NHRA officials announced that “mud flaps” in Top Fuel will be optional for the next four races, starting at the upcoming NHRA Arizona Nationals in Phoenix on March 21-23, while NHRA evaluates their effectiveness of reducing rear wheel loads without significantly impacting other areas.
NHRA defines the mud flap as the “side-mounted aerodynamic body panels in Top Fuel.”
The NHRA Technical Department will reassess the mud flap after the four-race trial period, working with Top Fuel teams to gather as much information as possible.
If no mud flap is utilized, the side of the Top Fuel body must be covered with a replacement body panel, with no bare chassis exposed.
It is worth mentioning that during a test session two weeks ago at Gainesville Raceway in Florida, Brittany Force recorded the fastest eighth-mile speed in Top Fuel history—302.69 mph—achieved without mud flaps installed on her dragster.
This story was originally published on March 18, 2025. 
