NHRA ANNOUNCES CHANGES FOR A/FUEL DRAGSTER

The NHRA Competition Committee has evaluated various options available to bring the performance of A/Fuel Dragster more in line with that of Blown Alcohol Dragster, and has established the following rule changes for the 2004 racing season:

1. Increase the pounds-per-cubic-inch weight break for injected nitro cars from 4.80 or more pounds to 5.00 or more pounds.
2. Create a minimum and maximum engine displacement that includes nearly all engines in competition. Minimum displacement: 410 cubic inches; maximum displacement: 456 cubic inches.
3. Increase the minimum weight for injected nitro cars by 75 pounds to 2,100 pounds.

In reaching its decision, the Committee noted the increased interest in the Top Alcohol Dragster category over the last three years, due primarily to rules stability and an influx of injected nitro cars. The presence of new race teams is viewed as a sign of healthy competition in the category, and NHRA anticipates that this trend will continue in 2004. In the interest of maintaining rules stability, NHRA has no plans to make further performance-related adjustments, or to consider any such changes until the 2005 season. [10-21-2003]

ASK THE PROFESSOR

Six-time NHRA Pro Stock champion Warren Johnson will be the featured guest on the Oct. 21 edition of Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain, which will air from 9:00-10:00 p.m. (ET) on the Speed Channel. Viewers interested in interacting with "W.J." during this Tuesday's program are encouraged to call the show at 1-866-WTUNNEL between 9:00 - 10:00 p.m. or to e-mail their questions and comments to windtunnel@speedtv.com.
[10-21-2003]

NO FUEL LIKE AN A/FUEL

Second generation driver Ashley Force has reportedly earned her A/Fuel Dragster license during weekend testing in the Darien & Meadows dragster at the Strip at Las Vegas. Ashley ran a best of 5.78 at around 240 MPH with a seriously nervous dad, 12-time F/C

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Champ John Force, standing near the starting line.

Morgan Lucas, current driver of Jerry Darien's nitro car, will be forming his own team with the family's Lucas Oil backing for an A/Fuel assault with former Rick Santos/Jack O'Bannon tuner Norm Grimes.

With the NHRA's announced rule changes coming to the A/Fuelers for the 2004 season it doesn't look like there will be any shortage of hitters attempting to qualify.
[10-21-2003]