MGTPA / Minnesota Minn-E-Rod Association Official Rules

We would like to welcome you to the 2010 pulling season. The following rules will be in effect for the entire 2010 pulling season, the only exception is for safety reasons.


PULL RULES

  1. The track will be 200 to 300 feet in length and 25 to 30 in width. Officers and the rules committee members will have the final say whether or not the track is fit for a sanctioned pull.
  2. All tractors will be in line ready to pull two pullers before your pull. There will be a 3 minute time period for each puller, if he/she is not ready the next puller
    proceeds.
  3. Each puller will have 75 feet to decide whether or not to continue their pull. The puller will have one such false start. The sled will back up to the start line for the final attempt to pull. Minor adjustments may be made between the two attempts.
  4. Any driver who touches/crosses the boundary lines will be disqualified, unless the transfer skid pushes you out. This rule will be taken very serious - If this hap pens under full power the first time is a disqualification and a verbal warning- not again! The second time this happens under full power it will be a disqualification and the driver will not be allowed to pull for 1 year and a day. THIS CALL IS MADE BY THE TRACK OFFICIAL AND IS FINAL!
  5. Anything falling off of the tractor during a pull will be cause for disqualification. This also is in effect for excessive fluid loss on the track during pulling.
  6. Additional weights added to the tractor may not exceed more than 12” from the furtherest rear edge of the tire.
  7. The hitch height on all tractors may not exceed 13” in height, and not more than 14” from the center of the rear axle. The hitch must be secure in all directions. The hitch must contain a minimum 2” hole. A clevis is not allowed with the excep tion of the First time stock pullers.
  8. All tractors must make class rules and weight. The weight of the tractor will
    include the driver, helmet and required safety clothing.
  9. No tractor may be in more than 2 classes.
  10. The first puller in each class has the option to keep their pull, or to come back in third or last position. You must inform the track official before leaving the track official before leaving the track your decision or the first pull will scored. Note:The first puller in the class doesn’t get the option for a repull if you are disqualified.
  11. The adjustment of the transfer/skid is up to its operator and the track official for safety or time reasons.
  12. Tractors can be checked at any time for safety, weight or other rule compliances.
  13. No nitrous oxide is allowed in any class.
  14. On tar/asphalt surfaces the tires must be at least D-20 compound or harder for all classes.
  15. NO Tire Warming!



SAFETY RULES

  1. All tractors must pass a safety inspection prior to their first pull with MTGPA. The officials will check to make sure that all rules were followed for the appropriate class. All decisions are final. Anyone that chooses not to cooperate will be asked to leave the pit area and not allowed to pull.
  2. All weights attached to the tractor must be securely attached; loose weights are not allowed to sit on tractor. Weights must not interfere with the hookup of the skid.
  3. All steering and brakes must be in proper working order.
  4. All contestants, track officials and pit crews will be asked to refrain from using alcohol and any mood altering drugs before and during the event. If the officials find that you are under the influence you will be refused your rights as a driver and may be asked to leave the pit area.
  5. Please be aware of the spectators if they are to close the pull with be stopped.
  6. All tractors must be in neutral to hook and unhook with tractor shut off or at idle.
  7. Automatic transmissions must retain a reverse lockout, and a reverse light is also
    recommended for the open classes.
  8. A kill switch is mandatory on all tractors except stock. It must shut down the engine, fuel pump, and any other system that controls the engine function. It must swivel or be a manufactured tether switch. It will be located in the center of the rear of the tractor and at least 6 inches above the hitch.
  9. All tractors must have a wide front end, tracking within the rear tires.
  10. All tractors must have fenders except for stock. They must be a solid barrier between the driver and the rear tires. They must be at least .060 thick aluminum or steel and extend 4” or more over the tires.
  11. All tractors must have a fire extinguisher except for stock.
  12. Drivers of any automotive engine or an engine that burns alcohol is required to wear a fire suit. It is strongly recommended for all drivers, if you chose not to wear a fire suit, long pants are required. No open-toed shoes of any sort are allowed.
  13. All drivers are required to wear an approved helmet.
  14. No one under the age of 16 will be able to drive an automotive engine class tractor, until they receive a MMRPA license. No one under the age of 14 will be allowed to drive a M/P class tractor until they receive a MMRPA license. To obtain this license you must show proof that you are able to control your tractor at all times.
  15. No tractors will be started or left running without a driver in the seat.
  16. No turbine or rotary engines of any form are allowed.
  17. All tractors will require wheelie bars. They must be securely fastened to tractor and must not allow the front of the tractor to raise more than 12 inches. See attached diagram, located on the last page.



PROTEST RULES

  1. All protests must be made before the next class starts; if the protest is not presented prior to that time there is no protest.
  2. A sum of $10.00 will be put up by the protestor and $50.00 will also be required for an engine teardown. All monies will go to the winner of the dispute. The protest and money needs to be presented to a rules committee member.
  3. All protests will be handled after the entire pull is over. The decision and/or the teardown will be done by the rules committee members present at that pull.
  4. Your entry fee money will be refunded if you choose not to hook.


CLASSES

Stock 950 lbs. 1050 lbs.
Modified Production (800cc or less) 1100 lbs. 1150 lbs.
Modified Production (over 800cc) 1150 lbs. 1250 lbs.
Open Class 4 Cylinder 1250 lbs. 1400 lbs.
Economy V-8 1650 lbs. 1800 lbs.
ProMod V-8 1700 lbs. 1800 lbs.
Open Class V-8 1650 lbs. 1800 lbs.
Economy Supercharger 1650 lbs. 1800 lbs.



MEMBERSHIPS AND ENTRY FEES

  1. Membership dues are $30.00 per tractor for all classes.
  2. Member’s entry fee is $10.00 per class except the stock. Stock member’s entry fee is $5.00.
  3. All non-members will have to pay an additional $5.00 entry fee to pull with the MGTPA club.
  4. A puller must have his or her membership dues paid and current. That is required to become a member in good standing with MGTPA. This allows you to place a vote at meetings.



ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP FEES

  1. Membership dues are available for a “non-puller” person for $30.00 a year.
  2. This membership allows you to receive all mailings and pull information.
  3. You can also place a vote in meetings.



POINTS SYSTEM

  1. The Minn-E-Rod Association will be running a points system for the season of events. To be included in this you must be a member in good standing.
  2. There will be 25 points awarded for hook points.
  3. There will be a class champion for each division of tractors. In the event there is a tie it will be decided by the number of 1st place wins.
  4. There will be a overall champion at the end of the season, the overall points champion will be decided by the total points accumulated in any one class. In the event there is a tie, it will be decided by the number of 1st place wins.
  5. The points will be as follows:
    1st 100
    2nd 90
    3rd 80
    4th 70
    5th 60
    6th 50
    7th 40
    8th 30

  6. In the event there is only 2 tractors for a class, the points awarded are 75 per tractor.
  7. In the event there is only 1 tractor for a class, they pull be pulling exhibition and there will be no points.


EXHIBITION RULES

  1. A fee will be applied to each hook. The fees are $2.00 for a member and $5.00 for
    non-members.
  2. The tractor is allowed 1 hook per event.
  3. The exhibition pull or pulls will be allowed with the officials discretion.
INDIVIDUAL CLASS RULES ARE TO BE FOLLOWED ALONG WITH SAFETY AND PULL RULES.


STOCK

  1. Engine, frame, carb, and drive train must be stock appearing.
  2. Horsepower limits are as follows: 950 lb. class and the 1050 lb. class - 18HP
    Gearshift and 20HP Hydrostatic.
  3. RPM limit - 4000
  4. Must have stock flywheel, no cut flywheels.
  5. All pulleys must be covered.
  6. Tractor must be equipped with a starter on the tractor and will need to be operational.
  7. Tractor needs to have working brakes.
  8. Must use pump fuel. NO diesels.
  9. No barred tires (turf style tires will be allowed).
  10. Tractor will be able to be driven on & off the scale.
  11. Single or Twin cylinders allowed (Limit of 2 cyclinders)
  12. Tractor must have reverse.Twelve inch wheelie height will be enforced by the track official, if you exceed that height you will be stopped and measured at that distance.



MODIFIED PRODUCTION

  1. Engine size will be limited to no more than 1500 ccs; there are two classes 800 ccs or less and over 800 ccs. The number of cylinders will be limited to 4. Multiple engines will be allowed as long as the number of Cubic ccs are not exceeded.
  2. Modifications will be allowed. Engine must remain naturally aspirated.
  3. All tractors will be equipped with a dead man throttle. Hand or foot must return to idle when released. On a hand throttle the idle/closed position must be to the rear.
  4. All exhaust must be directed up.
  5. The tractor will have all drive train components properly shielded. All exposed gears, chains, belts and U-joints must be shielded at least on 3 sides (top and both sides) 360 degrees recommended with a minimum .060 steel or aluminum. All moving parts must be covered for everyone’s safety.
  6. Nitrous Oxide will be allowed for the 800cc or less class only.
  7. The tractors that use alcohol and exotic fuels, their drivers are required to wear a fire
    suit.
  8. Tire Rules
    DIRT PULLS - Max 26-12-12 sidewalls
    TAR PULLS - No slicks or bar tires-Max circumference of 84”
  9. The outside dimensions of the tractor must not exceed 6 feet wide long at the furtherest point, excluding weights.



ECONOMY ENTRY LEVEL V8

  1. Engine Rules:
    1. No more than 366 cubic and can’t be punched more than 30 thousands over stock.
    2. Stock stroke and rods
    3. Flat top pistons and dish pistons only
    4. Hydraulic cams only (no solid anti pump up lifters)
    5. Stock Carburetor only (2 or 4 barrel)No injection system of any sort
    6. Distributor must be stock style-No MSD or DUI or after market ignitions
    7. Stock timing chain only (no gear drives)
    8. Intake must be stock (2 or 4 barrel)
    9. No more than 1” spacer between intake and carburetor
    10. Stock harmonic balancer only
    11. ALL CAST IRON heads, block and intake.
    12. NO porting, polishing, angle milling, decking or boring of any sort.
    13. All tractors are required to have a restrictor plate.
  2. Transmission Rules:
    1. Must be stock with working torque converter or manual transmission
  3. Tire Rules:
    1. Tar pulls: 92.11.15 size
    2. No less than 20 compound
    3. Dirt pulls: 31.15.5.15 size
    4. No aftermarket or Cepeks
  4. All pump fuel is allowed.
    1. No racing fuel, no aviation and no fuel additives.
    2. No nitrous oxide
  5. Spec Rules
    1. The tractor should not exceed 10 feet in length and 6 feet in width, measured from the furthest point excluded weights.

REMINDER: This is an entry level class, designed with your budget in mind.



OPEN CLASSES

  1. Automotive engines only. Modifications will be allowed, all engines must be naturally aspirated.
    1. 1200 and 1400 lb classes may use 4 cylinder engines up to 4 valves per cylinder and limited to 2800 cc.
    2. 1650 and 1800 lb classes may use 8 cylinder engines limited to 470 cubic inches.
  2. Any form of carburetion or injection will be allowed. No blowers or turbos.
  3. Any type of fuel allowed except NO nitrous oxide.
  4. All open tractors will be equipped with a dead man’s throttle, hand or foot operated.
  5. Tires of any design will be allowed, they must have the original printing on the sidewalls. No duals.
    1. Both Open classes on Dirt
      1. 31-15.5-15 max size
      2. All brands allowed
    2. Both Open class on Tar (Note: D-20 compound or harder)
      1. No bar tires
      2. No slicks
      3. Max of 94” on sidewall
      4. Max circumference of 98” at 10 psi
  6. The outside dimensions of the tractor can not exceed 6 feet wide and 10 feet long. Measured from the furthest points of the tractor, excluding weights.
  7. Weights must not exceed more than 12 inches from the back to the tires.
  8. The exhaust must be directed up.
  9. All drive trains must be properly shielded to insure the safety of all.
    1. Drive line components and Harmonic balancers must be shielded 360 degrees of rotation with 3/16” steel or 1/4” aluminum and be securely attached. There must be a strap across the front to retain the Balancer, and must have center bolt installed.
    2. Automatic transmissions must have a SEMA approved explosion shield and/or approved blanket, or Enclosed 360 degrees with 3/16” steel of 1/4” aluminum that is attached securely. It must have a reverse lockout on the shifter.
    3. Clutch bell housings must be SEMA approved on all V8’s, other engines must have approved bell housing blankets or be shielded 360 degrees with 3/16” steel or 1/4” aluminum. Steel flywheels are also recommended.
    4. All belts and fans must be shielded with 1/8” steel or aluminum.
    5. All open tractors with a crankshaft parallel to the frame rails must have .060 steel or aluminum side shields from the front of the motor, and from the bottom of the heads to 2 inches below the center throw of the crankshaft. Note: Frame rails count as part of the shield.
  10. All transmissions must be shielded on at least 3 sides top and 2 sides from the rear of the engine heads the front of the tails shaft housing. This shield must be at least 1/8” street or aluminum. A steel torque converter cover must be bolted securely in place on automatic transmissions.
  11. Engine and transmission mounts must include 2 front mounts, 2 rear mounts and a saddle under the rear of the transmission OR 2 front mounts and a support saddle under the rear of the engine and a transmission mount. Note: Sufficient strength cable may be used for a center support saddle and a must have a maximum 1/2” clearance.
  12. All tractors must have either a neutral or park safety start switch. (Neutral safety switch or a clutch disengagement switch.)


PRO MOD V-8

  1. Head and Block castings must be ordinary junkyard available CAST-IRON castings. All parts, blocks and heads must retain all casting numbers and ID’s. No factory or aftermarket castings.
  2. Valve and springs-any valves are allowed. Stock type rockers only, no full roller or roller tip rockers.
  3. Camshafts and lifters-any flat tappet cam and lifters are allowed. No roller cams or lifters allowed, no mushroom lifters allowed. Solid or Hyd lifters are allowed.
  4. Pistons-flat top pistons of any make are allowed, no domes are allowed. Pistons must not protrude above deck.
  5. Rings, Rods, Crankshaft, Timing chain of any type is allowed.
  6. Engine size is limited to 412 cubic inches max.
  7. Intake manifold of any single 4 barrel is allowed.
  8. Carburetor of any type is allowed (up to 4 barrels) No fuel injection.
  9. Tires:
    1. DIRT PULLS
      1. Max. tire size 31-15.5-15
      2. No specialty pulling tires
      3. May use brands such as Firestone, Goodyear.....
    2. TAR PULLS
      1. Max. 92-11 on sidewalls
      2. Max. circumference of 94” at 10psiNo bar tires. No slicks Note: 30 compound or harder
  10. Any type of fuel is allowed. No nitrous oxide.


ECONOMY SUPERCHARGER

  1. Engine 366 cubic inch max
    1. No strokes
    2. No alteration of crank and rod lengths
    3. Stock cast iron casting of blocks and heads only
    4. Flat top pistons or dished pistons only, no domes allowed
    5. Small or big blocks of any make allowed
    6. Different springs, cams and valves allowed
    7. No roller cams or rockers
  2. Blower types
    1. Roots type blowers only
    2. No screw type or high helix blowers
    3. 6-71 superchargers only
    4. No Overdrive allowed, under driven is allowed
    5. Aluminum blower studs only the proper blower straps
  3. Air and Fuel
    1. Injection or carbureted
    2. No nitrous oxide allowed. Pump gas or alcohol are allowed
  4. Tires
    DIRTPULLS-31-15.5-15 max allowed
    TAR PULLS-92-11 max allowed. No bar tires
    All tires will have original printing on sidewall. No duals.
  5. Safety shields
    1. Drive line components must be shielded 360 degrees of rotation with 3/16” steel or 1/4” aluminum and be securely attached.
    2. Blower must be shielded 360 degrees with 1/8” steel or 3/16” aluminum
    3. Harmonic balancers must be shielded 360 degrees of rotation with 3/16” steel or
      1/4” aluminum attached at the front cross member or engine mount to retain balancer.
    4. All balancers must have center bolt installed.
    5. All tractors must have a side shield of at least .060” from the front to the back of the engine.
  6. All tractors will be equipped with a dead man’s throttle Hand operated Only.
  7. All tractors preferably with a open rear end with individual brakes.
  8. The outside dimensions will not exceed 6 feet wide and 10 feet long, measured from the furthest point, excluded weights.
  9. Weights must not exceed 12” from the back of the tractor.
  10. Exhaust must be directed up.
  11. Hitches - Max 13” height and no more than 14” from the center of axle to the back of the hitch. Must have a hole of 2” minimun and pull point must not be more than 1” from the rear of the draw bar with a minimum of 3/4” steel, must be adjustable and securely attached in all directions.
  12. Engine and transmission mounts - 2 front and 2 rear mounts and a saddle under rear of the engine and a transmission mount.
  13. All drivers of this class must be wearing a SFI approved fire suit along with gloves, shoes and face mask, also a Snell approves full face helmet.


CONCLUSION

The 2010 MGTPA rules are designed to provide for the orderly conduct of the motor sport of garden tractor pulling events and to reduce the risk of injury to both participants and spectators during such events.

It is ultimately the obligation of each participant to ensure that his/her conduct and equipment comply with all applicable MPTPA rules and regulations. No express or implied warranty of safety shall result for the publication or compliance with these rules. They are intended as a guide for the conduct of the sport and are in no way a guarantee against injury or death to pullers, spectators, or others.

2010 Minnesota Minn-E-Rod Association Officers:

President Tom Seitz
Vice-President Bryan Portner
Secretary Connie Walters
Treasurer Yvonne Griebel


Rules Committees:

Stock Richard Sturges and Tom Seitz
Modified Production Matt Larsen and Tom Seitz
Open Class 4 Cylinder Tom Seitz
Economy V-8 Brad Johnson and Tom Seitz
Pro Mod V-8 Adam Hartwig and Tom Seitz
Open Class V-8 Bruce Hartwig and Tom Seitz
Economy Supercharger Bruce Hartwig and Tom Seitz


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