Have The Rules Changed On Wheele Bars
 

After looking at Calvert's nicely done T-Bolt in the ND I noticed that the wheelie bars attach to the rear end housing and the body. I thought the wheelie bars could only be attached to the rear end housing. I see from pictures that the list is growing with Clark Holroid, Richie Pauley, Mary Ann Method, and Ralph Porpora are using this type of set-up.
It's a better idea, using a fulcrum point mid way along the bar to apply a downward force on the tires during a wheel stand.

Re: Have The Rules Changed On Wheele Bars
 

Larry,

These bars were invented be Anthony Jones Engineering in 1989 and yes they are legal for stock and superstock. I know, because I had the first set. Tony got the approval at Springnational 89 for them. The bars, can't be longer than 48" from the center of the rear axle housing, nor attach to the rear bumper or bumper brackets. You are correct on keeping the tires planted. It makes your car look like it's separating, whether or not it actually is.

Ernie Neal
SS3400

Re: Have The Rules Changed On Wheele Bars
 

I got mine approved about 5 years ago from Bruce and NHRA. They're a much safer way of keeping the car planted.

Re: Have The Rules Changed On Wheele Bars
 

Larry, looking through my collection of old rulebooks I find that wheelie bars were first allowed for S/S in 1979. The wording was as follows:

"WHEELIE BARS: Permitted. Rubber wheels only. May not be attached to rear bumper or rear braces. May not extend behind rear bumper."

In 1991 wording concerning length was added to S/S rules stating, "May be 48 inches in length or to rear bumper, whichever is greater."

Today's S/S wording of the wheelie bar rule is almost the same except for, "Length is checked from centerline of rear axle to center of wheelie-bar wheel." That wording came about in 1997.


As for Stock, the first mention of wheelie bars came in 1995. It was very simple. "WHEELIE BARS: Prohibited."

That simple wording for Stock changed in 2002 and still reads the same through today's 2010 rulebook as follows....

"WHEELIE BARS: Permitted. Wheelie-bar brackets may be welded to rear axle housing; bars and associated brackets must be stand alone items and not attached to any suspension or other components. Maximum length 48 inches or to rear bumper, whichever is greater. Trunk floor may be notched for wheelie-bar clearance."

Travis

(Disclaimer: Opinions and items looked up in my collection of old rulebooks expressed by me on this forum are exactly that, my opinions and items looked up in my collection of old rulebooks.)

Re: Have The Rules Changed On Wheele Bars
 

It is the part of the rule that states: " bars and associated brackets must be stand alone items and not attached to any suspension or other components." The bars of the Anthony Jones type must be attached to the floor pan or a fabricated bracket to the frame for this type of set up to work. This second mounting point is the base of the fulcrum.
When you mount the bars this way they are no longer "stand alone''
How about it Travis would you care to expound on this further?
Thanks

Re: Have The Rules Changed On Wheele Bars
 

Larry,
nhra has allowed several different configurations and racers have been running them at Indy for years. Not sure if Travis can respond any further but that is up to him. You know, the nhra thing.

Re: Have The Rules Changed On Wheele Bars
 

Legal or not, they sure are ugly.... just my opinion.

Re: Have The Rules Changed On Wheele Bars
 

They absolutely do work and they improved my 60' time in D/S. I never questioned the legality but last night I read the rule regarding attachment points and see that there is cause for concern.
I can't imagine tech would have a problem with this product (although they should clarify it in the rulebook if there is not a problem), but I'm wondering what the concern was about attachment points "....and not attached to any suspension or other components." ?

Re: Have The Rules Changed On Wheele Bars
 

I have a set that are powder coated tubing that are more attractive. When I bought mine, that was what they (AJE) were going to. However as much trouble as they had delivering mine they may have gone back to the old design. The did however have no trouble charging my credit card as soon as they got the order, months before delivery.

Bill Lamb

Re: Have The Rules Changed On Wheele Bars
 

Agreed....... I think they really ruin the look of older cars.

Here's a real 64 T-Bolt that don't need no stinkin' wheelie bars!