The National Hot Rod Association Competition and Technical Services Departments are pleased to announce a series of rule and policy amendments for Top Dragster and Top Sportsman competition, taking effect for the 2027 season. Developed in collaboration with the Sportsman Racing Advisory Council (SRAC), the changes are intended to strengthen participation and enhance competition within the categories nationwide.

Working closely with representatives from all seven divisions, the SRAC gathered racer feedback from across the country. The consistent themes that emerged were to tighten the performance window within both categories while also creating additional opportunities for racers to compete at NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series divisional events.

“As Chairman of the Top Dragster and Top Sportsman SRAC, I’m proud to work alongside the Competition and Technical Services Departments to help turn racer feedback into meaningful action,” said Cody Savage. “These topics have remained at the forefront of SRAC discussions over the past several seasons, and we believe these adjustments provide a strong foundation for the long-term growth and health of both categories.”

In addition to revised E.T. parameters for Top Dragster and Top Sportsman competition, NHRA will expand qualified fields at all Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Divisional and Regional events to 64 entries beginning in 2027. Qualified fields at national events will remain at 32 entries.

“Field size has also been a major point of discussion during SRAC meetings,” Savage added. “Standardizing field sizes across the country not only helps create consistency for racers competing for world championships, but also provides more opportunities for competitors to qualify and race at the divisional level while maintaining the performance-based identity of the categories.”

The following rule amendments will take effect for the 2027 season:

• Section 7, Top Dragster, 7B Class is for dragster and open-bodied altered-type vehicles only. Altereds must have open front wheels. Full-fender and/or running-board-equipped street roadsters or Funny Car bodies prohibited. Qualified fields with competition conducted in a dial-in E.T. format. Minimum 6.10-second dial-in; maximum 7.25-second dial-in (eighth-mile, 3.70 to 4.49 seconds).

·         Section 7, Top Sportsman, 7A Class is for full-bodied side-steer-type vehicles only. Qualified fields with competition conducted in a dial-in e.t. format. Minimum 6.10-second dial-in; maximum 7.60 -second dial-in (eighth-mile, minimum 3.70- to 4.99-second dial-in).

• Top Dragster, Section 7B, Subsection 7, AIRFOIL A positive-locking device must be used to prevent accidental movements. Side-mounted canard-type units are permitted. No part of canards/wings may be within 6 inches of rear tire. A rear wing is mandatory on all cars that exceed 200 mph; minimum area 360 square inches, maximum 750 square inches, minimum height 55 inches (measured vertically from tailing edge to ground). Spill plates must be flat/straight and parallel and measure a minimum of 50 square inches each. Leading edge of wing may be no more than 10 inches forward of the centerline of the rear axle. Wing may not be configured or installed so as to generate negative downforce or lift. Any adjustment or movement during run prohibited.

Complete details will be available in the latest amendments publication.