Drive Shaft Loop NHRA

[sailsmen]

In the past NHRA required for cars going 11.49 or faster.

Does anyone have a the 2007 Rule Book 2:4?

The 2006 E.T. Quick List does not say yes but refers to 2:4.

SShS7 has a shortened version of the rule on their website.

Thanks.

[larryo340]

Check NHRA.com I bet all you need will be there.

[sailsmen]

I did several searches on their site and it appears they no longer keep the rule book on the site.

[larryo340]

I can't believe they don't have it online, I guess they really need that $10.
Here is the best that I could find, and my opinion is that the loops are a must.


Tech Inspection Guidelines

To view rule changes to the 2007 NHRA Rulebook, click here (http://www.nhra.com/content/news.asp?articleid=17364&zoneid=8).


Oahe Speedway is an NHRA sanctioned drag strip and adheres to all the rules outlined in the official NHRA Rulebook. Listed below are guidelines or quick references taken from the 2007 NHRA Rulebook. For a complete set of rules, please review the 2007 NHRA Rulebook which are available for purchase at the Oahe Speedway concession stand or souvenir stand. You may also obtain a 2007 NHRA Rulebook by becoming a

NHRA member (http://www.nhra.com/apcm/templates/general.asp?articleid=1887&zoneid=60&navsource=member benefits).

Prime responsibility for the safe condition and operation of a vehicle in competition rests with the vehicle owner, driver, and crewmembers. NHRA produces guidelines based on experience and circulates information to help perpetuate the sport of drag racing. Close observance of the standards set forth in the 2007 NHRA Rulebook is required by all participants.

The 2007 NHRA Rulebook provides guidelines and minimum standards for the construction and operation of vehicles used in NHRA Championship Drag Racing and at member-track events. Additional safety equipment or safety-enhancing equipment is always permitted and the levels of safety equipment stated in the Rulebook are minimum prescribed levels and do not prohibit the individual racer from using additional safety equipment.
Vehicles 7.50 Seconds or Slower


Valid driver's license beyond a learner’s permit level.

Must be 16 years or older.

Seat belts required.

Long pants and full T-Shirt (no tank tops) and shoes (no sandals).

Helmets are required in all classes. 14.00 seconds or slower must wear a minimum of DOT certified helmet. 13.99 and quicker must have Snell 2000 or newer, K98, 2000, SFI 31.1A ,31.2A, 41.1A, or 41.2A helmet.

Doors must be functional from both inside and outside.

All cars must be self starting.

Good tires.

Hub caps and trim rings removed.

Safe windshields.

Brakes in good working order.

Must have one functional tail light. No flashing or blinking lights permitted.

Must have neutral safety switch and reverse lock out device.

Radiator catch can overflow, at least one pint.

Carburetor inlet must not be openly exposed.

Roll bar mandatory in all cars running 11.00-11.49 seconds.

Roll cage mandatory in all vehicles running 10.99 and quicker or any car exceeding 135 mph.

If car has T-tops or is a convertible, the driver must have Snell 2000 or newer, K98, 2000, SFI 31.1A ,31.2A, 41.1A, OR 41.2A helmet.

Neck collar mandatory in all cars running 9.99 and quicker or exceeding 135 mph.

Convertibles must have roll bar if running 13.49 and quicker.

Automatic transmission lines must be high pressure type.

Pressurized containers (for example, air bottles) must be DOT approved.

Hood scoops may not extend more than 11 inches above original hood surface.

Mechanical throttle linkage, if altered, must have toe loop on pedal.

Dual carb return springs.

All holes in floor, firewall, and rear must be plugged with .024 steel or 032 aluminum.

Fuel block or regulator must be 6 inches from firewall.

No more than 12 inches of rubber hose in fuel system from tank to carb.

No fuel lines in drivers compartment.

Retention strap mandatory with traction bars and ladder bars.

Drive shaft loop required 13.99 and quicker and all cars using slicks, including DOT slicks. ***********************

[fastblackmerc]

I'd install one if it's required or not. Cheap insurance.

[magindat]

Moroso requires (under NHRA rules) a loop if under 14 (13.99 and faster).

50 bucks and an hour in the driveway?! Common, do it for your own peace of mind!

[Pops]

Rich is right as its cheap insurance. If you are going to Atlanta and are 13.99 or faster you are going to need one. I have seen the front u joint break and its not pretty!

[sailsmen]

Last year I found the rule and it was not required. Apparently NHRA no longer puts the rules on line. The NHRA Quickie ET guide does not say yes but refers to 2:4.

I would like to read rule 2:4. If anyone has it please post the section regarding drive shaft loop.

It was not required in 2006 and I do not see where the 2007 changes it for my vehicle. I did not see any cars being checked at Atlanta last year for a loop.

I have the MMX shaft and an X pipe. I have the stock rear end.

[Pops]

They checked mine for a drive shaft loop. The other thing they were watching for was trunk mounted batteries as they need a kill switch that the are accessible from the outside. They did not enforce that but told the guys they will need them in the future.

[MarauderTJA]

Every track I have been at for years requires a driveshaft loop if faster than 13.99 et. Good insurance and they are not expensive.

[Zack]

How strict were the techies at SSHS7 last year?
If I run faster than 11.49, am I gonna get the boot?
If that is the case, Ill come with the Blue car and run 12's

[Pops]

They seemed to be watching over stuff Zack. I did not see anyone break the roll cage time. Dennis came the closest.

[sailsmen]

Requiring DS Loop on cars w/ street tires running better than 13.99 does not make any sense.

Corvette, 911, Cobra, Viper, Typhoon, Cayenne, Ford P/U would have to have a DS Loop installed?

SSHS6 did not require.

First a Jacket and now a DS Loop. What next a roll bar and self extinguishing system?

Soon we will be virtual racing while having to wear carpal tunnel braces!

[CRUZTAKER]

I'd install one if it's required or not. Cheap insurance.


Exactly. If one frequently races, it just makes sense.

They're cheap, and look cool, especially if one powder coats to match other underside accessories.:coolman:

[CRUZTAKER]

How strict were the techies at SSHS7 last year?
If I run faster than 11.49, am I gonna get the boot?
If that is the case, Ill come with the Blue car and run 12's

Yeah right Zack, just admit you have a scrap book full of these....

[larryo340]

Exactly. If one frequently races, it just makes sense. Hell yeah !!

They're cheap, and look cool, especially if one powder coats to match other underside accessories.:coolman:



Requiring DS Loop on cars w/ street tires running better than 13.99 does not make any sense.

Do you want to find out the hard way if yoke or u-joint breaks.
The surface on drag strips is much stickier than regular road surface.

[MarauderTJA]

How strict were the techies at SSHS7 last year?
If I run faster than 11.49, am I gonna get the boot?
If that is the case, Ill come with the Blue car and run 12's

With full bodied 4 door cars with unaltered firewall and full frame we can go 11.0 without being booted. I found that out when I ran my personal best in March at Bradenton. Spoke to the tech personally at the NMRA. I was expected to get booted having run under 11.49 et. Didn't happen. You netter bring the bad boy with you. No blue Zack.

[MarauderTJA]

Requiring DS Loop on cars w/ street tires running better than 13.99 does not make any sense.

Corvette, 911, Cobra, Viper, Typhoon, Cayenne, Ford P/U would have to have a DS Loop installed?

SSHS6 did not require.

First a Jacket and now a DS Loop. What next a roll bar and self extinguishing system?

Soon we will be virtual racing while having to wear carpal tunnel braces!

Yeah Billy, but your car runs much faster than 13.99. Each event is different as well as the tech's. Better to be safe than sorry.

[Blackmobile]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought all SC MMs were required to have a Loop, regardless of time, to run on a track?

[sailsmen]

Do you want to find out the hard way if yoke or u-joint breaks.
The surface on drag strips is much stickier than regular road surface.

I have some of the strongest yoke u-joints money can by and an X Pipe.

W/ 180 runs I am familiar with the surface.

[larryo340]

I have some of the strongest yoke u-joints money can by and an X Pipe.

W/ 180 runs I am familiar with the surface.
I don't doubt your knowledge of the track, but I still stand by what others and myself have said, driveshaft safety loops are cheap insurance.
It's all in the name of part :rolleyes:

[Pat]

Sailsmen;

Hope I'm not too late in this thread about drive shaft loops.

I had the same question prior to MV-V about my car and times.

Since the rule book is no longer published for free, I wrote to the NHRA tech staff, June 1st, and their reply is as follows:

Pat,
A Driveshaft loop is required on all cars running 13.99 or quicker AND utilizing slicks, except vehicles running 11.49 seconds or slower equipped with street tires.

Signed,
Pat Cvengros, NHRA Technical Services Representative (626) 250-2295

I agree with the folks who recommend a drive shaft loop no matter what times you run. Pay me now or pay me later (as the repairman says).

[sailsmen]

Thanks, the rule has not changed.

[sailsmen]

From: gassitsshs7@aol.com Save Address

To: sailsmen
Subject: Re: Driveshaft Loop - SSHS7
Date: Tuesday, October 02, 2007 10:59:53 AM [View Source]






Use Pat's information, that is why we state in our details section...
"Any updates to the above from the NHRA will be enforced"





Per NHRA "Pat,
A Driveshaft loop is required on all cars running 13.99 or quicker AND utilizing slicks, except vehicles running 11.49 seconds or slower equipped with street tires.




-----Original Message-----
From: sailsmen
To: GASSITSSHS7@aol.com; GASSITSSHS7@aol.com
Sent: Mon, 1 Oct 2007 6:53 pm
Subject: Driveshaft Loop - SSHS7


Page 4 of 5 says; "Driveshaft loop in ... 2) all cars running 12.99 or quicker

Per NHRA "Pat,
A Driveshaft loop is required on all cars running 13.99 or quicker AND utilizing slicks, except vehicles running 11.49 seconds or slower equipped with street tires.

Signed,
Pat Cvengros, NHRA Technical Services Representative (626) 250-2295"

Please advise if a Marauder running 11.49 or slower with street tires is required to have a drive shaft loop? In other words if my Marauder meets current NHRA requirements will it be allowed to run as she has in 2005 and 2006?

Looking forward to participating in this great event.

Thanks,

[BUCKWHEAT]

Requiring DS Loop on cars w/ street tires running better than 13.99 does not make any sense.

Corvette, 911, Cobra, Viper, Typhoon, Cayenne, Ford P/U would have to have a DS Loop installed?

SSHS6 did not require.

First a Jacket and now a DS Loop. What next a roll bar and self extinguishing system?

Soon we will be virtual racing while having to wear carpal tunnel braces!

It might also be related to the power adder. It's a good idea. A friend put a basketball sized hole in his floor when the drive shaft on his 68 Chev let go. He was going 112 on the NOX when it let go. Lucky he did not get a new a..hole out of it.

The DS loop bolts directly to the front seat bolts, a really easy install & worth the safety even without a Rule.

[sailsmen]

I am not againest the idea of a DS Loop only the requirement for one.

I participate in another sport where there was a fatality. As a result a number of total BS rules were passed that did very little to improve safety and would not have prevented the fatality. More importantly as a result the mentality shifted for the worse.

My drive Shaft and the U joints are rated beyond the load and there is an X pipe.

[larryo340]

I am not againest the idea of a DS Loop only the requirement for one.

I participate in another sport where there was a fatality. As a result a number of total BS rules were passed that did very little to improve safety and would not have prevented the fatality. More importantly as a result the mentality shifted for the worse.

My drive Shaft and the U joints are rated beyond the load and there is an X pipe.
Does that mean your against wearing a seatbelt? There are fatalities in alot of sports not just motor sports. Yeah alot of rules may seem to be useless, but alot of them prove themselves to work. Here's just one. Years ago when I relocated the battery to the trunk for drag racing I was not aware that I needed a rear mounted on/off switch for battery, and engine had to shut down if the switch turned off. I at first thought it was a stupid rule(I complied inorder to race), but then when I saw a racer hit the wall and the car stopped against the wall that I realized that if the switch was on the side of the car the safety crew could not get to it. I'm sure other members know other "BS" rules that work.
Yes the X-pipe will act as a type of safety loop, and it is great to have the shaft and U-joints rated heavier, but if either fails (Even good parts can fail) won't the shaft just beat up the floor boards at minimum? Like I said before a safey loop is cheap insurance.

[sailsmen]

No, I wear one whenever I am in a car.

Every car has been equiped with one since the 1960's.

They are a usefull safety device in every car I can think of and in very accident situation I can think of.

A driveshaft loop on every car running faster than 13.99 does not make any sense.

NHRA has recently changed some requirements for certain types of cars, such as OEM. I agree with this. We have all seen cars that met NHRA specs but should not run at the track because of faulty engineering. Or the guy who just restored a muscle car but put in a high hp crate engine and the first run ever is at the track.

I spent money on better brakes when I spent the money on mods to make it a 13 second car. I know in many drag racing accident situations brakes are not a factor. To me when you increase power you should increase brakes. We all operate in a limited amount of space. With increased power you are obtaining higher speeds within the same limited space to stop in.

I continue to see more and more rules and regulations in our society that perpetuate the mentality of no "personal responsibility". I have recently witnessed the tragic result on a mass scale. Over 750 new laws/gov't regs are passed each year.

[FordNut]

I don't think the rules say every car running faster than 13.99, I believe it's 13.99 with slicks. It's 11.49 on street tires, and I believe that includes drag radials since they're DOT approved tires.

The rules are that way because some econo-racer can put a powerful engine into a Pinto (or Vega, or whatever) and seriously overpower the drivetrain, creating a hazard for themselves and everybody else. The rules have to be consistently enforced instead of having the track officials "judge" which cars need to abide by which rules. So the fact that our cars aren't capable of breaking a driveshaft is irrelevant. The rules apply to us because of the other folks out there.

I'll give NHRA credit, at least the rules are in black & white instead of flexible like the NASCAR rules.

[KillJoy]

It's 11.49 on street tires, and I believe that includes drag radials since they're DOT approved tires.

So.... cheater slicks would not need one???

KillJoy

[FordNut]

Need or Require?

[KillJoy]

Require


I have one.... I just hadn't thought of them being considered "street tires"

:D

KillJoy

[FordNut]

I guess if they have labelling on the sidewall "not for street use" then it's considered slicks.

Not sure about cheater slicks, but drag radials are street legal.

[Mongoose]

From the 2007 NHRA Rulebook:
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/showimage.php?i=9675&catid=newimages

[Marauderman]

All I can say --involving the title of the thread--and reading the first few post--all need to get a grib---and get the darn thing--that is--the loop--for crying out loud--for less than one spends for groceries on one single trip for a week of stuff--you get the loop and its installed ---period--no problem--re-gardless if your stock or modded--cause the car is fast --either way--you are protected--

So for heavens sake people--think in real terms here--Just do it --and move on --this and its problem is then covered--no more a problem or thought--Did it --been there --done that --will be your thoughts when you see that /this subject again--

OK --carry on--

[sailsmen]

I asked a question about a rule because of a conflict with the SSHS7 "rules". 2 Posts gave me the answer to my question.

I have competed on a high level and have been involved in protests that went all the way up to a national level.

I like to know what the rules are so I can comply with them. I hope you never have a win pitched because of a tech you did not know about or because you had a different interpetation.

FYI - S/C guys I will have my required approved "Fire" jacket on.

[Pat]

FYI - S/C guys I will have my required approved "Fire" jacket on.


And don't forget your SNELL, properly rated, helmet. I know you know.

[magindat]

I asked a question about a rule because of a conflict with the SSHS7 "rules". 2 Posts gave me the answer to my question.

I have competed on a high level and have been involved in protests that went all the way up to a national level.

I like to know what the rules are so I can comply with them. I hope you never have a win pitched because of a tech you did not know about or because you had a different interpetation.

FYI - S/C guys I will have my required approved "Fire" jacket on.

And on that note, What ET requires the jacket? I go by the rules posted on Moroso's site, cuz the NHRA rulebook costs and I thought Moroso's rules were straight outta NHRA.

Per their site, the jacket isn't needed 'till 11.99 and quicker.

Input?

[MarauderTJA]

And on that note, What ET requires the jacket? I go by the rules posted on Moroso's site, cuz the NHRA rulebook costs and I thought Moroso's rules were straight outta NHRA.

Per their site, the jacket isn't needed 'till 11.99 and quicker.

Input?

With a non OEM S/C a jacket is required. Any cars with N2O, Turbo's or S/C's require a jacket.

[magindat]

With a non OEM S/C a jacket is required. Any cars with N2O, Turbo's or S/C's require a jacket.

Which SFI rating? 3.2A/1? or up to 15?

[O's Fan Rich]

With a non OEM S/C a jacket is required. Any cars with N2O, Turbo's or S/C's require a jacket.

Howz about a Vance Hines Motorcycle Jacket?:D I could get mine out an dust it off.... been awhile ya know.

[MarauderTJA]

Which SFI rating? 3.2A/1? or up to 15?

Mine is 3.2A/1 and passed tech with no problem at the Spring Break Shootout in Bradenton in March. And they did check the jacket and helmet out carefully.

[MarauderTJA]

Howz about a Vance Hines Motorcycle Jacket?:D I could get mine out an dust it off.... been awhile ya know.

Probably won't fit you Rich. You will need a larger size by now:lol:.

[magindat]

Mine is 3.2A/1 and passed tech with no problem at the Spring Break Shootout in Bradenton in March. And they did check the jacket and helmet out carefully.

Cool, I can grab one cheap off Summit. Thanx.