The NMRA Ford Drag Racing Series has announced an interesting rules change designed to reduce the cost of competition - they have banned pre-event testing for the heads-up classes at the race track the week prior to where the event is being held.
There was a mixed reaction from the racers, with some for and some against it. The primary reason for the rules change seems to be the resources of teams like the Roush Hot Street teams, who have both the financial resources and time to rent a number of tracks exclusively for testing.
 Did Roush and Ben Mens cause the NMRA to kill all pre-event testing? |
All in all, it's a curious, unique, and somewhat out of the box way to equalize the playing field. After all, teams are free to test anywhere they want, and for those teams with the resources, they can still test at nearby facilities.
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Any below, here is the official release from the NMRA on the subject.
Pre-Event Testing Policy (Heads-up classes only)
PRE EVENT TESTING (Heads-up categories only – PRO, SSO, REN, HS, DR, RS, PS & FS)
Contestants and vehicles in Pro Outlaw 10.5, Super Street Outlaw, EFI Renegade, Hot Street, Drag Radial, Real Street, Pure Street and Factory Stock are penalized if the driver or vehicle chooses to test THE WEEK OF an NMRA National Event at the site of an NMRA National Event.
For example, if the event begins on Thursday or Friday, the last available day for testing at that venue is Sunday of the previous week for both the vehicle and the driver. Certain promotional activities, such as a burnout at a media or sponsor function, are not considered testing and therefore may be permissible without restriction with NMRA Event Director approval. A launch from the starting line is considered testing and therefore shall not be permitted without penalization.
Contestants and vehicles in these categories who choose to test at an NMRA National Event site will be required to compete at the upcoming NMRA Event at 25 lbs. Over the vehicles, minimum required class weight. IT WILL BE THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE NMRA COMPETITOR TO OFFICIALLY NOTIFY THE NMRA TECH DIRECTOR AND EVENT DIRECTOR IF ANY FORM OF TESTING WAS DONE ON SITE THE WEEK OF THE EVENT. Failure to Officially Report same week testing is a direct violation of this policy and Major Disciplinary Action will be instituted for both vehicle and driver.