Nostalgia Gas

The mission of this division is to re-create the excitement of the gas classes from the 60’s.  This division’s purpose is to give fans the experience of what the gas classes were like in the 60’s. This division will combine actual rules from 1967 and today’s rules for safety.   As with any sanctioning body, the safety of the fans, participants and facilities is paramount. All safety regulations will be current NHRA safety regulations. NHRA safety rules and track rules supersede these guidelines where applicable in the name of safety. All other guidelines will be designed to keep the experience as genuine as possible while not being too difficult for the sanctioning body to enforce.  Gasser Madness, Gasser Magazine, the writer and administrator of said guidelines herein are not instructing an owner on how to construct participating vehicles, only classifying how participant vehicles are built.

Nostalgia Gas division is for race cars that are nostalgic in appearance with a nose high stance and adhere to the gas class rules from yesterday.  Bodies, engines, drive trains, chassis, etc. may not be altered, modified, or relocated, except as noted in class requirements.  Push starts are not allowed.  Unless track conditions prohibit it, all competition in Nostalgia Gas will be ¼ mile heads up racing.  Flag start or a Sportsman tree will be used.  There will be no penalties, adding of weight, etc. for being the fastest car.  TRUE HEADS UP RACING!  If there is only one competitor for a certain class, the owner/driver has the option to move up to the next class, or take the win for his class.  If upon tech inspection a car does not meet class requirements for the Nostalgia Gas division, it will be moved to another division.

NORMALLY ASPIRATED VEHICLES:

*Class is determined by the total car weight with driver and safety equipment as raced divided by total cubic inches of engine displacement.

DESIGNATIONS:

A/G, B/G, C/G, D/G, E/G, and F/G preceded by car number.

Class A- 5.00 to 6.99 lbs. per cubic inch.

Class B- 7.00 to 8.99 lbs. per cubic inch.

Class C- 9.00 to 10.99 lbs. per cub inch.

Class D-11.00 to 12.99 lbs. per cubic inch.

Class E-13.00 to 14.59 lbs. per cubic inch.

Class F-14.60  or  more  lbs.  per  cubic inch.

SUPERCHARGED GAS   COUPES/SEDANS

DESIGNATIONS: 

AA/G, BB/G, preceded by car number.

Class AA- 5.00  to  7.99  lbs.  per  cubic  inch.

Class BB- 8.00  or more lbs.  per  cubic  inch.

CLASS REQUIREMENTS 

AUTO-MATIC TRANSMISSIONS: Permitted.    Aftermarket valve bodies are permitted. 2 Piece Torque converter not permitted.  Trans Brake Permitted.  SFI Flexplates where applicable. SFI transmission shield required where applicable.

BALLAST:  Any material used for the purpose of adding to a car’s total weight  must  be  permanently  attached  as a  part of the car’s structure,  and may not  extend behind the rear of the car’s body or above the height  of the rear tires. A maximum of 100 lbs. may be added.  No liquid or loose ballast is permitted (i.e., water, sandbags, rocks, metal weights etc.).

*To permit “making a class” due to a difference in scale calibration, a maximum removable weight of 50 pounds is permitted.

Removable weight must be securely mounted to the frame, frame structure, by at least two 1/2-inch minimum diameter steel bolts; however, the use of railroad track, cylinder heads, or other bulky items not permitted. Recommended forms of ballast are: heavier gauge steel floors,-i.e., 16 or 18 gauge, etc. frame reinforcing cross members, or the addition of safety equipment such as roll bars, flywheel  covers, etc.

BATTERIES: All wet-cell batteries must be located outside of the driver or passenger compartments and must be securely mounted per NHRA rules. A maximum of two (2) passenger car batteries is permitted or 150 pounds combined maximum weight. If fuel tank is in same compartment batteries must be mounted in NHRA approved battery box.  A functional external shut off switch is required.

BELLYPANS: Belly pans are not permitted.

BODY:  Gas Coupes/Sedans-Must have a coupe or sedan body originally produced by an American automobile manufacturer produced 1967 and earlier. Any Foreign coupe or sedan may compete in this division as long as it meets all of the class requirements; a minimum of 92 inches stock wheelbase, fenders, frame, etc. Bodies may be chopped, channeled or sectioned not more than four (4) inches total height reduction. Bodies cannot otherwise be altered in height, width, length or contour. Roll bars are required in all convertibles, all customized cars (i.e., chopped, sectioned, etc.), all  Supercharged  Gas Coupes/ Sedans and all cars using fiberglass components, i.e., hood, fenders doors, trunk lids regardless of class. Roll bars/ safety cages required per NHRA rules and must conform to current rules for safety.  The removal of front body panels or fender bracing not permitted. Use of fiberglass for hoods, trunk lids, grill shells and doors permitted if car’s stock appearance is retained. The use of fiberglass bodies in Nostalgia Gas is permitted. Convertible coupes/sedans with roll-up windows compete in this division, but must run with the top up. Sedan delivery, pickup trucks, Ranchero, El Camino, etc. may compete in this division. Pickup beds must be of standard height and width, a minimum of 36 inches in length, and have a full serviceable pickup bed. All cars in this division must have fully operative mechanical door handles to permit exit and/or entrance from either side.  Bodies and/or frames may not be modified/raised to gain weight-transfer to rear wheels.

BRAKES: All cars in Nostalgia Gas must be equipped with hydraulic brakes.  Emergency brake is optional.  Brakes on each car, regardless of class will be tested for pedal “feel.”  Brakes must be in good working order. Lightening backing plates, brake drums and/ or brake shoes by cutting or trimming metal is not permitted. Brake lines must be routed outside the frame rail or enclosed in a 16 -inch length of 1/8 inch minimum wall-thickness steel tubing, securely mounted where line(s) pass the flywheel bell housing area.

BUMPERS: Bumpers are not required. In lieu of a rear bumper, a suitable   non-removable push-bar must be installed on the rear of the car. Total weight of bumper and/ or push bar with brackets must not exceed one hundred (100) pounds.

DRIVE LINE: May be modified or fabricated to fit altered units. Modern U-joints and yokes are permitted for safety reasons. In lieu of a cross member in the vicinity of the front universal joint, all competition cars using open drive shafts must have a retaining loop, 360 degrees, made of ¼ inch minimum thickness steel, 2 inches wide, and securely mounted and located within six (6) inches of the front universal joint to support driveshaft in the event of a U-joint failure. Open drive lines passing any part of the driver’s body must be completely enclosed in 1/8-inch minimum thickness steel plate securely mounted to the frame or frame structure.

* All such cars, using an open or Hotchkiss-type drive line, must have radius arms, traction bars, or some suitable pinion support to prevent rear-end housing rotation. It is highly recommended that a torque tube– min. 1/8″ wall thickness be used to enclose all drive lines.

DRIVER: Seat should be near stock location. Center seat/steering not permitted in Nostalgia Gas.  Should have 2 seats but not required. Should have upholstery but not required except where NHRA requires. Current safety harness for driver required. Current Snell approved helmet required. Driver must wear appropriate fire safety equipment based on the speed of the vehicle.

ENGINE: Automobile engine required; however, any make and model are permitted. No more than one engine permitted per car. Engine may be relocated, but not to exceed 10% of the wheelbase as measured from the center line of the front spindles to the nearest spark plug hole.  Engines may not be raised more than twenty-four (24) inches from the ground, measured from the center line of the front crank pulley to the ground. Rear-engine location is not permitted, unless it is an originally produced/ manufactured rear-engine car, retaining original engine.  An engine containment system (diaper) is highly recommended.

EXHAUST SYSTEM:  Open exhausts, split manifolds and/ or individual headers- are permitted. No flexible pipe permitted on any car running in competition.

FENDERS: Gas Coupes/ Sedans- must have four full stock production type automobile fenders. Exact duplicates of stock fenders made of fiberglass are permitted. Rear fenders may be altered for clearance to permit the use of wide slicks.

FENDER SPLASH PANS (inner fenders): May be trimmed for header clearance.

FLYWHEEL/CLUTCH: Aftermarket components allowable in this section SFI where required.

FLYWHEEL SHIELD: SFI Blow proof bell housings required on all stick shift cars in Nostalgia Gas per NHRA Rules. Flex plate shield required per NHRA rules.

FUEL SYSTEM: Any mechanical or electric fuel pump is permitted.  Factory style fuel tank, aftermarket fuel cell, or Moon type tank may be used for fuel storage.  If mounted in front of motor, Moon tank must be mounted behind main frame rail, or have a bumper bar for protection per NHRA rules.

FRAME: Must be stock automobile-type frame. Properly re-enforced stepped-frames are accepted. Cross members may be altered or relocated. No lightening holes may be drilled in outside frame rail. All butt-welds must have visible reinforcement. Excessive grinding of welds not permitted.

HOOD: Required on all cars in this division. Side panels may be omitted. All carburetors, injector bodies and superchargers must be completely covered by a bubble or scoop, which must be a part of the car’s hood. Scoop should resemble those of the period.  Injector tubes and supercharger air scoops may extend through the hood.

INDUCTION:  Carburetors or mechanical injection permitted. EFI is not permitted in Nostalgia Gas.

IGNITION: Points, Electronic and Magneto ignition permitted.   Use of a 2 step or any type of launch control electronic system not permitted. Data Recorder systems not permitted.

LIQUID OVERFLOW: All cars in competition with any type of liquid overflow capable of dumping or spilling’ liquid,  must  have  a  ” catch-can”  to  accumulate   the   excess  liquids  and  prevent  them  from  being  discharged  on the  strip.  Minimum “catch-can” capacity:  one (1) pint.

REAR-END:  Quick-change rear-ends, locked differentials, posi traction, or ratchet-type (limited slip) rear-ends  are  accepted. Welded spider gear rear ends not permitted. Rear-wheel drive only; four-wheel-drive cars are not permitted in Nostalgia Gas.  Internal components may be upgraded.  After market gears, safety axles, wheel studs, and yoke are recommended/required.  Reproduction and aftermarket rear ends may be used. Stock tread width of vehicle must remain unchanged.

SHIFTER: No air controlled shifters. Paddle shifters or any electronic shifter not permitted.

SAFETY HUBS:  All cars in competition running a banjo style rear end must be equipped with satisfactory safety hubs. Stock bearing retainers are not accepted as safety hubs. A minimum of 1/8 inch steel plate reinforcement for stock bearing retainers is required.

SPOILER/WING: Are not permitted unless grandfathered in.

STANCE: The stance rule is measured by putting a level on the centerline of the front spindle and drawing an imaginary line back towards the rear of the vehicle. The leading edge of the body/rocker panel/ fender/ running board must be higher than this line.

SUPERCHARGER: Roots style. All cars equipped with a supercharger must  have  a  shield  or  suitable  chain  guard, or belt guard, made of 1/8 inch minimum thickness steel plate,  securely  mounted  to  the  engine  or  frame  structure to contain  belts  or  chains  in  the  event  of  breakage. Blower restraints SFI rated required per NHRA rules.  Gilmer belt drives may use 1/16 inch steel plate or equivalent. Where Gilmer belt drive systems are  completely covered  by  hood  and  side  panels,  and  all  fuel lines  passing  drive   area  are   encased  in   a   minimum  of 16 inches of 1/8 inch thickness steel tubing, drive covers may be omitted.

SUSPENSION: Each car in competition must have a full US manufactured production-type suspension system; one commonly used by an automobile and equipped with at least one hydraulic shock absorber per wheel.  Rigid mounted axles not permitted. Tube front axles are permitted. Lowering/raising blocks/spacers are permitted.

TARPAULIN: May be used on pick up beds. Metal, fiberglass or other fireproof material may be used.

UPHOLSTERY: Not required but recommended. A padded head rest must be installed at the back of the driver’s head and so constructed as to prevent whiplash.

WHEELS AND TIRES:  Wheels cannot be wider than 12 inches.  Lightweight wire wheel or motorcycle wheels are not permitted. Minimum wheel size is 13 inches in diameter with a maximum of 16 inches in diameter.  All hub caps must be removed for competition.  All lug nuts must be present and a minimum of 2 threads showing.

WINDSHIELD & WINDOWS: Windshield may be replaced with Lexan or Mar resistant Lexan. Windows may be replaced with Plexiglas of 1/8 inch minimum thickness.  Faster cars refer to NHRA rules. Windows must be closed during competition; windows need not be operative.

Staging Procedure

  • Courtesy Staging is always expected.
  • Deep Staging is allowed but shall be noted on the car’s windshield.
  • Dry Hops are allowed.
  • If you plan to do a burnout a significant distance down track, inform your competitor. Don’t leave him/her waiting for your show. You should have a person guiding you back to the staging area.
  • Wheelies in the staging area are not allowed.
  • If your car quits running you may try to restart it but be courteous to your competitor.
  • Track starter and staff always have the option to “shut you off” if liquid or an unsafe condition exists.

Common Track Courtesy

  • Get in line when your class is called.
  • Don’t walk away from your car while you are in the staging lanes.
  • Be ready to make your run when your lane starts to move.
  • If you lose power, oil pressure, or other malfunction, pull to the side of the lane. Wait for track personnel to help you and contain the spill.
  • Follow track direction in the shut-down area, and yield to the other driver if necessary.
  • Race director and or tech committee may question any aspect of your car.

GROUNDS FOR DISQUALIFICATION

Failure to comply with accepted guidelines.

Failure to report to staging when class has been called.

Sandbagging or delaying run.

Failure to fire engine.

Foul start.

Crossing dragstrip center line, outer extremity lines or leaving dragstrip surface.

Any vehicle that comes in contact with retaining wall must be re-inspected by tech inspector before running in competition again.

Use of Alcohol or Drugs while in competition. (Driver and Pit Crew)

Unsportsmanlike conduct driver & crew anywhere on grounds.

Spreading foreign objects or matter on dragstrip, i.e., oil, gas, water, ice, fan  belts,  etc.

THE RACE DIRECTOR’S DECISION IS FINAL IN ALL CASES.

SAFETY REGULATIONS

INSPECTION: Each car, regardless of class, must complete and satisfactorily pass the inspection of the technical committee before being allowed to make a time trial run or participate in any Gasser Madness Gasser Magazine sanctioned event. All nuts, bolts and component parts on each car’s suspension system, chassis and running gear must be secured with lock nuts, lock washers or cotter keys, and must have at least one full thread showing through nut. All safety requirements are current NHRA safety regulations.

CREDENTIALS: Each driver of a vehicle entered in any NHRA sanctioned event must have a valid driver’s license subject to inspection by officials at time of classification, or at any other time deemed necessary by the technical committee. All drivers in all classes where required must have a valid Competition License.

STANDARD ELIMINATION PROCEDURE:

The “round-robin” system of elimination is recommended. With this tournament-style of competition, entire classes are called to the line in logical order starting with Supercharged class first. One complete round of eliminations is run within each class. Any single, or un-paired, contestants are required to make a solo run. Upon completion of the final round, the second round is immediately started. This system is continued until all class winners are finally determined. The ··round-robin” runoffs also permit complete control of competitors;  each  time  a  complete class is called to the staging area, cars not showing for competition   can be noted and automatically disqualified from further competition, thus assuring that the  eventual winner in  each class has made a fair share of runs.

PROTEST PROCEDURE

Contestant protests must be filed with the proper drag strip official/race director prior to class runoffs.  However, official protests may be entered at any time during the meet by the race director. Where possible, the protested car is checked and cleared for legality before class runs. If this cannot be arranged the protested car will run each round of elimination on single runs. He will then run the eventual un-protested class winner in his class. If the protested car should win  and  be  declared  legal,  he  is  the  class  winner. Protests on engine displacement must be made in writing and accompanied with a protest fee. One Hundred ($100.00) dollars for “L” head engines, two hundred ($200.00) dollars for overhead valve engines is recommended. In the event a major protest, a charge of one-half flat-rate ($100 per hour) and all required fluids and gaskets should be made above the cost of the protest fee. Protest fee will be forfeited to the car owner if the protested car is found legal for its class of competition. If an inspection proves a protested car to be out of its proper class, or failure in compliance to class requirements, the illegal entry will be subject to such action as Race Director/track officials wish to impose, including suspension and or revocation of competition privileges.  Weight and fuel are subject to a check at any time.

A protested engine or transmission must be disassembled for inspection and reassembled by the car owner and/or his pit crew.  Refusal to disassemble an engine upon official demand will result in removal of the car from further competition in Nostalgia Gas.