AHRA 2020

RULE BOOK
AND TECH GUIDE

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

The 4th Season…Every year we sit down to write this intro concerning the
plans for the upcoming racing season and it gets harder and harder to
discuss the plans. This, to no surprise has been the most difficult year by
far and a lot of it has to do with the most difficult season to date freshly
painted in the forefront of our minds. 2020 was difficult to say the least
due to the current viral crisis happening and the subsequent financial crisis
that ensued shortly after the fallout, but it does remind me that there has
never been a better time for a wallet friendly and cost effective racing
association to exist. We did manage to expand last racing season by
bringing Northeast Dragway into the fold of the AHRA family and the
execution of the Nostalgia Modified and Econo-Comp classes Showcase
Events. These types of classes prove our dedication to righting the
historical wrongs in Sportsman Drag Racing as well as focusing on the
cost effectiveness of true Sportsman Drag Racing. Through all of the
difficult times of 2020, we managed to continue with our schedule almost
“as was” and met our commitments to racers across the country and globe
without missing a beat. The weather was not cooperative, but we made it
through.
2021 is proving to be just as difficult in regards to nailing down schedules
and coordinating events due to the same exact challenges we were
confronted with in 2020. We will make it through and come out on the
other side a better and stronger organization that did not sacrifice our
commitment to racers, fans and ourselves for the sake of ticket sales.

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Here are the things that have changed in 2021… and they are truly very
little.
1) Econo Comp – We have modified the class rules to allow for
Gasoline and E85 powered vehicles to compete in the class. During
the 2020 racing season and during the Showcase Events, it was
discovered that many racers wanted to compete in the class but were
gas powered versus the “only alcohol” rules that we had instituted.
We did this based upon the cost friendly nature of racing with
alcohol. We did not consider the racers that fit the class initially that
were powered by gasoline or E85. Well, we have corrected that for
the 2021racing season, opening the doors for many more participants.
2) GT Class – It’s gone for 2021. We decided that since there was little
to no actual interest in racing in the class that there was no sense in
continuing throwing money or time at it when few racers actually
have shown enough interest to race in the scheduled events. It may be
rolled into another class down the line, but for now… she’s outta
here!
3) Nostalgia Modified – Nothing has changed. Everything seemed to
work well from what we could tell and we received accolades from
some very respected racers and promoters for the structure of the
rules and it’s focus on the intent of the class.
4) Match Race Madness – Gone, Gone, Gone! We had the most difficult
time last season keeping the wheels on the bus for these events. Pick
whatever reason you want for this to happen, but it’s mainly due to
the tension it creates between the AHRA, racers and the track
operators. We do not want to create tension but want to work well
with others, so it’s gone!

I know it appears we are losing things, but in regards to the loss over these
things in the past few years, we want to lose these items but gain the
forward ground with new things on the horizon!
2021 here we come with a slimmer but a more streamlined and focused
poise. Here’s to another great racing season with the members, racers, fans
and the AHRA staff! We can’t wait to see you at the track!

Sincerely,
Dallas Brown,
CEO AHRA

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THE BASICS OF DRAG RACING
What is a drag race?

The sport of drag racing is an acceleration contest between two

vehicles racing from a standing start over a straight racecourse. A
drag racing event is made up of a series of individual two-vehicle
races called eliminations, with competing machines divided into a
variety of classes. Class eligibility is governed by criteria that
limit engine size, type of fuel, vehicle weight, allowable
modifications, and aerodynamics.

A set of lights, commonly called a “Christmas Tree,” is used at the

starting line. There is a .4-second difference between the flash of
all the amber lights and the flash of the green light in the Pro start
system. In handicap racing, the amber lights illuminate
individually, with a .5-second difference between the last amber
and the green. Upon leaving the starting line, each contestant
activates a timer, which is then stopped when his or her vehicle
reaches the finish line. The start-to-finish clocking is the vehicle’s
elapsed time (e.t.), which serves to measure performance and often
to determine handicaps during competition.

Virtually anyone can compete in drag racing. Drivers must have a

valid state or government issued driver’s license beyond a learner’s
permit level or, in some cases, an AHRA / NHRA / IHRA
competition license and must be capable of the safe operation of
the vehicle. The vehicle must meet basic safety criteria (brakes,
seat belt, etc.). This applies to most street-type vehicles. Faster,
all out race cars must meet more stringent requirements as outlined
throughout this AHRA Rulebook.

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It is essential for every participant to understand this
fundamental rule of drag racing: Prime responsibility for the
safe condition and operation of a vehicle in competition rests
with the vehicle owner, driver, and crewmembers. The track
operator’s main concern is
to provide a place to conduct events. AHRA produces
guidelines based on experience and circulates information to
help perpetuate the sport. Close observance of the standards
set forth in this Rulebook is required for all participants,
including owners, drivers, and crewmembers. However, drag
racing is dangerous. Therefore, no express or implied
warranty of safety is created from publication of or compliance
with AHRA rules, nor does compliance with AHRA rules
guarantee against injury or death to participants, spectators,
or others.

Though some choose to race vehicles they build to certain

specifications to fit into a certain AHRA class (outlined elsewhere
in this Rulebook), an ever-growing number of racers choose to
compete on a local level in categories divided on the basis of
performance, or e.t. (elapsed time), brackets. This form of drag
racing offers a good starting point for the novice wishing to
become involved in the sport. Thousands of drag racers enjoy E.T.
handicap racing, which allows drivers in slower vehicles to
compete on an equal basis with drivers of quicker and faster
machines. The performance predictions for all vehicles are
compared, and the slower car receives an advantage at the start
equal to the difference between the vehicles’ anticipated E.T. For
example, a vehicle with a dial-in of 15.00 will have a 2-second
head start over a vehicle with a dial-in of 13.00.

With this system, virtually any two vehicles can be paired in a

competitive drag race. It is designed so that if both vehicles cover
the race distance in exactly the predetermined elapsed time, the
win will go to the driver who reacted quickest to the starting
signal. That reaction to the starting signal is called “reaction time.”
Each lane is timed independently, and the clock does not start until
the vehicle actually moves. Because of this, a vehicle may
sometimes appear to have a mathematical advantage in
comparative elapsed times but will actually lose the race. This fact
makes starting-line reflexes extremely important in drag racing.

In most cases, the vehicle that gets to the finish line first wins. An
exception: When both vehicles run quicker than their dial-ins,
known as a “double-breakout race,” the vehicle closest to its dial-
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in is the winner. For instance, if both vehicles have a dial-in of
8.90 and one breaks out at 8.854 and the other at 8.864, the vehicle
that ran 8.864 wins.

Another form of disqualification is a foul start, or “red-light.” This

happens when the driver reacts to the Tree too quickly and drives
away from the starting line before the green go signal. Should dual
infractions occur, a red-light and a breakout, for example, the
driver who red-lights would be classified as committing the worse
infraction and lose.

Hence, the start is key, because all races start from a standstill.
Today’s modern starting system is a product of continued
development, designed to provide each competitor with the fairest
start possible. The Christmas Tree system features a vertical series
of lights, displaying a visual countdown for each racer. Technique
in staging and starting is one of the most vital skills a drag racer
can develop because a majority of races are won or lost at the
starting line. Close observation and practice can pay off.

Two performances are monitored for each run: elapsed time and
speed. The elapsed time is started when the vehicle first leaves the
starting line, breaking the beam that activates the electronic timer.
As the vehicle continues down the course, the timer records the
elapsed seconds until it breaks the finish-line beam and stops the
timer. Speed is determined by two additional light beams at the
finish line.

The wide variety of classifications in AHRA Championship Drag

Racing provides a showcase for everyone’s favorite type of
vehicles and assures excitement for fans and drivers alike, whether
driven by passion for the automobile, vehicle appearance, or speed.

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 AHRA EVENT STARTING
LINE SYSTEM

PRE-STAGE INDICATOR LIGHTS: Warns racers that

they are approaching the starting line and the “staged” position.
STAGE INDICATOR LIGHTS: Signal racers that they are
on the starting line and ready for a run. These lights are turned on
when the front wheels of the race vehicle interrupt the beam from a
light source to the photo cells that also triggers the timing
equipment when the vehicle leaves the light beams.
THREE-AMBER STARTING SYSTEM: All three
ambers/LED lights in a racer’s lane flash simultaneously before the
green light comes on. This is called a Pro start system. Racers
running in handicap categories get a countdown of one amber light
at a time until the green light comes on. The Pro start system runs
with a .4-second difference between the amber and green lights.
The handicap system runs with a .5-second difference between
bulbs.
GREEN LIGHT: This is the one that makes it all happen.
Once the green light flashes, the racer in that lane is free to make a
run down the track. Anytime a green light is shown in a racer’s
lane, it indicates that a fair start was accomplished.
RED LIGHT: When the front wheel of a vehicle leaves the
starting line before the green light comes on, the red light will flash
in that lane to indicate that the racer in that lane has been
disqualified. During competition, only one red light will flash, thus
eliminating only the first offender.
NOTICE
Drag racing is a dangerous sport. There is no such thing as a
guaranteed safe drag race. Drag racing always carries with it
the risk of serious injury or death in any number of ways. This
risk will always exist no matter how much everyone connected

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with drag racing tries to make our sport safer. Although
AHRA works to promote and enhance the safety of the sport,
there are no guarantees that such safety measures will
guarantee or ensure safety. The participant always has the
responsibility for the participant’s own safety, and by
participating in drag racing, the participant accepts all risks of
injury, whether due to negligence, vehicle failure, or otherwise.
If at any time a participant does not accept these risks, the
participant agrees not to participate in drag racing.
HOW TO USE THIS RULEBOOK
The AHRA Rulebook provides guidelines and minimum standards
for the construction and operation of vehicles used in AHRA
Championship Drag Racing and at events. It is the responsibility
of the participant to be familiar with the contents of this Rulebook
and to comply with its requirements. Do not leave it up to track
officials to catch all potential rule compliance problems. That
responsibility rests first and foremost with YOU — the participant.

Additional safety equipment or safety-enhancing equipment is

always permitted and the levels of safety equipment stated in
this Rulebook are minimum prescribed levels for a particular
type of competition and do not prohibit the individual racer
from using additional safety equipment. Participants are
encouraged to investigate the utility of additional safety devices
for your type of competition. In disputed cases, whether an
item of equipment is safety enhancing or performance
enhancing will be determined by AHRA in the AHRA’s sole
and absolute discretion.

On the other hand, as to performance equipment, it is the

general rule that unless optional performance equipment or
performance related modification is specifically permitted by
this Rulebook, it is PROHIBITED. All model, engine, or
equipment changes or modifications not specifically addressed
in this Rulebook must be submitted in writing to the AHRA for
consideration prior to competition. Approval will be granted
or denied in the AHRA’s sole and absolute discretion. The
applicant will be notified of approval or rejection in writing
from the AHRA headquarters.

Additionally, any type of vehicle not specifically defined in this

Rulebook, other official AHRA Rulebooks, or other official
AHRA supplements is PROHIBITED for use in competition or
exhibition.

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Throughout this Rulebook, a number of references are made
for particular products to meet certain specifications (i.e., SFI
Specs, Snell, DOT, etc.). It is important to realize that these
products are manufactured to meet certain specifications, and
upon completion, the manufacturer labels the product as
meeting that spec. Therefore, except as outlined under SFI
requirements, any change to the product voids that
certification.

Under no circumstances may any certified product be

modified, altered, or in any way vary from the “as
manufactured” condition. Such a practice is in violation of the
SFI, Snell, DOT, etc. program, voids such certification and
therefore will not be accepted by AHRA.

NOTICE: It is the responsibility of the participant, not

AHRA or any track, to ensure that all safety equipment is
approved and is correctly installed, worn, maintained, and
used.

Unauthorized cars, parts, and/or equipment will not be

considered approved by reason of having passed through
technical inspection at any time, or any number of times.
Moreover, having passed through technical inspection at any
time, or any number of times, is not a defense to a violation
found on further inspection.

The Rulebook divides these guidelines and standards for the

construction and operation of vehicles into two basic groups:

Requirements & Specifications: The minimum standards that

differentiate the various categories of competition vehicles.
General Regulations: Guidelines that concentrate on specific
areas of construction or operation of a vehicle. Many guidelines in
the Rulebook are applicable to many or all categories. General
Regulations provides a central location for the description of those
guidelines.

Both Requirements & Specifications and General Regulations are

further divided into subcategories: 1-Engine, 2-Drivetrain, 3-
Brakes & Suspension, 4-Frame, 5-Tires & Wheels, 6-Interior, 7-
Body, 8-Electrical, 9-Support Group, 10-Driver, and 11-General.

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In many instances, the Requirements & Specifications for a
particular class will reference a General Regulations section. For
example, Liquid Overflow, the paragraph may end with the
sentence “See General Regulations.” By turning to General
Regulations, Liquid Overflow, you will find additional
information. Because this information applies to virtually all
categories, it would be repetitive to reprint it in each individual
category’s Requirements & Specifications. It is, nonetheless,
important information to the competitor and/or builder.
Conversely, General Regulations may refer the reader back to
Requirements & Specifications by stating “See Class
Requirements.”

Another key to understanding the AHRA Rulebook is that

certain classes “build” from another.
When the Rulebook states “Requirements and Specifications for …
are the same as those for ...” you must read the referenced section
first.

Remember, it is your responsibility to follow the standards in

this Rulebook that pertain to your vehicle.

PARTICIPANT AGREEMENTS AND

ADMINISTRATIVE AND PROCEDURAL
RULES; RULE CHANGES; RULE
ENFORCEMENT; DISPUTE RESOLUTION
PROCEDURES
DEFINITIONS
Certain terms used in this Rulebook are defined terms which, when
used herein, have the meaning set forth below:

Participant: The term “participant” shall include officials, any

person or entity possessing or who has been issued a credential,
and any person or entity directly or indirectly associated with any
vehicle that has been permitted to enter an event site for the
purpose of participation in an event, including, but not limited to,
owners, drivers, and crewpersons. The term “participant” shall
include any person or entity that has any ownership interest in a
race team, vehicle, or otherwise. As to any entity, the term
“participant” shall include each of the entity’s owners, principals,
agents, parents, subsidiaries, divisions, partners, affiliates and other
related persons or entities.

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Event: Throughout this Rulebook, there is reference to “event” or
“events.” Wherever this term is used, it is intended to refer to the
drag racing activities and events conducted by AHRA and those
activities and events that are not conducted by AHRA but that are
conducted in accordance with AHRA Rules

SCOPE OF THE AHRA RULEBOOK:

The principal source of authority for the conduct of events is this
Rulebook. The Rulebook governs all decisions at AHRA events
and governs all AHRA matters affected by the Rulebook. AHRA
has developed and published this Rulebook for the purpose of
providing guidance in the conduct of events sponsored or
conducted by AHRA, and as to all aspects of participation in
AHRA, whether or not related to an event. AHRA makes no
representations or express or implied warranties that compliance
with the rules, regulations and agreements published in this
Rulebook or as amended will reduce, prevent or guarantee against
injury or death to spectators or participants or damage to property
or other economic injury or damages. The rules, regulations, and
agreements herein constitute the minimum acceptance standards
for competition and are intended as a guide for the conduct of the
sport. AHRA does not intend to imply by the publication of the
Rulebook, by the conduct of various racing events, by the licensing
of drivers, by the acceptance of event entries, or by any other act or
omission to act that any person has the right or the inalienable
privilege of participating in AHRA events.

Development of AHRA Rules:

Since it was founded by Jim Tice in 1956, AHRA has promulgated
rules to govern its sport. Thus, over five decades of experience
have shaped, and continue to shape, the AHRA rules. The
development of AHRA rules is based on many considerations.
Factors affecting AHRA rule making include promoting
participant safety; promoting spectator safety; preserving
competition; insurance preservation; costs to participants such as,
costs that would have to be incurred if new equipment were
allowed and/or mandated; attempts to contain costs being
experienced by competitors to ensure continued competition;
preserving the ability to race in various geographic locations;
concerns affecting television coverage of those events for which
television coverage is provided; costs to AHRA; regulating or
containing the performance of racing vehicles to address safety and
other considerations; as well as numerous other factors that affect
the complex and intricate issues with which AHRA, as a drag
racing organization, must deal and balance.
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New Rules and Rule Changes:
AHRA rules may be added, deleted and/or amended from time to
time and at any time by AHRA. It is the participant’s
responsibility to stay abreast of all AHRA rule changes that may
affect the participant. Additions, deletions or changes to the
Rulebook (collectively referred to herein as “amendments”) will be
communicated on www.AHRAonline.com: It is recommended to
consult www.AHRAonline.com for the most up-to-date rule
changes or amendments. Amendments are effective and
enforceable immediately upon publication on
www.AHRAonline.com. Amendments will be labeled as
amendments to the Rulebook.

Other AHRA Policies and Procedures:

In addition to the Rulebook, AHRA has set various policies and
procedures that also provide guidance for the conduct of racing and
are enforceable by AHRA. These items include, without
limitation, Competitor Data Sheets, lists of permitted items
maintained and available from the Technical Department, and
other policies and procedures.

Official Opinions on Technical Issues:

Participants may request official opinions on technical issues from
AHRA. This type of opinion may be requested, for example, on
the acceptability of specific items of equipment or body designs.
Any request for an official opinion on technical issues must be
made in writing and submitted to the Technical Department. No
opinion on technical issues is binding on AHRA unless published
on www.AHRAonline.com.
Informal Interpretations on Technical Issues:
Participants may communicate with the AHRA Technical
Department regarding explanations and interpretations of rules.
These communications are advisory only.

VOLUNTARINESS; PARTICIPATION NOT A

RIGHT; ALL PARTICIPANTS BOUND BY THE
RULEBOOK; PARTICIPANT CONDUCT;
COVENANT NOT TO SUE

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AHRA is a private, voluntary motor sport association. While
AHRA welcomes the participation of everyone, participation
requires a promise and agreement by all participants to abide by all
AHRA rules, regulations and agreements, including, but not
limited to, those in the AHRA Rulebook. Without this promise
and agreement, AHRA would not be able to function as a drag
race, motor sport organization, and AHRA’s continuing viability
would be at risk. Participation in any and every aspect of AHRA
drag racing is a privilege and not a right.

Participant Conduct:
Participants at events are expected, at all times, to conduct
themselves in a professional and non-disruptive manner consistent
with good sportsmanship and AHRA’s role as a family-oriented
sports organization with events suitable for attendance by all and,
as to those events that are televised, suitable for unrestricted
viewing by the general public. Any participant who, in the sole
and absolute judgment of AHRA verbally or physically threatens
another person; uses vulgar or derogatory language; engages in
unsportsmanlike conduct; engages in conduct detrimental to the
sport of drag racing; otherwise creates a condition or circumstance
that is unsafe, unfair, or out of order; or otherwise violates any
AHRA rule, regulation or agreement, shall have violated this rule
regarding participant conduct. Any participant who AHRA
believes to have a conflict of interest that does or may improperly
affect fair competition shall be disqualified from participating to
the extent necessary to avoid such conflict of interest. The scope
of such a disqualification shall be determined in the sole and
absolute discretion of AHRA.

Participant Covenants and Covenant Not to Sue:

Each participant expressly agrees to abide by all AHRA rules,
regulations and agreements, including but not limited to those
contained in the AHRA Rulebook, and by AHRA decisions,
whether or not related to an event. Notwithstanding any other
provision of this Rulebook, by participating in, and in
consideration for being allowed to participate in AHRA drag
racing, and in consideration of receiving any of the numerous
benefits available to participants, each participant understands,
acknowledges and agrees that:
1) Participation in any and every aspect of AHRA drag racing is a
privilege, not a right.
2) The participant voluntarily chooses to participate in accordance
with all AHRA rules, regulations and agreements, including but

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not limited to those contained in the AHRA Rulebook, and by
AHRA decisions, whether or not related to an event.
3) When a participant submits an entry for competition in an event,
and the entry is accepted, the participant is obligated to compete in
the event in good faith to the best of the participant’s ability unless
prevented from so doing by matters beyond the participant’s
control.
4) The AHRA Rulebook and the dispute resolution procedures set
forth within the Rulebook apply to any and all decisions, rules,
regulations, actions or omissions to act by AHRA, without
limitation. For example, and not by way of limitation, decisions on
the classification or reclassification of vehicles, which categories
of vehicles will be professional classes, which categories of
vehicles will race at events, what types of vehicles will be allowed
to race in a class, whether an event is cancelled, postponed or
rescheduled, whether or how an event is televised, what types of
sponsors will be allowed to be featured on race vehicles, and what
types of sponsors will not be allowed on site at events at all, to
name but a few, are all illustrative of the types of decisions that are
governed by and may be challenged only through the dispute
resolution procedures set forth in this Rulebook.
5) At any event, the participant is bound by and shall abide by the
decisions of the event director or the event director’s designee(s),
and other AHRA officials, which are final unless expressly set
forth to the contrary herein.
6) Track officials and personnel (including without limitation track
owners, employees, contractors, agents, vendors or others).
contractor and personnel, are not agents of AHRA and operate
independently of AHRA.
7) All decisions made by AHRA, including but not limited to those
made during or incident to an event, are final and may not be
appealed except as expressly subject to review herein, and such
decisions may not be made the basis of a lawsuit. The participant
further agrees to release and waive from liability and not to bring
any action against AHRA, the event director, the event director’s
designee(s), any AHRA or track official, the racetrack operator, the
racetrack owner, event sponsors, other AHRA sponsors, and all
other event officials, for any loss, damage, or injury, including
without limitation economic loss or damages, caused by any
decision, erroneous or otherwise, including without limitation
decisions based on malfunctioning electronic or mechanical
equipment, and all whether due to negligence or otherwise.
8) Any dispute concerning the rules, regulations and agreements of
AHRA, any decisions of AHRA or AHRA officials, any acts or
omissions to act by AHRA, or any matter regarding participation
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in AHRA drag racing, shall be resolved exclusively pursuant to the
dispute resolution procedures provided in this Rulebook. The
participant agrees to indemnify and to hold AHRA harmless from
any and all legal fees and costs incurred by AHRA as a result of
the failure of the participant to comply with the dispute resolution
procedures provided in this Rulebook.
9) AHRA, any racing facility, and all of their directors, officers,
employees, agents or representatives have no liability to the
participant, participant’s personal representatives, assigns, heirs,
and next of kin for any and all loss or damage and any and all
claims or demands of any nature whatsoever including without
limitation loss or damage to any property of the participant or
property of others entrusted to the participant, whether caused by
the negligence of any Releasee or otherwise.
10) The participant will not initiate or maintain, directly or
indirectly, any kind of civil court lawsuit related to any AHRA
rule, regulation, agreement or decision, which lawsuit AHRA
determines to be conduct detrimental to AHRA or the sport of drag
racing. Factors considered in determining whether a lawsuit is
deemed conduct detrimental to AHRA or to the sport of drag
racing include, but are not limited to: the threat posed to
maintaining the ability to conduct events and racing activities; the
threat posed to the continued viability of the sport of drag racing;
disruption to the orderly conduct of the sport of drag racing;
damage to AHRA’s business and reputation; loss of sponsorship
opportunities; disruptions in sponsor relationships; damage to
goodwill with vendors, sponsors, customers and members; damage
to racing competition; adverse effects upon the insurability of the
sport of drag racing, and other damage to AHRA or the sport of
drag racing.
11) In order to preserve the sport of drag racing, and to preserve
AHRA’s ability to function and exist as a sanctioning body for
drag racing, AHRA must and does rely on the foregoing covenant
not to sue.
12) AHRA would be severely damaged by breach of the covenant
not to sue set forth herein.
13) Taking into account the many circumstances affecting the sport
of drag racing, and factors that cannot be foreseen and accurately
predicted by AHRA and each participant, actual damages to
AHRA resulting from breach of the covenant not to sue would be
impracticable and extremely difficult to determine.
14) In the event of any breach of this covenant not to sue involving
a lawsuit, unless the participant prevails in the participant’s
lawsuit, the participant:

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a) May be subject to permanent or temporary suspension or
exclusion from AHRA events; and
b) Must pay all of AHRA’s attorneys’ fees and costs related to the
lawsuit, including but not limited to fees and costs for in-house
counsel (payment must be made before participation, if eligible, in
any AHRA event); and
c) Must pay any fine assessed by AHRA, up to $250,000 (payment
must be made before participation, if eligible, in any AHRA
event).

Compliance with AHRA Rules, Regulations and Decisions:

Participant compliance with all AHRA rules, regulations and
decisions is required. AHRA has the right to take action against
any participant for failure to comply with any decision, rule, or
regulation of AHRA, including but not limited to failure to comply
with the dispute resolution procedures set forth in the Rulebook.
AHRA may in its sole and absolute discretion take the action it
deems appropriate in response to any such failure to comply. In
addition to imposing any specific sanctions that may be identified
herein, the action taken by AHRA may include permanent
suspension from AHRA events; private admonishment; public
admonishment; temporary suspension; probation; fines; loss of
points won at various events; loss of prize money won at various
events; disqualification from competition in an event or events;
expulsion from an event; suspension from events; permanent
exclusion from AHRA events; or such other actions as AHRA
shall, from time to time, determine appropriate.

FINALITY OF DECISIONS BY
EVENT DIRECTOR, DESIGNEES
OR OTHER EVENT OFFICIALS

AHRA has provided for a means of review of various AHRA

actions and rules. In general, however, there is no provision for
review of decisions of the Event Director, the event director’s
designee(s), or other event officials (collectively “Event
Officials”). The reason such review is not provided is to ensure
that there can be finality with regard to events that are run. To
provide for an appeal of all actions, inactions or decisions of Event
Officials could result in a delay in the determination of literally
every event. Such numerous and interminable delays would be
disruptive to the sport and unacceptable to participants and
spectators. While the decisions, actions or inactions of Event
Officials are not appealable, AHRA reserves the right to reverse

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such decisions or review such actions or inactions on its own
initiative if it determines, in its sole and absolute judgment, that
such action is warranted. Event Officials shall have the authority
to suspend, disqualify or expel any participant from an event for
violation of any of the decisions, rules, or regulations of AHRA.
Because Event Officials may take actions that constitute
continuing disciplinary action against participants, participants
shall have the opportunity to appeal suspensions that last beyond
the event in question, and fines, as provided for herein. There is no
opportunity to appeal disciplinary actions completed at an event
such as suspension, expulsion or disqualification from the event.

ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND

RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY

Assumption of Risk:
Drag racing is a dangerous sport that can result in serious injury or
death. Participation in all aspects of the sport is voluntary. The
ultimate responsibility for participant and vehicle safety lies with
the participant, vehicle owner, driver and crew members. The
participant agrees that by entering an event, the participant has had
the opportunity to inspect the event site and acknowledges that the
event site is safe and suitable for racing. The participant also
acknowledges that by participating in the event, the participant
may suffer bodily injury or death or loss or damage to property.
The participant further acknowledges that the participant has
voluntarily assumed the risk of bodily injury or death or loss or
damage to property and waives any claims for bodily injury or
death or loss or damage to property against AHRA, its directors,
officers, employees and agents, event officials, event sponsors,
racetrack operators and other participants; discharges such persons
and entities from responsibility for such losses; and covenants not
to sue such persons and entities for bodily injury or death or loss or
damage to property.

Release and Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risk and

Indemnity Agreement:
All participants shall be required as a condition of participation to
sign all required entry forms, including but not limited to such
releases as shall be required by AHRA and/or its insurers,
consisting of the following or similar wording. Whether or not the
participant signs such releases, the participant agrees to the terms
set forth below and participant is hereby put on notice of such
terms and makes such agreement either by receiving this Rulebook

16
or by participating in the sport, or both. In consideration of being
permitted to compete, officiate, observe, work for, or participate in
any way in the EVENT(s) or being permitted to enter for any
purpose any RESTRICTED AREA (defined as the advance staging
area, burnout area, competition area, shutdown area, staging lanes,
return road area, and any other area within the barriers, fences
and/or structures separating the general public from racing
activities), EACH OF THE UNDERSIGNED, for himself/herself,
his/her personal representatives, heirs, and next of kin:
1. Acknowledges, agrees, and represents that he/she has or will
immediately upon entering any of such RESTRICTED AREAS,
and will continuously thereafter, inspect the RESTRICTED
AREAS, which he/she enters and he/she further agrees and
warrants that, if at any time, he/she is in or about RESTRICTED
AREAS and he/she feels anything to be unsafe, he/she will
immediately advise the officials of such and will leave the
RESTRICTED AREA and/or refuse to participate further in the
EVENT(S).
2. HEREBY RELEASES, WAIVES, DISCHARGES AND
COVENANTS NOT TO SUE the promoters, participants, racing
associations, sanctioning organizations or any subdivision thereof,
track operators, track owners, officials, vehicle owners, drivers, pit
crews, rescue personnel, and persons in any
RESTRICTED AREA, promoters, sponsors, advertisers, owners
and lessees of premises used to conduct the EVENT(S), premises
and event inspectors, surveyors, underwriters, consultants and
others who give recommendations, directions, or instructions or
engage in risk evaluation or loss control activities regarding the
premises or EVENT(S) and each of them, their directors, officers,
agents and employees, all for the purposes herein referred to as
“Releasees,” FROM ALL LIABILITY TO THE UNDERSIGNED,
his/her personal representatives, assigns, heirs and next of kin FOR
ANY AND ALL LOSS OR DAMAGE, AND ANY CLAIM OR
DEMANDS THEREFORE ON ACCOUNT OF INJURY TO THE
PERSON OR PROPERTY OR RESULTING IN DEATH OF THE
UNDERSIGNED ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THE
EVENT(S), WHETHER CAUSED BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF
THE RELEASEES OR OTHERWISE.
3. HEREBY AGREES TO INDEMNIFY AND SAVE AND
HOLD HARMLESS the Releasees and each of them FROM ANY
LOSS, LIABILITY, DAMAGE, OR COST they may incur arising
out of or related to the EVENT(S) WHETHER CAUSED BY THE
NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES OR OTHERWISE.
4. HEREBY ASSUMES FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY
RISK OF BODILY INJURY, DEATH OR PROPERTY
17
DAMAGE arising out of or related to the EVENT(S) whether
caused by the NEGLIGENCE OF RELEASEES or otherwise.
5. HEREBY acknowledges that THE ACTIVITIES OF THE
EVENT(S) ARE VERY DANGEROUS and involve the risk of
serious injury and/or death and/or property damage. Each of
THE UNDERSIGNED also expressly acknowledges that
INJURIES RECEIVED MAY BE COMPOUNDED OR
INCREASED BY NEGLIGENT RESCUE OPERATIONS OR
PROCEDURES OF THE RELEASEES. HEREBY agrees that this
Release and Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risk and
Indemnity Agreement extends to all acts of negligence by the
Releasees, INCLUDING NEGLIGENT RESCUE OPERATIONS
and is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by the
laws of the Province or State in which the EVENT(S) is/are
conducted and that if any portion thereof is held invalid, it is
agreed that the balance shall, notwithstanding, continue in full
legal force and effect.
I HAVE READ THIS RELEASE AND WAIVER OF
LIABILITY, ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND INDEMNITY
AGREEMENT, FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS,
UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE GIVEN UP SUBSTANTIAL
RIGHTS BY SIGNING IT, AND HAVE SIGNED IT FREELY
AND VOLUNTARILY WITHOUT ANY INDUCEMENT,
ASSURANCE, OR GUARANTEE BEING MADE TO ME AND
INTEND MY SIGNATURE TO BE A COMPLETE AND
UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE OF ALL LIABILITY TO THE
GREATEST ALLOWED BY LAW.

LICENSURE; TECHNICAL INSPECTION;

PROTEST PROCEDURES; RETENTION
OF VEHICLES AND PARTS

AHRA License:
A license issued by AHRA is to be used only by the driver to
whom it is assigned and it is restricted to the categories listed on
the license. The license is valid until its expiration date or until
revoked by AHRA. The license is intended only to signify that the
driver has demonstrated basic qualifications for drag racing classes
up to and including the one in which the driver has qualified. The
license does not convey a right but rather conveys a revocable
privilege to participate in events. AHRA WILL RECOGNIZE
AND HONOR VALID NHRA and IHRA COMPETITION
LICENSES.

18
Technical Inspection:
At a time and place and in a manner determined by Event
Officials, prior to competition (including private test sessions), all
vehicles and driver equipment must undergo a technical inspection,
or have been inspected under the Technical Inspection program.
All determinations by Event Officials regarding the timing and
method of technical inspection shall be final and not subject to
appeal or review. Technical inspection assists Event Officials with
determining, in their judgment, eligibility for participation in an
event. The technical inspection does not ensure that the vehicle or
any part thereof is safe. The technical inspection does not in any
way change the fact that the driver, the crewmembers, and the
vehicle owner are ultimately responsible for the safety and
operation of the vehicle and equipment. By conducting a technical
inspection, AHRA and their respective directors, officers,
employees and officials, make no representations, warranties, or
assurances that a technical inspection, including the review of any
written information, will do any or all of the following:
1). Detect every or any problem with a vehicle, or a driver’s
equipment or clothing.
2) Detect every problem with rule compliance.
3) Prevent injury, death or property damage.
The participant agrees that participant bears the ultimate
responsibility at all times to ensure the safety of participant’s
vehicle, equipment and clothing and compliance with all AHRA
rules, regulations, and agreements, including but not limited to
those contained in the Rulebook. The participant agrees that
participant is in the best position to know about the construction
and operation of participant’s vehicle, equipment, and clothing,
and whether there has been compliance with all AHRA rules,
regulations and agreements, including but not limited to those
contained in the Rulebook.
Moreover, in the case of technical violations, the participant
acknowledges, understands and agrees that the participant is
charged with full knowledge of every component of participant’s
vehicle and that even if a third party (for example, an engine
builder) has caused the participant’s vehicle to be noncompliant,
the participant will still be responsible for and charged with any
applicable violation and sanction. Disclaiming knowledge of the
particular part or parts, or disclaiming knowledge of the rule or
rules, or disclaiming responsibility for the actions of the third
party, will not be defenses to any violation or any sanction thereof.
AHRA reserves the right at any time to inspect, seal for inspection,
and/or tear down a participant’s vehicle. Every vehicle is subject
to such further technical inspection at any time before, during or
19
after an event, at the time and in the place and manner directed by
an Event Official. Not complying in full with any inspection
request will result in disqualification for further competition and
such other penalties as deemed appropriate by AHRA. The
weighing and measuring devices used by Event Officials shall be
the standards that will determine an engine’s or vehicle’s
compliance with the rules. Any latitude or tolerance must be made
by the racer or engine builder. It is recommended that the
following tolerances be observed by the participant to allow for a
margin of error during inspection or teardown: Cylinder head or
piston volume, 1 percent of 1 cc; deck clearance, .001-inch;
overbore, .002-inch; vehicle weight, 1/2 of 1 percent or 20 pounds.
Contestants in all classes calculated by weight to cubic inch must
claim calculated engine displacement to determine exact vehicle
weight on window sticker. Any engine changes made must be
reported to the AHRA Technical Director for proper registration
before any further runs are made. After a competitor’s vehicle has
been inspected and classified, no changes of class are permitted.
In order to facilitate technical inspection, AHRA may, from time to
time, accept certain products as having met minimum requirements
for technical inspection, test certain elements of vehicles, and
certify compliance of such elements as complying with minimum
requirements for technical inspections, and take other similar
actions. The acceptance or certifications made by AHRA are for
the sole purpose of communicating compliance to AHRA technical
inspectors, and shall not constitute any warranty, express or
implied, including without limitation any warranty of
merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. AHRA intends
no other representation by such actions and specifically disclaims
any liability or responsibility for any reliance by any person or
entity upon such representations, including but not limited to any
incidental or consequential damages that might be claimed as a
result of reliance upon such representations. As a general rule,
unless optional performance equipment or a performance
modification is specifically permitted by this rulebook, it is
PROHIBITED.

Chassis Inspection:
Chassis inspection and certification is a service offered by AHRA,
in express consideration of and subject at all times to all of the
following terms and conditions. By submitting a chassis for
inspection, owning or driving a vehicle which has had its chassis
certified, or otherwise participating in the sport of drag racing, all
participants acknowledge and agree to the following terms and
conditions regarding chassis inspection and certification. Whether
20
or not the participant or an otherwise affected party signs any
documents in connection with chassis inspection or certification,
the participant or otherwise affected party agrees to the terms set
forth below and each is hereby put on notice of such terms and
makes such agreement either by receiving this Rulebook or
participating in the sport, or both. The foregoing and following
terms govern all AHRA chassis inspections:
1. Participant will not operate a vehicle or allow it to be operated
at a weight in excess of the “Maximum Permitted Weight” or at an
elapsed time less than the “Quickest Permitted e.t.” for which the
chassis is certified, or otherwise not in compliance with any
AHRA rule, regulation or agreement.
2. If at any time a vehicle does not comply with current AHRA
Chassis Certification requirements, it will not be operated in any
manner at any AHRA event or anywhere at all outside a repair
garage, until required repairs have been completed and
certification or recertification is obtained.
3. AHRA Chassis Certification and/or inspection (a) is undertaken
for the limited purpose of allowing AHRA to satisfy itself that the
chassis, at the time of inspection, appears to comply with AHRA
rules governing chassis construction, as this is a requirement for
the vehicle being allowed to operate at AHRA events (including
private test sessions); (b) does not constitute a certification for use
at any location other than an AHRA event; (c) does not constitute a
warranty or guaranty of any kind, including without limitation a
warranty or guarantee that the vehicle, including its chassis, is free
of defects, latent or otherwise, or that the vehicle as finally
constituted is or will be safe to operate; and (d) that the inspection
is limited to the chassis only, as “chassis” is defined in AHRA
rules.
4. Drag racing is a dangerous sport. There is no such thing as a
guaranteed safe drag race. Drag racing always carries with it the
risk of serious injury or death in any number of ways. This risk
will always exist no matter how much everyone connected with
drag racing tries to make our sport safer. Although AHRA works
to promote and enhance the safety of the sport, there are no
guarantees that such safety measures will guarantee or ensure
safety. The participant always has the responsibility for the
participant’s own safety, and by participating in drag racing, the
participant accepts all risks of injury, whether due to negligence,
vehicle failure, or otherwise. If at any time a participant does not
accept these risks, the participant agrees not to participate in drag
racing.
5. No liability or duty to third parties, express or implied, is
undertaken or assumed by AHRA regarding any Chassis
21
Certification or any use of a vehicle that contains a certified
chassis.
6. Responsibility for the proper construction, rule compliance, and
performance of a vehicle and its chassis rests with the participant
at all times. If injury or death to participant or another person
results from operation of the vehicle, participant releases, waives
and indemnifies AHRA from and against any resulting claim
against AHRA in accordance with the Administration Procedures
and Appeals Section of the applicable
AHRA Rulebook.

Retention of Vehicles and Parts:

Participant hereby grants AHRA, its member tracks, and each of
their agents and assigns, full and unconditional permission to
collect and retain vehicles, parts of vehicles, equipment, or any
other items used in conjunction with participation that are owned
by or in the possession of participant or present at an event
(collectively “Items”), including such Items that may be relevant
incident to the investigation of an accident; the inspection or
testing of such Items; or for any other purpose. AHRA may
exercise this right to take and retain Items at any time when AHRA
determines in its sole and absolute discretion that such actions are
necessary.
When an Item is suspected of being out of compliance with an
AHRA rule, or when an Item has been involved in an incident,
AHRA may in its sole and absolute discretion collect and retain
such Items if AHRA believes it necessary to do so to further
investigate, make a final determination, and/or preserve evidence,
all in AHRA’s sole and absolute discretion. At any time that
AHRA collects and retains Items, AHRA will try to safeguard such
Items and return such Items when AHRA has completed its work
with them, but AHRA makes no representations or warranties that
the Items will not be lost, damaged, destructively tested, destroyed
or otherwise affected. The rights granted to AHRA in this
subsection shall also apply to any AHRA event track if deemed
necessary by the event track officials.

Protest Procedures:
All protests must be submitted in writing to the Event Technical
Director before Class Eliminations begin. When a protest is
written against a car that car will be marked protest and not be able
to eliminate any competitor, but if he gets eliminated in
competition, this does not excuse him from protest. After a winner
is determined in that class, the protested entry is then run off with
that winner for the trophy run. After the trophy run, the car is
22
then torn down by the owner, at the time prescribed by the
Technical Committee and if found to be legal in its class, and
having won the elimination run, is then awarded the trophy. If
the car is found to be illegal in its class, the trophy goes to the
other winner in that class, and the owner of the protested car is
subject to any action deemed necessary by the Event Director.
All protests must be filed before eliminations start. A protest
must be filed by a competitor in the same eliminator as the car
under protest. Under no circumstances will the protesting party
be allowed to look at the engine or protested car parts while it is
disassembled. Protest on engine displacement or equipment must
be made in writing and accompanied with a protest fee. Protest
fees are as follows:
Protest Fees:
Cubic inch check (without removing head) . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100
Bore and stroke only (with head removed) . . . . . . . . . . . . . $200
Inspect head and engine, remove and inspect vehicle. . . . . . $150
Remove oil pan, inspect rods and crank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $200
Heads, valves, carburetor, bore and stroke plus cam. . . . . . $300
Electronic devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...$300

Protest fee will be forfeited to the car owner if the protested car
is determined to be legal for its class. If an engine check proves
a protested car to be out of its proper class, the entrant of the
protested car will be subject to such action as the strip's Event
Director wishes to impose, including suspension and/or
revocation of his competition privileges, with the duration to be
determined at the discretion of the Event Director. The
Technical Director reserves the right to demand the tear-down of
any engine for inspection without a protest charge. In order to file
an official protest, a participant must be a contestant in the same
eliminator as the car in question. A protested engine must be
disassembled for inspection and reassembled by the car owner
and/or his pit crew. Refusal to disassemble an engine upon
official request will result in removal of the car, owner and/or
pit crew from the event and is cause for suspension of the car,
driver, and/or owner from further participation in any activity at
the event.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICY:

Enhancing the safety and integrity of AHRA drag racing is of
paramount concern to the American Hot Rod Association
(AHRA). Substance abuse is fundamentally inconsistent with
23
increased safety and with the integrity of a drag racing program.
Accordingly, AHRA has established this Substance Abuse Policy.
Individuals applying for a competition license or participating in
AHRA events shall be deemed to have consented to any tests for
prohibited substances and alcohol required by the AHRA or its
designated administrator. As a condition of continued
participation and/or the retention of a competition license, all
drivers and officials must comply with the Substance Abuse Policy
and submit to such testing procedures as may be conducted from
time to time at the sole discretion of the AHRA Drug Program
Administrator. Violation of the Substance Abuse Policy, or failure
or refusal to submit to testing and honestly participate in any
testing procedure, will result in immediate disciplinary action,
which may include the cancellation of a competition license and/or
denial of the privilege to participate in any AHRA event.

Prohibited Acts and Substances:

A. AHRA drivers and officials are prohibited from consuming,
possessing, ingesting, or otherwise using prohibited substances.
1. Prohibited substances are those substances that may
adversely affect the safety or integrity of the sport of drag racing
and are identified as follows: amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana,
opiates, and phencyclidine (PCP).
2. The list of prohibited substances is subject to change upon
the publishing of advance notice not less than ninety (90) days
prior to such change.
B. At any time when involved in racetrack activities, drivers and
officials are prohibited from being under the influence of alcohol.
1. There shall be a “zero tolerance” policy with regard to
alcohol. Any driver or official discovered to have a measurable
blood alcohol content during racetrack activities shall be deemed
under the influence of alcohol and shall be immediately barred
from any further involvement or participation in the event. Further,
he or she will be subject to disciplinary action as provided for in
this Substance Abuse Policy. Nothing contained above shall
preclude AHRA officials from determining that a person, without a
measurable blood alcohol content, is physically unfit to participate
in an AHRA event or from taking such action as the AHRA deems
appropriate.

Noncompliance:
A driver or official who commits any of the following acts or
omissions shall be deemed to be in noncompliance of the
Substance Abuse Policy. Noncompliance shall be:

24
1. Refusing to submit to a urine, blood, breath, and/or saliva test
under any provision of this policy;
2. Attempting to or falsifying, altering, or otherwise tampering
with any test sample;
3. Attempting to or falsifying, altering, or otherwise tampering
with any documentation related to this Substance Abuse
Policy;
4. Attempting to or withholding required information;
5. Refusing or failing to comply with any other procedures related
to the Substance Abuse Program Testing.
Appeals:
A. Except as otherwise provided herein, applicable provisions of
this AHRA Rulebook regarding appeals shall apply.
B. Appeal of disciplinary actions levied under this policy:
1. Appeal of disciplinary actions imposed by AHRA must be
made, in writing, and within thirty (30) days of notification of the
penalty, to the AHRA
2. There shall be no provision to allow a person to participate in
any AHRA Drag Racing event while appealing a suspension
related to the use or abuse of a prohibited substance or alcohol.

Release of Information:
AHRA reserves the right to release and disclose the results of any
substance abuse test performed under this policy, details pertaining
to the violation, together with any medical information,
conclusions, and interpretations related to such test results or the
performance of such tests.

Waiver and Hold-Harmless Agreement:

Each participant hereby agrees to hold harmless AHRA, its
directors, officers, employees and officials, the racetrack operator
and event sponsors, the AHRA Drug Program Administrator and
all other persons involved in the administration of the program,
and agrees to waive all claims against such persons for any
damages, losses, or expenses of any kind that might result directly
or indirectly from the AHRA Substance Abuse Policy or its
implementation, including, but not limited to, actions that AHRA
might take in reliance upon information produced through the
Substance Abuse Testing Program.

RULE ENFORCEMENT; REVIEW AND

APPEALS; EXCLUSIVE MECHANISM
FOR DISPUTE RESOLUTION
25
Actions Against Participants – Initial Action:
If AHRA is made aware of a violation of the decisions, rules, or
regulations of AHRA, AHRA shall determine whether action by
AHRA is warranted. Before taking action against a participant
AHRA shall, to the extent reasonably practicable, conduct an
inquiry concerning the alleged violation, including the collection
of relevant information. Where reasonably practicable AHRA will
obtain a statement from the participant before taking action
however, it shall not be necessary to receive a statement from the
participant prior to initiating action against the participant. Having
conducted a review of the information, AHRA shall take whatever
action it shall, in its sole and absolute discretion, deem appropriate.
AHRA may take immediate action against a participant if AHRA
deems such action necessary (e.g., because of danger to
participants, spectators, or property, or to avoid continuing
violations). Such action may include suspension, disqualification
or expulsion of the participant from an event and the event site.

Statement of Action Against Participant:

When action is taken against a participant a Statement of Action
Against Participant will be issued in due course by the Technical
Department or another appropriate AHRA department or official
depending upon the nature of the alleged violation of any decision,
rule or regulation, or of any sanction. The Statement of Action
Against Participant shall outline the violation. The participant will
have the opportunity to respond to the Statement of Action Against
Participant as described below. No action taken by AHRA shall be
automatically delayed pending issuance of the Statement of Action
Against Participant, however, AHRA may, in cases where
immediacy is not required, provide a reasonable delay in
implementation of any action or sanction so that the participant
may respond (as outlined below) to the Statement of Action
Against Participant before implementation of the action or
sanction.

Stay Pending Appeal:

A participant who is eligible to and does appeal a suspension or
termination of the opportunity to participate in AHRA events, or a
fine, may request a stay of the action, in writing, until the review or
appeal is concluded. Requests should be sent to:
AHRA
P.O. Box 309
Lascassas, TN 37085

26
AHRA will respond in writing and may grant, with conditions, or
deny the stay in its sole and absolute discretion. Points or awards
obtained during a stay may be lost if the appeal is not successful or
if otherwise deemed appropriate by AHRA. AHRA may revoke a
stay during the pendency of the review or appeal if AHRA deems
such revocation appropriate and in the best interests of AHRA or
the sport of drag racing. A participant suspended, disqualified or
expelled from an event will not be permitted to compete at the
same event by filing an immediate request for review or appeal.

Compliance and Publication:

Except during the pendency of a stay, if a participant is required to
pay a fine or take any remedial action, the participant may be
suspended from AHRA events until the fine is paid or the remedial
action taken. Failure to pay fines or take remedial action in a
timely fashion may result in additional action being taken by
AHRA. AHRA may deduct fines owed by the participant to
AHRA from any prize money owed to a participant. AHRA at all
times may publish on www.AHRAonline.com information
regarding all or part of any Statement of Action Against
Participant, including without limitation suspension,
disqualification, expulsion and/or fines, and all related items
including appeals and results of appeals. Publication may occur
whether or not an appeal may be or has been filed. Participants
agree that they shall not initiate any legal action against AHRA as
a result of any such publication.

Actions Against Participants – Participant’s Response:

As a first step in the appellate process regarding any appealable
violation of any AHRA rule, regulation or decision, the participant
may respond, in writing, which must be received by AHRA within
ten (10) business days of the date of the Statement of Action
Against Participant, explaining the participant’s position and the
basis therefore (“Participant’s Response to Statement of Action
Against Participant”).
If the participant submits a Participant’s Response to Statement of
Action Against Participant, AHRA will evaluate it, and AHRA
may, in its sole and absolute discretion, modify the action to be
taken against the participant if it determines that a different action
or no action is warranted. Within ten (10) business days of
AHRA’s receipt of the Participant’s Response to Statement of
Action Against Participant, AHRA shall respond to the
Participant’s Response to Statement of Action Against Participant
in writing, unless AHRA requires more time to conduct any
investigation or analysis it deems necessary, in which case AHRA
27
shall respond as promptly as practicable under the circumstances.
If applicable, AHRA’s Response to Statement of Action Against
Participant shall advise the participant of participant’s right to
further appeal the decision, as set forth below.
Actions Against AHRA; Appeal Of AHRA Decisions:
As stated above, decisions of Event Officials as described shall not
be subject to review or appeal. In addition, rule changes that are
technical in nature (e.g., acceptable and/or mandatory parts and/or
modifications, changes made to address safety issues, changes
made to equalize performance or control performance, changes
made to balance competition) shall not be subject to review or
appeal. Whether a rule change is technical in nature and not subject
to review or appeal shall be determined in the sole and absolute
judgment of AHRA. Other than as set forth above, if an individual
or other entity is directly affected by and is the subject of a
decision, ruling, action, or failure to act of AHRA, including but
not limited to disciplinary action, the individual or entity will be
allowed to appeal the decision, ruling, action or failure to act of
AHRA. Such appeals shall be undertaken as provided. At any
stage of appeal, the panel reviewing the decision, ruling, action or
failure to act at issue shall not include individuals who were
involved in the initial decision, ruling, action or failure to act or
individuals who have a personal interest in the decision of the
reviewing panel. Failure to comply with any appeal procedure
herein will constitute a waiver of the appeal associated with the
procedure and any subsequent review or appeal. For participants
who have received a Statement of Action Against Participant, the
first step in the appellate process is submission of the Participant’s
Response to Statement of Action Against Participant, as set forth
above. For participants appealing a decision of AHRA for which
no Statement of Action Against Participant was issued, the first
step in the appellate process is submission of the Notice of and
Grounds for Appeal, as set forth below.

Notice of and Grounds for Appeal:

If a participant has received and responded in writing to a
Statement of Action Against Participant, and wishes to appeal an
appealable decision set forth in AHRA’s Response to Statement of
Action Against Participant, the participant must submit a written
Notice of and Grounds for Appeal to AHRA so that it is received
by AHRA within ten (10) business days of the date of AHRA’s
Response to Statement of Action Against Participant. The
Statement of Action Against Participant will indicate the person or
department of AHRA to whom the response should be directed.
For those participants appealing a decision of AHRA for which no
28
Statement of Action Against Participant was issued (for example, a
decision not involving a disciplinary or rule violation matter), the
participant must submit a written Notice of and Grounds for
Appeal so that it is received by AHRA within fifteen (10) calendar
days of the date of the AHRA action the participant wishes to
appeal. The Notice of and Grounds for
Appeal should be addressed to:

AHRA
P.O. Box 309
Lascassas, TN 37085

The Notice of and Grounds for Appeal must state specifically what
decision or action is being appealed and the grounds for the appeal
(i.e., why the decision or action should be changed). The Notice of
and Grounds for Appeal should include, to the maximum extent
possible, all documents and other evidence that the participant
believes substantiates the participant’s position and that the
participant wishes to have considered by AHRA. The Notice of
and Grounds for Appeal should include the following:
• A summary of the underlying facts
• The grounds for the appeal including why the appeal is
being made
• The issues to be reviewed
• The rule(s), decision(s) or action(s) involved
• The identity of any witnesses, and what each witness would
be expected to say, and/or witness statements
• Any citations from the Rulebook or elsewhere that
participant believes are relevant
• Other information that the participant believes relevant.
Within ten (10) calendar days of receipt of the Notice of and
Grounds for Appeal, the appropriate AHRA representative(s) shall
submit the following, and provide a copy of the same to the
appealing participant:
• A summary of the underlying facts, including the
background and prior proceedings (if any) and the basis for the
original decision
• The issues to be reviewed
• The rule(s), decision(s) or action(s) involved
• The identity of any witnesses, and what each witness would
be expected to say, and/or witness statements
• Any citations from the Rulebook or elsewhere believed to
be relevant
• Other information believed relevant
29
Review Panel:
Within thirty (30) calendar days of AHRA’s receipt of any Notice
of and Grounds for Appeal, at least three members of the standing
AHRA Review Panel (which members shall be referred to as the
“Reviewing Panel”) shall convene and shall review the existing
record, including all evidence and materials submitted by the
participant with participant’s Notice of and Grounds for Appeal
and all evidence and materials submitted by the appropriate AHRA
representatives. The Reviewing Panel shall review the Notice of
and Grounds for Appeal. The procedure followed by the
Reviewing Panel shall be informal, shall be guided by the chair of
the Reviewing Panel, and shall be conducted with the goal of
promptly and fairly reaching resolution of the appeal. The
Reviewing Panel may, if it deems it appropriate, arrange a meeting
or conference call with the aggrieved participant and/or the other
concerned parties or witnesses, and also may question witnesses,
call additional witnesses, call for additional information or
evidence, and/or conduct informal investigation outside the
hearing. The appealing participant and other participants called on
for information shall cooperate with the Reviewing Panel’s
requests and shall be subject to discipline for failure to cooperate.
The Reviewing Panel shall not be required to follow formal or
statutory rules of evidence or procedure. The Reviewing Panel
may take such action, as it deems appropriate, including but not
limited to increasing or decreasing penalties that have been
imposed by AHRA. Within thirty (30) calendar days of the
completion of its review, the Reviewing Panel shall render its
decision in writing to the appealing participant.

PUBLICITY:
In consideration of being allowed to enter and by being issued
credentials to an AHRA event the vehicle owner, the vehicle
driver, crewmembers, extra crewmembers, advertisers, sponsors,
and other holders of event credentials (the “participants”) agree as
follows:
1) All rights to advertising, promotion, filming, recording,
exhibition, and other exploitations of the event, the participants
and vehicles entered in the event, and their activities at the site of
the event before, during, and after the event and reasonably related
to the event, reserved to AHRA and its assigns;
2) Participants hereby grant AHRA and its assigns (a) full and
unconditional permission to make still or motion pictures and any
other type(s) of audio or visual recordings of their and their
30
vehicle’s participation in the event and their activities at the site of
the event before, during, and after the event and reasonably related
to the event; and (b) the exclusive, worldwide and perpetual rights
to use the same, together with their names, likeness, and
biographies of participants, and the names, likeness, and date of, or
relating to, their entered vehicles for publicity, advertising,
exhibition or exploitation, whether or not for profit, in print, audio,
video, and other communications media by reproduction and sale
or other distribution by any and all means now known or hereafter
developed;
3) Participants agree: (a) that, without the prior written consent of
AHRA, they shall not take any still or motion pictures or make any
audio or visual recording of the event, participants therein, or
activities at the site of the event for use other than personal, in
home use of the participant, or cause or permit others to do so or to
use the same; (b) that AHRA shall have exclusive, worldwide,
perpetual, and universal use of any pictures or recordings made or
used in violation of this paragraph; and (c) that AHRA shall be
irreparably harmed by the making or use of such pictures or
recordings in such fashion without such permission.
4) Participants agree that, without the prior written consent of
AHRA, they shall not offer for sale, sell, give away, or otherwise
distribute at the site of the event any token, any souvenir, any
product, or thing of value, or permit others to do so, and that
AHRA shall be irreparably harmed by a violation of this
paragraph.

RACE PROCEDURES:
PROPER USE OF SAFETY EQUIPMENT:
Seat belts must be worn and adjusted in such a manner that the
driver’s torso and head cannot extend outside the parameters of the
roll cage. The loosening and removal of seat belts, helmets, gloves,
window nets, lifting of helmet shield, and removal of all other
safety equipment is prohibited from the time the vehicle leaves the
ready line until the vehicle is on the return road. Violators will be
subject to disciplinary action in the sole and absolute discretion of
AHRA

31
AHRA COMPETITION NUMBERS:
Contestants are required to display a competition number. Racers
must have a separate number for each eliminator category.

BURNOUTS:
All pre-race burnouts are restricted to designated areas, using water
only. If a contestant’s car should break on a burnout and cannot
back up or be pushed back, it is not permitted to turn on the track
and drive back to the starting line. Crossing the centerline during a
burnout is not a disqualification. Fire burnouts are strictly
PROHIBITED. No person is permitted to hold or touch cars
during burnouts. Length and time duration must be reasonable and
in concert with the opponent’s procedures.

STAGING:
Once a car reaches the front of the staging lanes for a run, it must
be prepared to fire and race. To be a legitimate race winner, a
contestant’s car must self-start and self-stage. This rule also
applies to single runs. Push-starting or push-staging any vehicle is
prohibited. Staging must be done under the vehicle’s own engine
power. If the opponent has been sent on a single run, the car losing
fire may not restart, and the run is forfeited. The application or use
of any device, mechanical or electronic, that permits the driver to
ascertain the position of his or her vehicle in relation to the starting
line is prohibited. Only visual observation of track equipment may
be used to ascertain the vehicle’s position. The practice referred to
as “deep staging” is permitted in all categories; however, the word
“DEEP” must appear on the windshield and side windows of the
vehicle. When staging for any of the heads-up categories, both
contestants must activate their pre-stage lights before either may
advance into the stage beams. In the heads-up categories, if both
drivers of a race leave the line before the start system is activated,
the driver leaving first is disqualified. If unable to determine who
left first, both drivers are disqualified. A driver on a single run
would advance; however, any E.T. posted would be void for lane
choice or other considerations. THE FINAL STAGING MOTION,
USING APPLIED POWER, MUST BE IN A FORWARD
MOTION, GOING FROM PRE-STAGE TO STAGE POSITION.
A reasonable amount of time will be permitted for drivers to stage.
The time limit will be determined at the sole and absolute
discretion of the official starter. Failure to stage upon the starter’s
instructions is possible grounds for disqualification. After properly
staging and receiving the starter’s signal to go, re-staging is
prohibited. Any driver leaving the starting line before the start
system is activated, including a driver on a single run, will have his
32
or her time disqualified for the run. In any category where dial-ins
are displayed on a scoreboard or dial-in board, during eliminations,
the racer accepts the dial-in displayed once he/she has pre-staged;
no reruns will be granted due to incorrect dial-ins after pre-staging.
Courtesy staging is entirely at the track operator’s discretion.

STARTING SYSTEM:
AHRA events use the three-amber Christmas Tree.

QUALIFYING:
To constitute an official qualifying attempt, all cars must self-start
and self-stage. A contestant cannot drive more than one car in the
same category at the same event. All qualifiers must have a valid
elapsed time recorded to be placed into eliminator competition in
Heads Up Classes. If conditions should curtail scheduled
qualifying attempts and the field is under the specified field size
the event director has the option of placing non- qualified entrants
into the field. On a qualifying run, if a contestant properly starts,
stages, and receives the starter’s signal but breaks to the point the
run is not completed, a time of 28 seconds is issued and it is
considered a valid qualifying run. Should more than one
contestant break prior to completing a run and an insufficient
number of open spots are available on the ladder, the order of
insertion onto the ladder would begin with the contestant who
made the qualifying attempt first. If weather conditions or other
event delays should disrupt the posted lane rotation for qualifying
runs, the event director has the option of reassigning lanes as
necessary for remaining runs. Every effort will be made to see that
qualifying contestants have the opportunity to run in each lane.

DRIVER OR VEHICLE CHANGES:

Under certain circumstances, in the sole and absolute discretion of
the event director, the event director has the option of permitting a
driver change or a vehicle change. The spirit of the driver change
policy is to accommodate those rare cases where a driver
experiences an unforeseen circumstance preventing him/her from
continuing competition in an event. Only one action per event is
permitted. A driver change plus a vehicle change is NOT
permitted.

REPLACEMENT DRIVER:
The event director has the option of permitting driver changes, but
only under the following conditions:
1) Replacement driver must have proper credentials and sufficient
grading.
33
2) The original driver is withdrawn from competition and cannot
be reinstated.
3) All previous event times are voided for the vehicles and drivers
involved.
4) Changes must be made and driver must re-qualify during the
normal schedule, as posted, for the event. No changes are
permitted after qualifying has been completed.
5) Teams are limited to one replacement driver action per event.

REPLACEMENT VEHICLE:
The event director has the option of allowing a driver to utilize a
replacement vehicle, but only under the following conditions:
1) The original vehicle is withdrawn from competition and cannot
be reinstated.
2) Replacement vehicle cannot have been utilized by any other
contestant at the same event.
3) Replacement vehicle must be fully certified and must pass
technical inspection prior to continuation of competition.
4) Driver must stay within original eliminator category and class
entered.
5) All previous event times are voided for the vehicles and drivers
involved. Changes must be made and driver must re-qualify
during the normal schedule, as posted for the event. No changes
are permitted after qualifying has been completed.
6) Checkout runs for replacement vehicles are not available.
7) Teams are limited to one replacement vehicle action per event.

CLASS CHANGES:
After a contestant’s vehicle has been inspected and classified, no
changes of class are permitted. For example, a contestant in
GT/1A could change engines during an event; however, he/she
cannot move from one class to another. Mechanical changes
permitted provided vehicle legitimately remains in the class in
which it was originally registered.

LADDERS:
Category pairings are based on established AHRA ladder charts.
Qualifying elapsed times determine ladder position. Example
(eight-car fields); 1 vs. 8, 2 vs. 7, 3 vs. 6, 4 vs. 5). Once
established, parings are not changed unless AHRA determines
there is adequate justification for a change. In situations where
fields are not filled, such as 14 cars entering for a 16-car field, a
14-car ladder will be used, not a 16-car ladder. E.T. brackets use
random pairing for the initial rounds of competition until a 16-car
ladder can be established.
34
BREAKOUT RULES:
Contestants who race below the posted category standard or dial-in
during eliminations are disqualified, with the following exceptions:
1. When an opponent foul starts or crosses a boundary line
2. On a single run
3. When both drivers run under their index or dial-in, the
driver who is the least under is the winner
4. If two contestants run under by the same margin (with
elapsed times extended to a thousandth of a second), the driver
crossing the finish line first is the winner

SINGLE RUNS:
In situations where a driver is making a single run, he or she is
considered the winner once he or she stages and receives the start
signal or is declared the winner by the official starter. If a
competitor crosses the boundary line on a single run, the elapsed
time is voided for lane-choice determination.

ALTERNATES:
Once qualifying has concluded and a ladder has been established,
pairings will not be changed. However, should a qualified car and
driver be unable to make the first round of eliminations, an
alternate will be inserted in his or her place. Under normal
conditions, all first round points and cash awards will remain with
the qualified driver.
Alternates will not be eligible for any round points, regardless of
how far they advance past round one, and the cash award paid will
be less the amount paid to the original qualifier. If an event is
postponed due to weather or other conditions prior to the start of
eliminations for that category, it is necessary that the qualified
vehicle and racer be in attendance and participates at the
rescheduled date to be eligible for all points and awards based on
eliminator competition. Awards based solely on qualifying remain
with the original qualifier. It is important to note that points and
awards are based on a round loss basis, not simply on qualifying.
If an alternate racer is inserted into a rescheduled event for a non-
returning qualifier, the alternate will receive full round points and
cash awards.
LANE CHOICE:
In the heads-up categories, lane choice is determined by elapsed
time. The driver with the better qualifying E.T. receives first-round
lane choice, and in subsequent rounds, lane choice goes to the
driver with the lowest E.T. from the previous round. In all other
35
categories, competing drivers are to determine lane choice by a
coin flip or a random-draw lane assignment. This is at the track
operators discretion.

DISQUALIFICATIONS:
One of the rarities at an AHRA event is the situation in which two
cars are disqualified during the same eliminations race. In most
cases, both offending contestants are disqualified. Those situations
include both drivers crossing the boundary lines or both drivers
leaving the line before the start system is activated. Should a
driver receive a red-light foul start and the opposing driver cross
the lane boundary line, the latter infraction would prevail and the
driver committing the foul start would be reinstated. In
determining lane, boundary, crossing violations, it is considered a
disqualification when any portion of a tire completely crosses the
painted surface line. In cases where both opponents cross the
centerline or outside line, both drivers will be disqualified. In
situations where multiple boundary lines are utilized, the line
directly adjacent to the competitor’s racing lane will be used for
reference. Any time it has been judged that excessive braking has
resulted in loss of control that results in contact with the guard wall
and/or light fixtures or crossing the center boundary lines,
INCLUDING PAST THE FINISH LINE, the contestant will be
disqualified. Contact with guard wall, barriers, or any other track
fixture (rubber cones, when used, are considered visual aids, not
fixtures) is grounds for disqualification and/or other actions.
Intentional crossing of boundary lines to leave the track or avoid
depositing debris on the track is not grounds for disqualification.
Any driver and/or pit-crew member found to be under the
influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs, regardless of amount,
will be ejected from the event. Such a condition is cause for
suspension, fine, and/or revocation of competition privileges.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Rulebook,
participation in any program conducted by or in conjunction with
AHRA is conditioned upon being in good standing with AHRA.
Any person found guilty of drug-related offenses is subject to such
disciplinary action as AHRA shall determine appropriate in its sole
and absolute discretion, including but not limited to immediate
expulsion from AHRA and a termination of good standing. Such
person may be immediately excluded from all AHRA events and
may not be eligible for titles, prize money, or other awards that
have not already been bestowed, as shall be determined by AHRA.
Further, any annual awards that might be granted may be made
contingent upon maintaining good standing with AHRA through
the year following the annual award, if so determined by AHRA.
36
Further still, any person who shall be facing prosecution for a
drug-related offense may be granted such awards on a contingent
basis and may not be eligible for annual awards of prize money
unless and until he or she shall not have been found guilty of such
offenses during the year following the award of such prizes if so
determined by AHRA.

NATIONAL RECORD PROCEDURES:

A standard of excellence of performance in drag racing is a
national record. These records are established under controlled
conditions at authorized record events throughout the season. Each
record run is made under close observation of starting procedures,
running, finishing, and timing. Each car is thoroughly inspected to
determine its compliance with class requirements, including
weight, mechanical limitations, and fuel checks where necessary.
In a sport where records play such a vital role, every effort is made
to maintain their accuracy and validity. In order to ensure the
validity of all new records, a backup performance of within 1
percent of the new mark is required at the same event. In the event
that two runs exceed the existing record but are not within 1
percent of each other, the quicker time or faster speed will be
acceptable as the backup for the slower time, which will stand as
the new record. Elapsed-time records will be recorded to the
hundredth of a second. Speed records will be to the hundredth of a
mile-per hour. If two contestants tie for the elapsed-time record to
the thousandth of a second at the same event, the tiebreaker will be
the fastest mile-per-hour reading for the run that established the
record. In the event a tie still exists, the contestant accomplishing
the record run earlier in the event will be awarded the record. If
the record is tied at a later race, the record will stay with the driver
who set it first. Similarly, if two contestants tie for the speed mark,
the tiebreaker will be the quickest elapsed time on the run that
established the new national record.
Top-speed records may be set independent of elapsed-time records;
records may be set until the driver is eliminated from further
competition; previous runs acceptable as 1-percent record backup.
Driver must first break the existing record before attempting a
backup. A contestant cannot set records with one vehicle and then
compete in eliminations with another vehicle. Only the driver
holding the record at the conclusion of the event will be credited
with the record. A driver setting, then losing, a record at the same
event will not receive credit for establishing a record.

37
WEIGHING OF VEHICLE/FUEL CHECK:
Under no circumstance may a competitor reject scaling his/her
vehicle or fuel check. Any competitor who runs quicker than any
of his/her previous runs during the event and fails to report to post-
run inspection (scales or fuel check) will be disqualified from the
event.

POINTS - GENERAL:
AHRA POINTS BREAKDOWN:
16-car field 8-car field
Winner . . . . . . . . . . . .100 Winner . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Runner-up . . . . . . . . . . 80 Runner-up ……………80
Third-round loser . . . . 60 Second-round loser. . . 60
Second-round loser . .. 40 First-round loser . . . . 40
First-round loser . . . . . 20
Additional points are awarded at events as follows:
10 points to all contestants - 1 qualifying run required
20 points for establishing an official e.t. record.

Qualifying positions earn points as follows:

16-car field 8-car field
1st . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .8 1st . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2nd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .7 2nd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .6 3rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
4th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 4th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
5th & 6th . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 5th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..4
7th & 8th . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 6th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..3
9th through 12th . . . . . . .2 7th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
13th through 16th . . . . . .1 8th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

All points are awarded to the driver and cannot be transferred

under any circumstances. Points are not transferable from one
category to another. If an event is postponed for any reason prior
to the start of eliminations for that category, it is necessary that any
car and driver still eligible for event competition be in attendance
at the rescheduled date to be eligible for all points and cash awards
based on eliminator racing. Drivers not returning will NOT have
the event charged to their quota. If an alternate driver is inserted
into a race under these circumstances, he or she will receive full
points (except qualifying points) and awards. Points and awards
are based on a round-loss basis, not simply on qualifying. If an
event is disrupted and rescheduled due to weather or other
conditions after eliminations of that category are in progress,
contestants unable to return will be awarded points up to the round
completed before postponement. If any portion of an event is
38
completely rescheduled for any reason, qualified contestants
unable to return will be granted an automatic withdrawal, earning
no points, and the event will not be charged to their event quota. If
a contestant does not wish to be withdrawn from the postponed
event and desires to receive points earned until the point of
cancellation, contestant must contact the event director or the
AHRA competition department.
If eliminations were in progress at the time of postponement, a
winning contestant unable to return will receive round money and
points if requested as if the contestant had lost in the first round
contested at the resumed event, regardless of actual round number.
If a winning contestant is unable to return he/she will receive
round money and points as if the contestant had lost in the prior
round. Non-qualifiers will receive 10 points regardless of whether
an event is postponed and rescheduled. Withdrawal policy does
not apply. Attempts to set low elapsed time will not be permitted
after qualifying ends, with the exception of cars remaining in
category competition. The final run on which a driver is eliminated
will be allowed as a low elapsed time. The event director has the
option of allowing contestants whose cars have experienced
irreparable damage to leave the event prior to eliminations, yet
retain their points and monetary awards. Drivers must notify the
event director to arrange for this allowance. Any contestant
disqualified for mechanical non-compliance loses all points and
monetary compensation for that event.

39
GRAND AMERICAN SPORTSMAN SERIES

MOTORCYCLES
DESIGNATION:

A. STREET BIKE

Bikes must be equipped as factory built and retain Stock Street

Equipment. Stock/stock replacement is interchangeable as
vehicles in this class may have cosmetic upgrades for aesthetics
that do not increase performance. These determinations are made
by the AHRA Tech Official as to the acceptability of certain
equipment in the Street Bike Class. Street tires must be retained.
(7.50 seconds and slower ¼ mile) (4.50 seconds and slower 1/8
mile) Overall safety of all bikes will be decided by the AHRA
track official and any unsafe machine will not be permitted to race.
Any bike or rider that exhibits unsafe handling characteristics at
any time will be disqualified until the Tech Inspector re-admits the
entry. Both Street Bike and Modified Bike can be combined into
one class at the tracks discretion.

REQUIREMENTS & SPECIFICATIONS:

BRAKES: Operational front and rear brakes MANDATORY.
Drilled disc brakes may be used if commercially manufactured and
maintain the original diameter. Mechanical front disc brakes
permitted in this class as long as the brakes were installed by the
OEM.
CHAIN AND BELT GUARDS: MANDATORY. Must have
stock/stock replacement equipped front and rear chain guards
securely mounted.
DATA RECORDER: PROHIBITED.

40
CONTROLS: Stock/stock replacement equipped snap-back
throttle MANDATORY. Brake pedals must remain stock. Stock
equipped shifter that can be operated from the foot peg location
with the foot on the peg will be permitted. Hand operation of the
foot shifter PROHIBITED; both hands must remain on the
handlebars at all times. After leaving starting line the rider’s feet
must remain on the foot pegs.
CREDENTIALS: Valid AHRA/NHRA/IHRA competition
license is MANDATORY for riders of all motorcycles running
9.99 seconds and quicker in the quarter mile (1/4) or 6.40 seconds
and quicker in the eighth mile (1/8). All riders must also have a
valid state issued drivers license with a motorcycle endorsement.
No learner permits allowed.
ELECTRONICS: PROHIBITED. All vehicle controls will be a
direct action of the driver MANDATORY.
ENGINE: All engines must be self-starting.
EXHAUST: Aftermarket Exhaust Permitted.
FRAME: Stock equipped
FUEL: Racing gasoline and gasoline permitted ONLY
FUEL SYSTEM: Fuel shutoff valve MANDATORY.
HEAD / TAIL LIGHT: Functional head and tail-lights
MANDATORY.
HELMET: For all motorcycles a full face helmet meeting Snell
M2010 and greater, K2010 and greater, SA2010 and greater
standard, or SFI Spec 31.1/2013 MANDATORY; shield or goggles
permitted.
IGNITION: NO timed ignition or interruption devices permitted.
Starting line or high side rev limiters are permitted. Two steps, rev
limiters, or any rpm limiting devices legal unto themselves but
altered or installed to act as down track rpm controller are
PROHIBITED.
IGNITION SHUTOFF: Motorcycles running 10.99 seconds or
quicker in the quarter mile (1/4) or 6.99 seconds or quicker in the
eighth mile (1/8) must be equipped with a positive ignition cutoff
switch attached to the rider with a lanyard. Handlebar mounted
thumb switch can have a lanyard easily attached for the above
purpose.
INDUCTION: Any stock OEM induction permitted. Electronic
fuel injection must be closed, OEM type system; i.e., may monitor
only engine functions. Monitoring of vehicle performance criteria,
wheel speed, driveshaft speed, vehicle acceleration, etc. by fuel
injection system PROHIBITED.
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING: Jacket or leathers meeting SFI
Spec 40.1 type 2 is MANDATORY for all riders. All riders who
run 10.99 seconds or quicker in the quarter mile (1/4) or 6.99
41
seconds or quicker in the eighth mile (1/8) or run 120 mph or
quicker, must wear a suit or leathers meeting SFI Spec 40.1 type 2.
Two-piece suits must be joined together with a zipper at the waist.
Leather gloves, boots and shoes extending above the ankle are
MANDATORY.
REAR FENDER: Rear fender must cover the full width of the
rear tire and extend behind the rear axle and forward below the
seating position.
STARTER: All engines must be self-starting. Push or roll starts
PROHIBITED.
THROTTLE STOPS: PROHIBITED in all AHRA Bracket
Classes. A throttle stop is classified as any device that inhibits the
full range of the throttle blades or the limitation of air entering the
engine that is not a direct action of the drivers human input on the
throttle.
TIRES: Street Motorcycle Tires MANDATORY.
WHEELS: OEM type wheels MANDATORY.

B. MODIFIED BIKE

These bikes may have modified fork, wheelbase, exhaust,

engine, customizing, and tires. Racetracks, at their option, may
run Top Fuel or Pro Stock bikes and other popular classes. Both
Street Bike and Modified Bike can be combined into one class at
the tracks discretion.
REQUIREMENTS & SPECIFICATIONS:
BRAKES: Operational front and rear brakes MANDATORY.
Drilled disc brakes may be used if commercially manufactured and
maintain the original diameter. Mechanical front disc brakes
permitted in this class.
CHAIN AND BELT GUARDS: MANDATORY. Must have
front and rear chain guards to cover the width and at least the top
run to the centerline of the sprocket of any chains or belts. The
clutch assembly must have at least half of the side surface covered.
42
The guards should be .060-inch steel or 1/8 inch aluminum unless
otherwise stock equipped and be securely mounted.
DATA RECORDER: PROHIBITED.
CONTROLS: Handlebars must measure at least 22 inches overall
with the grips removed. A snap-back throttle is MANDATORY.
Brake pedals must remain stock/stock replacement. Any shifter
that can be operated from the foot peg location with the foot on the
peg will be permitted. Hand operation of the foot shifter
PROHIBITED; both hands must remain on the handlebars at all
times. After leaving starting line the rider’s feet must remain on
the foot pegs.
CREDENTIALS: Valid AHRA/NHRA/IHRA competition
license is MANDATORY for riders of all motorcycles running
9.99 seconds and quicker in the quarter mile (1/4) or 6.40 seconds
and quicker in the eighth mile (1/8). All riders must also have a
valid state issued drivers license with a motorcycle endorsement.
No learner permits allowed.
DELAY BOX/DEVICE: Permitted in Modified Bike only. One
delay box/device is permitted; it may be attached to the clutch.
The wire to the device may contain a splice that activates the two-
step/launch-control device in the ignition system. No other wiring
shall be connected directly or indirectly between any other part of
the ignition system or any other devices (such as data recorders,
tachometers, suspension components, fuel- injection system, etc.)
and the delay box/device. All wiring associated with the delay
device, throttle stop timer, ignition system, automatic shifter,
tachometer, data recorder, and fuel injection system must be fully
visible, labeled, and traceable. The rpm based automatic shifters
that are incorporated into some delay boxes/devices may not be
used for any purpose. The built in tachometer that is incorporated
into some delay boxes/devices may not be used for any purpose.
Except for the disabling of automatic shifter and built in
tachometer functions, delay devices and associated components
(such as automatic shifters, data recorders, tachometers, fuel
injection system, etc.) must be utilized in an unaltered manner
consistent with the manufacturer’s installation and instruction
books unless otherwise approved. Delay boxes/devices, throttle
controllers, automatic shifters, etc. that provide on/off indications
(based on time and/or rpm) may be located within the driver’s
view. Only those operations actually being used may be indicated.
The use of any other visual, audible, etc indications that are
transmitted to the driver in any form that provide on-track data are
PROHIBITED.
ELECTRONICS: Manual and button shifters permitted.

43
ENGINE: Must be engine specifically designed and
manufactured for production motorcycle use. All engines must be
self-starting. Push or roller starts are PROHIBITED.
EXHAUST: Exhaust must be directed away from the driver.
FRAME: Must be a motorcycle type frame with a minimum of 2
inches of ground clearance. Scooter, moped, or bicycle parts
PROHIBITED.
FUEL: Racing gasoline, racing alcohol, E85 and gasoline
permitted.
FUEL SYSTEM: Fuel shutoff valve MANDATORY.
HEAD / TAIL LIGHT: Functional tail light MANDATORY.
HELMET: For all motorcycles a full face helmet meeting Snell
M2010 and greater, K2010 and greater, SA2010 and greater
standard, or SFI Spec 31.1/2013 MANDATORY; shield or goggles
permitted.
IGNITION: NO timed ignition or interruption devices permitted.
Starting line or high side rev limiters are permitted. Two-steps, rev
limiters, or any rpm limiting devices legal unto themselves but
altered or installed to act as down track rpm controller are
PROHIBITED.
IGNITION SHUTOFF: Motorcycles running 10.99 seconds or
quicker in the quarter mile (1/4) or 6.99 seconds or quicker in the
eighth mile (1/8), or using a racing slick must be equipped with a
positive ignition cutoff switch attached to the rider with a lanyard.
Handlebar mounted thumb switch can have a lanyard easily
attached for the above purpose.
INDUCTION: Any induction permitted. Electronic fuel injection
must be closed, OEM type system; i.e., may monitor only engine
functions. Monitoring of vehicle performance criteria, wheel
speed, driveshaft speed, vehicle acceleration, etc. by fuel injection
system permitted. All aftermarket OEM type electronic fuel
injection accepted.
NITROUS OXIDE: Permitted
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING: Jacket or leathers meeting SFI
Spec 40.1 type 2 is MANDATORY for all riders. All riders who
run 10.99 seconds or quicker in the quarter mile (1/4) or 6.99
seconds or quicker in the eighth mile (1/8) or run 120 mph or
quicker, must wear a suit or leathers meeting SFI Spec 40.1 type 2.
Two-piece suits must be joined together with a zipper at the waist.
Leather gloves, boots and shoes extending above the ankle are
MANDATORY.
REAR FENDER: Rear fender must cover the full width of the
rear tire and extend behind the rear axle and forward below the
seating position.
STARTER: External Starters Permitted. Push or roll starts
44
PROHIBITED.
SUPERCHARGER/TURBOCHARGER: Permitted
THROTTLE STOPS: PROHIBITED in all AHRA Bracket
Classes. A throttle stop is classified as any device that inhibits
the full range of the throttle blades or the limitation of air
entering the engine that is not a direct action of the drivers
human input on the throttle.
TIRES: Automotive racing tires permitted.
WHEELS: Automotive wheels permitted. Wheel studs on
automotive type wheels must project into hex part of lug nut by at
least one diameter of the stud.

BOX E.T. BRACKET CLASS

IN ADDITION TO THE FOLLOWING RULES, ALSO SEE

AHRA SAFETY AND GENERAL RULES.

REQUIREMENTS and SPECIFICATIONS:

ARM RESTRAINTS: MANDATORY in open bodied cars
running 11.99 (*7.49) or quicker.
AXLES: Aftermarket axles and axle retention device
MANDATORY on entries running 10.99 seconds and quicker in
the quarter mile (1/4) or 6.99 seconds and quicker in the eighth
mile (1/8).
BATTERIES: Batteries must be securely mounted, may not be
located in driver compartment.
BALLAST: Permitted. See General Regulations.
BRAKES: Full body cars must have 4 wheel brakes. Cars
running 8.49 seconds or quicker in the quarter mile (1/4) or 5.49
seconds or quicker in the eighth mile (1/8) must have dual stage
master cylinder. Entries with two wheel brakes require parachute.

45
CREDENTIALS: Valid AHRA / NHRA / IHRA competition
license MANDATORY for cars running 9.99 (*6.39) or quicker.
Valid state or government-issued driver’s license MANDATORY.
DATA RECORDERS: Permitted in Bracket and Index Classes to
only be used during non-elimination rounds (and cannot be used
during a bye-run once starting elimination rounds). Data Logging
during elimination rounds is grounds for immediate
disqualification from the event. 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, mechanisms, etc., nor by the Christmas
Tree, radio transmitters, sensing of wheel speed, inertia, laser
device, or transmission of track position. The data recorder must
be activated by a separate switch that requires a separate action
(with respect to all other devices) by only crewperson. The switch
may neither be connected to nor be incorporated into any other
device or component. Fifth wheel sensing devices PROHIBITED
on all vehicles (includes wheelie-bar wheels). All lines sensing
flow, pressure, etc. of fuel or oil must be metallic or steel braided.
For non OEM data recorder applications, the transmission or
display of any vehicle performance data gathered or processed by
the data recorder, to the driver or any remote location, during the
run, is PROHIBITED. Data may be reviewed (printout, replay,
etc.) only after the run. Any device (mechanical, hydraulic,
pneumatic, electrical, optical, etc.) other than OEM type
that assists in determining track location of the competitor’s own
vehicle or opponent’s vehicle is PROHIBITED. Only OEM style
mirrors, mounted in conventional fashion, permitted. Discovery of
a device that displays, indicates, or transmits “on track,” “track
location,” or “elapsed time” type data will be grounds for
immediate disqualification from the event. Additional penalties
may be imposed at the discretion of AHRA.
DEFLECTOR PLATE: MANDATORY on rear engine
dragsters.
DELAY BOX/DEVICE: Permitted, including long throw
mechanical buttons. One delay box/device is permitted; it may be
attached to the trans brake, shift timer, and/or throttle timer only.
The wire to the trans brake (or line-loc) may contain a splice that
activates the two-step/launch-control device in the ignition system.
No other wiring shall be connected directly or indirectly between
any other part of the ignition system or any other devices (such as
data recorders, tachometers, suspension components, fuel-
injection system, etc.) and the delay box/device. All wiring
associated with the delay device, throttle stop timer, ignition
system, automatic shifter, tachometer, data recorder, and fuel
46
injection system must be fully visible, labeled, and traceable. The
rpm based automatic shifters that are incorporated into some delay
boxes/devices may not be used for any purpose. The built in
tachometer that is incorporated into some delay boxes/devices may
not be used for any purpose. Except for the disabling of automatic
shifter and built in tachometer functions, delay devices and
associated components (such as trans-brakes, automatic shifters,
throttle-stop timers, data recorders, tachometers, fuel injection
system, etc.) must be utilized in an unaltered manner consistent
with the manufacturer’s installation and instruction books unless
otherwise approved. Delay boxes/devices, throttle controllers,
automatic shifters, etc. that provide on/off indications (based on
time and/or rpm) may be located within the driver’s view. Only
those throttle-stop, automatic shifter, etc. operations actually being
used may be indicated. The use of any other visual, audible, etc.
indications that are transmitted to the driver in any form that
provide on-track data are PROHIBITED.
DRIVE LINE: One (1) drive shaft loop required on all cars
running drag racing purposed tires (slicks or drag radials) or 9.99
seconds or quicker in the quarter mile (1/4) or 6.49 seconds or
quicker in the eighth mile (1/8).
DRIVER RESTRAINT SYSTEM: Seat belt MANDATORY in
all cars. Driver restraint system meeting SFI Spec 16.1or 16.5
MANDATORY in any car running 11.49 (*7.35) or quicker, in
convertibles running 13.49 (*8.25) or quicker, and all dune buggy
type vehicles running 12.00 (*7.50) or slower. Restraint system
meeting SFI Spec 16.1 or 16.5, when required, includes crotch
strap and must be updated at 2-year intervals from date of
manufacture.
ELECTRONICS: Line lock, transmission brake and electronic
shifter systems permitted. All switches and or buttons must be
standard mechanical connection type.
FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM: Onboard fire suppression
system meeting SFI Spec 17.1 on all closed body cars 8.49 seconds
or quicker in quarter mile (1/4) or 5.49 seconds or quicker in the
eighth mile (1/8) MANDATORY. Must be installed per
manufacturer’s instructions. Safety pins must be red flagged. On
all other closed body entries, a properly secured fire extinguisher is
RECOMMENDED.
FLEXPLATE AND SHIELD: Flex plate meeting SFI Spec 29.1
and shield meeting SFI Spec 30.1 are MANDATORY on entries
running 9.99 seconds or quicker in the quarter mile (1/4) and 6.49
seconds or quicker in the eighth mile (1/8).
FLOOR: Floor on all cars 8.49 seconds or quicker in the quarter
mile (1/4) or 5.49 seconds or quicker in the eighth mile (1/8).
47
Must have a minimum thickness floor of .024 inch steel on the
driver side and welded to chassis. All other places may be .040
inch aluminum.
HARMONIC BALANCER: Harmonic balancer meeting SFI
Spec 8.1 MANDATORY on entries 9.99 seconds or quicker in the
quarter mile (1/4) or 6.49 seconds or quicker in the eighth mile
(1/8).
HEAD PROTECTOR: MANDATORY on any car with a roll
bar or roll cage.
HELMET: For all 10.00 to 13.99 closed-bodied cars, either an
open-face or a full face helmet meeting Snell M2010 or greater,
K2010 or greater, SA2010 or greater standard, or SFI Spec
31.1/2013, 41.1/2013 with or without a shield is MANDATORY.
For all 10.00 and slower dune buggy type vehicles and all 10.00 to
13.99 open bodied front engine or rear engine supercharged,
turbocharged, nitrous, or naturally aspirated cars, a full face helmet
meeting Snell M2010 or greater, K2010 or greater, SA2010 or
greater standard, or SFI Spec 31.1/2013, 41.1/2013 and shield
mandatory (goggles prohibited). For all 9.99 and quicker closed
bodied cars, a full face helmet meeting Snell M2010 or greater,
K2010 or greater, SA2010 or greater standard, SFI Spec
31.1/2013, 41.1/2013 MANDATORY; shield permitted (goggles
prohibited). For all 9.99 and quicker open bodied front engine or
rear engine supercharged, turbocharged, or nitrous cars, a full face
helmet meeting Snell SA2010 or greater standard, SFI Spec
31.1/2013 shield MANDATORY (goggles prohibited). For all
9.99 or quicker open bodied front engine or rear engine naturally
aspirated cars, a full face helmet meeting Snell M2010 or greater,
K2010 or greater, SA2010 or greater standard, or SFI Spec
31.1/2013, 41.1/2013 and shield MANDATORY (goggles
prohibited).
IGNITION: 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 down track rpm controller, PROHIBITED. The wire
to the trans brake (or line-loc) may contain a splice that activates
the 2-step / launch control device in the ignition system. 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.
INSTRUMENTS: One tachometer permitted. No wiring (other
than the two step/launch control wire that splices into the trans
brake or line-lock control wire) shall be connected directly or
48
indirectly between any part of the ignition system and the delay
box/device. Driveshaft sensor may be connected to either the
tachometer OR the data recorder, but not both. Must be one single
wire, with no splices, and easily traceable.
CREDENTIALS: Each driver of a vehicle entered in any event
must have a valid state or government-issued driver’s license
beyond a learner’s permit level and must hold a
AHRA/NHRA/IHRA Competition License (subject to inspection
by officials at any time) if competitor vehicle runs 9.99 or quicker
in ¼ mile or 6.39 or quicker 1/8 mile. All competitors at AHRA
events must be a minimum of 16 years of age.
LIQUID OVERFLOW: Catch can MANDATORY for coolant
overflow. Antifreeze/glycol PROHIBITED.
MASTER CUTOFF: MANDATORY on any car with a battery
running 9.99 (*6.39) or quicker, any car exceeding 135 mph, or on
any car where the battery is relocated into the trunk area.
NECK COLLAR/HEAD AND NECK RESTRAINT DEVICE
SYSTEM: Neck collar meeting SFI Spec 3.3 MANDATORY in
all cars running 9.99 (*6.39) or quicker or cars exceeding 135 mph.
A head and neck restraint device/system meeting SFI Spec 38.1
may be used in lieu of a neck collar.
OIL-RETENTION DEVICE: MANDATORY on naturally
aspirated vehicles running 8.50 or faster in the ¼ mile 5.45 or
faster 1/8th mile. On all vehicles running nitrous oxide,
superchargers or turbochargers device is required at 9.99 in the ¼
mile or 6.30 in the 1/8th mile.
PARACHUTE: MANDATORY on entries running 150 mph or
quicker in the quarter mile (1/4) or 125 mph or quicker in the
eighth mile (1/8).
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING: Full length pants; short or long
sleeved shirt; closed shoes; and socks. No shorts. No tank tops.
No open toe or open heel shoes or sandals. Synthetic clothing not
recommended.
10.00 (*6.40) to 13.99 (*8.59); all E.T. non-OEM supercharged,
non-OEM turbocharged, or nitrous-equipped cars with an
OEM or .024-inch steel firewall: Jacket meeting SFI Spec
3.2A/1 MANDATORY. 10.00 (*6.40) to 13.99 (*8.59); all E.T.
supercharged, turbocharged, or nitrous-equipped cars without
a full OEM or .024-inch steel firewall: Jacket meeting SFI Spec
3.2A/5 and gloves meeting SFI Spec 3.3/1 MANDATORY.
ROLL CAGE: Roll cage MANDATORY on all entries running
9.99 seconds or quicker in the quarter mile (1/4) or 6.39 seconds or
quicker in the eighth mile (1/8) and must have a current Chassis
Certification. See SFI Specifications and General Regulations.
Roll cage padding meeting SFI Spec 45.1 MANDATORY on any
49
vehicle running 9.99 (*6.39) and quicker. Padding must be used
anywhere driver’s helmet may come in contact with roll cage
components.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT: One working tail-light
MANDATORY. Flashing, blinking, or strobe lights
PROHIBITED.
THROTTLE STOPS: Permitted
TOW VEHICLES: Permitted
TRANSMISSION BRAKE: Permitted
TRANSMISSION SHIELD: Transmission shield meeting SFI
Spec 4.1 MANDATORY on any vehicle running 9.99 (*6.39) and
quicker.
WINDOW NET: Window net meeting SFI Spec27.1
MANDATORY in any full bodied car required by the rules to have
a roll cage.

NO BOX E.T. BRACKET CLASS

IN ADDITION TO THE FOLLOWING RULES, ALSO

SEE AHRA SAFETY AND GENERAL RULES.
REQUIREMENTS and SPECIFICATIONS:

ARM RESTRAINTS: MANDATORY in open bodied cars

running 11.99 (*7.49) or quicker.
AXLES: Aftermarket axles and axle retention device
MANDATORY on entries running 10.99 seconds and quicker in
the quarter mile (1/4) or 6.99 seconds and quicker in the eighth
mile (1/8).
BATTERIES: Batteries must be securely mounted, may not be
located in driver compartment.
BALLAST: Permitted. See General Regulations.
50
BRAKES: Full body cars must have 4 wheel brakes. Cars
running 8.49 seconds or quicker in the quarter mile (1/4) or 5.49
seconds or quicker in the eighth mile (1/8) must have dual stage
master cylinder. Entries with two wheel brakes require parachute.
CREDENTIALS: Valid AHRA / NHRA / IHRA competition
license MANDATORY for cars running 9.99 (*6.39) or quicker.
Valid state or government-issued driver’s license MANDATORY.
DATA RECORDERS: Permitted in Bracket and Index Classes
to only be used during non-elimination rounds (and cannot be used
during a bye-run once starting elimination rounds). Data Logging
during elimination rounds is grounds for immediate
disqualification from the event. 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, mechanisms, etc., nor by the Christmas
Tree, radio transmitters, sensing of wheel speed, inertia, laser
device, or transmission of track position. The data recorder must
be activated by a separate switch that requires a separate action
(with respect to all other devices) by only crewperson. The switch
may neither be connected to nor be incorporated into any other
device or component. Fifth wheel sensing devices PROHIBITED
on all vehicles (includes wheelie-bar wheels). All lines sensing
flow, pressure, etc. of fuel or oil must be metallic or steel braided.
For non OEM data recorder applications, the transmission or
display of any vehicle performance data gathered or processed by
the data recorder, to the driver or any remote location, during the
run, is PROHIBITED. Data may be reviewed (printout, replay,
etc.) only after the run. Any device (mechanical, hydraulic,
pneumatic, electrical, optical, etc.) other than OEM type that
assists in determining track location of the competitor’s own
vehicle or opponent’s vehicle is PROHIBITED. Only OEM style
mirrors, mounted in conventional fashion, permitted. Discovery of
a device that displays, indicates, or transmits “on track,” “track
location,” or “elapsed time” type data will be grounds for
immediate disqualification from the event. Additional penalties
may be imposed at the discretion of AHRA.
DEFLECTOR PLATE: MANDATORY on rear engine
dragsters.
DELAY BOX/DEVICE: PROHIBITED in NO BOX E.T.
Class, including long throw mechanical adjustable buttons.
DRIVE LINE: One (1) drive shaft loop required on all cars
running drag racing specific tires (slicks or drag radials) or 9.99
seconds or quicker in the quarter mile (1/4) or 6.49 seconds or
quicker in the eighth mile (1/8).

51
DRIVER RESTRAINT SYSTEM: Seat belt MANDATORY
in all cars. Driver restraint system meeting SFI Spec 16.1or 16.5
MANDATORY in any car running 11.49 (*7.35) or
quicker, in convertibles running 13.49 (*8.25) or quicker, and all
dune buggy type vehicles running 12.00 (*7.50) or slower.
Restraint system meeting SFI Spec 16.1 or 16.5, when required,
includes crotch strap and must be updated at 2-year intervals from
date of manufacture.
ELECTRONICS: Line lock and trans-brake permitted. All
switches and or buttons must be standard mechanical connection
type.
FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM: Onboard fire suppression
system meeting SFI Spec 17.1 on all closed body cars 8.49 seconds
or quicker in quarter mile (1/4) or 5.49 seconds or quicker in the
eighth mile (1/8) MANDATORY. Must be installed per
manufacturer’s instructions. Safety pins must be red flagged. On
all other closed body entries, a properly secured fire extinguisher is
RECOMMENDED.
FLEXPLATE AND SHIELD: Flex plate meeting SFI Spec
29.1 and shield meeting SFI Spec 30.1 are MANDATORY on
entries running 9.99 seconds or quicker in the quarter mile (1/4)
and 6.49 seconds or quicker in the eighth mile (1/8).
FLOOR: Floor on all cars 8.49 seconds or quicker in the quarter
mile (1/4) or 5.49 seconds or quicker in the eighth mile (1/8).
Must have a minimum thickness floor of .024 inch steel on the
driver side and welded to chassis. All other places may be .040
inch aluminum.
HARMONIC BALANCER: Harmonic balancer meeting SFI
Spec 8.1 MANDATORY on entries 9.99 seconds or quicker in the
quarter mile (1/4) or 6.49 seconds or quicker in the eighth mile
(1/8).
HEAD PROTECTOR: MANDATORY on any car with a roll
bar or roll cage.
HELMET: For all 10.00 to 13.99 closed-bodied cars, either an
open-face or a full face helmet meeting Snell M2010 or greater,
K2010 or greater, SA2010 or greater standard, or SFI Spec
31.1/2013, 41.1/2013 with or without a shield is MANDATORY.
For all 10.00 and slower dune buggy type vehicles and all 10.00 to
13.99 open bodied front engine or rear engine supercharged,
turbocharged, nitrous, or naturally aspirated cars, a full face helmet
meeting Snell M2010 or greater, K2010 or greater, SA2010 or
greater standard, or SFI Spec 31.1/2013, 41.1/2013 and shield
mandatory (goggles prohibited). For all 9.99 and quicker closed
bodied cars, a full face helmet meeting Snell M2010 or greater,
52
K2010 or greater, SA2010 or greater standard, SFI Spec
31.1/2013, 41.1/2013 MANDATORY; shield permitted (goggles
prohibited). For all 9.99 and quicker open bodied front engine or
rear engine supercharged, turbocharged, or nitrous cars, a full face
helmet meeting Snell SA2010 or greater standard, SFI Spec
31.1/2013 shield MANDATORY (goggles prohibited). For all
9.99 or quicker open bodied front engine or rear engine naturally
aspirated cars, a full face helmet meeting Snell M2010 or greater,
K2010 or greater, SA2010 or greater standard, or SFI Spec
31.1/2013, 41.1/2013 and shield MANDATORY (goggles
prohibited).
IGNITION: 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 down track rpm controller, PROHIBITED. The wire
to the trans brake (or line-loc) may contain a splice that activates
the 2-step / launch control device in the ignition system. All wiring
associated with the ignition system must be fully visible, labeled,
and traceable.
INSTRUMENTS: One tachometer permitted. No wiring (other
than the two step/launch control wire that splices into the trans
brake or line-lock control wire) shall be connected directly or
indirectly between any part of the ignition system and the delay
box/device. Driveshaft sensor may be connected to either the
tachometer OR the data recorder, but not both. Must be one single
wire, with no splices, and easily traceable.
CREDENTIALS: Each driver of a vehicle entered in any event
must have a valid state or government-issued driver’s license
beyond a learner’s permit level and must hold a
AHRA/NHRA/IHRA Competition License (subject to inspection
by officials at any time) if competitor vehicle runs 9.99 or quicker
in ¼ mile or 6.39 or quicker 1/8 mile. All competitors at AHRA
events must be a minimum of 16 years of age.
LIQUID OVERFLOW: Catch can MANDATORY for
coolant overflow. Antifreeze/glycol PROHIBITED.
MASTER CUTOFF: MANDATORY on any car with a
battery running 9.99 (*6.39) or quicker, any car exceeding 135
mph, or on any car where the battery is relocated into the trunk
area.
NECK COLLAR/HEAD AND NECK RESTRAINT
DEVICE SYSTEM: Neck collar meeting SFI Spec 3.3
MANDATORY in all cars running 9.99 (*6.39) or quicker or cars

53
exceeding 135 mph. A head and neck restraint device/system
meeting SFI Spec 38.1 may be used in lieu of a neck collar.
OIL-RETENTION DEVICE: MANDATORY on naturally
aspirated vehicles running 8.50 or faster in the ¼ mile 5.45 or
faster 1/8th mile. On all vehicles running nitrous oxide,
superchargers or turbochargers device is required at 9.99 in the ¼
mile or 6.30 in the 1/8th mile.
PARACHUTE: MANDATORY on entries running 150 mph or
quicker in the quarter mile (1/4) or 125 mph or quicker in the 1/8th
mile
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING: Full length pants; short or long
sleeved shirt; closed shoes; and socks. No shorts. No tank tops.
No open toe or open heel shoes or sandals. Synthetic clothing not
recommended.
10.00 (*6.40) to 13.99 (*8.59); all E.T. non-OEM
supercharged, non-OEM turbocharged, or nitrous-
equipped cars with an OEM or .024-inch steel firewall:
Jacket meeting SFI Spec 3.2A/1 MANDATORY. 10.00
(*6.40) to 13.99 (*8.59); all E.T. supercharged,
turbocharged, or nitrous-equipped cars without a full
OEM or .024-inch steel firewall: Jacket meeting SFI Spec
3.2A/5 and gloves meeting SFI Spec 3.3/1 MANDATORY.
ROLL CAGE: Roll cage MANDATORY on all entries running
9.99 seconds or quicker in the quarter mile (1/4) or 6.39 seconds or
quicker in the eighth mile (1/8) and must have a current Chassis
Certification. See SFI Specifications and General Regulations.
Roll cage padding meeting SFI Spec 45.1 MANDATORY on any
vehicle running 9.99 (*6.39) and quicker. Padding must be used
anywhere driver’s helmet may come in contact with roll cage
components.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT: One working tail light
MANDATORY. Flashing, blinking, or strobe lights
PROHIBITED.
THROTTLE STOPS: PROHIBITED in AHRA No Box
Bracket Class. A throttle stop is classified as any device that
inhibits the full range of the throttle blades or the limitation of air
entering the engine that is not a direct action of the drivers human
input on the throttle.
TOW VEHICLES: Permitted.
TRANSMISSION BRAKE: Permitted.
TRANSMISSION SHIELD: Transmission shield meeting SFI
Spec 4.1 MANDATORY on any vehicle running 9.99 (*6.39) and
quicker.

54
WINDOW NET: Window net meeting SFI Spec
27.1 MANDATORY in any full bodied car required by the rules
to have a roll cage.

GRAND AMERICAN SPORTSMAN HEADS UP

CLASSES

ECONO COMP CATEGORY

**Econo Comp is for purpose built front and rear engine dragsters,
funny cars, center and side steer roadsters or altereds. Tow cars are
allowed. This information is limited to Econo Comp Eliminator
Rules only; refer to the General Safety Regulations section of the
current AHRA Rulebook to determine the possibility of other rules
which may apply to your particular vehicle in relation to the
current configuration or ET/speeds for which it is capable or Safety
Requirements that may further apply.** This category is run on a
.400 heads up tree only! A total of five classes of competition for
naturally aspirated (no power adder) vehicles. This class is
determined by TOTAL Car Weight (as raced) divided by the
TOTAL Cubic Inch Displacement with the driver sitting in the
drivers seat. Class Weigh-In and Cubic Inch Measurement will
occur before qualifying and randomly thereafter throughout
eliminations. Class Weight Breakdown is as follows:

Weight –to-Cubic Inch

Class Designator A= 3.70 - 3.99 #’s /Cubic Inch
Class Designator B= 4.00 - 4.29 #’s /Cubic Inch
55
Class Designator C= 4.30 - 4.59 #’s /Cubic Inch
Class Designator D= 4.60 - 4.99 #’s /Cubic Inch
Class Designator E= >5.00 #’s /Cubic Inch

DESIGNATIONS:
EC/A, EC/B, EC/C, EC/D, EC/E

BALLAST: Is permissible but limited to 50 lbs. Ballast must be

bolted directly to the chassis or in an approved ballast box.
BATTERY: Onboard battery or external batteries are permitted. A
maximum of two onboard batteries allowed; maximum weight wet
and fully charged, including battery box is 100 lbs.
BODY: Any Funny Car body from 1984 or earlier, body must
represent a production vehicle with identifiable design features.
Front and Rear Engine Dragsters, Roadsters or Altereds from 1955
or earlier with open top bodies and a full tube chassis. For
Example but not limited to: Roadsters/Altereds, Bantam
Roadsters/Altereds, Fiat Topolino side and center steer.
BRAKES: A minimum of two (2) hydraulic brakes are required on
all open bodied cars, all full bodied cars must have 4 wheel brakes.
Master cylinder must be above frame. Application and release
must be a direct function of the driver. The use of electronic,
pneumatic or any other devices may in no way affect brake
operations. All entries with aftermarket brake systems must
incorporate a positive stop that will prevent the pedal from
extending over center. All line locks must be self-returning upon
release of switch and return system to normal operating mode.
Automated and/or secondary braking systems are prohibited in all
classes.
BUMPERS: Altered and Roadster bumpers are optional.
DRIVELINE: Reverse Gear required.
ENGINE: Engine Block: One engine only naturally aspirated (no
power adders). Engine Blocks are to be of a cast iron, mass
produced OEM production or aftermarket reproductions of a
factory block only, Cooling system is optional. Aftermarket
reproductions of a factory block are allowed up to a 496 Cubic
Inch Limit, MUST be AHRA approved and the engine architecture
must have been available in a production automobile or truck (For
Example: No Fontana, No BAE Hemi, No DRCE, No Keith
Black). No Billet or competition only engine blocks allowed
regardless of manufacturer or part number, the engine architecture
MUST have been available in a passenger car or truck. All engines
are subject to AHRA tech inspector’s judgment of allowance to
determine if it fits the original intent of the class. Any modification

56
may be made to engine and or components, including clutch and
flywheel (if equipped).
Cylinder Heads: Must be cast (iron or aluminum) mass production
OEM stock or aftermarket reproductions of OEM cylinder heads
representing a stock valve angle production cylinder head. Valve
angles will be verified and are allowed within +/- 2 degrees of
factory valve angles. OEM valve arrangement for example: I/E –
I/E – I/E – I/E cannot be changed to E/I – E/I – E/I – E/I. The
rearrangement of OEM valve configurations of an OEM or
aftermarket cylinder head is prohibited. Aftermarket Billet
Cylinder heads are prohibited. Cylinder head architecture must
have been available for purchase on a mass produced factory
production vehicle.
Intake and Carburation: Mechanical Fuel Injection, Electronic
Fuel Injection and Carburation permitted. Intake must be Cast Iron
or Cast Aluminum and was previously or is still mass produced.
For Example; cast aluminum or iron Single Plane or Dual Plane
intake manifold is acceptable. Cast Aluminum Cross Ram and
Tunnel Ram intakes are allowed (Weiand 1994, Edelbrock X-C8,
Edelbrock TR1 and derivatives), Mechanical Fuel Injection from
any manufacturer is permitted (but not limited to GM, Hilborn,
Enderlle, Kinsler, Crower). Electronic Fuel Injection is permitted
but the intake manifold must be cast aluminum or iron. Any
Plastic, Phenolic, Composite or sheet metal fabricated intake
manifolds are prohibited, regardless of manufacturer or part
number. No external visual modifications are allowed to the intake
manifold including Chopped, cut, sectioned and re-proportioned
intake manifolds are prohibited regardless of material, with
exception in the installation of EFI or Mechanical Injector bosses.
Two Standard 4500/4150 style 4-barrel or Three 2-Barrel
Carburetors permitted. Any size EFI throttle body is permitted.
EXHAUST SYSTEM: Headers of any configuration
FENDERS: Fenders on Roadsters are optional
FLYWHEEL/CLUTCH: Use of stock type, cast Iron Flywheels
and pressure pates is prohibited. Blow proof explosion resistant
units are mandatory.
TRANSMISSION: Automatic Transmissions permitted.
Transbrakes permitted.
WEIGHT: Weighing required on all cars to determine
classification at the strip. Any item added to the cars as a safety
device must be used for that specific purpose. Disguised ballast is
not acceptable and is grounds for immediate discharge from the
event. Car must weight upon entry and randomly throughout the
event. Weight breaks are required to maintain an order of

57
regularity between the vast majority of technological advance and
are as follows:

Cast Iron Cylinder Heads – 150 lbs

Cast Iron Intake Manifold – 50 lbs
Dual Plane Intake Manifold – 50 lbs
Wet Sump Oil System – 50 lbs
Cooling System – 50 lbs

FUEL: Racing Gasoline, E85 and Methanol are permitted.

Nitromethane in any percentage is prohibited.
ELECTRONICS: Electronic Ignitions and High side rev limiters
are permitted. Starting line rev limiters, Data Recorders, delay
boxes, throttle stops, stutter boxes, solenoid/pneumatic activated
shifting devices are strictly prohibited and are grounds for
immediate removal from the class. Any 2-Step, Rev-Limiter or any
RPM-Limiting device, legal otherwise but altered or installed so as
to function as a down track timed RPM controller or throttle
controller is strictly prohibited and grounds for disqualification.
Data Logging is not allowed during eliminations. A data logging
activation switch must be mounted on the exterior of a vehicle that
has data logging capability, clearly labeled, and can only be
activated by a crewmember during time trials or testing. If a
participant is found to be data logging during eliminations, the
vehicle and driver will be immediately disqualified. AHRA
Officials have the authority to determine anything on the spot that
may not be listed in the rules for disqualification from competition
if they feel the equipment is not within the intentions of the class.

NOSTALGIA MODIFIED CATEGORY

Nostalgia Modified is for cars capable of starting and returning to

the Pit Area after completing a run under their own power. Bodies,
Engines, Drivetrains, Chassis may not be altered, modified or
58
relocated except as noted under class requirements. The idea of
Nostalgia Modified was to keep within the tradition of the era of
Modified through the 1979 Season. That does not indicate “Period
Correct” as many technological and safety advancements have
been made since 1979, but as long as the participant vehicle stays
within the intentions of the era 1955-1979 and meets the
aforementioned class rules, it should be considered for
participation. The Nostalgia Modified Class is reserved for
American-Built cars with American Automobile production
engines. Body, engine, drivetrain, chassis, etc. may not be altered,
modified, or relocated as outlined in class requirements. No tow
cars allowed.
For Example:
Period Correct and Modern Wheels are allowed. The modern
wheels must be representative of the 1955-1979 era of Modified.

Period Correct or Modern Gauges are allowed. They do not

provide a performance advantage.

High RPM Limiters and Electronic ignitions are allowed as

ignition advancement has led to better performance, safety, vehicle
reliability and overall less maintenance while it does not take away
from the 1955-1979 era. In no way shape or form will starting line
rev limiters be allowed.

Hood Scoops must be 1955-1979 era specific. Modern or aero

scoops are not acceptable since the evolution of the hood scoop
was solely based upon performance.

Ten classes of competition for naturally aspirated (no power adder)

cars. This class is determined by TOTAL Car Weight (as raced)
divided by the TOTAL Cubic Inch Displacement with the driver
sitting in the drivers seat. Class Weigh-In and Cubic Inch
Measurement will occur before qualifying and randomly thereafter
throughout eliminations. Class Weight Breakdown is as follows:

Weight –to-Cubic Inch

Class Designator A= 5 - 5.99 #’s /Cubic Inch
Class Designator B= 6 - 6.99 #’s /Cubic Inch
Class Designator C= 7 - 7.99 #’s /Cubic Inch
Class Designator D= 8 - 8.99 #’s /Cubic Inch
Class Designator E= 9 - 9.99 #’s /Cubic Inch
Class Designator F= 10 - 10.99 #’s /Cubic Inch
Class Designator G= 11 - 11.99 #’s /Cubic Inch
Class Designator H= 12 - 12.99 #’s /Cubic Inch
59
Class Designator I= 13 - 13.99 #’s /Cubic Inch
Class Designator J= > 13.99 #’s /Cubic Inch

DESIGNATIONS:
NM/A, NM/B, NM/C, NM/D, NM/E, NM/F, NM/G, NM/H, NM/I,
NM/J

BALLAST: Is permissible, limited to 100 lbs and must be used

with a weight box.
BATTERY: Trunk Installation Permitted. Two allowed;
maximum weight wet and fully charged, including battery box is
100 lbs.
BODY: Must be a passenger car body originally produced by an
American automobile manufacturer. Moderate customizing,
chopping, channeling or sectioning is not permitted on any car in
this section. Body must not be altered in height, width, length or
body contour. Use of fiberglass replacement panels are limited to
the hood, front and rear bumpers but must mimic the exact shape
and contour of the original factory panel. If bumpers were
originally chrome, fiberglass replacements must have a similar
finish (silver painted is not acceptable as it does not project the
same outward appearance as chrome). The removal of body parts
and fenders is not permitted. Production sports cars, pickups (El
Camino and Ranchero) may compete in this class. All cars must
have fully operative mechanical door handles to permit entry/exit
from either side. Raising body and/or frame to gain weight transfer
is prohibited. Car must remain level at a standstill when equipped
with competition rear tires, except those with a forward rake. Rear
rocker panel or running board must not be higher than the
centerline of the rear axle.
BRAKES: Four wheel hydraulic brakes mandatory.
BUMPERS: Complete stock appearing bumpers front and rear
required. Sports car (Cobra, Corvette) bumpers are optional.
DRIVELINE: May be modified or fabricated to fit altered
combinations. One (1) drive shaft loop required on all cars running
drag racing specific tires (slicks or drag radials) or 9.99 seconds or
quicker in the quarter mile (1/4) or 6.49 seconds or quicker in the
eighth mile (1/8).
DRIVER: Must be in stock location. Revision of seat location is
prohibited.
ENGINE: Engine Block: must have a cooling system, be self-
starting, naturally aspirated (no power adders) and of the same
make of the vehicle. Engine Blocks are to be of a cast iron, mass
produced OEM production or aftermarket reproductions of a
factory block only. Aftermarket reproductions of a factory block
60
are allowed up to a 430 Cubic Inch Limit, MUST be AHRA
approved and the engine architecture must have been available in
1979 or before (For Example: No Modular Fords, No LSX
Engines, No Modern Hemi). No Billet or competition only engine
blocks allowed regardless of manufacturer or part number, the
engine architecture MUST have been available in a passenger car
from the 1955-1979 era. All engines are subject to AHRA tech
inspector’s judgment of allowance to determine if it fits the
original intent of the class. One engine only. Any modification
may be made to engine and or components, including clutch and
flywheel. Engine setback is not permitted, raising of the engine is
prohibited. Rear Engine location prohibited unless vehicle was
produced as a rear engine car in which the original engine was
retained.
CYLINDER HEADS: Must be cast (iron or aluminum) mass
production OEM stock or aftermarket reproductions of OEM
cylinder heads representing a stock valve angle production cylinder
head. Valve angles will be verified and are allowed within +/- 2
degrees of factory valve angles. OEM valve arrangement for
example: I/E – I/E – I/E – I/E cannot be changed to E/I – E/I – E/I
– E/I. The rearrangement of OEM valve configurations of an OEM
or aftermarket cylinder head is prohibited. Aftermarket Billet
Cylinder heads are prohibited. Cylinder head architecture must
have been available for purchase in 1979 or before.
INTAKE AND CARBURATION: Intake must be Cast Iron or
Aluminum and in tradition of the 1955-1979 era of Modified. For
Example; cast aluminum or iron Single Plane or Dual Plane intake
manifold is acceptable. Cast Aluminum Cross Ram and Tunnel
Ram intakes specific to the 1955-1979 era are allowed (For
Example: Weiand 1994, Edelbrock X-C8, Edelbrock TR1 and
derivatives produced in the 1955-1979 era). Sheet metal Intake
Manifolds are prohibited, regardless of manufacturer. Chopped,
cut, sectioned and re-proportioned intake manifolds are prohibited
regardless of material. No external visual modifications are
allowed to the intake manifold. Two Standard 4500/4150 style 4-
barrel or Three 2-Barrel Carburetors maximum. Individual Runner
Intakes are prohibited. Fuel Injection is prohibited.
EXHAUST SYSTEM: Open Exhaust with headers is permitted.
Tailpipes and/or mufflers optional.
FENDERS: Rear Fenders may be radiused for appearance only.
Maximum Allowable vertical clearance is 2 inches. All parts of the
tire tread and wheel must be inside of the stock body or fender line.
Flaring or bulging of the fenders for wider tires is prohibited. All
radiused fenders must be re rolled.

61
FENDER SPLASH PANS: Optional, but if installed can be
trimmed to allow a maximum of 2 inch clearance around headers.
FIREWALL: Alteration or revision to allow engine conversion is
not permitted, but firewall may be recontoured for distributor
clearance ONLY and must be properly refinished. Modifications to
the firewall for clearance for carburetors, intake manifold, cylinder
heads etc. is not permitted.
FLYWHEEL/CLUTCH: Use of stock type, cast Iron Flywheels
and pressure pates is prohibited. Blow proof explosion resistant
units are mandatory.
FUEL SYSTEM: Original stock type fuel tanks from a production
vehicle is permitted. If stock tanks with the filler neck located in
the trunk is utilized, a pressure cap is required and it must be
vented outside the vehicle exactly like a fuel cell. Trunk then must
be completely isolated from the drivers compartment with a
suitable firewall material with steel or aluminum (refer to standard
safety rules). Accessory tanks not permitted. Fuel blocks are
acceptable. Fuel cells are acceptable in a minimum of 5 gallon size
to a maximum of 15 gallons.
FRAME: Vehicles must use the stock automobile frame for the
car body used. Rear sub-frames may be replaced with rectangular
steel tubing of similar dimensions as the frame being replaced,
frame rails may be modified for tire clearance only. Front to rear
frame strengthening members may be added to any uni-body
constructed car, they may be up to 2”X 3” material with .120 wall
thickness located in a straight line between the front and rear sub-
frames. If material passes through the floor, the floor must be
welded to the member. Cross members may not be altered or
relocated except as required for engine or transmission swaps,
shock absorber or traction bar installations.
GRILLE: Must be the full stock production for the whole body
used. No covering in front or behind allowed.
HOOD: Required on all cars. Carburetors must be completely
covered by hood, a bubble or scoop, which must be part of the cars
hood. Any hood scoop must be functional and built to prevent any
siphoning of gasoline. Tilt or completely removable front ends are
not permitted.
INSTRUMENTS: Stock appearing dashboards must be retained,
reproductions or similar appearing units allowed. Optional
Instruments (tachometer, vacuum gauge, pressure gauges, etc.) are
permitted.
RADIATOR: Full size stock dimension radiator required for the
type of body used. Radiator may be moved to permit installation of
a longer engine only if it does not require cutting, denting, or

62
elimination of any body, fender radiator or grille panels. Radiator
splash pans may be cut for engine swap clearance.
REAR END: Must use stock production type rear end, any rear
end from any make. Ratchet type (limited slip) or locked rear ends
are acceptable. Quick change rearends or competition only
rearends are not permitted. No welded spider gears allowed. Four-
wheel-drive cars not permitted. The use of two speed rear ends is
not allowed. Sports cars with independent rear suspensions may
convert to solid rear axles and must use an automotive production
rearend.
SPOILERS: Must be automotive production items for car body
used. Complete package, front and rear not required.
STREET EQUIPMENT: Full street equipment required,
including fan(s), lights and stock type water pump (electric water
pumps prohibited, electric motor driven water pumps are
acceptable but require the stock type of pump (I.E. Moroso 63750).
Horn, windshield, wipers, wiper motors, outside rear view mirrors
and hand brake optional. All equipment must be operable at all
times. Accessory drive belts must be tight enough to drive the
accessory in a satisfactory manner and without excessive or
noticeable slippage. Thermostatically controlled accessory fans are
permitted.
SUSPENSION: Must retain complete stock front suspension
system as produced by the manufacturer on the assembly line for
the body used. Front suspension, body and frame must be of the
same year, make and model. Rear suspension must be same type as
factory produced. Leaf springs on leaf spring equipped cars, coil
spring on coil spring equipped cars and transverse leaf spring on
transverse leaf spring equipped cars. At least one hydraulic shock
absorber must be used for each wheel. Rear Coil Over Shocks are
permitted on a trial basis for the 2021 Season. Minimum down
travel of the shocks is 1”. Suspension components, including
traction bars, may not extend through the original floor of the car.
The interior floor must remain as originally produced as in the
contours and materials. Independent rear suspension equipped
vehicles may convert rear suspensions to a mass produced type of
rear suspension typically found in a solid rear axle factory style
rear suspension for the sake of safety and longevity. IRS
conversions must follow the rear frame rail, suspension and rear
end limitations as all other vehicles within the class.
TIRES: Slicks which fit in the original outer wheel well permitted.
Inner wheel wells may be altered but must be finished to a like
factory condition.
TRACTION BARS: Traction bars or similar functioning devises
used to transmit rear axel torque to the frame, thus preventing
63
violent rear spring wind-up under acceleration or deceleration, are
considered safety equipment and are therefore highly encouraged.
However, units must not be longer in overall length than ½ of the
cars wheelbase. Traction bars and/or mounting brackets to the rear
axel housing must not be lower than the lowest edge of the rear
wheel rim.
TRANSMISSION: Must have a full manual transmission with full
shift pattern and gears for the transmission used. Transmission may
be of any year, make or model. Aftermarket transmission is
accepted as long as the clutch must be used to shift each gear in a
conventional stick shift manner. Any gear ratio is acceptable. A
minimum of three forward gears and one reverse gear is required
on all transmissions. Transmissions must remain in the
conventional location, determined by the engine used.
UPHOLSTERY: Interior gutting is prohibited. Full upholstery
must be retained, equivalent to factory specification as possible.
Headliners, package trays, door panels, dash and dash pad are
required at a minimum. A concours restoration is not required, but
parts must be in operable and functional shape. Since most of the
vehicles may not have reproduction parts available, similarly
modified pieces can be used in place of OEM pieces but must
retain a factory appearance. Floor mats, carpets, glove box, and sun
visors are optional. Bucket seats may replace stock seats (two
required), only if they are fully upholstered. Rear seats are
optional. Factory type upholstery and/or paneling must be used in
place of rear seats.
WEIGHT: Weighing required on all cars to determine
classification at the strip. Any item added to the cars as a safety
device must be used for that specific purpose. Disguised ballast is
not acceptable and is grounds for immediate discharge from the
event. Car must weight upon entry and randomly throughout the
event. Weight breaks are required to maintain an order of
regularity between the vast majority of technological advance and
are as follows:
Cast Iron Cylinder Heads – 150 lbs
Cast Iron Intake Manifold – 50 lbs
Cast Iron Transmission case – 40 lbs
Brass Copper Radiator – 25 lbs
Fender Splash Pans – 20 lbs
Wet Sump Oil System – 50 lbs
Steel Hood – 30 lbs
Steel Bumpers – 50 lbs
Steel Gas Tank – 20 lbs
Factory Hood Hinges – 10 lbs
Factory Bumper Brackets – 20 lbs
64
WHEELBASE: All cars must retain the stock wheelbase and
tread width for the car body used. All cars in this section may not
have a wheelbase variance from left to right or more than 1 inch.
WHEELS: Automotive type wheels suitable for street use are
required. Magnesium and Aluminum wheels are acceptable.
Lightweight automotive type wire wheels or motorcycle wheels are
prohibited. Minimum wheel diameter of 14 inches is allowed.
WINDOWS: Full safety glass is required for all windows and
windshield. All window mechanisms must be stock and fully
functional at all times. All windshields and windows must be clear
except for factory-tinted safety glass.
FUEL: Racing Gasoline only is permitted. E85 and Methanol are
not permitted.
ELECTRONICS: Electronic Ignitions and High side rev limiters
are permitted. Electronic Ignition boxes will be hidden from view
and painted black. Pedal Magnets, Starting line rev limiters, delay
boxes, throttle stops, stutter boxes, solenoid/pneumatic activated
shifting devices and any other electronic device not available in
1979 or before are strictly prohibited and are grounds for
immediate removal from the class. AHRA Officials have the
authority to determine anything on the spot that may not be listed
in the rules for disqualification from competition if they feel the
equipment is not within the intentions of the Nostalgia Modified
Class.
**This information is limited to Nostalgia Modified Production
Rules only; refer to the General Safety Regulations section of
the current AHRA Rulebook to determine the possibility of
other rules which may apply to your particular vehicle in
relation to the current configuration or ET/speeds for which it
is capable or Safety Requirements that may further apply.**

GRAND AMERICAN SPORTSMAN INDEX

CATEGORY

65
These rules are specific for the Grand American Sportsman Index
category and apply to all 6 classes within the category. This
category runs on a .500 heads up tree for all indexes. **This
Category is intended for Index racing and is unlimited to the
type of vehicle entered. It is not for the faint of heart. If it runs
the index, it runs the index! Cars, Bikes, Trucks…….** IN
ADDITION TO THE FOLLOWING RULES, ALSO SEE AHRA
SAFETY AND GENERAL RULES. Motorcycles refer to the
Motorcycle class rules and safety standards pertaining to your
entry, with exception of delay box/devices, if participating in
Sportsman Index Classes. **This information is limited to
Grand American Index category only; refer to the General
Safety Regulations section of the current AHRA Rulebook to
determine the possibility of other rules which may apply to
your particular vehicle in relation to the ET/speeds for which it
is capable or Safety Requirements that may further apply.**

INDEX CLASSES AND DESIGNATIONS

1/8th Mile

5.00

5.50

6.00

6.50

7.00

7.50

All vehicles entered into this category will display the letter
“A” and the index for which class they intend to run with their
entry. For Example: A/6.50

66
REQUIREMENTS and SPECIFICATIONS:
ARM RESTRAINTS: MANDATORY in open bodied cars
running 11.99 (*7.49) or quicker.
AXLES: Aftermarket axles and axle retention device
MANDATORY on entries running 10.99 seconds and quicker in
the quarter mile (1/4) or 6.99 seconds and quicker in the eighth
mile (1/8).
BATTERIES: Batteries must be securely mounted, may not be
located in driver compartment.
BALLAST: Permitted. See General Regulations.
BRAKES: Full body cars must have 4 wheel brakes. Cars
running 8.49 seconds or quicker in the quarter mile (1/4) or 5.49
seconds or quicker in the eighth mile (1/8) must have dual stage
master cylinder. Entries with two wheel brakes require parachute.
CREDENTIALS: Valid AHRA / NHRA / IHRA competition
license MANDATORY for cars running 9.99 (*6.39) or quicker.
Valid state or government-issued driver’s license MANDATORY.
DATA RECORDERS: Permitted in Bracket and Index Classes to
only be used during non-elimination rounds (and cannot be used
during a bye-run once starting elimination rounds). Data Logging
during elimination rounds is grounds for immediate
disqualification from the event. 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, mechanisms, etc., nor by the Christmas
Tree, radio transmitters, sensing of wheel speed, inertia, laser
device, or transmission of track position. The data recorder must
be activated by a separate switch that requires a separate action
(with respect to all other devices) by only crewperson. The switch
may neither be connected to nor be incorporated into any other
device or component. Fifth wheel sensing devices PROHIBITED
on all vehicles (includes wheelie-bar wheels). All lines sensing
flow, pressure, etc. of fuel or oil must be metallic or steel braided.
For non OEM data recorder applications, the transmission or
display of any vehicle performance data gathered or processed by
the data recorder, to the driver or any remote location, during the
run, is PROHIBITED. Data may be reviewed (printout, replay,
etc.) only after the run. Any device (mechanical, hydraulic,
pneumatic, electrical, optical, etc.) other than OEM type
that assists in determining track location of the competitor’s own
vehicle or opponent’s vehicle is PROHIBITED. Only OEM style
mirrors, mounted in conventional fashion, permitted. Discovery of
a device that displays, indicates, or transmits “on track,” “track
location,” or “elapsed time” type data will be grounds for

67
immediate disqualification from the event. Additional penalties
may be imposed at the discretion of AHRA.
DEFLECTOR PLATE: MANDATORY on rear engine
dragsters.
DELAY BOX/DEVICE: Permitted, including long throw
mechanical buttons. One delay box/device is permitted; it may be
attached to the trans brake, shift timer, and/or throttle timer only.
The wire to the trans brake (or line-loc) may contain a splice that
activates the two-step/launch-control device in the ignition system.
No other wiring shall be connected directly or indirectly between
any other part of the ignition system or any other devices (such as
data recorders, tachometers, suspension components, fuel-
injection system, etc.) and the delay box/device. All wiring
associated with the delay device, throttle stop timer, ignition
system, automatic shifter, tachometer, data recorder, and fuel
injection system must be fully visible, labeled, and traceable. The
rpm based automatic shifters that are incorporated into some delay
boxes/devices may not be used for any purpose. The built in
tachometer that is incorporated into some delay boxes/devices may
not be used for any purpose. Except for the disabling of automatic
shifter and built in tachometer functions, delay devices and
associated components (such as trans-brakes, automatic shifters,
throttle-stop timers, data recorders, tachometers, fuel injection
system, etc.) must be utilized in an unaltered manner consistent
with the manufacturer’s installation and instruction books unless
otherwise approved. Delay boxes/devices, throttle controllers,
automatic shifters, etc. that provide on/off indications (based on
time and/or rpm) may be located within the driver’s view. Only
those throttle-stop, automatic shifter, etc. operations actually being
used may be indicated. The use of any other visual, audible, etc.
indications that are transmitted to the driver in any form that
provide on-track data are PROHIBITED.
DRIVE LINE: One (1) drive shaft loop required on all cars
running drag racing specific tires (slicks or drag radials) or 9.99
seconds or quicker in the quarter mile (1/4) or 6.49 seconds or
quicker in the eighth mile (1/8).
DRIVER RESTRAINT SYSTEM: Seat belt MANDATORY in
all cars. Driver restraint system meeting SFI Spec 16.1or 16.5
MANDATORY in any car running 11.49 (*7.35) or quicker, in
convertibles running 13.49 (*8.25) or quicker, and all dune buggy
type vehicles running 12.00 (*7.50) or slower. Restraint system
meeting SFI Spec 16.1 or 16.5, when required, includes crotch
strap and must be updated at 2-year intervals from date of
manufacture.

68
ELECTRONICS: Line lock and transmission brake permitted.
All switches and or buttons must be standard mechanical
connection type.
FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM: Onboard fire suppression
system meeting SFI Spec 17.1 on all closed body cars 8.49 seconds
or quicker in quarter mile (1/4) or 5.49 seconds or quicker in the
eighth mile (1/8) MANDATORY. Must be installed per
manufacturer’s instructions. Safety pins must be red flagged. On
all other closed body entries, a properly secured fire extinguisher is
RECOMMENDED.
FLEXPLATE AND SHIELD: Flex plate meeting SFI Spec 29.1
and shield meeting SFI Spec 30.1 are MANDATORY on entries
running 9.99 seconds or quicker in the quarter mile (1/4) and 6.49
seconds or quicker in the eighth mile (1/8).
FLOOR: Floor on all cars 8.49 seconds or quicker in the quarter
mile (1/4) or 5.49 seconds or quicker in the eighth mile (1/8).
Must have a minimum thickness floor of .024 inch steel on the
driver side and welded to chassis. All other places may be .040
inch aluminum.
HARMONIC BALANCER: Harmonic balancer meeting SFI
Spec 18.1 MANDATORY on entries 9.99 seconds or quicker in
the quarter mile (1/4) or 6.49 seconds or quicker in the eighth mile
(1/8).
HEAD PROTECTOR: MANDATORY on any car with a roll
bar or roll cage.
HELMET: For all 10.00 to 13.99 closed-bodied cars, either an
open-face or a full face helmet meeting Snell M2010 or greater,
K2010 or greater, SA2010 or greater standard, or SFI Spec 31.1,
41.1 with or without a shield is MANDATORY. For all 10.00 and
slower dune buggy type vehicles and all 10.00 to 13.99 open
bodied front engine or rear engine supercharged, turbocharged,
nitrous, or naturally aspirated cars, a full face helmet meeting Snell
M2010 or greater, K2010 or greater, SA2010 or greater standard,
or SFI Spec 31.1, 41.1 and shield mandatory (goggles prohibited).
For all 9.99 and quicker closed bodied cars, a full face helmet
meeting Snell M2010 or greater, K2010 or greater, SA2010 or
greater standard, SFI Spec 31.1, 41.1 MANDATORY; shield
permitted (goggles prohibited). For all 9.99 and quicker open
bodied front engine or rear engine supercharged, turbocharged, or
nitrous cars, a full face helmet meeting Snell SA2010 or greater
standard, SFI Spec 31.1 shield MANDATORY (goggles
prohibited). For all 9.99 or quicker open bodied front engine or
rear engine naturally aspirated cars, a full face helmet meeting
Snell M2010 or greater, K2010 or greater, SA2010 or greater

69
standard, or SFI Spec 31.1, 41.1 and shield MANDATORY
(goggles prohibited).
IGNITION: 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 down track rpm controller, PROHIBITED. The wire
to the trans brake (or line-loc) may contain a splice that activates
the 2-step / launch control device in the ignition system. All wiring
associated with the ignition system must be fully visible, labeled,
and traceable.
INSTRUMENTS: One tachometer permitted. No wiring (other
than the two step/launch control wire that splices into the trans
brake or line-lock control wire) shall be connected directly or
indirectly between any part of the ignition system and the delay
box/device. Driveshaft sensor may be connected to either the
tachometer OR the data recorder, but not both. Must be one single
wire, with no splices, and easily traceable.
CREDENTIALS: Each driver of a vehicle entered in any event
must have a valid state or government-issued driver’s license
beyond a learner’s permit level and must hold a
AHRA/NHRA/IHRA Competition License (subject to inspection
by officials at any time) if competitor vehicle runs 9.99 or quicker
in ¼ mile or 6.39 or quicker 1/8 mile. All competitors at AHRA
events must be a minimum of 16 years of age.
LIQUID OVERFLOW: Catch can MANDATORY for coolant
overflow. Antifreeze/glycol PROHIBITED.
MASTER CUTOFF: MANDATORY on any car with a battery
running 9.99 (*6.39) or quicker, any car exceeding 135 mph, or on
any car where the battery is relocated into the trunk area.
NECK COLLAR/HEAD AND NECK RESTRAINT DEVICE
SYSTEM: Neck collar meeting SFI Spec 3.3 MANDATORY in
all cars running 9.99 (*6.39) or quicker or cars exceeding 135 mph.
A head and neck restraint device/system meeting SFI Spec 38.1
may be used in lieu of a neck collar.
OIL-RETENTION DEVICE: MANDATORY on naturally
aspirated vehicles running 8.50 or faster in the ¼ mile 5.45 or
faster 1/8th mile. On all vehicles running nitrous oxide,
superchargers or turbochargers device is required at 9.99 in the ¼
mile or 6.30 in the 1/8th mile.
PARACHUTE: MANDATORY on entries running 150 mph or
quicker in the quarter mile (1/4) or 125 mph or quicker in the
eighth mile (1/8).
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING: Full length pants; short or long
sleeved shirt; closed shoes; and socks. No shorts. No tank tops.
70
No open toe or open heel shoes or sandals. Synthetic clothing not
recommended. 10.00 (*6.40) to 13.99 (*8.59); all E.T. non-OEM
supercharged, non-OEM turbocharged, or nitrous-equipped
cars with an OEM or .024-inch steel firewall: Jacket meeting
SFI Spec 3.2A/1 MANDATORY. 10.00 (*6.40) to 13.99 (*8.59);
all E.T. supercharged, turbocharged, or nitrous-equipped cars
without a full OEM or .024-inch steel firewall: Jacket meeting
SFI Spec 3.2A/5 and gloves meeting SFI Spec 3.3/1
MANDATORY.
ROLL CAGE: Roll cage MANDATORY on all entries running
9.99 seconds or quicker in the quarter mile (1/4) or 6.39 seconds or
quicker in the eighth mile (1/8) and must have a current Chassis
Certification. See SFI Specifications and General Regulations.
Roll cage padding meeting SFI Spec 45.1 MANDATORY on any
vehicle running 9.99 (*6.39) and quicker. Padding must be used
anywhere driver’s helmet may come in contact with roll cage
components.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT: One working tail light
MANDATORY. Flashing, blinking, or strobe lights
PROHIBITED.
THROTTLE STOPS: PROHIBITED in all AHRA Index Classes.
A throttle stop is classified as any device that inhibits the full range
of the throttle blades or the limitation of air entering the engine that
is not a direct action of the drivers human input on the throttle.
TOW VEHICLES: Permitted
TRANSMISSION BRAKE: Permitted
TRANSMISSION SHIELD: Transmission shield meeting SFI
Spec 4.1 MANDATORY on any vehicle running 9.99 (*6.39) and
quicker.
WINDOW NET: Window net meeting SFI Spec
27.1 MANDATORY in any full bodied car required by the rules
to have a roll cage.

71
EXHIBITION VEHICLES

Although vehicles in this division don’t necessarily compete in a

specific AHRA class, they must comply with all basic safety
regulations for their respective type vehicle as per the AHRA
Rulebook and its supplements. A valid AHRA/IHRA/NHRA
Competition license and or registration is MANDATORY. Chassis
inspection MANDATORY on 9.90 and quicker (6.39 and quicker
1/8 mile). All vehicle designs and drivers credentials must be
accepted prior to participation at any AHRA event. Contact the
AHRA competition department for a list of accepted participants
and current vehicle types.
ROCKETS: PROHIBITED
WHEELSTANDERS:
All Vehicles must be inspected and approved by the AHRA
COMPETITION DEPARTMENT prior to competition. The driver
must have a current AHRA/IHRA/NHRA competition license for
his/her chosen vehicle. Any additional safety items that the Tech
Director or Tech Committee deems necessary will be required.
Contact AHRA for specific requirements.
JET POWERED VEHICLES:
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: Valid AHRA/IHRA/NHRA
Competition license and chassis inspection. Must be at least 18
years old. Contact AHRA Tech Department for class
requirements.
Minimum weight, chassis, and suspension must meet AHRA
specifications. Contact AHRA office for details. A fine and/or
suspension will result for violation. These are “zero tolerance’‘
limits.
AFTERBURNER-TAILPIPE: All seams must meet at the
bottom, away from tires. Dump valve on afterburner manifold
MANDATORY and must be activated by the primary chute lever.
AIR INTAKE: All intakes must be totally covered by protective
screen, (minimum 1/8”, maximum 3/8”) BRAKES: Caliper type
required on all four wheels.
CATCH CAN: MANDATORY. (minimum capacity 1 quart)

72
CONTROL CABLES: All cables must be a minimum of 3/16
diameter, (afterburner and fuel shutoff) Electronic cables accepted.
All vehicles must have secondary shutoffs on fuel lines and
afterburner system.
DRIVER LOCATION: Must be completely isolated and
protected from all components of the induction, engine, and
exhaust components of vehicle.
DRIVER RESTRAINT SYSTEM: Driver restraint system
meeting SFI Spec 16.1 or 16.5 MADATORY. SFI Spec 16.1 or
16.5 restraint system includes crotch strap and must be updated at
two-year intervals from date of manufacture. See General
Regulations.
FILTER: MANDATORY on hot streak inlet.
FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM: Onboard fire suppression
system meeting SFI Spec 17.1 MANDATORY. 10 Ibs.
MANDATORY on funny cars and oversize vehicles. 5 Ibs.
MANDATORY on enclosed cockpit dragsters.
FUEL TANK: Tank must be round if pressurized. A system
must be employed to vent pressure from tank. (may be electronic
or manually activated)
HELMET: Helmet meeting Snell SA2010 standard or newer, or
SFI Spec 31.1/2010 MANDATORY.
HEAD AND NECK RESTRAINT SYSTEM: Head and neck
restraint system meeting SFI Spec 38.1 MANDATORY.
PARACHUTES: Dual chutes MANDATORY. Primary chute
lever must be a function of primary fuel shutoff. A complete
secondary system is also required with fuel bypass capabilities.
All parachutes must be shielded from tailpipe heat and must have a
minimum spool connection of 1”. All unpacked shroud lines must
be covered by AHRA accepted material. Chute tubes may be steel,
aluminum, or carbon fiber.
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING: For Funny Cars: Driver Suit
meeting SFI Spec 3.2A/20 MANDATORY. For Dragsters: Driver
Suit meeting SFI Spec 3.2A/15 minimum. Gloves and boots for
Funny Cars and Dragsters: SFI Spec 3.3/5 minimum. Neck Collar:
SFI Spec 3.3.
ROLL CAGE: Roll cage meeting SFI Spec 2.2C, 2.3S, or 10.1E
as applicable MANDATORY.
TIRES: Must be automotive type designed for racing.
SEAT: Properly braced and supported seat constructed of
aluminum or fiberglass MANDATORY.
UPHOLSTERY: Optional

73
PAYOUT BONUSES
PERFORMANCE BASED PAYOUT PROGRAM

All Box and No Box E.T. Bracket Races (Street/Modified

Motorcycle Brackets excluded from this program) and Select Index
Races are eligible for Performance Based Payouts.
The intent was to create a “John Henry the Steel Driving Man”
type scenario, where John proved that his skill and efficiency was
mightier than the machine designed to replace him and he was
willing to prove it. Now is the time to prove your worth as a skilled
sportsman! Every job that takes a heightened level of skills and
precision receives higher pay, why not in Drag Racing?
The system works similar to this scenario:
In the Box E.T. Bracket category, it is a cash incentive program to
promote Footbrake and Stick Shift (clutch engagement every gear)
racers to enter the top class to show their true skill against delay
box/device equipped vehicles. It takes nothing away from the delay
device racers who would receive a normal track payout, but in the
case of Performance Based Payout the AHRA throws in our own
hard earned (predetermined amount of money based on track
payouts) cash for the footbrake racer and double the predetermined
amount for the stick shift racer to win the delay box entered
classes, racers must be a current AHRA member to collect this
specialty payout. Sportsman Class would be the same, with
exception of it paying only the Stick Shift Cars for entering the
class with an increase of 50% of the standard track payout purse.
In index classes, the scenario in the above paragraph for Box E.T.
Bracket, is the same with the single exception of non-delay device
entered Motorcycles are allowed to participate in the program but
are only eligible for the footbrake payout due to the type of
shifters, transmissions and clutches available that are difficult to
determine the application.
74
-A footbrake car is classified as a vehicle not relying upon any
delay devices (box or long throw mechanical buttons) to race
the vehicle. 2-steps, line locks and trans brakes are allowed and
considered footbrake.
-A manual transmission car that is eligible for the Stick Shift
Payout is classified as a car that MUST use a clutch
engagement for each gear change and to leave the starting line.
No electronic aids (with exception of a line lock) in launch or
shifting allowed. Manual transmission cars with such
electronic aids will be paid upon winning the class as a
footbrake car as long as there are no delay devices installed.

THE PERFECT RUN BONUS

It’s NO secret that we at the AHRA are all about Sportsman

accomplishment recognition. To show our commitment we have
established the “Perfect Run Bonus” to recognize one of the few
things that rarely happens in Sportsman Bracket and Index Drag
Racing. This program is available to the current AHRA Member
who runs a perfect pass down to the thousandth of a second with a
perfect light!
- You must be a current AHRA Member to collect!
- AHRA Pays $200 for all Perfect Runs during elimination
rounds at an AHRA sanctioned facility, with exception of the
final round!
- AHRA will pay $400 for a final round Perfect Run!
- AHRA will issue a certificate of accomplishment for each
instance!
- Must be during eliminations!

75
GENERAL SAFETY REGULATIONS

INTERPRETATION OF RULES AND MODIFICATIONS

ARE PRESENTED IN A POSITIVE MANNER UNLESS
THE CLASS REQUIREMENT STATES THAT A
MODIFICATION OR OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT IS
PERMITTED, IT WILL NOT BE ALLOWED.

AIR FOILS, WINGS: Air foils, canards, wings, and spoilers

other than original factory equipment are permitted only in open
bodied class cars or as noted in Class Requirements. An installed
positive locking device to prevent movement is MANDATORY.
No part to be within 6 inches of rear tires. Spring loaded spoilers,
wings, or canards PROHIBITED. Adjustment of air foils, wings,
or spoilers during run PROHIBITED. A spoiler is mounted
directly to the deck lid of the vehicle such that air passes only on
the top side of the device. An air foil or wing is mounted on
stands, struts, or pedestals such that air passes over the top and
underneath the device. Minimum fastener size on all front wings,
canards, etc. is ¼ inch. Ball lock pins PROHIBITED.
ALIGNMENT: Each car in competition, regardless of class, must
have sufficient positive caster incorporated into the front end
alignment to insure proper handling at all speeds.
ANTI-BLOW BACK DEVICE: If mandated by class
requirements, a brace or device must be installed that will prevent
the bell housing or adapter shield from being blown rearward in
the event of flywheel or clutch explosions. Material required is
4130 chrome moly with a minimum size of .875-inch x .083-inch
wall tubing with 3/8 inch fasteners. Ball lock pins PROHIBITED.

76
APPAREL: Each member of a participant crew must be fully
attired when present in the staging, starting, and competition areas
of the racetrack. Shoes are MANDATORY. Shorts, bare legs,
tank tops, or bare torsos are PROHIBITED when driving in any
class. See Class Requirements.
APPEARANCE: Vehicles participating in drag racing events
must be presentable in appearance at all times; those considered
improperly prepared may be rejected by the technical inspector.
The appearance of personnel attending contestant vehicles is
equally important and is subject to the same considerations.
ARM RESTRAINTS: Where mandated by Class Requirements,
arm restraints must be worn and adjusted in such a manner that
driver’s hands and arms cannot be extended outside of roll cage or
frame rails. Arm restraints shall be combined with the driver
restraint system such that the arm restraints are released with the
driver restraints.
AUTHORITY: Any condition considered to be unsafe by any
member of the Technical Director will be adequate grounds for
barring or withdrawing a vehicle from participation in any event,
until the fault has been remedied to the satisfaction of the
Technical Director. The decision of the Technical Director will be
considered final in all Inspection, Classification and Elimination
protest or procedures. The AHRA Race director decision is final
in all cases and he has the right to vary the allotted time between
rounds, race procedures, and rules.
AXLE-RETENTION DEVICES: All cars, except as noted in
Class Requirements, must be equipped with a satisfactory means of
rear axle retention; minimum .120-inch aluminum or .090-inch
steel bearing retainer MANDATORY. Stock “C”-clip axle
retention PROHIBITED as outlined in Class Requirements.
BALLAST: As permitted in Class Requirements. Any material
used for the purpose of adding to a car’s total weight must be
permanently attached as a part of the car’s structure, and may not
extend behind the rear of the body or above the height of the rear
tires. No liquid or loose ballast bags, (i.e. water, sand bags, rock,
etc.), allowed. Dragsters will be limited to a maximum of 100 lbs.
of ballast. This ballast must be so placed and constructed as not to
constitute a hazard. Discovery of loose or disguised ballast will
result in disqualification from the event, regardless of whether
infraction occurs during qualifying or eliminations. The ballast
must remain in the car at all times. Removable weight must be
securely fastened to the frame or frame structure by at least two
steel bolts, ½ inch minimum diameter per 100 pounds, or one 3/8
inch steel bolt per 5 pounds, all other weight bars, pucks, etc. must
use minimum ½ inch diameter SAE grade 8 bolts for attachment.
77
The use of railroad track, cylinder heads or other bulky items is
not permitted. Heavier gauge steel floors, frame reinforcing cross
members, or the addition of safety equipment, such as roll bars,
flywheel shields, etc., are all recommended methods of adding to a
car’s total weight. See AHRA ballast diagram. Weight boxes (two
maximum) made of 1/8 inch material may be constructed to hold
small items such as shot bags, lead bars, etc., as long as box and
contents do not weigh more than 100 pounds or as outlined in
Class Requirements. The box must be securely fastened to the
frame or cross member with at least two ½ inch diameter steel
bolts. Any liquid other than engine fuel being used, located behind
the front firewall (on a front engine car), is considered ballast and
is PROHIBITED, except for intercooler tanks that contain water
and/or ice only. Tank must be securely mounted to frame, frame
member, or OEM floor pan. To permit “making a class” due to a
difference in scale calibration, a maximum removable weight of
100 pounds (or as outlined in Class Requirements) is permitted.
Hose clamps, wire, strapping, tape, tie wraps, etc. for securing
weight or ballast PROHIBITED. Acceptable forms of ballast are
1) Heavier gauge steel floors (i.e., 16 or 18 gauge, heavier gauge or
plate steel PROHIBITED); 2) Frame reinforcing cross members;
or 3) The addition of protective equipment such as roll bars,
flywheel shield, etc. If additional ballast is needed and is permitted
by Class Requirements, it must be permanently attached to frame,
bolted with two ½ inch diameter bolts per 100 pounds, with nuts
welded to bolts. See Diagram.

Figure 1: Ballast

BATTERIES: All batteries must be securely mounted; must be of

sufficient capacity to start vehicle at any time. Batteries may not
be relocated into the driver or passenger compartments unless
78
contained within a battery box designed for use in the driver’s
compartment. Rear firewall of .024 inch steel or .032 inch
aluminum (including package tray) required when battery is
relocated in trunk. In lieu of rear firewall, battery may be located
in a sealed .024 inch steel, .032 inch aluminum, or AHRA accepted
poly box. If sealed box is used in lieu of rear firewall, box may not
be used to secure battery and must be vented outside of body.
Relocated battery(s) must be fastened to frame or frame structure
with a minimum of two 3/8 inch diameter bolts. OEM located
batteries without complete OEM hold down hardware must be
secured to OEM battery box/tray using the same 3/8 inch-diameter
bolt hold down method described in previous sentence. (“J” hooks
PROHIBITED or must have open end welded shut.) Metal battery
hold down straps MANDATORY. Strapping tape PROHIBITED.
A max of two automobile batteries, or 150 pounds combined max
weight (unless otherwise specified in Class Requirements), is
permitted. Maximums may vary according to Class Requirements.
BODIES: Each car in competition, regardless of class, must be
equipped with some kind of body (in addition to the frame
structure), surrounding the driver and extending forward to the
firewall. Bodies must be made of flame proof material, and be
constructed so as to prevent the driver’s arms, legs, or body from
coming in contact with wheels, tires, or exhaust system. This
positively includes dragsters. Bodies which have been gutted must
have all sharp edges or projections removed from the inside of the
body to protect driver from cuts or lacerations and must be suitably
reinforced and permanently mounted to the frame or frame
structure. Commercially produced fiberglass copies or carbon fiber
of American automobile bodies will be permitted, providing all
dimensions are the exact duplicates of the original American
automotive manufacturer’s body.
Car must meet all Class Requirements. Cage type roll bar
construction should be used. Body modifications are not allowed.
BRAKES: Brakes on each car, regardless of class, must be in
good working order with two wheel hydraulic brakes on rear
wheels as a minimum requirement. Four wheel hydraulic brakes
are recommended, or as specified under Class Requirements.
Lightening of backing plates, brake drums, and/or brake shoes by
cutting or trimming metal PROHIBITED. Cooling or lightening
holes may not be drilled in cast iron disc brake rotors. Aluminum
rotors PROHIBITED. If hand brake is used, brake handle must be
inside car body or driver compartment and connected to footbrake.
Brake lines must be steel, steel braided, or DOT approved flexible
and routed outside the frame rail, or enclosed in a 16 inch length of
1/8 inch minimum wall thickness steel tubing securely mounted
79
where line(s) pass the flywheel bell housing area and not routed in
the driveline tunnel. All brake lines must be attached to chassis as
per OEM style; hoses must have mounting brackets; no tie wraps,
tape, etc. All brake lines on any rear engine car must be protected
inside of tubing or be braided steel construction where they pass
the engine. All pedals must be covered with non skid material.
Automated or secondary braking systems PROHIBITED. AHRA
accepted hand controls for the physically challenged permitted.
Application and release of brakes must be a direct function of the
driver; electronics, pneumatics, or any other device may in no way
affect or assist brake operation. If brake system includes a
differential pressure switch, line loc installed on front brakes must
have solenoid installed after the differential switch. All line locks
(electric or hydraulic) must be self returning to normal brake
operating mode.
CHASSIS CERTIFICATION: AHRA / NHRA / IHRA chassis
certifications are MANDATORY on all entries running 9.99
seconds or quicker in the quarter mile or 6.39 seconds or quicker in
the eighth mile or any entry that exceeds 150 MPH. ET’s 7.50 and
slower certifications expire 3 years from date of certification.
E.T’s 7.49 and quicker certifications expire 2 years from the date
of certification. SEE CLASS REQUIREMENTS AND SFI
SPECIFICATIONS.
CLUTCH: Each car in competition, except those with automatic
transmissions, must be equipped with a foot operated clutch
incorporating a positive stop to prevent clutch from going over
center or past neutral, as in the case of centrifugal units. All pedals
must be covered with non-skid material. AHRA accepted hand
controls for the physically challenged permitted. All slider
clutches must meet SFI Spec 1.2, 1.3, or 1.4 as outlined under
Class Requirements. In Class Requirements that call for an SFI
Spec 1.2 clutch, an SFI Spec 1.5 clutch can be used. Multidisc
clutch assembly for non OEM supercharged and nitrous oxide
injected, vehicles must meet SFI Spec 1.3, 1.4, or 1.5 and must
utilize an SFI Spec 6.2 or 6.3 flywheel shield, except as noted in
Class Requirements.

COMPETITION NUMBERS: All contestants are required to

display an AHRA / NHRA / IHRA driver number at all events.
Numbers on side windows must be a minimum 6 inches high and 1
1/2 inches wide. Class designation letters must be a minimum 3
inches high and 1 inch wide. Driver’s competition number and
class designation must be displayed in a legible manner in a
contrasting color to the vehicle’s background color, or light color
on windows, in a prominent position, and be clearly visible to the
80
tower personnel. Class and numbers can be in the form of
permanent decals, paint or shoe polish.
COMPUTER: PROHIBITED. All vehicle controls will be a
direct action of the driver MANDATORY. Recall tachs, max
RPM rev limiter, one shift light set to one RPM permitted. Manual
and button shifters permitted.
COOLING SYSTEM: Antifreeze/glycol PROHIBITED. All
cooling systems/radiators must be installed in the stock location for
body style used. Front engine dragsters must have system installed
in front of engine. Rear engine dragsters with radiator mounted in
front of engine must install a deflector from frame rail to frame rail
and to the top of the roll cage. If radiator extends above shoulder
hoop, then deflector plate must maintain width of radiator.
CREDENTIALS: Each driver of a vehicle entered in any AHRA
event must have a valid state or government issued driver’s license
or AHRA / NHRA / IHRA Competition License subject to
inspection by officials at any time.
All competition license applicants must be at least 16 years of age.
See Class Requirements. A new driver who has not previously
held a competition license will be given a special cockpit
orientation (blindfold) test, and will be required to make a
minimum of six runs under the observation of two licensed drivers
and a designated AHRA official. Witnessing drivers must hold a
competition license equal to or greater than one being applied for.
A driver who is upgrading or cross grading (bodied category
to/from open-wheel category) is required to take the cockpit
orientation test and make three runs (per license application
instructions). A licensed driver may drive a car classed under his
or her license limitation. It is PROHIBITED to cross over to or
from the long wheelbase category to short wheelbase, dragster to
bodied, motorcycle to car, etc. unless specifically licensed for
each.
DATA RECORDERS: Permitted in Bracket and Index Classes to
only be used during non-elimination rounds (and cannot be used
during a bye-run once starting elimination rounds). Data Logging
during elimination rounds is grounds for immediate
disqualification from the event. 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, mechanisms, etc., nor by the Christmas
Tree, radio transmitters, sensing of wheel speed, inertia, laser
device, or transmission of track position. The data recorder must
be activated by a separate switch that requires a separate action
(with respect to all other devices) by only crewperson. The switch
may neither be connected to nor be incorporated into any other
81
device or component. Fifth wheel sensing devices PROHIBITED
on all vehicles (includes wheelie-bar wheels). All lines sensing
flow, pressure, etc. of fuel or oil must be metallic or steel braided.
For non OEM data recorder applications, the transmission or
display of any vehicle performance data gathered or processed by
the data recorder, to the driver or any remote location, during the
run, is PROHIBITED. Data may be reviewed (printout, replay,
etc.) only after the run. Any device (mechanical, hydraulic,
pneumatic, electrical, optical, etc.) other than OEM type
that assists in determining track location of the competitor’s own
vehicle or opponent’s vehicle is PROHIBITED. Only OEM style
mirrors, mounted in conventional fashion, permitted. Discovery of
a device that displays, indicates, or transmits “on track,” “track
location,” or “elapsed time” type data will be grounds for
immediate disqualification from the event. Additional penalties
may be imposed at the discretion of AHRA.
DEFLECTOR PLATE: A deflector plate must be installed
between roll cage and engine on all rear engine entries to protect
driver and fuel tank. Minimum material thickness of 1/8 inch
aluminum or .060 inch steel or titanium . Must extend from top
blower pulley to bottom pulley and be at least 1 inch wider than
each pulley for supercharged cars. Other cars must have plate
covering from shoulder height to bottom of chassis. On an
enclosed engine/driver configuration, a full bulkhead must be
installed, completely sealing the driver from the engine. Minimum
attachment for any plate is four 5/16 inch, Grade 5 bolts.

DELAY BOXES/DEVICES: Delay boxes/devices (including

long throw mechanical buttons) Permitted in Box E.T. Bracket
Class ONLY. A delay box or delay device is defined as any device
(electric, electronic, pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical, etc.) built
for the express purpose of creating a delay between release of trans
brake or line loc button, or release of foot or hand brake, or release
of clutch pedal/lever, and the resultant action of the vehicle.
Changeable vehicle components, legal unto themselves (solenoids,
throttle linkage components, hoses, springs, etc.), even though the
removal and replacement of that component may affect the
82
reaction time of the vehicle in relation to the driver action, is not
considered a delay device. Wiring may consist of a single (i.e.,
“one” or “1”) continuous wire from a power source to a switch (or
button), and a single continuous wire from the switch to the trans-
brake or line loc solenoid. One splice (no quick disconnect) is
permitted from the two-step to the solenoid (i.e., between the
switch and the solenoid). All switches, buttons, wiring, solenoids,
etc. must be for normal automotive use; i.e., not intended to create
a delay (adjustable or non-adjustable) between release of the
button and the resultant action of the solenoid. All line loc/trans-
brake wiring before and after the switch must be separate from any
other wiring and fully visible. Computer wiring, sensors, relays,
and the like may not be wired to the solenoid wiring. Two steps or
other rev limiters that are adjustable by thumbwheel, replaceable
chips, and the like may not be within the driver’s reach and will
preferably be located outside the driver compartment. Any system
that does not fit the above description is PROHIBITED and must
be corrected before the vehicle will be passed through pre-event
technical inspection. Further, discovery of a delay device,
adjustable or non-adjustable, at any time following pre-event
technical inspection will be grounds for immediate disqualification
from the event. Additional penalties may be imposed at the
discretion of AHRA.
DRIVELINE: On any car in which the driver sits over or behind
the rear end center section, a suitable protective shield of .120-inch
minimum thickness steel plate must be installed for units with
universal joints, securely mounted to the rear end center section
and the bell housing adapter. For straight couplers, the minimum
shield requirement is .063-inch aluminum, which must contain an
inspection cover for removal and inspection of the coupler securely
mounted to the rear end center section and the bell housing
adapter, or as noted in Class Requirements. In place of a cross
member, in the vicinity of the front universal joint, all cars in
competition using open drive shafts must have a retainer loop 360
degrees of enclosure, 1/4-inch minimum thickness and 2 inches
wide, or 7/8-inch x .065-inch welded steel tubing, securely
mounted and located within 6 inches of the front universal joint for
support of the driveshaft in event of U-joint failure. Open drive
lines passing any part of the driver’s body must be completely
enclosed in 1/8-inch minimum thickness steel plate, securely
mounted to the frame or frame structure. Drive shaft loop required
on all cars running 13.99 (*8.59) or quicker and utilizing slicks;
except vehicles running 11.49 (*7.35) seconds or slower equipped
with street tires.

83
Figure 2: Driveline loop.

DRIVER COMPARTMENT: Both doors must be functional

from inside and outside on all full bodied cars. All interior panels
(firewalls, floors, wheel tubs, doors, etc.) within the driver
compartment of enclosed cockpit cars where the driver is located
behind the engine must be constructed of materials other than
magnesium. Driver compartment of any enclosed or full bodied
car must be totally sealed from engine and transmission. Openings
around all linkages, lines, wires, hoses, etc. must be minimized.
DRIVER CONDUCT: Any driver who refuses to voluntarily
reduce speed, or stop in the event a car does not handle properly,
(i.e., excessive drifting of the car toward the center or the edge
of the strip), or any driver who willfully fishtails or weaves in an
attempt to show off with undue regard for the safety of himself
or spectators, will be immediately barred from further
competition. If such conduct should take place during an
Elimination run off, the race will be automatically forfeited to
his opponent. Any driver and/or pit crew member found to be
under the influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs, regardless
of the amount, will be barred from the meet and this shall be
considered sufficient cause for suspension and/or revocation of
their competition privileges.

DRIVER RESTRAINT SYSTEMS: A quick release, driver

restraint system meeting SFI Spec 16.1 is MANDATORY in all
cars in competition required by the rules to have a roll bar or a roll
cage. (Permitted in all other classes.) A driver restraint system
meeting SFI Spec 16.5 is also acceptable wherever a driver
restraint system meeting SFI Spec 16.1 is MANDATORY or
permitted. Driver restraint system must be clearly labeled as
meeting SFI Spec 16.1 or 16.5 and be dated by manufacturer. Y-
type shoulder harness PROHIBITED. System must be updated at
two year intervals from date of manufacture unless class does not
require driver restraint system meeting SFI Spec 16.1 or 16.5; then
the two year recertification requirement does not apply.
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All seat belt and shoulder harness hardware must be originally
designed to be used with each other and produced by the same
manufacturer. Cars using OEM or OEM type seat may route
crotch strap in front of seat instead of through seat. Only units that
release all five attachment points in one motion are permitted.
When arm restraints
are worn with a restraint system that utilizes a “latch lever,” a
protective cover must be installed to prevent arm restraint from
accidentally releasing the latch lever. Protective cover not required
if system utilizes “duck-bill” latch hardware. All harness sections
must be mounted to the frame, cross member, or reinforced
mounting, and installed to limit driver’s body travel both upward
and forward. Seat belts may not be wrapped around lower frame
rails. Under no circumstances are bolts inserted through belt
webbing permitted for mounting.
ENGINE: All functions of engine, fuel, timing, clutch, and
throttle must be a direct function of the driver. Classes limited to
automotive engines only unless otherwise stated under Class
Requirements. Contestants in weight to cubic inch classes must
claim cubic inch displacement of engine used; under no
circumstances may claimed displacement exceed actual
displacement by more than 5 cubic inches. No allowance for
overbore; any part of a cubic inch is rounded off to the next highest
inch (i.e., 301.2 = 302). If engine size is changed during a race,
competitor must report to Technical Department supervisor before
a run is attempted. Crankshaft centerline must not exceed 24
inches from ground in any class. Engine must be mounted to
frame by a minimum of two 3/8-inch-diameter Grade 5 bolts.
Valve train must incorporate conventional automotive coil spring
design; pneumatic-type valve trains are prohibited in all classes.
All classes, with the exception of Stock and E.T. cars slower than
10.99 seconds, harmonic balancer meeting SFI Spec 18.1 or solid
metallic hub mandatory. All cars having pressed on front
85
harmonic balancers must have such installed to protect accidental
loss (i.e., drilled and bolted). Ceramic bearings PROHIBITED in
all categories.
EXHAUST: Each car, regardless of the class, must be equipped
with exhaust collectors headers, or stacks, installed in such a
manner as to direct the exhaust gasses out of the body away from
the car. Flex pipe PROHIBITED. Exhaust collectors/stacks must
be securely fastened to prevent loss of collector/stacks during
competition. The use of pop rivets, 160 sheet metal screws, wire,
etc. are not accepted attachment methods. Collectors that are
welded on should be welded to all primary tubes. Each track has
the authority to impose muffler rules and noise regulations.
FASTENERS: All structural and mechanical allowance must be
secured by AHRA approved fasteners and must be identifiable as
to grade.
FENDERS: All vehicles in all classes must have re rolled or
beaded edges on altered fenders. Flaring or spreading external
fender lines PROHIBITED, except as noted in Class
Requirements. Front fenders may not be “drooped” on full fend
cars except as noted in Class Requirements.
FIRE EXTINGUISHER/SUPPRESSION SYSTEM: An
onboard fire suppression system is mandated under certain Class
Requirements. In other classes, it is recommended that each
contestant and his or her crew have a loaded, serviceable fire
extinguisher and a fire blanket in their possession, carried in the
tow vehicle, race car, or otherwise available for immediate use.
Dry chemical or CO2 type extinguishers, 2 ½ pound minimum
size, are recommended. When installed in a race car, must be
mounted in a secure manner; use of flip open type clamps
PROHIBITED. When required, Top Fuel, Funny Car, Fuel
Altered fire suppression system must meet SFI Spec 17.1 and be
installed and utilized per manufacturer’s installation requirements.
For all other vehicles, onboard fire suppression systems must be
manually controlled Cold Fire 302, Fire X plus, Halon FE1211 or
1301 or FM200, or F500, and mounted per manufacturer’s
specifications with the primary nozzle(s) directed in an attempt to
protect the driver. Other agents, classified on the EPA SNAP list
as Acceptable Total Flooding Agents (Feasible for Use in
Occupied Areas) and AHRA accepted, may be used. Bottles and
lines must be mounted above the bottom of the adjacent frame
rails. Fire bottle activation cables must be installed inside frame
rail where cables pass engine/bell housing area. Bottles must be
DOT approved or meet SFI Spec 17.1 and permanently mounted
(no hose clamps or tie wraps). In the case of more than one bottle,
each bottle must have its own distribution tubing and nozzles. The
86
use of bottles, nozzles, or tubing other than that recommended by
the manufacturer is PROHIBITED. Upon activation of the system,
the contents of the bottle(s) must be totally discharged; partial
discharge systems PROHIBITED. The bottles must be mounted in
such a manner that should an explosion or failure of any
mechanical component of the vehicle occur, the bottles will be
protected from flying parts. When installed in/on a race car, must
be mounted in a secure manner; use of flip open type clamps, hose
clamps, tie wraps, snaps, etc. PROHIBITED. They should be
protected from excessive temperature and mounted rigidly to the
vehicle. Remote cables must be metallic (plastic or plastic
wrapped cables PROHIBITED) and installed so they are protected
in the event of an upset or collision. Follow the manufacturer’s
recommendations regarding installation, especially on bend radius,
and protection from crimping or kinking. All fire systems must
use steel lines, steel or aluminum distribution nozzles, and must be
equipped with a pressure gauge. All bottles must be identified
with a gross loaded weight figure. It is the responsibility of the
competitor to weigh the bottle prior to each event.
FIREWALL: Each car in competition must be equipped with a
flameproof firewall including fiberglass or carbon fiber extending
from side to side of the body and from the top of the engine
compartment upper seal, (hood, cowl or deck), to the bottom of
the floor and/or belly pan. It must be constructed to provide a
bulkhead between the engine and driver's compartment, with all
unnecessary holes or openings sealed with minimum .024-inch
steel or .032-inch aluminum, or as specified by classification. All
openings around pedals, shifters, brake handles, etc., must be
covered either internally or externally to aid in sealing the drivers
compartment from outside sources.
FLASH SHIELD: Injector tubes may extend through individual
holes in the hood, but carburetors may not be openly exposed or
uncovered. In lieu of hood, carburetors must be equipped with a
metal flash shield or velocity stacks which covers the top, back,
and sides, to prevent gas from being siphoned into the air stream or
blown into the driver’s face. Additionally, any car that is driven,
not towed, through the pits, with open stack(s) not protected by
hood or scoop, must have screening installed on open stack(s) to
prevent items from entering stack
FLEX PLATE AND SHIELD: Flex plate must meet SFI Spec
29.1 or 29.2. Flex plate shield must meet SFI Spec 30.1.
FLOORS: All cars not having floors must be equipped with floor
pans made of .024 inch steel or .032 inch aluminum, which must
extend the full length and width of the driver’s compartment, to the
rear of the driver’s seat. Cars equipped with belly pans made of
87
fiberglass, or other breakable material, must have metal sub floors.
Belly pans enclosing engine compartment must contain suitable
drain holes ahead of firewall.
In all cars with OEM fiberglass floors, a cross member (minimum
2 inches x 2 inches, .083 inch wall thickness square tubing) must
be installed between frame rails for proper driver’s seat, seat belt,
shoulder harness, and crotch strap installation. In certain instances,
an accepted panel made of composite material may be substituted
for steel or aluminum. Use of magnesium PROHIBITED.
FLYWHEEL: The use of stock type cast iron flywheels or
pressure plates PROHIBITED. The use of aluminum flywheels in
Top Fuel, Funny Car and Fuel Altered PROHIBITED. Units
meeting SFI Spec 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, or 1.5 MANDATORY except
as noted in Class Requirements.
FLYWHEEL SHIELD & MOTOR PLATE: The use of
aluminum bell housing is permitted in all categories and
applications. The aluminum bell housing must meet applicable
SFI Specifications. Absolutely no modifications to manufactured
design permitted on SFI Spec 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, or 9.1 flywheel shields
or liners. An SFI Spec 6.1W bell housing is also acceptable
wherever an SFI Spec 6.1 bell housing
is MANDATORY or permitted. All SFI Spec 6.2 and 6.3 titanium
bell housings must be re-inspected and re-certified yearly. SFI
Spec 6.1 titanium and aluminum bell housings and SFI Spec 6.2 or
6.3 steel bell housings must be re-inspected and re-certified every
two years (or as specified by the manufacturer). SFI Spec 6.1 or
9.1 bell housings must be re-inspected and re-certified every five
years (6.1) or every two years (9.1). Where SFI Spec bell housings
are MANDATORY, all applicable liners, large mounting fasteners,
motor plates, etc., as required by SFI Specs or the manufacturer,
must be properly installed. Where an SFI Spec 6.1, 6.3, or 9.1 bell
housing is MANDATORY, a full one piece motor plate is also
MANDATORY at the rear of the engine block. The motor plate
must be constructed of 6061-T6, 7075-T6 or 2024-T3 wrought heat
treated aluminum alloy plate, minimum 1/8-inch thick for 6.1 or
9.1 applications, minimum 3/16-inch thick for SFI Spec 6.3
applications. In addition to the fastener requirements noted below,
the SFI Spec 6.3 flywheel shield must be fastened to the motor
plate with four ½ inch diameter Grade 5 shoulder bolts or high
strength steel (or titanium) fasteners and nuts, one in each
quadrant. The flywheel shield must be fastened to the engine and
motor plate with a full complement (all available engine bolt holes
or as specified by the manufacturer) of Grade 8 bolts or high
strength studs. The use of Allen bolts to fasten the shield to engine
or motor plate, to fasten covers, etc. is PROHIBITED. All bolts
88
(not studs or nuts) used for flywheel shield mounting, covers, etc.
must be identifiable as to grade; all nuts and bolts associated with
flywheel shield mounting, covers, etc. must be full standard depth,
width, etc. (reduced thickness bolt heads, hollow bolts, half nuts,
thin wall nuts, etc. prohibited). Maximum depth of flywheel shield
is 8 5/8 inches, except Top Fuel, Funny Car, and Fuel Altered,
maximum depth 9.4 inches (inside). Maximum thickness of all
motor plates, mid-plates, and mounting plates installed between
engine and flywheel shield is 1/2-inch, except SFI Spec 6.1 which
may be 1 1/4-inch maximum.

Figure 3 and 4: Bell housing inspection hole cover.

All covers and fasteners associated with the flywheel shield must
be installed prior to starting engine at any time, including warm
ups. Maximum spacing between flange fasteners in the flywheel
shield is 7 inches. Chemical milling or any other structure
weakening procedure is PROHIBITED. Welding to repair a
flywheel shield is PROHIBITED unless it is performed by the
manufacturer and re-certified by the manufacturer prior to use. For
cars equipped with an SFI Spec 7.1 lower engine containment
device, a maximum of two holes, each no larger than two inches in
diameter (or 3.14 square inches equivalent area) are permitted.
The holes must be located entirely below the horizontal centerline
of the crankshaft. The holes must be at least 0.5-inch from any
bell housing bolt hole and be separated by at least two inches. SFI
6.2 Spec flywheel shields may have one two inch maximum
diameter hole in the bottom of the back face of the shield. The
89
opening in the motor plate for the crankshaft flange may not
exceed the crankshaft flange diameter by more than one inch.
FLYWHEEL SHIELD: Top Fuel, Funny Car and Fuel Altered
equipped with a clutch must have a flywheel shield (bell housing)
that meets SFI Spec 6.2 and is labeled accordingly. All
requirements for Top Fuel, Funny Car and Fuel Altered bell
housing installations are the same as for Top Fuel, Funny Car and
Fuel Altered with the following exceptions: A one piece motor
plate constructed of 1/4-inch minimum thickness 2024 T3, 6061 or
7075 T6 aluminum and fitting between the engine and flywheel
shield according to the requirements of SFI Spec 2.2C, 2.1A, or
10.1E is required. The motor plate must be attached to the chassis
at the four corners with at least two welded mounting points
utilizing minimum 3/8-inch-diameter Grade 8 bolts and full nuts.
The remaining two motor plate mounting points must be at least
saddles fitting around the frame rails and secured with aircraft-type
clamps or bolts (hose clamps prohibited). The flywheel shield and
motor plate are to be fastened to the engine by at least seven 3/8-
inchdiameter Grade 8 bolts or high strength steel or titanium studs
threaded into the engine (3/4-inch minimum) and nuts of a similar
material, above the centerline of the crankshaft. The motor plate
must be fastened to the flywheel shield with at least eight 3/8 inch
diameter Grade 8 bolts or high
strength steel alloy (or titanium) studs and nuts below the
centerline of the crankshaft. The flywheel shield must also be
fastened to the motor plate by four ¾ inch-diameter Grade 5
shoulder bolts or high strength steel (or titanium) fasteners and
nuts; one in each quadrant as required by SFI Spec 2.1A or 10.1E.
Top Fuel, Funny Car and Fuel Altered: The opening in the motor
plate for the crankshaft flywheel flange may not exceed the
crankshaft diameter by more than one inch.

90
Figure 5: Motor plate

FLYWHEEL SHIELD (A/Fuel/Junior Fuel): Cars equipped

with a clutch must have a flywheel shield (bell housing) that meets
SFI Spec 6.2 and is labeled accordingly. All requirements for bell
housing installations are the same as for Top Fuel, Funny Car and
Fuel Altered with the following exceptions: A one piece motor
plate constructed of 1/4-inch minimum thickness 2024 T3, 6061 or
7075 T6 aluminum and fitting between the engine and flywheel
shield according to the requirements of SFI Spec 2.2C or 10.1E is
required. The motor plate must be attached to the chassis at the
four corners with at least two welded mounting points utilizing
minimum 3/8 inch diameter Grade 8 bolts and full nuts. The
remaining two motor plate mounting points must be at least
saddles fitting around the frame rails and secured with aircraft type
clamps or bolts (hose clamps prohibited). The flywheel shield and
motor plate are to be fastened to the engine by at least seven 3/8
inch diameter Grade 8 bolts or high strength steel or titanium studs
threaded into the engine (3/4-inch minimum) and nuts of a similar
material, above the centerline of the crankshaft. The motor plate
must be fastened to the flywheel shield with at least eight 3/8 inch
diameter Grade 8 bolts or high strength steel alloy (or titanium)
studs and nuts below the centerline of the crankshaft. The
flywheel shield must also be fastened to the motor plate by four ¾
inch diameter Grade 5 shoulder bolts or high strength steel (or
titanium) fasteners and nuts; one in each quadrant as required by
SFI Spec 2.2C or 10.1E. The opening in the motor plate for the

91
crankshaft flywheel flange may not exceed the crankshaft diameter
by more than one inch.
FLYWHEEL SHIELD (Other Classes): All other cars using a
clutch and running 11.49 or quicker must be equipped with an SFI
Spec 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, or 9.1 flywheel shield. There shall be a
minimum of seven 3/8 inch diameter Grade 8 bolts or high strength
steel studs in the top half of the bell housing. There shall be a
minimum of eight 3/8 inch diameter Grade 8 bolts or high strength
steel studs in the bottom half of the bell housing used to fasten the
bell housing to the motor plate. Modifications or repairs to the
flywheel shield PROHIBITED except if performed and recertified
by manufacturer. All cars running 11.49 or quicker for which an
SFI Spec 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, or 9.1 flywheel shield is not commercially
available may use an SFI Spec 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, or 9.1 flywheel shield
from another application and mount it to a motor plate that is
mounted to the engine block at all available bolt holes; or must be
equipped with a flywheel shield made of ¼ inch minimum
thickness steel plate, securely mounted to the frame or frame
structure and completely surrounding the bell housing 360 degrees.
The flywheel shield shall not be bolted to either the bell housing or
engine. The flywheel shield must extend forward to a point at least
1 inch ahead of the flywheel and 1 inch to the rear of the rotating
components of the clutch and pressure plate. Titanium flywheel
shields permitted.
FRAME: Top Fuel, Funny Car, Fuel Altered and any car 9.99 or
quicker must have a AHRA / NHRA / IHRA serialized chassis
sticker affixed to frame before participating in any AHRA event.
Grinding of welds PROHIBITED. All butt welds must have
visible reinforcement (i.e., sleeve and rosette welds).
Pressurization of frame rails, roll bar, or roll cage in lieu of air
bottles is PROHIBITED. Visible reinforcement around any hole in
any SFI Spec chassis (not just the roll cage) MANDATORY.
Reinforcement must be of at least the same cross sectional area as
the hole, at least .049-inch thick chromoly and completely welded
around the outside.
FUEL: Gasoline used must be produced by a recognized
commercial manufacturer. The use of aerosol or chemical agents
sprayed on the intake manifold and related components to cool the
fuel or temperature of the system, is PROHIBITED in all classes.
The use of towels or ice is permitted in all NO BOX E.T.
BRACKET categories. All racing fuel must pass every fuel check
procedure selected by the AHRA Technical Staff. If any entry
fails fuel check at the conclusion of a qualifying attempt, the entry
may be disqualified from the event at the discretion of AHRA.

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FUEL (ALTERNATIVE): Containers for alternative fuels must
be permanently labeled by the manufacturer as suitable for CNG or
propane. Tank must be vented outside of body. Alternative fuel
systems must incorporate a pressure relief valve. Alternative fuel
systems must incorporate a manual shutoff valve according to
standards listed in NFPA 52 for CNG vehicular systems. All
hoses/lines used for alternative fuels must be permanently and
distinctively marked by the manufacturer as to manufacturer name
or trademark, service identifier, and design pressure. Plastic, cast
iron, galvanized, copper, or aluminum pipe or hoses PROHBITED.
FUEL (METHANOL): Methanol is a clear, colorless liquid with
a mild odor at ambient temperatures. Methanol is sold in two U.S.
Federal Grades: A and AA. Either grade is permitted for use in
AHRA competition, and racers should ensure that the methanol
they purchase meets federal standards of purity. The purity
standards for each grade are shown in the table below.
FUEL (RACING): For all categories using racing gasoline,
racing gasoline is defined for purposes of this Rulebook as a
mixture of hydrocarbons only. Non cyclic olefinic hydrocarbons
and non hydrocarbons that do not increase the specific energy of
the gasoline are allowed to the extent they do not exceed 1 percent
(1%) by volume and are blended in the gasoline by the refiner or
fuel manufacturer. Non hydrocarbons that do not increase the
specific energy of the gasoline are allowed to the extent that they
do not exceed 0.15 percent by volume and are blended in the
gasoline by the refiner or fuel manufacturer. Racing gasoline is a
good electrical insulator, or dielectric, and its relative effectiveness
as an insulator is represented by its Dielectric Constant. The
average D.C. for the hydrocarbons that make up gasoline is 2.025.
Racing gasoline in a vehicle may be checked before use in
competition.
FUEL SYSTEMS: Whenever possible, fuel tanks and fuel lines
should be located ahead of the engine. Fuel blocks, if used, must
be mounted at least six inches forward of the flywheel bell
housing area. No part of fuel system may be mounted on the
firewall except fuel pressure regulator or isolator or fuel block. It
must be mounted as far away as possible from the flex plate /
flywheel area. Fuel lines in the flywheel bell housing area must
be enclosed in a 16 inch length of steel tubing, 1/8 inch minimum
wall thickness, securely mounted as a protection against fuel
lines being severed. In the event fuel lines pass supercharger
drive areas, it is highly recommended that they be encased in
protective steel tubing. Cars with altered fuel systems, (other
than electric fuel pumps), must have a quick action fuel shut off
valve within easy reach of the driver and located in the main fuel
93
line between the fuel tank and the carburetors and/or injectors. It
is recommended that injector pumps be located away from the
flywheel area wherever possible. Fuel tanks, lines, or other units
containing fuel should be completely isolated from the driver's
compartment by a firewall, completely sealed so as to prevent
any gasoline from entering the driver's compartment. If fuel tank
is relocated in the trunk, the tank must have a pressure cap and
tank must be vented to outside of body. Gas tank may not be
under driver's seat.
FUEL TANK: A positive locking gas tank cap is required (or as
noted under class requirements). All entries must have sufficient
tank capacity to make full runs without refueling. Adding of fuel
after the engine(s) has started is strictly PROHIBITED. Top of
fuel tank must be below top of rear tires. When allowed by class
requirements, plastic fuel cells must have a metal box protecting
the part of the cell that would be outside the body lines or trunk
floor. Front mounted cells must be protected by at least 1-1/4 inch
.058 cm tubing if mounted outside of steel body or frame.
Nonmetal fuel tanks or fuel cells must be grounded to the frame
and must meet SFI Spec 28.1. All cells or tanks must be mounted
below the fender well on full bodied entries and below the top of
the rear tires on all other applications.

Figure 6: Fuel cell installation

FUEL CELL INSTALLATIONS:
1) For cells without mounting flanges, use 1/8 inch x 1 inch straps
top and bottom bolted or welded to frame in trunk.
2) Weld 1 inch tube frame to trunk floor to bolt to cell frame.
GENERAL: All nuts, bolts, and component parts on each car’s
suspension system, chassis, and running gear, must be secured with
either lock nuts, lock washers, or cotter keys, and must have at
least one full thread showing through nut.

94
GROUND CLEARANCE: Minimum of 3 inches from front end
to 12 inches behind centerline of front spindle and 2 inches for the
remainder of the car except for oil pan / diaper, headers and
wheelie bars. All entries must be high enough to not interfere with
the function of the timing system. When permitted under Class
Requirements, devices used for anti rotation purposes (i.e., wheelie
bars) are exempt from the 2 inch clearance rule.
HARMONIC BALANCERS: Harmonic balancers meeting SFI
Spec 18.1 are MANDATORY on entries running 10.99 seconds or
quicker in the quarter mile or 6.49 seconds or quicker in the eighth
mile.
HEAD PROTECTOR: In any car where a roll bar or roll cage is
installed, a padded head protector must be provided at the back of
the driver’s head and constructed in an attempt to prevent injury
upon impact. The roll bar or cage must be padded wherever it may
come in contact with the driver’s helmet. Adequate padding
should permit approximately 1/4 inch compression. The use of
weather stripping and similar thin or low impact resisting materials
is PROHIBITED. A padded roll bar or cage alone is not
acceptable as a padded head protector unless it is within 4 inches
of the driver’s helmet.

HELMETS AND GOGGLES: As outlined under Class

Requirements, drivers in all classes, including motorcycles, must
wear a helmet meeting Snell or SFI Specifications. SFI Spec 31.1
= Snell SA, open face helmet or full-face helmet SFI Spec. 41.1 =
Snell M, open-face helmet or full-face helmet. Full face helmet
MANDATORY on all cars 9.99 or quicker. See Class
Requirements for additional requirements. Shield MANDATORY
7.49 and quicker. Drivers of cars 13.99 or quicker must use a
helmet meeting Snell M2010 or greater, SA2010 or greater
standard, or SFI Spec 31.1, 31.1/2013 or 41.1/2013. Drivers in
supercharged, front engine, open bodied cars and Funny Cars must
wear a helmet meeting Snell SA2010 or greater standard or SFI
Spec 31.1/2013. Structural modifications to helmet/shield are
PROHIBITED. Cutting of helmet or helmet shield PROHIBITED.
95
Helmet must remain as manufactured, except for paint
scheme/graphics and permitted non-structural driver modifications
to helmet shield as set forth below. ERA CORRECT NITRO
MASK AND RESPIRATOR WILL BE PERMITTED in Nitro and
Alcohol classes. Helmet Expiration Dates, Label Expires: Snell
2010 standard 1/1/2022 or greater, based upon application and
track tech official judgment.
HOODS: Each car in competition should have a hood over the
engine compartment. Side panels may be omitted. Injector tubes
may extend through the hood, but carburetors may not be openly
exposed or uncovered. Carburetors, in lieu of hood, must be
equipped with a metal flash shield covering the top, back and sides
to prevent gas from being siphoned into the airstream or blown
into the driver's face.
HOOD SCOOP: On full bodied cars, where permitted hood
scoop may not extend more than 15 inches above height of original
hood surface. On open bodied, Front engine cars, scoop may not
extend more than 11 inches above height of carburetor top. Scoop
must have one opening only in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Fuel Altered,
Jr. Fuel, and A/Fuel. All other classes, multiple scoop openings
permitted. Sensors, transducers, vents, wiring, hoses, etc.
PROHIBITED inside hood scoop. See Class Requirements for
restrictions.
HUB CAPS: Hub caps must be removed for inspection of lug
nuts and snap on hub caps must be left off while in competition.
IGNITION: No programmable or digital ignition systems
permitted in any classes. Each car in competition must have a
positive action on/off switch, capable of de-energizing the entire
ignition system, in good working order, located within easy reach
of the driver. “Momentary contact” switch PROHIBITED.
Magneto “kill button” type switches are PROHIBITED. All
ignition systems and/or components wiring harnesses and
attachments must utilize those supplied by the ignition system
manufacturer. The wiring harness must be used in an unaltered
manner consistent with the manufacturer’s installation and
instruction books. 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 in AHRA competition. See
individual class requirements for additional specific information.
INSPECTION: Each car must satisfactorily pass inspection by
the Technical Committee before being allowed to run.

96
Figure 7: Seat mounting
INTERIOR: Cars that require upholstery must have carpet,
headliner, door panels, and upholstered seats. All panels must be
covered with a fabric or its equivalent. Seats must be securely
mounted and made of a suitable material so as not to give way
under impact. The driver’s seat in any car in competition must be
so constructed, braced, mounted and upholstered that it will give
full back and shoulder protection to the driver in the event of a car
upset, spin-out or collision. The driver’s seat must be supported on
the bottom and back by the frame or cross member. All seats must
be upholstered or as noted under class requirements. Properly
braced, supported and constructed seats of aluminum, fiberglass or
carbon fiber are acceptable. All seats must have a minimum 24
inch high seat back. Plastic chairs PROHIBITED.
JACK & JACK STANDS: No work may be done under any car
in the pit area while the car is being supported by only one jack.
Additional safety devices such as jack stands are required to ensure
safety in the event of jack failure. Disregard of or failure to
observe this rule will be grounds for immediate disqualification.
LICENSE: Each driver of a vehicle entered in any event
conducted at an AHRA event must have a valid State driver’s
license beyond a learners permit and AHRA / NHRA / IHRA
Competition License (except Junior Dragster). This license is
subject to inspection at any time. All drivers running 0-9.99
seconds in the quarter mile or 0-6.49 seconds in the eighth mile
who have not previously held a Competition License will
be given a special cockpit orientation (blindfold) test, and will be
required to make a minimum of five (5) runs under the observation
of Certified Safety Inspector and Track Operator. The required
solo passes include one moderate pass, two half passes, and two
full passes. If equipped, parachutes must be deployed on the full
passes. A competitor who holds an inactive license is required to
make 2 complete single passes to re-activate the license and be
permitted to compete in eliminations. AHRA reserves the right to
require a competitor to make one moderate (shake down) pass
down the quarter mile on an untested (new) vehicle, prior to
97
making an official qualifying attempt. A licensed driver may
compete in an entry under his license limitations, but not over. He
may also not cross over from the dragster category to the bodied
cars, nor vice versa, unless specifically licensed for each. A
dragster, altered or roadster is considered an open bodied car, not a
full bodied car. Competitor must have a competition number for
the class they wish to compete in, or register their IHRA or NHRA
numbers with the AHRA that are designated for the listed classes.
LIFTING DEVICES: Any form of mechanical, hydraulic, or
other leverage type device for raising a car’s driving wheels off the
starting line surface is PROHIBITED.
LIQUID OVERFLOW: All cars in competition with any type
of liquid overflow capable of dumping or spilling liquid, must
have a "catch-can" to accumulate the excess liquids and prevent
them from being discharged on the strip. Minimum "catch-can"
capacity: One (1) pint, one gallon capacity when rocker covers
equipped with bum down tubes. Catch can must be securely
fastened; i.e., bolted, clamped. Overflow may be routed into
headers on cars that are supercharged or burn nitromethane or
alcohol. Antifreeze/glycol PROHIBITED.
LOWER ENGINE CONTAINMENT DEVICE: When
required, Lower Engine Containment Device meeting SFI Spec 7.1
or 7.2 must cover the sides of the block and pan up to within one
inch of the head mating surface and extend to within 1 1/2 inches
of the front and rear of the cylinder case area. The front and rear
oil pan must be covered upward to the pan rail. The device must
be free of cuts, tears, openings, etc. that would allow oil to escape.
The device must be secured with a minimum of four straps, one at
each corner. A positive device must be used to cover and contain
external oil pumps that fasten directly to the engine; this device
must fit such that it will contain oil from an engine failure. The
device must have a solid member (hard part) along the top edge to
form a zero air gap between the sides of the device (and/or the
absorbent material) and the engine block. SFI Spec 7.1 devices
must be recertified by the original manufacturer at one year
intervals. Required on all Supercharged, Methanol and Nitrous
assisted vehicles running 7.99 seconds or quicker in the quarter
mile or 5.00 seconds or quicker in the eighth mile regardless of
classification.
MAGNAFLUX CERTIFICATES: Magnaflux certificates may
be required by the technical inspector on any altered or welded
parts.
MANIFOLD BLANKET: Manifold blankets shall be made in the
form of a cover that shall be capable of being securely attached and
cover the surface of the intake manifold forward of the
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supercharger. The blanket shall be constructed such that the
installation and fastening method will secure the blanket in place
and sustain fragment containment in case of an explosion and must
meet SFI Spec. 14.5.
MASTER CUTOFF: MANDATORY if battery is relocated or is
specified by class requirements. It must be located on the rear of
all entries and must break the positive side battery supply to the
competition vehicle. It must be easily identifiable and clearly
labeled to function, "ON - OFF or PUSH OFF". Any rods or
cables used to activate the switch must be minimum 1/8 inch
diameter. Plastic or keyed switches PROHIBITED. Switches
and/or controls must be located behind rear wheels on rear engine
dragsters.
MOUNTING HARDWARE: Hose clamps and tie wraps may be
used only to support hoses and wires; all other components must
be welded, bolted, aircraft clamped, etc. All self locking fastener
buttons must be metallic. All self locking fastener buttons may be
painted any color on
their face, but must be WHITE or SILVER ONLY under the face.
This rule applies to ALL cars in ALL classes.
NECK COLLAR/HEAD AND NECK RESTRAINT SYSTEM:
Neck collar must be commercially produced and designed for
racing. Two different types of collars are commercially available:
a full 360-degree “donut” type or a pull together “horseshoe” type.
Modification according to manufacturer’s recommendations to fit
helmet and driver’s neck/shoulder spacing permitted. Must be
worn as per manufacturer’s recommendations. Must meet SFI
Spec 3.3 as per class rules. Neck collar meeting SFI Spec 3.3
MANDATORY in all open bodied cars and any car running 9.99
(*6.39) or quicker or cars exceeding 135 mph. A head and neck
restraint system is MANDATORY for any vehicle running 7.49
(*4.49) or quicker or by Class Requirements. When using a head
and neck restraint system, at all times that the driver is in the race
vehicle, from the ready line until the vehicle is on the return road,
driver must properly utilize the head and neck restraint system
meeting SFI Spec 38.1, including connecting the helmet as
required for full functionality of the device. The head and neck
restraint 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. A head and neck restraint system may be used with
or without a neck collar.
NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH: MANDATORY on all entries
with automatic transmissions.
NEUTRAL STARTS: PROHIBITED.
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NITROUS OXIDE INJECTION SYSTEM: Refer to class rules.
All bottle relief valves must have bulkhead fitting on tank. The
use of any agents other than nitrous oxide as part of, or mixed
with, this pressurized fuel system is strictly PROHIBITED. All
bottles must be securely mounted, stamped with minimum Dot –
1800 pound rating. Nitrous Oxide bottle(s) located in driver
compartment must be equipped with a relief valve and vented
outside of the drivers compartment. Nitrous Oxide bottles located
in the trunk or rear of the entry must be equipped with a relief
valve and vented outside of the drivers compartment or be
completely isolated from the drivers compartment by a firewall
that is properly sealed to prevent gas from entering the drivers
compartment. System must be commercially available and
installed per manufacturers recommendations. Nitrous Oxide is
PROHIBITED from being in any other pressurized container on
any entry other than a manufacturer’s nitrous bottle. All Nitrous
bottles must be re-certified every 5 years and stamped to indicate
the last inspection date. All systems must be activated by a wide
open throttle switch and utilize all manufacturers safety products.
The use of any commercially available thermostatically controlled
bottle warmer is accepted. The use of any other method of
externally heating nitrous bottles is PROHIBITED.
OCCUPANTS: No more than one person is permitted in any car
during any run, except one co-driver permitted in 14 second and
slower E.T. cars; co-driver must be a minimum of 16 years old.
All occupants of tow vehicles must be inside of car or pickup in a
seated position while tow vehicle is in operation. Any time a car is
started, whether in the pits, staging lanes, with self starter, or
anywhere else on the race facility, a competent driver must be in
the driver’s seat unless coupler or driveline is removed. Non
compliance is grounds for disqualification from the event.
OIL SYSTEM: All tanks, accessories and related lines must be
affixed in a way to prevent accidental leakage during competition.
Oxygen bearing or power enhancing additives PROHIBITED in
any form. Accu-sump, dry-sump tanks, oil filters, oil supply lines,
etc. PROHIBITED in driver compartment and outside of frame or
steel body/fenders. Oil-pressure gauge and line permitted in driver
compartment, metal or steel braided line MANDATORY,
maximum 3/16-inch inside diameter.
OVERSIZE TRAILERS: Contestants using semi tractor/trailer
equipment (18-wheelers) must close lift gate type rear doors after
unloading/loading procedures are completed. Also, all extended
ramps must be stowed after use.
PARACHUTE: Parachutes provide an extra margin of safety
and are a worthwhile addition to any machine and are
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MANDATORY on all machines that exceed 150 miles per hour
in the quarter mile or 125 mph in the eighth mile. Drag chutes
must be produced by a recognized drag racing parachute
manufacturer. Tech inspectors may observe the proper operation
of the parachute and inspect for worn or frayed shroud lines, ripped
or dirty canopies, and worn or ragged pilot chutes. Parachute cable
housings should be mounted solidly to frame tube or other suitable
member no farther back than 1 inch. The release housing must be
attached within 12 inches of the parachute pack and in a manner
that will allow the inner cable to release the parachute.

When supercharged or using nitromethane as a fuel, it is

MANDATORY that the parachute pack and unpacked shroud lines
be protected with fire resistant material from the mounting point to
the pack. Parachutes must have their own independent mounting
with sleeved 3/8 inch minimum steel bolts or steel pins required
for all applications unless otherwise stated in Class Requirements.
Shroud line(s) mounting brackets must be constructed of minimum
.090 inch steel unless otherwise stated in Class Requirements.
Safety pins must be red flagged and removed prior to burnout. The
use of ball lock pins for parachute mounting PROHIBITED. See
Class Requirements regarding use of two parachutes. Such
applications require separate shroud line mounting points for each
parachute system. THE CHUTE MESSENGER FOR RELEASE
CABLE MUST BE SECURELY ATTACHED AT A
DISTANCE OF NOT MORE THAN ONE FOOT FROM EACH
END
PINION SUPPORT: All cars using an open drive line must have
radius arms, traction bars, or some suitable pinion support to
prevent rear end housing rotation.
PRESSURIZED BOTTLES: All pressurized bottles, excluding
those onboard fire suppression systems meeting SFI Spec 17.1
(i.e., air, CO2, nitrous, etc.) used for air shifters, clutches, etc. must
meet, and be engraved as meeting, DOT 1800 pound minimum
Spec. All bottles must be securely mounted (hose clamps and/or
tie wraps PROHIBITED). Any pressurized bottle used for
pneumatic operation must be filled with compressed air, nitrogen,
or CO2. All other materials PROHIBITED.

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PROTECTIVE CLOTHING: “Protective Clothing” includes
suit (one-piece suit or jacket and pants); head sock; gloves; and
boots or shoes. Driver must meet all protective clothing
requirements stated under class requirements for vehicle being
driven. See Class Requirements. Protective clothing requirements
stated are minimum requirements; drivers are free to upgrade
Protective Clothing. Each item of protective clothing must meet
applicable specifications. Each item must be properly labeled and
in good condition. All jackets/pants or suits for SFI Spec 3.2A/15
or 3.2A/20 must be recertified on a five year interval. All gloves
must have a full layer of flame retardant material inside the glove.
Leather palm gloves without a full layer of flame retardant material
separating leather from driver’s hand PROHIBITED. A head sock
meeting SFI Spec 3.3 or skirted helmet meeting SFI Spec 3.3 is
required on all open bodied cars or all cars 7.49 and quicker, where
a neck collar is required but has been substituted with a head and
neck restraint device. If no specific protective clothing
requirements are stated for a particular class, then the minimum
requirements are as follows: full length pants; short or long sleeved
shirt; closed shoes; and socks. No shorts. No bare legs. No bare
torsos. No tank tops. No open toe or open heel shoes or sandals.
Synthetic clothing not recommended.
PROPYLENE OXIDE: PROBHIBITED
PUSH BARS: Push bar must be designed to prevent push car
from riding up on rear wheel of open wheeled race cars. Push or
tow starts PROHIBITED.
REAR END: Welded spider gear rear ends PROHIBITED in all
classes. Aftermarket axles and axle retention device
MANDATORY on any vehicle 10.99 or quicker; also
MANDATORY on any car (regardless of class or E.T.) with a
spool. See individual class requirements for specific guidelines.
ROAD WORTHINESS: Should a vehicle prove to be faulty or
handle poorly during the event, the Race Director or Technical
Director shall have the right and responsibility of removing the car
from competition until the necessary repairs or adjustments to
make the vehicle road worthy have been made and approved.
ROLL BAR: All roll bars must be within 6 inches of the rear, or
side, of the driver’s head, extend in height at least 3 inches above
the driver’s helmet with driver in normal driving position, and be
at least as wide as the driver’s shoulders or within 1 inch of the
driver’s door.

102
General roll bar specifications

Roll bar must be adequately supported or cross-braced to prevent

forward or lateral collapse. Rear braces must be of the same
diameter and wall thickness as the roll bar and intersect with the
roll bar at a point not more than 5 inches from the top of the roll
bar. Crossbar and rear braces must be welded to main hoop.
Sidebar must be included on driver’s side and must pass the driver
at a point midway between the shoulder and elbow. Swing-out
sidebar permitted. All roll bars must have in their construction a
cross bar for seat bracing and as the shoulder harness attachment
point; cross bar must be installed no more than 4 inches below, and
not above, the driver’s shoulders or to side bar. All vehicles with
OEM frame must have roll bar welded or bolted to frame;
installation of frame connectors on unibody cars does not
constitute a frame; therefore it is not necessary to have the roll bar
attached to the frame. Unibody cars with stock floor and firewall
(wheel tubs permitted) may attach roll bar with 6 inch x 6 inch x
.125 inch steel plates on top and bottom of floor bolted together
with at least four 3/8 inch bolts and nuts, or weld main hoop to
rocker sill area with .125 inch reinforcing plates, with plates
welded completely. All 4130 chromoly tube welding must be done
by approved TIG heliarc process; mild steel welding must be done
by approved MIG wire feed or approved TIG heliarc process.
Welding must be free of slag and porosity. Any grinding of welds
prohibited. See illustration. Roll bar must be padded anywhere
driver’s helmet may contact it while in driving position. Adequate
103
padding must have minimum ¼ inch compression or meet SFI
Spec 45.1. All cars running 9.99 (*6.39) or quicker, padding
meeting SFI Spec 45.1 MANDATORY.
ROLL CAGE: Chassis certifications are MANDATORY on all
entries running 9.90 seconds or quicker in the quarter mile or 6.39
seconds or quicker in the eighth mile or on any vehicle that
exceeds 150 mph. All cage structures must be designed in an
attempt to protect the driver from any angle, 360 degrees. All
4130 chromoly tube welding must be done by approved TIG
heliarc process; mild steel tube welding must be approved MIG
wire feed or TIG heliarc process. Welding must be free of slag and
porosity. Any grinding of welds PROHIBITED. Plating of chassis
PROHIBITED for all cars unless otherwise noted in Class
Requirements; painting permitted. Roll cage must be padded
anywhere the driver’s helmet may come into contact with cage
while in the driving position. All cars running 9.99 (*6.39) and
quicker, padding must meet SFI Spec 45.1. Padding mounted on
flat stock and fastened to the roll cage on both sides of the driver's
helmet MANDATORY for Jr. Fuel, A/Fuel, Funny Car, Fuel
Altered and Top Fuel. Padding must be accepted (with
manufacturer’s name displayed), securely mounted using bolts or
locking fasteners, and must include flame retardant covering.

104
Street Roadster Roll Cage
Open-Bodied Cars: Open bodied cars running 9.99 and quicker
and/or faster than 135 mph must SFI Specification for e.t. Full
bodied cars running 8.49 and quicker and/or exceeding 180 mph
must meet applicable SFI Specification for e.t. and weight. When
driver is in driving position in an open bodied car, roll cage must
be at least 3 inches in front of helmet. Cars without cross member
above driver’s legs must have a strap or device to prevent legs
from protruding outside chassis. On front engine dragster, seat
uprights and back braces must be arranged such that a flat surface
passed over any two adjacent members will not contact the driver’s
seat or containment.
105
Street Roadster Roll Cage

106
 Rear Engine Dragster Roll Cage
Additional uprights, max 30 degrees from vertical, must be added
until this requirement is satisfied. When non vertical upright or
“running W” side bay designs are used (i.e., uprights installed at
greater than 30 degrees from vertical), adjacent roll cage diagonals
must be the same size as that required for the upright. Motor
107
mount and/or rear end uprights (except rear engine dragster) may
be rectangular tubing, 1 ¾ inch x 1-inch x .058 CM or MS
minimum. All vehicles requiring to meet SFI Spec 2.1A, 2.2C,
2.3S, 2.4C, 2.5C, 2.6A, 2.7C, 10.1E or 10.4 the upper roll cage
members must have head/helmet guards of one inch by .058 inch
round tube on all chassis’. All Street Roadsters must conform to
SFI Spec 10.4.

Front Engine Roll Cage

108
Altered, Funny Car Roll Cages
109
Full Bodied Car Roll Cage

110
Full-Bodied Cars: On full bodied cars with driver in driving
position, helmet must be in front of main hoop. If helmet is behind
or under main hoop, additional tubing same size and thickness as
roll cage must be added to protect driver. Main hoop may be laid
back or forward, but driver must be encapsulated within the
required roll cage components. The roll cage, including the main
hoop and forward of the main hoop shall follow the contour of the
body as closely as possible and be summetrical with regard to the
distances from the cage to the body. On unibody cars with stock
floor and firewall (wheel tubs permitted), the roll cage may be
bolted or welded to the floor/rocker box via 6 inch x 6 inch x .125
inch steel plates. Unless attaching to OEM floor or frame, the
minimum requirements for a frame member to which a roll cage
member is attached are 1 5/8 inch x .118 inch MS or .083 inch CM
round and/or 2 inch x 2 inch x .058 MS or CM rectangular. All
cage structures must have in their construction a cross bar for seat
bracing and as the shoulder harness attachment point; cross bar
must be installed no more than 4 inches below, and not above, the
driver’s shoulders, or to side bar. All required rear braces must be
installed at a minimum angle of 30 degrees from vertical and must
be welded in. Side bar must pass the driver at a point midway
between the shoulder and elbow. Unless an OEM frame rail is
located below and outside of driver’s legs (i.e., ’55 Chevy, ’65
Corvette, etc.) a rocker or sill bar, minimum 1 5/8 inch x .083 CM
or .118 MS or 2 inch x 2 inch x .058 inch CM or MS rectangular,
is MANDATORY in any car with a modified floor or rocker box
within the roll cage uprights (excluding 6 square feet of
transmission maintenance opening). Rocker bar must be installed
below and outside of driver’s legs and must tie into the main hoop,
the forward hoop, frame, frame extension, or side diagonal.
Rocker bar may not tie into swing out side bar support. If rocker
bar ties into side diagonal more than 5 inches (edge to edge) from
forward roll cage support or main hoop, a 1 5/8 inch x .083 CM or
.118 MS brace/gusset is MANDATORY between the diagonal and
forward roll cage support or main hoop. Swing out side bar
permitted on OEM full bodied car 8.50 e.t. and slower. The
following requirements (a through d) apply: a. 1 5/8 inch O.D. x
.083 inch CM or .118-inch MS minimum. Bolts/pins must be 3/8
inch diameter steel, minimum and in double shear at both ends. b.
Male or female clevis(es) permitted. Male clevis must use two
minimum 1/8 inch-thick brackets (CM or MS) welded to each roll-
cage upright; female must use minimum ¼ inch thick bracket (CM
or MS) welded to each roll cage upright. Pins must be within 8
inches of the vertical portion of both the forward and main hoops.
A half-cup backing device must be welded to the vertical portion
111
of the main hoop (inward side) or the upper end of the swing out
bar (outward side), minimum .118 inch wall (CM or MS)
extending at least 1 5/8 inches past the center of the pins. A clevis
assembly using a minimum .350 inch thick male component and
two minimum .175 inch thick female components may use a ½
inch diameter Grade 5 bolt and does not require a half-cup backing
device. c. Sliding sleeves of 1 3/8 inch x .083 CM or .118 MS,
with minimum 2 inch engagement, are permitted in lieu of the
upper pin/cup. d. All bolt/pin holes in the swing out bar must have
at least one-hole diameter of material around the outside of the
hole.
On all cars requiring a roll cage, if the OEM firewall has been
modified (in excess of 1square foot for transmission removal, not
including bolted in components) a lower windshield or dash bar of
1 1/4 x .058 inch 4130 chromoly or 1 1/4 x .118 inch mild steel is
MANDATORY connecting the forward cage supports.

112
Head protectors and harness mounting
SAFETY HUBS: Each car in competition, (except Stock Cars,
Sports Cars, Hot Rod and Gas Coupe/Sedans), must be equipped
with suitable safety hub devices on each driving wheel.
Minimum protection: Standard production safety hubs, (i.e.,
full-floating or three-quarter floating type rear axles. These
types may have the axles removed from the rear end assembly
with the wheels remaining on the car); or in lieu of these, a
minimum of four hooks per driving wheel, each attached to the
backing plate with not less than two 1/4 inch minimum bolts.
Hooks must be made of a minimum of 1/4 inch steel plate, at
least one inch wide, firmly mounted so as to retain the drum,
hub, and wheel in case of axle failure.
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SHIFT LIGHT: Shift light may only be triggered by tachometer
output or ignition output.
SHOCK ABSORBERS: Each car in competition must be
equipped with one operative shock absorber for each sprung
wheel. Shocks must be either hydraulic or friction type
securely mounted and in good working order, except in
Dragsters and classes that shocks aren't required. See Class
Requirements.
STARTERS: All cars must be self starting. Rollers and/or push
starts PROHIBITED.
STEERING: Each car’s steering system must be secure and free
of defects. All butt welded parts must have additional visible
reinforcement. Only conventional automotive steering systems are
permitted; flexible steering shafts PROHIBITED. Rear wheel
steering PROHIBITED, unless vehicle was originally
manufactured with an OEM system. An OEM system may not be
modified, altered, or used in any manner inconsistent with
manufacturer’s specifications. All rod ends must be a minimum of
3/8-inch shank diameter and must be installed with flat washers of
sufficient outside diameter to prevent bearing pullout. All steering
boxes, sectors, and shafts must be mounted to the frame or suitable
cross member and cannot be mounted in any case to the bell
housing and/or bell housing adapter shield, or motor plate. A
secondary steering shaft stop must be installed to prevent long
steering shaft from injuring driver in case of frontal impact (i.e.,
collar or U-joint pinned at cross member, bracket, etc.).
Commercially available quick disconnect steering wheels
permitted (except as noted in Class Requirements). Adapter must
be welded to shaft. All fasteners must be of a positive nature; no
roll or pressed pins, no ball-lock pins, set screws, etc. AHRA
accepted swing away steering column permitted with removable
steering wheel.
STRESSES: All cars where stress is concentrated at a central
point on the chassis by the location of rear engine mounts, belly
straps, roll bar braces, roll bars, or rear end assemblies, must have
a reinforcing strap or truss type brace to distribute the stress over at
least a three foot area to relieve critical stress build up or chassis
fatigue at these points of component intersection.
SUPERCHARGER:
Top Fuel, Funny Car, A/Fuel, and Fuel Altered: Refer to
individual Class Requirements for supercharged specifications.
Roots-type: Maximum size: 14-71, 22 1/4-inch case length, 11
1/4-inch case width, 19-inch rotor length; maximum rotor
diameter: 5.840 inches including fixed stripping. Rotors must be
114
driven from the front; both external drive and internal gearing.
The case must be one piece with removable front and rear bearing
end plates; rotor must be contained within one-piece case. Rotor
helix angle may not exceed that of a standard 71-series GM-type
rotor (4 degrees per inch). Maximum overdrive see Class
Requirements. Aluminum studs (supercharger to manifold)
mandatory in A/Fuel, Funny Car, Fuel Altered and Top Fuel. See
Class Requirements for manifold burst panel and restraint
specifications.
Roots-type high helix: Must adhere to same maximum case
dimensions and maximum rotor cavity diameter as standard Roots.
Rotor helix angle may not exceed 6.5 degrees per inch (123.5
degrees total over 19-inch maximum rotor length). Rotors must be
driven from the front; both external drive and internal gearing.
Use of high-helix supercharger prohibited. Maximum overdrive
see Class Requirements. Aluminum studs (supercharger to
manifold) MANDATORY. See Class
Requirements for manifold burst panel and restraint specifications.
Manifold pressure relief assembly meeting SFI Spec 23.1
MANDATORY with alcohol or nitromethane. Any other use of
double burst panels on any supercharger or manifold
PROHIBTED. Aluminum studs (supercharger to manifold)
MANDATORY. Variable multi-speed supercharger devices
PROHIBITED regardless of supercharger type.
ALL SUPERCHARGERS: For all cars running 9.99 seconds or
quicker, fuel and/or oil lines must be shielded wherever they pass
the supercharger drive belt. Either a belt guard or fuel/oil line
guard may be used.
SUPERCHARGER RESTRAINT DEVICE: Supercharger
restraint system meeting SFI Specs MANDATORY per Class
Requirements. Top Fuel, Funny Car and Fuel Altered requires SFI
Spec 14.3. SFI Spec 14.1 restraint permitted with Roots-type 6:71
on alcohol. Restraint system must be updated at two year intervals
from date of manufacture. 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. See Class
Requirements.
SUPPORT STRAP: An engine support strap made of steel plate
or aircraft cable (chain not accepted), or some other means of
supporting the rear of the engine in case of clutch or flywheel
disintegration, is required on all cars. Mid-mount permitted.
SUSPENSION: All cars must have a full suspension of the type
produced by automobile manufacturers (i.e. springs, torsion bars,
air suspension, etc.). Rigid mounting of front or rear axles is not
permitted. All rod ends must be installed with flat washers of
115
sufficient outside diameter to prevent bearing pullout. Hollow rod
ends are PROHIBITED. Radius rods are not required on front
axles that are rigidly mounted 18 inches or less from kingpin axis.
Any front suspension using a beam or tubular axle must have
radius rods attached to frame.
SWITCHES & BUTTONS: All switches and/or buttons must be
standard, mechanical connection type. Infrared, laser, retinal scan,
fingerprint, light source, or any other non mechanical type switch
and/or button PROHIBITED in all classes.
TAILLIGHTS: All CLASSES are required to have one
functional taillight MANDATORY. Strobe, flashing, high
intensity, laser, infrared, photo sensitive, or other light emitting or
receiving device PROHIBITED. See Class Requirements.
TARPAULINS: Tarpaulins may be used to cover the cockpit
on open-bodied cars but must be securely fastened in place and
arranged so they do not obstruct the steering wheel and be so
constructed as not to restrict the driver from getting in or out of
the car without using fasteners or grippers. Tarpaulins used as
covers over the rear engine compartments must be made of
fireproof material
THROTTLES: Each car, regardless of class, must have a foot
throttle incorporating positive acting return springs attached
directly to the carburetor throttle arm. A positive stop or over ride
prevention must be used to prevent linkage from passing over
center and sticking in an open position. In addition to return
springs, some means of manually returning the throttle to a closed
position by use of the foot must be installed on all altered linkage
systems except hydraulically or cable operated systems. Per Class
Requirements throttle control must be manually operated by
driver’s foot; electronics, pneumatics, hydraulics, or any other
device may in no way affect the initial throttle operation. Cable
throttle systems permitted. AHRA accepted hand controls for the
physically challenged permitted. Choke cables and brazed or
welded fittings on steel cable PROHIBITED. No part of throttle
linkage may extend below frame rails.
TOW HOOK: All vehicles competing in AHRA events should
incorporate a device on the front of the chassis that will facilitate
ease in hookup for towing entry from the racing surface. It is
recommended that all receiver pins be ½ inch in diameter.
TOW VEHICLE: All tow vehicles must have the driver’s
competition number displayed on the tow vehicle MANDATORY.
Limit of six crewmembers in tow or push vehicle. Crewmembers
must be inside cab or completely inside bed or truck, not to be
seated on tailgate, standing on running boards, or otherwise not
completely inside vehicle.
116
TRACTION BARS: All bars must not be longer in overall length
than one half the wheel base of the car. Traction bar may extend
into the drivers compartment. Minimum requirement for rod ends
on the front of all ladder type traction bars is ¾ inch steel. A rod
end strap to keep ladder bar secured in event of rod end failure
MANDATORY in all classes. All traction devices that are not
attached at front (i.e., slapper bars, etc.) must have a U-bolt or
strap to prevent them from coming in contact with track.
TRANS BRAKE: Permitted.
TRANSMISSION: All cars in competition except motorcycle
must be equipped with a reverse gear.
TRANSMISSION (Aftermarket Planetary): Automated shifters
are not allowed in any class. A transmission shield covering
transmission and reverser meeting SFI Spec 4.1 is MANDATORY
if engine burns nitromethane; or engine burns methanol or nitrous
oxide and runs 9.99 seconds or quicker; or vehicle runs 7.49
seconds or quicker; or engine is supercharged or turbocharged; or
on any overdrive unit. Air shifter bottles must be stamped with
DOT 1800 pound rating (minimum) and be securely mounted (i.e.,
no tie wraps or hose clamps). At least three bolts, 3/8 inch
minimum, must be used to secure aftermarket planetary
transmissions to bell housing.
TRANSMISSION (Automatic/AHRA Accepted): Automated
shifters are permitted. Any non OEM automatic floor mounted
automatic transmission shifter must be equipped with a spring
loaded positive reverse lockout device to prevent the shifter from
accidentally being put into reverse gear. Functional neutral safety
switch MANDATORY. All transmission lines must be metallic or
high pressure type hose. All vehicles running quicker than 10.99
seconds (*6.99) or faster than 135 mph and using an automatic
transmission must be equipped with a transmission shield meeting
SFI Spec 4.1 and labeled accordingly. (“Blanket” type shield,
appropriately labeled as meeting SFI Spec 4.1, permitted.) All non
blanket type shields must incorporate two (or one, per
manufacturer’s instructions) 3/4 x 1/8 inch straps that bolt to the
shield on each side and pass under the transmission pan, or
transmission pan must be labeled as meeting SFI Spec 4.1.
Permitted in all classes where an automatic transmission is used.
Any car 9.99 or quicker, and 135 mph or faster using an automatic
transmission, Lenco Drive, or BRT must be equipped with a flex
plate meeting SFI Spec 29.1 and covered by a flex plate shield
meeting SFI Spec 30.1. Transmission that can utilize a high gear
trans brake must be supported by the use of two momentary
buttons (one to arm the system, second as the main transbrake).
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Air shifter bottles must be stamped with DOT 1800 pound rating
(minimum) and be securely mounted (i.e., no tie wraps or hose
clamps). All cars running 10.99 (*6.99) seconds and quicker must
have an AHRA accepted locking type dipstick on the transmission.
TRANSMISSION SHIELD OR BLANKET: Transmission
shield or blanket meeting SFI Spec. 4.1 MANDATORY. See
Class Requirements.
TWO-WAY RADIO COMMUNICATION: The use of two-
way radio communication is permitted. Telemetry function
PROHIBITED. All on board radios must be securely mounted
with a positive retention device.
UPHOLSTERY, SEATS: The driver’s seat of any car in
competition must be constructed, braced, mounted, and
upholstered to provide full back and shoulder support. The
driver’s seat must be supported on the bottom and back by the
frame or cross member. Except as noted in SFI Specs, seats must
be bolted with four bolts (and nuts and washers) on the bottom and
one bolt in the rear into crossbar; all bolts must go into frame or
cross braces.

Ball lock pins for seat attachment PROHIBITED in all classes. All
seats must be upholstered, or as noted under Class or SFI
Requirements. Properly braced, framed, supported, and
constructed seats of aluminum, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or double
layer poly (accessory seats) permitted. Single layer fiberglass seats
must have steel tube framework, ½ inch minimum O.D., for
support. Aftermarket aluminum seats must have reinforced head
rest. Magnesium seats PROHIBITED.
VENT TUBES: (BREATHERS) MANDATORY as outlined in
Class Requirements; permitted on all cars. Where used, the tubes
must terminate into an acceptable, permanently attached catch tank
with a minimum capacity of one gallon per engine (except as noted
in Class Requirements). The catch tank must be baffled to keep
overflow off track. Breather/vent tubes must be mechanically
secured (tie-wraps prohibited) to the fittings and the fittings locked
at both ends.
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WARM UPS: MANDATORY for a driver to be seated in the car
in the normal driving position anytime the engine is running,
unless coupler or driveline is removed from vehicle. When
starting Fuel Cars in the pit area, the car must be fully within the
assigned space. No backing car out of the pit space to start the
engine. When occupying the “end spot” pit space or if the
neighboring trailer does not completely shield your car, it is
MANDATORY to park a tow vehicle alongside the race car while
the engine is running.
WHEEL BASE: On cars required to maintain stock O.E.M.
wheel base, a ¾ inch allowance for wheel alignment will be
allowed. However, left to right variation cannot exceed one inch.
Minimum 85 inches, unless car has original engine in original
location and is shorter than original, or otherwise noted in Class
Requirements.
WHEELIE BARS: All wheelie bars, regardless of class, must
have non-metallic wheels (i.e., rubber, plastic). Wheelie bar
wheels must turn freely at starting line, any preload
PROHIBITED. Wheelie bars must be fixed. Hydraulics,
pneumatics, electronics, etc. or any adjustment or movement
during run PROHIBITED. Using wheelie bar wheels as “fifth
wheel” sensing device PROHIBITED. Some classes limit length
of wheelie bar. See Class Requirements.

Wheel Mounting
WHEELS / TIRES: Tires will be visually checked for condition,
pressure, etc. and must be considered free of defects by the
technical inspector prior to any run. Hub Caps must be removed
for inspection. Snap-on hub caps must be left off during
competition in all events. Tires must be visually checked for
condition, pressure, etc. Recapped tires are PROHIBITED. All
street tires must have a minimum of 1/16 inch tread depth. Each
car in competition must be equipped with automotive type wheels
with a minimum wheel diameter of 12 inches. A minimum of 48
inch tread width, as measured from the center of the tire treads,
must be maintained on at least one axle to prevent chassis roll out.

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Motorcycle type wheels, spoke type magnesium wheels, or
automotive type lightweight wire wheels may be used on the
front axle in Dragster classes only, providing the car's total
weight, excluding driver, does not exceed 1800 pounds.
Motorcycle wheels or lightweight automotive wire wheels must
be equipped with 1/8 inch minimum diameter steel spokes,
properly cross laced, to provide maximum strength. All spoke
holes in rim and hub must be laced, omission to lighten wheel is
PROHIBITED. Rear wheels may be inside the body in Dragster
and Altered Coupe/Sedan and must be covered with a metal
wheel well which covers the inside and top 180 degrees of the
wheel and completely isolates the driver's compartment from
wheels and tires, and should be of sufficient strength to protect
the driver from smoke and tire fragments. A minimum tire
pressure may be enforced by the Tech Director at any time. A
maximum of two (2) inch offset will be allowed on the front axle
of dragsters, funny cars and exhibition vehicles. All other classes
will be allowed one inch offset. All wheel studs must project
through wheel both front and rear when recessed after market nuts
are used. All wheel studs must project through lug nut when stock
nut is used. Vehicles with missing studs will be PROHIBITED
from competition. Metal screw in valve stems MANDATORY in
tubeless tires front and rear of all entries running
11.99 seconds and quicker in the quarter mile or 7.49 seconds and
quicker in the eighth mile. All vehicles must use an approved
racing tire on front as well as rear of car.
WINDOW NET: A window net meeting SFI 27.1 is
MANDATORY on any full bodied car running 7.49 (*4.49) or
quicker. For full bodied cars running 7.50 (*4.50) to 9.99 (*6.39)
or if vehicle runs 135 mph or faster, a window net meeting SFI
Spec 27.1 is MANDATORY unless otherwise specified by Class
Requirements. SFI Spec 27.1 window net, when required, must be
updated at two year intervals from the date of manufacture.
Window net must be securely mounted on the inside of the roll
cage, with the permanent attachment at the bottom. Net must
extend forward to within two inches of the farthest back portion of
the steering wheel. All attachment points must be designed in an
attempt to protect the driver and avoid contact with track surface or
guard wall. Eyelet clips, dog leash hardware, hose clamps, etc.
PROHIBITED. Penetration of webbing, except as performed by
manufacturer, PROHIBITED. Any modification to net must be
performed by manufacturer.
WINDSCREENS: On open bodied cars, or any other car
permitted to enter competition without a windshield, a metal or
other fireproof deflector must be installed. Minimum size on open
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body class cars is 5 inch x 12 inch. The deflector should be so
constructed that it will divert wind, liquids, foreign matter, etc.,
over the driver’s head, be securely mounted, and installed in such a
manner that it does not in any way obstruct the driver’s frontal
view.
WINDSHIELD, WINDOWS: Windshields and windows on all
cars, when called for under Class Requirements, must be of safety
glass, Plexiglas, Lexan, or other shatter proof material, minimum
1/8 inch thick. In all vehicles, windshields and/or windows must
be clear, without tinting or coloring, except factory tinted safety
glass. In all other applications, windshield/window tint must meet
the applicable state requirements. Competition number decals are
permitted on any window, windshield or back lite, except as noted
in Class Requirements. Tape of any kind PROHIBITED on any
windshield or window.
STANDARD ELIMINATION PROCEDURE
All machines will be called to the Staging Area by the
Announcer. Only one call is required. Five minutes after the first
call, any machine not appearing in the Staging Area will be
subject to disqualification at the discretion of the Staging
Steward. Once a machine has entered the Staging Area and made
its initial run down the Strip, no further paging efforts will be
made to return the machine to the Staging area. Any car left
unattended in the Staging Lanes may be disqualified by the
Staging Steward. All heat winners are required to return to the
Staging Area immediately upon completion of each run, until a
class champion has been recorded. Once a machine passes the
area one car length behind the starting line, and the front wheels
are placed on the starting line in preparation for a run, the
machine must be ready to go. Drivers in this position may not
wave off the starter. No crew-members are permitted to
accompany the car after the front wheels have been placed on the
starting line. All cars must line up straight with the strip when
making a run. No angled starts. Go only on green. Any machine
making a Jump Start before the light turns green will be
automatically disqualified. A (one) Jump Start is an automatic
disqualification at all times during the entire day's competitive
racing activities.
WARRANTY DISCLAIMER
The rules promulgated in this Rule Book are intended as
guidelines for the sport of drag racing, and the rules relating
to the safety of equipment are the responsibility of each
driver who participates in the sport of drag racing under
these rules. No express or implied warranty of safety is
intended nor may be inferred from the publication of these
121
rules, nor the compliance therewith. Nothing contained
herein should be construed as a guarantee against injury or
death to participants, bystanders or spectators.
Any machine touching any marker line will be disqualified.
After passing the finish line, the end of the timing lane is located
66 feet beyond. Begin braking down as soon as your front wheels
pass over this mark. The winner of an elimination run is
electronically selected at the finish line. The decision is accurate
to 1/35,000th of a second. No machine will be permitted to use the
Strip for return purposes, except under unusual circumstances,
without the consent of the Strip Manager. Violation may result in
disqualification. All Contestants must turn off at the end of the
Strip and keep their speed under 10 MPH on the Return Road.
Violation may result in disqualification.
ELIMINATION PROCEDURE ALL SELF STARTERS
PRO CATEGORIES
If the winner of a round breaks and is unable to return for the
next round then the car that he ran will be reinstated. No car
that has a foul start or crosses strip center line or outside
markers will be reinstated. If the car that lost the round is
unable to return then the opponent will be given a by-run. The
selection of lanes will be determined by the lowest elapsed time of
the two participants. First round will be based upon qualifying and
succeeding rounds by the previous round.
All Race Cars are encouraged to burnout across the starting line
if allowed by the track operators.

SFI SPECIFICATIONS

122
 The following is a list of all Specifications applicable to AHRA
Drag Racing, with respective expiration periods. An item with an
expiration period must be returned to the original manufacturer for
inspection and recertification at the end of this period before it can
be permitted for further use at an AHRA event. Specifications are
available from the SFI Foundation at www.sfifoundation.com

Current
Revision Recertification
Spec Product Date Period
1.1 Replacement Flywheels and Clutch Assemblies
9-Nov-01 2 Years

Multiple Disc Clutch Assemblies for Vehicles with February 9,

1.2 2006,
Naturally Aspirated Engines
Edited Feb.
23, 2016 2 Years

Nitro-Methane Drag Race Multiple Disc Clutch 5/23/2000

1.3
Assemblies Edited Feb.
23, 2016 1 Year
May 23,
2000 Edited
1.4 Alcohol Drag Race Multiple Disc Clutch Assemblies
Apr. 11,
2008 1 Year
February 9,
Multiple Disc Clutch Assemblies for Supercharged, 2006 Edited
1.5
Nitrous Oxide-injected, and Turbocharged Vehicles Apr. 11,
2008 1 Year

Rear Engine Dragster Roll Cage - 5.99 Seconds &

2.1A Quicker (Alcohol or Methanol) 5-Mar-10 See Class Rules
Front Engine Dragster Roll Cage - 5.99 Seconds &
2.2C Quicker 5-Mar-10 See Class Rules

Rear Engine Dragster Chassis Structure (Top Fuel) –

2.3S 4.99 Seconds & Quicker (Top Fuel) 20-Apr-18 See Class Rules

2.4C Front Engine Dragster Roll Cage - 6.00 to 7.49 Seconds 5-Mar-10 See Class Rules

2.5C Rear Engine Dragster Roll Cage - 6.00 to 7.49 Seconds 5-Mar-10 See Class Rules
Front Engine Dragster Roll Cage - 7.50 Seconds &
2.6A Slower 5-Mar-10 See Class Rules

2.7C Rear Engine Dragster Roll Cage - 7.50 Seconds & Slower 5-Mar-10 See Class Rules

February
3.2 Fire Protection Material (Technical Bulletin) 26, 2014 N/A

3.2A Driver Suits (3.2A/1, 3.2A/3, 3.2A/5) 26-Jun-20 N/A

5 Years, including
3.2A Driver Suits (3.2A/10, 3.2A/15, 3.2A/20) 26-Jun-20 the year on ta
Driver Accessories: Arm Restraints, Shoes (3.3/5), Drag
Boots (3.3/15, 3.3/20), Gloves (3.3/1, 3.3/5, 3.3/10,
3.3 3.3/15, 3.3/20) 26-Jun-20 N/A

3.4 Advanced Driver Suits 30-Oct-19 N/A

4.1 Automatic Transmission Shields (Rigid Type) 27-Mar-13 5 Years

4.1 Automatic Transmission Shields (Flexible-Blanket Type)
27-Mar-13 2 Years

123
 5 Years or as
Containment Bellhousing for SFI 1.1 & 1.2 Clutch specified by
Assemblies for limited normally aspirated applications, manufacturer - per
and forced induction applications with torque converters sanctioning body
6.1 26-Jun-20 rules

Passanger Car Replacement Containment Bellhousing 2 Years or as

6.1W with Adjustable Clutch Window for SFI 1.1&1.2 Clutch specified by
(within Assemblies for limited normally aspirated applications, manufacturer - per
Spec and forced induction applications with torque converters sanctioning body
6.1) 26-Jun-20 rules
2 Years or as
specified by
Containment Bellhousing for SFI 1.3 & 1.4 Clutch manufacturer - per
Assemblies for Nitro-methane, Top Alcohol, and heavy- sanctioning body
6.2 duty tractor applications. 11-May-15 rules

2 Years or as
specified by
manufacturer - per
Containment Bellhousing for SFI Clutch Assemblies for sanctioning body
6.3 supercharged and nitrous-oxide applications 26-Aug-16 rules
7.1 Lower Engine Containment Device
13-Feb-98 1 Year
7.2 Sportsman Lower Engine Containment Device
15-Dec-06 5 Years

8.1 Remote Fuel System Drive Assembly 12-Nov-02 N/A

9.1 Sport Compact Bellhousing Blanket 06-Dec-02 5 Years

10.1E Funny Car Roll Cage (Alcohol, Advanced ET, etc.) 9-Dec-04 See Class Rules
Altered Car Roll Cage, 6.00 to 7.49 Seconds E.T.
10.2 13-Jun-03 See Class Rules
Altered Car Roll Cage, 7.50 Seconds and Slower E.T.
10.3 13-Jun-03 See Class Rules
Side Steer Roadster Roll Cage, 7.50 Seconds and Slower
10.4 E.T. 9-Dec-04 See Class Rules
31 October
2013,
Edited 1 Oct
10.5A Fuel Funny Car Chassis, 4.99 Seconds E.T. & Quicker 2014 See Class Rules

11.1 Cable Break Away Devices 9-Jul-01 N/A

Supercharger Restraint Devices
14.1 29-Jan-92 2 Years
Alcohol Supercharger Restraint Devices
14.2 1-May-08 2 Years

14.21 Screw-Type Supercharger Restraint Devices 26-Feb-14 2 Years

Nitro-Methane Fuel Supercharger Restraint Devices
14.3 25-Aug-17 2 Years
Containment Valve Covers/Valve Cover Shields
14.4 23-Mar-04 2 Years
Manifold Blankets
14.5 29-Aug-14 2 Years
Engine Blankets – Rear
14.6 16-Mar-15 2 Years
Nitro-Methane Fuel Supercharger Restraint Strop Engine
14.8 Brackets 19-Apr-19 2 Years
Drag Race Drive Wheels
15.1 8-Mar-19 N/A
Drag Race Front Wheels
15.2 8-Mar-19 N/A
High Power Drag Race Drive Wheels
15.3 8-Mar-19 2 Years
Top Fuel and Funny Car Drag Race Drive Beadlock
15.4
Wheels 8-Mar-19 1 Year

124
16.1 Driver Restraint Assemblies
26-Feb-14 2 Years
16.2 Restraint Assemblies for Youth Drivers
26-Feb-14 2 Years

16.6 Advanced Motorsport Restraint Assemblies 20-Apr-18 2 Years

2 Years (6 Year Max

17.1 On Board Fire Suppression Systems 26-Jun-20 Service Life)

Single Seat Open Wheel Rear Engine On Board Fire 2 Years (6 Year Max
17.2 Suppression Systems 19-Apr-19 Service Life)

6/17/1999
Edited Feb.
18.1 Crankshaft Hub Harmonic Dampers 23, 2016 N/A

21.1 Power Turbine Containment Device 23-May-00 2 Years

22.1 Supercharger Drive Chain Containment Device 25-Oct-04 N/A

23.1 Supercharger Pressure Relief Assemblies 1-May-08 2 Years

24.1 Youth Helmets 27-Mar-13 N/A

Full Bodied Car Tube Chassis Roll Cage – 7.49 Seconds

25.1J ET and Quicker; 2,800 Lbs. Maximum 3-Jan-20 See Class Rules

Full Bodied Car Tube Chassis Roll Cage – 6.00 to 7.49

25.2D Seconds ET; 3,200 Lbs. Maximum 3-Jan-20 See Class Rules

Full Bodied Car with Aftermarket Body Shell and Tube

Frame, OEM Body Shell and OEM Frame with OEM or
Modified Floorpan and Firewall, or Uni-Body with OEM or
Modified Floorpan and Firewall Roll Cage – 6.50 to 7.49
25.3C Seconds ET; 3,600 Lbs. Maximum 5-May-18 See Class Rules

Full Bodied Car Tube Chassis Roll Cage – 7.50 to 8.49

25.4C Seconds ET; 3,600 Lbs. Maximum 5-May-18 See Class Rules

Full Bodied Car Stock or Modified/OEM Floorpan and Firewall

with OEM Frame or Uni-Body Construction – 7.50 to 8.49
25.5D Seconds ET; 3,600 Lbs. Maximum 5-May-18 See Class Rules

Full Bodied Car Stock / Truck or Modified/OEM Floorpan 8/26/2016

and Firewall with OEM Frame or Uni-Body Construction – Edited Sep.
25.6 7.99 to 8.49 Seconds ET; 5,000 lbs. Maximum 28, 2016 See Class Rules

27.1 Window Nets 11-Oct-06 2 Years

28.1 Fuel Cells 5 Years +2 Year

25-Aug-17 Recert
28.2 Crash Resistant Fuel Cells
14-Jul-00 N/A

28.3 Competition Fuel Cell Bladder 21-Apr-14 5 Years

29.1 Automatic Transmission Flexplates 26-Aug-16 3 Years

29.2 High Horsepower Automatic Transmission Flexplates 26-Aug-16 3 Years

29.3 Automatic Transmission Flexplates for Diesel Applications 26-Feb-14 3 Years

30.1 Automatic Transmission Flexplate Shields 17-Jun-99 5 Years

31.1 Flame Resistant Motorsports Helmets 27-Mar-13 N/A

34.1 Screw-Type Superchargers 29-Jan-02 3 Years

37.1 Roll Cage Nets 11-Oct-06 2 Years

38.1 Head and Neck Restraint Systems 16-Mar-15 5 Years

125
 Racing Seats (Standard)
39.2 25-Aug-17 2 Years

40.1 Abrasion Resistant Driver/Rider Suits 4-Nov-93 N/A

41.1 Motorsports Helmets 27-Mar-13 N/A

42.1 Steering Wheel Quick Disconnect/Release 15-Feb-96 N/A

43.1 Drive Shafts 25-Aug-17 N/A

Roll Cage Padding
45.1 11-Aug-05 N/A
Impact Padding
45.2 27-Mar-13 N/A

46.1 Nitro-Methane Fuel Motorcycle Engine Restraint Device 13-Feb-98 2 Years

Top Fuel Rear Wing Assemblies
49.1 22-Mar-11 1 Year

Top Fuel Front Wing Assemblies

49.2 22-Mar-11 1 Year

52.1 Fueler Apron 5-Jun-12 N/A

Non-Flammable Thermal Barrier Fire Extinguishing

54.1 Coatings 17-Jan-08 Annual Recoating

56.1 Dashboard and Other Carbon Fiber Components 26-Feb-14 N/A

61.1 Turbochargers 26-Jun-20 2 Years

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AHRA Rulebook

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