According to NHRA rules 13.50 (8.25) and quicker requires a roll bar for any convertible. A new Stingray convertible with air bags, crumple zones, etc runs low 12s off the showroom floor. Quite a few convertibles run faster that 13.50 from the factory. Are these cars just simply not allowed at the track, or has it been addressed? Was this rule written with only 60s cars in mind? I only ask because my friend is wanting to accompany me to test and tune tomorrow night in his 2004 Cobra. Has a few mods and should run 12s. Pick up a Motor Trend and most V8 convertibles are running faster than 13.50. A lot of new hard top cars running faster than 11.50 with just a few mods as well. I know the rules and not looking for a debate, just clarification. Curious if this has been addressed or if anyone has dealt with it before. Are 2015s treated the same as any 1960s car? If so...are the Hellcats, SRT Vipers, ZR1s, 911 Turbos, etc with sticky tires simply banned from all NHRA tracks?

Thanks

There was a ruling change for STOCK production cars
in the last couple of years... as to what the changes
were I cant say for fact due to it didnt matter to me
so maybe some of the others will know

My friends 04 cobra runs 11 teens and he just has one of those hoop style roll bars. They never game him any problems at the local track, but these were test and tune nights also.

there was a rule change for late model muscle cars not sure what it was check with nhra

Thanks for the replies. Looks like new rule is for '08 and up "unaltered" cars. I think my buddy is just going to bite the bullet and make it legal, which isn't a bad route to go.

Thanks to all who replied.