NHRA officials announced that mud flaps in Top Fuel will be optional for the next four races, starting at the upcoming NHRA Arizona Nationals in Phoenix on March 21-23, while NHRA evaluates their effectiveness of reducing rear wheel loads without significantly impacting other areas.

The NHRA Technical Department will reassess the mud flap after the four-race trial period, working with Top Fuel teams to gather as much information as possible.

If no mud flap is utilized, the side of the Top Fuel body must be covered with a replacement body panel, with no bare chassis exposed.

Notably, during a test session at Gainesville (Fla.) Raceway two weeks ago, Brittany Force ran the fastest eighth-mile speed in Top Fuel history (302.69 mph) without the mud flaps being on the car.