Rules & Policies

These rules apply to all competitors and crew members participating in events at Kentucky Dragway. All racers are responsible for understanding and following these rules.

Starting Line Rules

Class Rules

Race Procedures

Safety Rules

Break Pass Policy

Track management reserves the right to modify rules at any time for safety, fairness, or operational needs.

Starting Line & Staging Rules

Stage Lock

Dial-in verification

Crew conduct

Crew members are not permitted to enter the staging area, wave arms, signal drivers, or attempt to interrupt a driver to prevent staging.

It is the driver’s responsibility to:
• Monitor the scoreboard
• Verify their dial-in
• Decide when to stage

Any attempt by a crew member to interfere creates a serious safety hazard for racers, officials, and spectators.

Violations may result in disciplinary action including disqualification, loss of points, removal from the event, or suspension at the discretion of track management.

Courtesy staging

Deep staging

Deep staging is allowed but not guaranteed in all classes.

Drivers choosing to deep stage must:

Clearly mark “DEEP” in large letters on both sides of the vehicle
Inform their opponent if they intend to deep stage
Stage in a timely manner

Once a vehicle is pre-staged, the move into deep stage must be one continuous forward motion. Drivers should not make multiple small bumps into the beams.

The starter may attempt to temporarily disable the Auto-Start system to allow deep staging, but this is not guaranteed. If the Auto-Start cycle begins before the vehicle reaches deep stage, the run will stand and no re-run will be granted.

Deep staging vehicles are given a very short window of time to move from pre-stage to deep stage before the starter re-activates the Auto-Start system.

Staging Procedure

The final staging movement must be forward motion only.
Once pre-staged, crew members must be behind the vehicle and out of both competitors’ view.
Drivers may be motioned back one time if they over-stage and time allows.
If the Auto-Start system cycles while the vehicle is being motioned back, the run will stand.

Competition Classes

TOP ET

MODIFIED

Follows IHRA Rules

Delay boxes are strictly prohibited in the following classes:
• Modified
• Sportsman
• Jr. Dragster
• Trophy Eliminator

Track staff may inspect any race vehicle at any time to check for delay boxes. If a delay box is found in the vehicle—even if disconnected—the competitor will be in violation. Delay boxes must be completely removed from the vehicle.

These inspections help preserve fairness, especially for racers competing in multiple classes.

SPORTSMAN

(7.40 & Slower – Door Cars Only)

The following are prohibited:
• Delay boxes
• Air throttles
• Starting line enhancers
• Trans brakes
• Two-steps
• Steering wheel buttons
• Nitrous

Rules and allowances:
• Slicks and headers are permitted
• Line locks are allowed only during the burnout
• The throttle must be operated manually by the driver’s foot
• No electronic, pneumatic, hydraulic, or automated device may control throttle operation
• A fixed stop under the carburetor or gas pedal is permitted
• Automated shifters are prohibited unless factory OEM

There is no tire size limit for the 2026 season.

Jr. Dragster

Follows IHRA Rules

Safety Equipment

All Jr. Dragster drivers must wear:
• A 38.1 certified head and neck restraint device
• A properly rated helmet per IHRA rules

This safety device helps keep the helmet secure during an impact, especially in situations where helmet fit may not be perfectly tight.

Drivers must run the proper index based on age according to IHRA rules.

Required Equipment

• Belt and chain guards are mandatory
• If either component breaks during competition, it must be removed rather than temporarily repaired at the track

Kill Switch Requirements

Each car must have three engine kill systems:
• One switch in the driver area
• One switch on the driver protection plate
• One manual cable kill lever that shorts the spark plug

Additional Jr. Dragster Rules

• Locking the rear tires at the top end is strictly prohibited
• EFI technology is permitted but will be monitored by track officials

Crew and Driver Conduct

• Crew members may not touch the car once it is pre-staged during eliminations
• First violation will receive a warning; further violations may result in penalties

Drivers must keep their heads fully inside the roll cage. If a driver's helmet extends outside the cage, belts may be considered improperly tightened. One warning will be issued before further action is taken.

Minor helmet exposure may occur due to cage design, but excessive exposure will not be allowed.

Parents are responsible for separating sibling competitors in staging lanes after unloading.

If a tech card is not turned in, the racer forfeits their ability to compete.

Updated 2/5/2025

Race Procedures

Double entry

Returning to lanes

Re-entry vs buybacks

Bye runs

Dragster pairing

Track Safety Rules

Age restrictions

Burnout area distance

Crew limits

Pit vehicle rules

Winners circle restrictions

Technical Requirements

Tech cards

Vehicle inspections

Track Authority

Rule modification authority

Event director decision final

Break Pass & Refund Policy

Guidelines for refunds, break passes, and entry credits based on track appearance, vehicle issues, and event participation at Kentucky Dragway.

If You Have Appeared on the Track

Broke in the Trailer (No Track Appearance)

Break on the Track

3-Day Event Policy

Break Pass Credits

Marketing & Fuel Sales

Outside fuel sales are not permitted on Kentucky Dragway property.

Fuel sales are reserved for official track marketing partners.

Businesses interested in becoming a marketing partner may register at the front gate.

Rules & Policies

Starting Line & Staging Rules

Competition Classes

Race Procedures

Track Safety Rules

Technical Requirements

Track Authority

Break Pass & Refund Policy

Marketing & Fuel Sales

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