RACE CAR SPECIFICATIONS AND SAFETY RULES

Warning:

These minimum chassis requirements are to be used without warranty, expressed or implied.  No warranty or representation is made as to these minimum requirements ability to protect the user from any injury or death; the user assumes that risk.  Infractions of any safety rule or race car specifications may result in disqualification.

Engine must be of automotive-type.

Fuel is restricted to straight methanol with a maximum specific gravity of .820 at 60 degrees Fahrenheit. VP-M5 for 0-360ci cast iron block.

Nitrous Oxide, or any other similar additive injection, is not allowed.

Traction control devices are not allowed.

Cockpit adjusters are not allowed.

            * Adjusters cannot be driver accessible.

Radios, communication equipment or rear view mirrors are not allowed.

Any car detected with a functional muffler will be disqualified.

* Any attempt to run muffler bearings and or piston return springs will be deemed an

   unfair disadvantage and subject to disqualification.

Promoter options are not allowed.  Competitors must earn their way into A-Main event.

Body type shall be Sprint car.  Rear-engine cars are not allowed.

Maximum height on the right side door (arm guard) is 37 ½ inches, measured from the bottom

of the lower frame rail to the top of the arm guard.

Wings, airfoils and wedges are not allowed.

            * Sail panels that fall under this rule will be removed.

Front axles of aluminum or titanium are not allowed.

Spudded axles are not allowed.

Wheelbase shall be 84’ minimum; no maximum.

Wheels shall be approved for race car use by manufacturer.  No stock, wire or titanium wheels shall be allowed.  Wheel dimensions shall be 15 inch minimum diameter, 18 inch maximum inside rim width right rear, 15 inch maximum inside rim width left rear and 10 inch maximum inside rim width front.  RR wheel cannot exceed 44” and LR wheel cannot be less than 31” measured from rear axel of center section to outside bead seat.

* There are no restrictions on type of tires.  Right rear qualifying tire will be A-Main tire.

Bead Lock is required on the right rear with no minimum air pressure limit.

All Chassis built after June 1, 1985 must meet or exceed the specifications as follows:

The chassis must be constructed of SAE 4130 seamless tubing.

The roll cage must be heliarc welded to the frame and be properly gusseted.

A minimum of 1’ o.d. x .083 seamless tubing must be used for the gussets and bracing.

It is mandatory that the roll cage be a minimum of three (3) inches higher than the driver’s head with his/her helmet on.

No oil or water coolers may be mounted on the roll cage.

Officials shall be empowered to drill a 1/8” hole in the roll cage to determine the tubing wall thickness.

For the roll cage from top frame rail upward, we recommend 1 – ½; x .120 wall thickness, 4130 tubing.  (The minimum specification is .095 wall thickness.)

Engine driveline and rear axle center section must be mounted on chassis centerline at (1/2” offset allowed) a ninety (90) degree angle to front and rear axles.  Engine must be mounted to chassis in a vertical position.  A maximum of one degree variation will be allowed as measured from crankshaft centerline. 

Fuel system:

A conventional tail tank, fuel cell and the fuel contained must be carried on the centerline of the chassis and be located behind the driver.  All cars must be equipped with fuel cell and tail tank meeting the requirements of USAC and the SFI Specification 28.2.

In the event a fuel tank separates from chassis, owner will be subject to a $1000.00 fine.

The following equipment is mandatory:

Ignition switch.

Disc brakes.

Side nerf bars:

*  Three-point attachment construction.

            *  2 tubes.

            *  Longest tube, 2 bends.

            *  Shortest tube, 1 bend.

            *  1 weld.

            *  1” o.d. x .065 minimum - .120 maximum well thickness steel tube.

No side nerf bar shall protrude past outer plane of rear tires.

Rear bumper must be steel, a minimum of one inch o.d. x .083 wall thickness, and attached in a

safe manner.

Front bumper must be of tubular design, a maximum of on inch o.d. x .095 wall thickness, and be

 a two-point mount and run parallel to the front axle.

No ballast in nerf  bars or bumpers.

Removable steering wheels incorporating a quick release mechanism conforming to SFI Spec.

42.1 are mandatory. 

A strap on the torque tube or a steel hoop minimum .095” thickness is mandatory.

Seating system:

The seat must be mounted to the chassis in a minimum of four positions with a minimum 5/16

inch steel bolt and nut.  Each mounting hole in the seat must have a steel (minimum .060

thickness) or aluminum (minimum .125 thickness) doubler with minimum 2-inch diameter.

It is mandatory that all cars have a headrest of high impact shock-absorbing material meeting SFI

Spec. 45.2 behind the driver’s head with a minimum thickness of one (1) inch.  Seats with built in

headrests must also comply with this requirement by having padding on the seat back or on the

A-Frame behind the seat.

Seat Belts:

The use of an approved seat belt with a latch/lever release mechanism is mandatory.  Rotary

mechanisms are not allowed.  Both the fastening design and condition of the belt are subject to

inspection by the tech representative.  Life of the belts in use shall not exceed two (2) years and

must be date stamped by the manufacturer.  All belts must have a label showing that they meet

SFI Specs. 16.1.

Must be equipped with a driver-operable device to prevent accidental release of latch.

Belt material is to be as short as practical.

Belts must be worn as tight as possible

Lap belt must be worn in such a manner that it passes around the pelvic area at a point below the anterior superior iliac spines.  Under NO condition may it be worn over the area of the intestines and abdomen!  Lap belt shall not pass over the sides of the seat.  It shall come through the seat at such a height so as to provide the greatest amount of support to the pelvic area.  Where the belt passes through the sides of the seat, the seat edges must be rolled and/or grommeted to prevent chafing or cutting of the belt.

Five or six point crotch belts connected to main belt quick release mechanism and securely attached to the chassis are mandatory.

All belts and harnesses must have a manufacturer’s date and must be replaced every two years from that date.

Shoulder Harness:

The use of double over the shoulder straps is mandatory.  Both the fastening design and condition of the straps are subject to inspection by the tech representative.  Life of the shoulder straps in use shall not exceed two (2) years and must be date stamped by the manufacturer.  All straps must have a label showing they meet SFI Specs 16.1.

Two individual straps of adjustable length with metal ends designed to join the lap belt at the quick-release mechanism, thereby forming a single release point for the lap belt and shoulder harness system.

Harness straps shall be attached directly to a strong structural member of the car close behind the driver’s head and neck.  At points of the attachment, they should be four (4) to six (6) inches apart.  They should be attached to be in line approximately 90 degrees to a line of the seat back and approximately level, or a maximum of one (1) inch below the top of the driver’s shoulders.

Where the straps pass through the seat or body structure of the car, the edges must be rolled and/or grommeted to preventing cutting or chaffing of the straps.

Two (2) belts joining in a “Y” form, behind the neck, to form one strap may not be used!

The harness should be worn as tight as possible.

Application procedure:  having a predetermined the length of the crotch belt, connect the crotch belt, lap belt, and shoulder harness together.  Then tighten the seat belt.  Be certain that it comes across the pelvic area below the iliac spines.  Then tighten the shoulder harness to the desired tension.

Safety equipment:

Helmets – All participating drivers must wear safety helmets designed specifically for auto racing that meet or exceed the 2000 or 2005 Snell Foundation or SFI Foundation 31.1.  Specifications and are labeled as such.  Helmets will be subject to inspection at each event by the technical and/or medical representative.  The use of an SFI approved head and neck restraint is recommended.

Uniforms – All drivers must wear fire resistant head sock/helmet skirt, underwear, socks, shoes, gloves, and a one-piece uniform fitted snugly around the neck, wrist and ankles.  It is recommended that these items meet SFI Foundation Specifications 3.2A and 3.3.

Arm Restraints – Arm restraints are mandatory and must be worn at all times during competition.

Roll Cage Nets – It is recommended that all cars be fitted with roll cage nets on both the left and right sides of the roll cage for all events.  All roll cage nets must conform to SFI Specs. 37.1, which specifies a functional quick release opening mechanism.  The life of the roll nets shall not exceed two (2) years.  Caution to be certain that the driver’s head cannot get under the net in case of an accident.  The bottom of the roll cage nets should be as close to the top of the shoulders as possible.

Roll cage padding – All chassis protrusions, roll cage tubes and roll bars in close proximity to the drivers’ helmet must be padded with a securely attached high impact material conforming to SFI Foundation Specs. 45.1.  This includes any vertical anti-intrusion supports alongside the driver. 

Any participant not complying in full with all safety requirements will not be permitted to compete.

Driver Eligibility:

All drivers must be at lease 18 years of age to compete.  A Photostat copy of a birth certificate with county seal may be required to prove age.

Every driver must attend the drivers’ meeting or he/she will lose 1 qualifying lap.

All drivers shall have a physical annually and may be required to furnish proof of current approval before being allowed to compete.  The Racing Director shall require that any driver who has been injured requiring doctors care must present a release form said doctor before being allowed to compete again.

Any driver may be required to start in the rear of their initial races or until they demonstrate they are competitive.  Also they may be required to display “rookie stripes” on the rear of their roll cage.  Style and color of stripes will be designated by officials.

Any driver continually getting into trouble may be required to start at the rear of the races until he/she can handle his/her car safely.

Pit Passes:

All drivers, car owners, venders and pit persons must by and display pit passes.  Anyone in the pits without a pit pass who is not signed in at the pit gate will be suspended indefinitely.

All persons entering the pits must wear proper attire for racing environment.

Track Rules:

All participants must wear proper attire for a racing event.

Participants may not leave pit area without permission of a Racing Director with exception of entering the grandstands, in which case they may not return to the pit area.

Drinking or boisterous conduct will not be allowed in the pits.  Anyone who shows signs of intoxication, or who has been acting in a manner unbecoming, may be ejected from the pits.

Any driver guilty of unsportsmanlike conduct may be fined a minimum of $100.00 for the first offense.  Any person guilty of unsportsmanlike conduct or breaking these rules, including drivers who have been fined, shall be subject to disciplinary action or expulsion from the track.

FIGHTING:  One year suspension from all events.

In the event a cash fine is levied against a driver or car owner by an official, the fine must be paid before the car, or driver, will be allowed to compete again.

Any official may levy a fine.

Any person not wearing drivers attire will not be allowed to be pushed off on any portion of the track at any time.

Cars left unattended in the pits when called for a lineup in next race, may miss that race as a penalty.  The field will be started one car short.

A minimum 2A, 10BC dry chemical fire extinguisher will be required in all pits.

If a driver gains a position by driving under tire markers, or alters the race course, or if, in the opinion of the officials, he/she is bettering his/her position by consistently running in the infield, he/she will get set back two (2) positions for each position gained.

At no time shall a race car enter the pits for any reason.  In such case, the car is deemed out of the race.

Fines will be levied to ANYONE interfering with a starter during the course of the race.  The minimum fine is $1000.00 and/or disqualification for the evening.

Race Format:

NOTE:

Officials may alter the type and format of program to be run in case of a car shortage, adverse track conditions, or similar circumstances.

Qualifying and Warm-up Procedures

Qualifying positions will be obtained by a pit crew person, or the driver, drawing only one number for each car as it enters the pit gate, or if so directed by the Racing Director, at the Owner/Driver pit meeting.  Qualifying numbers must be drawn before warm-up laps start, except in the case of a breakdown or emergency in towing to the track, as shall be determined by the Racing Director.

Cars not qualifying may start at the rear of the Consolation race or Semi.

The Racing Director will determine when the track is ready for qualifying.

Unauthorized hot-lapping will be fined.

Cars shall not be started in the infield or on the track without permission of the officials.

When a qualifier is interfered with during his qualifying attempt, he may be permitted to take another lap.

When a car spins out or fails to complete a timed qualifying lap, it loses that lap.

The end of the normal qualifying period shall be 5 minutes after the last scheduled car qualifies according to qualifying order.  All remaining cars will have 5 minutes in which to qualify according to original order.

If a car fails to take the green flag on its first qualifying attempt, it may return within three (3) positions of its originally drawn position, and will be given its normal two qualifying laps.  If it fails to appear within said three (3) positions, it will be allowed to attempt one qualifying lap at the end of the normal qualifying period, if time permits.

The order of cars attempting their one lap at the end of normal qualifying pursuant to Rules 9 and 10 above will be according to originally drawn qualifying numbers. 

If for any reason a driver change is made in any race, that car must start at the rear of the field.

If a driver attempts to qualify two or more cars, only the time of the last car he drives will be considered.  Any other earlier qualified car will be considered a scratched.

In case of the car shortage, any unqualified car added to the feature will receive money but no points.  Any extra car that is needed to transfer to fill the field, such mentioned cars will start in the rear.

Heat Races – 10 laps each:

If forty (40) cars qualify, eight-car (8) heats shall be run.  If fewer than forty cars qualify, the number of cars per heat race will be determined by the racing director.

Cars finishing 1^st though 4^th in each heat race (a total of 16 cars) will run in the Main Event; cars finishing 5^th though 8^th (a total of 16 cars) will run in the Semi-Main Event.

First Heat Race:  (Inverted Start)

Cars Qualifying 1, 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, 25, and 29.

Second Heat Race:  (Inverted Start)

Cars Qualifying 2, 6, 10, 14, 18, 22, 26, 30.

Third Heat Race:   (Inverted Start)

Cars Qualifying 3, 7, 11, 115, 19, 23, 27, and 31.

Fourth Heat Race:  (Inverted Start)

Cars qualifying 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, and 32.

Consolation Race – 8 Laps

Forty (40) or more cars - qualifying 33^rd and slower, with the first two (2) finishers transferring to Semi-Main Event.

Less thank forty (40) cars – Cars qualifying 29^th and slower, with the first two (2) finishers transferring to the Semi-Main Event.

The Consolation Race will be started strait up according to qualifying time.

Any driver not qualifying for the Main Event, or Semi-Main Event, may compete in the Consolation Race.

Semi-Main Event – 12 Laps:

The starting lineup will be strait- up according to qualifying times, with transfers from the Consolation Race starting at the rear.

Forty (40) or more cars qualified – Semi Main Event field will be made up of 5^th, 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th place finishers in the four Heat Races (16 cars), with the first two (2) finishers from the Consolation Race.  (A total of 18 cars.)

Less than forty (40) cars qualified – Semi-Main Event field will be made up of 5^th, 6^th, and 7^th place finishers in the four Heat Races (12 cars), with the first two (2) finishers from the Consolation Race.  (A total of 14 cars.)

If there is no Consolation Race, the next qualifiers in order will be allowed to start at the rear of the Semi-Main Event to complete the required field.

Main Event – 30 Laps

Cars finishing 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th in the four Heat Races (16 cars), plus cars finishing 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th in the Semi-Main Event, completing the twenty (20) car field. In event of a 22 car Main Event, cars finishing 5^th and 6^th in the Semi-Main will transfer to the main and will start on their qualifying position.

After the official line-up for the Main Event is made, and before the cars push off, alternate starter(s) may be used, based on their finishing order in the Semi-Main Event.  The alternate starters shall start at the rear of the field.

After the Main Event has been pushed off, there will be no alternate(s).

Additional race format:

At the discretion of the officials, in case of adverse conditions.  All entrants will draw for starting positions.

After forty cars are selected by the above procedure, all forty cars will draw for starting positions pursuant to the qualifying format.

* Subject to change.