News & Analysis

NHRA Pro Stock 2016

Words and photo by Chris Haverly

The 2016 season opener at the NHRA Winternationls should be interesting to say the least. It will see the largest major change in the Pro Stock class since 1982, when NHRA changed their we-pick-the-winner weight-break rules to 500 cubic inch motors for everyone. It depends on who you talk to, but the new 2016 rules will either save the class or be the final nail in the coffin of a class struggling to have 16-car fields.

Those against the changes have valid reasons while those for change point out the class is at a crossroads -- some say it is on life support! With the cost completely out of control, cars counts down, and purses being stagnant for several years, something has to be done. 

       


NHRA announced Aug. 13, 2015, the rules and requirements for the 2016 Pro Stock category in their
transition to electronic fuel injection (EFI).

The sanctioning body has named Holley as the sole provider of the components of the electronic fuel injection system.

The changes in the category will make the engines more relevant from a technology standpoint. In order to reduce and
control costs for the race teams, an NHRA-controlled 10,500 Rev Limiter will be added to the fuel injection systems.

The change to EFI in the factory hot-rod category is among several changes to the category. NHRA required teams to back their racecars into the pits and leave engines uncovered beginning at the NHRA Sonoma Nationals. A rule was also created to
discontinue the practice of crew members standing beside the cars to hold them in place as they begin their burnouts. It was also mandated for teams to create automobile manufacturer identification headers visible on the racecars’ windshields up to a
maximum of 4.5-inches high, but not smaller than 2.125-inches.

Starting in 2016, NHRA also will require Pro Stock teams to remove all hood scoops and reduce the length of the wheelie
bars to a length specified by the NHRA Tech Department.
   
       


I went to my first race in 1968, and Pro Stock took the sport by fire in 1970. The class was dominated by Mopars with a few Chevys and Fords thrown in. It was common to have 40 or more cars, Indy even had a 32-car field in the early years. NHRA went with weight break rules on engines to take away the advantage of the Hemi. The only people who liked that rule were the guys who won, at least until their combination was destroyed by adding weight! The class has been pretty constant with rules from 1982 until now.