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NHRA DIVISION 2 HEADS-UP INDEX CLASSES

ALL RULES AND REQUIREMENTS ARE THE SAME AS THOSE IN THE ET AND GENERAL REGULATIONS SECTIONS (4A & 20) OF THE 2012 NHRA RULEBOOK WITH THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONS AND EXCEPTIONS:

DESIGNATION

There will be 3 Heads-Up index classes contested at the NHRA Division 2 LODRS events.  These Heads-Up Index classes are reserved for full-bodied cars with full fenders, hoods, grille, top, windshield, all other windows, and functional doors.  No open-bodied cars of any description are permitted.

The 3 classes are as follows:

10.00 Heads-Up index (.400 Pro Tree)

11.00 Heads-Up index (.500 Pro Tree)

12.00 Heads-Up index (.500 Pro Tree)

The same car and/or driver combinations may compete in one other eliminator (Super Street, Super Gas, Super Comp, Stock, or Super Stock only) and one Index class only.

Eliminations will be run on the Sportsman Ladder.  Lane choice goes to best qualified car in the first round, car closest to (but not below) the index in subsequent rounds.  In case of ties the tiebreaker is the car that ran first.

ELECTRONICS RULES FOR HEADS-UP INDEX CLASSES

Delay boxes and/or timed throttle stops of any description are prohibited; other than linkage type or inline throttle controls such components may remain on the car but all associated wiring, hoses, etc. must be disconnected (quick disconnects permitted) from the components and all of the wiring, hoses, etc. must be coiled up and secured at least 12-inches from all of the associated components.  Non-compliance on any run is an automatic disqualification from the eliminator.

Mechanical type throttle stops permitted; any adjustment during the run is prohibited.

Timers of any type associated with, but not limited to, fuel and/or nitrous delivery, throttle control, suspension, etc. are strictly prohibited.  Timer controls on ignition system are permitted.

RPM or timer (but not both) controlled electric or pneumatic automatic shifters permitted.

Line-locs permitted.

Transmission brakes permitted.

Two-steps and three steps permitted; must be utilized for burnout and launch control only; may not be used for down track RPM/speed control in any manner.

Data recorders permitted.

NHRA accepted transmission brake/line loc switches/buttons permitted; see accepted list on nhra.com.  Switches may be hand or foot (brake pedal) operated.

NHRA Division 2 Index Classes – Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I bother with this Index program? I am used to my throttle stop setup and can go bracket racing without working on my car.

Answer:  Heads up, Pro Tree, leaving the line WIDE OPEN and close, fun racing are all good reasons.  Other things to consider are the attractive entry fee and payout plan.  NHRA recognizes a real need to attract more spectators and competitors to all of our tracks.  As much as we have grown to love Super Street, Super Gas and Bracket racing, these formats are confusing to many spectators.  The success of a heads-up racing series may play an important part in keeping the sportsman racing community strong.

Does my throttle stop need to be removed?

Answer:  Linkage type, or inline throttle controls must be removed.  The installation of a solid throttle linkage rod is the best solution.  Under carburetor type throttle stops can remain on the car, but all of the wiring, hoses, etc. must be disconnected, coiled, and secured at least 12-inches from the components.  The blade adjustment can be used to tune the car, but the blades cannot adjust, or move during the run.  A simple solution is to use a bolt to hold the throttle stop blades in the desired position.

How about my delay box and throttle stop timer?  Can they remain in the car?

Answer:  The preferred solution is to remove them from the car.  If they are difficult to remove or part of the dash, all of the wiring, hoses, etc. must be disconnected, coiled, and secured at least 12-inches from the components.

Can I run nitrous in the NHRA Index classes?

Answer:  YES, Nitrous oxide systems that comply with NHRA General Regulations are permitted, but cannot be controlled by a timer.  The driver must manually activate the nitrous.

Can I keep my air or electric shifter?  If so, can I use RPM or time to shift?

Answer:  YES, you can keep your air or electric shifter. You can shift on RPM or time but not both.  The shifter timer must be a stand-alone type (not built-in to a combination type delay box).  All wiring associated with the shifter timer must be fully visible, labeled, and traceable.  The timer may not be directly or indirectly connected to any other vehicle functions.

My car has electronic fuel injection and a digital ignition system.  Are they permitted? 

Answer:  YES, OEM or aftermarket closed (only monitors engine functions) EFI systems and digital ignition systems that comply with NHRA General Regulations are permitted.

Can my NHRA Super Street or Super Gas door car be a competitive NHRA Index race car?

Answer:  YES, any NHRA legal full bodied “door car” can be a great Index race car.  Just make it comply with the rules for throttle stops, timers and delay boxes and you are ready to race.

Is a multi-purpose car realistic? I would like to still run NHRA classes at Division and National events.

Answer:  ABSOLUTELY! Simply mount your delay box/throttle stop timer and/or throttle stop on quick release brackets and modify the wiring and hoses to make everything unplug.  A couple of bypass plugs will quickly restore the trans brake operation with the boxes and timers removed.