IHRA roll cage spec for crate motor cars

Wade Mahaffey · 12-19-2010, 02:46 PM

Danny, I know that you are within the circle of IHRA Tech. My question is, are they allowing foward roll cage support members thru the firewall. Some of todays Stockers are much faster than many of the Super/Stock cars, which are allowed the additional foward (thru the fire wall) bracing, adding to the overall cage structure. Roll cage developement over the years was done, and is done today to increase driver safety. If it's ok for a Super/Stocker @ 120.....why is it not for a Stocker @135. It does not make sense to me that a SS/PA car can have foward cage support with a class index of 12.95, but a AA/FIA Stocker with a class index @10.85 is not allowed?......This is about safety...not performance! It's the same as saying "stockers don't need as good a helmet or jacket"...Crashes, damage, and injuries do not know the difference between Stock and Super/Stock. It just dose'nt pass the reasonable man test. The "A" piller/post of a roll cage normally has a bend at or around the dash board. This bend needs support or will flex (in the bend) from a force straight down from the roof. This is why an "X" side bar configuration is used, to provide support to the dash bend. Another (better) way to support the dash bend is to brace the bend from the foward side (thru the dash foward cage member). I'm not saying mandate roll cage upgrades. I'm saying allow it at the owners discretion. Roll cages/chassis have been upgraded over the last few years in almost all classes ie TF,FC,PS,PM,TD,TS,S/S.....except Stock....Stock probably has had the biggest MPH gains in IHRA/NHRA racing over the last few years with the DPs and CJs.
P.S. Don't forget a racing seat upgrade as well!

Wade Mahaffey

12-19-2010, 02:46 PM	#4
Wade Mahaffey Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 581 Likes: 0 Liked 18 Times in 8 Posts	Re: IHRA roll cage spec for crate motor cars Danny, I know that you are within the circle of IHRA Tech. My question is, are they allowing foward roll cage support members thru the firewall. Some of todays Stockers are much faster than many of the Super/Stock cars, which are allowed the additional foward (thru the fire wall) bracing, adding to the overall cage structure. Roll cage developement over the years was done, and is done today to increase driver safety. If it's ok for a Super/Stocker @ 120.....why is it not for a Stocker @135. It does not make sense to me that a SS/PA car can have foward cage support with a class index of 12.95, but a AA/FIA Stocker with a class index @10.85 is not allowed?......This is about safety...not performance! It's the same as saying "stockers don't need as good a helmet or jacket"...Crashes, damage, and injuries do not know the difference between Stock and Super/Stock. It just dose'nt pass the reasonable man test. The "A" piller/post of a roll cage normally has a bend at or around the dash board. This bend needs support or will flex (in the bend) from a force straight down from the roof. This is why an "X" side bar configuration is used, to provide support to the dash bend. Another (better) way to support the dash bend is to brace the bend from the foward side (thru the dash foward cage member). I'm not saying mandate roll cage upgrades. I'm saying allow it at the owners discretion. Roll cages/chassis have been upgraded over the last few years in almost all classes ie TF,FC,PS,PM,TD,TS,S/S.....except Stock....Stock probably has had the biggest MPH gains in IHRA/NHRA racing over the last few years with the DPs and CJs. P.S. Don't forget a racing seat upgrade as well! Wade Mahaffey Last edited by Wade Mahaffey; 12-19-2010 at 03:44 PM.