Merrill Ice Drags Rules

Spirit of the Rule 
Points and Cash Pay Out System
Grounds for Disqualification
Protests Against Rules Violations

SPIRIT OF THE RULE
Although every effort has been directed towards complete, understandable, and correctness of the rules, no one can possibly anticipate every situation or interpretation. With this in mind, we must refer to the SPIRIT OF THE RULE. This means very simply, the intent of every rule and classification. Additional adjustments, alterations, modifications, and/or replacements not covered by written rules should not be assumed to be legal under SPIRIT OF THE RULE.

SPIRIT OF THE RULE will be the final criteria by which rules will be interpreted and enforced, by a minimum of 3 members of the Rules Committee.

1. Everyone will race according to our rules and regulations at every event, regardless of past race history. Not following this requirement is grounds for disqualification.  ALL decisions will be left up to MID.

2. Once you enter your vehicle you must park it in the pit area and your vehicle can not leave the pits until your race is over. Once the vehicle leaves the pits it will not be allowed to return.

3. Any driver with a breakdown has (5) minutes MAX to be back at the starting line or they will be disqualified. This will ONLY be allowed one time per class per event.

4. Nail class vehicles MUST have a fire extinguisher. We also highly recommend this for rubber tire classes as well.

5. Any driver making false starts (red light) will automatically lose, except on a bye run, in rubber tire classes, or if the other car goes off track.

6. Vehicles are allowed 300 lb. secured ballast. (No Bungee Cords)

7. The track length for all classes will be an 1/8th mile. Return lanes are provided and MUST be used.

8. All protests must be against a driver in the same class as that of the protester, and must be made immediately following the class.

9. Modified tire vehicles warming up on jack stands should be facing the snow bank in forward gear with the driver in the driver's seat.

10. Passengers, 14 and over, with pit passes and a proper release form signed and notarized may ride in Rubber tire classes ONLY.

11. Anyone who races must be 14 years of age or older in Trophy Classes. Drivers 16 years and older with a minimum of 1 year's experience may run in Money classes. They must have an authorized minors release form filled out. This form must be filled out and signed by a parent and notarized before the minor is allowed to race. All children must be supervised by a parent or guardian to be in the pits. Pit pass's can be revoked if deemed appropriate.

12. If you break before first round you may find a vehicle equal or lower then your class to race. Vehicle must stage under it's own engine's power to receive points. If your car breaks down after the first round you are disqualified.

13. Battery must be totally secured. (No Bungee Cords)

14. All drivers and passengers must wear seatbelts and helmets. 4 or 5 point harnesses are MANDATORY in Altered and Outlaw type vehicles. (Rail Cars)

15. Any driver trying out their tires or vehicle in the pit area, staging lanes, or return lanes will be disqualified.

16. All vehicles must have complete body (hood, doors, trunk lid, fenders, and windows) except Altered, Outlaw, and SA Rail classes. Tuner class does not need a driver's side window if the car has a window net.

17. All vehicles must have good working brakes.

18. All vehicles must have the correct factory required number and type of lug nuts on all four wheels.

19. All vehicles must have an overflow/catch can, of OEM style or aftermarket tank. (1 qt min) NO POP BOTTLES OR CANS OF ANY SORT WILL BE ALLOWED.

20. If you have a rare or unusual vehicle option you must bring written proof or it will be considered a modification. i.e. magazine article or factory documentation. If you're going to take advantage of this option, EVERY part (including carb) MUST have factory part# and You are to prove to us that it is factory. (Carbs must have choke horn)

21. All vehicles must be free of all garbage and/or items that may fly around and cause a safety hazard.

22. Nail classes can use any type of rubber tire typically found on production cars and trucks. We only allow screws. NO BOLTS ALLOWED.

23. If a rubber tire driver comes into contact with a snow bank they are disqualified. No riding on the edge of the track in rubber tire classes. Nail tire classes will be disqualified if  2 tires or more go into the snow bank. If one driver red light's and the other one goes off the track, going off track is the worse offense. It's an automatic D.Q. This includes "bye" runs.

24. Must run an automotive engine.

25. Any replaced floor panels must meet NHRA specifications. They must be .024 Steel/.032 Aluminum minimum and be of solid construction.

26. There is a $20.00 points and insurance fee for all 4 weeks. If you race you will be entered in the point series whether you race the first week or only race the last week.

27. If an event is stopped in the middle of the class, the entire class will rerun at the following event that year.

28. All inappropriate behavior during and after a race event will be punishable by a 2-week suspension of the car and driver. This will include the final race of the season. If you are suspended at the end of the season, you will not be allowed to race the first 2 races of the following year. We also reserve the right to take away Championship points and pay out.

29. Home built rims WILL NOT be allowed in Modified and higher classes.

30. Any vehicle running 2 classes (1 being a nitrous class) the bottle does not need to be removed from the vehicle for the non-nitrous class. However, the line must be disconnected, either at the carb or bottle.

31. IT IS THE DRIVER'S RESPONSIBILITY TO BE LEGAL IN ANY CLASSES ENTERED !!!!!!!!



POINTS AND CASH PAYOUT SYSTEM

POINTS- Our points system works on a very simple basis. For every round won a driver will receive 50 points, plus 50 points for attending and completing one race each week. This means that if you show up and run one round, win or lose you will receive 50 points. Points are accrued for the entire length of the season. After the last weekend, whomever has the most points wins. First place will receive an extra 7 points, and second place will receive an extra 3 points to cut down on the final point runoffs. If there is a tie after the final race at the end of the season, we will have the tied individuals race against each other to break the tie.

PAYOUT- Our weekly money payout works on the same principal as the points system. For every round won you will get $15.00 with a $30.00 difference between 1st and 2nd place. ($20-$40 for Altered and Outlaw Classes. The turnout and the number of sponsors that we have each year will determine the point's payout.


GROUNDS FOR DISQUALIFICATION

1. Littering

2. Failure to report to staging when called.

3. Any condition considered to be unsafe, unfair or out of order by the rules committee.

4. Anyone who races around ANYWHERE, inside the spectator fence, in race areas, other than during scheduled events will be disqualified for the season.

5. Un-sportsmanlike conduct, improper language or conduct.

6. Failure to race according to our rules and regulations.

7. Trying out cars, trucks, or tires in the pit area or the staging lanes.

8. Failure to wear seatbelts and helmets.

9. Anyone warned about a General or Safety violation on their vehicle will be checked out next race NO CHANGE - NO RUN!

10. Driver under the influence.



PROTESTS AGAINST RULES VIOLATIONS

Must be made by another racer in the same class. A $30.00 fee must be posted by the protester and protest must be made immediately.

The owner of the vehicle must prove that vehicle is legal ACCORDING to the rules of that class.

Owner must provide factory documentation of the parts in question and may be requested to remove the valve cover to show factory casting numbers in classes that must use factory cast iron heads.

Protester will be refunded the $20.00 fee if his protest is found valid. $10.00 IS NON-REFUNDABLE and goes to the Merrill ice draggers.

Protestee will receive the $20.00 if they prove that they are legal ACCORDING to the class RULES. $10.00 IS NON-REFUNDABLE and goes to the Merrill Ice Draggers.

If protestee does not cooperate they will be disqualified for the rest of the season in all classes.

WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO ALL RULES AND REGULATIONS.

MERRILL ICE DRAGGERS INC.