2015 to 2016 NHRA Rule Changes
 

Some interesting changes...it looks like you are able to build a Pinto, Vega or Plymouth Arrow for SS/GT class now! :)

http://www.nhra.com/UserFiles/file/T...2010-26-15.pdf

Re: 2015 to 2016 NHRA Rule Changes
 

Here's another link -

http://www.nhra.com/UserFiles/file/T...2010-26-15.pdf

Re: 2015 to 2016 NHRA Rule Changes
 

This is interesting. So what type of blinders are still legal?

"Tape of any kind prohibited on any transparent windscreen. The use of any temporary or permanent shielding, including paint, that obstructs the driver’s vision (e.g., blinders, staging aids) and that is attached to the helmet or windscreen is prohibited."

Re: 2015 to 2016 NHRA Rule Changes
 

There is one Super Stock racer who uses Class winning decals to block out the right side of his windshield with the decals .To not see the other cars leaving or the other cars light .it is funny to see this. Totally illegal

Re: 2015 to 2016 NHRA Rule Changes
 

So that makes it sound like roll bar mounted ones are still legal?

Re: 2015 to 2016 NHRA Rule Changes
 

page 34

" Taping or similar modifications to the helmet shield
made by the driver that reduce the driver’s field of vision, and are deemed safe
by driver in the driver’s judgment, are permitted at this time so long as the driver can demonstrate to technical inspectors that the purpose of the modification is to reduce distraction in the driver’s field of vision."

-pretty much means its all still legal for Stock at least

Re: 2015 to 2016 NHRA Rule Changes
 

Austin, does it sound like it's not legal for SS? I went back to look, and can't find any mention. I'm very old, could have easily missed it.

Re: 2015 to 2016 NHRA Rule Changes
 

Cute. Now they require a Competition License, -5 jacket, -5 pants, SFI flexplate and SFI flexplate shield (those two I have already), and a full roll cage, for a car that runs 10.50's All because I have a DragPak motor. A "traditional" engine at the same HP rating would not require all of these updates.

The idea that safety requirements change solely based on the classification decals on the window is asinine. Common sense would dictate that safety rules would be predicated upon ET, MPH, and chassis construction. The one item that they have based on a 9.99 ET break rather than Class is Helmet. Maybe they'll go back now and change it so that 10-sec cars with a Factory engine will be required a full-face helmet too. :mad:

Re: 2015 to 2016 NHRA Rule Changes
 

With the speeds of the cars that you could be racing, shouldn't everybody be wearing full face helmets, full cages, ect...?

Nick Morris

Re: 2015 to 2016 NHRA Rule Changes
 

Looks that way.
Find a V-8 SS engine rated at 179 h.p and swap it in and run GT/MA @ 2670 lbs. raceweight. :)

Re: 2015 to 2016 NHRA Rule Changes
 

Does this mean you can now run bars to the front frame in Stock, or does it apply just to the C4 and C5 Corvette mentioned in the sentence that precedes it?

SECTION 10A: STOCK CARS, BODY:7, FIREWALL

"Roll cage tubing may run across top or side of inner fender well/strut tower and attach to frame horn."

Re: 2015 to 2016 NHRA Rule Changes
 

I was wondering the same thing.

Re: 2015 to 2016 NHRA Rule Changes
 

Get ready for older s sst cars in the same class and the new ones in there's. Corky

Re: 2015 to 2016 NHRA Rule Changes
 

I asked for a clarification from Pat Cvegros
This is the response.

Jim,

For 2016 Stock will be allowed to install forward strut bars; they can attach to the firewall via plates or through the firewall and attach to the roll cage A-pillar bars.

Pat Cvengros

Pacific Division Technical Director

(626) 250-2295

Are you an NHRA member yet? JOIN NOW!

For further NHRA Racer information please visit www.NHRARacer.com


-----Original Message-----
From: Jim Schaechter [mailto:jimschaechter@earthlink.net]
Sent: Monday, October 26, 2015 8:18 PM
To: Pat Cvengros
Subject: 2015-2016 question for stock

Hi Pat. I am looking at one add on that appears to allow the roll cage to extend through the firewall to the strut tower or over the fender well to the frame, but it is confusing and I am not sure what this change really means. Can you clarify? Right now no part of the roll age can extend forward of the firewall on stock. 7:4 doesn't address it either. Thanks, Jim

Re: 2015 to 2016 NHRA Rule Changes
 

That's why I have a cage in my car.
Mike Taylor 3601

Re: 2015 to 2016 NHRA Rule Changes
 

I don't disagree with that. Separate issue. My problem is with the uneven application of the rules. Is it safe or isn't it?
- If someone's 10.50 car doesn't need a cage, why does mine?
- If my 10.50 car needs a cage, why doesn't another one?
- If other 10.50-second drivers don't need a Competition License, why do I?
- If I need a Competition License to go 10.50's, why don't all 10.50 drivers?

Hey, if they want to make roll cages and Competition Licenses required for all cars 10.99-quicker, by all means, but make it ALL cars 10.99-quicker. Super Stock, Stock, and E.T. Um... how do I even qualify for a Competition License if I can't run 9.99 in the first place? Is there a new Competition License specifically for 10.00-11.05 Factory cars?

Again, why do the safety requirements for a vehicle change when the only thing that's changed is the decals on the window? This is not a new issue. I've argued this for a decade.

When NHRA developed the Factory classes, I asked the questions:
- If GT Trucks, Modified Stock, Modified Truck, and Modified classes with an automatic get a 5% weight break, do Factory automatics?
- If Factory automatics don't get a weight break, why do GT Trucks, Modified Stock, Modified Truck, and Modified classes?

I had *three* high up NHRA officials refuse to answer the question. One gave me a "no" on the first question, but no one would even acknowledge that the second question was asked. Not even a "Because I said so." I don't care which way it is, but there should be an even application of the rules. If they do, why don't we, OR if we don't, why do they? It should be one or the other, the same for everyone in comparable circumstances.

Re: 2015 to 2016 NHRA Rule Changes
 

I asked for a clarification from Pat Cvegros
This is the response.

Jim,

For 2016 Stock will be allowed to install forward strut bars; they can attach to the firewall via plates or through the firewall and attach to the roll cage A-pillar bars.

Pat Cvengros

Pacific Division Technical Director

(626) 250-2295


I'd want a second opinion before I started cutting holes and welding.
That is not the way that it reads to me.
Pete

Re: 2015 to 2016 NHRA Rule Changes
 

Again with the blinders/blockers. Didn't NHRA try to do something about this a few years ago after someone got run over? And after about two races everything was back to the way it was. Why not just say "If you have anything hanging down in front of your face, you will be shut off." I'll be happy to take the tape off my shield as long as the guy in the other lane blocking the top two ambers takes his down.

Re: 2015 to 2016 NHRA Rule Changes
 

I thought so as well. I mean, there were some racers with cardboard boxes taped to their helmets! I thought the rule already had changed and was just not enforced. I don't use a blinder so I haven't looked that close I guess.

Re: 2015 to 2016 NHRA Rule Changes
 

In my opinion blinders of any kind are a crutch and have no place in handicap racing. If some drivers feel the need to try and seek some sort of advantage from blinders then perhaps another class using a pro tree would be more suitable.

If the rule were changed tomorrow making blinders totally illegal, regardless of where and how they are mounted- never fear. Every driver currently using them would still show up and the best will still be the best.

Re: 2015 to 2016 NHRA Rule Changes
 

What exactly are they calling the frame horn?

Re: 2015 to 2016 NHRA Rule Changes
 

This is called the frame horn. It's the front end of the chassis.

Re: 2015 to 2016 NHRA Rule Changes
 

"For 2016 Stock will be allowed to install forward strut bars; they can attach to the firewall via plates or through the firewall and attach to the roll cage A-pillar bars."

Pat Cvengros Pacific Division Technical Director (626) 250-2295

Now there's a rule change that makes sense. :)

Re: 2015 to 2016 NHRA Rule Changes
 

If they change the rule, why didn`t they remove under Section 10A Stock Cars; Front braces may not extend in front of firewall ?

Re: 2015 to 2016 NHRA Rule Changes
 

Kansas Stocker, I like the way you think .

Re: 2015 to 2016 NHRA Rule Changes
 

Likely, but there would be more red lights for a while, and night time driving would become more consistent as the currently blinding stop having the huge issues with flash. You can still use the sunvisor as its factory equipment, just not as precise as a purpose built blinder.

Re: 2015 to 2016 NHRA Rule Changes
 

My reading of the blinders rule all referred to open bodied cars with windscreens like roadsters. Full bodied cars are not mentioned.. Am I wrong? I have a black plastic rectangle velcroed to my sun visor that I can pull off and reposition to block the late day sun at the local track. Is this now illegal?

Dale

Re: 2015 to 2016 NHRA Rule Changes
 

And we have a Winner, Mr. Firesale. This NHRA rule refers to open body cars/roadsters.

Re: 2015 to 2016 NHRA Rule Changes
 

It looks to me that any car, Open body or closed running quicker than 9.99 will have to have a closed face Helmet. All open cars will have to run closed face. (no matter what ET) 10.00 and slower has the choice of open face or closed face. Is that the way you guys read it?

Re: 2015 to 2016 NHRA Rule Changes
 

I thought that was the rule already. It`s that way in every other class.

Re: 2015 to 2016 NHRA Rule Changes
 

Thanks Lane,
I thought it was already that way, but the way it was written I was confused about any change. Guess I'll have to join back up to get a current rule book. I haven't spent any money with them since 2008 and probably need to to get caught back up. Been very busy with other things in life and let the racing go.

Re: 2015 to 2016 NHRA Rule Changes
 

Where is the suggestion of Vega or Pinto?

Re: 2015 to 2016 NHRA Rule Changes
 

Dick,
I took it as this change made them legal. I've always thought a Monza was legal because they had a V-8 option.

Reserved for foreign and domestic factory-production two-door coupes, two-door
sedans, sports cars, convertibles, or station wagons with any production V-8
engine of the same make. Year of engine optional. Only those engines and/or
bodies listed in the Official NHRA Stock Car Classification Guide are eligible for
competition. Also see WEIGHT. Cars will be classified using the shipping weight
of the body divided by the horsepower or performance rating of the engine used.
Dick, They deleted the last line that I wrapped in Quote.

Re: 2015 to 2016 NHRA Rule Changes
 

Understandable

Re: 2015 to 2016 NHRA Rule Changes
 

Like Adger said, they removed the requirement of the vehicle to be originally powered by a V-6 or V8. Therefore, a Pinto or Vega would qualify.

Re: 2015 to 2016 NHRA Rule Changes
 

Now the question is "is that good or bad?" Thanks Adger.

Re: 2015 to 2016 NHRA Rule Changes
 

More available cars = more participation, Maybe
Well, Time will tell.
Can't tell, there might even be a Pontiac Astre show up...

Re: 2015 to 2016 NHRA Rule Changes
 

How about a Ford Fiesta, Plymouth Horizon or a Chevy Chevette? LOL! :)

Re: 2015 to 2016 NHRA Rule Changes
 

I'd love to see them drop the max of 250 lb added rule, so you could run an Opel GT.

Re: 2015 to 2016 NHRA Rule Changes
 

So a 73 pinto fits SS/PA at 1938# with a 104hp engine....swap that to a 151hp 73 302 with canfield heads...12.83 factor, what GT class does that fit?....GT/J? 11.05 index?

Ahh, maybe I'm reading it wrong. Wonder what a pinto with a SS 302 would run?