pro vehicles that compete in the Summit Racing Series and other E.T. bracket events. The rule amendment continues to prohibit the use of data recorders in all other E.T. classes.

This rule change allows Super category vehicles to have similar rules for bracket events and encourage a larger crossover in competitors.

General Information
Racepak Dash Display Unit

The NHRA Technical Department has accepted the Racepak UDX Dash unit for use in all Professional and Sportsman categories excluding Stock Eliminator. The unit will also be allowed on Super Pro vehicles in E.T. Handicap racing as well.

The Racepak UDX Dash, which features four different models depending on the end users needs, is basically a gauge panel in a digital form. The unit can display up to 21 functions/vitals and uses the same sensors as the data recorder, therefore eliminating the requirement for dual sensors, one for the gauge and one for the data recorder. The units range from a display only model, to record and replay data units, to the top-line that features a built-in data recorder.

2004 News Archive
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