NHRA Tech Connection

Website

NHRA Tech Connection Welcome to the official home of NHRA Technical Services!

This page is dedicated to supporting racers, teams, track operators, and officials with technical information, updates, resources, and insights from the world of NHRA Championship Drag Racing.

10/15/2026

Rule Reminder!

Section 21, General Regulations, 1:8 Lower Engine Containment Device, Page 9 (Please see the 2026 NHRA Rulebook for the complete set of rules)

IIn classes where specified, must utilize an NHRA-accepted lower engine oil-retention device. SFI Spec 7.1 or 7.2 Lower Engine Containment Device permitted. A properly fitting lower engine ballistic/restraint device mandatory. The NHRA Technical staff can accept or reject any device. Any device that fails to perform as required must be replaced or repaired to the satisfaction of the Technical staff prior to any further runs. When used, an SFI Spec 7.1 or 7.2 Lower Engine Containment Device must cover the sides of the block and pan up to within one inch of the head mating surface and extend to within 1 1/2 inches of the front and rear of the cylinder case area. SFI Spec 7.1 devices must be updated/recertified by the original manufacturer at one-year intervals.

In classes where specified, a belly pan may be used in lieu of a device attached to the engine. The belly pan must extend from framerail to framerail and extend forward of the harmonic balancer and to the rear of the engine block and must incorporate a minimum 2-inch-high lip on all sides unless specified in Class Requirements. Minimum number of slots or holes in the walls to clear frame, steering, or lines permitted.

*** A nonflammable, oil-absorbent liner mandatory inside of retention device. ***

10/12/2026

Rule Reminder!

General Regulations, 10:6 Head Protector, Page 45 (Please see the 2026 NHRA Rulebook for the complete set of rules)

In any car where a roll bar or roll cage is installed, a padded head protector must be provided at the back of the driver’s head and constructed in an attempt to prevent whiplash upon impact.

*** The roll bar or cage must be padded wherever it may come in contact with the driver’s helmet. Adequate padding should permit minimum 1/4-inch compression or meet SFI Spec 45.1. The use of weather stripping and similar thin or low impact resisting materials is prohibited. ***

A padded roll bar or cage alone is not acceptable as a padded head protector unless it is within 4 inches of the driver’s helmet. A seat that incorporates a reinforced head rest is permitted.

10/10/2026

NHRA Technical Department Releases the 2026–2027 NHRA Rulebook Amendments

The NHRA Technical Department has released the Initial Release of the 2026–2027 NHRA Rulebook Amendments. These amendments document the rule changes made since the last digital release of the 2026 NHRA Rulebook and outline the changes that will take effect on January 1, 2027.

The 2026–2027 NHRA Rulebook Amendments can be found on NHRARacer.com under Tech → Rules → 2026–2027 NHRA Rulebook Amendments.

Please visit NHRARacer.com periodically for updates on the latest rule amendments.

09/30/2026

NHRA Clarifies Carburetor Rule for Stock/Super Stock

NHRA will continue to permit Pontiac Rochester Quadrajet carburetors featuring the original 1971/1972-style single-ring primary booster configuration, identified by the absence of the outer booster ring in each primary bore, in all Pontiac engine applications otherwise eligible for Rochester Quadrajet carburetors, regardless of model year, through the conclusion of the 2026 NHRA racing season. This allowance does not permit the removal or modification of booster rings to create a single-ring configuration.

NHRA is reviewing the carburetor requirements for 2027, and any revisions will be communicated separately.

As always, please visit NHRARacer.com for the latest updates.

09/25/2026

Rule Reminder!

General Regulations, 10:8 Neck Collar/Head and Neck Restraint Device/System, Paragraph two and three (Please see the 2026 NHRA Rulebook for the complete set of rules)

Neck collar meeting SFI Spec 3.3 mandatory in all openbodied cars and any car running 9.99 (*6.39) or quicker or cars exceeding 135 mph. A head and neck restraint device/ system may be used in lieu of a neck collar.

A head and neck restraint device/system meeting SFI 38.1 is mandatory for any vehicle running 150 mph or faster for 1/4 or 1/8 mile or running 7.49 (*4.49) E.T. or quicker or by Class Requirements. .

***An SFI 38.1 head and neck restraint device can be used with, or without, a neck collar; when a neck collar is not used, an SFI 3.3 head sock or SFI Spec 3.3 skirted helmet is required.***

09/18/2026

Display of Competition Numbers and Tow Vehicle Reminders

Competition numbers must be displayed on all competition vehicles, as well as any permitted tow vehicles, in accordance with the NHRA Rulebook. Please see the 2026 NHRA Rulebook for the complete set of rules.

Section 21, General Regulation, Body: 7, 7:2 - Competition Numbers

Driver numbers and class designation letters must be displayed on both side windows and the windshield. Numbers on side windows must be a minimum 4 inches high and 1 1/2 inches wide. Class designation letters must be a minimum 3 inches high and 1 inch wide. Numbers and class designation on windshield must be a minimum of 3 inches high and 1 inch wide. Driver’s competition number and class designation must be displayed in a legible manner in a contrasting color to the vehicle’s background color, or light color on windows, in a prominent position, and be clearly visible to the tower personnel. Class and numbers must be in the form of permanent decals or paint. The use of shoe polish in any form is prohibited.

Section 21, General Regulations, Support Group: 9, 9:12 - Tow Vehicle

Any vehicle used as a tow vehicle must have the driver’s competition number displayed on the tow vehicle.

09/15/2026

NHRA Releases 2026 Rulebook Amendment Updates

The NHRA Technical Department has released additional 2026 Rule Amendments. Unless otherwise noted in this document, these additional amendments will come into effect immediately. The 2026 NHRA Rulebook Amendments can be found on NHRARacer.com under Tech, then Rules.

These amendments include the following changes…See the latest 2026 Rulebook Amendments document for complete details.
• Section 6, Pro Mod – Parity adjustments
• Section 11B, Factory Stock Showdown- Parity adjustments

09/14/2026

NHRA tech department reminder on neutral safety switch

The NHRA Tech Department is reminding participants to check the operation and adjustment of their neutral safety switch as part of their regular safety-system checks. The starter circuit should be active only when the shifter is fully in (P) park or (N) neutral position. Please verify that the starter circuit does not activate in any other gear position. Compliance is mandatory.

Thank you for being proactive with your safety checks. We look forward to seeing you at the track soon.

09/11/2026

Rule Reminder!

General Regulations, 9:14 Warm-Ups

It is mandatory that a driver be seated in the car in the normal driving position anytime the engine is running, unless coupler or driveline is removed from vehicle.

***The practice of transbrake testing, converter stalls, line-loc testing, and/or transmission warming is prohibited in all classes, in all areas of the event except in starting-line approach areas beyond staging, or unless vehicle is on jackstands. Non-compliance is grounds for disqualification or such other and/or action as deemed appropriate by NHRA.***

The starting line approach area is defined as the last stopping point prior to being directed toward water box by track official. Jackstands also include dragster lifts and or pro-jack style lifting devices. A vehicle supported by a single centered jack is not sufficient. When a warm up infraction is witnessed by an official, the first infraction would be a loss of or DQ of run. Further violations could result in DQ of event.

Snell 2015 Helmet Certifications Expire January 1, 2027Snell 2015 helmets expire January 1, 2027. All Snell 2015 helmet...
09/10/2026

Snell 2015 Helmet Certifications Expire January 1, 2027

Snell 2015 helmets expire January 1, 2027. All Snell 2015 helmets will need to be replaced before the start of the 2027 racing season.

Please note! Some helmets are dual spec, Snell and FIA. While Snell 2015 certifications expire January 1, 2027, certain FIA certifications remain valid beyond that date. Check all certification labels inside your helmet before purchasing a replacement.

Refer to the 2026 NHRA Rulebook for complete helmet certification and safety equipment requirements at NHRARacer.com

Examples of common Snell and FIA certification labels are shown below.

Racers are encouraged to inspect their helmet certification labels now to ensure compliance for upcoming events.

Address

San Dimas, CA

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when NHRA Tech Connection posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category