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NHRA: A/Fuel to remain part of NHRA Federal-Mogul dragster competition

7 July 1999

GLENDORA, Calif. - The National Hot Rod Association Competition Committee has announced that injected nitro (A/Fuel) combinations will not be eliminated from Federal-Mogul Dragster competition.

An NHRA rules committee studied the possibility of eliminating the combination from the category in early March, but upon further review, has determined that eliminating A/Fuel from Federal-Mogul Dragster competition does not coincide with NHRA's strategic plan.

Federal-Mogul Dragster rules will continue to allow competitors the option of utilizing one of two legal combinations: conventional blown alcohol (supercharged) or injected nitro, according to Graham Light, NHRA senior vice president for racing operations.

"We decided that eliminating A/Fuel from Federal-Mogul Dragster competition is not in the best interest of the sport and it doesn't match the goals we have set in our strategic plan for the future of the NHRA," Light said. "We have two very unique combinations when it comes to supercharged versus A/Fuel Federal-Mogul Dragsters. Our goals are to increase racer participation and deliver an exciting product to our member tracks and fans. We are exploring the different avenues seeking a way to significantly strengthen the Federal-Mogul Dragster and Federal-Mogul Funny Car categories and elevate the Federal-Mogul program."

Since the study was conducted, Light said that participation in the category with the A/Fuel combination has increased. In addition, NHRA received an overwhelming number of responses from racers, sponsors and fans with pleas to keep A/Fuel in Federal-Mogul Dragster competition.

An updated Federal-Mogul Dragster rules package will be announced soon, along with important initiatives in other vital areas that will fortify the overall program.

"We want to fine-tune the rules between the two different combinations at the beginning of the season," Light said. "Once we stabilize the rules, the competitors will choose their preference based upon such factors as performance, parts reliability, and cost of operation."

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