NHRA adjusts injected-nitro percentage for 2006

NHRA adjusts injected-nitro percentage for 2006
courtesy NHRA.com

11/16/2005


In an effort to maintain parity in the Top Alcohol Dragster category, the NHRA Competition Committee has announced an adjustment to the maximum nitromethane percentage in nitro-injected dragsters. For 2006, the nitromethane content will be reduced by a percentage point to a maximum of 97 percent.

“After evaluating the performance numbers and the balance of the Alcohol Dragster class between blown alcohol dragsters and A/Fuel Dragsters, the NHRA Competition Committee made this rule amendment for the 2006 racing season,” said Danny Gracia, national technical director and a member of the NHRA Competition Committee.

In 2006, the nitromethane content will be restricted to a maximum of 97 percent for all non-supercharged, single engine, nitromethane combinations.

“As was stated with the adjustment at the start of the 2005 season, the nitro percentage is an effective tool in maintaining parity between the two classes when an imbalance in performance manifests," Gracia added. "Based on the raw data and the performance discrepancy in favor of the A/Fuel combination, the two differing combinations have developed an inequality in performance during the course of the 2005 season. To help keep the parity between the blown and A/Fueler from separating further, the committee decided the best avenue was to make another cut to the nitromethane percentage on the A/Fuelers for 2006.”

The committee unanimously agreed on the rule amendment, citing NHRA’s ongoing effort to keep a healthy balance between the blown alcohol and the injected-nitro teams. NHRA will continue to evaluate and make necessary adjustments in the future. This action is designed to bring the two sides closer together in regards to performance-related issues and strengthen the class as a whole.

The 97 percent does not apply at NHRA national or divisional events that are held at tracks at an altitude 3,000 feet or greater (Tucson, Fallon, Denver, Acton).