6/9/03

QUESTION 1

I want to know where the cut off point is for putting a roll bar or cage in a race car? NHRA rule is 9.99 and lower, but that is on a 1/4 mile track. What about 1/8 mile track, what are the numbers? And does it have to be a full cage or 8 pt or 6pt? I run mostly on 1/8 mile tracks and I have a 6pt in the car already. My car has been getting faster, low 7's and high 6's. If I need a 10pt or so I want to put it in. Don't want any problems when I go to the track. I have asked several people but nobody seems to know for sure.

Thanks.

Dave

Dave,

This is right out of the 2003 NHRA rulebook:

Roll Cage

Roll cage mandatory in cars running 10.99 (*6.99) or quicker or any car exceeding 135 mph. In full bodied cars, with unaltered firewall, floor and body (from firewall rearward, wheel tubs permitted), running between 10.00 (*6.40) and 10.99 (*6.99), roll bar permitted in place of roll cage.

* = 1/8 mile time

Hope this clears up your question.

Tim McAmis

QUESTION 2

Tim,

I have a 1970 Nova with a multi-leaf springs, stock location rear, traction bars and either a 30x9 slick or 29x10 Quick time Pro. There are 90/10 adjustable front shocks and 50/50

ADVERTISEMENT

rear. I changed rear gear ratio from 4.56 to 4.10 and also changed to a set up with negative pinion angle (old set up was almost neutral.) The front tires won't come off the ground anymore and the slicks are really wrapping up a lot more with this set up. What should I do, go for more weight transfer or more air in the slicks?

This is a Bracket car I want to make consistent.

Thank you very much,

Larry Santucci Jr.

Larry,

Try to run as much air in the rear tires as possible without giving up traction. The more air you can get in the tires the more consistent the car will be. Also, a good set of adjustable rear shocks would help. Just remember a car doesn't have to get the wheels in the air to be consistent or fast.

Good luck,

Tim

To contact Tim McAmis write chassis@racingnetsource.com

< MORE STORIES >