updated 4/17/2023
updated 2/6/2025
updated 2/13/2025
updated 3/30/2025
updated 4/14/2025
updated 12/17/2025
updated 1/12/2026
No Stage Lock is used, so stage accordingly, it only takes .008 thousands of moment to break and unbreak the stage beam
*below are two links that explains bulb flicker and when staging to light
Bulb Flicker link:
Staging to light & RED Lighting:
https://www.facebook.com/100009198045626/videos/1597467700601825/
Check score boards for dial-in, once both cars are staged and the computer latches then you accept the dial-in that is displayed or not displayed.
TOP ET
Follows IHRA RULES
TOP (0-9.00): Delay boxes, trans brakes, two steps, playback tachometers and nitrous are permitted. Air throttles used as launch control devices are permitted. Factory (OEM) installed computers will be permitted, but laptop computers are not allowed while in competition.
MODIFIED
Follows IHRA RULES
Absolutely no delay box's permitted in Modified - Sportsman - Jr. Dragster - Trophy Eliminator. Kentucky Dragway's staff has the right to open your doors of your race vehicle at any time to check for delay boxs if you have purchased a tech card within these classes. A unhooked delay box is not good enough. Delay box must be removed completely from car. We haven't had a problem with this but are only trying to be proactive to preserve the integrity as racers run multiple classes.
SPORTSMAN (7.40 & Slower, Door Cars Only):
Delay boxes, air throttles, starting line enhancers, trans brakes, two steps, buttons on the steering wheel and nitrous are prohibited. Slicks and headers permitted. Line locks are only permitted in the burnout process. Throttle must be manually operated by the driver’s foot. Electronics, pneumatics, hydraulics, or any other device may in no way affect the throttle operation. A fixed stop under carburetor or gas pedal is permitted. Automated Shifter prohibited unless Factory OEM. No tire size limit this year for 2026!
Jr. Dragster
Follows IHRA Rules
JUNIORS (All Run): Dial ins must be on vehicle. Tire covers may be removed after the water box. All IHRA junior rules apply per the competitors license level and as written in the IHRA rulebook.
Jr. Dragsters are required to wear a 38.1 helmet / neck device. This is an important safety device that will help keep your child's helmet on in a crash. We know the difficulty and Challenges in sizing a helmet properly to your child's head and this device helps when a helmet might not be as tight as it should be and in whiplash involvement. For addition rules visit: https://www.kentuckydragway.com/jr-rules
Additional Track Rules:
No dragsters in the No Box Knockout Series
In time runs when there is a back to back placement of cars in one lane the front car will get lane choice, no single runs down the track unless it's the last vehicle in line. If a racer pulls out he will automatically be sent to opposite lane the racer was in.
Each race will be voted on for when a racer breaks can they get in a car and still be in competition.
Any competitor single entered or double entered will be responsible to maintain your entry in a timely manner upon returning to the lanes. You will be given 2 minutes once we are down to final pairings.
Re Entry vs Buybacks
With 200 single entry's there will be a Re-Entry round. Re-entry round will run each other to advance to the next round.
With 150 - 199 or less single entry's there will be in a buyback round. Buybacks will come straight in with all Winners from the previous round.
149 and below there will be 2 rounds of buy backs.
Dragsters will be keep separate until no longer able or until it slows down the race. There will not be singles, the last single dragster will run the next door car in line.
Check score boards for dial-in, once both cars are staged and the computer latches then you accept the dial-in that is displayed.
Absolutely no one under the age of 16 in the burnout area or near the starting line when full size race cars are racing.
Absolutely no one under the age of 16 driving a pit vehicle unless authorized to do so or you are an employee of Kentucky Dragway.
Do not sit or stand within 200 ft of the burnout area, rocks and debris can be projected during the burnout.
Winners Circle is a restricted area unless you are getting your picture taken.
No more than 2 crew members with race vehicle in the staging lanes and on the race track surface.
No buy backs purchased under someone else's number.
If tech cards are not turned in to the tower you forfeit your ability to race.
Buy Backs are at the front Gate.
We card draw for bye-runs first round, then best reaction time from there on out.
Kentucky Dragway has the right to refuse anyone entry to any event
Double entry must be same car and same driver
EVENT DIRECTOR MAY WAVE, AMEND, OR MODIFY ANY RULE ON THIS WEB PAGE AT ANYTIME FOR ANY SINGLE OCCURRENCE, FOR ANY GOOD CAUSE.
THE EVENT DIRECTORS DECISION IS FINAL IN ALL CASES
No outside fuel sales on the property. This is reserved for track Marketing Partners. If you would like to become a Marketing Partner you may sign up at the front gate.
updated 3/30/25
DEEP STAGING
Deep staging is allowed but not guaranteed in all classes.
It is the racers responsibility to get deep and write DEEP in BIG letters on both sides of vehicle.
This is also the drivers responsibility to handle in a timely manner.
Courtesy staging will be enforced.
Deep staging once courtesy staged needs to be one motion and not little bumps. Take a couple bites at it and get deep. Kentucky Dragway will address each situation as they arise. There will be a variable count and then the starter will flip on the auto start back on. After Pre-staged going deep is supposed to be one motion going forward.
It's the competitors responsibility to notify their competition they are going deep if they choose to do so.
“Courtesy Staging” is mandatory in all categories. If a competitor unintentionally lights both bulbs before the opponent stages, the starter will attempt to motion the vehicle back and allow to re-stage once.
What is Courtesy staging? both drivers must be pre staged before going forward to stage and then deep stage.
DEEP STAGING: Is allowed but not guaranteed. There will be an attempt to de-activate the auto start system for Deep Staging but in no way will this action by the starter will be guaranteed when deep staging vehicle proceeds forward, you can't take all day bumping in! Deep staging is supposed to be one motion going forward once pre-staged. Deep staging vehicles will have a very short time allotted to go deep before starter activates auto-start. Absolutely no re runs if said racer doesn't get deep staged.
So if you are deep staging, you should do it in a timely fashion. Once the entry is pre-staged, crew members must be behind the vehicle and out of both competitor’s view. Motioning Back in the case of over-staging are permitted one time if time permits. If the auto-start system cycles during the motioning back, the run will stand. THE FINAL STAGING MOTION, USING APPLIED POWER, MUST BE IN A FORWARD MOTION GOING FROM PRE-STAGE TO STAGE.