My original SRDA rules were a bit different then the Tulsa gangs. I build mine by the gen regs per the IHRA or NHRA rule book butlimit the wheelbase to 100 inch (not less then 92) My current ride is 96 inch. I use the general regs for FED which are very particular around the cage / manbox. I use mild Steel .120 min DOM and mig welder . I follow all rules as they pertian to steering heim joints safety washers etc. I run a 1/8 steel floor as well and the same for a fire wall. Battery is not in the manbox and electrical power shut off is per the rules. I run a posi rather then a spool. I narrow the rear end and place the vent outsde the manbox. I run a 5 point harness and the dual rollbar even though I hate the look. I run slicks. I use a six cylinder with automatic trans and I use a hand brake for stopping. No more then 6 inches of fuel hose on the car and because it is an electrical fuel pump I kill it with the switch. I run steel wheels and normal studs and nuts which gives me proper protrusion through the wheel as per safety rules. If I ran mags I would install the long studs and open ended nuts. My roll bar has a double rear bar because It is so wide. if I was skinnier I would only have built it with one. My car is equipped with a pair of small fog lamps for night running as I hate racing into the darkness. My shifter is homemade but has a Z style gate making accidental reverse impossible. I run arm restraints on my wrists and wear a 5 series suit. I carry a rule book in my tow vehicle and if at a new track throw it in the seat of the rail when I go for tech so I can reference if need be. At most tracks the techs are more savy to door slammers so it helps to have the info at your finger tips. I have had issues with coolant overflow cans which while adequate for normal racing did drip if I was left staging several minutes. I cured that with a tall homemade drainable unit . While I get a few odd looks I have not yet been refused. I did have a IHRA silver friend give it an inspection and he gave it a complete thumbs up. I also run the red running light on the rear for safety. I make sure my tires are good. Wheel nuts per the rules , seat belts clean and in excellent shape and approved helmut. During tech I only respond to questions I don't engage in conversation. I try to be sure despite my cars short wheelbase although certainly legal length that it is By the book including helmut bars etc. On top of that any area I was not comfortable with I did additional work to be sure it suited me as well. I am now in my 8th season and have no issues and BTW neither have I had to do any chassis repairs. Before I go racing I wipe the whole chassis down which forces me to look it all over in the process. Building from the rule book eliminates a lot of hassles I think even though I do believe the HAMB cars are quite safe. This covers any problems you might run into. Sometimes the rules seem a bit strict but it is easier to comply then it is to fuss about it. It took me a long time to learn that BTW.
