General Race Regulations

Breakout

On any run of a handicap eliminator, if both cars break out, the car breaking out the least will be declared the winner. If both cars break out the same amount, the “first-to-finish” shall be declared the winner.

Burnouts

Burnouts across the starting line are prohibited in all E.T. bracket categories, except for Dragster and Altered — one warning will be issued at the discretion of the Race Director for any violation. Burnouts across the starting line are allowed in all quick classes and heads-up racing.

No person is permitted to hold or touch cars or motorcycles during burnouts.

Bye Runs

Bye runs must be made in all categories. The driver must stage under the vehicle’s own power. Lane boundary line crossing and red light disqualification rules do not apply on bye runs.

Changing Cars

Once the competitor has completed the inspection process and has been classified, no changes are permitted. No competition vehicle may be used by more than one person during an event. Once eliminations have begun, switching cars or drivers is prohibited — you must finish eliminations with the car or driver you started with.

Dial-Ins

No dial-in may be changed after the entry has left the head of staging unless approved by the Race Director. Dial-ins may not be changed in the case of a re-run. At any event with functioning scoreboards that display the “dial-in,” any racer “staging” has accepted that dial-in, right or wrong.

Dual Infractions

In the case of dual infractions on a competitive run, the car making the worst infraction will be disqualified. If infractions are of an equal rank, the first infraction shall be disqualified.

Re-Runs

All runs will stand, except for interruptions caused by electrical failure or weather. Incremental and speed variances have no bearing in determining an electrical interruption. Track conditions and interference from the car in the other lane will not constitute a re-run. Cars and motorcycles will run in the order they are paired, including qualifying and eliminations. Dial-in and lane choice will not change on the re-run.

Lane / Boundary Crossing

Any race car crossing the marker line during the measured race will be disqualified. In situations where multiple boundary lines are utilized, the line directly adjacent to the competitor’s racing lane will be used for reference. A tire crossing any portion of the painted line surface is a disqualifying boundary violation. Contact with guard railing, barriers, or any other track fixture (Christmas tree, A-frames, timing equipment, cones, foam reflector block, etc.) is grounds for disqualification.

In a single run-in elimination, the driver is the automatic winner once he stages under power and receives the start. Lane boundary line crossing and red light disqualification rules do not apply on single runs.

Return Road

All contestants must keep their speed to a minimum on the Return Road. Violation will result in disqualification.

Staging

All race cars will be called to the Staging Area by the announcer and general group chat — only one call is required. Any car left unattended in the staging lanes may be disqualified. Once a car reaches the front of the staging lanes for a run, it must be prepared to fire and race.

If a vehicle fails to start when signaled by the head of staging official, it will be given 1 minute to fire before being disqualified. If an entry loses fire, one (1) chance will be given to start the car. Once the vehicle is staged it is considered in the race. Staging must be made with the front wheels only — rear wheel starts are prohibited.

Failure to stage when instructed by the starter, over-staging, or leaving the starting line before the timing system is activated or reset will result in no E.T. for that run. Deep staging is the sole responsibility of the driver.

Courtesy staging is mandatory in all classes.

Starting Line Access

All crew members must display the proper starting line credentials wristband to pass the head of staging during competition rounds. All drivers and crew members must follow the instruction of officials — failure to comply may result in disqualification and loss of restricted area access.

Once a car is pre-staged in any class, all crew members must be back behind the designated line. Once a car reaches the finish line, all crew members should head back to the pit area — no exceptions.

Numbers

Permanent numbers are recommended for all entries at all events. Numbers must be a minimum of 4” high.

Refueling

Refueling is not permitted once the engine has been started for a competitive run, unless instructed to do so by an ABM official or the Race Director.

Driver Conduct

Any driver who refuses to voluntarily reduce speed or stop when a car does not handle properly (e.g. excessive drifting toward the center or edge of the strip), or who willfully fishtails or weaves showing undue disregard for the safety of themselves or spectators, will be immediately barred from further competition. If such conduct takes place during an elimination run-off, the race is automatically forfeited to the opponent. The driver is responsible for the actions of their crew.

Race Credentials

Wristbands or credentials must be worn at all times by drivers and their crew members. The Race Director’s decision is final. ABM reserves the right to postpone, reschedule, or cancel any race for any reason.

Cool-Down Time Between Rounds

• 15 minutes for all bracket racing classes, including motorcycles, super categories, and Jr. Dragster. Time starts once the last pair has gone down the track.
• 35 minutes for all Pro classes and heads-up racing, including motorcycles. Time starts once the competitor reaches their parking area/garage. (If time permits.)

Proper Use of Safety Equipment

Seat belts must be worn and adjusted so the driver’s torso and head cannot extend outside the parameters of the roll cage. Loosening or removing seat belts, helmets, gloves, window nets, lifting helmet shields, or removing any other safety equipment is prohibited from the time the vehicle leaves the head of staging lanes until it is on the return road. All safety equipment must be operational if installed. Violators are subject to disciplinary action at the sole and absolute discretion of the Race Director and ABM.

Lane Choice

In heads-up classes, lane choice is determined by elapsed times. In bracket categories, competing drivers determine lane choice by reaction time.

Interference

In the event of an accident, crew or family members, other drivers, etc. may not interfere with the Safety Crew.