DISCLAIMER:

HorsePower Park Go Kart Track is a competitive race track which is intended to conduct and officiate in accordance with the rules herein. These rules provide a guideline for all to follow at each event. The rule book may be amended from time to time and special rules may be published throughout the year or at a particular event. By participating in an event at HorsePower Park Go Kart Track, all participants agree to comply with these rules and regulations. NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF SAFETY SHALL RESULT FROM PUBLICATION OF, OR COMPLIANCE WITH THESE RULES AND REGULATIONS. They are intended as a guideline to conduct the officiating of an event and are in no way a guarantee against injury or death of a participant, spectator or official. The Series Director is permitted at any time to make a reasonable and/or appropriate amendment from any of the specifications herein or change any restrictions that, in his opinion, do not alter the minimum acceptable requirements. Any interpretation of these rules herein are left to the discretion of the series officials and their ruling is final. Any visible equipment changes and/or performance enhancing changes to previously approved karts and/or equipment MUST be approved by track officials before competition. HorsePower Park Go Kart Track officials reserves the right to determine the legality and use of any equipment that has not been approved prior to competition. The Promoter reserves the right to alter, revise or adjust any and all penalties according to terms of circumstances or severity of the infraction.

The Promoters decision is FINAL. Drivers and Parents of minors are responsible to read and understand the rules and regulations set forth in this rule book. 

 

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SAFETY OF YOU AND YOUR KART. It is ultimately the obligation of each participant to ensure their conduct and equipment complies with all the applicable rules, as they may be altered from time to time. The rules are in no way a guarantee against injury and/or death to participants, spectators, officials and/or others.

 

GAS STATION

 

  • Regular gas is defined as 87-octane. All karts that are required to run regular gas will be required to purchase fuel from Antioch Food Mart. We will be checking the top 5 karts to make sure they are running regular gas from Antioch Food Mart. 

Antioch Food Mart

2940 NC-18, US-64

Morganton NC 28655

(828) 437-8962

 

RACE PROCEDURES

 

  1. The race will begin as soon as the racing surface is clear and the karts are in the proper starting position.
  2. Any driver/team who purposely tries to hold up the start of the race will start from the rear of the field or will be parked.
  3. All classes will have 10 lap practice, a 3 lap qualifier and a 20-lap feature. Juice Box will run a 1 lap feature. (If a class has 1-3 karts they may run a 10 lap feature.) All classes to qualify line up in the staging area to qualify. 
  4. All starts and restarts must take place at a consistent speed.
  5. Both front row karts are responsible for an even and clean start. Consistent speed will be at the discretion of track officials.
  6. Initial starts will be at the striped line/cone on the wall in turn 4. The flag man starts the initial start and it will be at this point. Must be side by side at this point.
  7. Restarts will be between the striped cones in turn 4. The leader will dictate where they want to start from in this designated area.
  8. The field must remain single file on restarts and CANNOT PASS UNTIL THEY PASS THE CONE AT THE START/FINISH LINE. If someone jumps the leader on the restart the caution will come out and they will be docked 1 position. If the same kart jumps the start again they will be put to the rear of the field. (If another car is caught passing before the cone and a yellow does not come out they will be docked 1 position at the next yellow or the end of the race).
  9. If the race is not properly started the leader/front row will be docked a position/row. 2 attempts. This is at the track official’s discretion. If the driver does not comply he will be put to the rear or parked. We will start side by side. You have 2 chances at a side by side start. The 3rd attempt will be single file.
  10. Under no circumstances is any crew member, family member etc. allowed on the track during an event unless directed so by a track official. Results will either be a DQ or that said kart will restart at the tail of the field. This includes, Green flag, Yellow flag, or even Red Flag conditions.
  11. If your kart is broken or stopped on the track DO NOT exit the kart until safety workers arrive (unless the kart is on fire). If you exit the kart and approach a moving kart you will be parked or suspended. (This goes for crew members as well). Only when the karts come to a complete stop after the races are over will anyone be allowed on the racing surface for victory lane celebrations etc. Failure to comply will result in a DQ.
  12. Any kart to stall and need assistance restarting will go to the rear. Track officials may make an exception. This is at the track official’s discretion. (Does not apply to beginners or box stocks, IF a track official restarts the kart only. If a crew member enters the racing surface that kart will go to the rear.) Each kart gets 2 times for track workers to start the kart. If it happens a 3rd time kart will be parked for that event. 
  13. In the result of a Red Flag, karts will be stopped on the track. Once the incident is cleared, 1 crew member per kart will be allowed to enter the racing surface to start their kart. (Only when/IF directed to by series officials.) If any adjustments to the kart are seen that kart will go to the rear of the field.
  14. During Green flag conditions no one is allowed to stand in the staging area or on the entrance or exit of the track. There will be designated areas to stand in during on track action. THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS!
  15. When staging you may have the driver and no more than 2 crew members in the staging lane with you. Once your kart is on the ground you are to remove your kart stand from the staging lane.
  16. NO karts or stands are allowed to be left/parked in the tech shed lane!
  17. NO one is allowed in the infield during the races at any time. Unless you have been granted permission.
  18. Reckless driving will not be permitted. If you intentionally cause a wreck or wreck someone else under green or yellow you will be parked. Multiple offenses will result in loss of points and suspension. 
  19. Birth Certificates will be mandatory for all MINORS at their first race of each season.
  20. You may have (2) substitute drivers throughout the year. YOU MUST SIGN IN AS A SUBSTITUTE DRIVER AT REGISTRATION. If you sign in you MUST drive the kart.
  21. All CHILDREN must be supervised by an ADULT. If a child is caught unsupervised parents will be warned and if it continues you may be asked to leave the premises. 

 

FLAGS

 

  1. Green Flag. When the green flag is displayed the track is open for racing. The Green flag signifies the start of any race or qualifying session. Passing is not permitted before the green flag is displayed at the designated point.
    1. Double File Starts. The two lead karts must stay side by side, at Medium speed, until reaching the start area where the green flag is displayed.
    2. Single File Restarts. Restarts will be single file and the lead car can start the race between the striped cones in turn 4. Must remain single file until the cone at the start/finish line.
  2. Yellow Flag. CAUTION. When the Yellow flag comes out SLOW DOWN. We do NOT race back to the start/finish line. Stay in single file formation. Track officials will sort out the lineup via Transponder. If you do not cooperate you will not get your spot.
  3. Red Flag. Stop as soon as safely possible. Do not drive through the accident scene. Failure to observe the Red Flag will result in the driver being Parked.
    1. NO ONE is allowed on the racetrack at this time! If anyone comes on the racetrack, your kart will be sent to the rear of the field.
    2. Once the Red Flag is withdrawn Track Officials will ask for people to come start their karts. Only 1 person per kart may come out. If any more than that your kart will go to the rear.
  4. Black Flag. Proceed to the pit area. Your kart is no longer being scored. This flag is a result of rough driving, loose or broken parts, etc... If your muffler falls off and we see it you will be black flagged.
    1. If you get the rolled black flag pointed at you this is a warning for rough driving and we will be watching you. PLAY NICELY!
  5. Blue with Yellow Stripe. Hold your line. The leaders are coming to lap you. Please be courteous to them.
  6. White Flag. One more lap to the finish.
  7. Checkered Flag. The race is officially complete.

 *IF A WRECK OCCURS AFTER THE LEADER HAS TAKEN THE WHITE FLAG, THE CAUTION MAY BE WAVED, THE ORDER IN WHICH CARS CROSS THE START/FINISH LINE IS THE FINAL RUNNING ORDER! IF THERE IS A WRECK ON THE FINAL LAP WE WILL END THE RACE UNDER A CHECKERED YELLOW. UNDER A CHECKERED YELLOW YOU WILL IMMEDIATELY BEGIN TO SLOW DOWN AFTER YOU CROSS THE FINISH LINE.

 

CAUTIONS

 

  1. Drivers who are involved in the cause of the caution/red will be put to the rear of the field. If you stop or your kart spins or faces the wrong way, or if you need assistance, you will be put to rear. At track official’s discretion.
  2. There will be a 3-spin rule. If you are involved in 3 cautions in any event, you will be parked. Official count is at the race director’s discretion. Kids divisions are an exception to this rule as they are still learning!
  3. No refunds will be issued once your kart reaches the track.

 

TECH SHED

 

  1. ALL KARTS MUST CROSS SCALES, NO EXCEPTIONS! ALL KARTS MUST BE STOPPED AND SHUT OFF before entering the tech building. If you drive through the building you will be DQ’ed.
  2. After the races are over only the driver and one crew member may be in the tech area to assist with their kart getting through the scales and tech area.
  3. If an engine is in the shed being checked, only that person and 2 crew members of that kart will be allowed in the building. NO ONE ELSE IS ALLOWED IN THE TECH AREA AT THIS TIME.
  4. The top 3 karts must remain in the tech area until cleared by tech officials ONLY. If your kart leaves this area you will be DQ’ed.

 

UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT

 

  1. Fighting at HPPGKT is prohibited.
  2. Any display of unsportsmanlike conduct by a driver and/or crew member (ON OR OFF THE TRACK) will result in a Fine, Suspension, and Immediate Removal from grounds, Removal of Event Points, Penalties, or All of the above.
  3. Rough driving will result in docked positions, fines or black flag. Drivers and Crew members observed verbally or physically abusing other drivers and/or officials, tech man, track employees will result in loss of points, fines and/or suspension. NO EXCEPTIONS!

 

ALL KART CLASSES

 

  1. All karts must be approved by the race director prior to competition.
  2. Tires must be kart type tires and approved by series officials. Not to exceed 6” diameter.
  3. Bodies can be any material except wood. No sharp edges or protruding parts
  4. No bars may extend out past the outer edge of the tire except nerf bars.
  5. All karts must have numbers on both sides of the wing and must be legible from the scoring tower or they will not be scored.
  6. Duplicate numbers must have a letter. The letter must be legible.
  7. Traction Control Devices & Ratcheting Hubs are not permitted, during ANY event, in ANY class at ANY time. Must be a live rear axle.
  8. Axles cannot be made out of any exotic materials. No Carbon or Titanium.
  9. Cages are mandatory for wing karts and champ buggys and must be for the protection of the driver.
  10. All wing karts must have a wing, hood, and a tail.
  11. No Front Wings allowed.
  12. Working Transponders are MANDATORY IN EVERY DIVISION. If your Transponder does not work in staging you will not be allowed to race.
  13. Transponders must be installed and in working order. If your transponder does not work you will not be scored.
  14. Transponders must be mounted on the steering shaft support bar directly in front of the seat closest to the floor pan. (If mounted in the incorrect spot and a close finish is scored you will be put behind the other finisher)

 

WEIGHT

 

  1. All karts must meet the designated minimum weight in their perspective class.
  2. Additional bolt on weight is permitted but must be fastened in a secure manner and must be painted white and must have the kart number written on it.
  3. It is YOUR responsibility to make sure your kart meets the minimum weight each week per track scales.
  4. The winner in each heat race will weigh and the top 5 in the features must weigh after the event.
  5. If your kart is deemed to light after the heat race/qualifying, you will have to start at the tail of the field in the next on track event. If your kart is deemed too light at the conclusion of the feature you will be DQ’ed and lose points for that night of racing.

 

KART SAFETY

 

  •  YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SAFETY OF YOU AND YOUR KART.
  1.  Brakes must be in good working order at all times. 
  2. All wing karts and champ buggys must be equipped with at least a 5-point harness to restrict body movement. Karts are subject to inspection and is at the discretion of track officials on whether or not it is safe enough to compete.
  3. Approved neck braces or neck restraints are mandatory. 
  4. Helmets must be DOT or SNELL approved and must fit the drivers head correctly. HPPGKT officials have the right to determine if the driver's helmet is safe enough for competition.
  5. Racing suits are highly recommended. No shorts or cut off pants allowed.
  6. Roll Cage must be securely fastened at 4 locations with at least grade 5 bolts.
  7. Driver’s body must be completely inside the roll cage and have at least 2 inches clearance above the driver’s head.
  8. Knee Knockers or padding around the steering column is recommended.
  9. Chain Guards, designed to protect the driver in the event of a chain failure are Mandatory.
  10. Helmets and all safety gear must be worn during engine warm ups at all times.
  11. Safety is HPPGKT’s number 1 concern. So please make it your number 1 concern as well. Be Smart!!
  12. All classes must utilize a sprint car style rear bumper. No square flat kart style bumpers allowed. Must extend back a minimum of 7” from end of frame rail. (Bumper design must be approved by track management). 

Engine Protest Procedures (Adult Stock Predator Divisions ONLY)

  1. Cost: $250 (CASH ONLY)
    1. $50 - Tech Man
    2. $50 - Track
    3. $150 - If the driver being protested is legal the protested driver will receive the $150. If the driver being protested is illegal the protester will get $150 back. 
  2. Top 3 Finishers can be protested ONLY
    1. To protest a top driver you must finish in the first 5 positions. You may only protest 1 DRIVER a race. You cannot protest all 3 top finishers. 
  3. Engine claim must be made at the conclusion of the race in the tech area. Claim must be made to the tech official IMMEDIATELY following the race. ONLY the DRIVER in the race can make an engine claim.
    1. 1st Offense 
      1. Loss of points for the feature
    2. 2nd Offense
      1. $100 Fine and loss of points for the feature
    3. 3rd Offense
      1. $250 Fine and loss of ALL current points
    4. Driver CANNOT race until fine is paid. If you are caught for a 4th time you will be suspended for the remainer of the season.

Points Scale

Finishing Position/Points Finishing Position/Points Finishing Position/Points Finishing Position/Points
1st : 50 pts 11th : 34 pts 21st : 21 pts 31st : 9 pts
2nd : 45 pts 12th : 33 pts 22nd : 20 pts 32nd : 8 pts
3rd : 44 pts 13th : 31 pts 23rd : 19 pts 33rd : 6 pts
4th : 43 pts 14th : 30 pts 24th : 18 pts 34th : 5 pts
5th : 41 pts 15th : 29 pts 25th : 16 pts 35th : 4 pts
6th : 40 pts 16th : 28 pts 26th : 15 pts 36th : 3 pts
7th : 39 pts 17th : 26 pts 27th : 14 pts 37th : 2 pts
8th : 38 pts 18th : 25 pts 28th : 13 pts 38th : 1 pt
9th : 36 pts 19th : 24 pts 29th : 11 pts 39th : 1 pt
10th : 35 pts 20th : 23 pts 30th : 10 pts 40th : 1 pt
Did Not Start (DNS) : 0 pts Disqualified (DQ'ed) : 0 pts Black Flagged : 0 pts Did Not Finish (DNF) : Last Place Pts

*Did Not Finish (DNF) Driver must complete 1 full lap to earn points for the feature event.