Safety Highlights
Safety in the pits and on track takes precedence over everything else. Drivers must wear a full-coverage one- or two-piece multi-layer Nomex fire suit (SFI-rated), with fire-retardant undergarments if using a single-layer suit. Fire-retardant gloves and shoes are mandatory. Helmets must be full-face with a visible Snell SA-2020 or newer certification sticker, and an approved head-and-neck restraint system is mandatory. Seat belts must be a quick-release 5-point harness (minimum 2" webbing for lap, shoulder, and anti-sub strap) mounted to the frame or cage in line with the direction of pull. Belts cannot be more than 3 years past the manufacturer date; SFI belts expire at the end of the month on the tag and are subject to inspection at any time.
Car, Chassis & Body
Chassis and body must comply with all OSCAAR Hot Rod measurements and construction standards. Minimum wheelbase is 105", and cars must be within 1" side-to-side (with a one-season grace period for existing cars that do not meet the rule). Maximum track width is 80", measured at spindle height from the outside of the tire bulge. Roof height must be between 45" and 55", measured 10" back from the windshield to the ground. Body ground clearance must be at least 4", and frame ride height at least 5". All added weight must be securely mounted above the frame rails, with no ballast rearward of the fuel cell and no tungsten, shot, or liquid ballast permitted. All ballast must be painted white, clearly marked with the car number, and properly tray-mounted if over 30 lb.
Engine, Ignition & Drivetrain
Engine options and base weights are defined by OSCAAR: Red Seal crate, Blue Seal crate, built engines (including Vortec-headed combinations), and Full Throttle LS spec motors each have specific minimum weights, RPM limits, and left-side percentage requirements. All weights are checked with the driver in the car and may be adjusted during the season to maintain competitive balance. Ignition must follow the specified MSD/HEI wiring and installation rules: the box and wiring must remain open and accessible for inspection, with Weather Pak connectors and rev-control placement exactly as described in the rule book. No additional electronic devices may be used anywhere on the vehicle. Driveshafts must be steel, painted white, and protected by approved 360-degree hoops positioned near each U-joint.
Weights, Tires & Fuel
Base weights and RPM limits for Hot Rods are: - Red Seal crate (new, unopened): 3050 lb, 55% left-side, 6400 RPM - Blue Seal crate (factory specs): 3080 lb, 55% left-side, 6400 RPM - Built engine: 3175 lb, 55% left-side, 6800 RPM - Built engine with Vortec heads: 3225 lb, 55% left-side, 6400 RPM - Full Throttle LS spec motor: 3050 lb, 55% left-side, 6800 RPM (for eligible Full Throttle drivers) Wheel rims must be 15" x 10" magnetic steel. Only COBRA spec tires supplied by authorized dealers are permitted; teams may start the season with eight new tires. Tire soaking or compound alteration is strictly prohibited and will be checked with durometer and other devices. For the Brighton dirt event, teams may use up to 8" dirt tires or pavement treaded tires in place of slicks. Fuel system, fuel cell, exhaust, and cooling components must follow all safety and installation requirements (including fuel cell capacity and construction, approved safety valves, and mandatory mufflers) as specified in the rule book.