ACU Drag Bike Regulation Changes 2025

The ACU Drag Bike regulation changes listed below are for the 2025 season and beyond, first and foremost we must apologise for the late submission, this has been completely out of our control, however steps are being taken to improve how and when the regulation changes are published to our racers, for the 2026 rules changes (if any) they will be submitted and ratified before the end of October 2025, then publish to allow for any changes if required. 

One item that has been brought to our attention is the ACU gold stickers on crash helmets, legal approved gold stamps have a serial number and QR code attached to them, should your bike helmet not have the correct sticker, you can either send or take your helmet to the ACU for them to check the helmet and apply the correct sticker, the cost for the service is free, but postage is charged at £15 to return the helmet to you.

Should you wish to take the helmet in person, they can, we are told, do this while you wait, the ACU are located at Wood Street, Rugby, CV212YX. 

2025 ACU Drag Bike Regulation Changes

Changes to existing, and new additions, are in RED:

6 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS OF MOTORCYCLES

6.5 DRAIN PLUGS

UNLESS specific class rules allow all drain plugs securing any liquid must be so fitted as to prevent any leakage, and positively locked against loosening with wire.

6.8 FUEL PUMPS

Any make of fuel pump may be fitted. UNLESS specific class rules allow all electrically operated pumps must be connected to the ignition switch so that they are switched off with the ignition.

6.11 OVERFLOWS

UNLESS specific class rules allow all breathers must terminate in a catch can/tank of 550ml minimum capacity or vent into the exhaust/ induction system. Cans should be of a two chamber design or with intake isolated from outlet to ensure oil cannot exit directly from the inlet.

6.12 HANDLEBARS AND CONTROL LEVERS

1. Any type or make of handlebar may be fitted at the owner’s discretion.
2. It is compulsory to fit lock stops to ensure a minimum clearance of 25mm between the handlebars and any other part of the machine, to prevent trapping of the rider’s hands.
3. The minimum angle of rotation either side of centre line or mid point is 20 degrees.
4. Handlebar grips, if fitted, must be securely attached.
5. UNLESS specific class rules allow, all control levers (clutch, brake etc.) must be in principle ‘ball ended’, diameter of ball end to be 12.5mm minimum. The ball end may be flattened to a minimum thickness of 12.5mm, but all edges must be rounded. Ball ends must be permanently fixed and form an integral part of the lever.

6.17 IGNITION

1. Any type or make of ignition system may be fitted.
2. A positive acting cut out switch must be fitted and attached to the top fork yoke or handlebars. Ignition KILL buttons are not acceptable.
3. UNLESS specific class rules allow, all machines except Nitromethane fuelled machines must have a positive KILL switch attached to the rider by lanyard that shuts down ALL electrical systems on the machine. The lanyard/KILL switch must be able to work when pulled in any direction.
4. A lanyard assembly must be of sufficient strength for purpose. Any lanyard assembly that, in the opinion of the technical team, is not fit for purpose is grounds for disqualification.

6.19 GEAR SHIFT SYSTEMS

1. UNLESS specific class rules allow, automatic gear shifting prohibited unless OEM of engine used. RPM and boost triggered gear shifting strictly prohibited.
2. Where the gear shift is air and/or electrically assisted, all wiring and switches for this system must be separate from the main wiring harness, and must be readily identifiable, traceable and accessible for inspection by the Technical Official.
3. Except where clearly part of an ignition kill device, any part of the wiring in the gear shift system which, in the opinion of the Technical Officer, passes through, or is connected to a closed control box or unit of any type, will be grounds for disqualification.
4. UNLESS specific class rules allow, suspension travel, front wheel speed and ride height sensing of any type is not permitted. All such sensors and devices must be removed from the motorcycle.

6.20 FOOTRESTS

UNLESS specific class rules allow footrests should be of minimum 19mm diameter and 75mm long and ball ended.

6.25 DRIVE CHAINS AND GUARDS

UNLESS specific class rules allow any suitable make or type of chain may be used but must be adequately guarded with 3mm Dural (or equivalent strength alternative) to prevent the chain contacting the rider as a result of breakage.

6.28 SUSPENSION

UNLESS specific class rules allow, spring or passive air suspension allowed, active or air actuated suspension DISALLOWED.

8 9.50 BIKE

8.19 DRIVE CHAINS AND GUARDS

Stock chain guards permitted on OEM motorcycles without a power adder.

9 SUPER STREET BIKE (SSB)

9.8 COMPUTERS

Closed loop systems with proactive functionality allowed. Electronic anti-wheelie devices of any type or functionality are disallowed. Front wheel speed and ride height sensing of any type is not permitted. All such sensors and devices must be removed from the motorcycle.

12 COMPETITION BIKE (CB)

12.8 WHEELS

1. All wire spoked wheels must utilise steel spokes of adequate strength and properly laced.
2. Wheels manufactured for cars may be used providing the fitting to the machine is of sound engineering.
3. Balance weights must be securely attached.
4. Maximum 10″ tyre EXCEPT normally aspirated machines without any power adder where 10.5″ is permitted.

13 TOP FUEL (TF)

13.12 GEAR SHIFT

Timed gear shift allowed as long as preset prior to run, RPM and boost triggered gear shifting strictly prohibited.

15 JUNIOR DRAG BIKE (JRB)

15.6 STARTING

Electric, kick or off-board starters permitted. No push or roller starts.

15.7 COMPUTERS

1. Computers are PROHIBITED and defined as any device (electrical) mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, etc,) that activates any function of or in any way affects the operation of the vehicle based on measurement sensing processing etc, of any data related to the performance of the vehicle.

2. Display or transmission of any data gathered or processed to any remote location is prohibited.

15.8 DATA RECORDERS

A data recorder may be used to record engine rpm, engine temperature and exhaust temperature but MAY NOT activate or initiate any function of the vehicle.

15.8 ELECTRONIC CONTROLS

Electronic controls that affect any functions (i.e. line-locks, clutch, throttle, brakes, etc) are PROHIBITED. All controls must be a function of the rider.

15.9 REV LIMITERS

The use of these devices as a down-track rpm (speed) controller is PROHIBITED.

15.10 DRIVE CHAINS AND GUARDS

Stock chain guards permitted.

17 ET BIKE

2. Machines registered with DVLA for road use and without aftermarket power adders and race aids are exempt from general regulations 6.5, 6.8, 6.11, 6.12, 6.17, 6.19, 6.20,6.25 and 6.28 but must present the V5C registration document and MOT certificate (if applicable) at technical inspection. Failure to do so will mean the exemptions will not be applied.