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BASICS
NHRA PRO MOD DRAG RACING SERIES
DISQUALIFICATIONS
There is nothing like a full-bore, wire-to-wire drag race, with one racer just nipping the other
in the speed traps. However, some races are decided by a rule infraction that leads to the
disqualification of one of the vehicles. These rules are designed to make competition even, but
sometimes they can be confusing. Here is a quick look at each rule:
RED-LIGHT: A red-light is the most common infraction. Also called a foul start, it is simply caused
by a driver leaving the starting line before the green light comes on. Some of the slight jumps
made by a race vehicle can be detected only by the electronic starting-line system, but other redlight
starts are plainly visible to the naked eye. Also, the red-light will come on if the vehicle is not
staged properly or if it lifts the front wheel(s) up too soon and moves forward.
CROSSING EXTREMITIES: While on a pass, a driver cannot allow his or her vehicle to cross either
the centerline or outer lines. If the driver crosses a line during qualifying, his or her time will not
count. If he or she does this during eliminations, the vehicle is disqualified. This is to keep drivers
from staying in the power too long when the vehicle has assumed a dangerous posture on the
track, or “gotten out of shape.” The only time this rule is waived is for a single-run final.
NOT STAGING: Once a vehicle leaves the staging lanes, it must be prepared to make a pass.
Failure to stage upon the starter’s instructions will be grounds for disqualification. Also, once a
vehicle is staged and leaves the line — forward or backward — for any reason, it is not allowed to
restage. Such infractions during qualifying usually lead to the disqualification of the driver’s time.
SCALES: After any run, a vehicle may be called to the scales to check its weight. If the vehicle is
too light or fails to report to the scales, its opponent is declared the winner.
MECHANICAL: Vehicles are subject to many engine and chassis regulations, and some are
subject to teardown after final eliminations. Any irregularities lead to disqualification of the vehicle
involved and the reinstatement of the runner-up.
BURNOUTS: The burnout, or tire-heating procedure that takes place on the starting line, is very
much a part of drag racing; it’s very exciting and colorful. However, when and where burnouts
are performed is subject to regulation. Only Top Fuelers, Funny Cars, Pro Stockers, Pro Stock
Motorcycles, and alcohol cars can cross the starting line under power before a run, and they can
only do that once. Any burnout done in the pits will lead to disqualification. Any vehicle doing a
burnout must be able to back up by itself.
All infractions are subject to ruling by the event director. In the rare case of side-by-side
infractions, the first or worst rule is used. In other words, if one competitor red-lights and then the
other crosses the centerline, the second infraction would be deemed worse and that racer would
be disqualified. The red-lighting vehicle would be reinstated.
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