Dear Top Fuel Racer,
We had a great meeting at the PRI Show. Who knows, what we set in
motion may revolutionize the class!
The following is a recap of our thinking at this time. Please read
everything carefully and let us know if any red flags appear. We’ve
had discussions with industry knowledgeable people and feel we have
a good start for 2000 and beyond.
1. Fuel Volume Reduction: to prevent the cause of engine explosions,
reduce operating cost, improve show.
a. Any fuel pumps may be used, but the volume will be restricted
to 55 GPM @4000 Pump RMP.
b. Overdriven pumps prohibited. They must have a "1 to
1" relationship with the camshaft.
c. The pumps will be tested at the track on a bench flow.
They will be sealed after testing.
d. Penalty for "flagrant intentional" cheating will
be a $10,000 fine, loss of all points to date, and disqualification
from the current event as well as the next 2 events.
Note: A reduced fuel line insert would not solve the problem. A large
amount of fuel could still be sent to the engine by increasing the
pressure. Volume is the key.
2. Pan Pressure Shutoff Switch: to save the repair cost and
clean up time, should an engine explosion occur.
a. A sensor, that measures pan pressure, would shut the engine
off when the pressure exceeds 14 PSI.
b. The sensor, (sending unit), must be electrical.
c. The shutoff unit will control the throttle. It may do so
pneumatically or electronically.
d. The 2 Valve Cover Vent Tubes, (one for each cover), may
be no smaller than 1 1/4 inches inside diameter, and no larger than
2 inches inside diameter.
e. Testing of the sensor and pan pressure venting may be done
at any time including both before and after any run.
f. Penalty for "flagrant intentional" cheating will
be a $10,000 fine, loss of all points to date, and disqualification
from the current event as well as the next two events.
3. Ballistic Oil Pan with Side Deflector Panels: to help reduce
the risk to spectators, costs and cleanup time.
a. Must be IHRA approved.
b. Must include deflectors to cover the side of the block
up to the bottom of the heads/exhaust ports.
c. Must be able to "stop" the metal parts from an
engine explosion to prevent them from leaving the car.
d. Must be made of 10 gauge steel or titanium. (.125 minimum
thickness).
4. Diaper
a. Must meet SFI 7.1 spec.
b. Carbon Fiber composite prohibited.
c. Must fasten to the exhaust studs and cover the oil pump.
5. Engine Explosion Penalty: to reduce downtime, cleanup time,
and improve the quality of the show.
a. If you make a pass that causes the Interruption of a qualifying
session, that run will not count.
b. If you make a pass that causes an Interruption of a round
of eliminations, you will lose the points and round money, for that
round (not the round before or round after). If there are additional
competitive rounds, you may continue to compete as long as you keep
winning.
c. An Interruption is defined as:
1) A cleanup requiring that use of cleaning agents, oil absorbentetc.,
to clean the track.
2) The use of mechanical support, i.e. blower truck, broom truck,
etc., to assist in the cleaning process.
d. Note:
1) Wiping up drops of liquid, removal of objects like blower parts,
etc. does not constitute an Interruption.
2) This penalty only applies to Interruptions caused from engine
contents, (liquid, metal, etc.) and related systems.
3) This penalty does not apply to drive line parts, wheels, tires,
brake systems, etc.
6. Valve Cover Restraints: mandatory meeting SFI spec 14.4.
7. Minimum Weight: 2150 pounds.
This is the plan. Please look it over and comment as soon as possible.
Remember, our goal is to:
1. Increase
the quality of our show and keep our fans happy.
2. reduce the costs to operate a Top Fuel car and keep you in business.
3. Increase the safety of these cars. If recent explosions and injured
fans have the insurance companies taking a closer look. If we don’t
do something, they will.
We have the start of something good here. If we all work together
we can’t lose!
