The National Control Council (NCC) of ANDRA met in Adelaide on December 7 for the last of their scheduled meetings during 1966. Much of the agenda involved general administrative issues.

Because it is such a diverse sport covering a range of vehicle types and handicap methods, drag racing requires constant monitoring of rules and regulations. ANDRA says it is important to ensure that input is received from all interested parties, and as the sport has grown that process has become harder.

Since August, members of the NCC have been reviewing the rules making system, and the first suggestions from Divisional level were tabled on Saturday. The next stage of the review will occur at the next NCC meeting, in May 1997, at which time a firm proposal will be finalized.

The ANDRA gold Christmas tree trophies, now presented to the winners of major events and Australian Championships, are much sought after by competitors, both here and overseas. When first introduced, they were awarded to just 10 people each year. The sport has grown to the point where 59 will be presented annually from 1997 and concerns were raised that their status within the sport would be diminished.

For the 1998 season and beyond, a new three-amber gold Christmas tree will be commissioned for presentation at the three annual National Championship events, and the current five-amber trophy will be exclusively retained for the winners of the 1996 ANDRA Australian Championships.

A proposal to allow screw-type superchargers in Top Fuel and Funny Car was not accepted. Although these units have proven to be successful in other classes, and it is known that the NHRA has been considering their adoption in these classes of racing, no testing information is available on their use in the large capacity nitro fuelled classes.

Advertising will commence in the near future to attract interested people to work as volunteer officials in drag racing, it has been announced. With more frequent events and a greater involvement by ANDRA, it's important that these resources are developed.

From October 1, 1997, the weighing of vehicles during classifying will become optional. Classification will be based on entry details and stated engine capacity, and weight checks will be carried out immediately after qualifying and competition runs, where required. Competitors will be able to weigh their vehicles at other times during the event to ensure they comply.

The application of the American SFI standards to safety equipment in certain classes has attracted a great deal of comment on cost. Most competitors are using the equipment anyway, but the expense of recertification, every two years in some cases, can be high. This is because the parts must be returned to their American manufacturers for inspection, and the costs of freight and customs are prohibitive.

This also effects the certification of locally produced equipment, which in many cases is the equivalent of the overseas product. It was decided that a survey will be made of the affected competitors, and options to the current recertification requirements will be investigated.

Following concerns over the large attendances at some Divisional Council meetings, it was proposed that in Divisions with more than 15 clubs, attendance will be limited to one delegate and one observer in each case. The delegate will carry the authority for proxy voting on behalf of the current representation levels. This change requires an amendment to the ANDRA Constitution, and will be decided at the next Annual General Meeting.

The opportunity for ANDRA Championship events over an eighth-mile distance were reaffirmed. Criteria were established covering facilities and other requirements, and these events will only be permitted at recognized eighth-mile tracks.

From 1997, the ANDRA Shield will be presented to the Division whose competitors in Groups Two, Three and Four are most successful at the three National Championship events. To permit close monitoring of this points chase as the actual events unfold, points will be allocated on a different basis to the Australian Drag Racing Series points in future. Beginning with the first round of eliminations, one point will be added to the total for each winner's Division.

It was decided that bonus points for low elapsed time and top speed at rounds of the Group One Australian Championships will be reduced from ten to five from October 1, 1997.

Increased interest in vehicles powered by four cylinders and rotary engines at the "off-street" levels prompted discussion on the limited opportunities for these cars within the current ANDRA Championship structure. It was proposed that the current Super Street eliminator limit be brought back to 13.50 seconds, with more emphasis on "street-type" vehicles.

This matter would be presented at local levels prior to a decision being made in August, 1997. The ANDRA Super Street licence level would also be reviewed to bring it directly in line with the eliminator of the same name.

The minimum weight for Pro Stock vehicles was amended to 2100 lb., including driver, from January 1, 1997. The existing weight break would still apply.

The decision to prohibit electroplating on steering and suspension components from January 1, 1997 was rescinded.