2008 Rule Changes

[Time Machine]

As mentioned on Eurodragster today the 2008 FIA rules have been published (see http://www.eurodragster.com/news/news.asp?Story=no... - these cover more than just the FIA championship classes. I am not sure if the 2008 SPRC rule book is based on these or a direct copy of these but I should think they are at least largely the same. Anyone able to confirm this?

The ET section has 3 parts - the first split into 3 classes (Super Pro, Pro and Sportsman ET), the thrid for electric vehicles and the second Advanced ET (6.00 - 7.49 seconds) - it was in this I spotted the following:

Rules said:

1.4 OIL RETENTION DEVICE

A properly fitting, FIA accepted lower engine oil retention device
mandatory. Dragsters may utilize a belly pan in lieu of a device
attached to the engine. Belly pan must extend from frame rail
to frame rail, and extend forward of the harmonic balancer and
rearward of the flywheel, and must incorporate minimum 2-inch
(5.1 mm) high lips on all sides.

I tend to go by ET rather than ET class when interpreting these rules anyway, so this suggests ET cars going over 7.50 need to run a diaper - s recently discussed as a good idea here. Elsewhere it looks like screw blowers are now allowed in ET classes.

Looking at the Pro Classes it looks like the HANS device is now mandatory (following taken from Pro Mod, other classes look similar or identical):

Rules said:

10.4 HEAD AND NECK RESTRAINT DEVICE / 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 an FIA homologated devices or an SFI-approved head and
neck restraint device/system, including connecting the helmet as
required for full functionality of the device. The device/system
must meet an FIA homologated devices or SFI Spec 38.1
and must display a valid label accordingly. The head and neck
restraint device/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. See General regulations 10.8

Meanwhile over in Pro Stock the following idea caught my eye:

Rules said:

9.2 FIRE EXTINGUISHER SYSTEM

All cars are required to have a pneumatic cylinder, pressurized
by the fire system that will activate the master kill switch and shut
off the engine when fire system is activated. Minimum size - 5/8
inches (16 mm).

It would also appear that all non-doorslammer pro classes need to have the roll cage shroud currently in use for Top Fuel.

Edited by Time Machine on Monday 12th November 09:03

[MotorPsycho]

In general regulations it states 'A Head and Neck restraint device/system is mandatory in Top Fuel/Funny Car/Pro Strock/Top Methanol Dragster/Top Methanol Funny Car/ Pro Mod and any vehicle running 200mph (320 km/h) or faster

This would encompass the NFAA and some Super Pro cars

Previously it was reported on Eurodragster that HANS (or equivelent) devices would be required for Pro classes in 2008, later for other classes

[Jon C]

MotorPsycho said:

In general regulations it states 'A Head and Neck restraint device/system is mandatory in Top Fuel/Funny Car/Pro Strock/Top Methanol Dragster/Top Methanol Funny Car/ Pro Mod and any vehicle running 200mph (320 km/h) or faster

This would encompass the NFAA and some Super Pro cars

Previously it was reported on Eurodragster that HANS (or equivelent) devices would be required for Pro classes in 2008, later for other classes

I am puzzled as to why anyone would need a rule to tell them to wear something that is a proven safety device, to be honest. A hans could be the difference between walking away from a wreck and a lifetime in a wheelchair. The technology is there to reduce a risk, so why not use it?

Seems like a no-brainer to me.

[NuthinFancy]

Jon C said:

I am puzzled as to why anyone would need a rule to tell them to wear something that is a proven safety device, to be honest. A hans could be the difference between walking away from a wreck and a lifetime in a wheelchair. The technology is there to reduce a risk, so why not use it?

Seems like a no-brainer to me.

We already comply to the very high safety specifications required to run in the NFAA, and to be honest that has stretched the bank balance to breaking point. SFI - 20 suits, in some cases on-board air supply, tagged blower restraints, diapers, bags and blankets all over the car.

The kit we wear is deemed acceptable by the governing bodies. When they deem it necessary to upgrade then we will. Until then, not everyone has a bottomless pit of money Jon

[Jon C]

NuthinFancy said:

Jon C said:

I am puzzled as to why anyone would need a rule to tell them to wear something that is a proven safety device, to be honest. A hans could be the difference between walking away from a wreck and a lifetime in a wheelchair. The technology is there to reduce a risk, so why not use it?

Seems like a no-brainer to me.

We already comply to the very high safety specifications required to run in the NFAA, and to be honest that has stretched the bank balance to breaking point. SFI - 20 suits, in some cases on-board air supply, tagged blower restraints, diapers, bags and blankets all over the car.

The kit we wear is deemed acceptable by the governing bodies. When they deem it necessary to upgrade then we will. Until then, not everyone has a bottomless pit of money Jon

Oh, I am sure you dont, and you have all achieved more in the sport than I ever will. However, my inherent cowardice means the if there was something available to mitigate the severity of an incident, I would consider foregoing an event to save enough cash to put such a device into my operation.

[BB-Q]

So, what does a HANS device cost? Bet it's enough to scare you to death!!!

[Bob Jarrett]

Although John will have a HANS for next year, it's not that simple. The helmet is required to have the post's installed by the original manufacture, plus the top seat belt anchoring point will need to be moved up and in some cases, older chassis's in particular, the seat angle and padding will need to be changed. I am also told, not confirmed however, that many of the devices available are NOT FIA approved.

[anonymous-user]

BB-Q said:

So, what does a HANS device cost? Bet it's enough to scare you to death!!!

Depending which version you get, I think the RRP is just over £500.

In terms of rule changes, you cant put a price on safety, but at the same time, after you've spent £1k on personal safety gear, you then have to spend another £1k on blankets, kevlar bags etc. It all adds up, and come 3 years times, or another rule change, you may have to do the same again.

The thing is though, when push comes to shove, you just buy the stuff you need to get the job done which agrees with the rulebook.

[Tet]

Nitro-besty said:

Depending which version you get, I think the RRP is just over £500.

A bit more than that, but it's in the right ballpark. Plus a helmet with HANS posts fitted, which will be about as much again.

I looked at getting one, but concluded I just couldn't justify the cost, particularly when few drag racing incidents are head on collisions, which is where a HANS device primarily helps. It's a good idea, though, and if I had the money, I'd happily have one. Then again, I doubt it would have fitted in the dragster this year anyway without some fairly major modifications to the rollcage.

[Time Machine]

Bob Jarrett said:

Although John will have a HANS for next year, it's not that simple. The helmet is required to have the post's installed by the original manufacture, plus the top seat belt anchoring point will need to be moved up and in some cases, older chassis's in particular, the seat angle and padding will need to be changed. I am also told, not confirmed however, that many of the devices available are NOT FIA approved.

I notice a lot of stateside racers use devices which strap on lower down the back as well as over the shoulders - see the R3 listed on http://www.competitionplus.com/2005_10/restraint.h...

On Eurodragster in December 2006 Geoff Martin said the following:

EuroDragster said:

If any Sportsman racers plan to go to European events next year, it would benefit them to take a look at the Sportsman regulations.

"All revisions are in red ink so you don't miss them. If you have any queries I will attempt to clarify them, but as I am not a member of the FIA Commission I am unable to listen to voices of dissent.

Potentially that means that although a HANS device is in the 2008 FIA rules the SPRC rules will not require it - maybe someone in the know could shed light on this?

Edited by Time Machine on Monday 12th November 09:03