NHRA Rulebook Section 10
Cacklefest® Vehicle
Updated 3/29/17
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 PRE-EVENT 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 pre-event
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.
APPAREL
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.
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 tostart 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. |