TRI-COUNTY PULLERS, INC.
2023 OFFICIAL RULES
These rules will be created from proposed ideas from the class representatives at the annual meeting to
be approved by the Board of Directors
Competition Membership:
1) Membership period is from May 1 to April 30.
2) Membership dues are:
$25.00 Driver Membership
$200.00 Tractor Membership
$5.00 One-Day Driver Membership
$25.00 One-Day Tractor Membership
At any time during the membership year, a one-day membership may be
upgraded to a yearly membership for an additional $20.00 per driver and/or an additional
$175.00 per tractor for a total of the yearly membership fee.
Members have until the 4th scheduled points event to pay tractor membership in full in order to be
included in the points calculations for the year.
3) No refunds will be made for paid yearly membership fees.
4) Membership includes a primary driver membership card and assignment of a registration number.
5) Secondary driver’s membership is $25.00.
6) Registration number must be in a visible area on both sides of the competing tractor with a minimum
of 2” tall numbers.
Divisions: Official Weight Classes
LIMITED MODIFIED 1750 lbs. (2016)
ECONOMOD 1900 lbs. (2022)
OPEN 1950 lbs*
PRO STOCK COMPACT DIESEL 2300 lbs.
EXHIBITION (Grand National Mini) 2000 lbs.
A minimum of two tractors is required for a class to be held at an event (2020)
*There is a 100 lb. handicap for naturally aspirated small blocks and naturally aspirated
Big Blocks in Open class only. The Tri-County Pullers Board of Directors will determine
if an engine is to be considered a small block. (2022)
Pro Stock Diesel will run between the EconoMod Class and Open Class except at Open
class only events where they will be run first at a separate setting.(2020)
All official weight classes include driver and tractor ready to compete, including all
safety equipment.
An exhibition only class for tractors that exceed current Open class rules will be offered
until the three tractor minimum is met. NTPA rules for Grand National mini-rods will
apply with the exception that safety equipment must meet Tri-County Pullers Open class
rules as minimum.
o A $25 daily tractor fee will be charged and a $5 daily driver fee if not a TCP
Member.
o If the 3 or more tractor minimum is met, the tractors involved will decide on an
entry fee to be used as the purse for the class.
o All tractors must pass inspection before hooking to the sled.
Entry Positions:
1) PLEASE sign up/ check in as soon as possible when arriving at the pull.
2) Pull order numbers will be randomly pre-drawn so check in is imperative.
3) Driver must hold a current yearly membership (or pay the Daily Fee) with the club.
4) Enter all classes in which a tractor will compete in at the event.
5) Should a competitor be forced to withdraw from a previously entered class,
the withdrawal must be made before the start of the class by notifying the Secretary of their withdrawal.
6) Entries will close 15 minutes prior to the scheduled starting time of the Pull.
7) Each tractor may enter in only one division, and only once in each class.
a) Limited Modified tractors will be allowed to run when their class is not offered.
8) Once a competitor has hooked to the sled, the entry fee for that class will not be refunded.
9) If a competitor breaks in the previous class, and cannot make the pull order in the next class, puller
must notify the track official for the need of extra time. The track official must allow that puller to
drop to the last pulling position.
Eligibility of Contestants:
1) All competitors must hold a current competition membership.
2) Contestants must be 18 years of age, or at least 16 years of age with a written permission from a
parent or guardian.
3) (2023 trial year) In the Limited and EconoMod classes only, the age limit will be 13 with written
permission from a parent or legal guardian. Parent or Legal guardian must be on site site or have a
notarized letter allowing the child to participate. Legal guardian must be able to show proof of guardianship on demand
a. Parent or guardian must have minimum 1 year prior pulling experience.
b. Vehicle must be equipped with roll over protection and seat belt.
c. The child must be able to operate vehicle safely and be in control at all times.
d. The child must prove to the class Board of directors that they can safely operate the vehicle
and follow all safety restrictions placed on them.
e. Board of directors reserves the right to restrict or revoke privileges at any time.
Pit crew/ Tow off vehicle drivers:
1) The age limit for Tow vehicle operators is 16 unless Tri-County Pullers, Inc. certified. There is a “No
tolerance” policy for safety issues. The Tow vehicle driver will lose privileges for remainder of the Tri-
County Pullers, Inc. season. Any Tri-County Pullers, Inc. tractor owner may repeal the club certification.
Tractor Registration:
1) Registration means identifying the pulling vehicle with a registration number for point’s calculation.
All tractors must be registered before competing. The number must be displayed on both sides of the
tractor with min. 2” numbers in a visible location.
2) A person can rebuild at midseason and retain previous points with the old registration number as
long as the old tractor is not running on that number.
3) A tractor owner may sell the tractor with its registration number, including accumulated points from
all classes.
4) If 2 or more people own a tractor, they must use the same registration number. In order to be a driver
each person must have a current competition membership card.
5) All tractors must pass a tech inspection before competition.
General Rules
Brakes:
1) All competing tractors must be equipped with working rear brakes.
2) All driveline brakes must have a minimum of 3/8” steel, 360 degrees around brake components.
Drawbars:
1) Drawbar height to be a maximum of 13” at the inside back of the hole (hook point).
2) Drawbar must have a minimum of 1-1/2” diameter hole.
3) No portion of the tractor may interfere with the sled, chain, or hook during a pull, or while being
hooked or unhooked.
4) Drawbar hitching point bolt must be a min. of a ½” bolt, grade 8.
5) Solid drawbar is required for all open class tractors. A solid one-piece hitch of min. 1” solid steel as
per NTPA specifications, with a minimum of 1-1/2” hole.
6) Drawbar must be a minimum of 6” long to hook point from the center of the rear axle, with a
maximum of 18” long to hook point.
7) Wheelie bars are to be separate from the drawbars.
Flywheel and Clutch Shielding:
1) Limited Modified and Economod divisions:
Flywheel and clutch must be wrapped 360 degrees with SFI approved bell housing, or SFI
approved safety blanket or homemade shielding 3/16” by 3” wide completely covering the bell
housing.
2) Open division:
Flywheel and clutch assembly must be covered with a bell housing meeting S.E.M.A. standards.
No holes allowed in the bell housing except one cooling hole, max. of 1” diameter on the face.
Bell housing must be flush on the face and use the block saver plate.
3) All automatic transmissions must be covered with SFI approved (with sticker) safety blanket and/or
shield. MANDATORY: The bell housing must be covered with a SFI approved flywheel flex plate
shield, or a steel shield that is 3/16” thick by 3” wide.
4) No cast iron flywheels.
5) All planetary gearboxes must be covered with an S.E.M.A. approved blanket or shield.
Chassis:
1) All tractors shall have wide front axles. Front wheels shall track within rear wheels.
2) No portion of any tractor shall exceed 8 foot forward of the center of the rear wheels, except for the
tow ring.
3) Tread width (foot Print) not to exceed 6 feet in width. Per NTPA rules 2007 pg. 56
4) Roll cages and seat belts are not required but are highly recommended for all tractors.
5) All tractors must have 4 operational wheels and tires (not flat) upon hooking to the sled.
Fuel:
1) All forms of Nitro methane, including Nitrous Oxide, are illegal as fuel or fuel additives for pulling.
If any competitor is proved for use of illegal fuel, the penalty will be loss of all points and
suspension of membership for one year and 10 days.
2) No pressurized fuel tanks are allowed.
Engines:
1) All tractors require side plates the length of the engine block, 6” above and below the crankshaft
centerline, made of 1/8” aluminum or 1/16” steel.
2) Side shields must be mounted independently of the engine block
3) All blow tubes must exit forward of the rear wheels.
4) All pulling tractors must be equipped with mechanical throttle linkage with return to idle springs.
No Hydraulic throttle linkages are allowed. All foot throttles must have toe straps.
5) All fans and stock type harmonic balancers must be wrapped 360 degrees with 1/16” steel or 1/8”
aluminum, and with a crossbar on the front.
6) One-piece harmonic balancers and SFI approved harmonic balancers must be bolted to the crank
with a minimum grade 8 bolt.
7) All exhaust must discharge vertically and be securely attached. Vertical is defined as being within
30 degrees, in any direct of being plumb.
8) No rain caps.
9) All vacuum pumps, water pumps and anything hooked to the engine above the frame rails needs to
be shielded same as blower belts.
Kill Switches:
1) All pulling vehicles must have a breakaway ignition kill switch in working order at all times.
2) The breakaway kill switch must be mounted in the rear, independent of the drawbar.
3) The breakaway kill switch must break current or ground the ignition circuit as necessary to disrupt
ignition to the engine(s). On vehicles equipped with electric fuel pump(s), the switch must also
break the current to the fuel pump(s).
4) All ignition engines must have another kill switch in working order, mounted within easy reach of
the driver. All fuel-injected engines must have a working fuel shut-off valve control within easy
reach of the driver.
5) Kill switches will have NO secondary devices securing the kill switch. No electrical tape will be
allowed.
Safety:
1) Tech inspectors can bar from competition any vehicle, at any time, which they believe has a
potential safety problem.
2) All pulling vehicles must be equipped with a minimum of one 2-1/2 lb. Fire extinguisher, fully
charged and in working order, within easy reach of the driver.
3) All drivers must wear a DOT approved helmet. Chinstraps must be fastened when pulling. Loss of
helmet is cause for disqualification. Eye protection is highly recommended but not required.
4) A capable driver must be seated in the vehicle when the engine is being started, and whenever it is
running. Drivers must have complete control at all times.
5) All pulling vehicles must be equipped with a neutral safety starter switch on the gearshift, which will
allow starter engagement only in the neutral or park position. No jumping the neutral safety switch.
6) All tractors with reverse must have a 2” diameter white light on the back of the tractor that
automatically goes on when the vehicle is put in reverse. Check if it moves if it does must have light,
7) All drivers must wear fire retardant jackets.
8) Shut down and hands up before measurement and unhooking of the tractor.
9) If the idle is up when leaving the track and tires spin, throwing dirt, the contestant will be
disqualified
Driveline Shielding:
1) All driveshaft must be covered 360 degrees with ¼” steel or 3/8” aluminum.
2) All chains must be covered 360 degrees with 1/16” steel or 1/8” aluminum.
3) Driveline Tether- Mandatory tether on front and rear of drive shaft shield on all Open Division
tractors. Optional for all other divisions.(2021)
Seats and Fenders:
1) All seats must have a minimum of a 6” high back.
2) Fenders are to consist of a barrier between the driver and tire. Fenders are to extend a minimum of
4” horizontally from the inside vertical edge of the tire.
Wheelie Bars:
1) Wheelie bars are to be a maximum of 6” off the ground, minimum of 2” from the vertical rear of the
tire, with 2 bars that have a minimum of a 3” x 3” pad, or a 1” x 5” solid centered wheel, and be able
to support the weight of the tractor.
2) All tractors must have bumper bars. Specs will be the same as the NTPA rules.
a. In addition to stabilizer bars, there must be a brace that extends vertically 6 inches from the rear
most tip of skid pads.
b. There must be a support brace extending inward to frame, axle, or top of stabilizer bar arms.
c. Vertical brace should extend rearward a minimum of 2 inches from radius of rear tire.
d. Material used to build vertical brace and support brace must be the same size and strength as the
material used to build stabilizer bar.
Super Chargers and Turbo Chargers:
1) NO superchargers or turbochargers are allowed in any class, except the Open division with
limitations. For 2023, superchargers or turbochargers are allowed in the Limited division.
Tires:
1) Limited Modified Division: Limited to 31x15.50x15
2) Economod and Open Division: Limited to 18.4-16.1
3) Contest is open to pulling vehicles with rubber tires. NO four-wheel drive. NO dual tires, tire studs,
or chains. All power must be transmitted through the rear wheels.
Division Limitations
All Divisions:
1) Maximum 2 valves per cylinder, 1 spark plug per cylinder in all classes
2) No turbine engines.
3) No division jumping except on days when the tractors normal class is not offered.
4) If we make rule changes specific to drivelines or engines in a division, no changes will be allowed to
that rule for 3 years. (as per 2011 Annual Meeting) except in the case of the Pro Stock compact
Diesel class per Board of Directors.
5) No Coil on plug ignitions. No Digital programmable ignition systems.
6) No Electronic fuel injection. Only carbureted or mechanical injection allowed.(2020)
Limited Modified Division:
1) Maximum of 235 cubic inches.
2) Carburetor limited to one four barrel.
3) Multi-motorcycle and/or snowmobile engines combined will not exceed the 235 cubic inch limit.
One barrel carburetor per cylinder will be used by motorcycle and snowmobile engines only.
Maximum of two motors.
4) No fuel injection.
5) For the 2023 season - super charged or turbocharged and/or injected 170 cubic inch 4 cyl. engines will be permitted
Economod Division:
1) Maximum of 370 cubic inches small block only. The Tri-County Pullers Board of Directors will
determine if an engine is to be considered a small block. Block must retain OEM bore spacing for
that engine family.(2019)
2) One four barrel carburetor or one predator. No Holley Dominators or fuel injection. No 4500 styleseries
carburetors.
3) Tractors may use automatic transmissions with torque converter or gear boxes and clutches(2011)
4) Aluminum heads permitted. Minimum valve angle of 15o Part number must be clear for verification
(2019)
a. Heads with less than 15o valve angles will not be permitted after 2019
5) No aluminum blocks. Cast iron only.
6) Roller cams permitted (2023)
7) No coil on plug ignitions. No digital programmable ignition systems (2019)
Open Division:
1) Maximum of 575 cubic inches naturally aspirated.
2) Maximum of an 8-71 supercharger allowed on a maximum 370 cubic inch small block engines with
the following provisions:
a. No Screw blowers allowed (2020)
b. All supercharged engines must use SFI Spec. 14.1 blower restraints.
c. Supercharger drive components must be shrouded top and sides with minimum 0.060” steel or
.080”alum.
i. Blower shield must be wider than all components, idler belt, pulleys, etc. and be securely
mounted.
d. If using an automatic transmission, you must use a 6 belt and NTPA approved safety blanket.
3) Turbochargers allowed on a maximum of 370 cubic inch small block engines with the following
provisions:
a. Single pressure stage only.
b. All turbochargers must be completely shrouded, except for the inlet and exhaust pipes, with
minimum 0.060” steel.
c. Turbocharged engines must have (2) 3/8” bolts (grade5) in horizontal portion of exhaust pipe(s).
Bolts to be installed 90degrees to each other within 1 inch of each other.
d. If using an automatic transmission, you must use a 6 belt and NTPA approved safety blanket.
Pro Stock Compact Diesel Tractor Division:
1) All Tri-County Pullers general rules and safety rules for the Open Division apply except as noted
below.
2) Maximum weight 2300 lbs.
3) Single engine with a maximum of 250 cubic inches
4) This class is for stock appearing tractors with full hood, grill and side panels. Must be recognizable
as an actual modern production compact tractor or small farm tractor. Hood and grill can be from a
different make than engine/frame/rear end.
5) Engine must be compression ignition and use #2 Diesel Fuel* only. No spark plugs or alcohol as a
fuel.
6) Hitch height up to 13 inches allowed (2022)
7) Engine must be commercially produced with at least 1000 units built. Engine block must have
factory casting model and serial numbers visible. O.E.M. block cannot be altered in any way
externally except for normal repair or for mounting fuel injection pumps.
8) Maximum of 4 cylinders
9) May be liquid or air cooled.
10) No belt driven cooling fans. Electric fans only.
11) O.E.M. head for that make/model engine only. No billet or aftermarket heads. No overhead cams.
Maximum of 2 valves per cylinder. Injectors must remain in stock location.
12) No billet injector pumps. No electronic or common rail injection systems.
13) Tractors are allowed a single (1) turbo charger with any manifold modifications necessary to mount
the turbocharger. Manifold pressure must be a single stage only.
14) Turbocharger must be single shaft fixed vane type. No variable vane turbochargers allowed. No inlet
or outlet size restrictions.
15) Turbo must be fitted with a shutdown guillotine on the compressor inlet side of the turbo.
16) Turbochargers will be completely shrouded with steel .060” or thicker or approved Kevlar blanket
on compressor side except for inlet and exhaust pipes. Turbochargers under fiberglass hoods must be
shrouded, except for the inlet and outlet pipes, with .060” steel or thicker under the area of the
fiberglass.
17) No wastegates or pressure reliefs of any kind permitted. All compressed air is to enter the intake
manifold.
18) All turbocharged engines are required to have one cable that must surround the engine block and
head. This cable shall be located between the first and second cylinder through the exhaust manifold
port area. The cable will be a minimum of 5/16” thick with two (2) clamps at the splice. The cable
should allow for approximately 4” of slack.
19) Water injection will be allowed. Must be plain water or water with water soluble lube only.
Combustible agents (alcohol, oxygenators, etc.) are NOT allowed in water injection.
20) No intercoolers or after coolers
21) No propane, nitrous injection or any type of secondary fuel system of any kind will be permitted.
22) Any stock appearing frame rail or tube frame is permitted. Tube frame must be covered with sheet
metal.
23) Full side panels to cover engine area. Minimum 1/16” steel or 1/8”aluminum.
24) All inline engines are required to have an additional inner side shield consisting of .125” (1/8”) thick
steel or titanium OR .250” (1/4”) aluminum inside of the current side panels with a minimum of
.500” (1/2”) air gap. This shield is to be independent of the side panels and must be solidly attached
at the top and bottom (4 point total minimum) with a minimum of 5/16” fasteners. This shield must
extend from the bottom of the head to the centerline of the crankshaft and extend the full length of
the block on each side of the engine.
25) All tractors must have a fuel shut-off AND an air shut off mounted in the drivers’ compartment and
within reach of the driver. Fuel shut off must return fuel to tank or loop back to pump.
26) Kill switch device mounted on rear of tractor must disconnect power to the electric fuel pump along
with activating turbocharger guillotine.
27) Clutch and bell housing rules to be the same as the EconoMod division
28) If running an electric fuel pump, it must be shut off with the guillotine or return fuel to the tank. (2023)
29) Automatic transmission shielded with 3/16” steel or 6 belt blanket from end of block to tail shaft. All
other block adapters shielded by 3/16” steel the width of the adapter.
*Diesel only with a dielectric value of no greater than 4.9 or less than 2.2
The dielectric meter shall use Cyclohexane to establish zero reference point in determining all diesel
fuel dielectric constant values. The use of additives containing oxygen, such as nitro methane,
propylene oxide, dioaxane, MTBE, alcohol (methanol, ethanol etc.) or nitrous oxide is prohibited.
Operation of a Pulling Contest
Event Procedures and Requirements:
1) All official contests must have available a straight level dirt track of no less than 200 feet in length,
maximum of 300 feet in length, with a width of not less than 30 feet. Markers and chalk lines shall
define side boundaries. A safety shut down area of 50 feet is required at the finish end of the track.
Tracks must also have a crowd barrier of at least 25 feet between track and crowd.
2) All tracks must be maintained and leveled by the promoter.
3) No one is allowed on the track except for the flagmen, contestant, vehicle starting crew, (if required)
and the sled operator while the vehicle is under the green flag.
4) All pulls shall operate with a flagman. The flagman is responsible for the readiness of the track,
pulling vehicle and the contestant. The flagman is the official track judge while the pull is in
progress.
5) When unscheduled pulls are added to those already on the schedule it will be a no points pull unless
voted on by the majority of club members.
6) No rain dates unless noted on the schedule ahead of time.
7) NO ONE allowed within 25 feet of the track, unless you are a paid driver or crew member.
8) At all events sanctioned by Tri-County Pullers, INC and another organization, members of Tri-
County shall abide by all rules and conditions set forth by the host organization. This pertains to, but
is not limited to, pit passes, hot Passes, fees, insurance, prize monies, etc.
Weighing and Drawbar Measuring Procedure:
1) All official weights must include the driver and vehicle, with oil, water, fuel, and safety equipment
ready to compete. All drivers must weigh in with their vehicle in their respective classes.
2) All drawbars will be measured before or during weighing in procedure with the driver seated in the
vehicle.
3) Drawbars must be rigid in all directions.
4) No standing on drawbars or wheelie bars while measurement is taken.
5) Any addition of fuel or weights and any altering of drawbars, or tire pressure may be allowed, but
the driver and vehicle MUST be reweighed and measured before competition. In the event of a pulloff,
only fuel may be added.
6) Any tractor leaving the staging area must reweigh before re-entering the staging area.
Test Puller and Options:
1) Number one puller will be test puller. They may take first pull if weight transfer is correct, may
immediately come back and pull, come back first, third or last. Third or last position is defined as
the position immediately following the next two tractors and whatever the number tractors there
happens to be that day and their attempt.
2) The number one puller, or test puller, is not to be disqualified or measured for running out of bounds
on the FIRST attempt only. All other reasons for disqualification apply. Disqualification will apply
on the second or subsequent attempt if out of bounds.
3) If the weight transfer needs further adjustment, the first puller (next scheduled) after each adjustment
will be treated as the test puller.
4) It is the competitors’ responsibility to alert the track judge regarding decisions on re-pulls, and
chosen position before the vehicle leaves the track.
5) For any re-pull caused by contest malfunction, the puller may drop the 3rd or 6th position.
6) Any disqualification on first attempt bars a second attempt. Should a class be re-started a
disqualified puller will be allowed to pull in the position they previously drew.
7) A contestant must pull in the position drawn within three minutes of track readiness. Any delay will
cause disqualification. If the track judge is notified, a puller having mechanical problems may drop
to last position. This may be done once per contestant per class.
8) Puller will be allowed to drop to last position if breakage occurs on the first attempt provided the
vehicle did not pass the 100 foot mark. Puller will be allowed a total of two attempts.
9) If the last vehicle in a class experiences mechanical problems, the puller will be allowed three
minutes to hook and make an attempt.
Pull-Offs:
1) In a pull-off, each of the contestants will be allowed only one attempt to make a measurable pull.
2) The order of the pull-off will be in the same order in which the vehicles made a full pull.
3) If a pull off is interrupted due to rain and able to restart all tractors involved in the pull off will repull.
4) If a pull-off cannot be completed due to rain, curfew, etc., purse monies and points for places
involved will be divided equally among those involved in the pull off.
5) If the competitor makes a full pull, all succeeding competitors must pull at that setting, unless in the
track judge’s opinion the sled operator has made a mistake.
6) A floating finish line may be used at the discretion of the competition director and the sled operator.
Ten feet will be the maximum. Extended boundaries must be clearly chalked. Competitors must be
informed in advance of this change.
Summary of Causes for Disqualification:
1) Loss of ballast weight under the green flag.
2) Loss of safety equipment and/or failure of safety equipment to function.
3) Illegal fuel:
a. Any form of Nitro methane (including Nitrous Oxide or Propylene Oxide).
b. Any oxygen improving chemical.
4) Out of bounds (vehicle only).
5) Unsafe operation of a pulling vehicle.
6) Intoxication of driver. No intoxicating agents may be consumed before or during a pull by TCP
officials or members.
7) Illegal equipment.
8) Leaving the start line under the red flag.
9) Unsportsmanlike like conduct. Penalty will be loss of points and prize money that day.
10) Any knowing violation of any rule shall be considered illegal. Severity of punishment is to be at the
discretion of the Board of Directors.
11) The decision of the track judge is FINAL, and shall not be appeal able. However with a showing of
reasonable and good cause the track judge may, without liability, reverse and/or revise his decision.
(The lead flagman is the track judge).
12) Until the final decision of the flagman is made, no one is allowed on the track.
Conduct of a Pulling Contest:
1) Tractors must be operated in a safe manner at all times.
2) Drivers must remain seated during the pull and have complete control of the vehicle at all times.
3) NO passengers shall be on any tractor when it is being towed or driven.
4) Any Officials and Tri-County members incapacitated due to an intoxicating agent and/or drug shall
not be allowed to compete.
5) All drivers must wear a fire retardant jacket, street pants and shoes (fire pants/ suit are optional)
6) In order to receive points, the puller must hook and make a measurable pull on that day and have
paid the membership fee. Members have until the 4th scheduled points event to pay tractor
membership in full in order to be included in the points calculations for the year.
7) All pulls must start with a tight chain, no jerking. Contestants will be allowed a total of two attempts
and 100 feet to start the sled. If the driver lets off the throttle before 100 feet he/she will be given
another attempt, even if the tractor / sled went beyond 100 feet. If no attempt is made to back off the
throttle, no second attempt will be given. The intent is for drivers to not slam on the breaks in order
to stop before 100 feet, but to come to as smooth a stop as possible.
8) Each contestant has the privilege of and responsibility for spotting the sled for both of their attempts.
Use of crewmembers is a good way to spot the sled.
9) The sled will move backward or forward to the starting line prior to each attempt. No official pull
may start beyond the starting line, in either direction. The sled will be started with the front of the
pan even with the starting line, and in gear.
10) An attempt is defined as moving the sled a measurable distance of one inch or more.
11) Only the flagman and sled driver will make track length decisions.
12) Official Track length of 300’or 310’ at each pull will be determined after the first 2 tractors in each
class have run. This length will be posted at the starting line/Laser area.
13) All pulls made during a contest will be measured.
14) Violation of any rule will constitute disqualification.
15) Pulling vehicles must remain within the boundaries of contestant course at the start and throughout
the pull, or else the vehicle will be disqualified.
16) If the vehicle is legal when hooked the sled, and breakage occurs when under the green flag due to
unforeseen circumstances the pull will be measured, with the exception of loss of ballast or safety
equipment.
17) Drivers meetings will be held 1 hour before the scheduled start time of the pull at the sled truck unless otherwise posted. (2023)
18) It is mandatory for all drivers or their proxy to attend any and all drivers meetings while at the pull.
A 2 point bonus will be added to the daily points for attending the drivers meeting.
19) If the kill switch is pulled by the sled driver, the decision of the flag man and sled driver is not
appealable. If the puller is allowed to repull, they must pull immediately with no changes allowed
except the addition of fuel. If the kill switch is inadvertently activated because of non-securement the
puller will not be allowed to repull.
20) No alcohol on the track or in staging area by drivers or track help or pit crew.
21) Pullers are to keep close to the starting line in pulling order during their class and be ready 1 tractor
before.
Protest Rule:
A $750.00 cash tear down fee must accompany any protest as to the legality of a competitors’ motor.
The owner of the tractor must then remove the head, at the location, at the same event as long as the vehicle
does not leave the event, with the tech inspectors and officials only present to check the legality of the vehicle.
If the tractor is found to be legal, the protester will forfeit his/her $750.00 to the owner of the tractor. If the
tractor is found to be illegal, the protestor will get his/her money back. Any owner refusing to tear down their
motor will automatically be declared illegal. The protester must sign a paper with their name at time of protest.
You may only protest a tractor in your own class.
Penalty for being disqualified for running an illegal engine is – the tractor, driver and owner will be banned
from pulling with the Tri-County Pullers, Inc. for one year and 10 days and will forfeit all points and hook fund
money.
Flag Procedures:
Flag colors and meanings:
RED – STOP as smoothly as possible.
GREEN – GO for it!
A RED flag is used for any of the following:
1) You have made a full pull.
2) You have ceased all forward motion.
3) You have gone out of bounds.
4) You have lost a weight or some part.
5) Something is wrong with the sled.
A RED flag is used by one or both of the flagmen while all of the following are being readied and
checked:
1) Tractor is properly hooked.
2) Kill switch is hooked.
3) Driver is ready – fire jacket – helmet are in place and one hand is on the wheel.
4) Sled driver signals he is ready by switching the red light to yellow.
5) Track area around the sled is clear of all track equipment (exception: tractor starting
crewmembers).
The primary flagman then displays the GREEN flag when all requirements are complete and he/she is
satisfied that the track and safety area are clear and ready. (Exception: tractor – starting crewmembers).
Points Structure:
1) Each contestant receives ten (10) Hook points for payment of yearly membership and drawing
numbers, providing the contestant makes a measurable pull at that event.
2) A contestant who is disqualified will receive ten (10) Hook points plus the place points for the last
place of the tractors hooking to the sled and making a measurable pull that in that class.
3) If a contestant breaks after making a measurable pull in a previous class on that day, the contestant
will receive ten (10) Hook points plus the last place points in all succeeding classes that day.
4) In the case of breakage on a multi-event weekend, the puller will receive last place points for classes
missed after breakage.
5) In the case of a tie, the places in question will split the total of both place points and prize money if
any.
6) Final tally of points at last pull is tentative until audit has been completed.
7) End of year championship tiebreaker is who has the most wins on down.