Pacemakers Dragway Park

[Mike Fouts]

I receive these tech articles every Tuesday from Rich and will try to post them here for our benefit.
NHRA/SFI Division 3 Tech Inspector,

Brain Candy:
What do you call a song sung in an automobile? A cartoon
Why were the teacher's eyes crossed? She couldn't control her
pupils.
What happens when frogs park illegally? They get toad.

T. T. Q. # 2:

This Tuesday I'm passing along information on the newly approved Legend Cars for
NHRA E.T. bracket racing. The Legend Cars were not approved as of January 9 when we
had the NHRA/SFI Tech Inspector meeting or I would have passed along this
information at that time. The Legend Car approval was posted on NHRA.com and our
Division 3 website nhradiv3.com last week. You can log on to nhra.com and to the
right side click on Competition, then click on 2010 NHRA Rule Amendments and scroll
down to page 7, the Legend Cars section, and you can print the Legend Car rules from
pages 7 to 12.

The competition structure of the Legend Cars will be conducted in an E.T.
dial-your-own format. Competition permitted with E.T. Motorcycles, E.T.
Snowmobiles, All-Terrain Vehicles or Legend Cars only. Competition with standard
full size closed or open-bodies vehicles, Jr. Dragsters or Jr. Comp Dragsters is
prohibited.

When you read these Legend Car rules you will see that they are stock, OEM as
produced race cars. They are taking their Legend Car with factory-stock Yamaha
FJ1200 / XJR1200 or a sealed Yamaha XJR1250 engine and running it as produced. The
Legend Cars that were tested ran on the 1/4-mile in the mid-12-second range.

It will be fun to watch a group of these Legend Cars come to your NHRA Member Track
and see how well they get their cars to perform. If you have any questions on the
Legend Cars give us a call in the NHRA Division 3 office.

Yours for a bigger, better and safer motorsport.


Ritch Bowers
NHRA North Central Div. Service Coordinator/Tech Director
5 West State Route 218
Bunker Hill, IN 46914
(765) 689-8727
(765) 689-7956 Fax Line
(765) 689-8377 Tech Line
RBowers@nhra.com<mailto:RBowers@nhra.com>

[cid:140375713@19012010-18F6]
Are you an NHRA member yet? JOIN NOW!<blocked::http://www.nhra.com/nhra101/join.aspx>
_________________
Pacemakers Dragway Park
Mike Fouts -Cell 614-620-6272
E:Mail, sliptech@ameritech.net

[Mike Fouts]

Bumper Stickers:
What happens if you get scared half to death twice?
I intend to live forever - so far, so good.
Why do psychics have to ask you for your name?

T. T. Q. # 3:

I did not compete in Stock Eliminator during the 2009 race season with my L/S 1989
Mustang. I did however run at my local NHRA Member Track during one of their test &
tune days and I was told that I will need fireproof pants to run in L/S. I did not
need them to run the E.T. test & tune when my car ran 11.60. Is this correct?

Mustang Mike


T. T. Q. # 3 Answer:

Mustang Mike,

You are correct. As of January 1, 2009 SFI 3.2A/1 jacket & pants are required in
AA/S through M/S and AA/SA through M/SA and in any vehicle running 11.49 or quicker.
This is found in the 2010 NHRA Rulebook on page 9.11 in the Stock section under
Protective Clothing. Also in the General Regulations section on page 20.39,
Protective Clothing it states "Protective Clothing requirements stated are minimum
requirements; drivers are free to upgrade Protective Clothing." The same
requirements apply for Super Stock/J through SS/P and SS/JA through SS/PA or any
vehicle running 10.00 to 11.49.

Yours for a bigger, better and safer motorsport.
_________________
Pacemakers Dragway Park
Mike Fouts -Cell 614-620-6272
E:Mail, sliptech@ameritech.net

[Mike Fouts]

One-liners & Bumper Stickers:
What do you get if you cross a chicken with a cement mixer?..........A brick layer!
What kind of eggs does a wicked chicken lay?............Deviled eggs!
Back up my Hard Drive???...........How do you put it in reverse?

With the snow flying and me shoveling the NHRA sidewalks let's have a Snowmobile
question.

T. T. Q. # 5:

I want to have the quickest and most outrageous asphalt snowmobile around. Is it
legal to mount a supercharger on my sled?

Snowmobile Stan

T. T.Q. # 5 Answer:

Snowmobile Stan,

It sounds like you are building one extreme sled. It states in the 2010 NHRA
Rulebook in the Snowmobile section on page 4.24, Engine:1,
Supercharger/Turbocharger, "Permitted." So add that supercharger, hang on and stay
safe.

Yours for a bigger, better, and safer motorsport.


Ritch Bowers
NHRA North Central Div. Service Coordinator/Tech Director
5 West State Route 218
Bunker Hill, IN 46914
(765) 689-8727
(765) 689-7956 Fax Line
(765) 689-8377 Tech Line
RBowers@nhra.com<mailto:RBowers@nhra.com>
_________________
Pacemakers Dragway Park
Mike Fouts -Cell 614-620-6272
E:Mail, sliptech@ameritech.net

[Mike Fouts]

One-liners & Bumper Stickers:
I drive way too fast to worry about cholesterol.
Everyone has a photographic memory. Some don't have film.
How do you know when the honeymoon is over? When he no longer smiles as he scrapes
the burnt toast.

T. T. Q. # 6:

I have a Super Comp dragster with a butterfly steering wheel and a Super Gas
roadster with a round style steering wheel. I like my butterfly steering wheel so
well in my SC dragster that I would like to add one to my SG roadster so they feel
the same. Is this legal?

Butterfly Bob

T. T.Q. # 6 Answer:

Butterfly Bob,

On page 8.1 in the 2010 NHRA Rulebook in the Super Comp section, Brakes &
Suspension: 3, Steering, it states "Butterfly steering wheel permitted only on
front- or rear-engine dragsters and altereds." When you go to Super Gas there is
not a paragraph on steering. You then go to the top of the Super Gas section and
it says "Requirements and specifications for Super Gas are the same as those for
Super Street - Section 6 - with the following exceptions". So now you go back to
Super Street page 6.3, Brakes & Suspension: 3, Steering, and it states "Minimum
steering-wheel diameter 11 inches. Butterfly steering wheels prohibited." So the
answer is, a butterfly steering wheel is prohibited in Super Gas.
_________________
Pacemakers Dragway Park
Mike Fouts -Cell 614-620-6272
E:Mail, sliptech@ameritech.net

[Mike Fouts]

One-liners & Bumper Stickers:
When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.
Shinn: a device for finding furniture in the dark.
Wear short sleeves! Support your right to bare arms!


T. T. Q. # 8:

I purchased a Pro Mod over the winter and it has an NHRA blue & silver chassis tag
that is punched out 6.00 & Slower @ 3200 and along the outside edge 08 and 2. I
will be running the GET SCREENED AMERICA PRO MOD SERIES and was not sure if I needed
to get the one-year red & silver pro tag before I could run.

Pro Mod Pete


T. T.Q. # 8 Answer:

Pro Mod Pete,

I will direct you to the 2010 NHRA Rulebook in section 5 GET SCREENED AMERICA PRO
MOD and then to page 5.5, FRAME: 4, ROLL CAGE. It states "Chassis must meet SFI
Spec 25.1E or 25.2. Chassis must be recertified yearly by NHRA and have a
serialized sticker affixed to the roll cage before participation. Current
three-year certification will be accepted until they expire". With your chassis tag
punched 6.00 & Slower @ 3200 pounds it meets the current SFI 25.2 spec. Your
current NHRA chassis tag will expire 2/28/11 at which time it will need to meet the
SFI 25.2 spec and will need to be inspected yearly and have a red & silver pro tag.
_________________
Pacemakers Dragway Park
Mike Fouts -Cell 614-620-6272
E:Mail, sliptech@ameritech.net

[Vernon Cline Racing]

So reading that Makes me think I need fire pants ??
_________________
Racing not just a hobby,But a way of Life
Crew Chief
2005 pro champ
2006 pro champ
2001 major Jr champ
2000 major Jr champ
(Jenni Vernon)

[Mike Fouts]

As near as I can tell this only applies to the Stock or Super Stock classes.
Under E.T. rules only the jacket is required when quicker than 7.35 and slower than 6.39 in the 1/8. This is according to the 2010 rule book and also checked for any changes as of today.
_________________
Pacemakers Dragway Park
Mike Fouts -Cell 614-620-6272
E:Mail, sliptech@ameritech.net

[Mike Fouts]

NHRA/SFI Division 3 Tech Inspector,

One liners & bumper stickers:
Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity!
Beat the 5 o'clock rush, leave work at noon!
Been there. Done that. Went back for more.

T. T. Q. 12:

I recently purchased a P/SA 88 Olds Cutlass. As it has been about 20 years since I
ran Stock Eliminator I had a couple questions. If I install a 6 point roll bar will
I be required to have both SFI 3.2A/1 jacket and pants and will my seat belts have
to be updated at 2 year intervals?

Cutlass Curt

T. T. Q. # 12 Answer:

Cutlass Curt,

If you add a roll bar in a car that does not require one your have not changed the
fire jacket requirement in Stock Eliminator. All 2010 Stock Eliminator rules start
on page 9.1 of the 2010 NHRA Rulebook
Roll bar is required in AA/S through M/S and AA/SA through M/SA, in all convertibles
and in any car running 11.49 or quicker, permitted in slower cars.
SFI 3.2A/1 fire jacket and pants required in AA/S through M/S and AA/SA through M/SA
or quicker than 11.49.
SFI 16.1 seat belts required in classes AA/S through M/S and AA/SA through M/SA or
quicker than 11.49.
Expired SFI 16.1 seat belts are accepted in classes that do allow OEM type seat belts.



Ritch Bowers
NHRA North Central Div. Service Coordinator/Tech Director
_________________
Pacemakers Dragway Park
Mike Fouts -Cell 614-620-6272
E:Mail, sliptech@ameritech.net

[Mike Fouts]

I would like to put a nitrous system in place of my passenger seat of my Super Pro
1985 Camaro that runs 10.90 in the ¼-mile. What rules do I need to follow?

Nettie With Nitrous


T. T. Q. # 15 Answer:

Nettie With Nitrous,

On page 4.3, Super Pro, Engine:1, Nitrous Oxide, it refers to some of the basic
requirements. Commercially available nitrous oxide permitted. Nitrous bottle(s) in
drivers compartment must be equipped with a relief valve and vented outside of
driver's compartment. Hoses from the bottle(s) to solenoid must be high pressure
steel-braided or NHRA-accepted hoses. Commercially available, thermostatically
controlled, blanket-type warmer accepted. Any other external heating of bottle
prohibited, this means no heating of bottle with a torch.
_________________
Pacemakers Dragway Park
Mike Fouts -Cell 614-620-6272
E:Mail, sliptech@ameritech.net

[Mike Fouts]

My local SFI tech inspector told me that I should in the near future replace the
front tires on my street & strip Mustang. How much tread do I need?

Tire Tread Ted


T. T. Q. # 16 Answer:

Tire Tread Ted,

In the 2010 NHRA Rulebook on page 20.26, Tires & Wheels: 5, 5:1 Tires it refers to
some of the basic requirements. All street tires must have a minimum of 1/16-inch
tread depth. Metal, screw-in valve stems mandatory in tubeless tires, front and
rear, on vehicles running 11.99 or quicker.
_________________
Pacemakers Dragway Park
Mike Fouts -Cell 614-620-6272
E:Mail, sliptech@ameritech.net

[Mike Fouts]

You know your a drag racing addict if:
You have race car photos in front of your Wife & Kids in your bilfold.
You see how big a wheelie you can pull with your riding lawnmower.
You pratice "power shifting" your 3/4 ton work truck each day on the way to the job
site.

T. T. Q. 17:

Do I really need to have something on top of my carburetor if I run without my hood
during the Tuesday Test & Tune?

Hood Scoop Harry

T. T. Q. # 17 Answer:

Hood Scoop Harry,

In the 2010 NHRA Rulebook on page 4.6, Super Pro, Pro, Sportsman, Body: 7, Hood it
states "Hood optional. Carburetors must be covered by flash shield or scoop. Hood
scoop permitted." Put an air cleaner on for the Tuesday Test 7 Tune and you will be
good too go.

Yours for a bigger, better and safer motorsport.

Ritch Bowers
NHRA North Central Div. Service Coordinator/Tech Director
_________________
Pacemakers Dragway Park
Mike Fouts -Cell 614-620-6272
E:Mail, sliptech@ameritech.net

[Mike Fouts]

I'm finishing up a rear-engine dragster that will be run in Super Comp. The engine
is a turbo-charged, diesel fueled Cummins. I was told that I can now add nitrous
oxide, is that correct?

Diesel Dave


T. T. Q. # 19 Answer:

Diesel Dave,

The NHRA SST, SG and SC rules were amended in 2009. The 2010 NHRA Rulebook on page
8.1 in the Super Comp section states "Nitrous oxide prohibited, except on
diesel-turbocharged engines."

Yours for a bigger, better and safer motorsport.

Ritch Bowers
NHRA North Central Div. Service Coordinator/Tech Director
5 West State Route 218
Bunker Hill, IN 46914
(765) 689-8727
(765) 689-7956 Fax Line
(765) 689-8377 Tech Line
RBowers@nhra.com<mailto:RBowers@nhra.com>

[cid:021060614@18052010-2150]
Are you an NHRA member yet? JOIN NOW!<blocked::http://www.nhra.com/nhra101/join.aspx>
_________________
Pacemakers Dragway Park
Mike Fouts -Cell 614-620-6272
E:Mail, sliptech@ameritech.net

[R Zolman]

Does this make anyone else scratch their head? How is it ok on diesel but not on the gas engine??? I've never understood why it wasn't legal on super gas, street and comp. Just figured like most things NHRA, palms didn't get greased well enough.

[Mike Fouts]

TTQ # 17:



I have just changed the transmission in my Super Comp dragster to a high-gear transbrake system. Do I need to change my transbrake button to a different style?





High Gear Harold







TTQ # 17 Answer:



High Gear Harold,



In the 2011 NHRA Rulebook on page 1 of section 9, Super Comp, it says, Requirements and specifications for Super Comp are the same as those for Super Gas. When you go to Section 8 Super Gas it says, Requirements and specifications for Super Gas are the same as those for Super Street . So, on page 3 of section 7, Super Street , Transmission, it states “Transmission that can utilize a high-gear transbrake must be supported by the use of two momentary buttons (one to arm the system, second as the main transbrake).”
_________________
Pacemakers Dragway Park
Mike Fouts -Cell 614-620-6272
E:Mail, sliptech@ameritech.net

[Mike Fouts]

TTQ # 18:



I have a Super Pro Dragster that I recently purchased and I’m getting it ready to race at my local NHRA track. Looking at the wiring on this dragster it has an ignition wire hooked to the delay box. There is not a tack in the car so I would assume that he also used the delay box like a tach. I did not think this was legal?



Delay Box Don







TTQ # 18 Answer:



Delay Box Don,



You are correct. In the 2011 NHRA Rulebook, Section 4A, Super Pro, page 7, ignition, it states” No other wiring shall be connected directly or indirectly between any other part of the ignition system and the delay box/device. All wiring associated with the ignition system must be fully visible, labeled, and traceable.”







Yours for a bigger, better and safer motorsport.







Ritch Bowers
NHRA North Central Div. Service Coordinator/Tech Director
_________________
Pacemakers Dragway Park
Mike Fouts -Cell 614-620-6272
E:Mail, sliptech@ameritech.net