For the past several years NHRA’s Division 3 Technical Director, Ritch Bowers, has been sending a “Tuesday Tech Question” via email to many of us at NHRA involved in performing technical inspection. These questions are typical of the type of questions we receive from racers on a daily basis. Because we think these questions and answers are timely and informative to many of our racers, we will be posting them on NHRAracer.com every Tuesday. Please enjoy this first one and check back every Tuesday for a new question.
 
Question::
 
I have run as fast as 190 mph in my Top Sportsman car.  Is it true that in 2012 I will need to wear a head & neck device?
 
Head & Neck Harry
 
Answer::
 
Head & Neck Harry,
 
In the 2011 NHRA Rulebook on page 6, section 6B, Top Sportsman, NECK COLLAR/HEAD AND NECK RESTRAINT DEVICE/SYSTEM the second paragraph reads “Beginning Jan. 1, 2012, all drivers in this class will be required to wear a head and neck restraint device/system meeting SFI Spec 38.1.”  A head & neck restraint device can be used with, or without, a neck collar; when a neck collar is not used, an SFI 3.3 head sock or SFI Spec 3.3 skirted helmet is required. This would also apply to all Top Dragsters and any Advanced ET vehicle running 7.49 and quicker in 2012.