Tech/Rules 4x4's & Buggy's



Central Connecticut Four Wheelers Competition Rules and Regulations for:

Stock, Modified, Experimental, & Buggy Classes

 

Driver Safety

  • All vehicles must have a METAL WIRE windshield screen on drivers side.

(Maximum 1"x 1" Opening STEELWIRE)

 

  1. NHRA approved 5 point seat belts and harnesses are mandatory. Harness and seat belt must be fastened to suitable mountings with 3/8″ minimum steel bolts. Harness must be attached to roll cage so that it cannot slide off either side of seat. The harness may not be attached to the top of the roll cage or to the back of the seat. Harness must enter 2″ below the highest part of the shoulder and be in a continuous angle over the highest part of the shoulder. Harnesses must be mounted to manufacturers specifications. Belts must be kept in good condition. No tears or fraying.
  2. All drivers of any vehicles in any class must wear approved fire-suit and proper footwear. Suits must be kept in good condition. No rips, tears, holes, fraying, or inoperable zippers.
  3. All drivers must wear either eye goggles or full face shield at all times.
  4. Full coverage racing type safety helmets are mandatory (with ear and skull protection). Helmets must meet SNELL 2000 specs and be in good condition.
  5. Side nets are mandatory on all vehicles. Nets must be 18″ x 18″ minimum with a quick release type system for either top or bottom.
  6. Each vehicle will carry attached to the vehicle within easy reach of driver in plain view a charged dry chemical fire extinguisher, with a dial gauge equipped with a suitable quick release bracket, or a comparable halon filled fire extinguisher. No tape or bungee cords for mounting purposes.
  7. All vehicles must be race-ready for technical inspection. Driver must be in vehicle with his or her helmet and fire suit and with his or her belt and harness fastened. Only the driver is permitted in vehicle during inspection.

 

Running Rules


  1. The running gear of each vehicle will be inspected by the tech committee to verify the safety of such critical parts as steering, brakes, welds, tire condition, etc., prior to each event or course. The vehicle must have suitable brakes with firm pedal.
  2. Brake test: each driver must demonstrate the ability to stop vehicles in a reasonably straight line and in a reasonable distance. Any vehicle involved in a rollover must be towed off and re-inspected prior to another run.
  3. Anyone whose shoulder harness becomes disconnected must stop; reconnect their harness; then proceed. Otherwise he or she will be disqualified from that event if found finishing with malfunction.
  4. All drivers must remain in harness until safely off the track in all events. In case of a breakdown or rollover, remain in harness until told otherwise.
  5. Once a driver is in staging, he or she must be wearing his or her helmet and with his or her belt and harness fastened.
  6. No loose objects permitted inside vehicle during competition.
  7. No part of the drivers body is allowed to protrude beyond the cage and/or body of the vehicle. Driver will be disqualified from that event if he or she does at any time.
  8. Any driver under the influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs, regardless of quantity, will be disqualified from the event. Driver will be subject to suspension or revocation of competitive privileges at the discretion of the rules committee.
  9. No alcoholic beverages allowed in the pit area or on the race course.
  10. Only licensed drivers 16 years of age and older may compete. Any driver under 18 years of age must have signed permission from parent or guardian to enter competitive events.
  11. Each driver must bring his or her own vehicle to staging line unassisted.
  12. The rules committee may reject a novice driver from competition, if in their opinion they feel the driver is unable to handle the vehicle.
  13. Close-off time for registration is 10:00 am, and technical inspection is 11:00 am. Driver's meeting will be shortly thereafter.
  14. No one under 16 years of age is allowed in the hot pit area. Four people plus driver allowed per vehicle, regardless of driver entries.
  15. All racing vehicles must remain in the hot pit area after being inspected.
  16. Idle speed at all times when in the pit area or while going to and coming from the track.
  17. Let staff in communication with staging or tower know if you are unable to compete.
  18. Staging, all events:
    1. Drivers have 3 minutes after each call for class to stage.
    2. Eliminator Events: Driver must be staged within 30 seconds of his or her opponent.
  19. If you go completely off the track cutting a corner short, you must take a stop and go penalty.
  20. If your vehicle becomes stuck or stalls, you will be given a reasonable length of time to get started. To continue competion no track staff is allowed to assist.
  21. All vehicles must have and use four wheel drive. Buggies are exempt from this rule. In the event of a drive line failure, a vehicle may finish that run in two wheel drive. A run is green to checkered flag, and vehicle must be able to run competitively.
  22. Crossing of the lane boundary (vehicle hitting track markers, such as cones) is an automatic disqualification in designated areas.
  23. Each vehicle must complete their staging to be eligible to place during the eliminator event.
  24. No paddle tires.
  25. It will take 3 vehicles to make a class.
  26. Rules-men may clarify a class at a meet. Rules-men will not be responsible for the mis-classifyingng of any vehicle.
  27. Each driver claims his or her classification. If a driver claims the wrong classification, he or she will be disqualified. In case of doubt a driver will notify the tech inspectors at the time the vehicle is being inspected. Only one vehicle per driver per class. Once a vehicle has passed through tech inspection, there will be no refund of the registration fee for any reason.

 

Multi-Vehicle Running Rules


  1. No passengers.
  2. No intentional bumping or pushing will be tolerated. (subject to a penalty)
  3. Jumping the start: you will be stopped after the first lap and held until the last vehicle on the lead lap has gone by. You can eliminate this penalty by stopping right at the starting line and falling in at the end of the pack so you can stay together with the main group. (give yourself a stop and go)
  4. Black Flag DQ: When your vehicle goes off the track or hits a flag, cone, stake, etc in a designated area. The penalty for this is disqualification from that race.
  5. Black Flag Moving Violation: When your vehicle hits another vehicle and you continue to stay on the throttle. Also any intentional bumping, banging, or pushing. Unsportsmanlike Conduct: By the driver and/or pit crew can also bring black flag penalty to that race team.
  6. Black Flag Violation Penalty: When a violation has been given to a team for moving or unsportsmanlike conduct the team is finished for the day. That violation will be carried over to the next event; if another violation is given to the team they are finished for that day and will be suspended from the next race. If a second violation is given at the last race of the season, a single violation will be carried over to the next season.

 

Body: each vehicle shall have a minimum body as follows:


  1. Hoods shall be required to protect the driver from leakage of gas, battery, oil, and cooling system.
  2. Fenders are required.
  3. Full front and rear firewalls and full floorboards and beds in pickups are required.(beds are for stock vehicles)
  4. A bolted tailgate or suitable brace securely bolted or welded is required. A suitable brace is a 3/4″ bar or a 1″ x 1″ x 1/8″ angle or a 1″ x 1/2″ strap.
  5. The body must be constructed of steel, fiberglass, aluminum, high density polylene plastic (.070″ thick) or a combination of these materials. Minimum thickness of all materials is 22 gauge. The body of said vehicle must have a complete floor with a minimum body height of 12″ starting from floor and completely encompassing sides and rear around the driver’s compartment. The body will have no sharp edges.

 

Driver’s Compartment


  1. This area shall extend from the front firewall to the rear firewall, from body side to opposite body side and from floor to top of roll cage. Must be constructed of steel or aluminum. No plastic or fiberglass in this area, except for stock fiberglass bodies.
  2. Vehicles with adjustable seats must have seats locked in position with a bolt or pin to prevent any movement.
  3. All transmission coolers, engine oil coolers, and radiators must be located outside of the driver’s compartment and must be protected in a manner to not injure driver or spectator. All rear mounted radiators must have the overflow tube directed down through the floor.

 

Electrical


  1. There must be a battery disconnect switch in the rear of the vehicle located over the center of the rear-end housing. It must be marked with a bright red plate with 2 inch white letters indicating kill–on/off. There also must be a battery disconnect switch or a single kill switch within reach of the driver and co-driver while in harness. This switch must completely kill the vehicle fuel pumps, water pumps, etc…
  2. All vehicles with automatic transmissions and clutch automatics must have a neutral safety switch.
  3. All batteries must be contained within the body of the vehicle and securely mounted. Those mounted in other than stock location must be in a completely enclosed container and securely mounted. All batteries must be secured by an automotive top type hold down device inside the battery box.
  4. All vehicles must have two working brake lights with red lens covers.
  5. A pencil beam type light with a clear lens facing the rear of the vehicle is mandatory.

 

Roll Cages


  1. Roll cages shall be of sufficient strength to protect vehicle occupants in all reasonable circumstances.
  2. All vehicles regardless of body style or class must have 6-point cage to the frame and have ample gussets.
  3. All parts of roll cage must be 1 3/4″ or larger o. d. steel with .095″ wall thickness minimum. Front and rear hoop of cage must extend sufficiently above, in front, and behind the driver’s head and shoulders. Exception: 1-1/2″ od tubing acceptable for buggies.
  4. Top bracing bars must connect to front and rear roll bars on both sides no lower than 6″ from corners at top of roll cage.

cage.jpg

    1. A NASCAR type side bar shall be securely mounted and protrude a minimum of 4″ beyond the outside loops of the cage to protect the driver from a side roll or impact.
    2. All center seater's are required to have side bars on both sides.
    3. All vehicles must have a center top roof bar. Windshields and windows wider than 36″ must have a center bar.
    4. All vehicles must have top protection. Minimum 1/8″ aluminum or minimum 18 gauge steel bolted or welded to gussets. Minimum coverage from front loop to rear loop to center roof bar on driver’s side.
    5. Square tubing is not permitted.
    6. No threaded pipe or thread joints of any kind are permitted.
    7. All vehicles must have a minimum of 1 diagonal bar or x-brace excluding center seater's, which must have an x-brace (vehicles with narrow cages).
    8. Vehicle number plate will be mounted in the center of the roof with 6″ numbers on both sides. Black numbers on white background.

 

Bumpers


4×4 Bumpers: A common style loop bumper will be required on front and rear of vehicles for all side by side racing classes (multi vehicle race). Requirements are as follows:

  1. Minimum of 6″ wider than frame rail on both sides.
  2. Maximum is no wider than center of tires (tire offset could change width).
  3. Height of lower bar should be approximately 22″.
  4. Must be a loop of 1-1/2″ or 1-3/4″ round tubing.
  5. A 4″ minimum, 10″ maximum opening between bars.
  6. Bumpers must support vehicle weight for towing purposes.
  7. Must have a 1′ down tube between loops for towing, red in color, for front and rear.
  8. Face of bumper must be flat (no curved or wrap around style).

bumper.jpg

 

Buggy Bumper Requirements


  1. Front and rear bumper must start and end to the cage (no open ends).
  2. Must have a 1′ tube or loop, red in color, front and rear for towing purposes.

 

Exhaust


  1. All vehicles will be tested at the track.
  2. No vehicle will be allowed to race without mufflers.
  3. If mufflers fall off during a race, vehicle must pull over and shut off engine as soon as possible.
  4. Buggy Mufflers: Must face towards the ground (not sideways or up)

 

Fuel Systems


  1. All fuel lines, fuel pumps, and fuel cells must be outside of the driver’s compartment and must be protected from collision.
  2. OEM gas tanks in stock location in stock class only. No multi-vehicle. All other vehicles must have approved cell.
  3. All cells must have rollover valve and double-back line to prevent leakage in the event of a rollover.
  4. Spare gas cans are not permitted in vehicle.

 

Drive Line


  1. Definition of Four Wheel Drive: To classify as a four wheel drive vehicle, the vehicle must have automotive type front and rear axle housing, each containing a ring and pinion gear, axles and carrier assembly, and each must be propelled by an automotive type drive shaft. No hydraulic or starter motor drives. The vehicle must be capable of driving on its front wheels for a specific length of 100 yards to prove the vehicle has front wheel drive.
  2. All 4×4 standard shift vehicles must have a steel scatter shield 1/4″ x 6″ with 180-degree coverage minimum and shall be affixed over the flywheel and clutch assembly or NHRA approved bell housing.
  3. All vehicles with an automatic transmission must have an NHRA approved blanket or vest 180 degrees or scatter shield 1/4″ x 12″ minimum steel around the working components of the transmission. Chain drive vehicles must have suitable guards.
  4. All vehicles with drive shafts 12″ or longer must have drive shaft loops to prevent shaft from hitting the ground. Measurements taken from center of u-joints.

 

Classes of Vehicles for Competition


  1. Vehicles will be classified as follows: Stock, Modified, and Experimental according to the number of cylinders. Classes will be split at any time per rules committee.
  2. A-Block small block engines only.
  3. B-Block-big block engines, small block can bump up to this class.

 

Definitions Stock


  1. Vehicles must have original size engine.
  2. No carburetor or intake changes are allowed.
  3. Dual exhaust may be used providing the exhaust manifolds are cast iron. No headers.
  4. Any distributor changes are allowed.
  5. Internal engine parts must be stock from the vehicle manufacturer for that vehicle.
  6. Only stock type bodies are allowed. No excessive lightening. Unbolt-able parts only, excluding major body parts.
  7. Wheel size is limited to 10″ and the tire size to 11.00.
  8. Power steering is allowed.
  9. Must retain stock wheel base.
  10. Suspension changes are permitted as long as mount locations are not moved.Reversing of shackles, after market springs and or shocks. No double shocks unless factory option.
  11. Wide axles are not permitted.

 

Modified (changes allowed from stock)


  1. Any changes to the original engine will be allowed as long as the original size block is used.
  2. Only stock type fiberglass front ends.
  3. Double shocks are allowed, front and rear.
  4. Wide axles are allowed. Must use original length springs. Spring perch may be moved outside of frame rail as long as stock wheel base is retained.
  5. Transmission changes are allowed.
  6. Any tire allowed, excluding paddle tires.

 

Experimental


  1. Any engine
  2. Any body or excessive lighting to a body
  3. Any frame
  4. Any wheelbase
  5. A body or frame that didn’t originally have four wheel drive.
  6. Any springs or location

 

Buggies


  1. Must comply with all rules, unless exception noted.
  2. Must be rear engine (engine behind rear wheels)
  3. Air cooled may be 4 or 6 cylinder.
  4. Water cooled must be 4 cylinder only.
  5. Stock Class – 1600cc, single port heads,stock solex 30 pic carb, stock length control arms (may be reinforced)
  6. Super Buggy – Anything other then stock, and fits our general rules

 

Womens Classes


  1. Women may register for either men’s competition or women’s competition but may not register for both. They may not change from men’s to women’s for different events during the same meet.
  2. Classes for competition will be the same as for male competitors.

 

All rules and classes are subject to change by rules committee.