DRAGSTER CLASS REGULATIONS

NB: All text in red constitute the new rules for 2008
This category is reserved for four wheeled vehicles built exclusively for all-out Racing competition. The Dragster is a vehicle unique to, and symbolic of the sport of Drag Racing. Classes of competition are determined by weight/engine capacity in cubic centimetres, plus a class specifically for Nitromethane burning Dragsters.
DESIGNATION:
TF/D, TA/D, AD, BD, CD, DD, A/CD, B/CD, C/CD, D/CD, followed by competition number. Note: One cubic inch measures 16.3872 cubic centimetres.
WEIGHT BREAKS
SECTION 1: ALL DRAGSTER VEHICLES WITH ANY FORM OF SUPERCHARGING
D/D
Up to 4200 cubic centimetres inclusive of "capacity increases". Any supercharged vehicle. (Turbo, Nitrous, Supercharger).
C/D
Up to 4201 - 5901 cubic centimetres inclusive of "capacity increases".
B/D
Up to 5901 - 8177cubic centimetres inclusive of "capacity increases".
A/D
Up to 8178 - 9600 cubic centimetres inclusive of "capacity increases", supercharged with Roots-type High Helix supercharger, methanol burning, 850kg minimum weight. Nitrous or screw-type supercharger not permitted. Or 9601 - 13400 cubic centimetres inclusive of "capacity increases" with Roots-type supercharger, (not High Helix) methanol burning, 950kg minimum weight. Nitrous or screw-type supercharger not permitted.
TA/D
0.122 or more kg's per cubic centimetre, supercharged single engine, for all hemi or canted valve head engines, methanol burning only; 773kg minimum weight.
TF/D
 Any supercharged vehicle of a maximum 8193 cubic centimetres, using nitromethane in the fuel, regardless of the percentage. Hemi heads and/or any form of supercharging (one form only), does not incur a penalty in this class. Vehicles in this class will do exhibition runs only.
SECTION 2: ALL DRAGSTER VEHICLES NORMALLY ASPIRATED ONLY - NO FORM OF SUPERCHARGING
D/CD
 Any normally aspirated engine from 2000cc up to 4200cc inclusive of "capacity increases".
C/CD
 Any normally aspirated engine from 4201cc up to 5900cc inclusive of "capacity increases".
B/CD
 Any normally aspirated engine from 5901cc up to 6665cc inclusive of "capacity increases".
A/CD
 Any normally aspirated engine from 6666cc and up/or any normally aspirated big block engine regardless of engine capacity. Capacity increases (where applicable) will apply for multi-valve and Hemi/Pentroof heads.
A
 Only one (1) form of supercharging is permitted. Whether it be mechanical, belt driven supercharging, turbocharging or nitrous oxide is the entrant's option if class allows it.
B
 Engine capacity (where applicable) is increased as follows:
TURBOCHARGING
-50%
SUPERCHARGING:
ROOTS TYPE:
-40%
ROOTS TYPE (HIGH HELIX):
-50%
NITROUS OXIDE:
-40%
HEMI HEADS:
-20%
4 VALVES / CYL:
-20%
C
 The use of Nitromethane fuel is restricted to Top Fuel (TF/D) or exhibition vehicles only.
D
 Wankel rotary engines will be assessed at 1.8 x the swept volume.
E
 Screw-type superchargers are restricted to TAD only.
ARTICLES
D 1 : AEROFOIL
A
 Permitted but must be securely mounted. If adjustable, a positive locking device must be used to prevent accidental movement. Side mounted canard-type units are permitted. No part of the wing is to be within 150mm of the tyre. Trailing edge of the wing may be no more than 1300mm behind centre line of rear axle. Maximum height for wing as measured vertically of the ground is 2286mm. No part of the wing or wing supports may attach to any engine, bell housing or transmission components.
D 2 : ARM RESTRAINTS: (Refer to the Safety Regulations).
D 3 : BALLAST: Permitted. (Refer to the Safety Regulations).
D 4 : BATTERY: Permitted. (Refer to the Safety Regulations).
D 5 : BELLYPAN: (Refer to the Safety Regulations).
D 6 : BODY
A Body and cowl must be constructed from a suitable non-flammable material as a minimum requirement. Frame structure, roll cage, body and floor panels must be constructed to prevent driver's body or limbs from making contact with the wheels, exhausts, engine driveline parts or strip surface should an accident, spin out or collision occur. (Refer to the Safety Regulations).
D 7 : BRAKES
A All classes must have a minimum two-rear wheel hydraulic brake system and one backup braking device must be fitted. Brakes can be either hand or foot operated. Handbrake must be inside the driver's compartment. Brake lines must be shielded. (Refer to the Safety Regulations).
D 8 : CLUTCH - (Refer to the Safety Regulations)
D 9 : DEFLECTOR PLATE: (Refer to the Safety Regulations).
D10 : DRIVER
A
Location of the driver in the vehicle is unrestricted, if in compliance with the safety regulations.
D11 : DRIVELINE
AA
Open drivelines are not permitted in the driver's compartment. In front-engine Dragster instances, in addition to the floor or belly pan, drive shaft failure loops must be fitted. A 2mm thick steel plate extending the full length of the driveline and securely fastened to the frame rails or suitable cross member is mandatory.
D12 : DRIVELINE COVER
A
In addition to the floor or belly pan, drive shaft failure loops must be fitted. A 2mm thick steel plate extending the full length of the driveline and securely fastened to the frame rails or suitable cross member is mandatory.
D13 : ENGINE
A
Any internal combustion automotive engine is allowed. A maximum of two engines may be used. Any modification may be made to the engine(s) and they may be in any location.
D14 : EXHAUST
A
Any exhaust system is permitted. Must be equipped with exhaust collectors or stacks, installed in such a manner as to direct the exhaust gasses out of the body to the rear of the vehicle away from the driver, fuel tank and tyres. Exhaust stacks must have a connecting strap to prevent loss of one or more stacks during competition (Refer to the Safety Regulations).
D15 : FIRE EXTINGUISHER: (Refer to the Safety Regulations).
D16 : FIREWALL: Mandatory. (Refer to the Safety Regulations).
D17 : FLYWHEEL/CLUTCH: (Refer to the Safety Regulations).
D18 : FLYWHEEL SHIELD: (Refer to the Safety Regulations).
D19 : FRAME
I Construction methods for other than Top Fuel are at the option of the builder providing safety requirements are met. Top Fuel must meet NHRA specifications and be of chrome moly tube. A minimum of 1000mm track as measured from the centre of the tyre treads must be maintained on at least one axle. Minimum wheelbase of any vehicle in this category is 2300mm whilst maximum is 7620mm. An allowable wheelbase variation of 50mm is permitted on vehicles in this category.
D20 : FUEL SYSTEM
I Any carburetion or fuel injection system is permitted. A maximum of two fuel pumps is allowed. All fuel lines and tanks must be isolated from the driver's compartment unless lines are of steel braided construction. (Refer to the Safety Regulations).
D21 : FUEL
I Nitromethane is permitted in Top Fuel only. All other classes are restricted to any allowable fuel with the exception of nitro based fuels and additives.
D22 : HEAD PROTECTION: Mandatory. (Refer to the Safety Regulations).
D23 : LIQUID OVERFLOW/CATCH TANKS
I All machines with any type of liquid capable of dumping or spilling on the track surface, must have a "catch can" to recover the excess liquids. Minimum capacity is one-litre. Overflow may be routed into headers on cars, which are supercharged or burn nitro or methanol.
D24 : PARACHUTE: (Refer to the Safety Regulations)
D25 : PUSHBARS: (Refer to the Safety Regulations).
D26 : REAR-END/DIFFERENTIAL: (Welded spider gears are not permitted).
  Quick change rear-ends are acceptable. Locked (spool type) rear-ends are permitted. Fully floating hubs are required in conjunction with locked rear-ends in any of the supercharged or TF/D, TAD and A/D and B/D classes. Rear wheel drive only. The attention of competitors is drawn to the possibility of handling hazards in the event of an axle shaft breaking while a vehicle is fitted with a locked rear-end. (Refer to the Safety Regulations).
D27 : SAFETY BELTS/HARNESSES: Mandatory. (Refer to the Safety Regulations).
D28 : SAFETY EQUIPMENT
  For all driver and vehicle safety regulations, refer to the "Safety Regulations" chapter.
D29 : STEERING
  Rear-engine vehicles must have some device to prevent steering shaft from injuring the driver in case of a frontal impact. (Refer to the Safety Regulations).
D30 : SUPERCHARGERS: (Refer to the Safety Regulations).
D31 : SUSPENSION
  Any type of automotive suspension is permitted. Rigid mounted front and rear axles are permitted where the wheelbase is 2920mm or more or the vehicle weighs less than 370kg. Any front beam axle must have its radius rods attached to the frame. Dragster oil pans must be of sufficient height so as not to hit track surface due to excessive frame or axle flex.
D32 : THROTTLE
  On rear-engine vehicles, the throttle actuating method must be protected and shielded. (Refer to the Safety Regulations). It is mandatory that a positive throttle return device, (Refer to the Safety Regulations), and fuel cut-off is fitted in the event of the throttle pedal overriding or failure of the throttle linkage.
D33 : TRANSMISSION / GEARBOX
  Optional. Vehicles must employ some positive system to disengage engine from final drive. A clutch hold down device is suggested on all vehicles without transmissions or with in-out boxes. Air shifter bottles must be permanently mounted. (Refer to the Safety Regulations).
D34 : UPHOLSTERY
  Optional, however, only steel or aluminium is allowed in the driver's compartment. Magnesium is prohibited. Any upholstery must be of non-flammable material.
D35 : VENT TUBES/BREATHERS
  Where used, the tubes must terminate into an acceptable, permanently attached catch-tank with a capacity of five litres. The catch tank must be able to keep overflow off the track and a sight glass or tube is recommended to verify that the tank is empty prior to each run.
D36 : WINDSHIELD - (Refer to the Safety Regulations)
D37 : WHEELS/TYRES
IIA
37.1
 Any size slicks are permitted, however, maximum width for rear rims is 406mm. For front tyres, (Refer to the Safety Regulations). Motorcycle rims or lightweight automotive wire wheels are acceptable on front of Dragsters only, provided the total weight of the vehicle does not exceed 900kg including the driver. Each wire rim must be equipped with 3mm minimum diameter steel spokes properly cross-laced to provide maximum strength. All available spoke holes in the rim and hub, must be laced and omissions to lighten the wheel are not permitted.
B
37.2
 Where it can be established that a "beam breaker" shield is required on wire rims, it is mandatory for a competitor to securely and permanently fit a device to cleanly cut the startline staging beams before entering competition.