non-OEM FI/Nitrous Required clothing @ Drag strips
11-01-2007, 08:33 AM
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non-OEM FI/Nitrous Required clothing @ Drag strips
Background - many dragstrips are now enforcing NHRA 06/07 requirements that drivers of all non-oem FI/nitrous equipped vehicles (regardless of ET) must wear an SFI 3.2A/1 rated jacket ($50+)
Here's the low-down on the "racing jacket" discussion for those hitting the tracks and getting slapped with regs:
You must be an NHRA member or pay $13 for the regulations book. For some reason, my NHRA Sport Compact Racing Membership does not qualify (still waiting on a response from their helpdesk)
For reference, we are in the NHRA SPORTSMAN (Stock & Super Stock)
From the 2006 NHRA rulebook, Section 1A, (page 24)
In 2007, they added/updated the rule to read:
AND THAT is where everyone gets confused... so here is how to determine your class
STOCK:
Class 1/4m 1/8m
A/S 11.25 07.24
B/S 11.50 07.39
C/S 11.65 07.47
D/S 11.80 07.57
E/S 11.95 07.65
F/S 12.10 07.74
G/S 12.20 07.79
H/S 12.30 07.86
I/S 12.50 07.97
J/S 12.65 08.05
K/S 12.85 08.18
L/S 13.00 08.26
M/S 13.15 08.33
SUPER STOCK:
SS/J 11.10 07.16
SS/K 11.30 07.27
SS/L 11.55 07.42
SS/M 11.90 07.62
SS/N 12.25 07.82
SS/O 12.50 07.97
SS/P 12.80 08.14
SS/JA 11.30 07.27
SS/KA 11.55 07.42
SS/LA 11.75 07.53
SS/MA 12.15 07.76
SS/NA 12.45 07.94
SS/OA 12.60 08.03
SS/PA 12.95 08.22
But the class does not matter... if you have a non-oem FI/nitrous, you need to have the SFI Spec 3.2A/1 jacket.
Further confusing the situation, here are the NHRA "Sport Compact Racing Series" rules / classes:
TIME SLIP ONLY - not run at all events.
SPORT RWD - (includes AWD)
General Regulations (aka section 12) Subsection 10:10
**FYI
TIME SLIP ONLY - not run at all events, no additional requirements.
SPORT RWD - (includes AWD) - No additional special requirements*
So you can see that the Sport Compact Series is a little out of synch with the "real" NHRA, but I would guess they are paying more attention to competitions, where tracks pay attention to overall NHRA rules since sport compacts are a minority on the track and the Sport Compact Series is relatively new.
A note on helmets:
Drivers of all cars running 13.99 or quicker must use a helmet meeting Snell 95, K98, 2000, 2005 or SFI Spec 31.1, 31.2, 31.1A,31.2A, 31.1/2005, 41.1, 41.2, 41.1A, 41.2A, or 41.1/2005.
Drivers of cars running 7.49 or quicker must use a helmet meetingSnell SA95, SA2000, SA2005 or SFI 31.1, 31.2, 31.1A, 31.2A, or31.1/2005 Specs.
See Class Requirements. All helmets must have the appropriate certification sticker affixed inside the helmet.
Please make sure to keep up with SNELL / SFI expiration dates on your helmets.
What is "SFI"?
The SFI Foundation, Inc. is an independent company that writes minimum specifications for various pieces of equipment used in all types of motorsports. When a manufacturer affixes a "Meets SFI Specifications" tag to a product, the consumer, as well as the sanctioning
body, is assured that the product is made to some minimum standard. Without the
tag, it is up to the consumer and/or technical inspector to make a decision as to the level of quality in a particular product. Most SFI specifications are performance oriented, in that they define what type of testing a product must be able to withstand before failure.
How to read an SFI rating
let's take, for instance the racing jacket now required for many of us
eg. SFI Spec 3.2A/1
=========
SFI Spec = The sanctioning body
3.2A = The specification (aka "category" of product. ie: clothing, chassis, etc..)
/1 = The recertification period (1 year, 2 yrs, 5 yrs, N/A)
Minimum times for each SFI 3.2A level
SFI RATING Minimum TPP^ Value Time to 2nd Degree Burn^^
3.2A/1 6 3.0 sec
3.2A/3 14 7.0 sec
3.2A/5 19 9.5 sec
3.2A/10 38 19.0 sec
3.2A/15 60 30.0 sec
3.2A/20 80 40.0 sec
Please note that some shops/racers will just shorten SFI 3.2A/1 to SFI-1, since they know you are talking about a jacket.
^TPP = Thermal Protection Unit
^^ based on how long a driving suit will offer protection from a second degree burn in an approximation of a raging gasoline fire between 1800 and 2100 degrees F.
In a nutshell... if you have an aftermarket supercharger, turbo or nitrous and run 10.00 or slower, you need a single layer jacket.
If you run faster, you need to join the NHRA and get a rulebook cuz there's bunches of other rules you're going to need to be in compliance with.
Sources for jackets:
http://www.summitracing.com
http://www.jegs.com
http://www.racequip.com/suits/sfi1singlelayersuits.html (scroll down for jackets)
many places will only show suits, so look for a two piece that you can order the jacket only. Prices range from $50 to $400
Here's the low-down on the "racing jacket" discussion for those hitting the tracks and getting slapped with regs:
You must be an NHRA member or pay $13 for the regulations book. For some reason, my NHRA Sport Compact Racing Membership does not qualify (still waiting on a response from their helpdesk)
For reference, we are in the NHRA SPORTSMAN (Stock & Super Stock)
From the 2006 NHRA rulebook, Section 1A, (page 24)
10.00 (*6.40 1/8 mile) and slower; all E.T. non-OEM supercharged, non-OEM turbocharged, or nitrous-equipped cars with an OEM or .024-inch steel firewall: Jacket meeting SFI Spec 3.2A/1 mandatory
Stock/Super Stock Protective Clothing
Beginning in 2007 for all competitors in Stock classes A/S through M/S, A/SA through M/SA, and in any vehicle running 11.49 or quicker, a jacket meeting SFI Spec 3.2A/1 is mandatory.
In Super Stock, the SFI Spec 3.2A/1 jacket is mandatory in SS/J through SS/P, SS/JA through SS/PA, and in any vehicle through Super Stock running 10.00 to 11.49 seconds. A jacket meeting SFI Spec 3.2A/5 is mandatory in Super Stock classes SS/A through SS/I, SS/AH through SS/IA, and in any vehicle running 9.99 or quicker throughout Super Stock.
Beginning in 2007 for all competitors in Stock classes A/S through M/S, A/SA through M/SA, and in any vehicle running 11.49 or quicker, a jacket meeting SFI Spec 3.2A/1 is mandatory.
In Super Stock, the SFI Spec 3.2A/1 jacket is mandatory in SS/J through SS/P, SS/JA through SS/PA, and in any vehicle through Super Stock running 10.00 to 11.49 seconds. A jacket meeting SFI Spec 3.2A/5 is mandatory in Super Stock classes SS/A through SS/I, SS/AH through SS/IA, and in any vehicle running 9.99 or quicker throughout Super Stock.
STOCK:
Class 1/4m 1/8m
A/S 11.25 07.24
B/S 11.50 07.39
C/S 11.65 07.47
D/S 11.80 07.57
E/S 11.95 07.65
F/S 12.10 07.74
G/S 12.20 07.79
H/S 12.30 07.86
I/S 12.50 07.97
J/S 12.65 08.05
K/S 12.85 08.18
L/S 13.00 08.26
M/S 13.15 08.33
SUPER STOCK:
SS/J 11.10 07.16
SS/K 11.30 07.27
SS/L 11.55 07.42
SS/M 11.90 07.62
SS/N 12.25 07.82
SS/O 12.50 07.97
SS/P 12.80 08.14
SS/JA 11.30 07.27
SS/KA 11.55 07.42
SS/LA 11.75 07.53
SS/MA 12.15 07.76
SS/NA 12.45 07.94
SS/OA 12.60 08.03
SS/PA 12.95 08.22
But the class does not matter... if you have a non-oem FI/nitrous, you need to have the SFI Spec 3.2A/1 jacket.
Further confusing the situation, here are the NHRA "Sport Compact Racing Series" rules / classes:
TIME SLIP ONLY - not run at all events.
SPORT RWD - (includes AWD)
General Regulations (aka section 12) Subsection 10:10
10:10 PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
Drivers are required to have as minimum requirements protective clothing labeled as meeting the appropriate SFI Spec.
11.49 to 10.00 seconds:jacket meeting SFI Spec 3.2A/1 mandatory.
9.99 to 7.50 seconds,with OEM or steel firewall: jacket and pants meeting SFI Spec 3.2A/5 and gloves meeting SFI Spec 3.3/1mandatory.
9.99 to 7.50 seconds in car without an OEM or steel firewall,with nitrous oxide,supercharged or turbocharged,or any car with an automatic transmission in the driver compartment(i.e.,one without a floor over the transmission): jacket and pants meeting SFI Spec 3.2A/15, gloves and shoes or bootsmeeting SFI Spec 3.3/5 mandatory.
Drivers competing in heads-up categories may be required to wear specific minimum clothing, regardless of e.t. All drivers are requiredto wear full-length pants to the ankle, shoes, and socks.Nylon ornylon-type clothing and open-toe shoes prohibited. See appropriate Class Requirements*.
Drivers are required to have as minimum requirements protective clothing labeled as meeting the appropriate SFI Spec.
11.49 to 10.00 seconds:jacket meeting SFI Spec 3.2A/1 mandatory.
9.99 to 7.50 seconds,with OEM or steel firewall: jacket and pants meeting SFI Spec 3.2A/5 and gloves meeting SFI Spec 3.3/1mandatory.
9.99 to 7.50 seconds in car without an OEM or steel firewall,with nitrous oxide,supercharged or turbocharged,or any car with an automatic transmission in the driver compartment(i.e.,one without a floor over the transmission): jacket and pants meeting SFI Spec 3.2A/15, gloves and shoes or bootsmeeting SFI Spec 3.3/5 mandatory.
Drivers competing in heads-up categories may be required to wear specific minimum clothing, regardless of e.t. All drivers are requiredto wear full-length pants to the ankle, shoes, and socks.Nylon ornylon-type clothing and open-toe shoes prohibited. See appropriate Class Requirements*.
TIME SLIP ONLY - not run at all events, no additional requirements.
SPORT RWD - (includes AWD) - No additional special requirements*
So you can see that the Sport Compact Series is a little out of synch with the "real" NHRA, but I would guess they are paying more attention to competitions, where tracks pay attention to overall NHRA rules since sport compacts are a minority on the track and the Sport Compact Series is relatively new.
A note on helmets:
Drivers of all cars running 13.99 or quicker must use a helmet meeting Snell 95, K98, 2000, 2005 or SFI Spec 31.1, 31.2, 31.1A,31.2A, 31.1/2005, 41.1, 41.2, 41.1A, 41.2A, or 41.1/2005.
Drivers of cars running 7.49 or quicker must use a helmet meetingSnell SA95, SA2000, SA2005 or SFI 31.1, 31.2, 31.1A, 31.2A, or31.1/2005 Specs.
See Class Requirements. All helmets must have the appropriate certification sticker affixed inside the helmet.
Please make sure to keep up with SNELL / SFI expiration dates on your helmets.
What is "SFI"?
The SFI Foundation, Inc. is an independent company that writes minimum specifications for various pieces of equipment used in all types of motorsports. When a manufacturer affixes a "Meets SFI Specifications" tag to a product, the consumer, as well as the sanctioning
body, is assured that the product is made to some minimum standard. Without the
tag, it is up to the consumer and/or technical inspector to make a decision as to the level of quality in a particular product. Most SFI specifications are performance oriented, in that they define what type of testing a product must be able to withstand before failure.
How to read an SFI rating
let's take, for instance the racing jacket now required for many of us
eg. SFI Spec 3.2A/1
=========
SFI Spec = The sanctioning body
3.2A = The specification (aka "category" of product. ie: clothing, chassis, etc..)
/1 = The recertification period (1 year, 2 yrs, 5 yrs, N/A)
Minimum times for each SFI 3.2A level
SFI RATING Minimum TPP^ Value Time to 2nd Degree Burn^^
3.2A/1 6 3.0 sec
3.2A/3 14 7.0 sec
3.2A/5 19 9.5 sec
3.2A/10 38 19.0 sec
3.2A/15 60 30.0 sec
3.2A/20 80 40.0 sec
Please note that some shops/racers will just shorten SFI 3.2A/1 to SFI-1, since they know you are talking about a jacket.
^TPP = Thermal Protection Unit
^^ based on how long a driving suit will offer protection from a second degree burn in an approximation of a raging gasoline fire between 1800 and 2100 degrees F.
In a nutshell... if you have an aftermarket supercharger, turbo or nitrous and run 10.00 or slower, you need a single layer jacket.
If you run faster, you need to join the NHRA and get a rulebook cuz there's bunches of other rules you're going to need to be in compliance with.
Sources for jackets:
http://www.summitracing.com
http://www.jegs.com
http://www.racequip.com/suits/sfi1singlelayersuits.html (scroll down for jackets)
many places will only show suits, so look for a two piece that you can order the jacket only. Prices range from $50 to $400
11-01-2007, 08:34 AM
#2
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Clarification and response to a couple of PMs from the other site:
An SFI 3.2A/1 is a LOWER quality LOWER rating than a SFI 3.2A/5
In English SFI 3.2A/5 is better, but costs more ($150)
To determine the time to 2nd degree burns in seconds, devide the TPP number by 2.
An SFI 3.2A/1 is a LOWER quality LOWER rating than a SFI 3.2A/5
In English SFI 3.2A/5 is better, but costs more ($150)
To determine the time to 2nd degree burns in seconds, devide the TPP number by 2.
11-01-2007, 12:28 PM
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Originally Posted by Alberto
Jacket isnt a huge deal in MD (4 tracks) for non FI cars running slower than 11.49. Quicker than 11.49 and you better have a jacket, roll bar, harness's...
At least in SoCal, where tracks are few and far between, it sucks getting sent home. I've checkedthe home pages of the strips left here in SoCal, none of them say anything about it.
Here's from Irwindale's site:
All racers and passengers are required to wear long pants, shoes and a shirt with sleeves. Racers competing with cars quicker than 8.59 (1/8 mile) are required to wear an approved helmet (See NHRA Rulebook). No passengers are allowed in vehicles faster than 8.59
says nothing about NHRA rules for Test n Tunes, or Street Legals, and they are enforcing the rule. Last week they were pulling out the rulebook to show folks.
Perris Auto Speedway:
Just called - and the strip is now officially closed.
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