[LesBaer]

So I was hoping this wasn't going to be too bad, but it looks like there's a lot that I'm going to need before I can get to a drag strip. Does anyone know if they truly enforce all this stuff if you go to a test and tune night? I'm just going off of the estimates of a 10.4-10.8 1/4 mile time that my shop thinks the car would run.

Just a quick scan through of the rules says I'd need:

- roll cage
- aftermarket axles
- aftermarket driveshaft
- driveshaft loop
- flywheel shield
- supercharger restraint
- driver restraint system
- neck restraint
- head restraint
- helmet

...and I'm sure more. I'm not even sure where to find some of these things. Based on what I did find, it's definitely not going to be cheap. Has anyone else been down this path already and can offer any guidance? Thanks for the help.

[BMR Suspension]

It depends on the track... some enforce everything some dont enforce any of it. Most of the time as long as you have the safety stuff or the bulk of it you'll be fine. worst case, they ask you not to come back... lol

[jdasnt3]

Originally Posted by BMR Suspension

It depends on the track... some enforce everything some dont enforce any of it. Most of the time as long as you have the safety stuff or the bulk of it you'll be fine. worst case, they ask you not to come back... lol

Definitely depends on the track. A close to stock Hellcat running 10.7 broke his driveshaft at our track and couldn't shut the car off quickly. Some of that safety stuff is a worthy cost based on how powerful your car is.

[parish8]

I have been to 20 or so different tracks. the stuff I see enforced that is on your list.

roll bar(5pt)
helmet with proper date and rating
5 pt seat belt not out of date
battery shut off if your battery is relocated to the back. not sure if one is required if it came in the back from the factory

[parish8]

i plan on just playing the games. most of the time on a 1/4 mile track they do not care what your 1/8th mile stats are so you can run hard to the 1/8th and then coast from there. to test out the top end you just leave real soft, like roll off the line and wait a sec or two before punching it. i am sure they know what is going on but they let it go.

last run of the day make a glory run and don't get back in line. i have only had one track manager come yell at me.

[bhillakaiceberg]

Def depends on the track. I have three tracks around me that I frequent. One of them is pretty strict. The other two don't care. I can run 10.7s in my all motor 5th gen all day long and won't get bothered. However, if I go up the road, I can maybe get 3 passes in before they tell me to slow it down or leave.

They want a roll bar/cage if you run quicker than 11.00. Also depends on who you are. I have seen multiple people run single digits with no bar/cage at this very same track.

Always a helmet!! I have a driveshaft loop also.

[DFW1LE]

I am not sure they enforce any of that, unless you actually make a pass in that range.

[Snowblind]

Add a fire jacket to your list. NHRA rules require one for any vehicle with an aftermarket supercharger.

My track is pretty laid back, last summer a ECS C7 made (2) 9 second passes before he was booted.....didn't see it run, but it sounded like pure sex from staging row.

[wnta1ss]

NHRA rules actually say that the 2008-newer cars are ok without that rollcage stuff as long as they don't go under 10.000 or over 135mph. That is the same cutoff point for getting a Competition License BTW. I've seen a Hellcat at the nearest NHRA track run 10.7 and the only equipment he uses is a helmet and an SFI jacket. Whether they enforce the rules as written, depends on the people at the track. So, you might get crap from some track personnel.

For your car, stick shift with 700 horsepower, I'd suggest doing G-Force axles and driveshaft, just because I think you're likely to break the stock ones.

[parish8]

Originally Posted by wnta1ss

NHRA rules actually say that the 2008-newer cars are ok without that rollcage stuff as long as they don't go under 10.000 or over 135mph. That is the same cutoff point for getting a Competition License BTW. I've seen a Hellcat at the nearest NHRA track run 10.7 and the only equipment he uses is a helmet and an SFI jacket. Whether they enforce the rules as written, depends on the people at the track.

For your car, stick shift with 700 horsepower, I'd suggest doing G-Force axles and driveshaft, just because I think you're likely to break the stock ones.

I am told that only applies to unmodified cars.

[Cdflyer]

Originally Posted by wnta1ss

NHRA rules actually say that the 2008-newer cars are ok without that rollcage stuff as long as they don't go under 10.000 or over 135mph. That is the same cutoff point for getting a Competition License BTW. I've seen a Hellcat at the nearest NHRA track run 10.7 and the only equipment he uses is a helmet and an SFI jacket. Whether they enforce the rules as written, depends on the people at the track. So, you might get crap from some track personnel.

For your car, stick shift with 700 horsepower, I'd suggest doing G-Force axles and driveshaft, just because I think you're likely to break the stock ones.

This is right on point. I've also seen it stated at 10.50 as the cut off point. Most tracks, unless the host big National events, will let you get by with jacket and helmet. Some will also let a helmet go.

The biggest thing is these are still street cars, so most tech guys are a bit lax. My local track is only really concerned with helmet and driveshaft loop since I run slicks. Aside from that, they don't say anything because they know my car is a street car (I've been going there for years). Either way, check with the track and see what they want you to run. Either way, you should be ok.

[wnta1ss]

Originally Posted by parish8

I am told that only applies to unmodified cars.

That would be my 'crap from track personnel' statement. The word was 'altered' that I heard.

[laynlo15]

My car is basically a Zl1 setup, just a bigger supercharger. It does also say dot approved tires which would include drag radials. I think I'll be able to slide by on the supercharger, if I have to put drag radials on I will switch from the slicks and skinnies. I'll find out this weekend at test and tune. I do have my new Schnell Helmet and a new Summit Jacket. I'm going to make one 1/8 mile pass and then a full pass. I think I'll know how fast its going to run just from my 660 ft pass. If it goes under 6.99 I'll be in the 10's. Mine is a NHRA track that holds a national event. I'm keeping my fingers crossed at this point. I will probably do a drive shaft loop pretty soon for the safety point of it.

[Cdflyer]

let us know what they say!