Competition Rules
- CR-1. As a courtesy to all the drivers, please get to staging lanes promptly when called by announcer over the PA. Drivers competing in more than one (1) class must be ready to race when called to the lanes.
- CR-2. If you have no dial in on your car, you will be dialed the same as your opponent. An exception may be made at the sole discretion of the tower, based on circumstances. The tower decision will be final.
- CR-3. Do not stage until the main scoreboard indicates your correct dial in. All drivers, by staging their vehicles, will automatically indicate to the tower that they accept their dial in on the display board. Please check to see if it is correct before staging. Re-runs WILL NOT be granted for an incorrect dial in! If in doubt, ask the starter to verify your dial in before you pre-stage. Courtesy staging is recommended. THIS ALSO APPLIES TO DRIVERS NOT WANTING CROSS TALK IN CLASSES THAT RUN IT. IF YOU DO NOT WANT CROSSTALK, an “N” must be on car next to dial in. THERE SHOULD BE A NEGATIVE DASH BEFORE DIAL IN, ON SCOREBOARD.
- CR-4. Your dial in must be displayed on the front and left side of the vehicle before crossing the line in front of staging before going to water box.
- CR-5. The pairings are determined by the staging director in the staging lanes. The director’s pairings are final: you will race whom you are paired with or lose the round by forfeit. Once in staging lanes you are NOT allowed to change lanes unless instructed by a staging official.
- CR-5. The pairings are determined by the staging director in the staging lanes. The director’s pairings are final: you will race whom you are paired with or lose the round by forfeit. Once in staging lanes you are NOT allowed to change lanes unless instructed by a staging official.
- CR-6. In the event, cars have been paired up and called to start and one fails to fire, the non-offending competitor will have the option to accept the race as a break/single pass after staging official designates the other car can’t make the run. See also CR-7 and CR-8.
- CR-7. The Break line is the line at the head of staging lanes. A race begins when a pair of vehicles are called to cross the break line onto the track surface. In any event, cars that have been paired will not be replaced due to break. In all cases, good sportsmanship by giving the failed car a chance to make the round will be accommodated. Track officials will make every effort to determine winners on the race track by competition, not by disqualification. See also rule CR-6.
- CR-8. If a vehicle has problems after crossing the break line, it will be given 30 seconds to re-start or correct the problem. Actual time allowed will be at the discretion of the starter and based on the situation at hand. The starter shall have to total discretion of the time allotted to stage a pair of vehicles and activate the tree. Starter’s decision will be FINAL!
- CR-9. Auto Start will be used in all classes. Movement of a “staged” vehicle after the tree is activated, will result in a red light foul, even though it may occur before the tree counts down. Also called a “shallow stage red”, It is not grounds for a protest or re-run. Consult race director on Auto Start with questions.
- CR-10. A vehicle must stage and take the tree under its own power, to be eligible for a win. May NOT be pushed into beams.
- CR-11. You cannot enter two drivers in one vehicle in any WHPMSP point’s class, or in one bracket class. You may not switch drivers once eliminations have begun. You must finish eliminations with the same vehicle you started with.
- CR-12. One driver cannot have more than one vehicle in the same point’s bracket class. Delay boxes MUST be REMOVED from the car in all NO BOX classes.
- CR-13. You may enter more than one point’s class. If you are running the same vehicle in both classes the vehicle must be legal for each class you are running. The driver is responsible for being on time for the appropriate bracket when called. See NHRA Div 7 rules for double entries for Bracket Finals.
Need to ask us a general question?
General Rules
- GR-1. NHRA rules are the basic and minimum standard for safety and competition. WHPMSP track and class rules complement these, and in some cases, supersede. See the current NHRA rulebook and direct any questions to the Track Operations Manager at cbuckman@racefirebird.com. We STRIVE to promote FAIR COMPETITION and the enjoyment of Drag Racing. See NHRA Div 7 rules for double entries for Bracket Finals.
- GR-2. No fighting, vandalism, filthy language or theft. Any action or behavior deemed detrimental by WHPMSP towards WHPMSP, competitor will result in disciplinary action and/or suspension.
- GR-3. No selling or soliciting on the grounds without permission from management.
- GR-4. Dispose of litter in designated barrels. Waste oil should be put in totes provided for this purpose and is typically located at the south end of upper pit Lake Grandstands. Please keep the grounds clean.
- GR-5. Pets are allowed as long as they are well behaved and on a leash. Pets are a part of our family and this is a family friendly facility.
- GR-5. NO GLASS BOTTLES ALLOWED INSIDE THE FACILITY
Race Procedures:
- RP-1. Tow Vehicles are permitted in Super Pro class, Pro class for 2 wheel brake vehicles only and Junior Dragsters. No other class permitted to tow into the staging lanes. Junior Dragsters must have a 5’ flag on car being towed via NHRA rules.
- RP-2. No burnouts in the staging lanes, or pit areas. No stationary burnouts-except in the water box. Power burnouts across the starting line are not allowed unless; a. directed by a track official, b. open wheel cars, c. cars faster than 7.50. No backing up on the starting apron without permission from a track official. However, one (1) backup is allowed to all competitors for the purpose of repositioning their vehicle on the starting pad. BACKING INTO STAGE BEAMS IS PROHIBITED.
- RP-3. Stay with your vehicle in the staging lanes.
- RP-4. WARM UPS: MUST BE ON JACK STANDS WITH A LICENSED DRIVER IN THE DRIVER SEAT. TESTING OF TRANS BRAKES MUST BE DURING THIS WARM UP OR RIGHT BEFORE ENTERING WATER BOX. SEE NHRA GENERAL REGULATIONS SECTION 9 IN THE RULE BOOK UNDER WARM UPS.
- RP-5. In case of a car malfunction after leaving the starting line please move your vehicle out of the groove and towards the wall. You could be leaking and by moving over you will save valuable time in clean up procedure.
- RP-6. In money rounds, when a driver breaks after having won the round and can’t make the next round, he/she will be paid the next round loser pay.
- RP-7. In the unlikely event of a re-run, the re-run competitors will not be allowed to change lane choice but will be allowed to change dial-ins. Failure to re-run is an automatic disqualification. If both competitors withdraw from a re-run, any payout will revert to previous round.
- RP-8. During competition events, time runs will be made by class, when called by the announcer. Extra time runs will not be allowed unless specifically approved by the race director. Exceptions may be made by the race director. Race director may grant one time run in such cases, provided a hardship exists and it is before start of all eliminations.
- RP-8. It is recommended to join NHRA, not only supplemental insurance purposes but also drivers are eligible to go through an ETI TECH inspection. Once you have completed your ETI Inspection just show your inspection booklet and the tech inspector matches your booklet number with car sticker number and off you go. Any questions ask tech inspectors or race director.
- RP-9. All cars/motorcycles must run within the ET limits of your class.
See below:
- – Super Pro – 7.00 to 11.99 seconds
- – Pro – 9.00 to 13.99 seconds
- – Sportsman – 12.00 to 19.99
Safety
Notice: it is the responsibility of the participant, not nhra or Firebird motorsports park, to ensure that all safety equipment is approved and is correctly installed, worn, maintained and used, and that you abide by all safety rules.
- S-1. Reckless, careless or intoxicated driving is NOT ALLOWED. Don’t allow unlicensed drivers to operate motor vehicles of any type. No alcoholic beverages will be allowed in staging lanes. No driver may consume if he/she is still involved in competition. Intoxication, possession or use of illegal drugs WILL result in suspension of racing privileges.
- S-2. All vehicles must pass tech inspection before making runs. A vehicle may be re-examined by tech or track officials at any time, for any reason. If chosen you must report to tech inspector without delay. You may NOT pit first.
- S-3. All drivers and passengers must wear pants, closed toe shoes, and a shirt with sleeves. No shorts, tank tops, or sandles permitted for drivers or passengers. You must wear a Snell certified M- or S-2010 or newer helmet to run quicker than 14 seconds. DOT helmets are not acceptable. Also, FMV and other European certifications are not acceptable. No passengers in vehicles running quicker than 14 seconds. NO passengers allowed during competition unless allowed by class rules. Passengers MUST be 14 years or older and have Minor Release Waiver signed by BOTH parents if under 18. The Minor Release Waiver MUST be signed with BOTH parents in attendance at Firebird Motorsports Park. Pre-signed waivers turned into the tech department without both parents onsite will not be accepted.
- S-4. All motorcycle riders and drivers of open cars (roadsters, altered, dune buggies, etc.) must have helmet visors lowered in place when leaving the starting line. Failure to have the visor lowered will result in disqualification as determined by race director.
- S-5. The speed limit in the pit area is 10 mph. Return road speed is 15 mph. Fast-lapping is unsafe; DON’T do it! Speed limits will be enforced as follows: First offense will be given a verbal warning. Second offense will result in disqualification from the racing event.
- S-6. Motorized pit vehicles. Due to insurance regulations, all pit vehicles must be driven by state licensed drivers. No one under the age of 16 allowed to operate pit vehicles including mini-bikes, ATV’s, golf carts or related vehicles. Reckless driving will not be tolerated. Each pit vehicle must have car number or team name on the vehicle. These type vehicles must be operated in a safe manner at all times as mandated by the Insurance Company. These vehicles are the number one casualty claims at race tracks across the country.
- S-7. No children under the age of 14 allowed in the staging lanes, pre-staging or on the return road. Basically no one under the age of 14 in restricted areas. Anyone under 14 must stay inside the cab of a vehicle while in restricted area. Golf carts, ATV’s or related vehicles are not enclosed vehicles.
- S-8. Never refuel any vehicle while the vehicle is in staging lanes or running. Jack stands must be used while working under a vehicle. A competent, licensed driver must be in the driver’s seat and at the controls while any car is running.
- S-9. Willful disregard of SAFETY by any driver, as determined by a track official, is grounds for reprimand, suspension, and/or fines. Incidents that compromise the safety of other competitors cannot be tolerated.
- S-10. No Drones will be allowed over the property anytime unless prior approval by Firebird Motorsports Park Management.
- S-11. PHOTOGRAPHERS- No photographers allowed past the 225’ mark from the starting line and no closer than 900’ to the finish line. The Crossover bridge is approximately 900’. Must have MEDIA vest and approved by Track Management to be past starting line.
- S-12. Do not drive, push or otherwise move any vehicle with hood in upright position. If you are waiting in tech line or in staging lanes with hood up, put it down before moving up. Engine cooling with ice or water is prohibited in the staging lanes.
- S-13. For Safety Crew access, vehicles with “shaved” door handles must have some other visible, obvious and readily apparent means to open driver and passenger doors from the outside.
- S-14. All windows must meet state requirements for window tint. No window tint may be applied to the windshield. Factory tinted windshield (glass, not film) is permitted.
- S-15. Drivers (and passengers) in ALL Convertibles must wear a Snell-certified helmet ( see Rule S-3) regardless of elapsed time. Convertibles must run with the top up, rear window required. T-tops vehicles may not run with T-tops removed or open. Sunroofs must be closed. All cars run with windows closed and doors unlocked.
Credentials:
- C-1. If your vehicle runs quicker than 10 seconds in the quarter mile or over 135 mph, or 6.39 in the 1/8 mile you must have a valid/current NHRA Competition license. See “nhraracer.com” website for procedures and application forms. NHRA Chassis Certification is mandatory on all entries 9.99 or quicker ¼ mile or 6.39 1/8 mile. See NHRA Rulebook or Tech Inspector for specifics.
- C-2. All Racers must have a valid state driver’s license or NHRA competition license if required by ET. See NHRA rulebook for specific requirements. Motorcycle riders must have the motorcycle endorsement on their license. If you race in the NHRA Division ET Finals you must have an NHRA membership and competition number or license.
- C-3. If your vehicle breaks during time trials, you may substitute another vehicle and run in another bracket class. See procedure below. You will need to go through tech with replacement vehicle.
- C-4. TO CHANGE BRACKETS, UPGRADE OR SUBSITUTE A VEHICLE:
- Go to tower and consult with Race Director for approval.
- All questions concerning acceptable bracket changes, upgrades or substitute vehicles must be approved by Race Director.
- This change must be done prior to Round 1 of eliminations. The substitute vehicle may not get a time trial depending on the time of the replacement.
- Acceptable substitute vehicles must be out of competition and legal for the class.
General rules
- ALL DECISIONS OF THE RACE DIRECTOR ARE FINAL.
- All safety and tech rules published in the NHRA rulebook apply by ET class. Please consult track official with any questions. We are here to help you and make sure you are safe.
- NHRA chassis certification required on entries quicker than 9.99 ¼ or over 135 mph, 6.39 1/8
- Functional tail lamps required on all entries. Strobe or other unapproved tail lamps prohibited.
- Timed ignition interruption device (stutter box) prohibited in all classes.
- Delay boxes. The Tachometer or any RPM function are prohibited from interaction with the delay device or related accessories. See NHRA Rulebook
- Delay boxes allowed in Super Pro Bracket class. The Box MUST be removed from vehicle in all other classes.
- Hi-Rev limiters recommended in all classes.
- Data recorders that are proactive to the operation of a vehicle are prohibited in ALL NO- BOX classes. Wiring from the tachometer to any device is prohibited. Other electronics may be prohibited by class. If in doubt ask tech inspector.
- Also prohibited in ALL Classes: Any electronic device used to determine down-track position; Any device that employs a timer, counter, or signal generator to determine down-track position; any type of line sensor for either start or finish; any telemetry device capable of communicating vehicle data during a run, any wheel pickup sensing devices; any unconventional uses or applications of legal devices that would render them illegal under NHRA Rules.
- An NHRA license or license number and membership is required to run the NHRA Division Team Finals. The rules for NHRA Bracket Finals may vary from our track rules. Refer to Rule Book.
- All supercharged entries, or any entry using Nitrous Oxide faster than 8 seconds in the ¼ mile, and 5 seconds 1/8 mile must have approved lower containment device (diaper). Recommended for all other cars.
- LEFT LANE CAR EXITS TRACK FIRST AT ALL TIMES IN THE SHUTDOWN AREA.
Clothing Requirements:
- All drivers (and passengers, when applicable) must be appropriately dressed for fire safety purposes.
- LONG PANTS, NO sleeveless shirts, shoes, socks are a required minimum. NO shorts, no tank tops, no bare midriffs, no flip flops. Synthetic fabrics are permitted but not recommended. (sweats, gym clothes, etc.) when burning they stick to bare skin. Use your common sense.
- Motorcycles: Riders must wear a leather jacket, leather gloves and leather shoes/boots above the ankle. No tennis shoes permitted. Vinyl is NOT leather. Riders MUST wear FULL LEATHERS to run quicker than 10 seconds in the ¼ mile or 6.39 in the 1/8 mile.