2009 Oil Containment Device Rule
Beginning in 2009, An oil containment device (engine diaper or catch pan with a absorbent liner shall be required in Pro Mod, Super Street, Super Comp, Super Gas, Super Modified, And Pro Eliminator. All cars will also be required to run a Deck-lid or Turbo-Box style engine cover. Deck-lids may be mounted with stand off mounts to allow clearance for turbo and carburetor systems. Manx style buggy’s and Dragsters are exempt from engine cover rule. Kevin Reynolds PRA

Thanks Kevin I realize that the rule is now "chiseled in stone" so to speak and I'm cool with it as I am sure almost everyone else is. I have some concerns I'd like to air. Consider these simply "Points to Ponder!" I stand by my original position that stricter policies need to be practiced in tech at the prevention level. I have personally witnessed cars with a substantial drip trail behind them sail right through tech (Pheonix). The inspector needs to take a peak underneath and if a car is leaving a trail of oil drops, that car needs to be fixed before competing. In my opinion, a mandatory drip pan, while a good idea, will allow some people to become complacent in this regard. "why should I fix my junk when the drip pan will catch it?" Again, if it is required of any, it should be required of all. Seatbelts are required, a battery hold-down is required, having all the lug nuts is required and for most a helmet is required. A drip pan can be fabbed by anyone with the sligh-*test*-('") of mechanical skills. If one can put a car out on the track, then one can make up a drip pan for it. Agian, these are only meant to be points to ponder and in the words of Forrest Gump.... "That's all I have to say about THAT!"

Realistically, that's all one could ask. We can't control that which we have no control over. I appreciated the "ear" Kevin.

I ran a catch pan last season and believe in them fully. Any sources for the liner ?

Do you have a list of vendors and phone numbers that we can have diapers made at?

Has the PRA come up with a spec. or minimum requirement for capacity and/or what parts of the engine or transmission needs to be covered? Is it valve cover to valve cover, front pulley to flywheel, nothing for transmission? Can someone hand out a guideline at the picnic/supergas etc. rules meeting to aid in our offseason construction.

In answer to my question, RLR pointed me over to Taylor Motorsports (714 738-7521) in Anaheim for the diaper. Good question on what is going to satisfy the new rule? A number of us have been running pans this past season. This doesn't mean that they are legal, but have consistently passed tech. Mine was made at RLR and goes valve cover to cover and from bellhousing to oil pump, the Palmer's have offered dimensions for theirs and the Inspector made one for his SC car.

I also have the RLR pan and if anything else is required wee need to know now. That son of a gun cost me a bunch of money and RLR made certain that it met all the NHRA requirements while making them. Now if the PRA has other rules beyond the NHRA.. welll .. we'll deal with that then. I am going to Dennis Taylor to have him make me a liner as well. Now as far as the decklid rule.. as I stated before that doe snot apply to me since I already ahve one but there are guys on my team that will need to reconfigure there headers and plumbing to fit the new rule. As far as members having a vote.. do we?

They are permitted in all classes. But will not become mandatory in 2009. After many responses to their use and the possible effects on car handling at high speeds, the fitment and cost to fabricate to existing car platforms. It was felt that their use needs further investigation as to which classes they should be required in. In addition the mandating of deck lids and or engine covers in PE, SM, SG, and SC will not take place in 2008. This will also be researched in 2009 to determine their the effects of oil debris control when used.