GLENDORA, Calif. (Feb. 1, 2013) – NHRA announced today changes to sections 17 and 18 of the 2013 Rulebook regarding prohibitions on modifying Funny Car and Top Fuel components. Only safety-enhancing modifications will be considered for approval and implementation during 2013. Performance-enhancing modifications may be submitted for approval, however, even if approved for future use, it is NHRA’s plan that no performance-enhancing modifications will be implemented during 2013 in the Top Fuel and Funny Car categories. The rule change is intended to maintain parity and reduce the escalating costs of racing.
Only items or components currently approved by NHRA may be used in competition. If a vehicle is found to be using any item or component that is different from that which is approved, including an item or component that has been modified or altered from the approved configuration, then the driver will be penalized with a minimum $25,000 fine and deduction of 75 points. Multiple violations and/or flagrant disregard for this policy may result in additional penalties as determined by NHRA in its sole and absolute discretion. Such additional penalties may include disqualification, suspension or loss of season points. Among items and components that are subject to inspection and penalty if found to be different, altered, modified or otherwise not the same as the item or component that is approved, are the following: injector hats; supercharger cases (excluding end plates); supercharger inserts; supercharger rotors; cylinder heads (intake valve sizes may be increased to 2.470” max.); engine blocks; magnetos; ignition systems; data acquisition systems; safety shutoff system; event data recorder; front wings; rear wings; tires; and nitromethane.
