NHRA Announces New Head And Neck Restraint Rules For ’24

The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) released a number of rulebook amendments and updates over the weekend, most notably, notifying participants that effective 1/1/2024, head and neck restraint devices will be required on all vehicles exceeding 150 mph, or traversing the 1/4-mile in 7.49 seconds of quicker. The speed cutoff of 150 mph will make this new mandate applicable to a number of cars and categories that did not previously require such devices, including select cars in Super Stock, Stock Eliminator, Super Comp, Super Gas, and even E.T. bracket and index cars that compete over 1/4-mile distances at NHRA member tracks and in racing organizations that run under NHRA regulations.

The rulebook has previously called only for an SFI 3.3 neck collar to be used for entries exceeding 135 mph in these classes, with head and neck restraint devices optional at the drivers’ discretion.

For those who will fall under this mandate and need to begin preparing for the changeover in 2024, there are a number of head and neck restraint devices on the market from many different manufacturers, including the options offered by Simpson Race Products.

Simpson has an array of devices for different budgets and tastes, including HANS- and Stilo HANS-branded devices, along with Simpson’s Hybrid lineup of units for both adults and youth. Each of these devices is available in multiple sizes and an even wider number of options of tethers, anchors, quick releases, and angles. The HANS III and Hybrid Sport represent the brands’ most economical options for those seeking compliance on a budget, with the same SFI-approved safety protections as their more expensive, lighter weight and optioned counterparts.