I just received my 2005 rulebook in the mail today. Nothing special in it that I didn't already know however I did notice that cars running 11.49 and quicker have the option of having a hood.

Until I get a chassis certification my ET limit is 9.0 under IHRA rules. I can't see myself getting down that far for a while yet unless I get rid of the car for something much lighter like an altered. I'm predicting a 9.80 run in the spring at altitude if all goes well. Anything quicker is just a bonus. If I travel, all the other regional tracks are at a lower elevation so times will be quicker. I also have a 150 mph limit in the 1/4 because I don't have a parachute. I expect a best of 138-140 mph in 2005.

My guess with the new engine is that if I could drop it into a 2000 pound altered or dragster, it should run mid to high 7's and it would be a lot easier on parts.

 

Does the hood option mean you can run without hood? May be usefull during testing.

 

Only vehicles 11.49 and quicker are allowed to run without a hood. Of course that's only for the bracket cars.