If outlined in Class Requirements, mandatory to have a braking parachute produced by a recognized drag racing parachute manufacturer. Scrutineers 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 further back than 1-inch (2.5 cm). The release housing must be attached within 12-inches (30.5 cm) of the parachute pack and in a manner that will allow the inner cable to release the chute. When supercharged and/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 into the pack. Parachutes must have their own independent mounting. 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.
4.9 PINION SUPPORT
All cars using an open driveline must have radius arms, traction bars or some suitable pinion support to prevent rearend housing rotation. It is recommended that a torque tube, steel, 1/8-inch (3.2 mm) minimum wall thickness, be used to enclose all drivelines.
4.10 ROLL BARS
All roll bars must be within 6-inches (15.2 cm) of the rear, or side, of the driver's head, extend in height at least 3-inches (7.6 cm) 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 (2.5 cm) of the driver's door. Roll bar must be adequately supported or cross-braced to prevent forward or lateral collapse of roll bar. 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 (12.7 cm) from the top of the roll bar. Sidebar must be included on driver's side. The side bar must pass the driver at a point midway between the shoulder and elbow. All vehicles with OEM frame must have roll bar attached to frame; installation of frame connectors on unibody cars does not constitute a frame and 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 (15.2 cm) x 6-inch (15.2 cm) x .125-inch (3.2 mm) steel plates on top and bottom of floor bolted together with at least four 3/8-inch (9.53 mm) bolts and nuts, or weld main hoop to rocker sill area with .125-inch (3.2 mm) reinforcing plates. All 4130 chrome moly welding must be done by approved TIG Heliarc process; mild steel (or ST51) welding must be approved MIG wire feed or approved TIG heliarc process. Welding must be free of slag and porosity. Any grinding of welds prohibited. See illustration (Drawing 12).
Roll bar must be padded anywhere driver's helmet may contact it while in driving position. Adequate padding must have minimum 1/4-inch (6.35 mm) compression or meet SFI Spec 45.1.
4.11 ROLL CAGE
All cage structures must be designed in an attempt to protect the driver from any angle, 360-degrees. All 4130 chrome-moly 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. Additionally, roll cage must be padded any where the driver's helmet may contact it while in the driving position. TAD, TAFC, Pro Stock, Funny Car & Top Fuel padding must meet SFI Spec 45.1.
Open Bodied cars
When driver is in driving position in an open bodied car, roll cage must be at least 3-inches (76 mm) in front of helmet. Cars without crossmember 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 seat or containment. Additional uprights, max 30-degrees from vertical, must be added until this criteria is satisfied. When non-vertical upright or "running W" side bay designs are used (diagonals installed at greater than 30-degrees from vertical), adjacent roll cage diagonals must be the same size as that required for the upright. Motor mount and/or rear end uprights (except rear engine dragster) may be rectangular tubing, 1 3/4-inch x 1-inch x .058-inch (44.5 x 25.4 x 1.5 mm) CM or MS minimum.
Full Bodied Cars
On full bodied car, 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.
All cage structures must have in their construction cross bar for seat bracing and as the shoulder harness attachment point; cross bar must be installed no more than 4-inches (102 mm) 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 O.E.M. 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 (41.2 mm) x .083 (2.1 mm) CM or .118 (3.0 mm) MS or 2-inch x 2-inch x .058-inch (50.8 x 50.8 x 1.5 mm) CM or MS rectangular, is mandatory in any car with a modified floor or rocker box within the roll cage uprights (excluding six 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 (127 mm) (edge to edge) from forward roll cage support or main hoop, a 1 5/8-inch (41.2 mm) x .083 (2.1 mm) CM or .118 (3.0 mm) MS brace/gusset is mandatory between the diagonal and forward roll cage support or main hoop.
Swing out side bar permitted on O.E.M. full bodied car 7.50 (*4.50) E.T. and slower. The following requirements (a through d) will be enforced on cars certified after 1/1/98, on all cars 1/1/99.
a. 1 5/8-inch (41.2 mm) O.D. x .083-inch (2.1 mm) (CM) or .118-inch (3.0 mm) (MS) minimum. Bolts / pins must be 3/8-inch (9.5 mm) 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 (3.2 mm) thick brackets (CM or MS) welded to each roll cage upright; female must use minimum 1/4-inch (5.4 mm) thick bracket (CM or MS) welded to each roll cage upright. Pins must be within 8-inches (204 mm) of the vertical portion of both the forward and main hoops. A half cup backing device must be welded to the vertical portion of the main hoop (inward side) or the upper end of the swing out bar (outward side), minimum .118-inch (3.0 mm) wall (CM or MS) extending at least 1 5/8-inch (41.2 mm) past the center of the pins. A clevis assembly utilizing a minimum .350-inch (8.90 mm) thick male component and two minimum .175-inch (4.45 mm) thick female components may use a 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) diameter grade 5 bolt, and does not require a half cup backing device.
c. Sliding sleeves of 1 3/8-inch (35 mm) x .083-inch (2.1 mm) CM or .118 (3.0 mm) MS, with minimum 2-inch (51 mm) 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.
For all dragsters, funny cars and other cars requiring a funny car or dragster style roll cage, the upper roll cage members must be arranged such that a flat surface passed over any two adjacent members will not contact the driver's helmet while the helmet is held in contact with the inner side of the same roll cage members. If the roll cage members do not satisfy this criteria, head/helmet guards of 3/4 x .049-inch (19.1 x 1.24 mm) round tube or 3/4 (19.1 mm) by .090-inch (2.29 mm) flat strap must be added until the criteria is satisfied.
Effective 1/1/98 for chassis certification, 1/1/99 on all cars requiring a roll cage:
If the O.E.M. firewall has been modified (in excess of 1 square foot (929 cm2) for transmission removal, not including bolted in components) a lower windshield or dash bar of 1 1/4 x .058-inch (32 x 1.5 mm) 4130 chrome moly or 1 1/4 x .118-inch (32 x 3.0 mm) mild steel is mandatory connecting the forward cage supports.
4.12 WHEELBASE
Minimum 90-inches (2.286 m), unless car has original engine. Maximum wheelbase variation from left to right is 1-inch (2.5 cm), unless otherwise noted in Class Requirements.
TIRES & WHEELS: 5
5.1 TIRES
Tires will be visually checked for condition, pressure, etc., and must be considered free of defects by the scrutineer prior to any run. All street tires must have a minimum of 1/16-inch (1.6 mm) tread depth.
Temporary spares, space saver spares, farm implement or trailer tires prohibited. Metal screw-in valve stems mandatory in tubeless tires, front and rear, on cars running 11.99 (*7.49) or quicker.
5.2 WHEELS
Hubcaps must be removed for scrutineers, who will check for loose lugs, cracked wheels, worn or oversize lug holes, and condition of spindles, axle nuts, cotter pins, etc. Snap-on hubcaps are prohibited on any class car. Each car in competition must be equipped with automotive type wheels with a minimum 12-inches (30.5 cm) of diameter unless Class Requirements stipulate otherwise. Motorcycle wheels or lightweight automotive wire wheels must be equipped with .100-inch (2.5 mm) minimum diameter steel spokes, properly cross-laced to provide maximum strength. All spoke holes in rim and hub must be laced. Omissions to lighten wheels prohibited. All wheel studs must project into the hex portion of the lug nut by a distance equal to one diameter of the stud. Steel lug nuts mandatory. Maximum rim width on any car: 16-inches. No rear wheel discs or covers permitted in any category.
INTERIOR: 6
6.1 DRIVER COMPARTMENT
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. All holes in firewall must be sealed with aluminium or steel. Openings around all linkages, lines, wires, hoses, etc. must be minimized.
6.2 UPHOLSTERY, SEATS
The driver's seat of any car in competition must be constructed, braced, mounted, and upholstered so that it will give full back and shoulder support. The driver's seat must be supported on the bottom and back by the frame or crossmember. Except as noted in SFI specifications, 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 crossbraces, ball-pins for seat attachment prohibited. All seats must be upholstered, or as noted under Class or SFI Requirements. Properly braced, framed, supported and constructed seats of aluminium, fiberglass or double layer poly (accessory seats) or carbonfibre are permitted. Single layer fiberglass seats must have steel tube framework, 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) min outside diameter, for support. Aftermarket aluminium seats must have reinforced head rest. Magnesium seats prohibited.
6.3 WINDOW NET
A ribbon type or SFI spec 27.1 mesh type window net is mandatory on any full-bodied car required by the rules to have a roll cage. Window net must be securely mounted on the inside of the roll cage, with the permanent attachment at the bottom. All attachment points must be designed in an attempt to protect the driver and avoid contact with track surface or guardwall. Eyelet clips, dogleash hardware, hose clamps, etc. prohibited. Penetration of webbing, except as performed by manufacturer, prohibited. Any modification to net must be performed by manufacturer.
BODY: 7
7.1 ADVERTISING
FIA reserves the right to regulate by guideline, the advertising which appears on the body of any car participating in FIA events, and may from time to time publish such guidelines.
7.2 AIR FOILS, WINGS
Air foils, canards, wings, and spoilers other than original factory equipment will only be permitted in open-bodied class cars (i.e.: Dragster, Street Roadster, and Altered) or as noted in Class Requirements. A positive locking device to prevent movement mandatory. No part to be within 6-inches (15.2 cm) of rear tires. Spring-loaded spoilers, wings or canards prohibited. Adjustment of air foils, wings or spoilers during run prohibited.
NOTE: A spoiler is mounted directly to the deck lid of the vehicle, such that air only passes on the top side of the device. An airfoil or wing is mounted on stands, struts or pedastals, such that air passes over the top and underneath the device. Minimum fastener size on all front wings, canards, etc. is 1/4-inch (6.35 mm). Ball lock pins prohibited.
7.3 COMPETITION NUMBERS
Any car competing at FIA events must display the driver's Competition number. Numbers must be a minimum 6-inches (15.2 cm) high and 1 1/2-inches (3.8 cm) wide. Class designation letters must be a minimum 3-inches (7.6 cm) high and 1-inch (2.5 cm) 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 Tower personnel. Class and numbers must be in the form of permanent decals or paint. The use of shoe polish in any form is prohibited.
7.4 FENDERS
All vehicles in all classes must have re-rolled or beaded edges on altered fenders. Flaring or spreading external fender lines prohibited. Front fenders may not be "drooped" on full fendered cars, except as noted in Class Requirements.
7.5 FIREWALLS
Each car in competition must be equipped with a minimum .032-inch (.8 mm) aluminum or .024-inch (.6 mm) steel firewall, extending from side to side of the body and from the top of the engine compartment's upper seal (hood, cowl, or deck) to the bottom of the floor and/or bellypan. Firewall must provide a bulkhead between the engine and/or fuel tank and driver compartment. In certain instances fiberglass, carbon fiber or other composites may be used. See Class requirements or consult FIA. Use of magnesium prohibited.
7.6 FLOORS
All cars without floors must be equipped with floor pans made of steel or aluminum which must extend the full length and width of the driver compartment to the rear of the driver's seat. Cars equipped with floors or bellypans made of fiberglass or other breakable material must have metal subfloors. In all cars with OEM fiberglass floors, a crossmember (minimum 2-inches (5.1 cm) x 2-inches (5.1 cm), .083-inch (2.1 mm) wall thickness square tubing) must be installed between frame rails for proper driver's seat, seat belt, shoulder harness and crotch strap installation. Bellypans and subfloors enclosing engine or driver compartment must contain suitable drain holes so that liquids and foreign matter cannot collect, thus creating a fire hazard. Minimum .032-inch (.8 mm) aluminum or .024-inch (.6 mm) steel. In certain instances, an FIA accepted panel made of composite material may be substituted for steel or aluminum. Contact FIA for list of accepted composite panels. Use of magnesium prohibited.
7.7 HOOD SCOOP
On full-bodied cars, where permitted, hood scoop may not extend more than 11-inches (27.9 cm) above height of original hood surface. On open-bodied, front-engine cars, scoop may not extend more than 11-inches (27.9 cm) above height of carburetor top. Scoop may have one INLET opening only. Transducers, sensors, hoses, wiring, etc. prohibited inside hood scoop. See Class Requirements for additional restrictions.
7.8 WINDSCREEN
On open-bodied cars, or any other class car without a windshield, a metal or other fireproof deflector must be installed. Minimum size on Street Roadster and Altered class cars is 5-inches (12.7 cm) x 12-inches (30.5 cm). The deflector should divert wind, liquids and foreign matter over the driver's head, be securely mounted and installed in such a manner that it does not obstruct the driver's frontal view in any way.
7.9 WINDSHIELD, WINDOWS
Windshields and/or windows on all cars, when called for under Class Requirements, must be of safety glass, Plexiglas, Lexan (Polycarbonate), or other shatter-proof material. Windshields and/or windows must be clear, without tinting or coloring, except factory-tinted safety glass. Competition number decals are permitted on any window, windshield or backlite, except as noted in Class Requirements. Tape of any kind prohibited on any windshield or window.
ELECTRICAL/CONTROL: 8
8.1 BATTERIES
All batteries must be securely mounted and may not be relocated into the driver or passenger compartments. Rear firewall of .024-inch (.6 mm) steel or .032-inch (.8 mm) aluminum (including package tray) required when battery is re-located in trunk. In lieu of rear firewall, battery may be located in a sealed .024-inch (.6 mm) or .032-inch (.8 mm) aluminum, or FIA 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. Strapping tape prohibited. A maximum of two automobile batteries, or 150 pounds (68 kg) combined maximum weight (unless otherwise specified in Class Requirements) is permitted. Metal battery hold-down straps mandatory. Hold-down bolts must be minimum 3/8-inch (9.53 mm) if battery is relocated from stock and other than stock hold-downs are used ("J" hooks prohibited or must have open end welded shut.).
8.2 DELAY BOXES/DEVICES
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-lock button, or release of foot or hand brake, or release of clutch pedal/lever, and the resultant action of the vehicle.
Delay Device may only display delay amount dialed in, analog or digital display permitted. See Class requirements for number of boxes/devices permitted. Delay device may only serve to create a pre-set delay between release of trans brake, line-lock, etc. and resultant action of vehicle. Delay device may only be connected to systems; i.e. trans brake, and/or line-lock, and/or clutch, dependant on vehicle, and throttle stop. Delay device connected to shift timers, data recorders, or any other equipment prohibited. Wiring of delay box/device must be fully visible, labeled and traceable to scrutineer. Only delay boxes/devices fitting this description will be permitted.
Any system that does not fit the above description is prohibited, and must be corrected before the vehicle will be passed through pre-event scrutineering. Further, discovery of a prohibited device at any time following pre-event scrutineering will be grounds for immediate disqualification from the event, loss of all FIA points for the season, and suspension from all FIA Championship Drag Racing Events for remainder of season. Additional penalties may be imposed in accordance with the FIA International Sporting Code. (See 9.1 COMPUTERS, 9.2 DATA RECORDERS)
8.3 IGNITION
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.
8.4 MASTER CUTOFF
Mandatory when battery is relocated, or as outlined in Class Requirements. An electrical power cutoff switch (one only) must be installed on the rearmost part of each vehicle and be easily accessible from outside the car body. This cutoff switch must be connected to the positive side of the electrical system and must stop all electrical functions including magneto ignition. The external control switch for this cutoff switch will be clearly indicated by a red flash inside a white-edged blue triangle with a base of at least 12 cm (see drawing 25). The positions must be clearly indicated with the word "OFF". If switch is "push/pull" type, push must be the action for shutting off the electrical system, pull to turn it on. Any rods or cables used to activate the switch must be minimum 1/8-inch (3.2 mm) diameter. Plastic or keyed switches prohibited. Switches and/or controls must be located behind rear wheels on rear engine dragsters.
8.5 STARTERS
All cars must be self-starting. Rollers and/or push starts prohibited.
8.6 TAIL LIGHTS
All vehicles in ET must have as minimum requirement one working tail light for night operations. Strobe, flashing, high intensity, or other type lights that may distract other drivers are prohibited. Any other light emitting/receiving device (laser, infrared, light sensor, etc.) prohibited. Also see Class Requirements.
8.7 SWITCHES AND 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.
SUPPORT GROUP: 9
9.1 COMPUTER
Except those computers installed on stock vehicles by the new vehicle manufacturers for the proper operation of such vehicles, no vehicles may be equipped with computers which in any way effect the operation of the vehicle. Per class requirements, OEM or OEM-type electronic fuel injection permitted. All related wiring, sensors, etc. must be identifiable to the scrutineer. A computer is defined as any device (electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, etc.) that activates any function of, or in any way affects the operation of, the vehicle based on measurement, sensing, processing, etc., of any data related to the performance of the vehicle. Display or transmission of any data gathered or processed, to the driver or any remote location (telemetry), is prohibited (see 9.2 DATA RECORDERS).
Per class requirements timed or rpm activated shifters and the like permitted, but all automated functions must be preset before the run. Timer may only display timer amount dialed in, analog or digital display permitted. Devices may be removed at any time at discretion of FIA scrutineers.
9.2 DATA RECORDERS
Data recorders may be used to record functions of a vehicle, so long as they do not activate any function on the vehicle. Data Recorder may not be activated by the throttle, clutch, brake, etc., mechanisms, nor by the Christmas Tree, radio transmitters, sensing of wheel speed, inertia, laser device, or transmission of track position, must be activated by separate switch. 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. Transmission or display of data gathered or processed by data recorder, to the driver or any remote location, prohibited. Data may only be reviewed (print out, replay, etc.) after the run.
Any device (mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, optical, etc.) other than O.E.M. type, which assists in determining track location of the competitor's own or opponent's vehicle, is prohibited. Only O.E.M. type/style mirrors, mounted in conventional fashion, permitted.
Discovery of a device which displays, displays 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 in accordance with the FIA International Sporting Code.
9.2A TELEMETRY DEVICES
Telemetry transmission of certain professional category vehicle parameters intended for the sole purpose of event television coverage, which meet applicable FIA criteria, permitted. Application for telemetry transmission(s) must be submitted in writing to FIA. Final, written authorization from applicable event Chief Steward mandatory.
9.3 FIRE EXTINGUISHER / SUPRESSION SYSTEM
On-board fire-extinguisher system is mandated under certain Class Requirements. If a hand-held fire extinguisher is carried on board the vehicle, it must be mounted in a secure manner; flip-open type clamps prohibited.
On-board fire supression systems must be manually controlled (pull-type only on FC and TAFC) Cold Fire 302, Fire X Plus, Halon FE1211 or 1301 or FM200 and mounted per manufacturer's specifications with the primary nozzle(s) directed in an attempt to protect the driver. Other agents classified by the FIA as Acceptable Total Flooding Agents (Feasible for Use in Occupied Areas) may be used. Bottles and lines must be mounted within the frame rails. Fire supression bottle activation cables must be installed inside frame rail where cables pass engine/bellhousing area. Bottles must be DOT approved 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 use of bottles, nozzles or tubing other than that recommended by the manufacturer is prohibited. Nozzle placement is extremely important; two nozzles are placed at the front of the engine, one on each side, and one nozzle is located in the driver compartment near the steering column, minimum. 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. Also, the position of the bottles in the vehicle must be high enough that they cannot come into contact with the track surface following loss of a tire or wheel. 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 supression systems must use steel lines, steel or aluminium 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.
If there is an external lever for activating the extinguishers, this must be indicated with a mark which complies with drawing n°24 and which is placed near this lever.
9.4 JACKS & JACKSTANDS
No work may be done under any car in the pit area while the car is supported by only one jack. Additional safety devices such as jackstands are mandatory to provide additional protection in the event of jack failure. Failure to observe this rule is grounds for immediate disqualification. TF, FC, PS, TAD and TAFC must use cradles/jack stand devices that attach to the frame (conventional jack stands prohibited) when working on and/or running engine in pits with vehicle in a raised position. Jackstand devices must be constructed as to provide a minimum ground clearance of 7-inches (17.8 cm) as measured from the ground to the outer diameter limit of the rear tires.
9.5 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.
9.6 OVERSIZE TRAILERS
Those contestants utilizing 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. Maximum width of trailer and awning combination - not to exceed 22-feet (6.705 m).
9.7 PRESSURIZED BOTTLES
All pressurized bottles (i.e.: air, CO2, etc.) used for air shifters, clutches, etc., must meet, and be engraved as meeting, DOT 1800 pound (124 bar) minimum spec. All bottles must be securely mounted (hose clamps and/or tie wraps prohibited).
9.8 PUSH BARS
Push or tow starts prohibited.
9.9 TOW VEHICLE
Any vehicle used as a tow vehicle must have the driver's Competition Number displayed on the tow vehicle. Limit of six crewmembers in push-tow 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.
9.10 TWO-WAY RADIO COMMUNICATION
The use of two-way radios for the purpose of voice communication between driver and crew is acceptable in all classes. Telemetry may in no way be used for gathering data or performing control functions.
< WARM-UPS 9.11>
It is mandatory that a driver be seated in the car in the normal driving position any time the engine is running, unless coupler or driveline is removed from vehicle. The practice of transbrake testing, converter stalls, line loc testing, and/or transmission warming is prohibited in all classes, in all areas of the event except in starting line approach areas beyond staging, or unless vehicle is on jack stands. Non-compliance is grounds for disqualification. TOP FUEL & FUNNY CAR - When starting this category of vehicle in the Pit Area - the car must be fully within the assigned space. NO PART OF THE REAR TIRE MAY EXTEND PAST THE END OF YOUR TRAILER. 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 truck/car along side the race car while the engine is running.
DRIVER: 10
10.1 APPAREL
Each member of a participant crew must be fully attired when present in the staging, starting and competition areas of the race track. Shoes are mandatory. Shorts, bare legs, tank tops, or bare torsos are prohibited when driving in any class.
10.2 APPEARANCE
Vehicles participating in drag racing events must be presentable in appearance at all times; those considered improperly prepared may be rejected by the scrutineer. The appearance of personnel attending contestant vehicles is equally important, and is subject to the same considerations.
10.3 ARM RESTRAINTS
Where mandated by Class Requirements, arm restraints must be worn and adjusted in such a manner that driver's hands and/or arms cannot be extended outside of roll cage and/or frame rails. Arm restraints shall be combined with the driver restraint system such that the arm restraints are released with the driver restraints. Refer to manufacturer for instructions.
10.4 CREDENTIALS
Each driver of a vehicle entered in any event conducted at an FIA licensed track must have a valid FIA International License subject to inspection by officials at any time.
All license applicants must be at least 16 years of age; minimum age for drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock is 18 years of age. Drivers of the following type vehicles are mandated to have a valid FIA International Competition License.
Type A Type B Type C
Over 125" Up to 125" Bodied
Class 1 Top Fuel Funny Car Pro Stock
Class 2 TAD TAFC -
Class 3 - - -
Class 4 ET 7.50-9.99 ET 7.50-9.99 -
The holder of a licence in a particular class may race in slower classes of the same type (for example, a type A Class 1 licence holder is authorised to compete in A/2 and A/4). Moreover, any other FIA driver's licence may replace a Class 4 drag racing licence.
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 six runs under committee observation. All license applicants are required to have a physical examination before making any test runs. For complete instructions, see reverse of license application form (available from FIA ASN). A licensed driver who is driving a new car in the same class, but in which he has no previous experience, must make one moderate run before making a full, hard run. No extra runs will be provided to the driver at FIA Championship events. A driver who is upgrading or crossgrading (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 license limitation. He is prohibited to cross over to or from the long wheelbase category to short wheelbase, dragster to bodied etc., unless specifically licensed for each.
10.5 DRIVER RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
A quick-release, 3-inch (7.6 cm) 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.). Driver restraint system must be clearly labeled as meeting SFI Spec 16.1 and be dated by manufacturer. System must be updated at two-year intervals from date of manufacture. All seat belt and shoulder harness hardware must be originally designed to be used with each other and produced by the same manufacturer. For harness installation, see illustration (Drawing 21). Cars using OEM or OEM-type seat may route crotch strap in front of seat instead of through seat. Only those units that release all five attach 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 with 'duck bill' style latch lever. All harness sections must be mounted to the frame, crossmember, 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 acceptable for mounting. Check manufacturer's instructions.
10.6 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 whiplash 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 (6.35 mm) compression or meet SFI spec 45.1. 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 (10.2 cm) of the driver's helmet. A seat that incorporates a reinforced head rest is acceptable.
10.7 HELMETS & GOGGLES
As outlined under Class Requirements, drivers in all classes must wear a helmet meeting SNELL or SFI Specifications or BSI BS 6658-85 type A (including all amendments) Specs.
SFI Spec 31.1 = SNELL SA, open-face helmet.
SFI Spec 31.2 = SNELL SA, full-face helmet.
SFI Spec 41.1 = SNELL M, open-face helmet.
SFI Spec 41.2 = SNELL M, full-face helmet.
Drivers of ET cars (13.99 or quicker) must use a helmet meeting SNELL 85, 90, 95 or SFI 31.1, 31.2, 41.1, or 41.2 Specs. Exception : drivers of open bodied, supercharged, front-engine cars must use a helmet meeting SNELL SA90, SA95 or SFI 31.1 or 31.2 Specs. Effective 1-1-2002, the acceptance of SNELL 85 helmets will be discontinued.
Drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, Top Alcohol Dragster and Top Alcohol Funny Car must use a helmet meeting SNELL SA90, SA95 or SFI 31.2 Specs, except as noted under Class Requirements. Effective 1-1-2002, the acceptance of SA90 helmets will be discontinued. See Class Requirements.
Drivers of any open bodied car wearing an "open face" helmet, must wear protective goggles. Modifications to helmet/visor/shield are prohibited. All helmets must have the appropriate certification sticker affixed inside the helmet.
10.8 NECK COLLAR
Must be commercially produced neck collar designed for racing. Two different types of collars are commercially available - a full 360-degree "donut" type or a pull-together "horseshoe" type - see Class Requirements for type specified. 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 Requirements.
10.9 OCCUPANTS
No more than one person is permitted in any car during any run, except one co-driver permitted in 14-second and slower ET cars; co-driver must be a minimum of 16 years of age. All occupants of push cars must be inside of car or pickup in a seated position while push car 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.
10.10 PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
Drivers are required to have as minimum requirements protective clothing labeled as meeting the following standards as per specific Class Requirements:
Except as outlined below.
3.2A/20 3.2A/15 3.2A/5 or FIA 3.2A/1 or FIA
FC TF PRO
TAFC TAD ET (7.50 - 9.99) ET (10.00 - 11.99)
Supercharged front-engine open-bodied car or any car with an automatic transmission in the driver compartment (i.e.: one without a floor over the transmission) must have a 3.2A/15 suit or as per Class Requirements.
All "suits" include a head sock, gloves and boots (3.2A/20 suit) or shoes (3.2A/15 suit). Suit can be one piece, or separate jacket and pants. Jacket and pants must each be labeled as meeting SFI Spec or appropriate FIA standard. All gloves must have a full layer of Nomex inside the glove. Leather palm gloves without a full layer of Nomex separating leather from driver's hand prohibited. Drivers in all open bodied front engine cars with open face helmet must wear a breather style face mask and protective goggles. Drivers in all open-bodied cars must wear SFI Spec 3.3 or appropriate FIA standard fire-resistant gloves. See Class Requirements.
10.11 SEAT BELTS
All cars not required by Class Requirements to use SFI Spec 16.1 driver restraint system must be equipped with an accepted quick release-type driver seat belt. Belts must be securely fastened to the frame, crossmember or reinforced mounting so that all fittings are in a direct line with the direction of pull. Seat belts may not be wrapped around lower frame rails (or any frame rail or crossmember). Steel castings of the type recommended by FAA, or U-bolt-type mounts are accepted. If used for installation, flat steel plates must be a minimum of 1/4-inch (6.35 mm) thickness and have rounded edges to prevent cutting seat belts. Under no circumstances can belts be installed with bolts through webbing. In all cars with fiberglass floors, a crossmember of minimum 2-inch (5.1 cm) x 2-inch (5.1 cm) x .083-inch (2.1 mm) wall thickness square tubing must be installed between frame rails for proper driver's seat belt installation. All cars in competition requiring a roll bar or when a roll cage has been installed or as outlined by Class Requirements, require a SFI 16.1 restraint system (See 10.5 DRIVER RESTRAINT SYSTEM).