NHRA 2006 Rules Revisions:

New Classes, New Requirements

Words and photos by Bret Kepner
11/02/05

he National Hot Rod Association has released its rules revisions and addenda for the 2006 POWERade season in advance of the actual printing of the rulebook. Among several expected changes in Professional category requirements, new regulations will present opportunities for a variety of new machinery in Competition Eliminator and the Super Stock fraternity will see a plethora of changes which will, no doubt, be the subjects of many conversations over the winter break. Here is DRO's take on the major notes of the November 1st press release. The revisions are in Italics.

TOP FUEL AND FUNNY CAR

It should surprise nobody that a functional wheelie bar is now required on all machines.

New maximum height guidelines for the fuel injector hat, a maximum of 34.000 inches in Funny Car and 46.000 inches in Top Fuel from the crankshaft centerline to the top of the injector hat and the injector hat cannot extend forward more than 12 inches as measured from the front of the injector hat to the first manifold bolt may restrict the evolution of the Bill Miller-designed horizontal or "upright" injectors used by a handful of teams, most notably on Kenny Koretsky's Werner Enterprises entry.

A clarification on Top Fuel wing area, in which the combined total area of the rear wing, including the total of all stages and/or elements, must equal 1,500 square inches will defeat any new designs created to circumvent the July 7th, 2005, revision which mandated a standardized two-degree main element angle with a 0.25-degree variance.

Funny Car drivers who can't see the escape hatch through the flames now receive a bit of help with the rule that new Funny Car body designs must incorporate a handhold for emergency release of the escape hatch.

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE

Although one of the worst-kept secrets, the Suzukis have received nine cubic inches at a 25-pound penalty in the ruling which states, Suzuki competitors can build a maximum 101-cid (1,655cc) engine and will compete at 615 pounds. The current 92-cid (1,508cc) engine will still be allowed at the current 590-pound minimum. More importantly, everybody gets electronic fuel injection in '06.