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NHRA and Pro Stock teams moving forward with preparations for 2016 rule changes

The Pro Stock rules changes for 2016 are on track...

Erica Enders-Stevens

Erica Enders-Stevens

NHRA

Drew Skillman
Erica Enders-Stevens
Deric Kramer
Jonathan Gray
Jonathan Gray
Drew Skillman
Erica Enders
Deric Kramer
Deric Kramer

Glendora, Calif. – The NHRA and many Pro Stock teams have begun testing new components and designs in preparation for meeting the rule changes for the 200-mph factory hot rod class in the 2016 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season.

In July, NHRA officials announced a series of changes for the Pro Stock category designed to increase spectator appeal, make the class more relevant from a technology standpoint, and reduce and control costs for race teams.

Key changes for the 2016 season include electronically-controlled fuel injection systems, an NHRA-controlled 10,500 Rev Limiter, removal of hood scoops and shortened wheelie bars.

The fact is you can't even buy a lawnmower today with a carburetor on it,

Richard Freeman

With the 2016 season right around the corner, teams and manufacturers are wasting no time trying to prepare for these new rules and have their racecars ready to go at the Circle K NHRA Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, Feb. 11-14.

“The Pro Stock rules changes for 2016 are on track and we appreciate the involvement of all the manufacturers and race teams to get the changes implemented,” said Glen Gray, NHRA vice president of technical operations. “We look forward to the new look of the class in 2016 and a very competitive season.”

To jumpstart the modified fuel injection program, several fuel injection systems have been delivered – including engine control modules, fuel injectors and coil near plug modules – to various teams and engine builders. Gray Motorsports and V. Gaines Western Motorsports have already begun testing their engines with dynamometers, while others will begin testing in the very near future. Onsite technical support at the final two 2015 Mello Yello Series races has also been established for any team or engine builder that needs assistance with their fuel injection systems.

“The fact is you can't even buy a lawnmower today with a carburetor on it,” said Richard Freeman, owner of Elite Motorsports’ two-car Pro Stock team. “It was long overdue, in my opinion, for fuel injection. Let’s go get after it, and we’ll see what happens.”

The NHRA has also been working with a group of teams, chassis builders, body manufacturers and automotive manufacturers on the definition of the new hood designs created by the hood scoop removal rule. Five Star Race Car Bodies has begun building patch panels to close up the hole created by the removal of the hood scoop for the Chevy Camaro and Dodge Dart Pro Stock models, while a plan for the other models permitted in the class is in the works.

In addition, the NHRA has been working with a group of teams, chassis builders, body manufacturers, automotive manufacturers and K&N Engineering on the location of the air inlets in the front of the cars as well as the definition of the air duct system. NHRA and K&N traveled to V. Gaines Western Motorsports recently to use V. Gaines’ scanning equipment to digitally scan the Chevy Camaro and Dodge Dart bodies to help in the development of the air duct system. K&N will have design drawings of the air duct system complete for review and approval by the NHRA in the near future.

To keep all parties informed, NHRA holds weekly meetings with key component manufacturers and the automotive manufacturers to discuss and resolve issues as necessary.

NHRA

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