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NHRA: National Hot Rod Association announces new rule changes for the 2000 racing season

17 December 1999

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
GLENDORA, Calif. - The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) announced, today, new rules changes designed to improve the quality of on-track racing at its 23-sanctioned national drag racing events and the Winston Showdown, said Tom Compton, president of the nation's largest motorsports governing body.

Specifically, NHRA will introduce a "spec" fuel for its professional Top Fuel and Funny Car classes that will establish a maximum allowable percentage of nitromethane. In addition, NHRA announced a penalty, consisting of both loss of points and fines, will be imposed upon race teams that oil down the track. It also was announced that the minimum time between elimination rounds will be shortened to 75-minutes, from its present 90-minute interval.

"This is the first step in a comprehensive solution to improve the quality of the show, reduce downtime between races and increase the reliability of these professional class engines, while assuring that NHRA Winston Drag Racing maintains its position as the fastest, most exciting motorsport in the world," said Compton. "By taking these initial measures, we are confident that we will enhance the experience for our fans both on and off the track."

The new "spec" fuel will consist of a nitromethane/methanol mixture not to exceed 90 percent nitromethane. In addition, Angus Chemical Corp., a division of DOW Chemical, will be the exclusive supplier of the nitromethane mixture. Angus is the only domestic supplier of nitromethane and has committed to make ample supply of the fuel available, not to exceed today's market price, through the 2002 racing season.

Race teams that oil down the race track next year will have NHRA Winston Drag Racing points deducted, and will be assessed a fine. During qualifying rounds, the minimum penalty for an infraction is the loss of 5 (five) NHRA Winston Drag Racing points and a $500 fine, per occasion. Elimination round violations will result in a reduction of 10 (ten) NHRA Winston Drag Racing points and a $1,000 fine, per occasion. In addition, the violating party, should they win the round, will lose lane choice for the next round of racing.

Frequent or flagrant violation of the oil down rule may result in further action including, but not limited to, additional fines, disqualification and exclusion from NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series events. NHRA announced that both rule changes are effectively immediately. Headquartered in Glendora, Calif., NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. It presents 23 national events through its NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series. NHRA has 85,000 members nationwide and 142 member tracks. NHRA-sanctioned sportsman and bracket racing series provide competition opportunities for drivers of all levels.

NHRA develops the stars of tomorrow by offering the Federal-Mogul Drag Racing Series, NHRA Summit Racing E.T. Drag Racing Series and the Street Legal Program. NHRA also offers the Jr. Drag Racing League for youths ages 8 to 17.

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.