The bitter and divisive battle between rival sanctioning bodies ANDRA and IHRA Australia for control of Australian drag racing has flared again.

The latest skirmish concerns performance limitations and restrictions for Doorslammer, Pro Mod and sedan-type body classes.

The catalyst for the latest outbreak of hostilities came after a spate of major crashes last season including the death of Sam Fenech, one of the most popular and revered Doorslammer racers in Australia, at Willowbank Raceway in January.

Doorslammer is the second most popular category in Australian drag racing behind Top Fuel.

Two weeks ago, Competition Plus reported exclusively that IHRA Australia would speed limit Doorslammer, Pro Mod and other unidentified sedan-type vehicles to 260 mph. 

IHRA Australia said, “The measure would be implemented immediately and until IHRA can implement more specific updates to certain areas of these vehicles that is in aerodynamics, downforce and other updates.” 

 "A racer who breaches the 260-mph limit will receive an initial warning, will be logged appropriately and any further breaches of these performance guidelines will be excluded from the event.”

IHRA Australia also announced plans to implement a driver standards policy.

ANDRA’s response to the IHRA announcement was emphatic. 

 “We currently have no intention to impose performance limits on Top Doorslammer and similar type vehicles and were currently conducting a preliminary review of vehicle Aero Dynamics on a range of classes with input from a qualified Aero Dynamics expert.”

“In the short term, we are looking to increase the maximum allowable wing size and spill plate areas across most classes, to permit racers to increase these if they desire. In the medium to longer term, we will look to mandate minimum requirements for all vehicles based on performance and will continue to monitor the safety and performance of these vehicles.”

“There were five major crashes in Doorslammer and Pro Mod last year, including the one that claimed Sam Fenech’s life,” said one racer close to the situation but not authorized to speak. “ANDRA and IHRA should be working together for the benefit of the sport and not trying to upstage each other with their own agendas. It would also be a good idea if they started talking to each other.”
“Capping speed and looking at aerodynamics are starting points. So is the introduction of 1000 feet racing for all classes. Safety is too important an issue to become a political football between ANDRA and IHRA.”

Eight rounds of the 2023-2024 National Drag Racing Championship for Doorslammer and Pro Mod will be held at IHRA-sanctioned venues, three rounds are scheduled for The Bend Motorsport Park that can hold either ANDRA or IHRA-sanctioned meets and two rounds are planned for ANDRA run tracks. 
 
Round 1 of the NDRC season is at The Bend Motorsport Park, 21-22 October 2023.