Racing Rules

RACING RULES & REGULATIONS

Southern Raceway — Official Track Rules

Effective for the current racing season. Southern Raceway reserves the right to update, modify, or interpret any rule at any time. Track officials' decisions are final.

1. General Statement

These rules are written for the safety of drivers, crew members, officials, and fans, and to ensure fair competition. By entering Southern Raceway property — whether as a driver, crew member, or spectator — you agree to abide by all rules, the decisions of track officials, and any posted signage.

If a rule is not specifically addressed here, it does not mean it is allowed. When in doubt, ask a track official before race night.

2. Driver Eligibility & Registration

All drivers must complete a Southern Raceway driver registration form and sign a release/waiver of liability before participating in any on-track activity.

Drivers must be at least 14 years of age to compete in any class. Drivers under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian present to sign a minor's release at every event. Proof of age may be required.

A valid state-issued driver's license is recommended but not required for all classes. Drivers competing under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or any impairing substance will be immediately disqualified, banned, and reported to local authorities. Random or for-cause sobriety checks may be conducted by track officials at any time.

Each driver is responsible for the conduct of their pit crew, family, and guests. Penalties for a crew member's actions may be applied to the driver.

3. Required Safety Equipment

Every competing driver must wear, at minimum:

  • A full fire-resistant racing suit (SFI-rated)
  • Fire-resistant gloves and racing shoes
  • A Snell- or SFI-approved racing helmet (in date)
  • A neck restraint or head-and-neck restraint device (HANS or equivalent strongly recommended; required for Sprint Cars)
  • An approved racing seat with proper mounting
  • A 5-point racing harness (in date and properly installed)

All cars must pass a pre-season and pre-race technical safety inspection. Cars failing inspection will not be allowed on track until issues are corrected.

4. On-Track Conduct

Racing is a contact sport, but rough driving will not be tolerated. The following will result in penalties ranging from warnings to disqualification, fines, suspension, or ejection:

  • Intentional contact, retaliation, or "dumping" another driver
  • Blocking or chopping in a manner deemed unsafe
  • Driving below the bottom line or above the cushion in a way that impedes racing
  • Failure to maintain a reasonable pace or holding up the field
  • Spinning a competitor on purpose
  • Continuing to race after being involved in an incident requiring a yellow flag

Any driver involved in an on-track incident must remain in their car with their belts fastened until safety crews arrive, unless there is fire or immediate danger.

5. Flag Rules

Drivers are expected to know and obey all flag signals. The flagman's call is final.

  • Green: Race is underway; racing is permitted
  • Yellow: Caution; hold position, single file, no passing
  • Red: Stop immediately in a safe location; engines may be required off
  • White: One lap remaining
  • Checkered: Race is complete
  • Black: Report to the pits immediately for consultation
  • Black with crossed flags / rolled black: Disqualification or removal from the race
  • Blue with yellow stripe: Move over for faster traffic

Failure to obey a flag — especially a black flag — will result in disqualification, loss of points, and possible fines or suspension.

6. Lineups, Starts & Restarts

Lineups are determined by qualifying procedures posted prior to each event (heat finishes, draw, points, or handicap, depending on the class and night).

All starts and restarts will be double-file unless otherwise announced. The pole sitter sets the pace. Jumping the start, passing before the start/finish line, or laying back to get a run will result in a warning, then a move-back penalty, then disqualification.

A race may be called complete at the discretion of track officials due to weather, track conditions, or unsafe situations once a minimum number of laps has been completed (announced per event).

7. Pit Area Rules

The pit area is for licensed and registered crew members only. All pit personnel must:

  • Be at least 14 years of age (minors require a signed minor's release)
  • Sign in and sign a liability release at the pit gate
  • Wear the issued pit pass/wristband visibly at all times
  • Wear closed-toe shoes and a shirt at all times
  • Refrain from alcohol consumption until racing is concluded for the night

Pit speed limit is 5 MPH. Speeding in the pits is one of the fastest ways to lose your privileges at Southern Raceway.

No riding on the outside of vehicles, no children unattended, and no pets in the pit area. Smoking is prohibited near fuel, fueling operations, and inside the staging area.

8. Fuel, Tires & Equipment

Approved racing fuel only — see your class tech sheet for specifications. Fueling must be done with the engine off and never inside an enclosed trailer.

Tires must conform to the rules for each specific class. Tire soaking, conditioning, or chemical alteration of any kind is strictly prohibited. Tire samples may be taken at any time; refusal to provide a sample is an automatic disqualification.

Transponders (where required) must be properly mounted. It is the driver's responsibility to ensure scoring works correctly.

9. Protests

Any registered driver in the same class may file a protest. Protests must be:

  • Filed in person with the head official within 15 minutes of the race's official conclusion
  • Accompanied by the posted protest fee in cash
  • Specific in nature (i.e., engine, fuel, tire, weight, etc.)

The protested party must comply fully or forfeit their finishing position and purse. Protest fees are distributed per the posted policy. Frivolous or repeated bad-faith protests may result in loss of protest privileges.

10. Fines, Suspensions & Appeals

Track officials may issue fines, suspensions, point deductions, or lifetime bans for rule violations, unsportsmanlike conduct, or actions that bring discredit to the track.

A driver under suspension may not enter the pits, compete, or be present in any restricted area. Outstanding fines must be paid in full before a driver may compete again.

Appeals must be submitted in writing to track management within 7 days of the penalty. The decision of track management on appeal is final.

11. Conduct Toward Officials, Drivers & Fans

Southern Raceway has zero tolerance for:

  • Physical altercations of any kind
  • Verbal abuse or threats directed at officials, fellow competitors, or fans
  • Throwing helmets, tools, or other objects in anger
  • Any behavior that damages the reputation of the track or the sport

Violations will result in immediate ejection, possible suspension, and may be reported to law enforcement. We are a family-friendly facility and we expect everyone — drivers, crews, and fans — to conduct themselves accordingly.

12. Fan & Spectator Rules

For the safety and enjoyment of everyone:

  • Children must be supervised by an adult at all times
  • No climbing on or over fences, walls, or barriers
  • Outside food and drink policies are posted at the front gate
  • No glass containers anywhere on the property
  • Pets are not permitted in the grandstand area (service animals welcome)
  • Fireworks, firearms, and any weapons are strictly prohibited on raceway property

Spectators assume all risks associated with attending a motorsports event, including but not limited to flying debris, dirt, and noise.

13. Weather & Rainouts

Racing is rain or shine until track officials determine conditions are unsafe. In the event of a rainout or postponement:

  • Tickets may be honored at the rescheduled date (announced via our website and social media)
  • Refund policies are posted at the ticket booth
  • Once heat races have started, the event is generally considered official

14. Final Authority

Track management and officials have final authority on all matters relating to competition, conduct, and rule interpretation. Rules may be added, modified, or clarified at any time and will be communicated through drivers' meetings, the Southern Raceway website, and posted notices in the pit area.

Race hard. Race clean. Respect the track, respect each other, and let's put on a great show.

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