Contacts:

Melbourne Office: Phone/Fax – 03 97422622

Adelaide Office: Phone – 08 82715355 Fax – 08 82716988

Email:  technical@andra.com.au

Reminder for Competitors Setting National Records

With the successful running of the AC Delco East Coast Nationals at WSID, the first ANDRA Championship event of the season, the Technical Department wishes to remind competitors of their requirements when bettering any National Record.  On Page 142 of the 2007/2008 ANDRA Rulebook, under the heading of National Records (5.16), it states the following;

 

“In Group Two any runs bettering the national record during eliminations and a maximum of one run from qualifying will be used to calculate the new national record.  Elapsed times and terminal speeds set after a foul start will stand for National Record setting purposes.  Drivers and riders must present themselves and their vehicle to the designated fuel/weight checking station/point immediately after any run/pass better than the standing ANDRA National Record.  Failure to report to the ANDRA Stewards for post race or sport checks is considered an admission of illegality and may result in disqualification from the event.”   

 

Both ANDRA and the tracks endeavour to ensure that passes bettering any National Record are addressed, but the onus is on the Competitor to present after any pass doing this.  The penalties are set out and by simply presenting it will eliminate any competitors being disqualified from events.

 

Performance Testing – Level One – SQ September 2007

Recently there seems to have been discussion around the country on the new procedures for Level One Performance Testing.  In the past there hadn’t been a requirement, apart from set performance goals, for persons undertaking their licence testing at this level.  Some, and especially competitors already competing in Group One, felt that it was at times “to easy” to get a car, just do a few good passes then compete.  At the April NCC Meeting the board decided to put in place the following:

 

The applicant must successfully complete the relevant course at a recognised driving school or have undertaken a minimum of 15 runs in a similar alcohol fuelled vehicle with an elapsed time potential of 6.99 seconds (1/4 mile) or better in the 12 month period immediately preceding the performance test. 

 

I have been approached by a few Top Fuel drivers since this change has been introduced and their feedback on the changes has been extremely positive.  I hope that the Division Directors now ensure that the correct procedures are followed for anybody wishing to do Performance Testing at this level.

 

Fuel Handling for Competitors at events

After problems being reported from the SQ Division on Fuel Handling Procedures at events, competitors and crew are reminded that when involved in the refuelling of vehicles and/or pit equipment that they must adhere to the ANDRA Policy.  The Fuel handling procedures are covered in the ANDRA 2007/2008 Rule Book (4.1.6 page 108).

 

The following procedures must be followed when handling fuel during events:

 

·        No naked flames within 10 metres of any point where refuelling or draining of fuel is taking place.

·        Plastic or composite containers are to be approved for the storage of Group 3 Dangerous Goods.

·        When refuelling or draining fuel from a vehicle an earth strap must connect the fuel container and fuel tank of the vehicle.

·        Refuelling or draining of fuel from vehicles is not permitted in any enclosed, unventilated area. All ignition sources (electric fans, battery chargers, welders or any other electrical device) must be removed or switched off before refuelling takes place.

·        Any spill must be cleared immediately and reported to a Track Official.

·        As a minimum, ALL race teams are to have a fire extinguisher meeting General Regulation 4.9.4. in their paddock area at all times.

 

Only ethanol, methanol, nitro methane, and hydrocarbon fuels homologated with ANDRA will be permitted. The addition of substances to ethanol or methanol for the purposes of lubrication is permitted where the specific gravity is not adversely affected.

 

It is the responsibility of the driver to confirm the brand and type of fuel being used. Unacceptable test readings may result in immediate disqualification and/or ANDRA Tribunal action. Results of subsequent laboratory analysis found to be noncompliant within 28 days of the event, will render the competitor liable to a fine of $2000 and 12 months suspension of their ANDRA competition privileges.

 

Clarification of the Ethanol / Methanol Rule
Due to the recent development of new fuels around the globe ANDRA wishes to restate the requirements for ethanol or methanol that can legally be used in ANDRA sanctioned drag racing.

The addition of substances to ethanol or methanol for the purposes of lubrication is permitted where the specific gravity is not adversely affected.

Neither the manufacturer nor any other person may add any other substance for any other purpose.

Any ethanol or methanol that is suspected of being outside these guidelines will result in a sample being sent to the official ANDRA testing laboratory for analysis. Failure of the fuel sampled to meet the stated ANDRA guidelines may result in disqualification and/or tribunal action.

 

Head Protection Clarification – Vic/Tas September 2007
There seems to be confusion on the required padding and date under the Head Protection section of the current rulebook.  In mid August the Technical Department noted a clarification.  It was noted that in the current 2007/2008 rulebook, 4.10.7.1 Head Protector, states that “Drivers are reminded from 31/8/2007 where the drivers body or helmet make contact with roll bars or cages, padding meeting SFI 45.1 or FIA 8857-2001 must be fitted.”

This is a misprint and the date for this should actually be 31/8/2008. ANDRA feels that this gives racers a full 12 month lead in to fit the required padding.

 

On the issue of the required retaining hoop / helmet guard for all altered and dragsters, current vehicles must have cages constructed in such a way to prevent any chance of the helmet from being able to pass through the roll cage during the event of an accident.  Competitors are reminded that helmets are constructed to have ‘a little give’ and this, helmets protruding through roll cages, should be thoroughly tested during technical inspections. 

 

Super Street – Vic/Tas September 2007

The issue of Super Street competitors running quicker than 11.00 during qualifications was raised by the Vic/Tas Division.  With the changes to the cut-off, and the disqualification of competitors exceeding the 11.00 during eliminations being introduced at the start of the 2007/2008 season, there was no support from the NCC to change the wording covering Super Street qualifying.  Currently the wording states:

                   

“Competitors are reminded that qualifying passes faster than 11.00 will be placed in the lowest qualifying position and that dial-ins must remain within class limits.” 

 

Competitors are still required to have an Unlimited Drag Licence, Log Book and Technical Inspection if their vehicle has a ‘known performance’ of 10.99 or quicker.  This would negate any insurance concerns, such as those expressed by the Vic/Tas Division.

 

The Technical Department also wished to pass on that at the first event of the season, the AC Delco East Coast Nationals, it was expected that there would be ‘teething problems’ with this rules change.  The most vocal on the changes at the event were the competitors who consistently run right on the 11.00 cut.  After speaking to some of the competitors most have vehicles that admittedly are capable of running 10.60 – 10.90’s.  The Technical Department thinks the change is good for the eliminator and will recommend that the Top Qualifier be changed to 11.10 for the 2008/2009 season.  This will give a .10 second buffer, just as we have for the Junior Dragsters.

 

David Baker