FREEPORT RACEWAY PARK

Dear Entrant:

We welcome you to Freeport Raceway Park, and thank-you for your participation in our events.

This manual is provided to give you complete information about the operation of our events and the rules, both mechanical and procedural that governs those events. We urge that you read this manual carefully.  Ignorance of the rules will not be accepted as an excuse for infractions.  It will be our goal to apply these rules firmly but equitably.

The successful presentation of racing events requires that we each keep in mind that our first obligation is to the racing fan, whose attendance keeps us both in operation.  If we do not succeed in offering him consistently clean, well-controlled, entertaining events, neither of us can be successful. Most of you race as a hobby, and you want to enjoy that hobby without undue expense.  We have tried to gear our rules and operation toward enabling you to race at reasonable cost.  While we recognize that no set of rules is ever going to please everyone, we believe we have made reasonable and realistic compromises to control costs in racing divisions. Please recognize that our operation of the speedway is a business.  If it is not a PROFITABLE business, it cannot long survive.  Our decisions must be based on common business sense.  Like any business, we have continuing expenses: mortgage payments, property and other taxes, payroll of 60 people, advertising and publicity, maintenance, equipment, insurance, electricity and all the rest.  Some of these continue year round. Your success as a racer and ours as track operator requires an attempt to understand each other’s goals and motivations, and on good communication between us.  This rule manual is the important first step in that communication.  Your obligation is to understand and comply with the rules, and ours is to apply them equally to all entrants.  Remember, “No sport can be better than the rules that govern it, nor can it survive and progress unless its rules are respected by all.” We look forward to working with you over this coming season, and wish each of you good luck in your racing efforts at FREEPORT RACEWAY PARK.

--The Gill Family

RULE BOOK DISCLAIMER

The rules and / or regulations set forth herein are designed to provide for the orderly conduct of racing 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 EXPRESS 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 the conduct of the sport and are in no way a guarantee against injury or death to a participant, spectator or official. The race director shall be empowered to permit minor deviation from any of the specifications herein or impose any further restrictions that, in his opinion, do not alter the minimum acceptable requirements.  NO EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF SAFETY SHALL RESULT FROM SUCH AN ALTERATION OF SPECIFICATIONS.  Any interpretation or deviation of these rules is left to the discretion of the officials.  Their decision is final.  Other items not covered in this information will be decided by racing officials.

Freeport Raceway Management

G-1 General Rules

The general rules section applies to each and every racer, mechanic and / or pit person.  Some items, obviously, do not apply to each class-you can easily determine which rules do not apply to you.  You are expected to know the rules-ignorance of the rules is not an excuse!

G-2 Track Conditions

Every driver must inspect the racing surface and track area to learn of any defects, obstructions, or anything, which, in his opinion, is unsafe, and he shall report that condition in writing to the director of competition.  Any driver entering any racing events is considered to have inspected the track and all conditions are satisfactory to him…IF NOT, HE SHOULD NOT RACE!  The participant further indicates that he is aware that auto racing involves risks and assumes these risks with full awareness and knowledge.

G-3 Conduct

a.      Any fighting or reckless driving in pit area may subject the offender to suspension and depending upon the seriousness of the incident and the decision of the management.  Any continuing problems from the same individual may result in permanent expulsion.

b.      We demand courteous conduct from all participants at all times.  We do not tolerate profanity in front of race fans, officials, or management; profane signs, sex signs, swastika, and ethnic or racial slurs on your cars or clothing are not permitted.  Unusual dress or hairstyles, which some may deem indecent or obscene are not permitted.  We expect you to look like a professional and act like one!  Be clean, uniformed and look respectable. 

c.      The possession, consumption or distribution of any alcoholic beverages or controlled substances at any time while in the restricted area is strictly prohibited.

d.      At any time the display of any type of weapon or threat of bodily harm will result in arrest of all parties involved.

e.      When in pit area, maintain a constant watch and alertness for your own protection.

f.        Every racer is expected to participate in every event that it’s possible for him to run.  When a racer refuses to participate because of his disagreement with the length, type, or style of the race, he will be subject to suspension for a period determined by the management.

g.      If you caught fighting you will be asked to leave you will not receive a refund or any driver’s money for the evening. You will also be kicked out for at least one week.

 

G-4 Track Policy

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL RACING PERSONNEL…Freeport Raceway Park is private property.  Any person on this property without the permission of Freeport Raceway Park owners or management is guilty of trespass and subject to penalties prescribed by law.  Through your license and registration, you have been given the authority and the right to be on this property in conjunction with racing activities.  However, the administration of Freeport Raceway Park reserves the right to revoke and cancel this authority at any time that it is felt that your presence or conduct is not in the best interest of the sport of auto racing, your fellow competitors, the fans, management and employees of Freeport Raceway Park.

G-5 Prevailing Policy

a.      The racing officials and management will resolve any disagreement over technical questions.  When their decision is rendered, such a decision is final and binding.

b.      The Speedway management and officials will establish the length, frequency and administration of all events and programs.  Exceptions to the rules or specifications may be made on a temporary basis at the discretion of the director of competition.

c.      The management and officials will determine all finishing positions and their decision is FINAL!

d.      When the race is over-it is over.  Decisions of the flagman and chief scorer are final.  No further discussions will be made.

e.      It is the duty of all drivers, car owners, and mechanics to bring to the attention of the officials any unsafe equipment or practices or any rule infraction of any car or driver.

f.        Continuous developments in racing may necessitate changes that we cannot anticipate at the time rules are formulated.  Hence, we may, if needed, update, modify, add to or delete rules.

g.      Shoes, shirts, and long pants are required on all individuals in the pit area at all times.

h.      Absolutely no devices for the purpose of receiving or transmitting any VHF radio signals will be tolerated in the pit or spectator seating areas.

i.        Both good luck and bad luck are part of racing.  It is, however, no excuse to abuse personnel either in the pits or at the pay window.  Abuse and profanity will be grounds for suspension in following weeks.  Abuse this week, no racing next.

G-6 Racetrack Operating – Procedures

a.      The only people allowed on the racetrack and infield are racing officials.  Everyone must stay away at all times unless requested to assist for some special reason.  Drivers may seek a place of safety in the infield following disablement…when crashed, stay in your car.  Do not get out and examine the damage to your car.  Remember this…Do not examine you car while the cars are racing on the track!  Pit crews, owners, and personnel related to any car are not allowed on the track following an accident or injury.

b.      Do not enter the racing surface without expressed authorization…an official will okay your entry at the track entrance and signal for you to proceed. 

c.      The track may not be used for practice at any time other than designated in these rules.  No insurance is available and scheduling of time by the management will not allow practice except as under the formal track rental agreement.

d.      Any competing vehicle, whose speed has been reduced to a point where it causes a safety problem or retards the track activity, will be removed from the racing surface at the opinion of the officials.

e.      Our racing program is based on the availability of enough vehicles qualified.  If this number is not available, alternate scheduling or programming will be used.  Racing events will be “lined up” in various ways to accomplish the best racing program.

f.        Driver MAY NOT jump into or switch cars once he pulls on the track for his heat race. There is no CAR JUMPING!! 

g.      No driver may get out of his car on the track or infield to argue or discuss the race with the starter or officials.  If this rule is violated, the driver may be disqualified for the event or suspended according to the decisions of the officials.

h.      Any event is completed when the leader has run half of the scheduled length or terminated by the officials for safety reasons.

i.        Any car black-flagged from a race due to conduct-not equipment related problems-will forfeit points and money for that particular race.

G-7 Pay-off Procedures

a.      The starting driver…all payments will be made to the starting driver and he or she wills earn all points.

b.      Pay-off will be made only for events actually completed…Never will an event be paid when it was not run.

c.      When a program is shortened by rain or some unforeseeable or fortuitous event, yet “considered” completed and no rain checks issued payoff will be made for events completed.  In this event, lengthened features may be run at the next practical time.

d.      All race results will be announced before or at payoff.  All winnings will be paid at the payoff window.

e.      Person collecting payoff must have their social security or federal tax ID on file.  Plain and simple, NO NUMBER-NO PAY!

f.        Feature races rained out WILL NOT be made up at a later time.  Prize money will not be paid for events not completed.

g.      The payoff window will be open immediately after the last race and will remain open for only ½ hour.  We will not reopen the window for anyone. It is the driver’s responsibility to pick up checks.  ANY CHECKS LEFT FOR MORE THAN 2 WEEKS WILL BE DEPOSITED IN THE POINT FUND.

h.      Checks not cashed within 30 days of issued date will be void.

i.        You must race 75% of the point season to qualify for a point fund check at the awards banquet.

G-8 Team Responsibilities

a.      At any time the conduct of any team member or driver is a discredit to the raceway, the racing industry, or to himself, he or she may be removed from all racing activity at the raceway.

b.      Any pit crewmember that goes on to the track without permission from the gate man will cause his car to be placed at the back of the pack.

c.      Any crewmember or race fan representing a car in competition that approaches the announcer stand and / or any other track official in a hostile or abusive manner for any reason may cause their car to be black-flagged.

G-9 Driver Eligibility

a.      Must be at least 14 years old.

b.      Must be physically fit for racing.

c.      Ages 14, 15, 16 and 17 must file a fully executed and signed minor’s release to be eligible to compete.

G-10 State and Insurance License Requirements

In order to compete all racecars, towing vehicles, trailers, and / or automotive equipment should comply fully with all motor vehicle license and title laws and all laws.  Concerning motor vehicles.

 

G-11 Behavior

a.   Disciplinary action may be imposed for any violation of the Freeport Raceway Park rules, or any other conduct or action which, in the judgment of F.R.P. Management is deemed injurious to the sport of auto racing or inconsistent with the standards of good conduct necessary for the promotion of auto racing or the safety and protection of personnel, competitors, fans, other persons, or the property of Freeport Raceway Park.

b.      Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the following shall in each case be considered to be the conduct of conclusive evidence or conduct injurious to the sport of auto racing or inconsistent with the standards necessary for the protection and safety of personnel, competitors, fans, other persons, and property.

c.      Infliction or threat of bodily harm to any Freeport Raceway Park Official or crewmember or any other individual on the Freeport Raceway Park grounds.

d.      Use of improper language or inflammatory remarks, including, but not limited to, the threat of bodily harm.

e.      Damage or the threat of damage to Freeport Raceway Park property.

f.        Leaving car on track or infield to discuss or protest a race or decision with the starter or other F.R.P. officials, allowing pit crew members to enter the track or infield to discuss or protest decisions, or entering the track or infield for any protest whatsoever.

g.      Willful blocking of the track or attempting to obstruct the racing programs.

h.      Waiting a lap to intentionally blade another driver or after race is over will lead to a week suspension.

i.        Rough, careless, foul driving, or any driving deemed hazardous to the safety of personnel, competitors, fans, or any other person on the F.R.P. grounds.

j.        Unauthorized hot lapping.

k.      Failure to comply with equipment specifications.

l.        Failure to comply with or follow the direction of the pit steward or any other F.R.P. official, or employee with respect to the related events or activities at Freeport Raceway Park.

m.   Any action deemed detrimental to the persons, property, or the orderly conduct of other events or other activities of Freeport Raceway Park.

n.     All racecars and crew are asked to have their equipment loaded and out of the pit area within one hour after the conclusion of the last race.  Failure to do so may result in losing all points earned for that evening, as well as a starting position penalty for the following race.  We owe it to the neighbors of the racetrack to leave in an orderly manner.  Please respect them.

G-12 General

a.      Cars must be painted, bent or loose panels from previous racing repaired.

b.      Car Numbers-must be a minimum of 24 inches square with a 4-inch brush stroke.  Located on both the right and left doors between the wheels.  Numbers must be painted in a contrasting color to the car.  The car must also have the number painted on the roof, minimum 18 inches square, and 4-inch brush stroke.  Front and rear numbers may be 6 inches square with a 1-inch brush stroke.  Remember poor number-poor score.

c.      Car Number registration-it is the responsibility of the car owner to register his car with F.R.P. No point fund money or other compensation will be paid out of the car is not properly registered. 

d.      Cars must be kept neat in appearance.  Cars not doing so will not be allowed to compete.

e.      All cars must have fuel cells.

f.        All drivers must have a complete driver’s suit.

g.      All cars must have mufflers & turndowns. Must meet maximum noise level of 98 DPA at 100 feet.

h.      All cars must have 2 ½ lb fire extinguishers.

i.        All cars must have window nets.

j.        All exhaust must exit under the car & inside body panels.

k.      No Mirrors allowed in any classes!

l.        Any illegal parts will be confiscated.

m.   All cars must have tow hooks in the front and in the rear.

 

 

G-13 Pit Passes

a.      Pit passes must be conspicuously displayed while entering or leaving the pit area, also while in the pits or racing area.  The appropriate band for that day’s racing is required.

b.      The only vehicle allowed in the pits will be the car hauler.

c.      Pit lights will be extinguished thirty minutes after the last race.  Area must be cleared and gates will be locked one hour after final race. Pit areas must be cleaned before leaving or fine will be charged to the driver the next week.  

d.      Any car left will be towed away and storage fees charged.

G-14 Flag Rules

a.      Red Flag: A serious situation exists on track.  STOP AT ONCE.  If possible with caution, slowly proceed to the starting line for a restart line-up.  Failure to do so means disqualification.

b.      Yellow Flag: Slow down, hold your position, and proceed with caution.  If you leave the track on a yellow, when you return to the track you loose your position and restart in the back of the field.  Cars may only enter the track while under a yellow flag condition after the race has been started.  IT IS THE RESPOSIBILITY OF THE LEAD CAR TO SLOW DOWN TO PARADE LAP SPEED.  IF NOT, HE WILL RECEIVE THE BLACK FLAG.  No work may be done on the car on the track while under a yellow flag.  Any single car causing a yellow flag will go to the back of the pack.  Any car causing two yellow flags in the same race will be sent to the pits.  If two or more cars cause a yellow or make contact and do not keep going, they will be put to the back of the field.  Any car intentionally causing a yellow flag will be given the BLACK Flag.  The decision of the track officials is final!

c.      Blue and Gold Flag: Move to the right a faster car is attempting to pass.

d.      Black Flag: Your laps are no longer being counted.  Pull into the pit area and repair the cause of receiving the flag.  The car, or its driver, is hazardous to the race.

e.      Green Flag: The track is clear the race is on.

f.        White Flag: One more lap to go.

g.      Checkered Flag: The race is over when the lead car gets the checkered.  The race is over for all cars as they cross the finish line.

h.      Two cautions on the fist lap will be a single file restart.

i.        7th caution in a feature race will be called a race.  Finish will be scored by the previous finished lap. On a digression of track official if a car is taken out to cause the 7th caution, the said car will be placed in its proper finish order.

j.        After caution and line-up board is displayed you will be given one lap to get in you position or any car out of order will not be scored.

k.      If you stop on track to cause caution and then go to pits under your own power, you will not be allowed back on the track for that race.

G-15 Restarting A Race

a.      Any car or cars involved in a yellow or red flag will go to the back, no matter what lap we are in.

b.      Heat races, when the red flag is displayed, the race will stop.  When clear, the race will continue on the lap, which it was stopped.  The scorer will determine the line-up.

c.      When a race is considered complete after a red flag and not restarted (because of too many restarts, act of God, etc.), the cars will finish in the position they were running in the lap just prior to the red.

d.      The scorer’s decision is FINAL and non-appealable.

e.      Finishing positions will be paid according to the distance traveled regardless whether the car was running or not.

f.        Shortly after a yellow flag comes out, the red flag will also be displayed.  The cars will then go to the pit entrance of the track.  One at a time, in the order in which the cars will be restarted, the drivers will be sent to the stop and go light in turn #2.  When the pack is back in order, a flashing green light return with the race restarting at the pylon marker in turn #4 after one parade lap.

g.      Any car going off the track on a yellow flag will go to the back of the pack-regardless of his previous position.  If more than one car leaves the track, they may rejoin in the order in which they return to the track.

h.     When there is a yellow on white flag, the race is over!  Cars will be scored on finished lap previous to flag.

G-16 Additional Procedure

a.      The track management reserves the right to increase or decrease the field of cars at their discretion.

b.      Any driver who, in the opinion of the pit steward, flagman, and/ or other track official, shows signs of exhaustion, drunkenness, or other physical incapacity may be barred from racing in the interest of safety to his or herself and to others.  F.R.P. has the right to subject any driver to a physical examination before allowing him / her to compete.

c.      A race will not be stopped because of a car or cars spinning out in the first curve or tun on the first lap unless the situation, determined by the starter, warrants such action.  Any car which spins or becomes disabled and has the opportunity to leave the track, restart, or reenter without causing a hazard must do so.  If not the race will come under a yellow flag and that driver will receive the BLACK flag.  This is a discretionary call on the part of the flagman and will not be challenged.

d.      F.R.P. assumes no responsibility for damage to or loss of equipment, vehicle, or any parts by any means whatsoever.

e.      The pit steward and/ or other Officials in their discretion will rule upon items or situations not covered by the rules of Freeport Raceway Park.

f.        DISCIPLIINE: Any driver may be suspended, disqualified, or fined, or have prize money or points and point fund money withheld or taken away for violation of one or more rules.

g.      Any event is considered final at any time when, in the opinion of track management, it is in the best interest of those concerned.

h.      Alternate: Once an alternate is called for you in an event, you are out of that event.

i.        Staging Area: All cars not in the staging area within three minutes of the line-up call will lose position or be placed in the rear of the pack or replaced by an alternate.

j.        No refunds will be made if the competitor is unable to start the race for any reason.

G-17 Inspection

a.      All cars must be able to pass a safety or Tech inspection at any time.  You may be asked for inspection before races start.

All classes: Top 3 in heat. Top 5 in feature must go to scale area for inspection.  DO NOT scale and drive away.  Doing so will result in disqualification. If you do not scale your car you will be disqualified.

G-18 Appearance and Numbering

a.      Bodies must be complete and kept reasonably straight.  The car is to look like the original model.

b.     Numbers must be a bright contrasting color.  Numbers are to be 24”high with a 4”wide stroke.  They are to be on the right and left doors as well as the roof.  There is to be a 6”number on the front and rear.  No number-no score.

c.      No profanity or lettering in poor taste.

d.      There are NO duplicate Numbers (First come- First Get)!!!!!!!!

G-19 Classes

            a. If you race in Late Model, Modified, or Sportsman you are not allowed to race in Hobby stock, B-modified, or 4-cylinder. You may however drive a Late Model and also a modified or sportsman. If you drive a  4-cylinder,  you may also drive a B-mod or a hobby stock.

 

Any member, competitor, or crew member, who assaults or threatens verbally, or physically to do bodily harm to any track or supervisory official or persons serving under his/her direction: a minimum fine of $250.00, suspension, and/or loss of championship points. Any member, competitor, or crew member, while participating in an event, partakes of an alcoholic beverage, stimulant, depressant, tranquilizer or other drug or is otherwise under the influence of alcohol or drugs: disqualification, a minimum fine of $500.00, and suspension.

The pit steward and/ or other Officials in their discretion will rule upon items or situations not covered by the rules of Freeport Raceway Park.