The NHRA Technical Department has reemphasized its stance on engine component development in the fuel categories; finalized a change to the record procedures in Stock, Super Stock, and Comp; and additional rules for the Summit Racing E.T. Program that has a direct effect on the remainder of the 2004 season. The policy procedure and rule amendments listed are effective immediately.

Major Engine Component Moratorium: As released June 11, 2003, NHRA continues to impose and enforce a moratorium on Top Fuel and Funny Car major engine component development. The moratorium includes, but is not limited to, engine blocks, cylinder heads, intake manifolds, and superchargers. This includes any redesign, reconfiguration, and/or significant modifications to existing components.

Also as part of this announcement, beginning Jan. 1, 2005, the use of engine blocks will be limited to NHRA-accepted forged blocks only.

Please refer any development, redesign, reconfiguration, and/or modification questions with respect to major Top Fuel and Funny Car engine components to the NHRA Technical Department for resolution.

Records policy in Stock, Super Stock and Comp: At NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series and National Opens, elapsed-time national records in Stock, Super Stock, and Comp will not be automatically retired based on weight-break adjustments and/or horsepower adjustments, regardless of whether the record holder's entry still legally fits the class in which the record was set. Sportsman national records will be retired 11 months from the date they are set, at the end of the respective month. When retired, the records revert to a minimum of .5-second under for Stock and Super Stock and .4-second under the index for Comp.

In Stock or Super Stock, if an entry posts a run 1.40-seconds and under the index, which itself is automatically adjusted through the Automatic Horsepower Factoring System, that run will be accepted as a record run. At altitude-factored events, runs of 1.40-second and under the altitude index will be accepted as a record run.

Multiple entries with same vehicle: At NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series, Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, and Summit Racing Finals, a contestant cannot drive more than one car in the same category at the same event, nor can one vehicle be use for multiple entries. Multiple driver restriction for E.T. classes, at NHRA Member Track events, may vary based on specific member track E.T. regulations. Racers are advised to contact the respective division office or member track for regulations within that geographic area. Vehicles must remain in the same category entered, with one registered driver for the duration of the event.

Ground clearance on trucks: A growing community is turning to streetable diesel trucks as an option to race. A diesel truck provides a racer the opportunity to bolt-on parts and run fast. As this market continues to grow, NHRA has taken the lead and developed standards that will allow such vehicles to continue to compete at NHRA member tracks. By outlining a different method of categorizing these vehicles, will allow member tracks a set of rules that are more easily defined and can be enforced on a consistent basis throughout all seven divisions. The rule amendment reads, "Crankshaft centerline must not exceed 24 inches from ground in any class, except trucks. Maximum height 36 inches for trucks running 12.00 and slower; 31 inches for trucks running 11.99 to 10.00; and 24 inches for trucks 9.99 seconds and quicker."