Intro:
The IDRC’s Modified Eliminator class is one of the four index classes added. Index class racing offers the excitement of heads-up racing in a class that is truly “run what you’ve brung.” There are no restrictions on turbo sizes, power adders or any modifications. As long as the car meets NHRA safety requirements for its performance level, it can run as quick as the class index allows. For Modified Eliminator, the quickest elapsed times allowed are 11.50 seconds. This corresponds to the fastest time allowed by NHRA safety rules for most vehicles without roll bars (there are supercar exceptions for stock R35 GT-Rs which are allowed to run 10.50s).
How does Index Racing Work?
For the fans, index racing appears to be heads-up racing with both cars getting the green light at the same time in each lane. The first car to the finish line wins, with one exception. If you run faster than the class index, you will lose the race if your opponent goes the index number or slower. If both cars run faster than the index (a.k.a. double breakout), the car closer to the index time (slower car) will advance to the next round. For example, if one car runs a 11.40 and the other a 11.49, this would be a double breakout. Regardless of which car made it to the finish line first, the win would be awarded to the car that broke out the least (11.49). However, if the car that ran a 11.49 doesn’t have the safety equipment to run a 11.49 (i.e. roll bar), they may face either a warning or disqualification by the NHRA official for not having the proper safety equipment. While the IDRC always pleads with the NHRA safety official to offer leniency, it is the sole discretion of the NHRA official to make the decision.
What is index racing?
There are three basic types of racing classes in drag racing: heads-up, bracket and index racing. Each type of racing has its advantages and disadvantages. Heads-up racing is very simple and exciting to watch. The light turns green and both cars try to be the first to the finish line. First one there, wins. On the downside, heads-up racing requires the most class rules in order to establish parity amongst the various vehicles in competition. Nearly all heads-up classes require a weigh-in after the run for every vehicle. For 2015, the IDRC is “turning off the scales” in the two heads-up classes it will be running. This will simplify the program for the racers.
Bracket racing is a popular form of racing that focuses on consistency and reaction time. Bracket racing allows racers to set a dial-in time for their vehicle. This dial-in time provided a head-start to the slower car at the starting line. While one of the most fair types of drag racing, it’s one of the hardest to follow for the fans. Not having both lanes getting a green light at the same time is confusing to most fans.
Index racing is simply another form of heads-up racing with a breakout time. Both cars get a green light at the same time and to the crowd and the driver’s it’s a heads-up race. However, there is a minimum elapsed breakout time for the class. Hence, if the driver’s are in the 10.0-second index class, a 9.99-second time will result in a breakout and potential loss. For 2015, the IDRC created index classes that sync to the NHRA safety guidelines. In the 14.0-second IDRC Stock Eliminator Class, driver’s won’t be required to have helmets and can go as quick as legally possible without the helmet on board. Got a helmet and a quicker car, then there are three index classes to choose from. There’s a 12.5-second, 11.5-second and a 10.0-second class.
Does the IDRC make the safety rules?
Currently, IDRC events are held at only National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) member tracks. The NHRA establishes rules for every type of vehicle that can run down the quarter-mile at the member tracks. Each year, a new NHRA Rulebook is published with revisions and updates.
I have a streetcar that I’m planning to race for the first time. What do I need to race on the drag strip?
- Tires in good condition with all of the lug nuts on the wheels
- Battery is secured by factory tie-down in stock location
- The factory coolant-overflow tank is in place
- The clutch/neutral safety switch is functioning (clutch must be pushed in to start the vehicle)
- Factory seat belts and seats are in place.
- Valid state-issued driver’s license
- Shirt, shoes and pants. NO shorts, NO slippers, NO wifebeaters!
- If your car is quicker than 14.00-seconds (13.99 or quicker), you will also need a helmet with the proper rating.
What kind of helmet do I need if my car will run quicker than 14.0-seconds in the quarter mile. ?
Helmets must have a SNELL rating of 2005 or 2010, as well as those with an SFI rating of 31.1A, 31.2A, 41.1A, or 41.2A. (SNELL 2005 helmets expire on 1/1/2017 and SNELL 2010 helmets expire on 1/1/2022).
Can I run a nitrous oxide system on my car?
Yes, unless the IDRC class runs forbid it. All, nitrous-oxide bottles must be vented to outside the driver compartment if it is mounted in the same compartment as the driver. If mounted in the trunk and separated from the driver compartment by a bulkhead, no blow-down tube is needed. All bottles must be stamped with a DOT – 1800 pound rating. The driver will also need to wear a jacket meeting the SFI 3.2A/1 specification.
I put on an aftermarket supercharger or turbocharger on my car, do I need any additional safety equipment?
If the car wasn’t originally equipped with a supercharger or turbocharger, the driver will need to wear SFI 3.2A/1 Jacket in vehicles equipped with non-OEM nitrous oxide, turbochargers or superchargers
What do I need if I plan on running slicks?
Aftermarket axles for FWD and RWD vehicles is highly recommended at any performance level. A driveshaft loop is also required on RWD vehicles going 13.99-or quicker.
Can I run my convertible?
Yes, but additional safety requirements are in place if there isn’t a hardtop installed. A roll bar and SFI approved harnesses are required when the vehicle is quicker than 13.49-seconds.
Is that all the safety equipment I need for my street car?
NHRA requires increased safety equipment as the performance level of the vehicle is increased. The basics are as follows. A sound and solid car is good for 14.0s. That car with an approved helmet on street tires is good to 11.50-seconds (additional safety requirements are placed on vehicles running slicks). When a car goes 11.49-seconds or quicker, but slower than 10.00, here are the requirements:
11.49 seconds (7.35 1/8th)
- SFI 1.1 or 1.2 Flywheel / Clutch
- SFI 6.1, 6.2, 6.3 or 9.1 Flywheel shield
- SFI 3.2A/1 approved jacket
- Roll bar
- SFI approved seat belts
- Drive Line Loop with street tires
- Full Leathers on M/C, ATV and Snowmobile @ 120 MPH
10.99 seconds (6.99 1/8th)
- SFI 4.1 Transmission Shield, or at 135 mph
- Locking transmission dipstick tube
- Aftermarket axles and axle retainers
- SFI Harmonic Balancer
- Roll Cage with altered floor pans, or 135 mph – Window net required
- Ignition cut-off on all bikes / snowmobiles that exceed 135 mph
9.99 seconds (6.39 1/8th) or 135 mph
- NHRA Chassis Certification
- NHRA Competition License
- SFI jacket & pants 3.2A/5
- SFI neck collar & gloves 3.3/1
- SFI 29.1 flexplate / 30.1 flexplate shield (AT equipped cars)
- Full Face Helmet meeting Snell or SFI specifications
150 mph
- Parachute
Payouts
Class payouts will vary based on each event. However, larger fields will receive larger payouts. Fields smaller than eight vehicles will receive a pro-rated payout based on the number of qualified entries. Eight-vehicle fields will only payout winner and runner-up. Fields with 16 and 32 cars will also payout semifinalists.
IDRC West Coast Nationals & International Finals (1day event)
| 32-Car Field | 16-Car Field | 8-Car Field | |
| Winner | $1,000 | $700 | $500 |
| R/U | $300 | $200 | $200 |
| Semifinalist | $150 | $100 | ----- |