Rules

General Track Rules

1. No shorts are permitted in any class. All drivers, except TCR and Junior Dragster participants, must possess a valid driver’s license for the state in which they reside to operate a vehicle independently.
2. A helmet is required for all entries running 8.99 seconds or quicker.
3. Refer to the IHRA rulebook for roll cage and structural requirements.
4. The use of drugs or alcohol by drivers in any class is strictly prohibited.
5. Joyriding on pit vehicles is not permitted. Pit vehicles are provided as a convenience for racers and crews and are not to be used for cruising. The pit area can be hazardous; speeds must be kept to a minimum. Drivers must be at least 16 years old to operate a motorized pit vehicle.
6. For entries running 7.49 seconds or quicker, a fire jacket is required. Entries running 6.49 seconds or quicker must use a jacket meeting SFI 3.2A-5 specifications. Entries running 5.99 seconds or quicker must also use fire pants meeting SFI 3.2A-5, along with fire shoes and a neck collar or restraint. Fire gloves are required for entries running 5.49 seconds or quicker or for any vehicle fueled by methanol. Open-bodied entries running 5.99 seconds or quicker must utilize a full SFI 3.2A-5 suit including jacket, pants, neck collar, shoes, arm restraints, gloves, and a full-face Snell-approved helmet.
7. Antifreeze is not permitted in race vehicles. Additives that create slick conditions and are difficult to remove from the racing surface are also prohibited.
8. All safety requirements for drivers and vehicles are outlined in the IHRA rulebook. Track officials may grant a grace period for certain items at their discretion. Drivers are expected to use sound judgment and prioritize the safety of themselves and others. The goal is to promote safe and proper competition.
9. An engine containment device, or engine diaper, is strongly recommended for all vehicles, particularly those running 7.99 seconds or quicker. While not currently required by IHRA, such devices enhance driver safety, protect competitors in the opposite lane, and reduce track downtime and repair costs.
10. Down-track timed throttle stops are prohibited in all bracket categories. Wheel or driveshaft sensors and slew rate controls are not permitted in bracket competition.
11. Excessive braking during a competition run is not allowed. The “smoke em, load em” policy will be enforced. One warning will be issued per event.
12. Once the staging lane director begins calling a set of lanes for competition, those vehicles are considered paired. If a driver is unable to start the vehicle before crossing the yellow line at the front of the lanes, the driver will be given five minutes or until the end of the round, whichever is greater, to refire. This will be considered a competition break, not a bye run. If both entries have crossed the front of the lanes and a vehicle loses fire, that driver will have one minute to refire before it is ruled a competition break, not a bye run.
13. If a Dash for Cash is offered, the winner will receive the first-round bye opportunity. If only a time trial is offered, the best reaction time will receive the first-round bye. In subsequent rounds, the best reaction time, with closest-to-dial as a tiebreaker, will determine bye runs.
14. If an oil down occurs during competition, waiting drivers will be permitted to adjust their dial-in and will be given adequate time to prepare.
15. Drag racing involves variables, and while every effort is made to ensure fairness, timing systems and personnel are not infallible. The race director has final authority in all decisions and will work to ensure equitable competition. In the event of a clear timing system malfunction, affected pairs will be required to rerun.
16. Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated. The facility is committed to maintaining a positive, family-oriented atmosphere built on camaraderie and respect.

Top Eliminator

Dial-in range is 0 to 7.99 seconds on a .500 full tree. Crosstalk is enabled. Courtesy staging is required. If an opposing driver prestages after a driver has lit both bulbs, the staging process is considered accepted. The starter may back up a double-bulbed driver if given adequate time by the opponent. The timing system enforces a 10-second timeout once three bulbs are lit and is configured according to IHRA guidelines. Deep staging is not recognized in Top Eliminator; however, accidental extinguishing of the top bulb will not automatically result in a red light. Drivers should remain attentive during staging.

1. Modified Eliminator
   All-run field for door cars and left-hand steer entries only. Delay boxes are prohibited. This is a bottom-bulb class; footbrake or transbrake is permitted. Courtesy staging is required unless a driver is deep staging. Drivers who intend to deep stage must clearly display the word “deep” on both sides of the vehicle, visible to the starter. A deep stager must light both prestage bulbs to indicate prestage status. Final staging must be completed promptly, or the starter will activate the tree. If a deep stager extinguishes the top bulb and a flicker occurs due to vehicle movement after the tree is activated, the run will stand. Once autostart is activated, both drivers must be prepared to race. Drivers should confirm whether their opponent is deep staging. Deep stagers are expected to notify their opponent to prevent confusion.

2. Junior Dragster
   Eligibility is limited to drivers ages 7 through 17. Drivers ages 7 to 9 are restricted to 11.90 seconds or slower. Ages 10 to 11 are restricted to 8.90 seconds or slower. Drivers ages 12 to 17 may dial 7.90 seconds or quicker with the appropriate license. A Masters Elite license is required to dial between 7.50 and 7.89 seconds. All safety requirements, including Elite licensing, are governed by the IHRA rulebook.

Deep staging is permitted and follows the same procedures as outlined in the Modified category. Once a vehicle is prestaged, crew members may not touch the vehicle. If the first driver to prestage stages too deep and the opposing driver has not begun staging, the starter may back the vehicle up if autostart has not been activated. Final staging must occur under forward power. Vehicles that are stuck to the track may not be assisted by crew members and will be timed out. Proper clutch adjustments are the responsibility of the crew.

Drivers must be towed once they reach the ticket booth and must remain on tow to the staging lanes.

An IHRA-style card system will be used for pairing in all rounds. Red lane and black lane cards will determine pairings, with the high card receiving lane choice. Pairings may result in competitors racing vehicles beside, in front of, or behind them. Multi-car teams should take note.

1. Sportsman
   Sportsman is open to vehicles with dial-ins of 7.40 seconds and slower. DOT tires, slicks, and drag radials are permitted. Open headers are allowed. Vehicles may be trailered. This category is intended as a cost-effective entry point for new or budget-conscious racers. A driver may enter both Sportsman and Modified with the same vehicle. Deep staging procedures follow the Modified guidelines.

2. TCR (Teen Championship Racing)
   Open to drivers ages 13 to 17 who are accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or licensed adult age 25 or older. Vehicles must be street legal and run 9.00 seconds or slower. Participation requirements are governed by the IHRA rulebook.

3. Points
   All entrants are automatically enrolled in the points program at no additional cost. Points are awarded as follows:

• One point per round win
• One bonus point for a race win
• Three points for entry

Ties will be broken by the following criteria, in order:

• Most wins
• Most runner-up finishes
• Most events entered
• Deepest finish