This could be old news by now.(been away for a few days)

But check it out

http://www.nhra.com/2004/news/june/062202.html


Pure Stock, pure fun
NHRA's new E.T. racing class for newer, unmodified vehicles takes manufacturer safety engineering into account in rules

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6/22/2004
At NHRA's annual member track meetings last winter, one item discussed with track operators was the modernization of certain rules as they apply to street-legal cars that compete at NHRA member track street-legal events. The key question: "Why should E.T. bracket rules and regulations have to apply to newer, faster, yet safer pure-stock-type street-legal vehicles running at test-n-tune or street-legal events?"

The answer: NHRA believes the time has come, since the street-legal category is one of the fastest growing categories running weekly at NHRA member tracks throughout North America, to reevaluate and better define existing rules and regulations to match the improving levels of safety and performance in today's production vehicles.
NHRA's new Pure Stock class is for street-legal vehicles that run 11.50 seconds or slower. Pure Stock Street Legal rules are specifically intended for street-legal vehicles that are production stock, as manufactured and sold by the original automobile manufacturer.

Currently, all street-legal vehicles are governed by the same rules and regulations as those in the NHRA Summit Racing Series section of the NHRA Rulebook. While the E.T. rules can and do apply to street-legal cars that have been modified with certain performance enhancements, such rules may not necessarily fit today's OEM high-performance vehicles as produced by auto manufacturers.

"In looking at the types of vehicles being produced today by OEM manufacturers, it is apparent that high-performance vehicles are once again popular with buyers," explained Len Imbrogno, NHRA's director of Sportsman racing and member tracks. "Along with the increasing horsepower levels of today's performance vehicles comes a much higher level of engineering in structural design and safety features incorporated into the vehicles by the auto industry. It is therefore possible for us to now consider separate rules for pure-stock vehicles."

To that point, with input from NHRA member tracks, NHRA has finalized a set of rules for street-legal events that apply to any car considered to be purely stock and street legal. The new Pure Stock Street Legal rules and regulations can be integrated into existing street-legal categories by member tracks or run as a separate class. The new rules, however, apply only to stock OEM-type production vehicles. Once any power adder or performance hardware is used, it then must follow the existing Summit E.T. safety requirements. Otherwise, any pure-stock, street-legal car running 11.50 or slower (example: stock Dodge Viper) would be governed by the proposed new Pure Stock Street Legal rules, providing the vehicle remains completely OEM stock.

As an example, under existing Summit E.T. rules, a convertible running 13.99 and quicker must have a driveshaft loop and roll bar. Under the new rules, a pure-stock street-legal car will not require this equipment unless it runs 11.49 or quicker.
Vehicles must meet all state-highway safety requirements for the state in which the vehicle is registered, must be street driven, display valid license plates (or temporary permits), and have proof of vehicle registration and valid insurance.

"With a growing emphasis by local law-enforcement agencies to reduce street racing, NHRA's street-legal program has been an effective tool in the fight against illegal street racing," explained NHRA President Tom Compton. "Not only has the NHRA street-legal program helped in the fight against illegal street racing, but at the grassroots level, it also allows anyone wishing to participate in NHRA Drag Racing the opportunity to do so.

"The new Pure Stock Street Legal rules are a very important element for all NHRA member tracks to help grow their street-legal programs and another example of how we will continue to listen to input from our member tracks and react to their needs."

Within the framework of the street-legal category, the following technical rules and regulations will apply for Pure Stock Street Legal vehicles that run 11.50 or slower. Pure Stock Street Legal rules are specifically intended for street-legal vehicles that are production stock, as manufactured and sold by the original automobile manufacturer. For street-legal cars other than Pure Stock, tech rules and regulations are the same as those in the NHRA Summit Racing Series E.T. vehicle section of the NHRA Rulebook. Once any power adders or performance hardware are added to a Pure Stock Street Legal vehicle, it is then also classified as an E.T. vehicle

At street-legal events, only legitimate street-legal machines are permitted to participate. Though competition structure varies from track to track, the emphasis is on fun. A common street-legal venue will feature time trials and grudge racing only, which ensures each participant the opportunity for a maximum number of passes down the dragstrip. Grudge racing permits participants to choose their competition rather than participate in an organized eliminator. Once eliminated, a participant may return to the staging lanes for more time trials or grudge runs. Being eliminated at a street-legal event does not necessarily mean it's time to go home.


Pure Stock Street Legal Supplemental Rules
Vehicles must meet all state-highway safety requirements for the state in which the vehicle is registered and must remain as produced by the OEM manufacturer to be deemed an accepted street-legal vehicle. All vehicles must be street driven, display valid license plates (or temporary permits), and have proof of vehicle registration and valid insurance.
REQUIREMENTS & SPECIFICATIONS

ENGINE
Engine/Transmission
OEM production engine and transmission case and components must be as produced by OEM manufacturer for the particular vehicle application. All other engines and transmissions prohibited.

Exhaust System
All vehicles must be equipped with mufflers and a functional exhaust system that extends at least behind the drivers' seat. Competition exhaust permitted. Exhaust must be directed out of car to rear, away from driver and fuel tank.

Fuel
Racing gasoline, gasoline, gasohol, diesel, ethanol, natural gas, and propane permitted. Nitromethane prohibited.

Fuel System/Battery
All batteries, fuel tanks, fuel lines, fuel pumps, or filler necks must retain stock OEM location as produced by the OEM manufacturer.

Liquid Overflow
Catch-can mandatory for coolant overflow; one-pint (16-ounce) minimum capacity.

Nitrous Oxide
Prohibited. The use of nitrous oxide will deem the vehicle non-street-legal and car will be classified under E.T. Handicap Racing rules.

Supercharger, Turbocharger
Original OEM supercharger or turbocharger permitted. Any non-OEM, high helix, or screw-type supercharger prohibited.

BRAKES & SUSPENSION
Brakes
Four-wheel OEM-style brake system mandatory.

Steering
Each car in competition must have sufficient positive front-end alignment to ensure proper handling of car at all speeds.

Suspension
All cars must have a full suspension system of the type produced by an automobile manufacturer (i.e. springs, torsion bars, etc.). Lightening of stock components prohibited. Rigid mounted suspensions prohibited.

TIRES & WHEELS
Tires
Street tires or DOT drag radials permitted. Racing slicks prohibited.

Wheels
Must be automotive-type wheels suitable for street use.

BODY
Body
Must have full top and windshield as produced by OEM manufacturer. All full-bodied cars must have two driver exits. Both doors must be functional from inside and outside on all full-bodied cars. Four stock-production fenders mandatory, body kits permitted.

Firewall
Mandatory, as produced by OEM manufacturer. Firewall may not be altered in any manner.

Hood
Mandatory.

Seats
Properly braced, framed, and supported OEM-style seats mandatory.

Windshield, Windows
Mandatory, as produced by OEM manufacturer only. Must be in good condition and free of cracks. Windshield/window tint must meet the applicable state requirements. Windows must be closed during races; need not be operable. Decals permitted on rear quarter and rear window only. Competition-number decals are permitted on any window or windshield.

ELECTRICAL
Batteries
Batteries must be securely mounted in stock OEM location only.

Ignition
OEM-designed ignition system permitted.

Headlights, Taillights
All lights must be operational.

SUPPORT GROUP
Computer
Computers installed on stock vehicles by the new-vehicle manufacturers for the proper operation of such vehicles are permitted. OEM electronic fuel injection permitted.

Electronics
The use of racing electronics (i.e. delay box, throttle stop, etc.) strictly prohibited.

Fire-extinguisher system
Permitted; must be securely mounted.

DRIVER
Credentials
Driver must have a valid unrestricted state- or government-issued driver's license, with no underage driving restrictions (i.e. supervised, provisional, etc.).

Driver Restraint System
Seat belt mandatory in all cars as produced by OEM manufacturer. Aftermarket driver-restraint systems with higher rating than OEM permitted.

Helmet Drivers in all 13.99 (8.59 eighth-mile) or quicker cars must wear a helmet meeting Snell 90, 95, K98, 2000 or SFI 31.1A, 31.2A, 41.1A, or 41.2A Specs.

Protective Clothing
All drivers are required to wear full-length pants, shoes, and socks. Nylon or nylon-type clothing and open-toe shoes prohibited. Shorts, bare legs, tank tops, or bare torsos prohibited.

 

 

Wouldnt apply to Lightnings... Unless you know one that BONE STOCK is in the 11's

Doug

 

Nitrous Oxide
Prohibited. The use of nitrous oxide will deem the vehicle non-street-legal and car will be classified under E.T. Handicap Racing rules.

FU VINNIE

 

So does that mean you can't use a Kenne Bell in the class , even if you are slower than 11.5?? Isnt' that a twin screw blower?


I'm thinking that when they say stock, they don't actually mean factory stock. These techs guys whould have no idea. If you look at my engine bay, and most engine bays on these trucks, they don't look stock even when they are stock. When the hell do you see a roots style blower on production vehicles........not often.

So are they gonna measure crank and blower pulleys to make sure your running stock boost levels???


I think what it means is street driven production vehicle, minus nitrous and a few other power adders and performance specifically outlined.

 

Your missing the point dude.

Any performance hardware that didnt come on the vehicle when it rolled off the assembly line, that means traction bars, air intake kits or anything the tech guy decides wasnt on the vehicle when it rolled off the line.

If you read everything that was posted, you will see that this new rule is designed to keep from kicking Mercedes, Porsche's, Lambo's and other high performance "FACTORY MADE" vehicles that can run in the mid to high elevens out of the track. I allows them to attract more"street legal" racing people to the scene and get back those that they may have lost to the IHRA.

JMHO

Later...

Bruce

 

Exactly ....

 

This only applies to this class that the local NHRA sanctioned tracks run on a weekly basis. But as far as running at other events the old rule of 11.99 still is going to be enforced. So the tough Truck FFW and NMRA truck class are not part of this rule. Unless you are racing at a IHRA sanctioned track at one of these events then its 11.49

 

The last FFW race was at an IHRA track right? and the top qualifier was I'm not sure if that is a Lightning or not, but it seems that none of the 23 JDM 10 sec trucks, or many of the 2000 11 sec ones showed up for that. Especially when they would have been allowed to run to 11.50 without a rollbar.

Its a good rule change anyway, I guess

Later...

Bruce

 

no, i'm not missing the point.....i think maybe i wasn't trying to get my point across.

It is saying that et rules won't apply to pure street stock vehicles if quallified. Once the vehicle is modified, it is no longer considered pure stock. That's why i'm saying vehicles that come from the factory with blowers or turbos on them......how well would the techs be trained to be able to identified upgraded components?

I understand what this rule is saying, but I'm just looking at the meat and potatos of defining the groups. I guess it doesn't matter to me cause my track is IHRA and probably won't be investing what it takes to get NHRA sanctioning back anytime soon.

 

and according to your sig picture, you need not worry about any 11.99 and better rule anyway...


Try running an A-Body factory stock car at an NHRA sanctioned race and you will see that the techs arent just a bunch of fools. There are lists available.

Later...

Bruce

 

There where actually, several, JDM tuned trucks that run elevens at the event. There are many reasons to qualify at some other time than what your truck will run on it's max tune with it's max pulley combo. Wether or not you have a roll bar is at the bottom of the list.


Rocks

 

11.99.................i kinda like the idea of keeping my stock block. If I wanted to run faster than my times, I would. I would never want to put a cage in my own truck. My mods are pretty conservative, and I plan on keeping them that way. I have nobody to impress. No matter how fast you go, there's always someone faster anyhow. I could bolt up an 8lb lower in the fall and run an 11.999. What's that accomplish??? Nothing but jeapordizing my engine. If my track was NHRA, I'd do it once and get a warning, then have to go back to my normal setup.

As my sig goes.......it's an inside joke between Don and I. .

As far as the example you gave..........I wouldn't know and wouldn't matter much to me . My home track is IHRA and I can tell you.......as well as many who have visited NED for FFW events.........the tech inspectors there are..........well.............if you have been there, you know. Luckily most of you are running showdown classes and get to deal with the FFW staff. It's a once a year treat. Lift the hood real quick, look underneath and off you go!!!

Anyway, back on track.


That is my question i'm throwing out for thought. All i'm saying is the techs would have to be extensively trained on many vehicles to be able to determine what is stock and what is not, especially with the continuing advance in technology on these models year after year. Look at the idea of the a/c charged intercooler on the new Lightning Concept for 05-06.

I'm not seeing where my trucks times come into the mix here.

Later....

Don

 

Oh....and one more point. The way the rules are laid out in the proposal for running 11.5 without a cage, it excludes Lightnings. No matter how you get there, if it's not factory stock and it's running 11.99 or faster....your screwed.

Don't make the mistake of thinking the tech guys at your local track are anywhere close to the tech guys at sanctioned events....such as FFW or NMRA. Not only are they actually able to spot some pretty minor infractions....they also have every racer at the track looking for infractions on the other racers rides. It is competion.... The same fellows that wink and nod, during the local screw off night at the track, will bust your **** if you are competing for points.


Rocks

 

BTW, Melton's 11.25 WAS a JDM tune!

#2,3,4 and #5 qualifiers were JDM tuned trucks aswell!

Melton's 11.25 pass would have been a 10 if he hadn't lifted.

I was #2 at 11.59 @ 107 mph ( coasting through ), I ran a best of 11.21 in Test and tune with a street program and 15 psi boost!

Ten's are not a problem, but most of us detune our trucks to be more consistent!