The NHRA Technical Department has released additional 2024 Rule Amendments for Funny Car. The memo was issued to teams on August 19, indicating the new requirements in relation to parachutes.
Below are the amendments to the NHRA Rulebook Section 18, Page 7:
Manual Parachute Levers:
Parachutes must deploy when the manual parachute lever reaches half travel.
Parachute Air Cylinder:
The air cylinder cannot be mounted directly to the manual parachute lever; both must operate independently. All air lines must be flame resistant and minimum ¼” diameter. If using Teflon-lined braided AN line, must be 3AN or larger.
The air cylinder and lever cannot be mounted to the A, B, or C Pillar or inside the driver’s compartment roof. The air cylinder must be securely mounted at both ends of the cylinder. If mounted to the tinwork, a reinforcement plate on top and bottom of tinwork (same thickness, steel/aluminum/carbon) is required, extending 2″ beyond all mounting centerlines. The air cylinder can also be mounted to the rear tree, rear chassis tree, or chassis.
Parachute Cables:
Parachute system cables must have reinforcements at the ends of the wire (thimble, eyelet, etc.). Crimps must be properly clamped with the manufacturer’s specific tool. Any wire passing through an opening in the body or tinwork must be protected by a permanently installed device.
These amendments come after the violent crash John Force sustained at the PlayNHRA Virginia Nationals in June 2024. Force was injured after his PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet Camaro suffered a catastrophic engine explosion, forcing the 16-time Funny Car world champion unable to control his machine and impacting the retaining wall at speeds of over 300 mph. Force suffered a Tramatic Brain Injury, among other injuries and is continuing to recover.
At the time of publication, the NHRA has not responded to the request to comment on the investigation findings or the amendment to the Funny Car parachute rules.
This story was originally published on August 21, 2024. 
