IHRA AUSTRALIA – TECHNICAL BULLETIN

25 March 2026

Attention all Competitors

Removal of 260mph Limit for Doored Vehicles

Effective Immediately

Over recent seasons, IHRA Australia has introduced several mandatory safety requirements for these vehicles, including:

•        SFI 45.2 Roll Cage Padding (General Regulation 1505)

•        Seat Pour Requirements (General Regulation 6215)

•        Racing Seats (General Regulation 6216)

•        Steering Column Extensions (General Regulation 2055)

To support the safe removal of the 260mph limit, IHRA Technical is now implementing an additional mandatory safety element for all vehicles capable of exceeding this speed threshold:

To ensure consistency, safety, and fairness across all sedan‑type vehicles operating at extreme speeds, IHRA Australia confirms the following:

Parachute Requirements for Vehicles Exceeding 260mph

Minimum Standard

Any sedan‑type vehicle exceeding 260mph must be equipped with a parachute system that meets all of the following minimum requirements:

• A canopy size of no less than 12ft
• Manufactured by a recognised parachute supplier
• Installed strictly in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
• Maintained in a condition suitable for high‑speed operation

The type of parachutes and corresponding part numbers will be recorded in the vehicle logbook.

PARACHUTE RELEASE REQUIREMENTS

All drivers are required to release/activate their parachutes at the MPH speed traps.

This procedure will be monitored at all times to ensure consistent and safe operation.

ELECTRIMOTION – GENERAL REGULATION 4097

IHRA Australia reminds all competitors that Electrimotion systems must not be used as the primary method of parachute activation.

This practice—commonly referred to as “driving into the chutes”—is not the intended function of the system.

Electrimotion is designed solely as an emergency backup for situations where a driver becomes incapacitated. Drivers must remain fully responsible for:

•        Parachute activation

•        Fuel shut‑off

•        Ignition shut‑off

•        All natural operational functions of the vehicle

IHRA Technical reserves the right to review and request data at any time to ensure correct system usage.

Penalties will apply where Electrimotion is used contrary to manufacturer instructions or IHRA regulations.

MANDATORY COMPLIANCE

All requirements outlined in this bulletin are mandatory and apply to all affected competitors and vehicles immediately.

For further clarification, please contact IHRA Australia Technical.

RULE UPDATES

General Reg 7565 Vehicle, Parachutes

General Reg 11080, Pro Slammer, Vehicle, Parachutes

Pro Slammer vehicles exceeding 260mph are required to run a parachute system featuring a minimum 12ft canopy, installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Multiple brands meeting this standard are accepted by IHRA Australia. All parachute specifications must be documented in the vehicle logbook. Manual activation by the driver at the MPH speed traps is mandatory. Electrimotion or similar systems must not be used as the primary deployment method.

Mandatory

General Reg 50040, Pro Mod, Parachutes

All Pro Mod vehicles exceeding 260mph must utilise a parachute system with a minimum canopy size of 12ft, installed per the manufacturer’s specifications. IHRA Australia recognises multiple compliant brands and models meeting this standard. Parachute details must be recorded in the vehicle logbook. Drivers must manually deploy parachutes at the MPH speed traps. Automated systems such as Electrimotion may only be used as a secondary emergency backup.

Mandatory

IHRA Australia remains deeply committed to the safety and wellbeing of every racer, official, and team member across all sanctioned venues. We have always placed safety at the forefront of every decision, and the temporary 260mph limit was introduced with that responsibility firmly in mind.

We sincerely thank all affected competitors for their patience, professionalism, and understanding throughout this period.

Your cooperation reflects the strong safety culture that underpins our sport, and IHRA Australia will continue working to ensure that every racer can compete with confidence and the highest level of protection.

JOHN ZAPPIA TAKES ON IHRA AMBASSADOR ROLE

Darryl Cuttel and Maurice Allen visited Zappia at his workshop in Western Australia during a track visit. Darryl, beyond impressed with John’s history and passion for the sport, decided there was no one better suited to represent the IHRA in the upcoming season of the International Pro Mod 660 Ironman Classic.

“The new series is a great thing for the sport and my team and I are looking forward to competing in it, proudly flying the IHRA flag”, Zappia stated on the new International Pro Mod 660 Series.

IHRA Australia CEO Maurice Allen saying, “Having John on board as an IHRA Ambassador for the inaugural season of the International Pro Mod 660 Ironman Classic is a huge bonus. Few people in Australia boast the drag racing success that John has, particularly in a doorslammer. Darryl and I are looking forward to seeing what John and his team can do out on track this season”.

IHRA Australia Announces Multi‑Year Sanctioning Agreement with Victorian Motorsports Park

A major expansion strengthens IHRA Australia’s national footprint

IHRA Australia is proud to announce a new multi‑year sanctioning agreement with Victorian Motorsports Park (VMP), marking another significant and exciting milestone for the future of Australian drag racing.

This strategic partnership expands IHRA Australia’s operational footprint to five Australian states, reinforcing its position as one of the nation’s most established and progressive drag racing sanctioning bodies. Most importantly, it delivers new and expanded racing opportunities for competitors across the country, encouraging racers to travel, compete, and experience the diverse regions that make Australian drag racing unique.

The inclusion of Victorian Motorsports Park into the IHRA Australia network represents a landmark moment for Melbourne and the broader drag racing community. The venue is currently undergoing a complete transformation, with a major redevelopment underway that will elevate the facility to world‑class standards.

Melbourne has long been home to a strong and passionate sportsman racing base across all categories. With the continued growth of Real Street and Extreme Bike, the future for Victorian competitors looks exceptionally promising.

IHRA Australia has also recently introduced the new Pro Mod International 660 category, with the full 2026 IHRA Australia Calendar scheduled for release in the coming weeks. These categories will bring a fresh level of performance, competition, and spectacle to Victorian Motorsports Park, showcasing some of the most thrilling forms of drag racing available anywhere in the country.

IHRA Australia CEO Maurice Allen said the expansion represents a strong statement of intent—supporting venues, empowering competitors, and delivering consistent, high‑quality racing opportunities nationwide.

“The addition of Victorian Motorsports Park to our national program not only strengthens our presence across Australia but also opens the door for racers and fans to experience top‑tier drag racing in one of the country’s most incredible destinations,” Allen said. “This is an exciting time for everyone involved—competitors, fans, and partners alike.”

Victorian Motorsports Park now becomes a vital part of IHRA Australia’s long‑term national vision, strengthening pathways for racers while elevating the profile of drag racing in one of Australia’s most distinctive and motorsport‑rich regions.

IHRA Australia –  Competition Update
Effective Immediately

19 March 2026

IHRA Australia is pleased to announce the introduction of AA/JDB to the Junior Drag Bike class structure, marking a significant evolution in opportunities for young competitors.

Under this update, riders currently competing in A/JDB who are 15 years of age and older may now transition to the newly established AA/JDB category. Competitors in AA/JDB will be permitted to run a minimum Elapsed Time (ET) of 8.00 seconds, with a speed ceiling of 93.2 mph (150 km/h).

In addition, the maximum engine capacity for AA/JDB has been increased to 500cc, providing a clearer performance pathway for developing riders as they progress through the Junior ranks.

IHRA Australia CEO Maurice Allen welcomed the announcement, stating:

“This is a huge step forward for Junior competition and the future stars of our sport.”

The introduction of AA/JDB reflects IHRA Australia’s ongoing commitment to fostering safe, structured, and progressive development opportunities for young motorcycle competitors nationwide.

Best times for the other teams were: Barry Plumpton 3.823, Steven Smith 3.869, Neil Murphy 3.872, Russ Pavey 3.906, Rod Harvey 3.923, John Cannuli 4.038 and Jack Danaher 4.097.