III. Insurance
The insurance coverage for those who hold a Sanctioning Body
Competition License and/or Sanctioning Body Officials License will be
with a motor
sports insurance services company.
IV. Points
1. Points shall be awarded to yearly Sanctioning Body membership
registered vehicles that have legally entered and passed vehicle inspection at that
sanctioned event.
2. Driver that attend the drivers meeting will receive 2 points
for each vehicle they drive. Roll call will be taken verbally at each
drivers meeting.
3. A vehicle may collect points in more than one division that it is legal to run in.
4. If the end of season points race results in a tie, comparing
the number of 1st place finishes during the season will break
it. If a tie still
exists, 2nd
place
finishes, 3rd place finishes, and etc... will be counted until
the tie is broken.
5.
Disqualification
points will be given as follows: all DQ's will be given last
place points in the class. It is to be noted that a DQ is a DQ
whether it is
safey and/or equipment. The following
breakdown is how points
will be given to tractors who
disqualified:
| Placement | Distance | Points |
| 1 | 199 ft | 20 |
| 2 | 195 ft | 19 |
| 3 | 170 ft | 18 |
| 4 | 155 ft | 17 |
| 7 | DQ | 14 |
| 7 | DQ | 14 |
| 7 | DQ | 14 |
6. The Points Commitee reserves the final authority to settle any
questions or disputes regarding point awards.
7.
All published club pulls taht the sled is at are point's pulls
unless specifically stated as a benefit or fun pull.
8. SVTPA shall award points in the following matter:
| Place | Points | Place | Points |
| 1st | 20 | 9th | 12 |
| 2nd | 19 | 10th | 11 |
| 3rd | 18 | 11th | 10 |
| 4th | 17 | 12th | 9 |
| 5th | 16 | 13th | 8 |
| 6th | 15 | 14th | 7 |
| 7th | 14 | 15th | 6 |
| 8th | 13 | 16-20th | 5 |
V. Decal and Patch Requirements
1. A competitor wishing to accumulate points for an eligible
vehicle must have decals prominently displayed in a highly visable are on each
side of the vehicle.
2. If the vehicle is
of the type requiring the driver to wear a driving suit, a patch must
be prominently displayed on
the upper sleeve of the driving suit.
VI. Eligibility
1. Contest is open to 2 wheel drive, rear wheel drive, rubber
tired tractors. No recapped tires, no dual wheels, chains, studs, or paddle tires
are permitted.
2. Drivers under the age of
18 must have a parent/legal guardian signed consent form at each event.
Minimum age is 6 for
Stock classes, 12 for Stock Altered through Pro Eliminator Super
Modified, 16 for Mini Rods.
3. All vehicles are subject to safety and class rule checks.
4. Any competitor refusing to have his/her vehicle inspected for
eligibility shall not be allowed to enter and/or pull in the class or classes in question until
legality is
established.
5. All drivers should be clean and neatly attired. Tractors should be clean and painted.
6. At the descretion of the official, a driver who does not
attend a driver meeting may be disallowed to compete during the accompanying session of
pulling.
7. No vehicle may exceed 6 foot in
width, nor shall any portion extend more than 8 feet in front of center
of the rear axle.
8. Judgement calls by event officials are final and cannot be
appealed. If class has two officials on the track during an event,
both officials need to be
in unity of decision if there is a disqualification.
9. Any tractor legal in any class will be legal to pull in any class higher on the performance scale.
VII. Classes A. Stock Tractors
1. Factory stock, commerically available,
garden tractor with cast block engine. Engine, chassis, and sheet metal must be from a
factory produced garden tractor or equivalent.
2. No high performance alterations to engine,
or to other parts of vehicle. Stock or "off the shelf",
unaltered, original replacement parts for camshaft,
piston, valves,
rod, carburetor, crankshaft, cylinder head, governor, ignition
system etc...
3. Shall not exceed .030 overbore from
manufacturer's specification. Piston must be flush or below deck
of block.
4. RPM's are limited to a maximum of 4000.
5. No port altering, grinding or polishing allowed.
6. Engine and vehicle must maintain stock apperarance and utilize stock sheet metal.
7. Modifications to clutch, drive line and
transaxle assemblies are allowed to prevent breakage.
8. Billet steel or aluminum flywheel allowed.
No welding or machining of cast flywheels.
9. All factory shielding or equivalent must be in place.
10. Chassis may be altered to accept non
original engine but must maintain original wheelbase.
11. Pump gasoline or diesel only. No pressurized fuel tanks.
12. Single or twin engines allowed.
13. 0-14 HP, maximum tire size 23x10.50x12,
masimum weight of vehicle and driver 900 lbs.
Note:
900 lb 0-14 HP class will be split between ages 14 and under (Jr
Adult) and adult. To be eligible for the 14 and under class, the
driver must be
14 as of the first pull of the season.
14. 0-18 HP, maximum tire size 23x10.50x12,
maxiumum weight of vehicle and driver 1000 lbs.
15. 0-25 HP, maximum tire size 26x12x12,
maximum weight of vehicle and driver 1050 lbs.
B. Stock Altered Tractors
1. Commerically available garden tractor with
cast block engine. Engine block, chassis and sheet metal must be from
factory produced
garden tractor or equivalent.
2. No welding or externally visible modifications to block or cylinder head.
3. Maximum bore size: .040 over manufacturer's standard specification.
4. Stock crankshaft stroke must be maintained.
5. No fabricated intake manifolds or carburetor stand offs allowed.
6. Carburetor must be stock appearing for
engine manufacturer. Maximum air restricting venturi
diameter: 1.200 inch. Throttle shaft activated butterfly
in
stock location must control air flow. No air may enter
intake after 1.200 inch
restriction.
7. Maximum
camshaft regrind specs: .324 inch at zero lash. 223 degree
duration at .050. Maximum valve diameter: 1.380 inches.
8. Stock appearing hood and grill required.
May switch to another factory sheet metal or equivalent.
9. Billet steel or aluminum flywheel required. No RPM limit.
10. Maximum wheel base: 56 inches.
Any garden tractor chassis having a stock wheel base of 56 inches
or longer must retain the stock wheel base.
11. Chassis may be altered to accept non
original engine, but must retain stock length.
12. Pump gasoline only.
13. 0-25 HP, maximum tire size 26x12x12,
maximum weight of vehicle and driver 1100 lbs. Twin cylinders allowed.
C. Pro Stock Tractors
1. Single cylinder, air cooled, naturally
aspirated four cycle, flat head, cast block engine.
2. Sleeves and welding permitted.
3. Jugs other than stock for that engine model not permitted.
4. Crankshaft and camshaft must be in original position.
5. Original measurement from center of crankshaft to top deck.
6. Maximum total engine displacement 50.5 cubic inches.
7. If Kohler engine, original carbureter must
be used. If engine is non-Kohler, Kohler carburetor must be used. Air restricting
venturi must be in stock position and may not be larger than 1.200
inches in diameter. Air controlled by butterfly, in stock
position. No air may enter after 1.200 restriction. Choke
may be removed.
No slides. No injection.
8. Auxiliary fuel pum permissible.
9. Intake stand offs and velocity stacks allowed.
10. All tractors must have a hood and grill
(nose piece). Switching to another factory's sheet metal is permissible.
11. May run on pump gas or alcohol. No
additives. No nitrous oxide. No pressurized fuel tanks.
12. Maximum tire size 26x12x12. Maximum weight of vehicle and driver 1050 lbs.
D. Sportsman Super Modified Tractors
1. Maximum engine displacement: 800cc
(48.8 cubic inches), with a maximum of four cylinders.
2. Must be naturally aspirated, unless diesel. Diesel limited to two turbos.
3. Gasoline, diesel or alcohol fuels only.
4. Maximum tire size: 26x12x12.
Maximum weight of vehicle and driver 1100 lbs.
E. Pro Sportsman Super Modified Tractors
1. Maximum engine displacement 1500 cc (91.5
cubic inches), with a maximum of four cylinders.
2. Must be naturally aspirated unless diesel. Diesel is limited to two turbos.
3. Gasoline, diesel or alcohol fuels only.
4. Maximum tire size: 26x12x12. Maximum weight of vehicle and driver 1200 lbs.
F. Pro Eliminator Super Modified Tractors
1. Maximum engine displacement 1800cc (110
cubic inches). with a maximum of eight cylinders.
2. Diesel limited to two turbos.
3. Gasoline, diesel or alcohol fuels only.
4. Maximum tire size: 31.5x15.50x15.
Maximum weight of vehicle and driver 1400 lbs.
Note:
All diesel powered
tractors in the modified classes listed above must have hood, grill
(nosepiece), and fenders.
Sheet metal must maintain
compact or garden tractor
appearance.
G. Pro Sportsman Mini Rod Tractors 1. Aluminum or cast iron mass production OEM type automotive or marine engine.
2. Maximum engine displacement 2800cc (170.8 cubic inches)
3. If burning pump gas or alcohol, supercharger or one turbocharger may be utilized.
4. If diesel engine, maximum of two
turbochargers, with two pressure stages and choice of either water injection or
intercooler.
5. Gasoline, diesel or alcohol only. No pressurized fuel tanks.
6. Maximum tire size: 31.x15.50x15.
Maximum weight of vehicle and driver 1600 lbs.
H. Eliminator Mini Rod Tractors
1. Aluminum or cast iron automotive, marine,
aviation or industrial engines. No diesel engines. No
turbines.
2. Maximum engine displacement 360 cubic inches (5.9 liters).
3. Engines must be naturally aspirated. No blowers.
4. Gasoline or alcohol only. No pressurized fuel tanks.
5. Maximum tire size: 31x15.50x15.
Maximum weight of vehicle and driver 1850 lbs.
VIII. General RulesNote: Mini Rods (including 4 cylinders) must also comply with additional or overriding rules in Mini Rod sections.
1. Seat: All vehicles must have a secure seat. Seat
may not extend behind rear tires. Seat must have a back, which stands a
minimum of 3 inches above the top of the seat surface.
2. Brakes and steering: All vehicles must have functional brakes and steering.
3. Fire Extinguisher: All vehicles must have a fully
charged, functional fire extinguisher with a gauge within easy reach of the driver
(minimum of 1 1/2 lbs. Dry chemical or equivalent).
4. Throttle: All vehicles must be equipped with a "dead man
throttle" with the rear most position being idle.
5. No portion of tractor may interfere with the hitch of the sled
during the pull. Chain and kill switch cable must be easy to hook without interference.
6. Engine may not be used as a primary support structure for the
vehicle. Engine may not be used as part of frame.
7. Front tires: Must track within the tread of the rear tires.
8. Exhaust:
A. Must discharge vertically (+/- 10 degrees)
upward and extend at least 12 inches from the exhaust port.
B. Exceptions to this rule are the use of
stock mufflers or rear engine tractors, which may discharge out the back.
9. Fenders: All vehicles must
have sturdy safely secured fenders that will protect the driver from
the tires.
10. Stabilizer Bars
A. Must be used by all vehicles except for stock classes with OEM hitch.
B. The device must consist of two separate
sections, each equipped with either skid plate or wheels.
C. Skid plates are to be at least 3 square inches at the ground contact point.
D. Wheels shall be at least 1 inch wide and 4 inches in diameter.
E. Skid plates or wheels (center of wheels)
are to be no less than 5 inches behind the rear of rear tires and
bottom of wheel not more than 5 inches
above the ground.
One shall be on each side of tractor with the
combination of the two strong enough to support the weight of the
tractor when a
jack is placed under them to raise the tractor. No
spring
loaded anti tip-over devices will be allowed.
11.
Bumper Bars: are required and must consist of a bar
extending vertically 6 inches from the rear most tip
of skid pads. The top
of the vertical
bar
would be supported by a brace, which extends to the wheelie
bar, chassis etc... No portion of weights or tractor
may
extend beyond
bumper bars.
12: Front Skid Plates:
Front skid plates are recommended for all tractors but are
mandatory on the following: 1850 lb Eliminator Mini Rod. Skid
plate must be of the two types listed below:
A: Skid plate mounted to center of the axle
must be a minimum of 10 inches wide with rolled edges both front and rear.
Plate must be a minimum of 6 inches in length. Plate must
be centered and securely mounted to front axle and/or frame.
B. Skid plate mounted in line with each frame
rail (on both sides) equal in strength to frame rail material.
Skid plate surface to be minimum of 2 inches
wide and 10 inches long
with a minimum 2 inch curved radius when measured from the front
most
part of rolled
edge. Or a maximum of a 45 degree
bend from the ground and a minimum of one inch
of
material past the bend.
Either
of the two options must be below the lowest portion of the tractor in
the event of tire loss the skid will hit before anything else (on
average
the bottom of rim will work. 13. Draw Bars
A. All vehicles must have a draw bar that is
stationary in all directions with hitching device not more than 3/4 inch in thickness and
must have a minimum 1 1/2 inch diameter opening.
B. Cross section thickness must be equivalent to 1/2 inch round stock.
C. Pulling point may not be more than 3/4 inch
from the back edge of hitching device, parallel to and not more than 13 inches
above the ground and within 2 inches of parallel.
D. An area 5 inches wide and 12 inches high
immediately above the draw bar must be free of all
obstructions including
weights and wheelie bars for
ease of hooking and unhooking.
14. Fuel
A. All vehicles must have fuel lines that are
either routed or suspended to keep them away from hot engine components, or be steel braided.
B. All vehicles must have a manual shut off valve on low pressure side.
C. Modified tractor classes that are allowed
to use diesel enigines- must utilize injection pump intended for
that engine.
Modifications may be made
to the internal workings of the
pump.
15. Accepted Fuels
A. Alcohol (methanol): It is a liquid
with a mild odor at ambient temperatures. It is sold in 2 US
federal grades- A and
AA. Each grade is acceptable for use in competition.
Maximum specific gravity for competition
= 0.7928.
B. Gasoline
C. Diesel Fuel
D. Ilegal Fuels: all forms of
nitro methane (including nitrous oxide and propylene oxide) as a fuel
or a fuel additive for pulling. No pressurized
fuels allowed.
16. Fuel tanks are not to be
mounted to engine and should be vented away from engine and exhaust,
unless stock.
17. Kill Switch
A. A kill switch must be incorporated into all
competition vehicles, whic is capable of immediately
shutting down the engine as well as
electric fuel
pumps, in case of accidental separation
from the sled
during the course of competition.
B.
On diesel engines, the kill switch must activate the air shut
off, no electrically operated air shut offs. Diesel system
may use a
spring loaded cap
activated by a cable. Diesel shall be
deemed
acceptable if it at least prevents the building of boost.
C. Kill switch shall be located at the rear of
the vehicle in a position that will allow for
easy attachment/detachment. The switch must be located 12
inches
minimum above hook point and within 6 inches either side of
center. Ring must be a minimum of 2 inches in diameter and strong
enough to
pull switch.
18.
Flywheels and started pulleys of any engine turning more than
4000 RPM must be of billet steel or aluminum.
A. No welded fins, no stamped steel pulleys.
B. All starter pulleys must have a retaining
device to prevent pulley from coming off the crankshaft.
19. Tow Hitch
A. All automotive engine vehicles are required to have the tow hitch.
B. It is recommended that all vehicles
competing at a weight greater than or equal to 1250 lbs be equipped with a tow hitch.
C. Tow hitch will not be included in the
measurement of the vehicle. The hitch can extend no more then 6 inches beyond the
foremost portion of the vehicle.
D. The hitch must have a 2 1/2 inch hole, preferably
positioned horizontally and strong enough to push or pull the vehicle at its heaviest
weight.
20. Ignition: Any vehicle ignition system utilizing points
must have a plastic or metal cover over the points to inhibit the
chance of fire.
21. Starter carts shall incorporate a cover over the battery terminals to prevent accidental arcing.
22. Blow-by tubes must exit forward of the rear tires. Blow-by
tubes must be vented below the head of the engine and extend down to the engine
pan, except if routed in
exhaust.
23. Shielding
A. All cast iron Kohler, Wisconsin, etc...
type engines that have been modified for high performance are to have
scatter shields
opposite the camshaft side of the motor.
1. It must be a minimum 1/16 (.060) inch steel or .090 aluminum.
2. Minimum dimensions must
be from teh bottom of the engine to 4 1/2 inches above the centerline
of the crankshaft and must be at least 7 inches in
width.
3. Shield must be attached
to the chassis/hood in a secure manner at both top and bottom.
4. This rule shall not be in effect for the stock classes.
B. All drive chains/belts must be shielded
radiacally, top, front, and rear with minimum 1/16 inch (.060) steel or .090 aluminum.
Shield must be wider than chain/belt.
C. Snowmobile type sheaves (both primary and
secondary) must be shielded radially 360 degrees with a minimum
1/16 inch (.060) steel. Shield must
be wider than
drive unit and be securely mounted. This shielding may be
incorporated with the belt shielding.
D. Motorcycle engines, which utilize a dry
clutch (ie Harley Davidson type), must be shielded top, side, and rear with a minimum 1/8th
inch (.125) steel or equivalent.
E. Pro Stock and Modified vehicles must have
the clutch assembly covered 360 degrees with a minimum 1/8th inch (.125) steel or
equivalent.
F. All
exposed turbochargers or portions thereof, must be shrouded 360 degrees
with a minimum of 1/16th inch (.060) steel except for inlet or exhaust.
G. All turbocharged engines must have two 3/8
bolts, grade 5 or stronger in the vertical portion of
exhaust pipe(s). Bolts must be installed 90 degrees
to each other,
within 1 inch of each other.
H. All super modified and open class vehicles must have round
metal loops shielding driveshaft. Maximum of 1 foot between
loops, minimum
of 2
loops. The 360 degree loops must be a minimum of
1/4 inch
(.250) aluminum or 3/16 inch (.187) steel, 3/4 inch wide
and not more than1 1/2 inch
from the shaft in any direction. Acceptable to
use a solid
tube (1/4 inch aluminum or 3/16 inch .187 steel) to meet above
requrements.
I. All
U-joints must be shielded 360 degrees with 1/4 inch (.250) aluminum or
3/16 inch (.187) steel. The minimum length shall not be
less than 1/2 inch greater then the U-joint assembly.
J. Motorcycle type jackshafts must be enclosed
with a minimum 1/8 inch steel or 1/4 inch aluminum.
K. Pressurized intercoolers must be shrouded 360
degrees with a minimum 1/16 inch (.060) steel or equivalent aluminum, except
for inlet and exhaust.
IX. Aviation, Industrial, Military/Commercial Marine Engines A. Tractor pulling application when gearbox is used between the engine crankshaft and the clutch:
1. The gearbox output shaft must not exceed
one and one-half (1.5:1) times the speed of the crankshaft.
2. No torque converters behind the gearbox allowed.
3. The shaft that accepts the flywheel must
bemade of solid billet steel and be 2 1/4 inches minimum diameter, be heat
treated 4140 steel
and be 30 to 38 Rockwell.
4. Clutch assemblies are limited to a maximum diameter of 11 inches.
5. The bell housing used in this application
must be bolted to a 1/4 inch or greater steel plate with a minimum
of (12) 3/8 inch
(grade 5) bolts evenly
spaced around bell housing. The plate must
be securely fastened to the frame by (8) 3/8 inch (grade 5) bolts
with 4 bolts
on each side of the frame.
6.
The gearbox must be securely fastened to the frame by a 3/8 inch
steel plate, or securely fastened to the rear of the engine.
7. The gearbox must be mounted and secured to
the tractor sub-frame to withstand lifting the entire tractor weighted for the lightest class it can enter.
8. The minimum construction specifications for
the gearbox are 3/8 inch (.375) steel or 3/4 inch (.750) aluminum.
Note:
Tractors using the above type of
arrangement (A 1-8) must provide officials with proof of
gearbox speed. No
alterations to the above
specifications unless approved by the
officials.
B. Tractor pulling application
with clutch mounted on the crankshaft or on a shaft connected to the crankshaft:
1. The shaft
or adapter that accepts the flywheel must be made of solid billet
steel, be at least 2 1/4 inch in diameter, be heat
treated 4140 steel and be 30 to 38 Rockwell.
2. Clutch assemblies are limited to a maximum diameter of 11 inches.
3. Bell housing used in this application must
be bolted to an engine plate with a minimum of (12) 3/8
inch (grade 5) bolts evenly
spaced around the bell
housing. Engine plate must be a minimum of
1/4 inch steel (3/8 inch aluminum). Plate must be
securely
fastened to
the engine or frame by at least (8)
3/8 inch (grade 5) bolts. 4 bolts
on each
side of the frame. If using a single rail design, the plate on
the front of the bell housing must be securely
fastened to the
frame by (8) 3/8
inch bolts (grade 5), 4 bolts on each side of the frame.
Note: No alterations to the above
specifications unless approved by officials.
C. Tractor pulling applications where clutch or torque converter is mounted on crankshaft:
1. Clutch components shall be required to have
all steel, aluminum or ductile iron components.
2. Clutch assemblies used in this application
are limited to a maximum of 14 inches in diameter.
3. No gray cast iron.
4. Tractor must have entire clutch or torque
converter are enclosed, front and rear, with 3/8 inch (.375) minimum thickness steel, 1/2
inch from rotating mass, with maximum centering on rotating mass.
No gray cast iron.
5.
Shield to be surrounded with scatter blanket. Blanket to be
a minimum of 12 inches wide so that it covers the clutch and all clutch
components.
X. Automotive Clutches, Flywheels and Automatics 1. The use of torque converters and automatic transmissions will be permitted.
2. All automatic transmissions must have a neutral safety switch.
3.
All torque converters and automatic transmissions must be covered
with a scatter blanket that extends from the rear of engine
block to the front
of the tail housing.
Blanket must be fastened forward securely
with two straps on each side, one above crankshaft centerline and
one
below crankshaft
centerline. Blanket should have 6 inches
of
overlap. Straps must not be less than 2 inches wide with not more
than 1 inch spacing between each strap.
4.
For manual transmissions, the bell housing must be a comercially
available steel bell housing or the bell housing must be covered with a scatter blanket
or
shielded 180 degrees from the top. (minimum 1/4 inch steel)
5.
No gray cast metal allowed in any flywheel or clutch components.
All vehicles using a clutch will be required to have steel
billet or aluminum
billet
flywheel with the following mechanical properties: (A) tensile
strength of 60,000 PSI (B) yield strength of 40,000 PSI.
6.
Lenco type transmissions (excluding reverser) must be covered
with a scatter blanket as described in this section #2
7. All vehicles using an automatic transmission must be equipped with a positive reverse-gear lockout.
8. Bell housing liners are very highly recommended.
9. Clutch can liner thickness to be 1/8 (.125) inch 4130 moly.
Liner is secured to the can by drilling and
tapping a single 1/4 (.250) inch hole through
the bottom of the clutch can.
If the liner does not fit, the
liner length can be cut
off to fit the depth of the can, so that the liner begins directly
behind the
starting ring gear (if one is used). It must
extend the full length of the can until
the back of the clutch begins to taper. If starter ring gear is
not used, can liner must then
extend from block saver plate rearward to where the taper begins.
Stand adjustment slot in liner should be cut directly
under slot
in can
10. No lightening holes allowed on the transmission face of the
bell housing, one cooling hole allowed, maximum 1 inch in
diameter on the face of the
bell
housing. Bell housing
may not be welded or repaired in the explosion area of
the bell housing.
11. No chemical milling allowed.
12. The inspection/maintenance hole (i/m hole) in the bell
housing shall not extend farther forward at its top edge than flush with the
cross-shaft hole nor farther downward as its top edge than to allow one
1/2 inch bolt diameter edge distance for the fastening
holes in both the bell housing and the i/m hole cover. The length
of the i/m hole shall be no
more than 81/2 inches and the ends of the hole shall be smoothly and
fully radiused to produce an oval shape.
13.
There shall be (12) 5/16 inch, grade 5 or better cao screws
securing the cover to the bell housing. The cover must have a plate or fillet that fits
flush inside of the housing. The cover and fillet must be steel.
The fillet must be welded to the cover and all bolts must be
flush to the inside.
14. There must be five bolts used to secure the transmission to
the bell housing with a 3/8 (.375) inch minimum diameter.
15. All bell housings must be flush on the inside surface.
16. All engines with a bell housing and clutch will run a full
block plate, either a commercially available unit, or minimum 3/16
(.187) inch steel or minimum 1/4 (.250) inch aluminum with five 3/8
inch grade 5 bolts evenly spaced on the bottom of the bell housing.
17. Titanium approved for the bell housing.
18. Non Mini rod tractors that utilize and automatic transmission
must have a minimum 1/8 (.125) inch steel or 1/4 (.250) inch
aluminum from the back
of the
block to the tail shaft housing, covering top and sides
extending 2 inches below the
lowest point of the transmission or covered with a scatter
blanket.
XI. General Rules - Mini Rod 1. Engine Shielding
A. A deflection shield extending the complete
length of the block casting is required on both sides of
the engine. Shielding must
be a minimum 1/16
(.060) inch steel or equivalent strength
aluminum,
and be securely fastened.
B.
Piston-powered aircraft, industrial, or military/commercial type
marine engines must have a minimum of 1/8 (.120) inch thick side shields.
This may be in one or two layers.
C. Shields must be solid-engine mounts,
filters, steering rods, fuel injection pumps, etc..., may not be used
as shielding. Shielding may cover or pass
behind starter
or
fuel pump.
D. Solid
frame rails with no holes may serve as part of or all of shield,
provided that it covers the required area of block casting.
E. Shielding on all V or Y type engines
(including marine and aircraft) must extend from baste of head or
the uppermost part of the piston and travel to 2
inches below bottom
center of crankshaft throw, and be securely fastened.
F. Shielding on inline engines shall extend from the bottom of
head (top of block) to 2 inches below bottom center throw of
crankshaft.
G. Side
shields must be mounted independently of the engine block. Engine
mount, block saver plate and header mounting or chassis
mounting is acceptable.
H.
Engine fans must be completely shrouded with a minimum 1/16 inch
(.060) steel or equivalent. Electric fans shall be excluded from this rule.
I. For Mini Rod engines, a bolt in the crankshaft is required to hold damper pulley.
2. Engine Mount- Engine/transmission combinations must have a
minimum or 2 front engine mounts and 1 rear transmission mount.
3. Brakes A. All competing vehicles must be equipped with working rear wheel brakes.
B. Alll drivelines must have 3/8 (.375) inch
steel, 360 degrees around brake components, and both ends must be closed with 1/8
inch
steel or greater.
4. Driveline-
Driveline
must be enclosed in minimum 5/16 (.312) inch steel or 3/8 (.375) inch
aluminum, round, inside
diameter not to exceed 2 inches
more than the outside diameter of the
largest universal joint. Fastened
every 6 inches or closer, with 3/8 inch or larger (grade 5) bolts, or
butt and seam welded, and
securely
mounted to vehicle's frame. Applies to all Mini Rods with exposed
drive shaft. No more than 1/4 inch
of end of draveshaft shall be visible with
driveline shielding in place.
Note:
If U-joints are
used in any driveshaft application, the shielding
must be 5/16 (.312)
inch steel or 3/8 (375) inch aluminum with 1/8 (.125) inch steel insert
in
aluminum. The insert must be a minimum of 6
inches wide.
XII. Event Procedures 1. Entry A. Registration will close
1 hour and 15 minutes prior to event start time.
B. Drivers meeting will be held at least
15 minutes prior to event start time.
C. Scratching from a class prior to its start
shall constitute a refund of entry fee.
D. Scratching from a class after it has begun shall not constitute a refund.
E. Pulling positions will be determined by a
random drawing at the time of contest entry.
2. Vehicle Operations
A. All vehicles must be operated in a safe
manner at all times. Vehicles with only one seat will have only
one occupant. This is to include tow and
maintenance vehicles.
Whenever vehicle is under its own power but not hooked ot
sled, speed
shall be
comparable to being towed. Before any
vehicle is started at any
time, a capable person
must occupy the seat.
B. Driver will remain in seat for duration of pull attempt.
C. During active competittion, driver will
have at least one hand on the steering wheel.
D. Flagman has the responsiblity to stop any pull attempt considered unsafe.
3. Clothing
A. Drivers of all vehicles must wear DOT
approved or Snell rated helmets with chinstraps fastened. Eye protection is recommended.
B. Drivers of all vehicles except for Stock
and Stock Altered must wear drivers suits zipped and/or closed to their
fullest extent. The driver suit may be one piece jumpsuit or
two-piece type, but must show patch proving a minimum SFI rating
of 3-2A/1 or proof of equal
protection.
C. Fire
resistant underwear, head sock, and gloves are not required for any
class, however this sanctioning body does recommend them for
use with any non-Stock
competittion vehicle.
D.
Fire resistant driver's shoe required to be worn while competing
on any vehicle, which has a driver protection cage. It is recommended that theybe
used with any none-stock competition vehicle.
E. Drivers of Stock and Stock altered vehicles
must wear a minimum of long pants, shirt with sleeves and shoes/boots.
F. If
a driver of a Stock or Stock Altered vehicle is wearing a jacket it
must be closed.
4. Weights/Weigh in
A. All vehicles must have stationary weight
brackets. No weight in either seat or hook point. All
weights must be
secured to vehicle. Weights are not to extend more than 5 inches
beyond the rear of the rear tire, nor shall they be positioned more
than 8 feet in front of the center of the rear axle.
B. Weigh-in will occur before the pull is
attempted. Vehicle must have all safety equipment in place; have
sufficient fuel, oil and water if applicable and
driver in the
seat. No adding of fuel or weights unless reweighing.
Weights may, however, be relocated without
reprecussion. No vehicle
exceeding class weight will be allowed past scales.
At the discretion of track officials, and allowance may be given
for an imperfect scale; however,
there will
be no leniency on the accepted weight.
C. Neither weights or weight brackets are to be used as bumpers.
D. No air is to be changed in front tires without re-weighing.
XIII. Contest Operations 1. General Rules A. The track will be 200 ft in length.
B. If there is no barrier, distance from track
to crowd will be a minimum of 30 ft, which is to include a 15 ft "no man's land".
Example:
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Crowd
___________________________________________________
15
ft wide
___________________________________________________
15 ft
wide "no man's land"
___________________________________________________
Track
--------------------------------------------------------------------
C. If there is a barrier, distance from
barrier to crowd will be a minimum of 10 ft, which may include the required 10 ft "no man's land. Example:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Crowd
___________________________________________________
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxBarrierxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
10 ft "no man's land"
___________________________________________________
Track
--------------------------------------------------------------------
D. During active competition, the only
personnel inside of "no man's land", "hot pit" and staging area shall
be track
officials, active competitor, and sled operator. Only active
competitor's pit crew and other properly credentialed people are allowed between "no
man's land", "hot pit" and staging area and crowd.
E. A weight transfer sled, which conforms, to
the rules set forth by the Sanctioning Body will be utilized in competition.
F.
Anyone assigned to an operation position shall remain on that
duty for the entire class (i.e. flagman, measuring crew, sled
operator, scale operator,
etc...)
2. Contest Procedures
A. Head track official (end flagger) and sled
operator will decide if the sled is deemed set. This decision will be discussed after two
tractors have made attempts to pull.
B. Contestants must pull in the position
drawn. In case of mechanical breakage, which has been confirmed
by an official,
contestant may drop to the
last position. If breakage is not
evident, puller may drop 6 postions- this will constitute the puller's
first attempt to pull
and therefore will only have
one remaining attempt to compete.
From the moment that both track and sled are prepared for
competition, the puller has 3 minutes to hook and
make his/her attempt to pull.
C. Each driver has the right to have the sled
spotted to a particular location on the starting line. The driver
or assigned
crew member is responsible to
clearly request the location before the
sled is returned to the starting line. In the
case of a second attempt, a second location may be requested.
Entire sled must be within the chalk lines at the start of pull
attempt. No official pull may be started beyond the starting line
or in back of
the starting
line. All sleds must be started in gear and with
front of sled even with the starting line.
D. Each competitor will be allowed two
attempts to make a measurement pull. An attempt is defined
as moving the sled 1 inch or further. On first
attempt, if the competitor lets off the throttle before reaching
the false start
line, the competitor will get a second attempt, even if he/she went
beyond the false start
line. If no attempt is made to back off the
throttle, and competitor is flagged before reaching the restart line,
no second attempt will be
granted. Intent is not to slam on
the brakes in order to stop before the false start line (or any time),
but come
to a smooth and safe stop.
E. False start line for all classes is 75 ft.
F. On any re-pull caused by contest
malfunction, the competitor may either re-hook immediately or drop 6
positions.
G. Competitor
will be able to drop to last if breakage occurs on his/her first
attempt and he/she has let off the throttle previous to crossing the false start
line. Puller will be eligible for 1 more attempt.
H. Only the test puller and only on his/her
test pull, will the competitor have the option of dropping an out of
bounds
disqualification. All other
disqualifications will apply.
On all subsequent attempts the disqualification will apply
to him/her.
Should the class be restarted, the competitor
disqualified
(during the course of competition) will be allowed to re-pull in
position drawn.
I. If a class is restarted, all competitor's
having previously pulled will in descending order have the option to drop to
last but not forfeit any pull attempts. In the case of a restart,
it is the competitor's responsibility to alert the track officials of his/her
decision.
J. If the last
competitor in the class has difficulties, this puller will have 6
minutes to hook to the sled and make their first attempt to pull.
K. If a vehicle is legal when hooked to a sled
and breakage occurs while under the green flag due to unforeseen
circumstances, the pull will be measured
with the exception of previously losing equipment, ballast, or
liquid or going out of bounds on the same pull attempt.
L. With only the exception of local rules
requiring the engine not to be running, all vehicles must be in
neutral/park while being hitched and
unhitched
to/from sled. During this time the puller will show
hands in clear view as proof to be safely hooked or unhooked.
M. All pulls are to start with a tight chain.
N. Any tractor that is competing in a class
stay by the track until the class has completed and places have been set and finalized.
3. Test Puller
A. The competitor pulling in first position of
each class, as determined by draw at time of entry is considered the test puller.
B. Provided that the weight transfer is deemed
right, the test puller may (a) accept their distance or (b) refuse their distance
and immediately hook again for another potential two attempts or (c)
refuse their distance and pull again in the last position.
C. If the test puller has mechanical problems
during his/her test pull, (before first official pull), the track
official may
grant the competitor the option of
dropping to sixth position or to
last position. This would mean that the test puller has
dropped his/her test
pull and will have a potential of 2
upcoming
attempts.
D. It is the test puller's responsibility to
inform the finish flagman as to his/her decision to take or drop the
test pull.
Leaving the track without informing the official(s) of his/her
decision, forces the assumption that the puller wishes to accept their pull.
4. Pull-Off
A. A "floating finish line" may be used at the
discretion of the head offical and the sled operator in a pull off
situation only. The added distance shall be a 10% maximum.
Extended boundaries must be clearly marked.
Competitors must be informed of floating finish line prior to the
pull-off. This is an option and not required at any event.
B. Order of pull-off will be in the order
which the vehicles made full pulls (or tied distances). This may
or may not be in the
order of the original lineup.
C. In pull-off situations, the competitor does not have the
option of dropping six postitions, with the only
exception being: if the pull-off is not run on the
same track, or
with the same sled, or on the same day, or contest malfunction.
A rain delay
will consitute a judgement call on the part of the track
official, in
regards to the
degree in which the track has changed.
Note:
Because of the inability to drop six positions, the last
puller
must make his/her pull attempt within three minutes of the time
that the track is
ready,
as opposed to having six minutes during the
initial competition.
D. If a pull-off is not completed because of
rain, curfew, etc... , purse moneys and points for the places involved
will be divided evenly among all those
qualified
for the pull-off.
E. In
the case of a second pull-off, if all competitor's qualified wish not
to hook again, the points and purse for the places involved will
be divided
evenly.
F. If there is a paying audience, and pullers
eligible for a pull-off (who have no substantial proof of
being broken) do not make an honest attempt to pull,
he/she shall
receive the same points as the top vehicle that did not qualify
for the
pull-off.
5. Inclement Weather
A. A session of pulling will be called a
completed show if 1/2 of the sanctioned classes have been run.
Any class canceled after 2/3 of the scheduled
entries have pulled
shall be considered a completed class for establishing if 1/2 of
the classes of a session or event have run.
B. Any class in which the entered competitors
do not get an official chance to compete, all competitors in the
class with a
competition vehicle on the
grounds and ready to compete will receive 5
inclement weather points.
C. The head official, promoter, PPL
representative and/or event
director shall be the only involved parties in determining if and when
an event shall be stopped because of inclement weather and or
track conditions.
D. Any
class not completed for any reason rain, sled breakage, darkness,
curfew etc... will be treated as a rained out class.
E. Any class not pulled for any reason entitles a refund.
XIV. Causes for Disqualification
1. Decisions of the event officials are final. Arguing with
event officials can/will result in event disqualification or
suspension. Upon second
occurence,
membership can be revoked for one year from date of
second occurence.
Note: Sanctioning body office will review each of these
cases and dependent upon severity, may hand out fines and/or suspensions.
2. Any competitor
or any member of his/her pit crew found to be under the influence of an
intoxicating agent, drug, or having a measurable blood alcohol
content during contest
activities shall be barred from any further involvement or
participation in the event and my
face suspension, fines or termination of
license.
3. Any competitor or crew member found in the staging area,
competition area, or run-off area who is in possession of
any intoxicating agent will be
barred from any further involvment
or participation in the event and may
face suspension, fines or termination of license.
4. Delays of contest will result in disqualification.
5. Unsportsmanlike conduct will result in disqualification.
6. Using edge of fender as a grasp point to obtain "leaning
leverage" will result in disqualification. Sturdy handles may be installed for this purpose.
7. Excessive loss of liquid on to the track by a pulling vehicle,
either while hooked to the sled at the starting line and not
moving, or while in a foward
motion, and not due to internal breakage, may result in
disqualification. Excessive is defined as any steady or
intermittent stream discharge
onto the
track, or a spot equivalent to more than 8 inches in
diameter.
8.
Depositing of any equipment onto the track during the course of
competition (mechanical breakage excluded) will result in disqualification.
9.
During the course of competition, vehicle may not touch boundary
lines or disqualification will result. Sled may go out of
bounds and not result in
disqualification.
10. Any contestant attempting to leave under the red flag will be disqualified.
11. Any loss of ballast weight during the course of competition will result in disqualifiction.
12. Failure to have all safety equipment in place (including driver
suit, helmet, etc...) will result in disqualification.
13. Deliberate attempt to cause slack in the chain while under the green flag is reason for disqualification.
14. Any practice utilizing competition vehicle, tow vehicle, or other
event related equipment, before, during, or after the event, at the event site, which a
sanctioning body official considers both deliberate and unsafe.
15. Warning will be given for any and/or all infractions of the current
rulebook. If infarction is not corrected by the next attended
event, tractor will not be
allowed
to participate at that event.
XV. Penalties
1. If deemed necessary a puller and/or vehicle may be placed on
temporary suspension. Possible causes include, but are not limited to: arguing with event
officials, fighting, alcohol or drug abuse during an event, illegal
vehicle advantages, unsportsmanlike
conduct, unsafe behavior, etc...
2. Suspension can range from 1 to 5 pulls within a 350 mile range of puller's home address.
XVI. Protest Procedures/Fees/Appeals
1. Verbal protest must be made within 5 minutes after the end of
the class in question. This must be followed by the formally
written protest, which must
be
delivered to the entry clerk within 30 minutes. Forms are to
be made available
by the promotor or Sanctioning body official.
2. The protest must specifically identify the nature of the violation.
3. The protested tractor can be pulled in other classes at that event before submitting to be checked.
4. Tear down is by owner or owner's mechanic. At the
request of the owner of the vehicle in question, this process may be
completed with the only
witness being the owner, owner's mechanic
and
the Sanctioning Body official.
5. If
protested
driver will not submit to inspection, he/she will be considered
illegal. An illegal vehicle must be proven legal before
being allowed to
compete
again.
6. A tear down protest deposit
consists of a deposit of $100 for the first item, $50 for each
additional item in question. This deposit shall be made at the time of the
protest in cash. Protest may be made by anyone competing in the
same class as the vehicle in question.
7.
If the protested tractor is found legal then the deposited money
is handed over to the tractor's owner.
8.
If the protested tractor is found illegal then the deposited
money will be given back to the protestor.
9.
For each protested item found to be legal, the protestor shall
forfeit the corresponding deposit. If said engine is illegal, the owner will forfeit all
winnings and entry fees of the day for all classes that the vehicle
would be in violation.
The deposit for all items proven illegal will be returned to the
protestor.
10. The Sanctioning body official
shall decide the protest as promptly as possible and shall inform the
parties of the protest
decision.
11. If either of the parties does not
accept the decision of the Sanctioning body official, the protest may
be appealed (within 10 days of the official's
decision) to
the Sanctioning body office for a final decision.
12. The purse of the involved portion of the event will be escrowed
until a final determination has been made or the time period for filing an appeal has
expired.
13. A second sustained protest against
either owner or driver within a 3 year time can result in up to a 1
year suspension from time of second protest plus a loss of accumulated
points.
14. Protests must be addressed at the
event in question. Even if the situation cannot be resolved on
the spot, all relevant
data (including photos if
applicable) must be
collected prior to the
vehicle (or sled, etc...) in question leaving the event site.
XVII. Voluntary Compliance- Each participant expressly agrees that by entering a Sanctioning body event:
1. The participant agrees to be bound by all of the decisions,
rules, and regulations of the Sanctioning body including all
procedures provided for in this rulebook, and by decision rules and
regulations which are applicable to a particular event.
2. The participant agrees to be bound by and abide by the
decisions of the event manager, his/her designee and Sanctioning body officials.
3. The participant, by entering an event sanctioned by the
Sanctioning body, also agrees not to bring any action against the
event manager, his/her
designees, the Sanctioning body, the owners of the pulling
track, event sponsors,
or event officials for any loss, damage, or injury caused by decisions
erroneous or otherwise,
or decisions based on malfunctioning electronic or mechanical
equipment, whether due to negligence or otherwise.
4. The participant further agrees that any disputes concerning
any event shall be resolved pursuant to the procedures
provided for in this rulebook.
5. The
participant agrees to indemnify and to hold the Sanctioning body
harmless for any costs incurred by the Sanctioning body as a
result of the failure
of the
participant to comply with the procedures and postscript
ions provided for herein.
XVIII. Sled Requirements
Shenandoah Valley Tractor Pullers Association will follow the current
National Sled Association guidelines in the operation and maintenance of the sled during each season. There
will be a sled committee appointed each season by the
President to review and inspect the sled before each event.
XIX. Additional Rules
Host club/state may enforce specific rules, which are stricter than
those included in this rulebook. Those rules may center on: fuel limitations, helmet rating, additional fire
protective clothing, additional shielding, and increased size of fire extinguisher or seat belts.
XX. Warranty Disclamer
The rules promulgated in the current rule book are intended as
guidelines for the sport of garden tractor pulling, and the rules relating to the safety of equipment is the
responsibility of each driver who participates in the sport of garden tractor pulling under these rules. No
expressed or implied warranty of safety is intended nor may be inferred from publication of
these rules, or the compliance therewith. Nothing herein should
be construed as a guarantee against
injury or death to participants, bystanders or spectators.
Specifications and rules set forth in the 2010/2011
rule book are based upon the recommendations of competing members, crew
members, and other participants in the
sport of garden tractor pulling. All participants in a
Sanctioning body (or member state association) sanctioned event must assume
all liability for any damage or loss caused by or from their equipment
or the use thereof. The Sanctioning body
specifically states that it has not tested any equipment or use of
equipment that it refers to in the current rule
book and makes no warranties either specific or implied with regard to
or any use thereof. The user must
look to the manufacturer with regard to said warranties.