NHRA has announced several rule changes in the Top Fuel and Funny Car categories to enhance current safety measures as a result of initial evaluations from the tragic incident involving Eric Medlen during a test session on March 19 in Gainesville, Fla.

“We've learned something from Eric's incident that we've never witnessed before, that being an extreme oscillation or vibration,” said Graham Light, senior vice president of racing operations, NHRA.  “Although this is an unprecedented occurrence, we don't want to prematurely react given the current high-level of safety measures implemented in these cars that have proven very effective. We need, however, to take what we have learned and make appropriate changes to reduce the possibility of a similar incident in the future, both on a short- and long-term basis.”

NHRA has mandated the following rule changes in the Top Fuel and/or Funny Car categories:

• Additional padding in the driver cockpit area in both Top Fuel and Funny Car, already in effect.. 
• A roll cage/helmet shroud, similar to those installed on Top Fuel cars, will be mandatory in Funny Car no later than the O'Reilly NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals in Bristol, Tenn.
• A seven-point driver restraint system will replace the current five-point systems in Funny Car no later than the O'Reilly NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals in Bristol, Tenn., and in Top Fuel by the O'Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals in Topeka, Kan.  Along with the new restraints, NHRA has mandated stricter installation requirements, making sure that teams install the restraints according to manufacturer recommendations.

NHRA will continue to work with the John Force Racing team, the entire racing community, and its vendors to consider implementing additional safety measures in the future. 

 “Safety is an ongoing endeavor at NHRA as evidenced by our overall record, which is supported by our rule changes over the years,” said Light.