Based on the results of a recent competitor survey, the Top Dragster and Top Sportsman classes contested at all Knoll Gas Nitro Jam national events will feature a 32 car qualified field in 2008.

Competitors submitted a wide range of ideas and suggestions during this survey.  The majority of responders in each class wanted to move these fields to 32 car qualified fields.  24% of the competitors who responded to the survey wanted to leave the class alone.  24% of the responders wanted to have the class move to an “all run field” with a maximum dial, while the remaining 52% wanted to return to a 32 car qualified field.

The purse for the 32 car qualified field will be $2,000 to win, $1,000 runner up, $500 semi’s, $200 qtrs, $150 1/8ths and $100 1/16ths, meaning everyone that qualifies for the 32 car field will receive a minimum of $100.

 

The maximum dial of 7.70 in Top Dragster and 7.80 in Top Sportsman and dialing no slower than .10 slower than the slowest qualified vehicle will remain in effect and will be reviewed upon the completion of the 2008 season. 

 

Additional changes to both Top Sportsman and Top Dragster as a result of competitor feedback will be the use of crosstalk at Knoll Gas Nitro Jam events.  Use of crosstalk during the Summit Pro Am tour events will be determined and announced by each division director upon being finalized.

 

Another change to the Knoll Gas Nitro Jam format will be that first round lane choice will no longer be given to the lowest qualifying position, but instead be given to the lowest dial-in.  Lane choice for the remaining elimination rounds will continue to be determined by lowest dial-in just as it was this year.

 

There will be three scheduled qualifying runs for both classes at the majority of Knoll Gas Nitro Jam events in 2008.  At a few select events, due to the higher car counts there will be two scheduled qualifying attempts, with a third qualifying run given time permitting.  Competitors should consult each individual event schedule that will be posted on www.ihra.com when finalized and will show the specific number of qualifying runs and times for the event in question.

 

For 2008, any non-qualified Top Sportsman or Top Dragster vehicles will be permitted to purchase an entry into the ET bracket race if so desired.  Competitors should be aware that there are certain national events that ET is not contested.  Please see the specific event schedule for details.  There is also a maximum field of 128 vehicles at the events that do contest ET, so there must be an opening in the field in order to enter.  Competitors should come to the tower to inquire about ET availability after the final qualifying session. 

 

The all-sportsman national events currently scheduled for 2008 will follow the Summit Pro Am event format. 

 

This new national event format will be reviewed by the competition department and any necessary format changes will be made for the 2009 season.

 

The current black flag penalties for both classes are also currently under review and will be announced when finalized.

 

There will be no changes to these classes for the Summit Pro Am tour, with the exception of crosstalk based on the results of each division director’s announcement as mentioned above.