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NOTICE: NEW SIDE SHIELD REQUIREMENT FOR COMPETITORS WITH IN-LINE ENGINES – i.e. Super Farm, Light/Heavy Super Stock, Pro Farm, Pro Stock, Semi, FWD Diesel Pickups, etc.

Rule clarifications/additions to the 2007 NTPA Rule Book.

Rule goes into effect on July 20, 2007.

(Provided below are photo exhibits of left and right side shields and answers to FAQ's.)

H. (pg. 24) 2.a 
All inline engines are required to have an additional inner side shield consisting of .125 (1/8) thick steel or titanium or .250 (1/4) aluminum inside the current .060 steel or aluminum side shields with a minimum of 1/2 inch air gap. This shield is independent of the current side shield and must be attached to the vehicle chassis (frame) with a minimum of 5/16 fasteners at both ends and center on the bottom and to the engine block at both ends at deck height (can be bolted solid or use 5/16 chain) on the top. This shield must extend from the bottom of the head to the centerline of the crankshaft and extend the full length of the block on each side of the engine.

Show & Tell Photo Exhibits:

Photos provided by: Ellen Van Handel – PhotoSports Wisconsin LLC®

Photos below show an approved side shield design on a JD Super Farm.

Top 10 questions about the new inline engine side shield:

  Q 1. Does my V-8 engine need a new side shield?

  A. No just the inline engines i.e. Pro Farm, Super Farm, Pro Stock, Super Stock, Semi, FWD diesel pickups, etc.

  Q 2. It says fastened to the frame at front, middle and rear of shield, what type of fasteners do you require?

  A. It can be bolted to the frame rail or set on dowel pins and clipped or have dowel pins stick up on frame and then set on then and clip or bolt to a tab at each spot. The fasteners whether pins or bolts should be at least 5/16 in diameter.

  Q 3. Does the shield have to be one piece?

  A. No, it can be two pieces, one on the inside of the frame and one on top of the frame.

  Q 4. I have an OEM channel type frame, do I have to line it with this shield?

  A. No, if it’s thick enough you can add the new shield from the top of the frame to the bottom of the head.

  Q 5. Can I notch around my injection pump or filters?

  A. No, you can bend it or form it around the pump or filters but it has to cover the side of the engine.

  Q 6. Can I notch around my linkage, steering rod or headers?

  A. Yes you can as long as it fits within ½ inch of the steering, piping, etc.

  Q 7. Why does it have to be fastened to the frame? Can I attach it to the current side shield?

  A. It is to be independent of the current side shield, if we take the side shield off or you have a tilt hood it will stay on the frame.

  Q 8. How does the fastened to the engine at the top of the shield work? My engine moves and I think it will tear the shield off the frame if it flexes.

  A. You can use a short length of 5/16 chain to attach side shield at the top to the engine block. This will allow the engine to “float” in the frame.

  Q 9. How are you going to put an engine fire out?

  A. We can still get the current .060 side shield off and put out the fire over the new shield (it stops at the bottom of the head) or around each end of it.

  Q 10. Do I get a weight allowance for this new shield?

  A. No, you have 3 types of material that can be used; pick the one that best fits your needs.

Questions? Please feel free to contact the following Tech Official’s:

Roger Kutz – (262)473-2531

Harold Haney – (920)960-5649

Kal Parker – (608)565-7804

Duane Kuehn – (715)613-0539

Luke Van Handel – (920)788-3601 / 1-800-227-3373, Ext. 3067