The skies over Brainerd Int'l Raceway were a clear beautiful blue
Monday morning, the day after the running of the Lucas Oil NHRA
Nationals. Yet, storm clouds were brewing.
When the NHRA announced in January they would limit the Top Fuel and
Funny Car teams to four test sessions throughout the season the
statement was clear.
The story, posted on January 21, 2009 opens with the following, “In
an ongoing effort to assist in curtailing escalating costs associated
with the operation of Professional nitromethane-category vehicles (Top
Fuel and Funny Car), NHRA has implemented the following testing
limitations for the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season.
Unlimited testing for Top Fuel and Funny Car teams will be permitted
until the 2009 season opener at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, Feb. 5. At
that point, and during the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series
season (Feb. 5 to Nov. 15), Professional nitromethane teams will be
limited to a maximum of four one-day test sessions. This policy applies to both the team and driver.” (we bolded these words)