NHRA Rulebook Section 10
Cacklefest® Vehicle
Updated 8/08/17 - see PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
The Cacklefest is an event created
to celebrate the era known as The Golden Age of Drag Racing.
Simply put, restored and/or accurately recreated race cars are
push started by an era correct car or truck. After the engines
are started, the race cars are lined up in a designated area
in front of spectators and left running at an idle making the
distinctive cackling sound of a nitro fueled engine. The NHRA
Motorsports Museum created the event in 2000 with an exhibition
of nine cars. Since then, the Museum is proud and grateful that
dozens of functional Top Fuel dragsters now provide a nostalgic
look back at early drag racing for older fans and an educational
and exciting event for those too young to remember.
GENERAL
All vehicles must be
in good working order, with all components in proper mechanical
condition including frame construction, brakes, steering, wheels
and tires, etc. All drivers - of both cacklefest car and push
vehicle, must have demonstrated experience to participate in
push start Cacklefest activity.
CACKLEFEST TECH INSPECTION
Prior to any engine starts
at Cacklefest events, including National and California Hot Rod
Reunions®, and select NHRA National Events, all participating
cars must have complied with a tech inspection. Inspections
will be conducted by experienced personnel. Proper Waivers and
Releases must be signed prior to any engine starts - both static
and push start.
IGNITION/MAGNETO
Must have functional,
positive action, ON/OFF switch located in drivers compartment
capable of de-energizing the entire ignition system. Driver
must be able to easily access and operate ignition switch when
seated in normal driving position, with all belts secured. Momentary
contact switch prohibited. Magneto switch is to be used
to shut off engine if fuel shutoff does not function properly.
THROTTLE/LINKAGE
Each vehicle must have
a foot throttle incorporating a positive-acting return spring
attached directly to the carburetor/injector throttle arm. A
positive stop or override prevention must be used to keep linkage
from passing over center and sticking in an open position. System
must be free of binding.
FUEL SHUTOFF/CABLE
Each vehicle must be
equipped with a fully functional, quick-action, fuel-shutoff
valve. Valve must be positioned at the outlet/pressure side
of fuel pump. Valve must be controlled with positive-action
device/cable where driver has full ON/OFF control. Driver must
be able to easily access and operate fuel shut off system when
seated in normal driving position, with all belts secured.
CLUTCH/LINKAGE
All vehicles must be
equipped with automotive-type clutch using single or multiple
disks.Fully centrifugal type clutches (Crower Glide, etc.) prohibited**.
Use of supplemental counterweights prohibited. Spring pressure
is not to exceed normal operation requirement to start engine.
Clutch adjustment settings must provide for full disengagement
at any and all rpm. Clutch linkage must be in proper working
order and provide driver with full range of control. Driver
must have adequate leverage/control of clutch pedal to easily
and fully disengage clutch at any and all rpm. Vehicles equipped
with fully centrifugal clutches permitted to perform static starts
only if driveline is fully disconnected.
DRIVELINE
Drivelines must be completely
disengaged during any static starts when drive wheels are touching
the ground either by disconnecting coupler or use of in
and out device. Exception would be when undergoing a mandated
tech inspection static start in a designated and secure area.
Vehicles not equipped with driveline disconnect devices must
have drive wheels off the ground using fixed-position jack-stand
devices for static starts in populated areas. If necessary to
make static start, with driveline engaged and tires on the ground,
the car must be relocated to a designated remote area free of
spectators.
FIRE EXTINGUISHER
All participants making
static starts must have a functional fire extinguisher near the
car at any time the engine is running. Extinguishers must be
carried in all push-start cars or trucks.
DRIVER RESTRAINT SYSTEM
Seat belts and shoulder
harnesses must be in good condition and fully utilized during
any push start procedure.
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
During any push-start
procedures, including practice starts, drivers are
required to wear a jacket meeting SFI Spec 3.2A/1, full-length
pants, closed-toe shoes, socks, gloves, helmet, mask, and goggles.
Nylon or nylon-type clothing (i.e., gloves, pants, socks, or
shoes) prohibited.
NOTE: During any static starts, drivers are required to wear
shirts (no tank tops), full-length pants, socks and closed-toe
shoes.
CREDENTIALS
All drivers participating
in push-start Cacklefest events must have demonstrated full capability
to operate vehicle with multiple starts required to be included
in feature events. Drivers may be asked to demonstrate the ability
to locate, and operate, all controls even when blindfolded.
Drivers of all Cacklefest vehicles, and drivers of all push vehicles,
must possess a valid state drivers license.
PUSH VEHICLE
Each entrant must have
a period correct push vehicle for the Cacklefest
presentation. All push vehicles must be in good mechanical condition
and must display a current license and registration. Proof of
insurance may be requested before the vehicle can operate. Push
vehicle should be known to be free of leaks and have adequate
cooling system to prevent coolant overflow or spills. Watch signals
from official controlling the flow of cars. If the driver of
the cacklefest car is unable to start the car in the area designated
by the official, DO NOT MAKE ANY FURTHER ATTEMPTS TO START THE
CAR. Drivers of cacklefest car and push vehicle must be able
to communicate a failure to start and then proceed to carefully
push the car to its designated parking location or return to
the pits by the path indicated by the official.
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