NHRA TOP SPORTSMAN
DIVISION SERIES RULES – 2007
February 5, 2007
TOP SPORTSMAN
Class is for full bodied side steer type vehicles only.
Dependent on the division this will be a 32 car or 48
car qualified field or an all-run field based on the NHRA sportsman ladder. Maximum dial-in is 7.99
(quarter-mile) or 5.49 (eighth mile). Competitors may dial quicker between rounds, but may dial no slower
than .10-second slower than the slowest qualified car, not to exceed 7.99 or 5.49.
Designation
T/S followed by car number. Numbers must be at least four inches high.
Weight Breaks
Non-supercharged or turbocharged small-block, 2,000 pounds with or without nitrous.
Non-supercharged or turbocharged big-block entries, 2,350 pounds.
Non-supercharged or turbocharged big-block with nitrous oxide, 2,450 pounds.
Supercharged or turbocharged small-block, 2,150 pounds.
Supercharged or turbocharged big-block, 2,600 pounds.
Refer to the current NHRA Rulebook or rules revisions for vehicle/driver requirements, specifications, and
general regulations.
REQUIREMENTS AND SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE: 1
Induction
Carburetors, fuel injection or electronic fuel injection permitted. Two return springs mandatory. Throttle
stops prohibited.
Engine
Any internal combustion engine allowed with any modification. Only one engine may be used. No cubic-inch
limit.
Engine-containment system
Engine must be equipped with an NHRA-accepted engine-containment system. All systems must seal around
block mounted oil pumps. The containment must fit closely to the engine block, oil pump and oil pan such
that it retains engine oil and components. Effective Jan. 1, 2008, a properly fitting SFI Spec 7.1 or 7.2 lower
engine ballistic/restraint device is mandatory.
Exhaust system
Competition-type exhaust systems permitted. Exhaust gases must be directed out of the car body, rearward,
away from driver and fuel tank. If zoomies are utilized must be turned upward minimum three degrees.
Fuel
NHRA-accepted racing gasoline, gasoline, alcohol, gasohol, ethanol, permitted. Nitromethane and propylene
oxide prohibited.
Fuel system
No part of the fuel system may be mounted on firewall or in flywheel/flexplate area. If fuel tank/cell is
mounted in rear, it must be vented to the outside of the body and equipped with a flash shield to isolate
system from driver compartment. All front-mounted fuel systems must be mounted between framerails and
enclosed in a round tube frame, minimum 1 1/4-inch O.D. x .065 chromoly or .118 mild steel tubing.
Harmonic balancer
SFI Spec. 18.1 mandatory.
1
Liquid overflow
Catch-can mandatory for coolant overflow; one-pint (16-ounce) minimum capacity.
Nitrous Oxide
Permitted on non-supercharged or non-turbocharged entries. Prohibited on supercharged and turbocharged
entries.
Oil lines
All flexible pressurized oil lines must pass a minimum 300 psi pressure test and be clearly labeled as passing
the testing process.
Starter
All entries must be self-starting with an onboard starter and battery.
Supercharger
All supercharged entries may utilize a 14-71 (or smaller) standard or hi-helix supercharger. All cars using
12-71 or 14-71 superchargers must have a SFI 14.2 or 14.3 restraint with approved bag from same
manufacturer. All other superchargers require a SFI 14.1, 14.2 or 14.3 restraint. Belt guards shielding both
fuel and oil lines are mandatory. The blower restraint straps and fuel lines must be installed such that when
the restraint straps are fully extended no load is placed on any of the fuel lines. Aluminum studs
(supercharger-to-manifold) mandatory.
Throttle Stop
The use of throttle stops, stutter boxes, etc., to control down track engine rpm is prohibited. Throttle stops
are defined as being mechanical, electronic or pneumatic. Throttle stop may be present on vehicle but must
be disconnected from all controls.
Turbocharger
The use of single or dual turbochargers is permitted. This combination will compete at the supercharged
weight minimums.
Valve Covers
Cast or fabricated metal valve covers, using all attachment bolt holes, mandatory on supercharged,
methanol burning cars.
Vent Tube/Breathers
Mandatory for all supercharged engines. Two one-inch diameter connections. All breathers must be positive
locking.
DRIVELINE: 2
Clutch, Flywheel, Flywheel Shield
Flywheel and clutch meeting SFI Spec 1.1, 1.2, or 1.5 mandatory. Flywheel shield meeting SFI 6.1, 6.2, or
6.3 mandatory on clutch equipped cars. Engine combination determines the appropriate specifications. See
the appropriate SFI specification or NHRA General Regulations for the motor plate and bolting requirements.
Driveline
Each end of driveshaft must have round 360-degree driveshaft loops within 6 inches of U-joints.
Flexplate
Automatic transmission flexplate meeting SFI Spec 29.1 mandatory.
Flexplate Shield
Flexplate shield meeting SFI Spec 30.1 mandatory. A SFI 6.1 bellhousing is permitted on torque converter
assisted planetary transmissions.
Rear End
2
Aftermarket axles and axle-retention devices mandatory. Welded spider gears prohibited. Wheel studs must
be 5/8-inch minimum. Aftermarket full-floating or live axle assembly mandatory on any vehicle that runs
6.50 and quicker or 210 mph and faster. Independent rear suspension prohibited.
Transmission
Any transmission may be used, however, vehicle must employ positive system to disengage from final drive.
All automatic transmissions must have a neutral safety start switch and reverse lockout device. All entries
with pressurized transmissions must have interior sheet metal tunnel isolating the driver’s compartment
from the transmission. All pressurized units must utilize flexible hoses pressure tested to 300 psi and be
clearly labeled as passing the testing process or solid steel lines and AN fittings to connect with accessory
coolers. A minimum 1/8-inch pipe connection using high-pressure line vent to overflow tank (minimum 1pint capacity) is mandatory.
Transmission Shield
A one piece transmission shield meeting SFI Spec 4.1 is mandatory on all automatic and planetary
transmissions.
BRAKES & SUSPENSION: 3
Brakes
Four-wheel brakes mandatory with dual master cylinder mounted above framerails on all entries. Steel brake
lines mandatory.
Wheelie Bars: Permitted. Wheels must be non-metallic.
FRAME: 4
Ballast
Permitted, 250 pounds maximum, 100 pounds maximum removable.
Chassis
All cars must use a full frame that meets SFI Spec. 25.1E or SFI Spec. 25.2 that run 7.499 and quicker. Cars
running 7.50 and slower must meet applicable SFI Specification (25.1E, 25.2, 25.4, or 25.5) for
body/chassis design. Must have current NHRA serialized sticker affixed to the cage before participation.
Ground clearance
Minimum three inches required from the front of the car to 12 inches behind axle centerline, 2 inches for
remainder of car except oil pan and exhaust headers.
Parachute
Required. Cars running in excess of 200 mph must use dual parachutes with two separate shroud line
mounting points using sleeved 1/2-inch bolts. Safety pins must be red-flagged and removed before burnout.
Wheelbase
Minimum 90 inches. One-inch variation from left to right.
WHEELS & TIRES: 5
Tires
Must be automotive type, designed for racing.
Wheels
Each car in competition must be equipped with automotive-type wheels, designed for racing. SFI Spec 15.1
rear wheels with beadlocks mandatory on any vehicle that runs 6.50 and quicker or 210 mph and faster.
INTERIOR: 6
Upholstery
Optional.
Window Net
Required. Must meet SFI Spec. 27.1.
3
BODY: 7
Airfoils
A positive locking device must be used to prevent accidental movement. Side-mounted canard-type units are
permitted. No part of airfoils may be within six inches of tires.
Body
Must be full-bodied vehicle (trucks, vans, wagons permitted) with two functional doors. Front overhang
limited to 45 inches from center of front spindle unless stock OEM is longer.
Firewall
Required. Each car in competition must be equipped with minimum .024-inch steel or .032-inch aluminum
firewall. See Protective Clothing requirements below.
Floor
Minimum .024-inch steel welded in on driver's side from firewall to rear cross member. Remainder .032
aluminum or .024-inch steel.
Hood Scoop
Limited to 13 inches on all cars. Measured from flat portion of hood to top of opening.
Windshield, Windows
Required, no window tint beyond factory specification permitted. The side windows on all entries that utilize
nitrous oxide or are supercharged must have a minimum 4-inch-diameter opening adjacent to the driver.
ELECTRICAL/CONTROL: 8
Battery
All batteries must be securely mounted. See General Regulations 8:1.
Delay Box/Devices: Delay boxes permitted. Two-step accepted for starting-line use. Down track throttle
stops, electronic ignition interrupters (stutter boxes), or use of pneumatics are prohibited. Pneumatic
starting line enhancers are prohibited for use on naturally-aspirated, fuel-injected, or nitrous-assisted
entries. If units are on such a entry it must be clearly verified that units are disconnected or otherwise nonfunctional. Turning off the delay function leading to the device is not a satisfactory method. Supercharged
and turbocharged entries may only utilize the units in place of two-step functions.
One delay box/device is permitted; it may be attached to the transbrake, and/or shift timer only. The wire to
the transbrake (or line-loc) may contain a splice that activates the two-step/launch-control device in the
ignition system. All wiring associated with the delay device, ignition system, automatic shifter, tachometer,
data recorder, and fuel-injection system must be fully visible, labeled, and traceable. Delay devices and
associated components (such as transbrakes, automatic shifters, data recorders, tachometers, fuel-injection
system, etc.) must be utilized in an unaltered manner consistent with the manufacturer’s installation and
instruction books unless otherwise approved. Any ignition system tachometer function or any other RPM
function is prohibited from interaction with the delay device on any car that uses a pneumatic starting line
enhancer.
Ignition
Aftermarket electronic ignition boxes must be used unaltered from factory specifications. Timed ignitioninterruption devices (stutter boxes) prohibited. Starting-line and/or “high-side” rev limiters permitted. Twosteps, rev limiters, or any other rpm-limiting devices, legal unto themselves but altered or installed so as to
function as a downtrack rpm controller, prohibited. The wire to the transbrake (or line-loc) may contain a
splice that activates the two-step/launch-control device in the ignition system. For supercharged and
turbocharged applications also see the Delay Box/Devices paragraph above. The use of any programmable
multi-point rev limiter and/or a rate of acceleration rpm limiter, either by themselves (i.e. MSD 7561) or
integrated into the ignition system (i.e. MSD 7531) are prohibited.
Master cutoff
Master electrical cutoff switch required. Must be external and labeled "push-off." See General Regulations
8:4.
4
Taillight
One functional taillight mandatory. Flashing, blinking, or strobe lights prohibited.
SUPPORT GROUP: 9
Data recorders
Permitted. Data recorders may be used to record functions of a vehicle so long as they do not activate any
function on the vehicle. Data recorder may not be activated by the throttle, clutch, brake, etc. Must be
activated by a separate switch. Data may be reviewed (printout, replay, etc.) only after the run.
Fire-extinguisher system
Five-pound fire-extinguisher system mandatory. Minimum one nozzle on driver's side in front of feet, one
nozzle in front of engine. Safety pins must be red-flagged and removed prior to burn-out.
Tow vehicle
Three- or four-wheeled, Quadrunner/ATV-type tow vehicle permitted. Full-size tow vehicle prohibited.
DRIVER: 10
Credentials
NHRA competition license and NHRA Top Sportsman number with appropriate license code 3B or 4B and
NHRA membership required.
Driver restraint system
Three-inch driver restraint system meeting SFI Spec. 16.1 mandatory. Restraint system must be updated at
two-year intervals from date of manufacture.
Roll-cage padding
Mandatory. Must meet SFI Spec. 45.1.
Helmet
Helmet meeting Snell 98, 2000, 2005 or SFI Spec. 31.1A, 31.2A, 41.1A, 41.2A mandatory.
Neck Collar
Neck collar meeting SFI Spec 3.3 mandatory. A helmet and neck restraint device can be used with, or
without, a neck collar. Modification of the device is prohibited. Effective 1/1/2008, a head and neck restraint
device/system is mandatory for any vehicle running 200 mph or faster. The device/system must meet SFI
Spec 38.1 and must display a valid SFI label. The head and neck restraint device/system, when connected,
must conform to the manufacturer's mounting instructions, and it must be configured, maintained, and used
in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Protective Clothing
Supercharged or turbocharged cars (alcohol or gasoline): Jacket and pants or suit meeting SFI
3.2A/15, gloves meeting 3.3/5, and boots or shoes meeting 3.3/5 mandatory.
Full-bodied cars without .024-inch minimum steel firewall with nitrous oxide(alcohol or
gasoline): Jacket and pants or suit meeting SFI 3.2A/15, gloves meeting 3.3/5, and boots or shoes meeting
SFI Spec 3.3/5 mandatory.
All other cars (alcohol or gasoline): Jacket and pants or suit meeting SFI 3.2A/5, gloves meeting 3.3/1,
and boots or shoes meeting SFI 3.3/5 mandatory.
RACE PROCEDURES:
Qualifying
Dependent on the division this will be a 32-car or 48-car qualified field or an all-run field based on the NHRA
sportsman ladder. Maximum dial-in is 7.99 (quarter-mile) or 5.49 (eighth mile). Competitors may dial
quicker between rounds, but may dial no slower than .10-second slower than the slowest qualified car, not
to exceed 7.99 or 5.49.
Points
5
A driver's best five finishes of the first eight NHRA Top Sportsman races attended will count toward a division
championship. At the time a driver enters a divisional event for the first time of the season, it is required
that said driver declare which NHRA division (Southeast Division, North Central Division, or South Central
Division) is to be his or her home division. That division will become his or her home division for the season.
Up to two "out-of-division" races may be counted. Once a driver has competed for points at the maximum
number of eight Top Sportsman events, the driver may compete at additional events but will not receive
additional NHRA points. To be eligible for official NHRA Top Sportsman points and subsequent postseason
awards, a contestant must participate at a minimum of three races within his or her home division.
Points are awarded at all NHRA Top Sportsman events as follows:
Points are awarded at all NHRA Top Dragster events as follows:
Actual
1st Rd.
2nd Rd.
3rd Rd.
4th Rd.
Field size
loser
loser
loser
loser
4 or fewer
33
5 to 8
32
43
9 to 16
31
42
53
17 to 32
30
41
52
63
33 to 48
30
40
51
62
Additional points are awarded for qualifying positions as follows:
1st
8
2nd
7
3rd
6
4th
5
5th & 6th
4
7th & 8th
3
9th through 12th
2
13th through 16th
1
6
5th Rd.
loser
73
R/U
Win
64
64
64
74
84
85
85
85
95
105