Question:

I just purchased a center-steer altered that ran 7.70 in the ¼-mile and I will be putting my blown small-block Chevy motor in it and I think it should run about 7.0 in the ¼-mile.  I was told that I will need to cover the seat with flame-retardant cloth.  Is this something I will need to do?

Answer:

That is correct.  Per the 2019 NHRA Rulebook section 4B, page 11 Interior: 6 it reads “For all front-engine open-bodied vehicles supercharged or turbocharged (gasoline- or methanol-burning), a flame-retardant material-covered seat is mandatory.”