2008 STEEL-BLOCK LATE MODELS
All cars must have wrecker hookup. All cars should have 5 pound minimum fire extinguisher in reach of driver. All drivers should wear flame retardant fire suit, shoes and gloves. Window nets are required for all cars. No radios, communication equipment or mirrors permitted, including pit boards. No computer controlled equipment.
All parts specified as OEM/stock manufactured must be standard option parts or equivalent aftermarket parts and must be readily available from car dealer or any auto parts store. Casting numbers must remain on all OEM/stock parts.
1. MOTOR
Weight limits may be adjusted during the season for competition.
ALL CARS—V8 motors only. Motor must be based on factory design and naturally aspirated. 1 spark plug and 2 valves per cylinder. No titanium or exotic metals except titanium retainers—OK. No fuel injection, turbo chargers or blowers.
Open 2,475 weight—Cast iron block. Aluminum heads and intake permitted. Any type of cam allowed. Roller tappet—OK. Any type cast iron or aluminum pistons permitted. 6” maximum setback measured from center of left front spark plug to center of ball joint.
604 Crate 2,350 weight—GM crate motor part #88958604. 8” setback from center of left front spark plug to center of ball joint.
602 Crate 2,225 weight—GM crate motor part #88958602. 8” setback from center of left front spark plug to center of ball joint.
Crate motor must be purchased from an authorized dealer and MUST remain sealed at all times. GM factory encrypted bolts cannot be altered, removed or changed except by an authorized repair center. Absolutely no modification or changing of any internal engine part. No machine work permitted. Any motor modification will result in one year suspension and loss of all points and winnings. Any GM bolts that have been copied is considered trademark infringement and will be reported to the manufacturer for legal proceedings. Motor service or reassembly after tear down may only be performed at an authorized repair center and motor must be resealed with GM factory encrypted bolts. All motor repairs must be done with the same GM motor parts, listed in GM book part #88958668.
2. TIRES
11” maximum tire treadwidth. 16 3/4” maximum cross section. 92” maximum circumference. Tires must have all manufacturer’s stamps intact.
3. WHEELS
14” maximum steel or aluminum wheels only. No plastic wheels or carbon fiber wheels. Wheels must be held on by bolt-type lug nuts, no knock-off type mounting permitted. 90” maximum outside width at wheels with wheels pointed straight.
4. BODY
ALL CARS—Body must meet all specifications listed on diagram. Body line must be a flowing line from front to rear. 38” maximum rear deck height. 37” maximum front fender and door height. 48” maximum rear quarterpanel length measured from center of rear wheel. 52” maximum length from center of rear wheel to top corner of quarterpanel. 3” minimum ground clearance. 2” minimum clearance around all wheels. No ridges, fins or raised edges on body except roof bead rolls.
Fenders must be level from side to side. Quarterpanels must be same length and cannot extend higher than rear deck. Rear deck must be level 20” forward from rear of quarterpanel and must extend between quarterpanels. Quarterpanels and doors may not dish inward. Skirting may not extend behind quarterpanel.
82” maximum body width at bottom of doors. 86” maximum width at rear of quarterpanels from bottom to 19” off ground. All body width variations must taper evenly on both sides.
All fenders, doors and quarterpanels should roll inward ½” to 1” at top, with sides over upper body. No sharp or jagged edges, fasteners, etc. No wings or tunnels permitted under body or chassis. Unapproved bodies may be assessed a 50 pound weight penalty.
Open 2,475 weight and Limited 2,350 weight—76” maximum body width at top deck.
604 Crate 2,350 weight and 602 Crate 2,225 weight—78” maximum body width at top deck.
5. ROOF
Approved roof and roof supports should match nosepiece. Minimum 44” long x 48” wide, maximum 54” long x 52” wide. 45” minimum height from ground, 48” maximum. Roof must be mounted near center of car, parallel to the deck and level. Roofline and side panel window contours should be stock appearing and match nosepiece. Roofline MUST be rounded—no flat, wedge, bellied or hollow roofs.
Rear roof and front roof supports mandatory. Rear roof supports may extend 43” from rear of driver’s side window. Rear roof supports must taper downward evenly from outside edges of roof with a 2” maximum outward bow both to the sides and rear. 17” maximum at top of rear roof support. 10” high x 15” long minimum rear support window is optional and recommended for appearance. Rear support window may be filled with clear lexan. 2” minimum front roof post width, 4” maximum. Front roof post bracing may extend 7” vertical and horizontal. Front roof posts must extend forward to the rear of hood. ½” maximum bead rolls permitted on roof running from front to rear in direction, 4 maximum including edge bead rolls.
12” minimum door window opening height measured from deck to roof. 1.5” maximum roll down permitted along front and rear edge of roof. Roof may not turn upward. 4” maximum hinged sun shield permitted in front of driver. Unapproved roofs will be assessed a 25 pound penalty.
6. NOSEPIECE, FENDER FLARES AND HOOD
Approved stock appearing molded nosepiece required and should match roof and roof supports. Nosepiece must be made of flexible material. 15” minimum nosepiece height measured from bottom of nosepiece to where sheet metal is attached, following the angle of the nosepiece. Nose must be mounted level. 2 piece nose cannot be widened. 52” maximum nosepiece extension measured from center of front hub with wheels turned straight. 3” minimum ground clearance. Nosepiece may not be modified or cut. Unapproved nosepieces will be assessed a 25 pound penalty.
37” maximum front fender height from ground. Plastic front fender flares permitted, but cannot alter original shape of nosepiece and must have collapsible support (no steel supports). Fender flares may extend 1” outside front wheels when pointed straight 90” maximum fender flare width. Fender flares may extend maximum 2” above fenders.
Hood must be level from side to side. Scoop may be maximum of 1” above air cleaner. No raised edges on scoop.
7. SPOILERS
Spoiler measurements may be adjusted during the season for competition.
ALL CARS—Spoiler and braces must meet all specifications listed on diagram. 72” maximum width. Maximum 3 solid side spoilers permitted. Side spoilers must be mounted at rear of deck and outer side spoilers must be at outside edge of deck. Side spoiler must taper down evenly from maximum to minimum height and may be rounded or triangular in shape. 2 additional 1” open aluminum braces permitted. Spoiler should be clear lexan or aluminum. No driver-adjustable spoilers. Spoiler must be mounted at rear of deck. Spoiler may not be suspended to create a wing. No other spoilers or wings.
Open 2,475 and Limited 2,350 weight—4” maximum vertical spoiler height measured from top of rear deck and 8” maximum spoiler length measured along the angle of the spoiler. 8” maxiumum side spoiler height from rear of side spoiler to 6” forward of rear of side spoiler. 4.5” maximum height at front of side spoiler. 18” maximum side spoiler length.
604 Crate 2,350 weight—8” maximum vertical spoiler height measured from top of rear deck and 8” maximum spoiler length measured along the angle of the spoiler. 8” maximum side spoiler height from rear of side spoiler to 6” forward of rear of side spoiler. 4.5” maximum height at front of side spoiler. 18” maximum side spoiler length.
Crate 2,225 weight—12” maximum vertical spoiler height measured from top of rear deck and 12” maximum spoiler length measured along the angle of the spoiler. 12” maxiumum side spoiler height from rear of side spoiler to 10” forward of rear of side spoiler. 4.5” maximum height at front of side spoiler. 24” maximum side spoiler length.
8. CARBURETOR
Carburetor spacer rule may be included during the season for competition.
One 2 or 4 barrel carburetor permitted.
9. FUEL
Gasoline or alcohol. No nitrous oxide, nitro-methane or propylene oxide. No electric fuel pumps or pressurized fuel systems. Mechanical or belt-driven fuel pumps only. Fuel lines should not pass through driver’s compartment.
10. DISTRIBUTOR
Open 2,475 weight—Magnetos & MSD permitted.
Limited 2,350, 604 Crate 2,350 and 602 Crate 2,225 weight—No magnetos. MSD permitted.
11. FRAME
103” minimum wheelbase, 108” maximum. All frames should be constructed of 2”x 2” square steel tubing or 1 ¾” outside diameter round steel tubing, with .083”minimum material thickness. All round tubing frame cars should use 4130 chrome molly steel or DOM in frame construction. No holes may be cut in frame. All other chassis tubing should 1 ¾” at outside diameter and have a minimum thickness of .083”.
Car should have horizontal safety bar constructed from same steel tubing as frame, mounted behind fuel cell and securely welded to frame. Rear bumper should be at least 4” behind fuel cell. Center of rear bumper and safety bar should be at rear deck center height, approximately 19” from the ground and should be at least as wide as frame. Tubing should also extend downward to form a horizontal bar at the bottom height of the fuel cell, with additional vertical and diagonal tubing bracing the lower tubing to the rear bumper and the safety bar. Lower tubing should be at least as wide as fuel cell. No part of the fuel cell should be below the protective tubing. Any stubbed rear bumper that extends more than 8” from the rear of frame should be rounded and directed toward the front of car. No external rub rails.
12. SUSPENSION
No straight front axles. Any type steel or aluminum shocks allowed. Coilovers—OK. Suspension must be mechanical—no computer or electronic components.
13. TRACTION CONTROL
All traction control devices using wheel sensors are NOT permitted. Adjustable ping control devices, dial a chip controls, timing controls or automated throttle controls are NOT allowed in the cockpit or any other location accessible by driver. Any remote control components or data acquisition equipment are NOT permitted.
14. REAR AXLE
Any rear end permitted. Quick change—OK.
15. TRANSMISSION AND DRIVE SHAFT
Any transmission permitted. Racing transmission—OK. Transmission should have explosion-proof bell housing or 360 degree ½” steel scatter shield securely mounted to car. Any type clutch permitted and clutch should have scatter shield. No in and out boxes. Transmission should be bolted to the motor and must have working reverse gear. Only one drive shaft permitted. All drive shafts should be painted white and should be surrounded by two 3” steel safety loops or sling mounted to frame.
16. BRAKES
All cars must have 4 wheel braking system
17. EXHAUST
Headers permitted. Exhaust pipes may NOT point towards ground. Mufflers are HIGHLY recommended for all cars.
18. STARTER AND BATTERY
All cars must be self starting. Failure to start during a race will result in disqualification. Battery should be located in a safe area and covered with a metal fireproof box. Battery disconnect kill switch to shut down motor highly recommended mounted in reach of driver and should be clearly labeled for safety crew.
19. ROLL CAGE
4-post, box-type roll cage should be constructed of 1 ½” minimum outside diameter and .095 minimum material thickness steel tubing. Roll cage should have at least 3 horizontal bars at driver’s side door and 2 horizontal bars at passenger side door, extended outward into door panels with 2 vertical bars between each horizontal bar as additional support. An extra vertical side brace bar is recommended on the left side in line with steering wheel. Door bars should be 1 ½” in diameter with a minimum thickness of .065. Both door window areas should remain open and unblocked by roll cage bars for easy exit. Roll cage should extend forward on driver’s side to protect foot area completely. Roll cage should be welded to frame in at least 6 places (in addition to diagonal bracing) and welded together at all intersecting points. Diagonal bars should brace roll cage at rear, and should run from frame to top of roll cage.
Top of roll cage should be at least 2” above top of driver’s helmet. All areas of the cockpit should have at least 11” of clearance below the roll cage and roof. All roll cage bars within reach of driver should be covered with non-flammable foam padding. Other than padding, roll cage must remain exposed above top of door with no aerodynamic effects. Right-side padded headrest or head net recommended attached to roll cage. Bars or wire mesh in windshield and driver’s side quick-release window net highly recommended.
20. FUEL CELL
35 gallon maximum, racing-approved fuel cell should be securely mounted inside a 20 gauge steel or .060” aluminum metal box and secured to frame with a minimum of two 2” x 1/8” thick steel straps around entire fuel cell. Minimum 7/16” bolts should be used to mount the fuel cell. The fuel pick up should be on the top or right side of the fuel cell, be constructed of steel and should have a check valve in case of roll over. Fuel cell should be mounted in square tubing frame. Fuel cell should be mounted behind the rear axle and between the rear tires, at least 4” in front of the rear bumper. 9” minimum fuel cell ground clearance. No part of the fuel cell may be lower than the rear end housing. Car number must be displayed on fuel cell, 6” minimum height.
21. FIREWALLS AND INTERIOR
A full metal firewall at front, rear, sides and floorboard should be joined to seal off driver compartment. Full metal floorboard. Top of interior to top of doors should be 3” maximum. Interior should be mounted flush with outside body panels. 12” minimum interior clearance below roll cage at all points for easy exit.
22. SEAT AND SAFETY BELT
Metal racing-approved seat with padded headrest should be securely attached to frame. 3”, 5-point, quick release racing belt with double harness should be bolted to frame or roll bars. Mounts should run in the same direction to secure the belt. Belt should not come in contact with sharp edges. Safety belts should be replaced if two years old, and all worn or damaged safety belts should be replaced. Quick-release, racing-type steering should be used.
23. FIRE SUIT AND HELMET
Drivers should have flame retardant firesuit and racing approved full-face helmet with face shield. Nomex shoes, gloves, and hood highly recommended. Neck collars and arm restraints recommended.
24. WEIGHT
Weight limits may be adjusted during the season for competition.
2,475 pound minimum weight with driver after race for Open cast block iron motors. Limited 362 motors and 604 Crate motors may weight 2,350 pounds. 602 Crate motors—2,225 pounds. No tolerance. All weights should be solid material, entirely painted white or a bright color and marked with car number. Each weight should be 50 pound maximum. Weights should be bolted to frame with two ½” Grade 5 bolts on two weight clamps or secured with steel plate. No weights should be attached to rear bumper or in driver’s area. Weights should not be lead pellets or liquid.
Body Specifications
TECH
INSPECTIONS:
After the
feature, it is possible that the winner and other cars selected at random will be checked.
Illegal cars will receive no money and no points. Tech inspector:
Randy Myers 814-432-2461 (days) or 814-432-5175 (evenings).
NOTE: All the
preceding rules are subject to change. The official(s) in charge reserve the right to make
decisions and judge accordingly, with the interest of safety, without recourse. Anything
not covered in these rules is up to the discretion of the official(s).
The rules and/or
regulations set forth herein are designed to provide for the orderly conduct of racing
events and to establish minimum acceptable requirements for such events. These rules shall govern the condition of all
events, and, by participating in these events, all participants are deemed to have
complied with these rules. No expressed
or implied warranty of safety shall result from the publication of or compliance with
these rules and/or regulations. They
are intended as a guide for the conduct of the sport and in no way a guarantee against
injury or death to a participant, spectator, or official.
The race director shall
be empowered to permit reasonable and appropriate deviation from any of the specifications
herein or impose any further restrictions that in his opinion do not alter the minimum
acceptable requirements. No expressed or
implied warranty of safety shall results from such alterations of specifications. Any interpretation or deviation of these rules is
left to the discretion of the officials. Their
decision is final.
On occasion when
situations arise that are not covered by written rules, special rulings may be put into
effect by the track officials. Once such
rulings are acted upon, they may become an act of policy and will be added to the existing
rules of procedures.
The Management of
MERCER RACEWAY PARK
