At what ET is a helmet required for cars at an IHRA track?

Helmets are required for cars and vehicles running 13.99 seconds or quicker. All drifters and all cycles/bikes must wear helmets regardless of ET. The minimum spec listed is Snell 2005 or SFI 41.1A.

When does a convertible need a roll bar under these IHRA quick tech rules?

A convertible faster than 13.49 must have a roll bar.

When is a roll cage required instead of a roll bar?

In the 10:00 to 10.99 class, a roll cage with padding (SFI 45.1) is required if the car goes over 135 MPH. In the 7.50 to 9.99 class, a roll cage with padded head protection (SFI 45.1) is required.

When is a parachute required?

A parachute is required at 150 mph or quicker (listed under the 7.50 to 9.99 requirements).

What do bikes and snowmobiles need to race under this sheet?

Chain guard, engine kill switch attached to rider (10.99 and quicker), full face shield, full leathers or Kevlar suit attached at waist over 120 MPH (leather/Kevlar jacket and long pants if slower than 120 MPH), Snell 2005 or SFI 41.1A helmet, leather boots or shoes above the ankle, full-finger leather gloves, IHRA license at 9.99 or quicker, and a tail light.

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IHRA Quick Tech Reference Sheet - Drag Racing Safety Requirements by ET Class

Quick Tech Reference Sheet listing IHRA safety equipment required by ET class

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Reference page listing required racing safety equipment by elapsed-time class per IHRA rules

AI caption October 2018 · Photo 526 of 824

This document is an IHRA (International Hot Rod Association) "Quick Tech Reference Sheet" summarizing drag racing safety equipment requirements by quarter-mile elapsed-time (ET) bracket. It explicitly notes it is not a complete representation of the IHRA Rules and directs readers to the IHRA Rule Book online. General requirements state all racers must wear long pants, a shirt with sleeves, and shoes (no sandals); helmets are required for cars 13.99 seconds and quicker, all drifters, and all cycles/bikes. Requirements are then listed by ET class: 14.00 and slower (reverse lockout, coolant catch can, seat belts, tail lights); 11.50–13.99 (adds arm restraints for open cars, roll bar for fast convertibles, driveshaft loop, Snell 2005/SFI 41.1A helmet); 11.00–11.49 (adds SFI bell housing, flywheel/clutch, fire jacket, roll bar, steel valve stems); 10.00–10.99 (adds locking dipstick, aftermarket axles, harmonic balancer SFI 18.1, transmission shield, roll cage with padding SFI 45.1 if over 135 MPH); 7.50–9.99 (adds SFI 32A-5 protective clothing, flex-plate/shield, chassis certification, engine diaper, master electric cutoff, neck collar, IHRA license, parachute at 150 mph+, window net). A Bikes/Snowmobiles section covers chain guards, kill switches, leathers, gloves, and boots. Revised 09/26/2016.

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Frequently asked questions

At what ET is a helmet required for cars at an IHRA track?: Helmets are required for cars and vehicles running 13.99 seconds or quicker. All drifters and all cycles/bikes must wear helmets regardless of ET. The minimum spec listed is Snell 2005 or SFI 41.1A.
When does a convertible need a roll bar under these IHRA quick tech rules?: A convertible faster than 13.49 must have a roll bar.
When is a roll cage required instead of a roll bar?: In the 10:00 to 10.99 class, a roll cage with padding (SFI 45.1) is required if the car goes over 135 MPH. In the 7.50 to 9.99 class, a roll cage with padded head protection (SFI 45.1) is required.
When is a parachute required?: A parachute is required at 150 mph or quicker (listed under the 7.50 to 9.99 requirements).
What do bikes and snowmobiles need to race under this sheet?: Chain guard, engine kill switch attached to rider (10.99 and quicker), full face shield, full leathers or Kevlar suit attached at waist over 120 MPH (leather/Kevlar jacket and long pants if slower than 120 MPH), Snell 2005 or SFI 41.1A helmet, leather boots or shoes above the ankle, full-finger leather gloves, IHRA license at 9.99 or quicker, and a tail light.