As I understand it the 130 club rules consist only of these provisions.
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Utah Salt Flats Racing Association
130 MPH Club Rules
Revised 01/06
? All drivers must be members of USFRA, hold a valid state drivers license, and sign a loss damage waiver to participate.
? A maximum of five (5) runs will be allowed per entry fee paid.
? The 130-mph format is specifically designed for street cars and motorcycles. To gain Membership in the 130 MPH Club, the vehicle must run the course twice in the same day at a speed no less than 130 mph the two runs are then averaged. A two run average over 130 MPH and under 140 MPH makes the driver a member of the 130 MPH Club. Once a driver has achieved 130 MPH Club Member status no more runs will be allowed.
? An acceptable speed indicator is required so the driver has an indication of the car's speed at any point on the course.
? An initial "licensing" pass at no more than 100 mph will be required to calibrate the on board speed gauge equipment. i.e.; tachometer, speedometer, etc.
? Maximum speed will be 140 mph - any vehicle exceeding 140 mph will be disqualified from making anymore passes and will not receive a timing slip.
? Drivers will be required to participate in a driver orientation meeting with an experienced salt flats driver prior to racing.
? The driver must wear a Snell 2000 or newer Snell approved, full-face helmet, long sleeve shirt or jacket, long pants and closed shoes.
? Motorcycle riders must wear full leathers, either one piece or zip together waist, including leather boots and leather gloves.
? Open Cars must have a 4-point or more roll bar. Vehicles with factory Glass T-Top inserts or any vehicles aftermarket roof modifications are consider to be ?Open Cars?. Vehicles with removable ?Hard Tops? (such as Miata, Boxter, ect.) are also considered to be ?Open Cars?. .
? Cars must be equipped with OEM (or better) lap and shoulder belts. If vehicle was manufactured prior to belts, they must be added. Properly installed 4 point or more seat belt harnesses are allowed and encouraged.
? Only gasoline, diesel, ethanol, bio-diesel, electric, propane, or natural gas fuels may be used - NO Nitrous Oxide, Methanol or Nitro-fueled vehicles will be allowed.
? Cars must have an adequate battery tie down installed.
? Drive line retention loops are required in the front 25% of each section of drive shaft on rear-wheel cars where adequate retention and control of a broken driveline is not assured by body/frame design.
? Dual throttle return springs are recommended. Proper operation of the throttle return mechanism will be checked during inspection.
? Vehicles must have H, W, Y, V, or Z rated tires which are rated for speeds in excess of 130 mph. Because the sidewall marking systems vary greatly among tire manufacturers, it is the responsibility of the driver/owner to provide objective evidence of the speed rating of tires.
? Tires & wheels for all vehicles will have metal valve caps (metal valve stems are highly recommended) & crack-free valve stems. No tires wider than 10" will be allowed, unless the tires are OEM to the vehicle. (Narrow tires provide better stability on the Salt).
? Wheel covers (hubcaps) will be positively attached or removed.
? All cars will have a small fire extinguisher securely mounted inside the vehicle.
? An impermeable ground cover that extends at least 3' past each side of the vehicle must be used under the vehicle in the pit area. Waste fluids will not be "dumped" they will be taken off the salt for disposal. Pit areas and general Salt will be kept neat and clean at all times
? Rental Cars will not be allowed.
? INSPECTION:
? -All vehicles must be currently licensed and street legal in their respective state.
? -Fees will NOT be charged for an inspection.
? -Inspection will verify the acceptable condition of the engine, drive train, wheels, tires, fuel system, steering, braking, and safety systems to an approved checklist.
? -Decisions of the inspector are final in the areas of safety assessment and requirements.
Course:
The Course will be a 1 mile long course with a 132 foot precision speed trap at the end of the mile.
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The bold entries are the only provisions that directly refer to the mechanical equipment in the cars, so there are apparently no limitations regarding gear selection or engine design (ie cams etc.) which was the primary question posted.
Frankly I'm puzzled that no one has even offered a tangible comment on his primary concerns --- specifically how do folks that run on the salt choose their gear ratios and what engine characteristics seem to be most desirable (ie how to cam the engine).
From every thing I've seen the main hurdle for drivers trying to get into the 130 or 150 club is the limited traction available and the short acceleration zone. Most any high performance car could easily get to 150 with a little longer starting zone, so the challenge is to get good acceleration with out over-powering the traction available.
This would imply you want a very flat torque curve and gearing that is designed to keep the engine pulling hard (ie close ratios with out too much low gear). The whole pass only lasts 35 -50 seconds so you don't have much time for the car to pull up to its aerodrag limited speed.
Larry
