Hot Rods Iv been bitten by the dragster bug, and i believe its fatal.

You must build it to NHRA specs if you expect to hit some test and tune nights. There is some leeway in design, but NHRA does specify tubing sizes in the driver area. You can build a period correct looking cage within the rules. I built one using a Mark Williams print shortened to 156''. Good luck on the build and take lots of pics.