9:3 FIRE EXTINGUISHER
An onboard fire extinguisher system is mandated under certain
Class Requirements. Must be installed per manufacturer’s
specifications with all gauges clearly visible; viewing window(s)
may be required for some applications. In other classes, it is
recommended that each contestant and/or his or her crew have a
loaded, serviceable fire extinguisher and a fire blanket in their
possession, carried in the tow vehicle, race car, or otherwise
available for immediate use. Dry chemical or CO2-type
extinguishers, 2 1/2-pound minimum size, are recommended.
When installed in a race car, must be mounted in a secure
manner; use of flip-open-type clamps prohibited.
Section 20, page 37 General Regulations
When required, Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, Top Alcohol
Dragster, and Top Alcohol Funny Car, fire extinguishing system
must meet SFI Spec 17.1 and installed and utilized per
manufacturer’s installation requirements. All front-engine, openbodied
supercharged or turbocharged (gasoline or methanol)
cars running 7.49 seconds or quicker must be equipped with an
SFI-rated 20-pound fire system.
For all other vehicles, onboard fire extinguisher systems must
be manually controlled Cold Fire 302, Fire X plus, Halon
FE1211 or 1301 or FM200, or F500, or DuPont FE-36 or FE-
227, and mounted per manufacturer’s specifications with the
primary nozzle(s) directed in an attempt to protect the driver.
Other agents, classified on the EPA SNAP list as Acceptable
Total Flooding Agents (Feasible for Use in Occupied Areas) and
NHRA accepted, may be used. Bottles and lines must be
mounted above the bottom of the adjacent framerails. Fire
bottle activation cables must be installed inside framerail where
cables pass engine/bellhousing area. Bottles must be DOT
approved or meet SFI Spec 17.1 and permanently mounted (no
hose clamps or tie wraps). In the case of more than one bottle,
each bottle must have its own distribution tubing and nozzles.
The use of bottles, nozzles, or tubing other than that
recommended by the manufacturer is prohibited. Upon
activation of the system, the contents of the bottle(s) must be
totally discharged; partial- discharge systems prohibited. The
bottles must be mounted in such a manner that should an
explosion or failure of any mechanical component of the vehicle
occur, the bottles will be protected from flying parts. When
installed in/on a race car, must be mounted in a secure manner;
use of flip-open-type clamps, hose clamps, tie wraps, snaps,
etc. prohibited. They should be protected from excessive
temperature and mounted rigidly to the vehicle. Remote cables
must be metallic (plastic or plastic-wrapped cables prohibited)
and installed so they are protected in the event of an upset or
collision. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding
installation, especially on bend radius, and protection from
crimping or kinking. All fire systems must use steel lines, steel
or aluminum distribution nozzles, and must be equipped with a
pressure gauge. All bottles must be identified with a gross
loaded weight figure. It is the responsibility of the competitor
to weigh the bottle prior to each event.
