Rules & Regs - COMP

1. Competition Vehicles

 

1.1 Vehicle Classification

 

A. Vehicles used for competition must be production vehicles utilizing the OEM unibody structure (i.e. must remain in factory frame configuration between front and rear strut towers/mounting locations)

 

B. Trucks, Offroad Vehicles and Pickup Configurations are not permitted with the exception of Holden UTE 

 

1.2 Vehicle Inspection

 

A. Vehicle inspections will take place Friday of the event, Between the hours of 3-5PM EST prior to the start of Friday Practice sessions. 

 

B. It is the responsibility of the driver/team to bring the vehicle to the Technical Inspection Area, Riverside Drift Staff will not perform vehicle inspections outside of this designated location.

 

C. Vehicles passing technical inspection must display Inspection Passed decal on the passenger side windshield.

 

D. Only vehicles passing technical inspection prior to the start of practice sessions will be allowed to compete unless otherwise cleared with the event director. 

 

E. All further mechanical repairs following technical inspections must conform with Riverside Drift rulebook and Riverside Staff hold the right to re inspect the vehicle at any given time throughout the course of the event, including but not limited to conclusion of finals within 30 MIN. Any vehicle found to be outside of required guidelines will have their technical credential revoked and will be removed from competition. 

 

F. During technical inspection only one person from the given team is permitted to remain with the vehicle, this allows a streamlined and simplified inspection process. 

 

G. Riverside Drift technical inspectors may require removal of parts for inspection if it is required to complete a full inspection. This includes but is not limited to, wheels, body panels, suspension components etc.

 

1.3 Vehicle Operation

 

A. The event coordinator, track marshal and technical inspector have the right to stop any vehicle if it is determined the action is needed by event staff. 

 

B. If the vehicle is stopped for a mid event inspection, the driver is expected to follow direction of event staff and wait in the paddock pending further action. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Vehicle Modification Limitations

 

2.1 Chassis Modifications

 

A. The vehicles original frame and unibody must remain as delivered from factory between front and rear subframe mounting locations as well as strut upright mounting locations. 

 

B. The chassis and frame may be stitch welded or seam welded.

 

C. Modifications of transmission tunnel are allowed to fit transmissions and driveline alterations. 

 

D. Mounting points for unused factory components may be removed including wiper mounting tabs/bosses, HVAC blower assembly mounting locations, unused interior trim etc. 

 

E. Assisted Jacks are permitted when AIR is used, gas filled prohibited.  

 

 

2.2 Roll Cage - IF PRESENT (June 2024 event only)

 

A. The roll cage shall attach to the vehicle in 6 points - Englishtown New Jersey will require the 6 points to include main hoop, rear down tubes and front A pillar bars at minimum. Anti-Intrusion bars are recommended but not required.

 

B. Gussets are allowed for reinforcement in A pillar, B pillar and roof areas only. 

 

C. No portion of the roll cage shall extend past the vehicle front firewall. 

 

D. Roll cages must include a dual bar door bar, this may be in either an X or “NASCAR”/ Ladder bar configuration. For ladder bar designs, 2 vertical connecting bars are required. 

 

E. Padding is required in any area that the drivers head may contact. 

 

F. Main Hoop section of roll cage shall be one continuous piece of tubing and have no evidence of fatigue, modification, joining or crimping due to bending which may weaken the bar and its effectiveness.

 

 

2.2.1 Welding

 

A. All welds will be visually inspected during vehicle technical inspection. 

 

B. Welds shall be continuous around the entire tube end and structure. 

 

C. Welds are not permitted to have any visual signs of cracking. 

 

D. All weld craters must be filled to prevent cracking during possible impact. 

E. Undercut must be under 1/16” if measured during inspection in a finished state. 

 

F. Minimum tubing size of 1.5’x.095” required. 

 

G. Each end of tubing making contact with vehicle chassis shall be attached to a mounting plate or box no thinner than 1/8” and be fully welded to vehicles chassis. 

 

H. Diagonal brace required to be installed in main hoop with contact point being within 6” of lower passenger side mounting point and within 6” of radius bend located by the drivers head at the upper most corner of the main hoop. 

 

I. Harness bar is required and shall reach both vertical legs, installed no higher than drivers shoulder belt mounting holes on the vertical seat back. 

 

J. 2 of the 6 points must be rearward supports reaching from the main hoop to the rear unibody frame structure, joining at the body with mounting plates. 

 

2.3 Bumpers

 

A. All vehicles must be equipped with front and rear structurally safe bumpers. If not OEM these must be made of a mild/carbon steel or chromoly material. 

 

B. Bumper tubing must be between 1-1 3/4” and be hollow tubing. 

 

C. Bumpers must be mounted to both vehicle frame ends on the front and rear of vehicle. Sleeve tube with pin as well as bolt on are both acceptable means of fastening. 

 

D. Open ends of bumpers must be rounded or capped if exposed to limit piercing potential of another vehicle or track barrier in a collision. 

 

E. Bumpers and Bash Bars must fit behind vehicle body panels. 

 

3. Suspension

 

A. Suspension adjustments including sway bar and dampening etc may be electronic or manual remote adjustment. 

 

B. If A applies to driver, adjustments must be done from a belted in position without removing restraints. 

 

C. Suspension pickup points must be free of tears and cracking. 

 

D. Modified suspension components including control arms, spindles/knuckles, struts, tie rods, hubs are allowed. 

 

E. All strut mounting bolts must be utilized in their designed locations in the body structure (offset tophats in use for angle kits/cooilovers are allowed).

 

3.1 Steering

 

A. Steering component modifications are open regarding racks, tie rods, etc. 

 

4. Brakes

 

A. Driver accessible brake bias is allowed. 

 

B. Only bias adjustment front to rear is allowed, no side to side bias adjustment is permitted. 

 

C. Foot Brake pedal must actuate all 4 wheel braking systems. 

 

D. E Brake must actuate rear calipers only. 

 

 

5. Subframes

 

A. Subframes must be structurally sound and free of cracks and defects which could pose a danger to the driver as well as other participants. 

 

6. Wheels 

 

A. Bead Locks, Screws and other tire to wheel attachment devises are not permitted. 

 

B. The Space between the Wheel and the Tire must be filled with air only, not form of internal support is permitted. 

 

7. Driveline

 

7.1 Engine

 

A. Engine modifications are open

 

7.2 Cooling

 

A. Cooling modifications are open, however system MUST be free of any leaks. 

 

B. Automatic vehicle mounted sprayers are allowed, you may not have team members present at start line to spray cooling system. 

 

C. If cooling system components pass through the driver compartment all parts must be either hard plumbing or shielded to prevent rupture from spraying the occupants. 

 

D. Radiators mounted in the rear of the vehicle must be mounted in a manner that they can not move into the cockpit in a collision. 

 

E. Cooling systems must be filled with Water ONLY - “Keep Cool” and “Water Wetter” additives are allowed. 

 

F. All cooling components must be within the metal structure of the vehicle (behind lines of bumpers and frame structure) to prevent puncture. Skid Plates are allowed for protection. 

 

7.3 Oil System

 

A. Oil system modifications are open, however MUST be free of any leaks. 

 

B. All oil system components must be within the vehicle structure in the same manner as stated in 7.2 - Cooling

 

7.4 Fuel System

 

A. Design of fuel system is open. 

 

B. If the fuel tank is removed and relocated from its factory location, a fuel cell must be used. 

 

C. Floor Pan may be modified to fit fuel cell and fuel lines. 

 

D. Fuel may not leak on ANY track surface including but not limited to track, starting line and grid area. 

 

E. Fuel cell must be solid mounted using tabs, brackets, straps or through flange bolts.

 

F. Fuel lines must be sufficiently attached to the vehicle chassis and engine where applicable. No contact with moving parts is allowed. 

 

G. No fuel lines are allowed inside the drivers compartment. 

 

7.5 Nitrous

 

A. Nitrous Oxide bottles must be securely mounted inside the body line and protected within the frame rails and bumper or bumper structure.

 

B. All Nitrous bottles must be recertified every 5 years and stamped to indicate the last inspection date.

 

C. All Nitrous bottle must be stamped with minimum DOT -1800 pound rating.

The use of off the shelf manufactured bottle warmers is accepted. The use of any other method of externally heating nitrous bottles is not allowed.

 

7.6 Exhaust

 

A. Exhaust modifications are open, however the Tech Official may reject design at discretion for safety related concerns.

 

7.7 Starting

 

A. All vehicles must be equipped with self sufficient forms of starting, no bump starting/ roll starting. 

 

7.8 Transmission

 

A. All vehicles must be capable of moving under their own power in reverse. 

 

B. Transmission type is open, including sequential, h pattern dog box, factory or swapped transmission options. HOWEVER, vehicles must be RWD only. 

 

 

 

8. Electrical

 

A. Vehicle Battery must be securely mounted with the positive post covered. 

 

B. Batteries can be relocated and do not have to stay in factory locations. 

 

C. Plastic battery mounting solutions are not allowed. 

 

D. No bare wiring or loose hanging wiring is allowed in the engine compartment or under the vehicle. 

 

9. Body Panels

 

A. Body panels must be securely attached to the vehicle, in a manner which they may not separate under standard operating conditions. 

 

B. Overfenders are permitted and must be mounted via fastener (nutsert + hardware, rivets, etc.) no adhesive only mounting is allowed. 

 

C.  Wings using standoffs must be mounted to the trunk and have one tether to the vehicle on each end of the deck portion of the spoiler. 

 

10. Windshield/Windows

 

A. Windshield must be either OEM glass or a lexan/polycarbonate 

 

B. Side and rear windows must be clear, wrapping windows a body color/graphic is not allowed.

 

11. Mirrors

 

A. Vehicle is not required to have side view mirrors however it is encouraged.

 

 

 

12. Decals

 

A. Riverside Drift Decals including a windshield banner and door placards on both vehicle doors are required from qualifying and forward to retain eligibility for payment. ANY driver not running required decals will not be paid for podium positions if achieved. 

 

B. Riverside Drift holds the right to have any decals covered or removed at their discretion. 

 

C. Technical inspection decals to remain on vehicle for the duration of the event. 

 

D. Participants may be required to carry event sponsor or contingency decals. 

 

13. Towing

 

A. Vehicle must have one tow point front and rear, either in a contrasting color or marked by “TOW”

 

14. Lights

 

A. All factory headlights and taillights are required to be present and working for headlight, taillights and brake light functions - Brake lights must be brighter than running tail lights. 

 

B. The use of any device to change, modify or interrupt brake light function is not allowed. 

 

 

15. Tires

 

A. Tire width is RESTRICTED TO 265 MAX - Sidewalls must have visible width markings present to be eligible for competition. 

 

 

Drivers Safety Equipment

 

1. Helmets

 

A. All occupants must wear a helmet during on-track sessions. Only helmets certified to meet the following standards are permitted:

 

a. Snell Memorial Foundation – SA2010,SA2010, SA2015, SA2020

b. SFI Foundation – Spec 31.2A

c. FIA 8860-2004, 8860-2001

 

B. Full-faced helmets are required.

 

C. Helmet visors must be closed during on-track sessions.

 

D. Helmet chin straps must be buckled or fastened while on course.

 

2. Safety Belts

 

A. All Participants must use a 4 point or greater harness.

 

B. Harness points seal share a single release point.

 

C. Frayed and cut webbing is not permitted.

 

D. Bent and cracked hardware is not permitted.

 

E. Lap belts must be mounted rearward of the pelvis.

 

F. Lap Belts and shoulder belts must pass through belt bosses and mounting holes seat frame. 

G. When possible, belts shall be wrapped around roll structure using a 3 bar adjuster. If not able Grade 5 or better bolts and hardware must be used.

 

3. Seats

 

A. Seats must include surrounded pass thru bosses for lap and shoulder belts. 

 

B. Seats must be mounted to factory locations with the exception of S Chassis cat hump removal as stated prior. 

 

C. Seats must be a one piece fixed back construction. 

 

D. Seats must be firmly mounted in such a way that they can not be moved in their bracketry.

 

 

 

4. Apparel

 

A. FIA or SFI Shoes AND Gloves are required for any driver participating in competition for 2023. 

 

B. Drivers are required to wear corrective vision devices if prescribed, during any driving session. Contacts and Glasses both apply. Glasses must be of a shatter proof construction.