Sometimes history repeats itself, and for the NHRA, it’s the return of the A/Factory Experimental designation.

Initially, the Factory Experimental division offered in 1962 alongside Super Stock classifications, a new division created by NHRA to deal with Detroit’s releasing of high-performance parts, not in regular production or those created on the standard assembly line.  The FX movement in the 1960s was a major crossroads in drag racing for those who wanted to run Funny Cars or Pro Stock. 

Apparently, the NHRA has chosen to bring back the designation to offer a variance to its Factory Stock Showdown. 

Or, could it provide the sanctioning body the opportunity to reinvent Pro Stock and, in doing so, make it a true factory hot rod division?

The primary issue for the Factory Stock Showdown cars when all three manufacturers were involved was the Cobra Jets were getting close to running the class out of existence in its current 25.5 chassis spec reserved for 7.50 elapsed times or slower. 

The chassis spec for the new A/FX entries must meet 25.1, 25.2 or 25.3, and must be certified by NHRA’s tech department. The cars will run a 1-.5-inch wide slick, measuring 33-inches tall. 

The bodies for the FX cars must be OEM dimensional (steel, as noted in NHRA rulebook) roof and quarters, with no alterations to the bodies. In 2000, NHRA’s tech department abandoned its steel roof and quarters regulation for the Pro Stocks in favor of one-piece bodies when it became apparent no two chassis builders had the same measurements for their cars.

The 2022 rulebook amendment states, “The complete headlight and taillight assemblies must be retained in stock original factory location to functional OEM style headlights and tail lights mandatory.”

A throwback to the formative days of Pro Stock, parking, and stoplights cannot be painted on the body.

All three car combinations will begin at a universal weight of 2,650 pounds and run supercharged engines. The COPO Camaros will run the 630-horse Magnuson 2.65L supercharger, while the DragPak Challengers will utilize the 630-horse, 3.0L Whipple. The Cobra Jet 327 Mustangs will do battle with the 610-horse, 3.0 Whipple unit. 

All cars will run manual transmissions. 

While NHRA has not stated publicly outside of a non-publicized rules amendment on its NHRARacer.com site, the A/FX cars will run as an exhibition division, adding to speculation a bigger picture plan is in place. 

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