NHRA Adds A/Fuel Engine Program to Top Alcohol Funny Car

The NHRA is adding an A/Fuel engine program for the Top Alcohol Funny Car class beginning with the 2023 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, NHRA officials announced.

With the addition of the A/Fuel (injected nitromethane) engine program into the class, NHRA will look to increase participation in the class, and give drivers and race teams another viable, efficient option to run in the category, the sanctioning body said.

“We’re really excited to introduce the A/Fuel engine program to Top Alcohol Funny Car in 2023,” NHRA Technical Services/ Top Alcohol Rules Committee Chairman Josh Hamming said. “This is something we’ve been working on for several years and it’s all about building new excitement and a sustainable business model for the category. We believe there is going to be strong interest right off the bat, will reduce costs for interested teams and we’re eager to see this class continue to grow.

“The rules committee came up with a rule set that allows racers to enter the class and be competitive, but not dominate.  We will evaluate performance from the start and will make adjustments as needed.”

Prior to the announcement, NHRA officials worked closely with teams, drivers, team owners and NHRA Division Directors to develop an A/Fuel engine program that is economically efficient for interested participants, series officials said. As an added benefit, the ruleset and opportunities afforded by the injected nitro combination can also serve as a viable path for drivers, teams, and crew members to ultimately advance to the nitro Funny Car class in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series.

“We wanted to come up with an option that will be more efficient for teams,” NHRA Vice President of Competition Ned Walliser said. “We’re confident there will be significant savings over the course of a full season running the A/Fuel program. The ruleset will also allow teams to purchase bodies, chassis, engine parts and other items from nitro teams, allowing for a significant reduction in costs.

“It’s also going to provide a better stepping-stone for drivers, crew chiefs crew members if their goal is to race in nitro Funny Car. That is a big development and we’re excited about that. Our goal is to continue to build participation at every level and this addition to Top Alcohol Funny Car should only help that.”