Pro Stock Motorcycle is the latest category to include FuelTech EFI on the NHRA approved list.
FuelTech, a leading manufacturer of engine and vehicle management systems and accessories, continues to expand its presence in professional drag racing within the NHRA Camping World national event series. The top drag racing sanctioning body in the world has approved the PowerFT ECU for use in its Pro Stock Motorcycle category.
A letter was recently delivered to the FuelTech USA headquarters making its acceptance official. The FT450, FT550, and FT600 engine management systems are legal for use in NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle when using software version 4.91. The news comes after a lengthy process that includes providing drawings and specifications to NHRA technical officials and subsequent conversations to ensure its legality and fair competition use.
“We’re excited to continue expanding FuelTech’s presence in NHRA drag racing and our journey began almost ten years ago in the Pro Modified category,” said Luis De Leon, Chief Operations Officer at FuelTech USA.
The company’s first professional championship came in 2015 with Troy Coughlin Sr. and his twin turbocharged C7 Corvette. The Jeg’s sponsored racer went on to win another championship in 2017 under the FuelTech banner and the company has since powered two more NHRA Pro Modified championships—Jose Gonzales in 2021 and Kris Throne in 2022.
In addition to being legal in Pro Modified, the PowerFT line-up can be used in a variety of Sportsman categories with Factory Showdown being the most prominent. Once again, specific software is required to lockout certain options with the goal of keeping a level playing field. De Leon led the team that developed the special firmware and process to help NHRA verify the competitors are complying with the strict mandates. The Factory Showdown class is where the OEMs do battle with the Ford Mustang Cobra Jet, Chevrolet COPO Camaro, and Dodge Challenger SRT Drag Pak. The engines produce over 1,300 hp using production-based small-blocks and certified superchargers.
Also new for NHRA in 2023 is the inclusion of digital controls in Top Alcohol Funny Car and Dragster categories. A FuelTech ECU is permitted to control timing and fuel and utilize a coil-on-plug ignition for supercharged applications, replacing the traditional magneto ignition and mechanical fuel injection.
FuelTech is well-known in the outlaw and sport compact drag racing ranks around the world and the expansion in the NHRA arena will help solidify their slogan #FuelTechEverywhere.
