General Rules

NHRA Rules are the basic and minimum standard for safety and competition. See the current NHRA rulebook and direct any questions to the track official. It is our mission to provide a safe and fun drag racing environment for everyone.

Responsible and professional behavior is expected by all racers, crew members and spectators. Conduct of the crew members is the responsibility of the driver.

The speed limit is 10 mph on all Midstate property including the pits, staging lanes, return roads and parking areas. Absolutely no burnouts or dry hops anywhere on Midstate property.

No glass containers on track premises.

No alcoholic beverages may be consumed by anyone operating any motor vehicle on Midstate property. No Alcoholic Beverages may be brought into the staging lanes or starting line by anyone. Violators will be asked to leave the premises.

Tech inspection must be completed by a Midstate official before making any runs. A vehicle may be re-examined by any official at any time for any reason. EVERYONE must completely fill in their tech card and deliver it to the tech shed before entering the staging lanes. Do not bring tech cards to the concession stand or tower.

Shoes and shirts are required in the staging area and at the starting line at all times per insurance regulations.

Staging Lanes. Drivers must report to the staging lanes promptly when their class is called. Drivers competing in more than one class must be ready to compete when each class is called. Due to limited staging area, please wait until your class is called before entering the staging lanes. Drivers in lanes 2 & 4 will run lane 1(tower lane) and drivers in lanes 3 & 5 will run lane 2. If driver is not in the staging lanes for his time run or for eliminations by the time the final car pulls into the burnout box, they will forfeit that time run/round. No exceptions.

Dial-ins must be visibly displayed before the ready line. NO dial changes are allowed from that point. It is the driver’s responsibility to check the dial in for accuracy on Midstate’s scoreboards and notify the staging director right away of any mistakes. Do not stage until the scoreboard indicates your correct dial in. Staging will indicate to the tower that you accept the dial in displayed on the scoreboard. Please check both dial-ins. If you stage on an incorrect dial-in from either competitor, it is a race.

One working crew member is allowed past the staging lanes, into the starting line area. The crew member must be 15 years old or older, unless working with a jr dragster.

All Participants running an 8.99 or faster are required to have a current SFI rated helmet. One warning and the driver will be eliminated from the event.

Two time runs are designed into each day of racing, but are not guaranteed. One time trial per vehicle per session. When time permits, a shootout (3rd Time Run) will be allowed. Registration for this run is at the bottom of the tower. There is a $5 fee. A dial in must be on the car and the person closest to their dial in on this final run before eliminations will receive $100.

Burnouts across the starting line are prohibited for cars equipped with 4-wheel brakes. Backing in to a staging position is strictly prohibited

Courtesy Staging at Midstate Dragway will be firmly enforced at all times, including time runs. Prompt staging is encouraged. “Burndowns” will not be tolerated. One warning and then the driver is eliminated from competition for that event.

Deep staging is allowed but not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to stage in a timely manner. “DEEP” needs to be lettered easily visible on both sides of your car.

If your car experiences mechanical problems, please shut it off and pull to the outside of the lane.

If you believe there is an error on your time slip, please see a track official right away.

Bye runs will be determined by the best reaction time. After the first round, bye runs are determined by the best winning reaction time in the previous round. The bye run rolls over until it is used. Only one bye run allowed per person until all remaining competitors have had a bye or have bought back in.   If you have bought back in, you are not eligible for the bye run until everyone has either bought back in or had a bye run.

Buy backs are allowed for first and second round when time allows. Re-entries into the second or third round will not be separated. Track points will be awarded for one buy back only (5 points per round won). If you buy back a second time, no points are awarded.

Points- 10 entry points will be given with the purchase of a tech card. A driver will receive 10 points for every round won. In the case of a buy back, a competitor will not receive points for the round lost, but will receive 5 points for every round won after the first buy back. Points will not be awarded after a second buy back. The winner of each class will receive 2 bonus points and the runner up will receive 1 bonus point.

Tech Cards may be purchased ON or BEFORE a scheduled event date when the competitor cannot attend. They will receive the 10 entry points for that race.

No break passes will be given after you have made a run. Entrants are allowed to substitute vehicle and/or enter another bracket with the approval of the race director before first round.

All pit vehicles must be used for race purposes only; no recreational riding allowed. All pit vehicles must have the car/entry number visible at all times. For insurance and safety reasons, all pit vehicles must be operated by a licensed driver. Anyone under the age of 16 is not allowed to operate ANY pit vehicle under ANY circumstance. One warning and then the driver responsible for the pit vehicle will be eliminated from competition at the event. Pit vehicles are not to be parked on the return road. Please keep all vehicles off of the turn near the starting line and out of the entry at the head of staging.

Tail lights must be used at all times after the track lighting is activated. Tail lights must be visible by the official from the starting line until the final turn off.

Gold Cards may be used for regular programs only. They are good only for the class marked on the front of the card and only for the driver listed. The driver is still required to pay the $10 admission fee.

Free Tech Cards may be used for regular programs only. The driver is required to pay the $10 admission fee.

Rainouts

If an event is called prior to completion of the first round, tech cards will be given to the driver to be used for re-entry into a future race within 30 days. These can either be used for a make-up race or a regular program.

The result of any event rained out after the first round is determined by the track officials. It is their decision whether they will reschedule the remaining portion of the race or whether they will divide the purse among the remaining competitors. All rain checks must be used within 30 days of the original event. Spectator rain out policy is also 30 days from the original event. NO cash refunds.

All NHRA safety rules apply, even if it is not listed on the Midstate Dragway rules sheet. All rule violations are subject to interpretation by the Midstate event director.

Remember- No printed rule book can replace courtesy and common sense. Responsible and professional behavior is expected and appreciated!