Space Saver/Emergency Spare Wheels Deemed Unsafe
Friday, 31 July 2009 - Posted by Rob Sharp
(ANDRA Head Office)
ANDRA has confirmed that a ban has been placed on Space Saver/Emergency wheels and tyres effective immediately. ANDRA Officials as well as track staff have been briefed to inform competitors and, if required, make the appropriate Log Book entry.
The safety amendment to the current ANDRA Rules on wheels and tyres is as follows –
4.5.2 Tyres
Tyres must be considered free of defects prior to any run. All treaded tyres must have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm (1/16 inch). In classes with tyre width limits, the tread surface will be measured in all cases. All vehicles exceeding 160 mph (255 kph) are required to use tyres specifically built for drag racing use. Only dragsters, altereds and motorcycles may use motorcycle tyres. Cars quicker than 12.50 (1/4 mile)/8.00 (1/8 mile) using independent front suspension and cross-ply rear slicks are not permitted to use radial front tyres. Metal valve caps are required on all wheels. Retreading of any tyre on any vehicle quicker than 12.50 (1/4 mile)/8.00 (1/8 mile) or unsafe modification of racing tyres is not permitted. The use of speed limited tyres manufactured for space saver / emergency spare rims is prohibited.
4.5.3 Wheels
Hub-caps and clip-on trims must be removed during all competition. Scrutineers may check for loose wheel nuts and cracked or damaged wheels. Each car must be fitted with automotive type wheels with a minimum diameter of 12 inches (304.8mm) unless class regulations permit otherwise. Rim width for sedans is a minimum of 3 inches (76.2mm). The use of automotive wire wheels and centre-lock devices is restricted to cars on which they were originally fitted. Automotive type wire wheels or motorcycle wheels are prohibited on vehicles in Altered classes. The use of speed limited rims known as ‘space saver’ or an emergency spare is prohibited. Each wheel stud must protrude past the outer face of the wheel by a distance no less than the diameter of the stud used. The thread engagement on all wheel studs to the lug nut must be equivalent to or greater than the diameter of the stud. Length of the stud does not determine legality, length of engagement between the stud and hex portion of the lug determines legality. (eg. A 7/16-inch stud must be completely engaged through the threads in the hex portion of the lug nut a minimum of 7/16-inch). All cars quicker than 11.00 (1/4 mile)/7.00 (1/8 mile) must be fitted with open ended wheel nuts. Factory alloy wheels may use original wheel nuts/studs. Motorcycle or lightweight racing wheels must use spokes with a minimum diameter of 1/8 inch (3.2mm), properly cross laced to provide maximum strength. All spoke holes in hub and rim must be used.
For further information email
[email protected]
www.andra.com.au
