New NHRA Competition License Program
 

I believe this is a positive move on NHRA's part. I think
it has literally been YEARS in the making. But, it's a done
deal now.

To increase sportsman racer participation and support member tracks, NHRA will streamline its competition license program effective January 1, 2016.

Updates will include three new classifications: Professional, Pro/Sportsman and Sportsman. Certain levels of competitors in the new Pro/Sportsman and Sportsman categories can obtain a license without a medical exam and will have a lower fee to boost entry level participation. Licensed racers at this level also will enjoy a simplified online renewal process.

In addition, all NHRA competition licenses will now incorporate NHRA membership benefits, including catastrophic medical insurance in effect at any NHRA member track or NHRA sanctioned event. Existing license and membership expirations will be merged into a single expiration for current licensed competitors as they are renewed.

"This revised licensing process will make it easier than ever for those who want to race competitively in one of NHRA's national touring series or as an ET racer at their local NHRA member track," said Peter Clifford, NHRA president. "The process will become less complicated and more streamlined for all involved. We are looking forward to increased competitor participation across the board, and especially at the grassroots sportsman ET level, through this updated licensing policy."

Copy and paste the link below for the rest of the story.
http://www.nhra.com/userfiles/file/2...artRELEASE.pdf

Re: New NHRA Competition License Program
 

This sounds great but, I'm sure the Divisional Office will be flooded with calls on Monday Morning about this.

I did read one thing that was a little disturbing and not sure if I misread it but, it said "You do not need a physical anymore in Level 3 & 4?" Just hoping someone can shed some light on that.

Re: New NHRA Competition License Program
 

Physical for 3. No physical for 4. That's how it appears on the chart. I don't see anything wrong with that.

Re: New NHRA Competition License Program
 

I am brain farting on what HU, H-D, TFH & PFH stand for.

Maybe because I'm reading this at 2am.

Re: New NHRA Competition License Program
 

Kyle, not sure about HU, but the others you mentioned are all Harley motorcycle categories.

And yes, this is a great improvement !

Re: New NHRA Competition License Program
 

Suppose I'll have to call the Divisional office. My question is concerning age since in the past a medical had to include an EKG if over 55 so wondering if seniors get 'special' consideration and have to include a medical for a license renewal. Have doctor appointment on Thursday since my renewal date is coming up so can't wait for the rulebook revision to clarify.

Re: New NHRA Competition License Program
 

Same here. I think it's Heads Up. TFH is Top Fuel Harley. 240mph bikes. All brawn no brains.

This is nice. 9.99 is no longer something for an older racer to worry about. Passing a physical at 68 is no big deal, it's the explaining to your doctor that you need a license to drag race and want them to put their name on the application that's sticky.

Jim: Since you've been through the procedure with this doctor and have the appointment, just go through with it. Better to have it and not need it. As I read the revisions, no medical means just that. No age limits.

Also, if your license expires before 1/1/16 you are still subject to current (2015) rules.

Dale

Re: New NHRA Competition License Program
 

I think it is a move in the right direction by NHRA
I'm 65 and have to pass a class 11 FAA Medical to keep flying. I had no problem with having to get a medical for NHRA.
It was just a big hassle. My Dr. never really liked doing the NHRA and the designated FAA Dr./Examiner did not want to do the NHRA.
I've always felt there are too many things that hassle the sportsman racer that runs a limited schedule on a strained budget. This could be the first step in releasing the strangle hold on the sportsman's wallet and brings a few of us "Part Timers" back.

Re: New NHRA Competition License Program
 

What if a guy's membership expires 6/30 and license 4/30? Going to steal 2 months of membership? Or actually lengthen the first one that expires to the longer date? Lol

Re: New NHRA Competition License Program
 

Couldn't agree more.

Re: New NHRA Competition License Program
 

A nice step in the right direction, although while they're "streamlining" it's still baffling that there exists both a Level 4 and Level 6 license. A vehicle is either 9.99 & quicker / 135+ MPH or its not.

Make all rules based on ET/MPH, and chassis construction. Simple, fair, and consistent. This is not rocket surgery.

Re: New NHRA Competition License Program
 

I think 4 is for drivers of existing Super class cars and 6 is for drivers of existing Pro and Super Pro bracket cars. A lot of bracket cars are as quick as Super Street and Super Gas but don't meet the tech demands.

Dale

Re: New NHRA Competition License Program
 

NHRA had to do something to keep the old guys around and racing. Helps with car counts (ie: entry fees). Next step will be life insurance policies for drivers over 60yrs old included in membership fees. Sanctioning body will be named beneficiary. Good for cash flow!

Re: New NHRA Competition License Program
 

LOL, Jim
It wouldn't surprise me.
I wonder if one of their bean counters ran the numbers on how many license holders were not current. Then they tried to figure out why.
It is a big expense and hassle to go (jump) through a bunch of their "hoops" just to race 3 or 4 events a year.
More "Streamlining" is needed

Re: New NHRA Competition License Program
 

Says membership includes "catastrophic insurance, isn't that the 100 dollar insurance every one is required to purchase for a nat. event? Find it hard to believe they would get rid of that cash cow.

Re: New NHRA Competition License Program
 

They might have figured out they needed to renegotiate with the insurance company or move the coverage to another carrier to cut out the surcharge paid at the gate. That was keeping racers away, too. Felt like a gouge...If they didn't they need to. The way it was is membership (Driver) or membership by non driver had a large insurance policy. It was about $350,000 over and above what your own policy paid.
If you had no insurance they became primary. When I had a bad accident running IHRA my personal insurance took a hike. My IHRA membership insurance Wisenberg (IHRA Ins.) spent around $238,000 on my care and rebuild.. I don't think the membership insurance applies to anything but the member. Time will tell what is going on.

Re: New NHRA Competition License Program
 

Hello all.
I think this is a good move.
The way I read this is you lic would be good till your membership expired, giving you an extra 2 month at no cost.
I could be wrong, but that is how I read it.

Cal
S/ST 1177

Re: New NHRA Competition License Program
 

I am assuming the fees will stay the same for the license and competition number?

Re: New NHRA Competition License Program
 

Quoted from the NHRA release...

"Certain levels of competitors in the new Pro/Sportsman and Sportsman categories can obtain a license without a medical exam and will have a lower fee to boost entry level participation."

Re: New NHRA Competition License Program
 

Thank you McAllister. Read right past it.