Rules and Regulations
The Owen County Demolition Derby is promoted as an unusual spectator attraction. In the interest of safety and the promotion of family values events, anyone entering as a participant (driver or support staff) or spectator must obey all rules and regulations.
A. Each driver must submit a completed entry blank on or before the entry deadline. Entry fee is $15 plus $10 for grounds safety activities -- total of $25. Entry fee to be paid before time of first inspection. MUST BE PAID BEFORE 6:00 P.M.
B. All drivers and mechanics will agree that the Owen County Fair Board will in no way be responsible for theft, accident, or injury resulting from, or related to the Demolition Derby.
C. All drivers and mechanics under the age of 18 years will be required to submit a notarized form signed by their legal parent or guardian giving the individual permission to participate in the derby and releasing the Fair Board from liability for theft, accident or injury resulting from, or related to the Demolition Derby. No one under the age of 16 will be allowed to participate in the derby or be in the pit areas.
D. Only drivers and mechanics who sign the insurance release sheet will be issued a pit pass. Two passes will be issued for each entrant. Additional passes can be purchased for $15 each. Again -- note that no one under the age of 16 will be allowed a pit pass.
E. No cars are permitted in the arena before the heat in which they are to participate unless under direct request by an official.
F. Contestants (drivers and pit crews) shall not drink or bring alcoholic beverages onto the fairgrounds. Anyone caught drinking, or in possession of alcoholic beverages on the fairgrounds will be immediately disqualified. No appeal. (The fair grounds are a non-alcoholic area year round.)
G. Each driver shall hold a valid operator's license. ANYONE NOT HAVING A VALID DRIVERS LICENSE WILL NOT TO OPERATE CARS AT ANY TIME. Violations can and will result in immediate disqualification without refunding any entry fees.
H. One entry per person unless otherwise specified.
I. The promoter reserves the right to approve or reject any and all entries.
J. The assignment to preliminary heats shall be by lot draw except where specified by special designation such as if there is a ?rookie? class that the person qualifies for and elects to enter. If necessary the promoter reserves the right to make heat assignments.
K. By permitting the vehicle to be entered in the derby, the owner agrees to sell the vehicle to the promoter for the sum of $50.00 if the promoter wishes to purchase the same. This offer shall be valid until 30 minutes after the completion of the derby. ($50.00 excludes battery, gas tank, and related connections.)
L. The demo team is allowed the demo car, tow vehicle and trailer in the pit area only. All other vehicles are to be parked in the normal designated parking areas set forth by the Owen County Fair Board.
1. Any stock full or intermediate size (no compact or smaller) passenger car or station wagon is permitted, except those equipped with a limousine or heavy duty frame. No trucks, jeeps, or Imperials of any year.
2. There must be a properly installed, operable safety belt in vehicle to be worn during the event. The driver must wear an approved crash helmet and eye protection (goggles, face shield, etc.)
3. All glass, as well as plastic and chrome trim, must be removed prior to bringing the vehicle to the fairgrounds. (Glass includes light bulbs.)
4. Original gas tank must be removed. The gas tank must be properly mounted and secure in the back seat area. A tank such as a marine (boat) tank is required. All tanks must have secure fill cap and all lines must have leak-proof connections such as fittings or clamps (taped connections are not permitted.) Fuel lines must be metal except for rubber connections (not exceeding 12" in length) securely clamped at the fuel pump and fuel tank. Weather cracked or rubber line of poor condition will not be permitted anywhere. Metal fuel line must be securely fastened away from battery terminals. Pump gasoline (87 to 93 octane) only to be used in tanks.
5. Only two batteries will be permitted and the batteries must be securely mounted on the passenger side front floor pan or seat area. Batteries must be covered with a non-flammable material, which does not conduct electricity.
6. Brakes must be operable at all times. D.O.T. tires only.
7. Muffler and tail pipe must be removed but the exhaust pipe must be left on the car for safety reasons. If exhaust pipe(s) comes through hood it (they) must point straight up -- not allowed to be pointing toward front of car.
8. No part of the cooling system, including transmission coolers, will be permitted behind the firewall. Radiator must be in original position and secured.
9. Hoods and Trunks -- Hoods may be wired or chained shut. Hood latch must be removed but hinge type holders must be operable. Hood must be secured at a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 6 locations. Methods of holding down hood must not present a means of reinforcement of front end of vehicle. Hood must have a hole cut on each side of the carburetor, but not directly above, large enough for track officials to extinguish fires and to inspect engine and engine compartment easily (minimum size of holes will be 12 inches each.) HOOD MUST BE ABLE TO BE OPENED UNTIL VEHICLE HAS PASSED INSPECTION. Trunks must be wired or chained shut (not both), 2 to 6 locations 3/8" chain or less will be permitted. A maximum of 6 tie locations allowed. Method of securing trunk shall not be such as to reinforce rear of vehicle. No long chains, requiring multiple wraps will be permitted. Inspectors must be able to inspect entire trunk area through holes in trunk floor, fenders, or rear seat area. Wagons must have inside inspection hole in tailgate.
10. Roll cages are allowed but not required. Roll bars are allowed to be bolted to the floor pans or welded to the top strap of frame. Any roll bar material cannot exceed 3-1/2" diameter. Roll cage MUST be vertical and not extend back of the recessed rear floor pan. Nothing can extend beyond vehicle.
11. Driver Door protection -- Driver door shall be painted white and numbers will be painted on both front doors as well as on top of the roof of the car. Numbers/letters must be no smaller than 18" for visibility reasons. A steel plate will be allowed inside or outside of the drivers door, but can not exceed 6 inches beyond either end of the door. This steel plate must be securely bolted to the driver's door in a manner that is secure and not endangering to the driver or other drivers as to manner of attachment. Automatic disqualification will occur if officials decide the plate is not secure or becomes loosened during competition such as to present any hazard to driver or other drivers. Drivers door is the only body seam that can be welded shut. Passenger door wired or chained.
12. Frame/body -- Frame rails and sub-frames cannot have plates or straps welded to them. Factory holes in frame cannot be plugged or covered and inspectors must be able to easily inspect the entire frame. No materials may be added that in any way strengthens the frame. No natural seams may be welded except driver door.
Other factors -- Suspension must remain strictly stock. Do not invert spring shackles on Fords, etc. Do not crank up torsion bar suspension on Chryslers and other vehicles. No spring risers or blocked shocks are allowed. Suspension must remain free.
Cutting away fenders for wheel clearance is permissible.
Inside portion of vehicle must be clean with no loose material or junk there.
All vehicles shall have protection such as strap, cable, wire, chain, installed across windshield aligned top to bottom to avoid a loose hood from entering the driver's compartment.
13. Pit management -- No starter fluid or similar material will be allowed in the pit or arena. All persons using a welder, cutting torch, or similar equipment shall be required to have a fire extinguisher at hand (preferable with another person as observer). The minimum size and type of extinguisher shall be an operable ABC type of 3 pounds or larger. Any spilled fuel should be dispersed immediately. All discarded parts should be removed from any travel lanes. All crews are required to follow safety rules on under age persons in area and to assist in policing this policy for the safety of all. Assistance is also requested of all crews when vehicles are being moved such as before and after a heat such as to ensure travel lanes are open for safely moving vehicles to and from arena.
14. Inspection ? If available, 2 inspection lanes will be available. ALL vehicles must have been presented for inspection and approved 1 hour prior to beginning of the first heat. Vehicles presented to late will not be allowed to enter. All vehicles must have passed inspection prior to the 1-hour deadline. There will be no time allowed beyond the 1 hour for corrections of problems found on initial inspection. A documented copy of the issues/deficiencies found will be provided to the driver. The Driver has 1 Chance to fix the issue/deficiency or they will be disqualified from participation. If they are disqualified during the inspection process they will be refunded 50% of the entry fee ($7.50).
15. Inspection of heat winners -- ALL vehicles qualifying for the feature (final 3 from each preliminary heat plus 1 from each consolation heat) may be re-inspected before leaving the arena. These vehicles that are re-inspected should pull to the far east end of arena behind the log area and await inspection. Violation of this rule shall be an automatic disqualification and grounds for permanent suspension. Officials reserve right to re-inspect vehicles at any time such as at the beginning of any heat or feature. Any violations shall be grounds for immediate disqualification whether the violations were found in the initial inspection or occurred due to modifications made following approval at initial inspection.
16. Drivers or members of their crew will not be allowed to have in their possession any type of radio, scanner, or monitor which allows them to communicate with each other or monitor radio traffic of officials.
17. Drivers may use the front or rear of their vehicle in competition subject to rules laid out under disqualifying actions. Drivers are required to make an aggressive contact at least once every 90 seconds. Contact is required. A driver who is stuck on a log has 90 seconds to get free or will be out of competition.
18. Numbers on vehicles -- No white cars allowed. Driver's door only to be white. numbers are required on both front doors and are required also to be on the top of the vehicle. Numbers/letters must be no smaller than 18" for visibility reasons. (No Obscenities allowed on vehicle) IF THE CAR UTILIZES AN ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP A BOLD 6" BRIGHT ORANGE LETTER ?E? SHALL BE PAINTED BETWEEN THE HOOD HOLES. (This is a safety-warning item for the event firemen in case of a fire)
19. Additional safety regulations may be imposed on the day of competition depending on arena or other factors.
20. Driver's meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. immediately prior to the derby.
21. Drivers shall assist in providing persons for handling official inspection and arena official (flagging, etc.) responsibilities. The names of such persons shall be provided to the derby superintendent well in advance of the event.
22. Removal of vehicles from the fairgrounds is required by 3 p.m. on day following event. All vehicles left after that time without prior written permission from the Fair Board Demo Committee shall be considered the property of the Owen County Fair and subject to removal.
23. All decisions concerning action in the arena shall be under the direction of the head flagman. No calls regarding disqualifications based on competitive activities shall be made by the event staff working in the announcer's stand. The head flagman does reserve the right to position their staff wherever they wish.
24. One class for rookie drivers.
25. One class for small cars up to 100" and one class for midsize cars 100" to 106".
26. Items that can be welded:
A. Bumper can be welded half the way on bumper shock tube or 4" of weld on non-shock bumper plate only, can add two pieces of 3/8" chain for safety.
B. Roll cages must be vertical and not extend past the back of the recessed rear floor pan immediately behind the drivers seat. Roll cages cannot extend outside of the vehicle or be built for additional vehicle frame support.
C. Driver's door, motor and transmission mounts and weld rear end and wheel rims.
D. If it is not clearly addressed in these rules, it will not be allowed. Final issues regarding inspection rules can and will be modified at the Demo Committee's discretion.
Cars may be disqualified (black flagged) during competition for any of the following:
a) Intentionally hitting of an opponent's driver's door,
b) Intentionally hitting another vehicle with a head-on impact, where both vehicles are moving towards each other and hit hood ornament to hood ornament.
c) Blatant team driving will result in all those participating in team driving being disqualified. This will be a judgment call by the officials and as all rulings of officials shall be final,
d) Intentionally hitting of any vehicle stuck on the logs anywhere in the arena. Due to the serious nature of this safety factor in protection of crowd, workers, officials, etc. this is considered a very serious matter.
e) Exiting arena under own power at end of a heat if subject to inspection before leaving the arena. (Those going on to feature are required to be inspected prior to leaving arena),
f) intentionally pushing another car out of arena through entrance or exit or holding them from reentering after being illegally shoved out,
g) Disobeying, arguing, or use of profanity to any official may constitute dismissal for the entire event and grounds for considering permanent barring from further competition at the Owen County Fair sponsored derbies.
h) spilling fuel or catching fire (exhaust fire or carburetor fire that is immediately withdrawn on its own is excluded),
i) Head flagman may disqualify any vehicle, which, in his/her opinion, constitutes a reasonable safety hazard to the driver, other drivers, or spectators.
NOTE: At no time shall recording devices such as VCR cameras be used for reconsideration of a decision by an official. As in any fast moving sporting event there will be calls made by officials that may not be viewed the same by everyone. Each person entering this event does so with the understanding that in the interest of all concerned the decision of all officials shall be respected without over reaction. Any behavior that incites the crowd to negative behavior shall be grounds for consideration of permanent barring from further competition. The derby is presented with the best intentions of providing an enjoyable experience for all.
The Owen County Fair is strongly committed to providing family type experiences for participants and spectators in all activities. When this goal cannot be attained then it becomes very necessary to consider not sponsoring such activities. Such considerations outweigh any financial considerations.
Rules and Regulations
PARTICIPATION REGULATIONS
1. Any American made or foreign made two (2) wheel drive Uni-Body style car. Mini wheelbase of 100 inches or less. (NO FULL FRAMED OR 4 WHEEL DRIVE CARS ALLOWED.) Mid-size style cars - 100-106 inches. No 8-cylinder engines.
2. Safety belts, approved helmets, goggles or face shields are mandatory. Approved safety glasses allowed.
3. All glass and trim moldings must be removed before entering Fairgrounds. Auto must be swept clean of all debris and loose parts. No mirrors are allowed.
4. ORIGINAL GAS TANKS MUST BE RELOCATED OR APPROVED GAS TANKS, such as marine type, to be mounted in the back seat area with secure metal fasteners. ALL LINES MUST HAVE LEAKPROOF CONNECTIONS (such as fittings or clamps).Taped connections not allowed. Gasoline approved rubber lines allowed if new or of good quality, otherwise metal lines with 12" max. rubber hose connections. ELECTRIC FUEL PUMPS ALLOWED, with kill switch on dash, 3 gallons of fuel max. All carbs must have cover to suppress backfire flames.
5. Body, Frame, and Bumpers to remain stock (o.e.m.) and remain in stock mounts and location. Any added metal that strengthens or re-enforces frame or body not allowed with exception of driver's door. Driver's door may be plated with max. 1/4" plate steel not to extend more than 6 inches past door seams.Welding driver's door only is allowed. Other doors may be wired shut with max 2 strands of #9 wire per seam. Trailer hitch assemblies must be completely removed. Fire walls must remain intact with holes patched with thin sheet metal.
6. Radiators must remain in stock position (tilting allowed). Radiator may not be mounted with a solid loop of steel or any other bars that touch left frame rail to right frame rail. No part of any cooling system allowed behind fire wall.
7. Hood and Deck lid must remain operable for initial inspection. Car must have hood at all times. HOODS MUST HAVE TWO 12" BY 12" HOLES CUT ON EACH SIDE OF CARB FOR FIRE CREW ACCESS. Hoods and trunks allowed a max of 6 hold-downs each using #9 wire only (wire is counted by single strands). Max of 6 strands of #9 wire only are allowed from core support to front bumper. Six strands allowed on rear bumper, BUT MUST NOT ATTACH TO TAILGATE/TRUNK LIDS.
8. Suspension must remain free with a min. of 4" free travel. Spring jacks, blocked shock wedging, reversing shackles not allowed. Air shocks must have air lines cut.
9. Batteries must be relocated to front passenger area with SECURE mounts and a non-flammable cover. Bungee or tarp straps not allowed.
10. Cars must have brakes each and every time car enters track.
11. Roll over bar only behind driver's seat 3" max die pipe or 3" x3" square tubing. Bar must remain under roof. (optional) Seat bar. Bars must be vertical and not extend past the back of the recessed rear floor pan immediately behind the drivers seat and cannot extend outside of the vehicle or be built for additional vehicle frame support.
12. Any exhaust pipes penetrating hood must point upwards, not toward front, sides, or driver.
13. No white cars allowed. Driver's door only to be white. Cars must have BOLD 18" number on each side of car and BOLD 24" number on roof. No obscenities allowed on car. IF THE CAR UTILIZES AN ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP A BOLD 6" BRIGHT ORANGE LETTER "E" SHALL BE PAINTED BETWEEN THE HOOD HOLES. (This is a safety warning item for the event firemen in case of a fire)
14. D.O.T. type tires only. Fenders may be trimmed for tire clearance.
15. All cars must have a vertical safety bar in windshield area (to keep hood from entering drivers area).
16. Rules subject to change without notice.
17. All decisions by officials shall be final. No Appeals.
18. Only drivers participating on track allowed to remain on track at conclusion of that heat, consy, or feature.
19. Drivers may use front ends of car to hit with. HEAD ONS (hood ornament to hood ornament) NOT ALLOWED.
20. 100% payout for entries.
21. INSPECTIONS MUST BE COMPLETED AND REGISTRATIONS PAID FOR BY 6:00 P.M.
Inspection ? If available, 2 inspection lanes will be available. ALL vehicles must have been presented for inspection and approved 1 hour prior to beginning of the first heat. Vehicles presented to late will not be allowed to enter. All vehicles must have passed inspection prior to the 1-hour deadline. There will be no time allowed beyond the 1 hour for corrections of problems found on initial inspection. A documented copy of the issues/deficiencies found will be provided to the driver. The Driver has 1 chance to fix the issue/deficiency or they will be disqualified from participation. If they are disqualified during the inspection process they will be refunded 50% of the entry fee ($7.50).
22. Removal of vehicles from the fairgrounds is required by 3 p.m. on day following event. All vehicles left after that time without prior written permission from the Fair Board Demo Committee shall be considered the property of the Owen County Fair and subject to removal.
23. By permitting the vehicle to be entered in the derby, the owner agrees to sell the vehicle to the promoter for the sum of $50.00 if the promoter wishes to purchase the same. This offer shall be valid until 30 minutes after the completion of the derby. ($50.00 excludes battery, gas tank, and related connections.)
***All vehicles must be inspected and registration paid by 6 pm***
For more information call Chris Lunsford at 812-859-4747, Mart Jackson at 812-829-3747 or Dana Boyd at 812-829-6842