THE PROPOSED SFI TF CHASSIS SPEC

Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com has learned that a 37-page document has been circulated by SFI to the members of is Top Fuel chassis committee for review. Interestingly, documents such as these have taken on the form of those legal disclaimers we see more and more of these days. For example, the second paragraph reads:

A representation of compliance with the SFI Specification 2.3N is not an indication nor an assurance that the Chassis Structure will provide adequate driver protection in all situations of a vehicle crash or mishap. It is suggested, however, that Chassis Structures which do not comply with these designs and construction quality assurance standards may not perform their intended function, nor might they provide adequate protection to a driver in a crash situation.

There’s additional language absolving SFI from any responsibility should a mishap occur.

Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com has learned that a 37-page document has been circulated by SFI to the members of is Top Fuel chassis committee for review. Interestingly, documents such as these have taken on the form of those legal disclaimers we see more and more of these days. For example, the second paragraph reads:

A representation of compliance with the SFI Specification 2.3N is not an indication nor an assurance that the Chassis Structure will provide adequate driver protection in all situations of a vehicle crash or mishap. It is suggested, however, that Chassis Structures which do not comply with these designs and construction quality assurance standards may not perform their intended function, nor might they provide adequate protection to a driver in a crash situation.

There’s additional language absolving SFI from any responsibility should a mishap occur.

Far too lengthy to reproduce here, we’ll try to hit on the high points for easier comprehension. For example, where footbox tubing protection in the current spec calls for ¾-inch X .058-inch tubing the new spec will require 1-inch X .58-inch wall tubing. Additional bracing will also be required for the steering box, and there are other changes coming as well. There will be as many as six optional front end designs to chose from, giving builders what appears to be plenty of options.

The most important aspect of the proposed new spec relates to the back half of the car, where currently, heat treated tubing is called for. In that area of the car the new spec will allow car builders and purchasers the option of using non-heat treated or Condition N tubing. This has been the major point of argument since the spec was first passed in 2005, and where the heat treat versus non-heat treat argument first began.

Only two approved vendors for heat treated chrome moly tubing are listed: Plymouth Tube Company of Warrenville, Ill., and Southwest Metal Treating Corporation of Ft. Worth, Texas.

The proposal was first drafted in April of this year and is just now making the rounds of the committee members for their input and responses. How soon the new spec will go into effect remains to be seen but it's likely to be in time for the 2008 season.

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THE PROPOSED SFI TF CHASSIS SPEC