I think it would be a good idea to have a sticky of all IHRA safety rules and regulations required for each each class of ET. Please do not post NHRA rules, only IHRA. For example, at what time to you need to install a driveshaft safety loop, etc.

 

Unfortunately you do need NHRA rules as well since IHRA defers to them on items not specifically covered. There are some differences in application but there is a reason why their rule book is thinner than NHRAs, why print it twice when you can just refer to the other for free.

 

Buy a rulebook or join IHRA and they'll send you one.

Until you get below 10.00, the rules are roughly the same. If your car is set up to NHRA rules for 10 seconds and slower then you'll have no problems passing IHRA rules.

I have a driveshaft loop on my 15 second daily driver truck. It's not required by the rules but if I blow a u-joint at 87 mph crossing the finish line, I want that protection. If I blow the front u-joint at 60 mph on the highway I still want that protection!

 

Got a rule book, and so on. Still think it would be a good idea to have a sticky with all the required safety features needed. The IHRA breaks the rule book down by specific classes. The general rules don't cover a lot of things either. What about the cars who aren't in a specific class, just T&T?

 

IHRA 2004 rulebook. ET Bracket rules. On page 91 lists everything need for 0 - 9.99 and for 10.00 to 11.49 cars. On page 92 lists everything you need to know for the slower cars.

 

I don't see "E.T. Bracket" rules, but I do see Summit "Sportsman" Safety and General Rules.

EDIT: Are Nitto Drag Radials considered slicks?

 

Look at the little shaded area on the side of the page. It says ET/BR

According to the rulebook when it specifies "slicks", they mean slicks. Any DOT approved tire is still considered a street tire but it's up to your own track to make the final decision.

 

So according to IHRA, I don't need a driveshaft safety loop until I run an 11.49 or faster correct?

 

Driveline: Drive shaft loop required on any vehicle which uses racing slicks.

The rule is also for 13.50 and slower cars. There's also a reference to General Regulations which is just the guidelines as to how to mount it.

As for whether DOT slicks such as ET Streets, BFG Drag Radials etc are considered "racing slicks" will be up to your track to decide. Technically they are not but that's a different argument. Street tires is completely different. If you can get traction and run slower than 11.50 on a street tire then you don't need a loop but as I mentioned above, do you want to risk the chance of blowing a u-joint at those speeds?

Install the loop and nobody will argue with you about it.

 

Amen.