INDIANAPOLIS, IN – July 28, 2022 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – In a move designed to strengthen the class, improve participation, and drive innovation, NHRA officials have announced the addition of an A/Fuel engine program for the Top Alcohol Funny Car class beginning in the 2023 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series.
The Top Alcohol Funny Car class features some of the top drivers in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, with cars capable of reaching speeds of more than 270 mph and covering the quarter-mile in less than 5.4-seconds.
With the addition of the A/Fuel (injected nitromethane) engine program into the class, NHRA will look to increase participation in the class, and give drivers and race teams another viable, efficient option to run in the thrilling category.
NHRA officials have released a full ruleset for the new combination, which can be viewed at NHRARACER.com.
“We’re really excited to introduce the A/Fuel engine program to Top Alcohol Funny Car in 2023,” NHRA Technical Services/ Top Alcohol Rules Committee Chairman Josh Hamming said. “This is something we’ve been working on for several years and it’s all about building new excitement and a sustainable business model for the category. We believe there is going to be strong interest right off the bat, will reduce costs for interested teams and we’re eager to see this class continue to grow.
“The rules committee came up with a rule set that allows racers to enter the class and be competitive, but not dominate. We will evaluate performance from the start and will make adjustments as needed.”
Prior to the announcement, NHRA officials worked closely with teams, drivers, team owners and NHRA Division Directors to develop an A/Fuel engine program that is economically efficient for interested participants. As an added benefit, the ruleset and opportunities afforded by the injected nitro combination can also serve as a viable path for drivers, teams, and crew members to ultimately advance to the nitro Funny Car class in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series.
“We wanted to come up with an option that will be more efficient for teams,” NHRA Vice President of Competition Ned Walliser said. “We’re confident there will be significant savings over the course of a full season running the A/Fuel program. The ruleset will also allow teams to purchase bodies, chassis, engine parts and other items from nitro teams, allowing for a significant reduction in costs.
“It’s also…
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