| Top Sportsman Rules Wednesday, January 30, 2008 |
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TOP SPORTSMAN Class is for full bodied side steer type vehicles only. Qualified fields with competition conducted in a dial-in E.T. format. Designation TS followed by car number. Numbers must be at least four inches high. Weight Breaks: * Naturally-aspirated small-block: 1,900 pounds. Nitrous oxide small-block: 2,000 pounds. Naturally aspirated big-block: 2,350 pounds. Nitrous oxide big-block: 2,450 pounds. Supercharged or turbocharged small-block, 2,150 pounds. Supercharged or turbocharged big-block, 2,600 pounds. * Divisions 6 and 7 minimum weight for all entries 2100 pounds. Refer to the current NHRA Rulebook and/or rules revisions for additional vehicle/driver requirements, specifications, and general regulations. Any cars running quicker than 6.00 seconds must meet all comparable requirements for A/PM or AA/PM. Requirements and Specifications
Engine: 1
Induction Carburetors, fuel injection or electronic fuel injection permitted. Two return springs mandatory. Throttle stops prohibited. Engine Any internal combustion engine allowed with any modification. Only one engine may be used. No cubic-inch limit. Harmonic balancer meeting SFI Spec 18.1 mandatory. Engine-containment system All cars must utilize an NHRA-accepted lower engine oil-retention device; may use a belly pan in lieu of a device attached to the engine. The belly pan must extend from frame rail to frame rail and extend forward of the harmonic balancer and rearward to the rear motor plate and must incorporate a minimum 2-inch-high lip on all sides. A nonflammable, oil-absorbent liner mandatory inside of retention device. See General Regulations 1:8. Exhaust system
Competition-type exhaust systems permitted. Exhaust gases must be directed out of the car body, rearward, away from driver and fuel tank. If zoomies are utilized must be turned upward minimum three degrees. Fuel NHRA-accepted racing gasoline, gasoline, alcohol, gasohol, ethanol, permitted. Nitromethane and propylene oxide prohibited. Fuel system No part of the fuel system may be mounted on firewall or in flywheel/flexplate area. If fuel tank/cell is mounted in rear, it must be vented to the outside of the body and equipped with a flash shield to isolate system from driver compartment. All front-mounted fuel systems must be mounted between frame rails and enclosed in a round tube frame, minimum 1 1/4-inch O.D. x .065 chromoly or .118 mild steel tubing. Liquid overflow Catch-can mandatory for coolant overflow; one-pint (16-ounce) minimum capacity. Nitrous Oxide Permitted on non-supercharged or non-turbocharged entries only. Oil lines All flexible-pressure oil lines, excluding return lines and any line 30psi or lower in pressure, must pass a minimum 300psi test for 30 seconds with no indications of separation, weeping, leaking, etc. Competitors may test and tag their own lines. Label must indicate date, PSI, and tester ID; label must be impervious to fuel and brake-clean. All lines on supercharged alcohol cars must be routed in such a way that they are not directly in line with cylinder head gaskets at the front, rear, or side of the cylinder heads. Starter All entries must be self-starting with an onboard starter and battery. Supercharger All supercharged entries may utilize a 14-71 (or smaller) standard or hi-helix supercharger. Screw supercharger prohibited. All cars using 12-71 or 14-71 superchargers must have a SFI 14.2 or 14.3 Supercharger Restraint with approved bag from same manufacturer. All other superchargers require a SFI 14.1, 14.2 or 14.3 Supercharger Restraint. Belt guards shielding both fuel and oil lines are mandatory. The blower restraint straps and fuel lines must be installed such that when the restraint straps are fully extended no load is placed on any of the fuel lines. Aluminum studs (supercharger-to-manifold) mandatory. See General Regulations 1:10, 1:11.
Throttle Stop The use of throttle stops, stutter boxes, etc., to control down track engine rpm is prohibited. Throttle stops are defined as being mechanical, electronic or pneumatic. Throttle stop may be present on vehicle but must be disconnected from all controls. Turbocharger
The use of single or dual turbochargers is permitted. This combination will compete at the supercharged weight minimums. Valve Covers Cast or fabricated metal valve covers, using all attachment bolt holes, mandatory on supercharged or turbocharged cars. Vent Tube/Breathers Mandatory for all supercharged engines. Two one-inch diameter connections. All breathers must be positive locking. Driveline: 2
Clutch, Flywheel, Flywheel Shield Flywheel and clutch meeting SFI Spec 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, or 1.5 mandatory. Flywheel shield meeting SFI 6.1, 6.2, or 6.3 mandatory on clutch equipped cars. Engine combination determines the appropriate specifications. See the appropriate SFI specification or NHRA General Regulations for the motor plate and bolting requirements. Driveline Each end of driveshaft must have round 360-degree driveshaft loops within 6 inches of U-joints. Flexplate Automatic transmission flexplate meeting SFI Spec 29.1 mandatory. Flexplate Shield Flexplate shield meeting SFI Spec 30.1 mandatory. A SFI 6.1 bellhousing is permitted on torque converter assisted planetary transmissions. Rear End Aftermarket axles and axle-retention devices mandatory. Welded spider gears prohibited. Wheel studs must be 5/8-inch minimum. Aftermarket full-floating or live axle assembly mandatory on any vehicle that runs 5.99 and quicker or 240 mph and faster. Independent rear suspension prohibited. Transmission Any transmission may be used, however, vehicle must employ positive system to disengage from final drive. All automatic transmissions must have a neutral safety start switch and reverse lockout device. All entries with pressurized transmissions must have interior sheet metal tunnel isolating the drivers compartment from the transmission. All pressurized units must utilize flexible hoses pressure tested to 300psi and be clearly labeled as passing the testing process or solid steel lines and AN fittings to connect with accessory coolers. A minimum 1/8-inch pipe connection using high-pressure line vent to overflow tank (minimum 1-pint capacity) is mandatory. Transmission Shield Brakes & Suspension: 3
Brakes Four-wheel brakes mandatory with dual master cylinder mounted above frame rails on all entries. Steel brake lines mandatory. Wheelie Bars Permitted. Wheels must be non-metallic. Frame: 4
Ballast Permitted, 250 pounds maximum, 100 pounds maximum removable. Chassis All cars must use a full frame that meets SFI Spec. 25.1E or SFI Spec. 25.2 that run 7.499 and quicker. Cars running 7.50 and slower must meet applicable SFI Specification (25.1E, 25.2, 25.4, or 25.5) for body/chassis design. Must have current NHRA serialized sticker affixed to the cage before participation. Roll cage padding Mandatory. Must meet SFI Spec 45.1. See General Regulations 4:11. Ground clearance Minimum three inches required from the front of the car to 12 inches behind axle centerline, 2 inches for remainder of car except oil pan and exhaust headers. Parachute Required. Cars running in excess of 200 mph must use dual parachutes with two separate shroud line mounting points using sleeved 1/2-inch bolts. Safety pins must be red-flagged and removed prior to burnout. Wheelbase Minimum 90 inches. One-inch variation from left to right. Wheels & Tires: 5
Tires Must be automotive type, designed for racing. Wheels Each car in competition must be equipped with automotive-type wheels, designed for racing. SFI Spec 15.1 rear wheels with beadlocks or liners mandatory on any vehicle that runs 6.50 and quicker or 210 mph and faster. Interior: 6
Upholstery Optional. See General Regulations 6:2. Window Net Window net meeting SFI Spec 27.1 mandatory. See General Regulations 6:3. Body: 7
Body Must be full-bodied vehicle (trucks, vans, wagons permitted) with two functional doors. Front overhang limited to 45 inches from center of front spindle unless stock OEM is longer. Firewall Required. Each car in competition must be equipped with minimum .024-inch steel or .032-inch aluminum firewall. See Protective Clothing requirements below. Floor Minimum .024-inch steel welded in on driver's side from firewall to rear cross member. Remainder .032 aluminum, .024-inch steel, or NHRA accepted carbon fiber. Hood Scoop Maximum height of 15-inches. Measured from flat portion of hood to top of opening. Windshield, Windows Required, no window tint beyond factory specification permitted. The side windows on all entries that utilize nitrous oxide or are supercharged must have a minimum 4-inch-diameter opening adjacent to the driver. See General Regulations 7:8. SPOILERS/WINGS Non OEM airfoils or wings permitted; must be permanently attached to frame or roll cage; nonadjustable during run. a positive locking device to prevent movement is mandatory. Electrical/Control: 8
All batteries must be securely mounted. See General Regulations 8:1. Delay Box/Devices: Permitted. Two-step accepted for starting-line use. Down track throttle stops, electronic ignition interrupters (stutter boxes), or use of pneumatics are prohibited. Pneumatic starting line enhancers are permitted for all applications. One delay box/device is permitted; it may be attached to the transbrake, and/or shift timer only. The wire to the transbrake (or line-loc) may contain a splice that activates the two-step/launch-control device in the ignition system. All wiring associated with the delay device, ignition system, automatic shifter, tachometer, data recorder, and fuel-injection system must be fully visible, labeled, and traceable. Delay devices and associated components (such as transbrakes, automatic shifters, data recorders, tachometers, fuel-injection system, etc.) must be utilized in an unaltered manner consistent with the manufacturers installation and instruction books unless otherwise approved. Any ignition system tachometer function or any other RPM function is prohibited from interaction with the delay device on any car that uses a pneumatic starting line enhancer. See General Regulations 8.2. Ignition Aftermarket electronic ignition boxes must be used unaltered from factory specifications. Timed ignition-interruption devices (stutter boxes) prohibited. Starting-line and/or high-side rev limiters permitted. Two-steps, rev limiters, or any other rpm-limiting devices, legal unto themselves but altered or installed so as to function as a downtrack rpm controller, prohibited. The wire to the transbrake (or line-loc) may contain a splice that activates the two-step/launch-control device in the ignition system. For supercharged and turbocharged applications also see the Delay Box/Devices paragraph above. The use of any programmable multi-point rev limiter and/or a rate of acceleration rpm limiter, either by themselves (i.e. MSD 7561) or integrated into the ignition system (i.e. MSD 7531) are prohibited. Master cutoff An external master electrical cutoff switch required. If the switch is the push/pull type push must be the action for shutting off the electrical system, pull to turn it on. The off position must be clearly indicated on all cars. See General Regulations 8:4. Taillight One functional taillight mandatory. Flashing, blinking, or strobe lights prohibited. Support Group: 9
Data recorders Permitted. Data recorders may be used to record functions of a vehicle so long as they do not activate any function on the vehicle. Data recorder may not be activated by the throttle, clutch, brake, etc. Must be activated by a separate switch. Data may be reviewed (printout, replay, etc.) only after the run. See General Regulations 9:1, 9:2. Fire-extinguisher system Mandatory on all cars. Minimum 5-pound NHRA accepted system. Minimum one nozzle on driver's side in front of feet, one nozzle in front of engine. Supercharged, alcohol, minimum: 20-pound NHRA accepted system. See General Regulations 9:10 for accepted agents. Tow vehicles Golf cart or three- or four-wheeled, Quadrunner/ATV-type tow vehicle permitted. Full-size tow vehicle prohibited. See General Regulations 9:10. Driver: 10
Credentials NHRA competition license and NHRA Top Sportsman number with appropriate license code 3B or 4B and NHRA membership required. Driver restraint system Three-inch driver restraint system meeting SFI Spec. 16.1 mandatory. Restraint system must be updated at two-year intervals from date of manufacture. Helmet Full-face helmet with shield (goggles prohibited) meeting Snell 98, 2000, 2005 or SFI Spec. 31.2A or 41.2A mandatory. Neck Collar A head and neck restraint device/system is mandatory for any vehicle running 200 mph or faster. The device/system must meet SFI Spec 38.1 and must display a valid SFI label. The head and neck restraint device/system, when connected, must conform to the manufacturer's mounting instructions, and it must be configured, maintained, and used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Neck collar meeting SFI Spec 3.3 mandatory for all other cars. A head and neck restraint device can be used with, or without, a neck collar. Modification of the device is prohibited. Protective Clothing Drivers are required to have as minimum requirements protective clothing labeled as meeting the following vehicle and engine combinations: Supercharged or turbocharged cars: Jacket and pants or suit meeting SFI 3.2A/15, gloves meeting 3.3/5, and boots or shoes meeting 3.3/5 mandatory. Nitrous oxide equipped cars without a full .024-inch minimum steel firewall: Jacket and pants or suit meeting SFI 3.2A/15, gloves meeting 3.3/5, and boots or shoes meeting SFI Spec 3.3/5 mandatory. Nitrous oxide equipped cars with a full .024-inch minimum steel firewall: Jacket and pants or suit meeting SFI 3.2A/5, gloves meeting 3.3/5, and boots or shoes meeting SFI Spec 3.3/5 mandatory. Naturally aspirated, i.e. all others: Jacket and pants or suit meeting SFI Spec 3.2A/5, gloves meeting SFI Spec 3.3/5, and boots or shoes meeting SFI Spec 3.3/5. RACE PROCEDURES: Qualifying Dependent on the division this will be a 32-car or 48-car qualified field on the NHRA sportsman ladder. Division 1: 48-car qualified field w/minimum 7.99 qual. performance required. Maximum dial-in .10 beyond slowest qualifying time, no slower than 7.99 (5.29 1/8 mile). Divisions 2, 3, 4 & 5: 32-car qualified field. Maximum dial-in .10 beyond slowest qualifying time, no slower than 7.99 (5.49 1/8th mile). Division 6: 32-car qualified field. Maximum dial-in .20 beyond individual qualifying time, no slower than 8.19. Division 7: 48-car qualified field. Maximum dial-in .20 beyond individual qualifying time, no slower than 8.19. Points A driver's best five finishes of the first eight NHRA Top Sportsman races attended will count toward a division championship. At the time a driver enters a Top Sportsman series points event for the first time of the season, it is required that said driver declare which NHRA division is to be his or her home division. That division will become his or her home division for the season. Up to two "out-of-division" races may be counted. Once a driver has competed for points at the maximum number of eight Top Sportsman events, the driver may compete at additional events but will not receive additional NHRA points. To be eligible for official NHRA Top Sportsman points and subsequent postseason awards, a contestant must participate at a minimum of three races within his or her home division. Points are awarded at all NHRA Top Sportsman events as follows:
Additional points are awarded for qualifying positions for racers claiming Division 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 as their home division as follows:
2008 NHRA TOP SPORTSMAN POINT EVENTS NORTHEAST DIVISION NHRA Foxwoods Resort-Casino Top Sportsman Shootout April 5 & 6 Atco Raceway May 2-4 May 23-25 July 4-6 July 26 & 27 Oct. 3-5 Atco Raceway Oct. 24-26 SOUTHEAST DIVISION NHRA Trac Star / Feb. 15-17 Feb. 22-24 March 7-9 April 18-20 Oct. 3-5 Oct. 24-26 Silver Dollar Raceway NORTH CENTRAL DIVISION NHRA DART Top Sportsman Racing Series April 11-13 OReilly Raceway Park at May 16-18 June 13-15 Route 66 Raceway July 12 & 13 Mid-Michigan Motorplex July 25-27 National Trail Raceway Aug. 22-24 Sept. 19-21 National Trail Raceway Oct. 4 & 5 Ohio Valley Dragway SOUTH CENTRAL DIVISION NHRA Reher-Morrison Top Sportsman Series Feb. 15-17 No March 7-9 April 4-6 No April 11-13 May 16-18 Sept. 12-14 Red River Raceway Oct. 17-19 Thunder Valley Raceway Park WEST CENTRAL DIVISION NHRA Jerry Haas Race Cars Top Sportsman Series April 25-27 SRCA Dragstrip May 23-25 Brainerd Intl Raceway June 13-15 Bandimere Speedway Aug. 1 & 2 Aug. 22 & 23 Sept. 5-7 Tri-State Raceway NORTHWEST DIVISION NHRA Auto Max April 25-27 Firebird Raceway May 23-25 Mission Raceway June 20-22 Pacific Raceways July 11-13 Woodburn Dragstrip Aug. 15-17 Yellowstone Dragstrip Sept. 26 & 27 Champion Raceway PACIFIC DIVISION NHRA Sunset Racecraft Top Sportsman Series Feb. 29-March 2 Firebird Intl Raceway March 7 & 8 Southwestern Intl Raceway May 2-4 Auto Club Dragway at June 14-15 Top Gun Raceway Aug. 1-3 Infineon Raceway Sept. 12 & 13 Auto Club Famoso Raceway Oct. 3-5 Auto Club Dragway at Nov. 6-9 The Strip at Schedules subject to change. |
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