Safety & General Rules

Batteries:  All batteries must not be relocated into the driver or passenger compartments and must be securely mounted.  A maximum of two automobile batteries is permitted of 150 lbs. combined maximum weight.  Plastic battery hold-down straps are not permitted.  All relocated batteries must be secured with a minimum of 2 3/8 diameter bolts and rods.  When relocated to the rear of the vehicle, the passenger compartment must be protected by a “firewall” consisting of a minimum of .024 steel or .032 aluminum.  The on/off switch must be connected to the positive side of the electrical system and when de-activated shut off all electrical functions in the vehicle.  In lieu of rear firewall, battery may be located in a sealed .024" steel or .032" aluminum or NHRA accepted polybox.  Sealed box must be vented to outside of body.

Deflector Plate:  Required on all rear-engine dragsters.

Engine:  One automotive type with any modifications permitted.  Engine may be relocated.  Vehicles running faster than 10.99 or quicker or 6.99 or quicker 1/8 mile must have SFI 18.1 balancer.

Engine Containment System:  (Diaper) Mandatory on all vehicles running 7.49 or quicker or 4.49 or quicker 1/8 mile.

Electronics:  Timed ignition interruption devices (stutter boxes) prohibited in all ET bracket categories.

Exhaust System:  Competition-type exhaust system permitted.  Exhaust gases must be directed out of the car body, rearward, away from driver and fuel system.  Flex pipe prohibited.

Fairings:  Front wheel fairings prohibited.

Fenders:  Optional

Firewall:  Mandatory

Floor:  Mandatory

Frame:  All butt-welds must have visible reinforcement.  Grinding of welds not permitted.  All welding on chrome moly (4130) tubing must be done by approved heliarc (TIG) process.  Mild steel welding must be done by approved MIG (wire feed) or TIG process.  Welds must be free of slag or porosity, or any other form of contamination.  Any grinding of welds is prohibited.  Improper welding process or technique may be a basis for failing technical inspection.

Ground Clearance:  Minimum of 3” from front of car to 12” behind axle.

Hood:  Optional.  Flash shield over carburetion mandatory.

Liquid Overflow:  Catch-can (catch tank) required for radiators; 1 pint minimum capacity.

Master Cutoff:  Mandatory if battery is relocated or is specified by class requirements.  It must be located on the rear of all entries and must break the positive side battery supply to the competition vehicle.  It must be easily identifiable and clearly labeled as to function (push off).

Nitrous Oxide Injection System:  Only systems meeting NHRA approval may be run.  All bottle relief valves must have bulk head fitting on tank.  The use of any agents other than nitrous oxide as part of, or mixed with, this pressurized fuel system is strictly prohibited.  All bottles must be securely mounted, stamped with minimum Dot-1800 pound rating.  Nitrous Oxide bottle(s) located in driver compartment must be equipped with a relief valve and vented outside of the drivers compartment.  System must be commercially available and installed per manufacturers recommendations.  Nitrous Oxide is prohibited from being in any other pressurized container on any entry other than a manufacturer’s nitrous bottle.  All Nitrous bottles must be recertified every five years and stamped to indicate the last inspection date.  All systems must be activated by a wide open throttle switch and utilize manufacturers safety products. 

Pinion Support:  All cars using an open driveline must have radius arms, traction bars, or some suitable pinion support to prevent rear-end housing rotation.

Street Equipment:  One functional tail light required.

Supercharger:  SFI restraint mandatory.  See NHRA rulebook page 4.3

Suspension:  Full automotive-type front suspension required.  Rigid-mount rear axles permitted.  One shock per sprung wheel mandatory.

Tires:  Slicks permitted.  Recapped tires prohibited.

Windshield/Windows:  A windscreen is required in place of windshield on open bodied cars.  Minimum size of windscreen 5”x12”.  Window openings in all coupes and sedans must maintain height, measured vertically.  Full bodied cars must have windshield.

0 to 9.99 ¼ mile (0 to 6.49 1/8 mile)

Axles:  Aftermarket axles and axle retention device mandatory.

Brakes:  Full body cars must have 4 wheel brakes.  Cars running 8.49 or quicker ¼ or 5.49 or quicker 1/8 must have dual stage master cylinder.

Date Recorders:  May only be used to record vehicle functions.  They must be activated by a separate switch, and not activated by any other switches on the vehicle.  Systems may only display data after a pass or run.  Any device that assists in determining track location of any entry is prohibited.  The use of ride height sensors and related accessories is prohibited from use in all categories.  The transmission of data or information to the driver or any remote location during the run is prohibited.

Except those computers installed on stock vehicles by the new vehicle manufacturers for the proper operation of such vehicles, no vehicles may be equipped with computers which in any way effect the operation of the vehicle.  Data recorders may be used to record functions of a vehicle so long as they do not activate any function on the vehicle.  No vehicle may be equipped with devices which are activated by the Christmas Tree or by radio transmitters.  If lap top computers or video equipment are utilized they must be properly fastened at all times during competition.  Devices may be removed at any time at discretion of TRP Tech.

TRP may, from time to time, allow the use of equipment which would otherwise be prohibited if TRP finds in its absolute and sole discretion that such equipment would improve the safe operation of the vehicle to the point of warranting its use.

Any devices which apply electronic timing keyed to the Christmas Tree lighting system itself, are connected by relay or otherwise so as to automatically activate any devices on the car necessary to place the car in motion at the start of a race, are prohibited.

If a product is to be utilized in NHRA
 competition, it is the responsibility of the manufacturer to provide NHRA
 Technical Department with all necessary information, as well as tools essential to facilitate the inspection process.

If an NHRA
 sanctioned facility, in good standing, determines that a competitor is utilizing an unapproved electronic device on their entry, that driver will lose all NHRA
 competition privileges indefinitely.  The NHRA
 facility must positively prove the device exists as well as provide NHRA
 with a notarized statement clearly defining the infraction and be willing to stand behind their allegations.  If a device of any kind is discovered that transmits data or track location on any entry, the competitor and the team will be immediately suspended from further competition indefinitely and lose all related points and subsequent prize awards.  Additional penalties may be imposed based upon the severity of the offense.

Drive Line:  1 Drive shaft loop required on call cars running 9.99 or quicker in the ¼ or 6.49 or quicker in the eighth mile.

Driver Restraint System:  Mandatory meeting SFI 16.1 within 2 year expiration from date of manufacture.

Fire System:  Required on all close bodied cars 8.49 or quicker ¼ or 5.49 or quicker 1/8.  One nozzle in driver’s compartment and one nozzle on engine.  On all other entries, a properly secured fire extinguisher is required on all closed body cars.

Flexplate and Shield:  SFI 29.1  Flexplate and SFI 30.1  Shield are mandatory on entries running 9.99 or quicker ¼ and 6.49 or quicker 1/8.

Floor:  Floor on all cars 8.49 or quicker in the quarter mile or 5.49 or quicker in the eighth mile.  Floor must be steel on the driver’s side and welded to chassis minimum thickness .024.

Harmonic Balancer:  SFI 18.1 mandatory

Helmet:  Drivers of Sportsman classes and ET cars - 13.99 (8.59 1/8 mile) must use a helmet meeting Snell 95 or newer.  Exception: drivers of open bodied, supercharged front-engined cars must use a helmet meeting SN 2000 or newer or SFI 31.1 or 31.2.  Drivers of any open bodied car wearing an “open face” helmet must wear protective goggles.  Modifications to the helmet/visor/shield are prohibited.  All helmets must have the appropriate certification sticker affixed inside the helmet.

License:  See license requirements for specifics.

Master Cutoff:  Mandatory if battery is relocated or is specified by class requirements.  It must be located on the rear of all entries and must break the positive side battery supply to the competition vehicle.  It must be easily identifiable and clearly labeled as to function (Push Off).

Parachute:  Mandatory on entries at 150 mph ¼ or 125 mph 1/8.

Protective Clothing:  On all entries running 9.00 or quicker ¼ or 6.00 or quicker 1/8 mile, a minimum of an SFI 3.2a-5 jacket and pants and a 3.3 neck collar are mandatory.  3.3-1 gloves are mandatory entries running 8.49 or quicker ¼ or 5.49 ¼ mile.  Additionally, 3.3 arm restraints and 3.3-1 gloves are mandatory on all open-bodied entries.  A 3.2a-5 jacket is mandatory on all other configurations.

Roll Cage:  Roll cage mandatory.  All entries running 9.00 or quicker ¼ mile or 6.00 or quicker 1/8^th mile must have a current chassis certification. 

Transmission Shield:  SFI 4.1 mandatory

10.00 to 11.49 ¼ mile (6.50 to 7.49 1/8 mile)

Axles:  Aftermarket axles and axle retention device mandatory on entries running 10.99 and quicker ¼ mile or 6.99 and quicker 1/8^th mile.

Brakes:  Minimum of two rear-wheel hydraulic brakes required.  Full body cars must have four wheel brakes.  Entries with two wheel brakes require parachute.

Driveline:  1 Drive shaft loop mandatory.

Driver Restraint System:  Must meet SFI 16.1 within 2 year expiration from date of manufacture. 

Fire Extinguishers:  Properly secured fire extinguisher is required on all closed body cars.

Flywheel/Clutch:  SFI 6.1.  Flywheel shield, mandatory and clutch, pressure plate and flywheel meeting SFI 1.1.

Flexplate:  SFI 29.1 mandatory if vehicle exceeds 135mph.

Frame:  All butt-welds must have visible reinforcement.  Grinding of welds not permitted.  All welding on chrome moly (4130) tubing must be done by approved heliarc (TIG) process.  Mild steel welding must be done by approved MIG (wire feed) or TIG process.  Welds must be free of slag or porosity, or any other form of contamination.  Any grinding of welds is prohibited.  Improper welding process or technique may be a basis for failing technical inspection.

Fuel System:  Gasoline, alcohol and propane accepted.  All fuel tank filler necks located inside trunk must have filler neck vented to outside of body.  All batteries, fuel lines, fuel pumps or filler necks located inside trunk must be isolated from the driver’s compartment.  Gas lines must be located outside driver’s compartment.  Fuel tanks not to be higher than top of rear tires.  Fuel cell recommended.

Harmonic Balancer:  SFI 18.1 balancer required on entries running 10.99 and quicker or 6.99 and quicker 1/8^th mile.

Helmet:  Drivers of Sportsman classes and ET cars - 13.99 (8.59 1/8 mile) must use a helmet meeting Snell 2000 or newer.  Exception: drivers of open bodied, supercharged front-engined cars must use a helmet meeting SN 2000 or newer or SFI 31.1 or 31.2.  Drivers of any open bodied car wearing an “open face” helmet must wear protective goggles.  Modifications to the helmet/visor/shield are prohibited.  All helmets must have the appropriate certification sticker affixed inside the helmet.

Master Cutoff:  Mandatory if battery is relocated or is specified by class requirements.  It must be located on the rear of all entries and must break the positive side battery supply to the competition vehicle.  It must be easily identifiable and clearly labeled as to function (Push Off).

Protective Clothing:  Minimum, SFI 3.2A/5 jacket on open bodied entries.  Minimum 3.2A/1 jacket on closed body entries.  Arm restraints are required on all open bodied cars.  Minimum SFI 3.3/1 gloves on open bodied entries.

Rollcage/Rollbar:  Rollcage is mandatory if entry has an altered floor or firewall or if vehicle exceeds 135mph.  On all other full bodied applications, a six point roll bar is mandatory.  A rollcage is mandatory on all convertibles running 10.99 or quicker ¼ or 6.99 and quicker 1/8^th mile.  T-top vehicles follow convertible guidelines. 

Transmission Shield:  SFI 4.1 mandatory on all automatic transmissions equipped entries running 10.99 and quicker ¼ mile or 6.99 and quicker 1/8^th mile.

Wheel Base:  Minimum:  90”, unless car has original engine.  Maximum wheel base variation from left to right:  1”.  Minimum wheel base for dragsters is 125”. 

11.50 to 13.49 ¼ mile (7.50 to 9.00 1/8 mile)

Body:  Mandatory.

Brakes:  Required.  Minimum of 2 rear wheel brakes required.

Driveline:  Drive shaft loop required on any vehicle which uses racing slicks.  1 Drive shaft loop required on call cars running 9.99 or quicker in the ¼ or 6.49 or quicker in the eighth mile.

Driver:  Must be in stock location.  Driver’s seat may be moved a maximum of 10” rearward.

Fenders:  Exact duplicates of stock fenders in fiberglass permitted.  Rear fenders may be trimmed for tire clearance.  All fenders must have the edge re-rolled or beaded if altered.

Front Overhang:  No item or equipment may be added to the front which will add to the overall length of the vehicle.

Fuel System:  Gasoline, alcohol and propane accepted.  Tank must be vented to outside of vehicle.  Gas line must be located outside driver’s compartment.

Helmet: 

Drivers of Sportsman classes and ET cars - 13.99 (8.59 1/8 mile) must use a helmet meeting Snell 2000 or newer.  Exception: drivers of open bodied, supercharged front-engined cars must use a helmet meeting SN 2000 or newer or SFI 31.1 or 31.2.  Drivers of any open bodied car wearing an “open face” helmet must wear protective goggles.  Modifications to the helmet/visor/shield are prohibited.  All helmets must have the appropriate certification sticker affixed inside the helmet.

Hood:  Mandatory

Master Cutoff:  Mandatory if battery is relocated or is specified by class requirements.  It must be located on the rear of all entries and must break the positive side battery supply to the competition vehicle.  It must be easily identifiable and clearly labeled as to function (Push Off).

Roll Bar/Roll Cage:  A minimum of a 6 point roll bar is mandatory on all convertibles running 11.00 to 13.49 ¼ mile and 8.25 or quicker 1/8 mile.  A roll cage is mandatory on any entry that exceeds 135mph. 

Street Equipment:  License plates, generator; windshield wipers; motors; fans, fan belts; and horns optional.  One working tail light required.

Transmission Shield:  Automatic:  it is recommended that cars with modified automatic transmissions, or converters, have a transmission blanket or shield meeting SFI 4.1.

Wheel Base:  Minimum 90”, unless car has original engine and OEM is shorter.  Wheel base variation, left to right 1” maximum.

Windshield/Windows:  Windows may be replaced with 1/8” minimum Lexan.  Windshields and windows must be clear except for factory-tinted safety glass.  Windows must be closed during competition, need not be operable.  Decals permitted on rear quarter window only.

13.50 and slower ¼ mile (9.00 and slower 1/8 mile)

Body:  Must be full bodied car.

Brakes:  Four-wheel brakes mandatory.

Driveline:  Drive shaft loop mandatory on any vehicle using racing slicks.  See General Regulations.

Driver:  Must remain in stock location.

Engine:  Automotive engine only.  Must remain in OEM location.

Exhaust System:  Headers permitted, must be designed to route exhaust gases away from car.  Flex pipe prohibited.

Firewall:  OEM type mandatory.

Floor:  Full floor mandatory.

Fuel System:  One stock location fuel tank maximum.  Fuel cells recommended.  Top of fuel tank not to be higher than top of tires.

Helmet:  Drivers of Sportsman classes and ET cars - 13.99 (8.59 1/8 mile) must use a helmet meeting Snell 95 or newer.  Exception: drivers of open bodied, supercharged front-engined cars must use a helmet meeting SN 95 or newer or SFI 31.1 or 31.2.  Drivers of any open bodied car wearing an “open face” helmet must wear protective goggles.  Modifications to the helmet/visor/shield are prohibited.  All helmets must have the appropriate certification sticker affixed inside the helmet.  Entries running 14.00 (8.60 1/8 mile) and slower, helmet is recommended.

Hood:  Mandatory.

Master Cutoff:  Mandatory if battery is relocated or is specified by class requirements.  It must be located on the rear of all entries and must break the positive side battery supply to the competition vehicle.  It must be easily identifiable and clearly labeled as to function (Push Off).

Roll Bar:  Recommended. 

Steering:  Steering box location optional.  Steering must be located in conventional location on driver’s side of car.

Transmission:  Any OEM type transmission permitted.  Neutral safety switch required.

Wheel Base:  Minimum:  90”, unless car has original engine and OEM is shorter.  Wheel base variation left to right:  1” maximum.

Wheels and Tires:  Must be automotive-type wheels suitable for street use.  Racing slicks permitted.  Automotive wire wheels or motorcycle wheels prohibited.  Minimum wheel size is 13” unless originally equipped with smaller wheels and is using the original engine.  Recap tires prohibited.