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

Stage Lock is used. Drivers must stage carefully, as only .008 of movement can break or re-establish the stage beam.

The following videos explain staging procedures and bulb behavior:

Bulb Flicker Explanation
https://fb.watch/igaG_qLJ5u/

Staging to Light & Red Lighting
https://www.facebook.com/100009198045626/videos/1597467700601825/

Dial-in verification

All competitors are responsible for verifying their dial-in as displayed on the scoreboard before staging.

Once both vehicles are fully staged and the timing system has latched, the dial-in shown (or not shown) on the scoreboard is considered accepted and final. No changes, adjustments, or protests regarding dial-ins will be allowed after the system has latched.

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

Courtesy staging is required in all categories.

Both drivers must pre-stage before either driver proceeds forward to stage or deep stage.

If a competitor accidentally lights both bulbs before the opponent has staged, the starter may motion the driver back or set the red lights and allow them to re-stage one time, if time permits.

Deep staging

Deep staging is allowed

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

Follows IHRA Rules

TOP (0-9.00)
The following are permitted:
• Delay boxes
• Trans brakes
• Two-steps
• Playback tachometers
• Nitrous
• Air throttles used as launch control devices

Factory-installed (OEM) computers are permitted. Laptop computers are not allowed during competition.

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

Double entry is allowed only if it is the same car and the same driver.

Returning to lanes

Single or double-entered racers must return to the lanes promptly. When final pairings are called, competitors have two minutes to report.

Re-entry vs buybacks 200+ single entries
A Re-Entry round will be run between racers who lost in the previous round. 150-199 entries
There will be a Buyback round that joins winners from the previous round. 149 or fewer entries
Two rounds of Buybacks will be offered.

Buybacks must be purchased at the front gate.

Buybacks may not be purchased under another competitor’s number.

Bye runs

First round bye runs are determined by card draw.

All following rounds will award the bye run to the best reaction time from the previous round.

Bye runs do not carry over in 2026. Each round has a new bye run.

Dragster pairing

At larger events, dragsters may be grouped together until numbers make that impractical.

No single dragster passes will be run. The last dragster may be paired with the next available door car.

Track Safety Rules

Age restrictions

No one under age 16 allowed in the burnout area or near the starting line when full-size race cars are racing

Burnout area distance

Spectators must remain at least 200 feet away from the burnout area due to flying debris

Crew limits

Maximum of two crew members allowed with each race vehicle in the staging lanes or on track surface

Pit vehicle rules

No one under 16 may operate a pit vehicle unless authorized by track management or employed by the track

Winners circle restrictions

Winners Circle is restricted to racers receiving photos

Technical Requirements

Tech cards

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

Vehicle inspections

Track Authority

Rule modification authority

The Event Director may waive, amend, or modify any rule listed here for a specific situation if deemed necessary.

Event director decision final

Kentucky Dragway reserves the right to refuse entry to any person at any event.

All decisions made by the Event Director are 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

Once your vehicle enters the track surface in any capacity, you will be charged at minimum the Test & Tune fee for that day.

Typical Test & Tune fee range:
$35 – $50 (depending on the event).

Any refund or credit will be reduced by this amount.

Broke in the Trailer (No Track Appearance)

If your vehicle breaks while still in the trailer or pits and has not appeared on the track, you will only be charged spectator admission.

Break on the Track

If your vehicle breaks on the racing surface and causes track downtime or cleanup, the following applies:

• No refund will be issued
• No break pass will be issued

This includes incidents requiring track staff response, fluid cleanup, or delays to the event.

3-Day Event Policy

If you purchased a discounted weekend entry for a 3-day event, the following applies:

• No break passes or refunds will be issued on the third day

Break Pass Credits

If a break pass is issued, the credit will be provided on an official:

Kentucky Dragway Pass Card

These pass cards:

• Do not expire
• May be used at any future event
• May be applied toward any race entry

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.