IHRA: Class Action - Top Sportsman

The Good Vibrations Top Sportsman class is the quickest and fastest full-bodied, full-framed class on the IHRA National and Pro Am circuit. Top Sportsman racers are not encumbered by displacement limitations or customizing rules, offering some of the most radical and visual thrills in our sport.

Case in point: Mike Forsythe's gorgeous yellow 1963 Chevrolet Corvette. It's powered by a 422 cubic-inch V-8, and competes against cars with well over 600 cubic inches. Body styles range from the latest models to vintage cars and pickup trucks.

Weight is used to balance the performance of the various powertrains. Big-block cars must weigh 2,200 pounds, or 2,400 pounds with nitrous oxide. Supercharged big-blocks must weigh 2,600 pounds, supercharged small-blocks 2,150 pounds. Small-blocks must weigh 1,900 pounds, or 2,000 with nitrous oxide. If you use dual turbochargers, then the supercharged weight limits apply. Any type of transmission can be used. Wheels and tires are open so long as they are approved for racing.

One parachute is required for speeds over 150 mph, two for speeds over 200 mph. Maximum dial-in is 7.80 for a quarter-mile, 5.20 for an eighth-mile.

How can you tell it's a Top Sportsman? There should be a T/S followed by the car number on the windows.