*** 2011 NHRA Rules updates .... ***

This will be an incomplete list of changes and amendments for 2011. I'm only going to concentrate on the door-car classes that most effect the sportsman racers.

For all practical purposes, sportsman racing (NMCA, NMRA, PSCA, ADRL, etc.) fit into only two catagories in the NHRA rulebook: Section 4A - 7.50 (4.50 in the 1/8th) and slower and Section 4B - 7.49 down to 6.00 (4.49 down to 3.66 in the 1/8th). The only other catagories I will address are Section 5 - Pro Mod, and Section 6 - Top Sportsman, because many of these cars are cross over cars in sportsman racing. Remember, as long as you are running a Pro Mod or a Top Sportsman car in a NON-NHRA National or Divisional event, only Section 4A and 4B rules and regulations apply.

Section 4A:


ROLL CAGE PADDING
Beginning June 1, 2011, roll-cage padding meeting SFI Spec 45.1 mandatory on any vehicle running 9.99 (*6.39) and quicker. Padding must be used anywhere driver’s helmet may come in contact with roll cage components.

HELMET
For all 10.00 to 13.99 closed-bodied cars, either an open-face or a full-face Snell M2000, M2005, M2010, K2005, SA2000, SA2005,
SA2010, SFI 31.1A, 31.1/2005, 31.2A, 41.1A, 41.1/2005, or 41.2A helmet with or without a shield is mandatory required.

For all 9.99 and quicker closed-bodied cars, a full-face Snell M2000, M2005, M2010, K2005, SA2000, SA2005,
SA2010, SFI 31.2A or 41.2A helmet mandatory; shield permitted (goggles prohibited).

SECTION 4B – ADVANCED E.T.

ROLL CAGE
The following SFI Chassis Specs are effective for all new chassis and for all current chassis at next recertification: full-bodied cars must meet SFI Spec 25.1E, 25.2, or 25.3; Chassis must be recertified every three years by NHRA and have a serialized sticker affixed to cage before participation. Plating of chassis prohibited on any vehicle manufactured after Jan. 1, 1999; painting permitted.


ROLL CAGE PADDING


Roll cage padding meeting SFI Spec 45.1 mandatory anywhere driver’s helmet may come in contact with roll cage components.

HELMET
For all closed-bodied cars, a full-face Snell M2000, M2005, M2010, K2005, SA2000, SA2005,
SA2010, SFI 31.2A, or 41.2A helmet mandatory; shield mandatory (goggles prohibited).



NECK COLLAR
/HEAD AND NECK RESTRAINT DEVICE/SYSTEM


A head and neck restraint device/system is mandatory for any vehicle running 200 mph or faster.
Neck collar meeting SFI Spec 3.3 mandatory for all other vehicles. At all times that the driver is in the race vehicle, from the ready line until the vehicle is on the return road, driver must properly utilize an SFI-approved head and neck restraint device/system, including connecting the helmet as required for full functionality of the device. The device/system must meet SFI Spec 38.1 and must display a valid SFI label. The head and neck restraint device/system, when connected, must conform to the manufacturer’s mounting instructions, and it must be configured, maintained, and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2012, all drivers in this class will be required to wear a head and neck restraint device/system meeting SFI Spec 38.1
.

SECTION 5 – PRO MOD

DESIGNAITON
PM, preceded by car number. Classes of competition within Pro Modified are for supercharged, methanol-burning, turbocharged methanol or gasoline-burning, or nitrous-assisted, gasoline-burning full-bodied cars.

Minimum weight at the conclusion of run, including driver:
Nitrous-assisted Entries (Unlimited cid) - 2,425 pounds
Supercharged Entries (526 cid) - 2,650 pounds
Turbocharged Entries (540 cid) - 2,650 pounds
NHRA reserves the right to
amend rules as performance dictates.
Any competitor who causes an oildown while participating at an NHRA Full Throttle event will be subject to fines and penalties as outlined in Section 2 – Oildown Penalties.



DRIVELINE
Driveshaft meeting SFI Spec 43.1 mandatory. Each end of driveshaft must have round 360-degree driveshaft loops within 6 inches of U-joints. Full 360-degree driveshaft tube mandatory over yoke, extending from transmission tail shaft a minimum length of
12 inches. Minimum thickness of tube housing is .050-inch chromoly or titanium. Two-piece

accepted with minimum 6, 3/8-inch Grade 8 bolts.


TRANSMISSION, Manual
Aftermarket planetary
or clutchless transmission permitted. All transmissions must be equipped with an SFI Spec 4.1 transmission shield. Supercharged entries limited to maximum of three forward speeds and reverse; all other entries limited
to maximum of five forward speeds and reverse. Aftermarket converter drive units permitted. When an aftermarket converter drive is utilized, an SFI Spec 6.1 or 6.3 flywheel shield and an SFI Spec 29.1 flexplate are mandatory. Lockup converters and overdrive units are prohibited. A 1-to-1 relationship is mandatory in high gear for all transmission types. Automated shifters and/or timer/rpm-type shifting devices prohibited; each individual shift must be a function of the driver. Shifting must be controlled by manual or pneumatic means only (driver pulls the lever or pushes the button); electric or electronics may in no way affect the shifting mechanism.

BRAKES
Automated brakes prohibited; application and release of brakes must be a function of the driver. Four-wheel hydraulic
disc brakes mandatory. Carbon-fiber brake rotors used in conjunction with carbon-fiber specific brake pads mandatory on rear wheels, permitted on front wheels; all other materials prohibited. Steel brake lines mandatory. Brake lines must be out of flywheel and driveline area. Line-loc permitted on front
wheels only. One line-loc solenoid and one button only. Any other electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, etc. switch prohibited in brake system. Dual master cylinder mandatory; must be mounted above the lower framerails.



SUSPENSION
Full automobile production systems mandatory. Minimum one hydraulic shock absorber per wheel. Fabricated units permitted.
Rigidmounted

suspensions or straight front axles prohibited. Lockup shocks prohibited.


Active suspension of any kind prohibited. Any ability to make on-track setting/rate changes based on “real time” data or input from any source, including the shock/strut itself (i.e., magnetically charged fluid), is prohibited. Electrically or pneumatically controlled, hydraulic shocks
and/or struts are permitted, provided all adjustment settings/changes are preset before the run. All shocks systems must be NHRA-accepted. Only 1 three-wire shielded cable connection is permitted from the top of the shock/strut to the shock/strut controller. Electrical connections of any other kind to or from the shock/strut prohibited. Shock/strut travel sensors permitted, but may ONLY be connected to the vehicle data recorder.
Shock/strut control boxes that have connections for travel sensors must have the pin removed from the connector. Connection to serial port on control box prohibited once car reaches the ready line. All wiring must be visible and easily traceable for technical inspector. Control boxes must be NHRA-accepted. Accepted boxes are the old Koni and the Koni/MSD. Bottom of shock/strut may have a maximum of three air lines

connected to an air bottle.


ROLL CAGE
Chassis must have manufacturer’s name, serial number, and date of manufacture. Chassis must meet SFI Spec 25.1E or 25.2. Plating of chassis prohibited; painting permitted. Chassis must be recertified yearly by NHRA and have serialized sticker affixed to roll cage before participation. Current three-year certification will be accepted until they expire. No vehicles will be inspected early to delay compliance.

ROLL CAGE PADDING
Roll cage padding meeting SFI Spec 45.1 mandatory anywhere driver’s helmet may come in contact with roll cage components. Additional padding mounted on flat stock and fastened to the roll cage on both sides of the driver's helmet, mandatory. Additional padding must be NHRA-accepted, securely mounted using bolts or locking fasteners,
and must include a flame-retardant covering. A current list of NHRA-accepted lateral head supports is available on NHRA.com.

FLOOR
Driver’s-side floor pan must be steel and welded in place. Remainder of stock floors may be replaced with .024-inch steel, .032-inch aluminum, or NHRA-accepted carbon fiber. Magnesium interior panels prohibited.

HOOD & HOOD SCOOPS
Hood scoops
permitted, may not extend above the roof line. Must be
finished and painted to follow body paint scheme. Sensors, transducers, vents, wiring, hoses, etc. prohibited inside hood scoop. A minimum of four fasteners must be used on the leading edge of all lift-off hoods.



WING/SPOILERS
Any style rear wing and/or spoiler permitted. Adjustment during run prohibited.


FIRE EXTINGUISHER SYSTEM
Minimum 20-pound NHRA-accepted fire extinguishing system mandatory. System must be divided so that a minimum of 15 pounds is directed into engine compartment by means of nozzled outlets placed in front of each bank of exhaust headers. Remaining 5 pounds or more should be dispersed in driver compartment by means of an atomizing
nozzle placed at driver’s feet. Must be installed per manufacturer’s specifications. Fire bottle activation cables must be installed inside framerail where cables pass engine/bellhousing area.
If fire bottles are mounted in front of the firewall, they must be connected to the nozzle system with flexible steel braided line. All cars are required to
have a pneumatic cylinder, pressurized by the fire system that will activate the master kill switch and shut off the engine when fire system is activated.



HELMET
For all cars, a full-face Snell SA2000, SA2005,
SA2010, or SFI 31.2A helmet and shield mandatory (goggles prohibited). Eject Helmet Removal System (Part # SDR 890-01-30) mandatory and must be installed per manufacturer instructions.

SECTION
6A– TOP SPORTSMAN



Minimum weight at the conclusion of run, including driver:
Small-block combinations
Naturally aspirated: 1,900 pounds
Nitrous assisted: 2,000 pounds

Supercharged or turbocharged: 2,100 pounds
Big-block combinations
Naturally aspirated: 2,200 pounds
Nitrous assisted: 2,450 pounds
Supercharged or turbocharged: 2,600 pounds
6 Cylinder vehicles
Supercharged or turbocharged: 2,100 pounds
4 Cylinder vehicles
Supercharged or turbocharged: 1,900 pounds


ROLL CAGE PADDING
Roll cage padding meeting SFI Spec 45.1 mandatory anywhere driver’s helmet may come in contact with roll cage components.

HELMET
Full-face helmet meeting Snell M2000, M2005, M2010, SA2000, SA2005,
SA2010, SFI 31.2A, or 41.2A mandatory; shield mandatory (goggles prohibited).

NECK COLLAR
/HEAD AND NECK RESTRAINT DEVICE/SYSTEM


A head and neck restraint device/system is mandatory for any vehicle running 200 mph or faster.
At all times that the driver is in the race vehicle, from the ready line until the vehicle is on the return road, driver must properly utilize an SFI-approved head and neck restraint device/system, including connecting the helmet as required for full
functionality of the device. The device/system must meet SFI Spec 38.1 and must display a valid SFI label. The head and neck restraint device/system, when connected, must conform to the manufacturer’s mounting instructions, and it must be configured, maintained, and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Modification of the device is prohibited. Neck collar meeting SFI Spec 3.3 mandatory for all othercars. A head and neck restraint device can be used with, or without, a neck collar; when a neck collar is not used, an SFI 3.3 head sock or SFI Spec 3.3 skirted helmet is required.



Beginning Jan. 1, 2012, all drivers in this class will be required to wear a head and neck restraint device/system meeting SFI Spec 38.1
.

OK, there are the PERTINENT changes in these catagories for 2011. The are not ALL the changes, just the ones that effect 99% of all the door-cars running today. Some of the parargaphs above do not look like they have changed from 2010, but all of those printed above represent changes, even if only subtle. Words have been changed, added or deleted from 2010.

There is no excuse for any serious racer today NOT knowing the NHRA rules and regulations for 2011. All the changes, at least up until this time, are available ONLINE:

http://www.nhra.com/UserFiles/file/2...Amendments.pdf

Dang it!!! I have to stop wearing my goggles. Shoot!

scuba mask....................

NHRA = Pro Mod cubic inch limits & weight minimums. Blower & nitrous cars in the same class........

ADRL = No Pro Mod cubic inch limits & no weight minimums. Blower (PX) & nitrous (PN) cars have their own classes......

The ADRL's outlaw rules format wins hands down!

Add in ADRL's Extreme 10.5 & Extreme Pro Stock classes to the mix and you get one damn killer show!

http://www.adrl.us/index.php/main/insidepage/rules/

DILLIGASDAVE wrote:NHRA = Pro Mod cubic inch limits & weight minimums. Blower & nitrous cars in the same class........

ADRL = No Pro Mod cubic inch limits & no weight minimums. Blower (PX) & nitrous (PN) cars have their own classes......

The ADRL's outlaw rules format wins hands down!

Add in ADRL's Extreme 10.5 & Extreme Pro Stock classes to the mix and you get one damn killer show!

http://www.adrl.us/index.php/main/insidepage/rules/

there is talks among the ADRL folks about a weight rule. I know there are some PX cars less than 1900lbs.

whatbumper wrote:there is talks among the ADRL folks about a weight rule. I know there are some PX cars less than 1900lbs.

Well I really wouldn't be surprised one bit if it did happen in the near future. At Ennis last week during the drivers meeting the ADRL was talking about randomly weigh some of the cars "just out of curiosity".

Any time racing big-wigs say "don't panic, we're just curious", the panic alarms should be going off in everyone's brain.