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NHRA Rule book.

4.7K views 19 replies 8 participants last post by  SlickVic107  
#1 ·
I am looking for the NHRA Rule book and was wondering if its available online at all anywhere. I'm still in the process of building my car, and want to be able to take it to the strips to see what she can do when I'm done. I do know i can only have 48" of rubber hose for the full lines, which is fine, i have only 2". I just want to know what else i should update on my car so I don't get told to go to hell when i go to take her on a few passes. Also, are the little pocket trees worth the money? I was thinking about buying one but i don't want to be wasting my money, that way i can practice and what not, sense i've never driven on a strip before. I want my car done so bad i can taste it!!! Just don't have a garage to work in so i'm at a stand still for the winter :(
 
#3 ·
NHRA's rule book is online only and as far as I know, you need to be a member to access it. I may be wrong, but you could check on their webpage. If this is a street car, I wouldn't worry too much about the rules. Some make you wear a helmet. If your car isn't faster than 11.50, you don't need a roll bar. Stock belts are fine, and you'll need a catch can and a neutral safety switch. If you run slicks, technically you need a driveshaft loop. If the car is stock, you bacically need a helmet and long pants. Everything else should be fine. And the length on the rubber fuel line is 6" not 24". Unless you use an approved rubber line as in Parker. That's what I have on my car from the front to the back. As far as a pocket practice tree, they are great, and you can get one for about $89. But, if you don't understand rollout and what your reaction time means, it's just a toy. If you're that excited about going racing, buy one and then get to know it. Once you understand what you're doing, it'll be more fun. How stock is your car? Dave
 
#7 ·
I'm trying to tell you, there is no hard copy of the rule book for 2010. NHRA is cutting back and you need to go online. But I think you need to be a member to do it. I just go off my 2009 book. When I got my membership card and other stuff, there was a letter in it saying about the rulebook. Dave
 
#13 ·
News to me! But i haven't renewed my membership yet. Will be doing that shortly.

"All wheel studs (not just on the drive wheels) must extend into the hex portion of the lug nut a distance equal to the diameter of the stud."
This is correct as my studs do not stick out much of my lugs.

ADD: (new paragraph)
All cars running 10.99 (*6.99) seconds and quicker must have a NHRA accepted locking type dipstick on the transmission.
This one i knew about but not sure the reason.
Kinda like the timing pointer one last year.

The practice of transbrake testing, converter stalls, line-loc testing, and/or transmission warming is prohibited in all classes, in all areas of the event except in starting-line approach areas beyond staging, or unless vehicle is on jackstands. Non-compliance is grounds for disqualification or such other and/or action as deemed appropriate by NHRA.
I see guys do this all the time and is very dangerous!! Several people have been hurt/killed over the past years. I like this rule. They also should enforce the rule of if the car is running you better be in the driver seat or it better be on jackstands.
 
#8 ·
I'm trying to tell you, there is no hard copy of the rule book for 2010
I wasn't referring to the 2010 book; There is no complete book online that is available to non-members. And I'm sure not going to pay for one. If I need an answer, I talk to a tech inspector. (who generally are a few years behind)
Or, if you have a particular question about a safety item, it can usually be found online somewhere, as I previously stated.
 
#9 · (Edited)
Other than what's been stated for the most part what they look for is:
*2 throttle return springs
*overflow for your radiator
*if the battery is in your trunk you need a cutoff switch
*working neutral safety switch

There are other rules but those are the basics and its been my experience that if they find something wrong they usually let you know, let you race that day and tell you to have it fixed before you come back.

If they get real nit picky they might look for:
*wheel studs need to stick out from lug nuts as far as their diameter is big
(in other words, 1/2" diameter studs need to stick out past lug nuts 1/2") but if you have closed end lug nuts I've never seen anybody rejected for it
*I've been told to patch a few holes the firewall before, some tracks don't like those.
*I'm assuming if you're using a practice tree you have a transbrake which means you should have a trans shield but I've never seen anybody crawl under a car to check. But it is a good idea anyway.

As far as a practice tree, you can get one that runs on your computer. That's what I have and its a lot cheaper than buying the hand held version. But obviously much less portable.

edit: oops, I see I reposted a few rules 65 Post already stated.
 
#11 ·
This is from a Hot Rod magazine article, and I've heard it in other places too:

"The carburetor must have an effective throttle-return spring. Even though the rulebook doesn't require it, some inspectors want to see two springs, so be prepared".

(in other words, 1/2" diameter studs need to stick out past lug nuts 1/2") but if you have closed end lug nuts I've never seen anybody rejected for it
That is incorrect--read the rule:
"All wheel studs (not just on the drive wheels) must extend into the hex portion of the lug nut a distance equal to the diameter of the stud."

I've seen people fail tech at Street Legal events because of closed lug nuts, if your car is fast, have open lugs.

Some new stuff for 2010:

ADD: (new paragraph)
All cars running 10.99 (*6.99) seconds and quicker must have a NHRA accepted locking type dipstick on the transmission.

The following isn't new, just some different wording:

The practice of transbrake testing, converter stalls, line-loc testing, and/or transmission warming is prohibited in all classes, in all areas of the event except in starting-line approach areas beyond staging, or unless vehicle is on jackstands. Non-compliance is grounds for disqualification or such other and/or action as deemed appropriate by NHRA.
 
#12 ·
I do know i can only have 48" of rubber hose for the full lines, which is fine, i have only 2". (
Unless you have changed the stock fuel line set up, there is a foot or so at the tank connection, another 6"-8" under the passenger side door and about 6" connecting the suction side of the fuel pump. Still under the 48" but more than 2".
 
#17 ·
If its aftermarket its has to be a certain type. one where the pointer can't fall out of the block. None of the cheap autzone slide adjusts. I think it was because they can fall off and cut tires pretty easily.
 
#15 ·
Per nhra.com!!

NHRA members to receive 2010 Rulebook quicker, more efficiently online
Friday, July 10, 2009



The annual Rulebook has been a benefit of NHRA membership for as long as most fans can remember, and soon this valuable benefit will be delivered to members more quickly and efficiently than ever before. Beginning with the 2010 edition, the complete NHRA Rulebook will be distributed to NHRA members online via NHRA.com instead of in the traditional print edition. Members of the NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League will also receive their Rulebook online upon its scheduled release.

A significant change made possible by online distribution is that revisions will be added to the online edition throughout the year. Members will be able view, download, and print the latest version available as often as they like. Because the Rulebook is a benefit of membership, nonmembers will not receive the same free access to the online edition.

“NHRA is pleased to be able to provide the Rulebook online for our racers because we know they need it as soon as it is available to begin planning for the next season, and now we can get it into their hands that much sooner,” said Vice President-Technical Operations Glen Gray. “We also think racers will appreciate that revisions will be added directly to the online edition – no more matching up a separate list of published revisions with the page number in the print edition.”

“We’re also excited to bring online Rulebook distribution to our non-racing members, NHRA’s most loyal and most knowledgeable fans,” added Vice President-Publications Adriane Ridder. “We hope our members will enjoy easy reference to the current rules while listening to NHRA.com’s live audiocast from NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series events or discussing racing online.”

Several avenues are still available to serve fans and racers who prefer to buy the traditional print edition. For example, the NHRA Rulebook is scheduled to be available for sale at the 2009 Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals. In addition, both the NHRA and the Jr. Drag Racing League Rulebook are expected to be sold online and through NHRA Membership Services.

“Moving our annual distribution of this valuable member benefit online is such a positive move,” said Ridder. “The current rules are always just a click away, and the print edition is still easy to get for anyone who wants to buy it.”
 
#20 ·
Most of those admendments dont apply to most of us here. Key ones: M2010 helmets accepted because you can buy them now. Super Street must where a layer 1 pants along with jacket now. And all cars faster than 7.50 1/4 must have 15 layer suit. Before you only had to wear 15 if it wasn't NA.

Also i have the 2010 rulebook. If you need a copy msg me.