Drag Strip Requirements

[pmaier]

Hi all,

I took my MKIII to the drag strip this weekend for an open event and was immediately turned away by the inspectors. I was told that because the roadsters are open cockpit they aren't permitted without a roll cage (and full racing suit), regardless of 1/4 mile time. It is an NHRA track (Firebird Raceway in Eagle Idaho) and they said they had to abide by NHRA rules even during test 'n tunes.

Has anybody run into this? Is there a way to successfully navigate the rules without putting a cage in, or am I out of luck at this track? My car will likely run 13s, at best.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Lots of guys have encountered the same. As you were told if they are an NHRA (or IHRA) track they have to follow their rules at all times or risk losing their sanctioning. Quite simply you'll need to find an outlaw unsanctioned track. Even some of those get a little prickly when you start running fast.

Jeff

[NAZ]

Lots of guys have encountered the same. As you were told if they are an NHRA (or IHRA) track they have to follow their rules at all times or risk losing their sanctioning. Quite simply you'll need to find an outlaw unsanctioned track. Even some of those get a little prickly when you start running fast.

Jeff

Agree.

NHRA has made it clear to sanctioned tracks that they are to follow the rulebook for ALL drag racing events they conduct. Follow this link to the rules and see how much work it is to comply: http://www.nhraracer.com/

[pmaier]

Dang, that is too bad! I was hoping there may be some speed thresholds but that definitely makes sense.

Thank you both for the quick reply, and thanks Naz for the rulebook link.

[Briansshop]

If you can get in on a track rental, usually not a problem to run as is.

[TMartinLVNV]

This really bums me out because I love to do bracket racing. I guess I will have to be content with a phone app to get me in the ballpark of what the car is capable of. Oh yeah, and an abandoned runway :rolleyes:

[NAZ]

This really bums me out because I love to do bracket racing. I guess I will have to be content with a phone app to get me in the ballpark of what the car is capable of. Oh yeah, and an abandoned runway :rolleyes:

A real bummer as you have a great facility in your hometown. The Strip is where I made all my licensing runs, love that track. But none of the FFR cars are easily converted to comply with NHRA rules. Same too, as it would be very easy for FFR to change their design on some of the cars that would allow a builder to much more easily comply. It really wouldn't take much to change the 1.5" square tubing to 2.0"x2.0"x.058" so you could weld a roll bar to it. NHRA won't accept the 1.5" square no matter what wall thickness.

[TMartinLVNV]

I used to run on the old track that ran parallel to Las Vegas Blvd. I've been on the new (well not new anymore) track just a few times. I had a 96 Impala that was a lot of fun. The Cobra would probably be a terrible car to bracket race, but I would love to do the occasional test and tune nights. It is fun as your car gets faster in the cool night air. The smell of burnt rubber doing burnouts does put a smile on my face :cool:

[BEAR-AvHistory]

All done since I got booted for no cage. Will do an occasional Dragy Run in Mexico to check performance after any change. Still allowed to Auto X but am pushed into the XP class so its just a fun outing rather than a competitive one.

My DD is knocking out consistent 3.7/3.8 seconds to 60 with launch control. Be interesting to see what the no Nanny FFR can do with the new tires.

Was sorry to see my old home track & the first place I ever ran in a sanctioned event back in the 1960's, Englishtown Raceway Park NJ, shut down. Used to live very close to the track. Here its a longish ride to be told you can't run a test & tune.