NHRA General News and Discussion

[Mothers Worry]

Safety initiatives for 2010 announced

From NHRA.com:

Safety initiatives for 2010 announced

Monday, October 26, 2009

NHRA has announced its technical initiatives for 2010, which are designed to improve safety as well as reduce unwanted downtime at events due to leakage on the track.

Highlighting the changes in 2010 will be the implementation of a new Eject Helmet Removal System in all four Professional categories, Top Alcohol Dragster, Top Alcohol Funny Car, and in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series. The system uses an inflatable bladder located in the top of the helmet to make removal of the helmet by safety personnel after an incident easier and safer.

In addition, all participants in the Top Fuel and Funny Car classes will be required to use an Electrimotion Safety Shut-off Receiver. The device, when used in conjunction with the Electrimotion Shut-off Transmitter and Electrimotion Safety Shut-off Box, will automatically shut off fuel and ignition as well as deploy the parachutes once the driver has passed the finish line if the driver has not done so already. The system will activate when the car passes a wall-mounted transmitter.

Other safety measures in NHRA’s top two classes include fireproof tubing on brake lines and, in Top Fuel, a required cable wrapped around the rear wing main element that will deploy the parachutes automatically in the event the rear wing becomes separated from its supports. The same mechanism will be required in the Top Alcohol Dragster class.

Beginning March 11, 2010, in Pro Stock, cars will be required to have formed and foamed seats as well an NHRA-accepted lateral head-support system, the same that is required in Top Fuel and Funny Car and in the two Top Alcohol classes. In addition, an rpm limiter set at 4,000 rpm will be activated after eight seconds into a run to slow the car in the event the driver is unable to do so. Finally, drivers will be required to wear SFI Spec 3.2A/15 firesuits.

The Electrimotion Safety Shut-off Box, which was made mandatory in Funny Car and Top Fuel in late 2008 and 2009, respectively, will be mandatory in Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car in 2010. Also in the alcohol classes, requirements for oil catch-can systems will be similar to those in the nitromethane-burning categories to reduce track oildowns.

Affecting all classes in 2010, where applicable, and to reduce the chance of fuel leaks, all NHRA-accepted fuel lines will be required to use ends that are specifically designed for the type of fuel line being used to reduce fuel leaks. To prevent transmission leaks, all cars running 10.99 seconds or quicker must have an NHRA-accepted locking-type dipstick in the transmission.

To improve the strength-mounting point of parachutes on all vehicles running more than 150 mph, NHRA announced that parachutes must have their own independent mounting sleeved half-inch-minimum steel bolts or pins. Material around the holes for the bolts/pins must be equal to or greater than the bolt/pin size.

The Sportsman classes will have increased requirements for firesuits. All drivers in cars running 7.49 seconds or quicker will be required to wear SFI Spec 3.2A/15 firesuits. In addition, E.T. Motorcycle riders will be required to use Kevlar-lined gloves or gloves equipped with slide buttons, the same requirement currently in the Pro Stock Motorcycle category. For improved fire protection, Super Street drivers will be required to wear SFI Spec 3.2A/1 pants in addition to the SFI Spec 3.2A/1 jackets already worn.

This link will take you to the full rule change document. Warning! 55 page .pdf file:

http://www.nhra.com/UserFiles/file/2010RuleBookAmendments.pdf

[Mothers Worry]

NHRA competition, tech departments conduct test with help from Cruz Pedregon Racing

From NHRA.com:

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NHRA competition, tech departments conduct test with help from Cruz Pedregon Racing

Wednesday, November 04, 2009

NHRA, working with Cruz Pedregon Racing, recently conducted a series of test runs following the NHRA Las Vegas Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. It was part of NHRA’s Competition and Technical Departments’ continuing initiative to find a new combination designed to reduce power in the nitromethane categories in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.

The combination tested with Cruz Pedregon’s team included a single magneto, one less clutch disc, and a smaller fuel pump. Currently, nitromethane race vehicles employ two magnetos in their engine setups. Overall, the test was encouraging, although further testing will continue in the weeks and months ahead.  NHRA’s Dan Olson, Pedregon, and his crew chief, Rahn Tobler, worked together on tune-up changes and strategies between each test run.

“I was very encouraged by the test,” Pedregon said. “We obtained some good data that will give us a great starting point for further tests. We were pleased that NHRA allowed us to participate, and Dan Olson, Rahn, and the entire team worked hard to yield some great results.”

NHRA will work with Cruz Pedregon Racing to schedule more testing during the off-season. In addition, NHRA will continue to work with Tim Wilkerson and his team on the combination tested earlier in the season, which included decreasing displacement, use of a smaller-capacity fuel pump, decrease in percentage overdrive in the blower, a change on the rear-end gear ratios, and the use of 90 percent nitromethane.

NHRA reiterated that this is strictly a testing and research project at this point. It remains too early in the process to discuss any implementation plans or dates. Once any decision is finalized, NHRA will give ample time for teams to adjust accordingly. There is no completion date scheduled for the research/testing phase of this project.

[Mothers Worry]

Harley-Davidson extends official status; naming rights on Sportsman Motorcycle series

From NHRA.com:

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Harley-Davidson extends official status; naming rights on Sportsman Motorcycle series

Friday, November 13, 2009

Harley-Davidson Motor Company has extended both its official program with NHRA and its title sponsorship of the NHRA Harley-Davidson Sportsman Motorcycle Series through the 2012 season. Harley-Davidson, the only major U.S.-based manufacturer of motorcycles, became the official motorcycle of NHRA and title sponsor of the popular NHRA Harley-Davidson Sportsman Motorcycle Series in 2006.

“When we first signed this deal three years ago, it was the first of its kind for Harley-Davidson,” said Gary Darcy, senior vice president of sales and marketing, NHRA. “Since that time, Harley-Davidson’s interactive display at NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series events have become a destination attraction for our fans. It allows Harley-Davidson to engage NHRA fans and provide them the opportunity to be a part of the Harley-Davidson experience.”

Harley-Davidson first entered NHRA in 2004 with the Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines team. Since that time, Harley-Davidson and the Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines team have claimed four NHRA Full Throttle world championships, including three consecutive with rider Andrew Hines (2004-‘06) and last season’s title with Eddie Krawiec.

“We’re proud to continue our relationship with the NHRA as its Official Motorcycle and excited to maintain our outreach to its diverse and dedicated fan base,” said Harley-Davidson Racing Manager Anne Paluso. “Harley-Davidson’s multiple championships in NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle racing are part of a long and proud history of motorcycle racing and performance. Our official sponsorship enables us to tell that story and provide a taste of the Harley-Davidson experience to NHRA fans.”

Since 2007, Harley-Davidson’s interactive display in Nitro Alley, NHRA’s fan interactive area on-site at NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series events, has been one of the featured attractions for fans of all ages. The display engages NHRA fans into the Harley-Davidson experience through product displays, fun activities for all ages, and a special dyno-drag racing simulator using V-Rod motorcycles.

As part of the agreement, NHRA and Harley-Davidson will continue to partner in giving away a Harley-Davidson Motorcycle at select events on the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series tour.

The NHRA Harley-Davidson Sportsman Motorcycle Series is contested in four of NHRA’s seven divisions within the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series.  The sponsorship provides Harley-Davidson with the opportunity to extend its brand across the country through NHRA’s sportsman racing community.

[Mothers Worry]

U.S. Army to continue partnerships with Schumacher, Stewart-Haas

From NHRA.com:

U.S. Army to continue partnerships with Schumacher, Stewart-Haas

Friday, November 13, 2009

The U.S. Army Accessions Command has announced that the U.S. Army will continue its sponsorship of Tony Schumacher’s NHRA Top Fuel dragster and will return as a primary sponsor of Ryan Newman and the No. 39 Chevrolet Impala SS for 15 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races in 2010.

“Tony Schumacher and Ryan Newman are not only outstanding drivers, they are also powerful and effective advocates for the great men and women of our Army.  Both drivers possess and demonstrate a passion for our Army Strong soldiers and their families. They and their teams share our Army values and demonstrate the mental, emotional, and physical strength which are the hallmark of our soldiers,” said Lt. Gen. Benjamin C. Freakley, commanding general U.S. Army Accessions Command. “We are very excited about the opportunities our participation in the National Hot Rod Association and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series present us to tell our soldiers’ stories and connect with Americans across the country.”

The 2010 season will mark the Army’s 10th with Don Schumacher Racing and NHRA since its return to the sport in September 2000. Schumacher has won five consecutive championships while piloting the U.S. Army Top Fuel dragster. He enters the weekend as the points leader for the 2009 championship. Should Schumacher capture the crown, it will be the Army’s 10th, including four in the mid-1970s as the sponsor of Don Prudhomme’s Funny Car.

“I am extremely proud and humbled to represent the U.S. Army and the brave men and women who make it possible for us and our families to live in freedom,” Schumacher commented. “My team and I are motivated by the dedication, sacrifice, and service of our soldiers and their families. It is also an honor to team up with Ryan Newman and Tony Stewart to help tell young Americans about the wonderful opportunities the Army offers.”

The U.S. Army will serve as the primary sponsor on Schumacher’s Top Fuel dragster for all 23 NHRA national events and as an associate sponsor on all Don Schumacher Racing cars. In addition, the Army will return as an official partner of NHRA and presenting sponsor of the NHRA Youth & Education Services Program (YES).

[Muzza]

Check out these photos from a photographer at Pomona Raceway in California.

This bloke earned his $$$$ for the day....

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1234929/Cheating-death-The-moment-British-photographer-narrowly-escapes-crushed-runaway-drag-race-car.html

[the chad]

haha wow what a nutso photographer!!!

we have a guy like that at sydney dragway... he never flinches... we call him the madman haha

[Mothers Worry]

That was pretty awesome. Balls of steel!

[bpratt]

haha wow what a nutso photographer!!!

we have a guy like that at sydney dragway... he never flinches... we call him the madman haha

You're not wrong with some of those photographers.

Welcome back Chad !

[bradk12fan]

I'm a huge John Force/John Force Racing fan. I will always be a Scott Kalitta fan, and I plan on going to my 1st NHRA event at the Charlotte Z-Max Dragway next year.