Oil down policy modified

OIL DOWN POLICY MODIFIED FOR REMAINDER OF 2008 NHRA POWERADE DRAG RACING SERIES SEASON

GLENDORA, Calif. (July 10, 2008) - NHRA announced that beginning in Denver, the monetary fines imposed on the professional categories associated with the current oil down policy will be eliminated until further notice. The point deductions, however, associated with oil down violations at national events, will continue to be enforced.

"This move is designed to ease the financial burden on the race teams given the cooperation we've experienced by everyone in the racing community to minimize oil downs at national events," said Graham Light, senior vice president of racing operations, NHRA.

Currently, professional teams are allowed one oil down violation prior to any penalty and can earn an additional credit after 25 consecutive oil-free runs at NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series events. Although the monetary fines associated with violations will be eliminated, professional teams will still lose points based on the current policy which includes loss of 10 points for each infraction during eliminations on Sunday and additional point deductions if violations occur multiple times at the same event.

Teams experiencing chronic problems with oil downs at national events will continue to be reviewed by NHRA and further action may be taken as NHRA deems necessary.

-credit: nhra