Based on input from members of the Sportsman Racer Advisory Council, the oildown penalty policy has been modified for NHRA Sportsman categories during qualifying or eliminations at NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series national events (policy not in effect at SPORTSnationals events). The new policy is effective June 5, 2008, with the Torco Racing Fuels Route 66 NHRA Nationals in Chicago and Jegs Allstars event.

Each Sportsman driver will be allowed one (1) oildown prior to any monetary penalty. In addition, the monetary fine for a second violation has been reduced from $500 to $250. Violations including monetary fines and points prior to the June 5 implementation will stand.

“We believe that racers understand the negative impact that oildowns have on the presentation of our events to our fans,” commented SRAC Chairman Jay Hullinger. “Many racers have installed oil-retention devices ahead of implementation schedules not only as a measure to avoid depositing oil on the track, but also as insurance in protecting their race cars. The input and communications with members of the SRAC continues to improve NHRA’s Sportsman racing programs.”

A violation is defined as any incident requiring the use of mechanical equipment (i.e., tractor, trucks, and/or sweeper) to clean up an oil spill. Spills or drops of oil cleaned up by hand are not considered violations, and penalties will not apply. On occasion, equipment will be used to “touch up” the racing surface – such maintenance is not considered a violation. Depositing fuel or fire-extinguisher liquid on the track surface is not classified as an oildown and will not be penalized under this policy.

An oil cleanup resulting from a crash will not result in a penalty unless the accident was a result of depositing oil on the track. Should an opposing driver cross the centerline resulting in contact with the other vehicle and thereby causing an oil spill, penalties will only apply to the vehicle crossing the centerline. This policy encompasses the entire length of the track surface. Track surface includes the area where the vehicles are started, the burnout box, the starting line, the quarter-mile, and the shutdown area to the point the vehicle exits.

Revenue collected from oildown violations will be utilized by NHRA to improve cleanup time and efficiency. Examples could be purchasing of equipment, researching technology, supplies, personnel, etc.

OILDOWN PENALTIES

Sportsman categories: Top Alcohol Dragster, Top Alcohol Funny Car, Comp, Super Stock, Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas, Super Street

Effective 6/5/2008.

Each Sportsman driver will be allowed one (1) oildown per season prior to any monetary penalty.

Violations are assessed in the following manner for each event:

First violation: $250 fine; loss of 5 points (no monetary penalty for first violation of the season).

Second violation: $250 fine; loss of additional 10 points.

Third violation: Disqualification from event; loss of additional 15 points