The class, currently labeled the No Throttle Stop (NTS) 11.50 class, will be run at select events in 2016 and will feature entry-level, heads-up index racing for racers without the need for additional expenditures. The class will be featured next at the President’s Cup Nationals Fueled by Sunoco at Maryland International Raceway (MDIR) June 17 – 18, 2016.

“This class will be a way to introduce heads-up racing to a large number of No Box competitors who want to try ‘old school’ index racing without major changes to their vehicles,” said Skooter Peaco, IHRA vice president of race operations. “We will be testing the viability of the class in four distinct regions on the IHRA’s Drag Racing Series schedule. We look forward to seeing how this class develops throughout the year.”

The NTS 11.50 class will be run in conjunction with the IHRA Drag Racing Series events at Maryland International Raceway (June 17-19), US 131 Motorsports Park (August 12-14) and Dragway 42 (September 23-25). The addition of the class will provide a great new option for No Box racers to compete during IHRA national event weekends.

Among the major rules for the new class, NTS 11.50 will prohibit delay boxes and throttle stops, while mechanical fixed or “restrictor plate” style methods of slowing the car will be allowed. To help grow the class, IHRA memberships will not be required this year.

“We really wanted this class to be a way to enter the world of heads-up racing in a basic and simple fashion. It is very intimidating to jump into Hot Rod racing given that this has not been an ‘entry level’ class for some time,” Peaco said. “We all talk about the lack of new blood in our sport, so collectively the IHRA thought it was a good time to do something about it. My hope is that this class will appeal to a large group of current No Box racers who may find that they enjoy index racing and, in the process, create a true way to bring new racers to national event style racing.”

Winners of the NTS 11.50 class will be awarded an IHRA Ironman trophy and $1,000, with the runner-up receiving $500. The NTS 11.50 class will be a non-points earning class and racers that enter the class will not be allowed to compete in other Summit Pro-Am Tour classes.

For more information and a complete set of rules for the NTS 11.50 class view the IHRA Supplemental Rulebook on page 28 or click the following http://www.ihra.com/images/2016/NTS_2016_3-18-16.pdf    

The IHRA Drag Racing Series returns for race number three at Maryland International Raceway June 17 - 18. The President's Cup Nationals Fueled by Sunoco will feature AMSOIL Nitro Funny Car, Pro Stock, Pro Modified and Nitro Motorcycle along with sportsman racing. Tickets are now available and feature free pit access. Purchase now and save at BuyIHRAtix.com.