Rule Changes For 2010 ADRL Season – All Classes!

With the new year comes new rules for the competitors in the ADRL. Every class from Pro Extreme down to Pro Stock saw some changes to their rules during the off season, mostly in the safety department.  This keeps with the ADRL design of having near open classes, except for rules pertaining to safety.

Check out the changes to the four-wheeled classes below and be sure to visit www.adrl.us for the most update versions of the rules.

All Classes

As mentioned, most of the rules changes deal with safety, mainly equipment that the driver uses to protect themselves in the event of a crash. A driver’s suit meeting SFI 3.2A/20, gloves meeting SFI 3.3/20, shoes meeting SFI 3.3/20 are required for the drivers of all vehicles. A head sock meeting SFI 3.3 is now expected for most entries as well. The Head sock rule only applies to supercharged vehicles in Extreme 10.5, all other Extreme 10.5 competitors do not need to comply with this. A head sock is not required when a helmet manufactured with a skirt meeting SFI 3.3 is used, for those who find them uncomfortable to wear.

Pro Extreme & Pro Nitrous

Not too many changes to the top classes in the ADRL. The first one on the list is the extended wheelbase of those cars running an S-10, Ranger, or Dakota style chassis. The rules now allow these cars to measure in at maximum of 125 inches, compared to other style chassis that can not go more than 115 inches. Both types retain the 100 inch minimum for this spec.

For the driveline, the ADRL is now mandating the use of an automotive style full floater rear end. Other changes include a flywheel and clutch meeting SFI 1.3, 1.4, or 1.5 certification. The driveshaft must also now be SFI 43.1 to run in this class.

Extreme Pro Stock

Just two changes specific to the Extreme Pro Stock class. The first can be found under the Body rules that states all bodies must be 2002 or later. The second is the allowed fuel. Vehicles running this class must use VP Racing Fuel’s Q16 or C23 fuel.

Recommended, Not Required

A number of rules were introduced as recommendations to drivers. These rules are strongly suggested and will become mandatory for the 2011 season, giving teams time to make the changes. This includes the soon to be mandated requirement of a SFI 16.5 Driver Restraint System, better known as a 7-point system for both Pro Extreme and Pro Nitrous. The other is the upholstery of the driver’s seat which, by 2011, must be Pour-in seat foamed with energy absorbing material and fitted with lateral helmet supports, again for Pro Extreme and Pro Nitrous.

For the drivers, they are all recommended to make use of what is called an Eject Helmet Removal System. This device uses a small bag that is inserted into the drivers helmet. When a crash occurs, and a neck injury is suspected, medical workers can simply inflate the bag via an external bung – lifting the helmet off the drivers head enough for the workers to safely remove the helmet. This prevents them from having to pull and tug on a helmet to remove it, possibly damaging a driver’s neck even more.

With no major changes to the ADRL format other than a new set of belts or so, teams should have no problem meeting the changes with no sacrifice to the excitement of the sport.