Hawkeye Downs Speedway 2008 General Rules
Chief Tech Inspector: Don Burkey (319) 929-6979 or
(319) 472-5081 Tech Inspector: Dan
Higdon (319) 472-5129
Tech Inspector: TBD Tire Tech Inspector: TBD
Competition Director: Chris Stocks (319) 365-8656
YOU
ARE EXPECTED TO KNOW THE FOLLOWING RULES IGNORANCE WILL NOT BE TOLERATED AS AN EXCUSE!
The
rules and/or regulations set forth herein are designed to provide for the
orderly conduct of racing events and to establish minimum acceptable
requirements for such events. These
rules shall govern the condition of all events, and by participating in these
events, all participants are deemed to have complied with these rules. NO EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF SAFETY
SHALL RESULT FROM PUBLICATIONS OF, OR COMPLIANCE WITH, THESE RULES AND/OR
REGULATIONS. They are intended as a
guide for conduct of the sport and are in no way a guarantee against injury or
death to a participant, spectator, or official.
The
Race Director/General Manager and Track Officials shall be empowered to permit
reasonable and appropriate deviation from any of the specifications herein or
impose any further restrictions that, in their opinion, do not alter the
minimum acceptable requirements.
NO
EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF SAFETY SHALL RESULT FROM SUCH ALTERATION OF
SPECIFICIATIONS. Any interpretation or deviation of these rules is
left to the discretion of the officials.
Their decision is final.
The rules set forth shall
be effective for Hawkeye Downs Speedway’s 2008 racing season. Management reserves the right to amend,
alter, suspend, delete, or supplement these rules as conditions warrant and
without any prior notice. Any changes
will be posted in the inspection area.
It is your responsibility to be aware of changes posted. These rules shall govern the condition of all
Hawkeye Downs Speedway events.
Auto racing is a
competitive sport, and like any other sporting event that depends on fan
support, there is a great deal of showmanship and public relations
required. Starting on time, running
events in a professional manner, proper uniforms or attire, race cars brightly
painted and the conduct of the competitors both on and off the track must be
established.
Hawkeye Downs Speedway is
private property. Any person on this property
without the permission of the owners or management is guilty of trespassing and
subject to the penalties prescribed by law.
Through your registration you have been given the authority and the
right to be on this property in conjunction with your racing activity
only. However, the management of the race track reserves the right to revoke
and cancel this authority at any time it is felt that your presence or conduct
is not in the best interest of auto racing, your fellow competitors, spectators,
management, or employees of Hawkeye Downs Speedway. Further, no one is permitted to sell,
distribute, and pass out, etc., any merchandise, services, flyers, information,
etc., on Hawkeye Downs property without the express written permission of
Hawkeye Downs management.
INTENT/SPIRIT
OF THE RULE
Hawkeye Downs Speedway
management reserves the right to determine the intent of all rules and
regulations regarding the conduct of Hawkeye Downs Speedway special events and
to make changes, adjustments and modifications without notice in the interest
of safety, better competition and according to the size of the field, the
crowd, the track conditions, the weather, tradition, local rules or customs, or
other circumstances. Any situation not specifically covered
herein, will be acted upon by Hawkeye Downs Speedway management and their
decision is final and binding.
ALTHOUGH
EVERY EFFORT HAS BEEN DIRECTED TOWARD COMPLETE, UNDERSTANDABLE, AND CORRECT
RULES,
AS
WELL AS THE SAME FACTORS IN PUTTING THEM INTO PRINT, HAWKEYE DOWNS
CANNOT
POSSIBLY ANTICIPATE EVERY SITUATION, CIRCUMSTANCE, OR INTERPRETATION.
THE
DEFINITION OF STOCK MEANS "NO MODIFICATIONS TO FACTORY PARTS OR FACTORY
SPECIFICATIONS."
The absence of a specific
rule does not imply approval, consent, or permission regarding that
subject. Any questions or doubts
regarding that subject, and any questions or doubts regarding such matters,
should be directed to Hawkeye Downs Speedway officials.
INSURANCE
1. Before entering the pit area each person must sign (signature MUST be legible) an
insurance release and shall receive a pit pass.
The pit pass must be visible at all times.
Anyone assisting an unauthorized person into the pit area, or
letting an unauthorized person use their pit pass, will be ejected and
suspended.
2. When in the pit area, maintain a constant watch for
your own protection.
3. Hawkeye Downs Speedway liability and medical
insurance policies are available in the pit sign in office.
4. In the event of accident or injury, advise the General Manager
immediately so necessary reports can be filed.
If you are physically unable, a crew person or family member
is responsible for the report.
No Medical Claims will be considered unless
reported prior to leaving the Speedway Property the date of the incident.
Contact
the rescue vehicle driver or safety crew, and give a full report before you
leave the speedway.
5. Each driver must inspect
the racing surface and track area to learn of any defects, obstructions, or
anything that is unsafe.
Unsafe conditions should be reported to
the Competition Director.
Any driver participating in any event is
considered to have inspected the track and found all conditions
satisfactory.
If a driver considers the track unsafe,
the driver should not race.
This further indicates the driver is
aware auto racing involves risks and the driver assumes these risks with full
awareness and knowledge.
6. Hawkeye Downs Speedway assumes no
responsibility for damage to, or loss off, equipment, vehicle, or any parts by
any means in the pit area.
HAWKEYE
MINORS
1. All new drivers, regardless of age, are
subject to the approval of track management.
2. IMCA age limits will apply for IMCA
sanctioned divisions (Stock Cars, Hobby Stocks, SportMod)
3. Late Model, Modifieds and Sportsmen Drivers
must be 16 to compete
4. Underage drivers licensed by a major
sanctioning body may be allowed to compete in Late Models and Sportsmen
5. Minimum age for Hornets is 14, subject to
approval of track management. Must show
birth certificate for proof of age
6. Everyone in the pits must be at least 14 years of age.
7. Anyone entering the pits under the age of
18 must have a Liability Release Waiver Minor Release Form each time entering
the pits.
This waiver must be signed by the
minor's parents or guardian, recognizing the danger, and risk of injury or
possibly death to the minor.
RAIN AND FOUL WEATHER
1. It is the policy of Hawkeye Downs Speedway
to complete all scheduled events whenever possible.
2. If a program is cancelled with less than
1/2 the scheduled events completed, Rain Checks will be honored on a date
announced.
3. If a program is cancelled with less than
1/2 the scheduled events completed, preliminary events completed will be
nullified with no pay or points.
4. If more than 1/2 the scheduled events are
completed, and the remainder of the event is cancelled, rain checks will not
be honored.
Points and money will be paid for all
events completed. Competitors that have not completed their feature will
receive tow money.
NO DOUBLE OR MAKE UP FEATURES
CONDUCT
1. Professional, courteous conduct is expected at all times.
2. Detrimental statements made in public
forums (such as Internet, Media, or on the PA) will result in fines and/or
suspensions.
3. Anyone going to scoring tower, flag stand, or starting line to
argue during a racing program will result in suspension for entire race team.
4. The Driver and Car Owner are responsible for the conduct and
actions of himself/herself, crew members, sponsors, and family members.
5. Unsportsmanlike conduct such as arguing, fighting, reckless
driving through the pits, display of weapon, threat of bodily harm,
or improper language will result in probation, suspension,
and/or fine.
6. Continued problems from the same individual will result in
permanent suspension.
7. No one other than Hawkeye Downs Officials allowed in staging
area or on track without permission of Officials.
8. No Motorized Vehicles in Pit Area. This includes golf carts, scooters,
motorcycles, mini-bikes, and ATV's.
9. Do Not Run Engines during National
Anthem, Pre-Race Ceremonies, Driver's Meeting.
10.
Cooking or Distributing Food or Drink in
the Pit Area is forbidden, until after 10:00 pm.
11. Consumption, possession, or distribution of
alcohol, or any controlled substance, in the pit area, is strictly prohibited.
12. No Profanity, profane or controversial signs or logos on your car,
hauler, or clothing.
13. Any threat of Legal Action will result in that person, and team,
being suspended from Hawkeye Downs.
GENERAL COMPETITOR RULES
1. Once a
driver is established in a car by competing in a preliminary event (time
trials, dash, heat, last chance), the driver may only race that car.
If the original car experiences
mechanical problems or is crashed in a preliminary event (time trials, dash,
heat, last chance), the driver
may not use another (back up) car. If a car experiences problems during practice
and is unable to continue, a back up car may be used.
2. Drivers
may compete in more than one division. Racing will not be delayed more than a
couple minutes to accommodate
drivers
holding their starting position.
POINTS
1. Points awarded to the driver, regardless of
the car number.
2. Points
for all divisions will be awarded per IMCA Rules below.
IMCA Feature points are as follows:
40-39-38-37-36-35-34-33-32-31-30-29-28-27-26-25-24-23-22-21-20-19-18-17.
Drivers that earn a spot
in the feature by competing in a heat race, and do not start the feature,
receive last place feature points.
Drivers
that suffer mechanical failure in practice and do not compete in any races do
not receive any points. No bonus
points for heat races.
GENERAL RACING RULES
1. Hawkeye Downs Management and Officials'
Decisions are final and binding.
2. Hawkeye Downs Management and Officials
establish the length, frequency, and administration of all events.
3. Video Tape Replays will not be used
to make decisions or impose penalties
4. Exceptions to rules, specifications, and
format of events may be made at the discretion of Management and Officials.
5. The payoff, format, and event order will be
posted in the tech barn.
6. It is the responsibility of the driver to
sign in each event.
7. Line-ups will be made 1/2 hour prior to
race time. Any driver not signed in by
that time will start at the rear of a heat race.
8. Every Race Car must be inspected and
approved prior to the first event.
9. Any Competing Vehicle that causes a safety
problem or retards track activity will be removed from racing.
10. Slow cars should stay low on the track to
allow faster cars to pass on the outside.
11. Hawkeye Downs Management and Officials
reserve the right to start any car at the rear of the field for safety reasons.
12. Hawkeye Downs Management and Officials
reserve the right to forbid any competitor or car to compete for safety
reasons.
HAWKEYE
DOWNS SPEEDWAY 2008 GENERAL RULES--PAGE 2
ROUGH DRIVING PENALTIES
1. Rough or over aggressive driving will
result in disqualification.
2. Contact causing another car to spin or
crash will result in that car restarting at the rear.
3. Contact
from over aggressive driving causing another car to crash out of an event will be
subject to disqualification.
4. Penalties
will be issued at the next yellow flag or at the end of the race for over
aggressive driving that does not cause a yellow flag.
5. Bumping or ramming during pre-race warm-up, pace laps, yellow
flag, red flag, or after a race will result in disqualification and or fine.
6. Improperly improving position on a re-start will result in
penalty or disqualification.
ACCIDENTS
1. Cars determined to be involved in an accident that causes a
yellow or red flag, if allowed to continue, may maintain position or re-start at the
rear of the field, based upon the
decision of the Race Officials.
2. Cars that stop or spin to avoid an accident and do not
make contact with other cars, the wall, or foam blocks will maintain their
position.
3. Cars that stop or spin to avoid an accident
and do make contact with another car, the wall, or foam blocks will not
be sent to the rear of the field but able to maintain their position if they
are able to continue at the time of the restart.
4. Cars causing one yellow flag in a heat
race or dash will be sent to the pits and out of the race.
5. Cars causing two yellow flags in a feature
race will be sent to the pits and out of the race.
6. Any cars involved in three yellow flags in
a feature race will be sent to the pits and out of the race.
TIME
LIMITS
1. There is not a
"one minute per lap" time limit; instead the Competition Director can
at his discretion inform the drivers that the race will be called on the next
yellow flag.
START
OF RACE
1. Be prepared for start/restart at any time.
Notification will be by
one lap signal, white flag, or verbally over radio (for divisions using radio).
2. For heat races, one lap signal will be given coming out of
staging. Cars from previous heat should
leave track quickly.
3. For all
feature races, parade or wave lap all divisions.
4. Green
flag will be displayed for start. If
start not acceptable, yellow flag and light will be displayed before a full lap
is completed.
5. If
yellow flag displayed after start, there will be a complete restart. Any driver causing multiple false starts will
be disqualified.
6. If an
accident occurs on the first lap, cars involved will be restarted at the rear.
1. During yellow flag period, drivers will have one lap to line-up
after being informed of position on scanner or by the track line up board. Any
driver delaying
program by failing to line up as instructed will be sent to the pits and out of
the race.
2. On restarts, cars line up in order of the last completed lap
before the yellow flag was displayed.
3. A lap is considered complete if at least 1/2
of field has crossed the finish line before caution flag/light was displayed.
4. In the event of a yellow flag with only one lap to go, there
will be 2 laps remaining in the race (Green,
White, Checkered).
5. All
restarts in all divisions will be double file with lapped cars to the rear. If 5 laps or less remain, double file is
at the official’s discretion.
6. Half
mile restarts use the cone, leader is the only one on the front row and
others can advance on the outside of row two and beyond by choosing inside or
outside. Cone, NOT used in final
5 laps. Cone can be used a maximum of
twice in each feature race.
7. On a restart (1/2 mile), no passing on the inside before the line/cones
between the first and second turns. This
does not apply to the car on the
outside on double file restarts.
GREEN FLAG/GREEN LIGHT
1. Green Flag and Green Light signifies start
of racing on starts and restarts, cars maintain position until Green Flag
displayed and Green light on.
2. During a Green Flag period, cars will NOT be allowed onto the track
from the pits.
3. No
passing under the yellow line, or driver can be penalized.
YELLOW
FLAG/YELLOW LIGHT
1. Yellow Flag and Yellow Light means all
cars, regardless of location on track, slow down and maintain position.
2. Do not race back to the starting line. Scoring reverts to the previous lap completed
under the Green Flag.
3. If a Pace Car is used during a Yellow Flag
period, no car is to pass the pace car unless directed to do so.
4. Cars may go to the pit area during a Yellow
Flag period and car may be worked on. Upon returning, car will re-start at the rear
of the field.
5. Any car stopping on the track intentionally
to cause a Yellow Flag will be sent to the pits and out of the race.
6. A Yellow Flag and Yellow Light displayed on
the final lap may result in the conclusion of the race at the discretion of
officials.
RED
FLAG/RED LIGHT
1. Red Flag and Red Light means all cars,
regardless of location on track, stop as soon as safely possible.
2. After stopping, officials will direct
competitors where to line up for restart or to proceed to pit area.
3. If the red light is displayed, no cars are
to come onto the track from the pit area unless directed by officials.
4. Cars may go to the pit area during a Red
Flag period and car may be worked on. Upon returning, car will re-start at the rear
of the field.
5. Cars may not be serviced on the track
during a Red Flag period unless approved by officials.
6. Crews will not be allowed onto the track
during a Red Flag period, unless instructed to by officials.
HAWKEYE
DOWNS SPEEDWAY 2008 GENERAL RULES--PAGE 3
BLACK
FLAG
1. Black Flag means go immediately to the pit
area. This may be for a penalty or a problem
with race car, or at the request of the crew.
2. Ignoring a Black Flag will result in
disqualification, fine, and possible suspension.
WHITE
FLAG
1. During a Race and Time Trials, the White
Flag indicates one lap remaining.
2. Prior to the start, the White Flag
indicates one lap until the start.
3. During Practice, the White Flag indicates
one lap remaining in the session.
CHECKERED
FLAG
1. During a Race, Practice, and Time Trials,
the Checkered Flag indicates the conclusion.
2. Feature race winners should proceed
immediately to victory lane. Heat Race
winners do not stop in victory lane.
3. Be
careful of officials, photographers, sponsors, and victory lane personnel when
celebrating victory.
PIT STOPS
1. Cars must go to the pits for repairs. No repairs or assistance may be made by
driver or crew on the track at any time.
2. Cars that go to the pit area for repairs/service under yellow or
red flag conditions will re-start at the rear of the field.
3 Re-Entry to the track under yellow flag conditions will be at the discretion and
direction of staging area officials.
4. Cars that are multiple laps down, having little or no chance of
improving their position may be allowed to return at the discretion of
officials.
5. Cars that are deemed unsafe or hazardous will not be allowed to
return to the race.
6. Speed limit on all driveways in pit area is 10 mph,
regardless of circumstances.
7. Reckless driving or speeding in the pits will result in
disqualification, fine, and possible suspension.
TECHNICAL
RULES AND PENALTIES
1. Cars
selected by the officials must proceed immediately to tech barn without
stopping in pit area.
2. Driver
and only one crew member in tech barn.
Other crew, owner, and sponsors must
remain outside the tech barn.
3. Any car
not passing technical inspection may be disqualified, fined, and possibly
suspended.
Additional
penalties, such as starting at the rear of the field for a designated number of
weeks, may be imposed.
4. Illegal parts will be confiscated by Hawkeye Downs and will not
be returned to the competitor.
Refusal to allow confiscation of illegal part will result in
loss of points for entire season
5. If in
doubt that a part is legal, check with the Tech Director prior to using the
part.
6. If the
legality of a part is in question, the burden of proof rests with the driver to
provide satisfactory and correct factual evidence
establishing
the origin and legality of the part.
7. Tampering with Sportsmen engine sealed by the Hawkeye Downs will
result in disqualification, fine, and loss of points for season.
8. See Late Model, Modified, and Sportsmen rules for Crate Engine
penalties.
9. See IMCA Rules for Stock Car and Hobby Stock penalties and
claims.
PROTESTS AND DISPUTES
1. Officials
Rulings are final and binding.
2. Rulings
on the track (Racing) cannot be disputed or overturned.
3. All
disputes regarding technical rules, illegal equipment, or finishing positions
must be made by Driver only.
4. Protests
regarding legality of a race car must be made, in writing, within 10 minutes of
the finish of the event to the Tech Director.
5. Protests
regarding scoring must be made, in writing, to the Race Director or Chief
Scorer within 10 minutes of the posting of results.
6. Driver
may protest one item only. Protest fees are as follows:
Scoring:
$50, Major Car Inspection (Engine, Carburetor, Drive Train, Suspension): $200
Minor
Car Inspection (Body Measurements, Height Rule, Spoiler Size, Track Width,
Wheelbase): $100
Open and tech Crate Engine: $1000 (See Late
Model, Modified, and Sportsmen rules for details).
7. Fee
will be returned to protester if car found illegal or scoring is incorrect.
8. Tech
Director may impound car, seal engine, or mark part for later inspection.
GENERAL
RULES FOR CARS COMPETING IN ALL DIVISIONS
1. No on board computers may
be used during races, No Traction Control Devices of any kind.
2. Use of Anti-Freeze is strictly prohibited,
will result in $500 fine and/or disqualification.
3. Drivers in Sportsmen, Modified and IMCA Stock Cars , Hobby
Stocks and SportMod must monitor VHF Frequency 151.625 at all times.
4. Late Model Driver or Spotter must monitor VHF Frequency 151.625
(If using 2 way radio--see Late Model Rules for details)
5. Failure to monitor VHF Frequency 151.625 as mandated above will
result in disqualification.
6. All cars must meet maximum 98
decibel reading. See individual division
rules for details.
7 Failure to meet 98 decibel reading will
result in: 1st Offense: Warning, 2nd Offense: $100 Fine, 3rd Offense:
Disqualification.
8. Tow hooks attached to frame rails mandatory front and rear, also
must be within easy reach of the safety crew.
10. Steel Lug Nuts Only. Wheel Weights are not
allowed.
11. No tire softening or altering allowed in any
division. If caught, disqualification,
loss of points for season, and fine.
HAWKEYE DOWNS SPEEDWAY 2008 GENERAL RULES--PAGE 4
12. All Late Models, Modified, Sportsmen, and
IMCA Stock Cars will be required to use AMB TranX 260 Scoring Transponder,
mounted in track specified position. Transponders are available for rent from
Hawkeye Downs Speedway
GENERAL APPEARANCE RULES FOR CARS COMPETING IN ALL
DIVISIONS
1. All cars will be required to display decals (supplied by
2. All cars must be neat appearing with good
paint job.
3. One and two digit numbers only, three digit
numbers and duplicate numbers must be approved in advance by Track Management.
4. All numbers must be of uniform height. No "small" first or second digits
to give appearance of different number.
5. A number of at least 16" or more in
height must appear on both doors, and both rear quarter panels (all divisions),
of the car in contrasting color.
6. Cars must display roof top numbers of
24" high, readable from the right side
7. Drivers
are encouraged to place last name below, adjacent to, or inside number.
8. Must have car number on right front
passenger side headlight and on one rear taillight.
9. Minimum
race weight must be printed on upper front corner of driver’s door.
10. No
"For
11. No profanity or objectionable logos, designs,
or phrases.
12. Cars must have hood, fenders, trunk lid, and
bumpers in place to compete.
13. Cars that lost body parts during a race meet
may be allowed to compete at official’s discretion.
GENERAL SAFETY RULES FOR
DRIVERS COMPETING IN ALL DIVISIONS
1. Snell SA 95 or SA2000 helmet required and
must be worn at all times car is on the track.
2. SFI approved full fire suit, fire retardant
neck brace, gloves, and shoes required.
3. Head and neck restraints, fire retardant head sock and
underwear recommended.
4. Driver’s eye protection mandatory. Full
Face Helmets or Goggles Mandatory.
5. Minimum three inch wide five point safety belt assembly required
and must be mounted securely to roll cage.
Seat Belts
recommended no more than 1 year old.
Belts older than 3 years old will not be allowed.
6. Driver side window net required, minimum 16 inch X 20 inch
ribbon or mesh style and must be mounted so latch is at top front of window.
7. Kill switch required within easy reach of driver and must be
clearly marked 'OFF' and 'ON.'
GENERAL
SAFETY RULES FOR CARS COMPETING IN ALL DIVISIONS.
1. It is
the responsibility of the driver to prepare a car free of defects and in safe
racing condition.
2. Driver’s seat must be aluminum
racing seat. See
individual divisions' rules for details.
3. Any right side headrest must be a part of, or bolted to, an
aluminum seat.
4. Center top of steering post must be padded with at least 2"
of resilient material.
5. All cars have an approved fire extinguisher within ready reach
of driver and safety crew.
Pressure
type metal containers used as part of a fire extinguisher system will only be
approved for installation and discharge in the driver's compartment in
conjunction with the fire extinguisher system.
The container cannot be concealed in any manner.
Limit
of one container for each fire extinguisher system.
Fire
Extinguisher mounting brackets must be of the manufactured snap-band type with
safety pin.
No
carbon tetrachloride Fire Extinguishers
Fire
Extinguisher must be of the air pressure or charged type.
6. All cars must run steel floorboard under the driver; metal
fire walls. No tub type interiors.
7. No person will be permitted to ride on the outside of any car at
anytime.