The exciting and unpredictable Pro Modified class will once again run a 10-race schedule during select NHRA national events in 2007 it was announced Wednesday by series director Matthew Brammer. The AMS Pro Mod Challenge will pit the best blown, nitrous, and turbo-charged racers against one another for the coveted AMS Pro Mod Cup.
 
"The most exciting class in drag racing will be back in 2007 and we couldn't be happier," Brammer said. "The fan support of the AMS Pro Mod Challenge has been tremendous from the start and using the platform of the POWERade Drag Racing Series to showcase our stars in major markets is the perfect way for us to reach the broadest audience possible. The exciting and unpredictable Pro Modified class will once again run a 10-race schedule during select NHRA national events in 2007 it was announced Wednesday by series director Matthew Brammer. The AMS Pro Mod Challenge will pit the best blown, nitrous, and turbo-charged racers against one another for the coveted AMS Pro Mod Cup.
 
"The most exciting class in drag racing will be back in 2007 and we couldn't be happier," Brammer said. "The fan support of the AMS Pro Mod Challenge has been tremendous from the start and using the platform of the POWERade Drag Racing Series to showcase our stars in major markets is the perfect way for us to reach the broadest audience possible.
 
"We believe Pro Mod racing is some of the most challenging straight-line racing in the world. In 2007, we're adding another dimension by allowing turbo-charged cars to race alongside the established blown and nitrous cars already on the circuit. Our research shows that the next generation of racers, the kids that are just getting into the sport now, are fans of turbocharged cars so we wanted to give them a place where they can root for cars with engine configurations they're used to seeing."
 
Brammer is working with NHRA executives and his own staff of marketing professionals to determine which 10 national events best suit the Pro Mod class. He hopes to have the schedule solidified before the New Year.
 
"The main thing is that we're back, we're fully-funded, and we're prepared for the most exciting season ever," Brammer said. "I fully expect several rivalries among brands, body styles, drivers, and engine configurations to generate more interest than we've ever had before. It's an exciting time for Pro Mod racing."
 
Because turbo-charged entries will be allowed for the first time in 2007, Brammer has set-up a panel of industry experts to monitor the implementation of the new engine styles.
 
"Because it's new for us, and in an effort to maintain a fair competition, we will monitor the turbo-charged teams closely," Brammer said. "If the advisory panel determines their performance exceeds what we deem appropriate to maintain the integrity and competitiveness of the class, specific and immediate steps will be taken. These steps include but are not limited to decreasing the size of acceptable turbos, limiting the throttle body size, or adding weight. We just want to keep it fair for everyone involved."
 
The basic rules for turbocharged cars include: 527 cid maximum, 2,700 pounds minimum weight, trans brake with release button on steering wheel permitted in converter equipped cars, 91 mm twin turbochargers maximum, Methanol or accepted racing gasoline only, two disc clutch maximum, five-speed transmission maximum, and electronic fuel injection. These systems must be open loop design and may only monitor and/or be affected by engine functions such as RPM, air flow, air temperature, etc. The EFI and ignition systems may NOT be affected by, controlled by, or connected (either directly or indirectly) to any devices that monitor any vehicle performance data such as wheel speed, drive shaft speed, etc.
 
The series also implanted the following rules: Drivers must use a Head And Neck (HANS) Restraint SFI 38.1, cars must be equipped with a fresh air breathing system, helmets must meet applicable Snell or SFI specs with fresh air system installed utilizing compressed air only. Air can be supplied "on demand" or by constant pressure/flow.
 
Weight minimums are as such: Nitrous Oxide Entries: 2,425 pounds; Supercharged Entries: 1972 and previous: 2,650 pounds; Post 1972: 2,700 pounds; with the exception of 1963-1967 Corvettes: 2,700 pounds.
 
Cubic inch limit: Nitrous Oxide Entries: no maximum; Supercharged Entries to remain at 527 cid.
 
Bellypan: Permitted. Must extend beyond leading edge of engine and accessories, incorporate a one-inch minimum lip on the front edge of all units and be designed to retain oil.
 
Rear-end ratio: No Change from 2006 -- Supercharged Entries: 4.56-to-1 rear end ratio (final drive) maximum.
 
Supercharger case: No change from 2006. All cast and/or billet casings are permitted.
 
Electronics/data acquisition: No vehicle performance sensors may be used to monitor track position, track or tire temperature, or ride height other than shock travel. Vehicle performance sensors are prohibited from use on wheels or wheelie bars or on any other moving part other than the drive shaft.
 
Starting line control devices: Electronic Starting line RPM limiters (two-step) are permitted on all entries.
 
AMS Pro Modified body style guidelines for 2008: To help ensure the unique visual characteristics and heritage of Pro Modified, the use of post-1972 bodies will not be permitted in AMS Pro Modified competition beginning with the 2008 season.