Announcement scheduled regarding new speed-limiting rules
SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. (April 22, 2010) - The American Hot Rod Association announced today that all nitro classes competing at 2010 Reunion Tour events will be contested at the traditional standard 1320- foot quarter-mile distance. It was also announced that following the season-opening San Antonio event May 22-23, all Reunion Tour events will run both Top Fuel and Funny Car classes subject to forthcoming rules implemented to increase safety while reducing speeds and expense.
Troy Moe, AHRA CEO, explained the resurgent sanctioning body's position as true to the traditions of drag racing and sensitive to the voices of the drivers as well as fans of the sport.
"I understand the rationale for limiting nitro competition to 1,000 feet to promote safety, but we are committed presenting safe, quarter- mile drag racing," Moe said.
"At our opening event in San Antonio, nitro team owners, drivers and crew chiefs will collectively present and review options for slowing the cars to maintain safe competition. They will also consider options to reduce the expenses of Top Fuel racing.
"On that Sunday, May 23, after the event, an announcement will be made as to the new requirements. We will then offer both nitro classes in the remaining Reunion Tour events inclusive of the new class restrictions targeted to create a safer program," he said.
"I'm confident this will assist the stabilization of Fuel classes and make them more affordable to run," Moe added.
Historically, this is not the first time AHRA has led the way regarding Top Fuel. In 1957, AHRA maintained a nitromethane-powered eliminator class despite a seven-year ban of the fuel by rival NHRA and several racetracks around the country.
