The participant agrees that by entering a K.D.B.A. event, he acknowledges that the event is safe and suitable for racing and he further acknowledges that by participation in the event, he may suffer bodily injury or death, or loss or damage to property. The participant further acknowledges that he has voluntarily assumed the risk of such losses and waives any claims for such losses against K.D.B.A. EVENT OFFICIALS, the EVENT SPONSORS, the RACE TRACK OPERATORS and OTHER PARTICIPANTS, and discharges such persons from responsibility from such losses, and COVENANTS not to sue such persons for such losses. All participants shall be required, as a condition of participation, to sign all required entry forms, including such releases as shall be required by K.D.B.A.

KDBA makes no representations, express or implied warranties, that compliance with the rules and regulations published in this rule book or published in any other publication during the course of the year will prevent or guarantee against injury or death of spectators or participants, or damages to personal property. These rules and regulations constitute the minimum accepted standards for competition and are intended as a guide for the conduct of the sport. Safety is the responsibility of equipment manufacturers, builders and the participants in the event.

The rules in this book are based on the knowledge acquired up to the time it is printed. The KDBA recognizes that technology and circumstances may change throughout the year and that it may be necessary to amend these rules. These changes will become effective on the date of publication. The KDBA reserves the right to immediately implement any change where safety is a factor.

This rule book has been compiled with the express purpose of making clear the standards that must be met in order to conduct a KENTUCKY DRAG BOAT ASSOCIATION RACE.

The rules and/or regulations set forth herein are designed to provide for the orderly conduct of racing events and to establish minimum acceptable requirements for such events. These rules shall govern the condition of all events, and by participating in these events, all participants are deemed to have complied with these rules. No express or implied warranty of safety shall result from publication of or compliance with these rules and/or regulations. They are intended as a guide for the conduct of the sport and are in no way a guarantee against injury or death to a participant, spectator or official.

The race director shall be empowered to permit minor deviations from any of the specifications herein or impose any further restrictions that in his opinion do not alter the minimum acceptable requirement. No expressed or implied warranty of safety shall result from such alteration of specifications. Any interpretation or deviation of these rules is left to the sole discretion of the officials, and their decision is final.

This membership allows you to participate in all races held by Kentucky Drag Boat Association, all scheduled newsletters, and participation in our yearly banquet and membership meeting. Membership runs form January 1^st through December 31^st.

Superchargers, turbochargers and nitrous oxide are acceptable. Fuel may be gasoline, alcohol, (nitro-methane, discretion of race director). Competitor must declare a class at time of registration for qualifying purposes. If after qualifying, he chooses to change classes, race personnel must be notified by the end of qualifying. Breakouts are allowed during qualifying and bye runs, and legal singles, but will not count as a time for qualifying or for purse pay out in the event the race is incomplete.

No breakout during elimination except on BYE, and LEGAL SINGLE runs. If during a run both boats commit a losing offense, the worst offense shall be the loser. The order of offenses is found under qualifying and elimination elsewhere in this rule book. All classes must comply with all general rules and safety regulations as set forth in this book.

RACING-TYPE DRIVER FLOTATION JACKET

APPROVED GOGGLES OR FULL FACE SHIELD. HOLDING ROPE DEFLECTOR

AUTOMATIC KILL SWITCH

FUEL SHUT-OFF ON FUEL INJECTION

DRIVE LINE COVER

THROTTLE RETURN SPRINGS

PROP NUT AND KEY

FIRE EXTINGUISHER IN TOW VEHICLE

LONG SLEEVE SHIRT, LONG PANTS

SHOES AND SOCKS.

(12.00-13.00) SECOND BOATS

MUST BE CAPABLE OF RUNNING ROUND ROBIN. (ROUND ROBIN MEANS NOT LEAVING THE WATER UNTIL ALL ROUNDS IN YOUR CLASS ARE COMPLETED

MEDICAL IDENTIFICATION TAG

FLYWHEEL COVER

The KDBA may at its option add other classes to the program.

All classes require a minimum of two boats to make a class. If only one boat registers and qualifies, he will be given registration and qualifying points in that class but will be required to compete in another class.

1. Both the owner and all drivers of boats who compete in a KDBA race event shall execute registration and release forms provided by KDBA.

2. The minimum age of a boat driver to compete shall be 16 (SIXTEEN) years. The completion and execution of all registration and release forms will be accomplished prior to the boat being allowed to enter the water. All necessary registration forms and releases will be supplied by KDBA. All such completed forms must be provided to the REGISTRATION AREA.

A boat may be registered, attempt to qualify and/or compete in only ONE class for each race event. Only ONE person will be allowed to race a boat in competition.

1. The boat owner) shall be directly responsible for the conduct and actions of any and all members of his crew. Any violations of the rules and regulations by any member of a crew may result in disqualification of the boat and/or further disciplinary action.

2. No owner, driver, or crew member shall participate in a race event while under the influence of intoxicants or depressants of any nature. The decision as to whether or not the individual is under the influence of intoxicants or depressants shall be made by the race supervisor/director and shall be final. In the event the race supervisor/director determines that the individual is under the influence of intoxicants or depressants or is seen partaking of any such intoxicants or depressants before or during participation in a race event, he shall be disqualified.

3. There shall be no smoking by a driver while he/she is in his/her race boat. Doing so will constitute grounds for disqualification.

Neither the KDBA or the promoter shall be either physically or financially responsible for the removal of any boats and/or engines which are submerged, whether the removal is made during the race event or at a subsequent time. It shall be at the sole discretion of the race supervisor/director whether the equipment is removed during the race event.

In the event of an accident the KDBA shall have the right to retain, inspect of test any boat, part, or safety equipment. No boat part or safety equipment may leave the race site until released by the race supervisor/director.

Safety inspection will be prior to being allowed to register, all boats applying to participate in an event must pass an approved safety inspection, which will consist of examining the boats to determine if the following equipment and conditions exist.

1. DRIVE LINE GUARD: The drive line is defined as being fully enclosed from the V-drive to the center of the rear coupler or U-joint of the engine within 2 ½ inches of the flywheel adapter and secured in such a manner that it will retain the drive shaft in the event of failure. No perforations will be allowed in the drive line guard. Material must be ¼ inch aluminum or 1/8 inch steel. Jet boats must have a 360 degree drive line cover or guard if there is a drive shaft of any length utilizing U-joints. A cover is not required if a splined coupler is used in lieu of a U-joint.

2. FLY-WHEEL COVER: All boats must have a 360 degree flywheel cover made of production cast aluminum or the equivalent.

3. SAFETY COLLAR: All propeller driven boats are required to utilize a safety collar which will prevent the propeller shaft from moving backwards. All hydros are required to utilize, underwater, a two-piece steel split safety collar located directly in front (maximum of ½ inch) of the main strut.

4. THROTTLE RETURN: All boats utilizing carburetors or fuel injectors must have a quick action return spring attached to that part of the throttle linkage, which is connected to the butterfly shaft arm. All ‘Bug Catcher Type’ injectors must have a quick action return spring on both sides of the injector hat.

5. THROTTLE STOP: The accelerator pedal must have a stop that limits the forward motion of the pedal. This stop must be functional.

6. FUEL SHUT-OFF VALVE: All boats utilizing a supercharger or fuel injection shall have a quick action shut-off valve within easy reach of the driver. The valve control must be in front of the driver. The valve shall be located between the main fuel pump and the injectors.

7. SECURED EQUIPMENT: All equipment such as, but not limited to, fuel tanks, batteries, paddles, etc., shall be firmly secured.

8. EQUIPMENT: All hulls such as, but not limited to, steering, rudder, propellers, struts, mountings, etc., must be in good operating condition.

9. BOW-EYE: All boats shall be equipped with a bow-eye at the bow of the boat.

10. FIRE EXTINGUISHER: A fire extinguisher is required in the rear and within easy access of all tow vehicles. Said extinguisher must be a five (5) pound minimum capacity with a 10 lb. (U.L. RATING), and must have a visual pressure gauge. A fire extinguisher is recommended in all boats the size of which will be per the owner/driver’s discretion.

11. PARACHUTES: All blown fuel, blown alcohol, blown gas and pro modified hydros will be equipped with a parachute. The parachuted activating device shall be located in such a position so as to be readily accessible and activated by the driver. Any release that is activated electrically or by air pressure shall have a mechanical override or mechanical back up release readily accessible to the driver. All blown fuel hydros will be required to have dual (2) parachutes.

12. PROPELLER: No chrome, brass, or aluminum propellers will be allowed. Propeller retention must include a cotter pin, 1/8^th inch minimum diameter, through the shaft, with a lock nut or double nut in front of the pin or a castle nut indexed by the pin. Prop hub must be within ¾ inch of the strut barrel.

13. PROP SHAFT: The minimum prop shaft diameter through the back of the strut for hydro classes shall be, 1 1/8^th inch, for hydros over 125 MPH. Shaft diameter on the front portion of the prop shaft may not be reduced to less than one inch. If a two (2), piece prop shaft is utilized, the coupler must meet the following criteria:

A. THRU-BOLT COUPLER: must be indexed into prop shaft. The bolt must be the same size as the hole in the coupler.

B. SPLIT COUPLER WITH SET SCREW RETAINMENT: Prop shaft must be dimpled with drill bit that will fit into set screw hole in coupler the full depth of the drill point. Set screw must be secured in the hole.

14. RUDDERS: Jets: Rudder will not be required on jet boats. HYDROS Steel rudders for BFH shall be a minimum of 5/8^th inch thickness at the clam shell. All other hydro rudders shall be ½" thickness at the clam shell. All rudders must extend to at least the bottom of the prop in the vertical position.

Inboard rudders on flat bottoms and hydros must have the quadrant key secured in such a manner as to prevent it from coming out. A gear type hose clamp which goes around the part of the key which extends out of the quadrant is sufficient. The key must extend the full length of the quadrant and hose clamp. If the key is not long enough, then a clamp at both ends of the key to prevent it from slipping will suffice.

Any sportsman outboard in the 8.00-8.99 E.T. and quicker classes utilizing a hydroplane hull may not use the motor to steer the boat. The motor must be locked in a straight ahead position and steering accomplished by a separate rudder assembly.

15. CHROME: No chrome underwater hardware is allowed in any class.

16. STEERING: All boats utilizing open cable steering must have said cable a minimum of three-sixteenth (3/16) of an inch in diameter and the cable ends at the turnbuckles must be double clamped and taped. A 1/8" diameter cable is allowed in jet boats if cable is exposed only from the transom outward. Any sportsman outboard in the 8.00-8.99 E.T. and quicker, utilizing a hydroplane hull may not use the motor to steer the boat. The motor must be locked in a straight ahead position and steering accomplished by a separate rudder assembly.

17. KILL SWITCH: All non-capsuled boats shall have a device that will immediately and automatically shut off the engine in the event the driver is thrown from the driver’s seat. All blown boats shall be equipped with both an electrical and manual shut-off device in the event the driver is thrown from the driver’s seat. These devices shall be mounted or release routed so as to disconnect should drive position move more than 18" in any direction from the driver’s seat. Any kill switch device that is attached to the driver must have a maximum breaking point of 50 lbs. within a maximum distance of 6 inches from the driver.

18. ENGAGEMENT AND DISENGAGEMENT DEVICE: All propeller driven boats will have installed a device making possible the engagement and disengagement ‘at will’ of the propulsion device shaft while the engine is running.

19. PROP SHAFT RELEASE: All propeller driven boats in the professional classes shall have a prop shaft release mechanism with the exception of TFH.

20. DRIVER’S EQUIPMENT: The driver’s equipment must be displayed at the time of inspection and will be inclusive of:

A. LIFE JACKET: All non-capsuled drivers must wear life jackets while the boat is in the water. The life jacket shall be torso-type with a harness acceptable for drag boat racing. Boats under 100 M.P.H. must have 100 M.P.H. impact jackets, boats over 100 M.P.H. must have Lifeline type jacket. These lifeline type jackets are required to be returned to an approved manufacturer for safety inspection and certification every two years.

B. CRASH HELMETS: All drivers must wear a proper fitting helmet, the type of which fully covers the head, neck and temple area. All helmets will be required to meet the minimum ‘Snell 90’ specifications. Helmets must be worn at all times while the boat is in the water and the engine is running.

C. MEDICAL IDENTIFICATION TAG: All drivers must wear a fully completed medical tag on their person while the boat is in the water. It is recommended to list allergies, blood type, and important medical conditions.

D. HELMET RESTRAINTS: Required by drivers with 10.99 E.T. boats and quicker. Restraints held on with commercially manufactured straps that attach to the body or life jacket.

E. EYE PROTECTION: All non-capsuled drivers must wear eye protection, such as goggles or face shield. Lenses or goggles must be either safety glass or of a shatter proof flexible material.

F. VISUAL AID: At the time of the technical inspection of the boat and equipment the driver must produce his/her state driver’s license or competition license which will enable the equipment inspector to verify whether or not visual aid is needed to drive. If visual aid is required to drive, the driver’s medical tag will so indicate. The driver must wear proper visual aid while in the water.

G. DRIVING SUIT: All drivers will wear full cover, shoes, socks, long sleeves, and long pants (or Velcro) non-flammable, closed cuffed driving suits.

21. FUEL PUMPS: Electric fuel pumps must be connected to the kill switch.

22. CLUTCH AND BELL HOUSING: All boats utilizing a clutch must have a steel hydro formed bell housing. Boats employing supercharged engines must have a 4130 steel liner, .090 minimum thickness welded to form a circle the depth the flat parallel part of the housing. The liner must have the ability to rotate to absorb energy in the bell housing. A clutch adjustment slot is acceptable if made to the specifications outlined for slot and ¼ inch steel cover and attachment.

A motor plate must be installed between engine and bell housing. The plate must be at least ¼ inch steel or 7075 T-6 aluminum and cover the entire flanged face of the bell housing attached on the top 180 degrees to the engine block with at least seven (7) 3/8-24 X 1 1/8 inch high strength steel alloy screws (AN 507-C624-R1B) countersunk (100 degrees) and threaded into motor plate in six places (between each bolt and/or dowel pin on the upper 180 degrees of the motor plate and five studs). The bottom 180 degrees of the housing must be fastened to the motor plate by means of eight 3/8 inch grade 5 or better bolts, washers and nuts equally spaced below the crankshaft centerline. One inch diameter steel washers must be used on the front of the motor plate to prevent the nut from pulling through. No more 7"will be allowed between the holes. A clutch inspection/maintenance hole may be cut on the back angle of the bell housing. The opening may not exceed 8 ½ inches in length, measured in a straight line, and may not extend forward of the clutch cross shaft. Its end must be fully radiused to produce an oval shaped opening. A cover for the inspection hole must be at least ¼ inch thick steel and be fastened with at least twelve 1/8^th inch grade 8 cap screws. A ¼ inch steel fillet must be attached to the inspection cover that fills the hole in the bell housing so it is flush on the inside of the housing.

23. BLOWER (SUPERCHARGER): Roots type: All top fuel motors (hydro and jet) are required to use an SFI 14-2 approved blanket type blower restraining device as well as a manifold burst panel meeting SFI specification 23.1. All blown alcohol motors are required to utilize an SFI 14-1 approved blower restraining device (14-2 recommended). Roots type maximum size: 14-71, 19 inch case length, 11 ¼" case width; maximum rotor spiral of 6.5 degrees per inch of rotor length.

(SCREW TYPE) Must meet SFI spec. 34-1 maximum case length 16 inches, maximum case width 16 inches, minimum case and front plate thickness ¼ inch, minimum rear plate thickness .300-inch screw superchargers with any rotor diameter in excess of 8.5 inches will be restricted to a maximum overdrive of 125%. Under no circumstances may a screw supercharger’s overdrive exceed the manufacturer’s SFI testing maximum. Manifold burst panel meeting SFI spec. 23-1 (in addition to supercharger panel) and restraint device meeting SFI spec 14-21 mandatory. Overdrive limits as determined appropriate by KDBA are subject to adjustment at any time as dictated by performance. Variable multi-speed supercharger devices prohibited regardless of supercharger type. No mechanical overdrive devices permitted. All restraining devices must be secured and in place at all times when the motor is running. Blower restraining devices are required to be returned to the manufacturer every two years for re-certification/dating. It is the responsibility of the owner or driver to ensure that the new ‘date tag’ was sewn into the device after re-certification.

24. BLOWERS: Blowers are not allowed on V-bottom jet boats faster than 10:99 E.T.

25. PUMP LOADER: All jets must have the pump loader secured with a minimum of four (4) 5/16^th inch grade 8 steel bolts. Flathead stainless steel bolts are not allowed. A minimum of 2 must be drilled through and secured with nuts.

26. IMPELLER: On boats quicker than 10:99 E.T. only stainless steel or bronze impellers will be permitted. No aluminum impellers will be allowed.

27. IMPELLER RELEASE MECHANISM AND PRESSURE RELEASE VALVE: Boats quicker than 10:99 E.T. are required to utilize either an approved mechanical impeller release mechanism (ratchet) or an approved pressure release valve (pop-off). If so desired both release mechanisms may be employed. The pressure release valve must be so designed as to open automatically in case of an engine failure or other serious uncontrolled emergency. Once activated, the valve must remain open until such time as the boat is back on the trailer (where-upon the valve is manually reset). The valve piston size must be a minimum of four inches in diameter, resulting in a minimum thirteen (13) square inches of unrestricted exhaust opening. The pressure release valve, if used, must be installed on the intake side of the jet pump bowl. A tattletale pressure gauge (0-200 lbs.) must be installed within two (2) inches of the packing nut. A manual override button must also be installed on the steering wheel of the boat. If only a pressure release valve is used it must properly function on each and every pass.

28. HARMONIC BALANCER COVER: No two piece cast iron (stock type) harmonic balancers will be permitted in any class without the utilization of a proper shield. The shield must be designed to insure 360 degrees protection and must be made of ¼" minimum thickness aluminum or 1/8^th inch thickness steel. The shield must be securely fastened to insure that it will maintain its integrity should the balancer inadvertently explode.

29. BOLTS: Bolts on critical installations such as, but not limited to: drive train, engine mount, and steering shall have a minimum of one thread showing through the nut on nylon locking device. They shall be of sufficient grade to provide adequate strength for the application. Hardware store quality and non graded bolts are not allowed.

30. NEUTRAL DEVICE: All boats shall be able to maintain a neutral position while in the water with the engine running.

31. HOLDING ROPE DEFLECTOR: A device is required on all boats, which will deflect the holding rope over the highest point on the boat. It must be solidly attached at both ends with no protruding points to catch the holding rope or to injure the driver in the event of a crash. It must extend forward at an angle (approximately 45 degrees) sufficient to deflect the rope.

It should be constructed of ¾ inch O.D. X .049 tubing. Any material or combination of materials with the same structural integrity may be used.

32. PLACEMENT AND SPECIFICATION OF BOAT NUMBERS: All boats shall have a race number on each side of the boat and placed in such a manner that it may be readily visible from the shore while the boat is either stationary on the water or under power. In addition all boats will have minimum 3 inch high race number placed on both sides of the injector, air scoop, capsule, outboard motor cowl or rope deflector. The number should be placed above the height of the valve covers and in such a position as to provide an unobstructed view.

33. SAFETY EQUIPMENT: All safety equipment must be operational and engaged when the boat is launched.

34. UNSAFE EQUIPMENT: A boat may be disqualified from further participation at a race event after passing initial safety inspections if a race official deems the equipment, hull, steering, rudder, strut, propeller, etc., unsafe

35. RE-INSPECTION-ACCIDENTS: All boats involved in an accident must be re-inspected by the safety inspector prior to any further competition or trial runs. All boats can be re-inspected at any time.

36. BOATS UNDER TOW: No driver, while his boat is being towed, shall start or attempt to start his engine while under tow, all boats shall have the ignition switch and fuel shutoff valve in an off position, and the drive in the neutral position. Failure to comply with this rule may result in disqualification.

37. COMPLIANCE AND DEVIATIONS: All determinations as to whether or not equipment, including drivers’ EQU5-OT, complies with these safety rules, shall be the sole determination of the safety inspector.

38. INOPERATIVE EQUIPMENT: If it is determined that any item of safety equipment covered in these rules has been altered, or not activated so as to make it inoperative, the boat and driver (or both) may be suspended from participation in any KDBA event for up to six (6) months.

A notification of such suspension will be made, a request for an appeals hearing may be made, provided it is in writing and is received within twenty (20) days from the date of the suspension notice. The request should be addressed to the KDBA, care of the board of directors

1. DRIVERS LIMITATIONS: A driver is limited to qualifying and driving one boat in one category during elimination. However, in the event the boat he is driving is eliminated or declared broken, the driver will be eligible to drive one other boat only.

2. OPPORTUNITY TO QUALIFY: All boats that register on Saturday will be given the opportunity to qualify in order to compete in eliminations.

3. ATTEMPT TO QUALIFY: An attempt to qualify is defined to mean the boat must make the staging area under its own power, and the boat must leave the holding rope under its own power and cross the starting line. Regardless of whether or not the run is completed if the above requirements are met, the boat will be qualified to race.  If a boat is not touching the water at the ramp area when the last boat leaves the staging rope he will have missed that qualifying attempt. During qualifying, if a boat cannot fire on the starting line and make a run when called upon to do so, when possible the remainder of the class will be run around him. At the end of that class for that round, the boat will again be called upon to run. If at that time the boat cannot fire and proceed, it will be eliminated from that round of qualifying. If a boat leaves the starting line holding rope at any time during a round of qualifying, it will be considered an attempted pass and will lose that round. The decision of the race coordinator in conjunction with the stager, will be final in these cases. 

4. IDENTICAL E.T.’S: If two or more boats in the same category have identical E.T., the fastest boat (MPH) shall be awarded the win or qualifying position—not the boat that ran the E.T. first. If in a case of identical speeds and E.T.’s, then the win or higher qualifying position would revert back to who ran the E.T. first.

5. PAIRING: In the event that there are no more than the required number of boats registered for racing in a category, qualifying is not mandatory. However, those who choose to make qualifying runs will be regarded the fastest, and be paired accordingly. Those who do not choose to qualify shall draw lots for the purposes of pairing the balance of the category for racing.

6. NO QUALIFYING ATTEMPT: In the event that it is impossible to qualify due to inclement weather, clock malfunction, etc., then the boats shall be paired according to high points standing. If inclement weather prevails at a first race of the season, pairings would be by last year’s points standing. Those persons not having points would draw by lottery. However on courses where time and weather permit, a single qualifying run will be made on race day. This decision will be made by the race officials and will prevail.

7. NO E.T.: Should a boat get no E.T. on one of the qualifying runs due to clock malfunction, every effort will be made to give that boat a make-up run for each clock malfunction.

8. CLEARING TRACK: Any driver that is not legally broken on the track and does not pull off the course will lose 25 points.

9. WARM-UP TIME: All boats will be given every chance to have ½ hour notice to warm their engines prior to the first elimination run. Thereafter, as much notification and warm up time will be given as time permits at the discretion of the race officials.

10. DRIVING TO START LINE: All classes are required to drive from the in ramp to the starting line holding rope. (towing) talk to race director.

11. DEAD HEAT: In the event of a dead heat, both boats will be notified and the race will be re-run. Same rules apply for clock malfunction where the winner cannot be determined.

12. LEGAL RUN: For a legal single or elimination run to be complete, the boat must cross the starting line under its own power.

13. FIRST OR WORST: The primary objective of each race is to have one winner and one loser. Should a double rules infraction occur on the same run, the driver committing the major infraction shall be disqualified, the other driver with the lesser offense shall be reinstated. Should one driver receive a foul start, and the opposing driver cross the center or outer course boundary line, the driver committing the foul start shall be reinstated, as crossing course boundary lines is considered a worse offense.

14. PAIRING LADDER SYSTEM: Pairing each category for the first round of racing shall be based on the qualifying E.T. using a standard pairing sheet for all classes. Subsequent rounds of elimination will follow the standard ladder system. The winner of each bracket goes on to the next bracket on the chart, running the winner of the winner of the pairing in the next round, unless a bye is awarded. When there is an uneven number of boats, in any given round, the 1^st bye will be awarded to the low qualifier, or his winning opponent, thereof. The bye does not have to make a run.

15. THE BREAK RULE: BREAK RULE WILL APPLY SEE RACE DIRECTOR.

16. INCOMPLETE RUN: If at any time during a run the boat stops without crossing the finish line, it will be given approximately one minute to restart and complete the run. The length of time will be at the sole discretion of the race director.

17. ELIMINATION AND GROUNDS FOR: Elimination means that the boat is prohibited from further competition, except that the boat my be reinserted in competition in accordance with the provision of the ‘break rule.’ Elimination does not prohibit a boat from qualifying or exhibition.

3. FAILURE TO START OR LEAVE STARTING LINE ROPE: If one boat fails to cross the starting line within 5 seconds after the green light  he shall be disqualified and eliminated. On a legal single, bye run, or if both boats fail to leave the rope, the time allowed will be the time that the computer allows before aborting the run ( i.e.  must receive an et).

4. SAFETY, SUCH AS BUT NOT LIMITED TO: Hooking the holding rope, crossing the center line or outer course boundaries, hitting any course equipment, opening capsule while in competition.

6. FAILURE TO CROSS FINISH LINE: If either one or both boats fail to cross the finish line, and no other grounds for elimination are committed by either boat, then the boat which proceeded the further distance under its own power shall be the winner.

7. BREAK OUT: In the event of double break out, the boat breaking out by the least amount will be the winner.

Disqualification means that the boat and driver may be prohibited from further competition, exhibition or qualifying rounds. In addition to the other grounds as set forth herein for disqualification, a boat and driver may be disqualified for:

1. Running when a solid red light is on.

2. The driver partaking of intoxicants, stimulants or depressants while in competition. If the driver is reasonably suspected by the race director.

3. Unsportsman like conduct, including, but not limited to, abusive language and gestures, etc.

4. Unsafe driving, such as but not limited to: starting your engine while under tow, approaching another boat or object at an unsafe speed, out of control driving, running much faster or quicker than the class you are licensed to drive.

5. Running outside the course boundary markers.

6. Unless otherwise provided, failure to comply with established rules or directions of officials.

7. Running over or otherwise damaging any equipment necessary to put on the race will be grounds for disqualification.

All protests must be made in writing to the sanction supervisor at the course on the day of the event and no later than one-half (1/2) hour after the conclusion of racing.

1. All references herein shall be as seen by the driver from the holding rope.

2. Starting clock: All race courses shall use the official starting clock as supplied by KDBA. The lights on the right side of the clock will represent the right lane, and those on the left side, the left lane. The lights for each lane shall be situated vertically. There will be a red on each side, which will indicate a foul start.

A. Red (either lane) indicates a foul start in that particular race (boat in lane displaying a red light has broken the starting beam prior to receiving a green light).

B. Solid red light (either lane course closed: Come to an immediate stop. Running past a course red light is grounds for disqualification.

(determination to be made at the starter’s discretion)

C. Blinking amber (either lane) indicates to driver in that lane that the starting clock 10 second count down is imminent. Amber will blink 30 seconds, and then goes solid  for 5 seconds.

D. Solid green (either lane) indicates a legal start in that particular lane.

A. Starter and/or stager should advise the next driver (using his boat number) to watch the lights.

B. Amber light begins blinking for 30 seconds then goes solid for 5 seconds. During this time the driver is free to start his engine and should prepare himself to approach the starting line.

C. Amber then becomes solid, then digital countdown begins. The 0 digit is lit first then 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 each digit represents 1/2 second in real time. During this time the driver is free to leave the rope, and proceed in a safe manner toward the starting line at any time he chooses. However, the boat must not break the beam of the starting line light sensors prior to receiving a green light. The green light will come on automatically when the countdown reaches 0. If the beam has already been broken before the countdown returns to 0, the red light in that lane will light, indicating a foul start, and no green light will be given for that particular lane. In the event that both boats break the beam too soon, the red light will be displayed in only one lane; that lane being the one whose boat broke the beam first as determined by the clocks. The remaining boat will receive a green light in his lane on race day only.

D. After displaying a red or green light in either lane for about five seconds the lights will go off.

E. If at any time during the starting sequence described above, a driver operated his boat in a reckless or unsafe manner, he may be disqualified by the starter.

F. A reaction time will be part of the starting system. In the event of a red light, the reaction times will be used to determine fouls. Reaction times will be given at the judges stand along with the M.P.H. and E.T. times. In the event of a malfunction the red light will be the determining factor of foul starts, in the event of no red light the combination of the presence of a green light and the reaction timers will be the determining factor of a foul start.

DRIVING LICENSE: All drivers 11.99 E.T. and quicker will be required to have a valid KDBA COMPETITION DRIVERS LICENSE before being allowed in competition.

1. All KDBA COMPETITION DRIVING LICENSES will be issued for a two-year period.

2. All licensed drivers are required to have a physical examination every two (2) years.

3. Arrangements for the driving examination must be made with the safety chairman prior to the requested testing time.

4. All capsule drivers are required to have an in the water orientation of breathing systems and capsule rescue. Only classes conducted by a recognized association will be allowed.

5. LICENSE SUSPENSION: Any driver found violating any rules of the KDBA or directions of the officials will be subject to suspension pursuant to the bylaws and rules of KENTUCKY DRAG BOAT ASSOCIATION.

6. Valid driver licenses from other sanctioning bodies will be honored.

1. A DOT or FAA type physical examination are recommended, for all drivers 11.99 and quicker. We will accept physicals from SLDBA, SDBA, and IHBA.

2. The driving test must be conducted at a KDBA event.

3. All drivers test runs will be (SINGLE LANE) runs. No side by side runs on drivers test sessions.

4. The following runs are required, in the order of their listing:

A. A first-half course run. This is a hard run to mid-course and then slowing through the timing area.

B. A full course run. This pass is to be the full quarter mile and representative of the class being applied for. This run will count as a qualifying pass for the purpose of pairing class.

C. All new drivers and upgrades are to be placed on probation for first two race events for safety purposes.

1. A licensed driver may drive a boat classed under his license limitation. No driver will drive a boat classed over his license limitation, nor will he be allowed to cross between hydro, jet and flat bottom categories unless specifically licensed for each.

2. A currently licensed driver who switches to upgrade or cross grade must pass the same driving requirements as outlined in the new driver requirements.

3. No new physical will be required providing applicant’s current license has not expired.

4. Applicable fees must be paid.

1. All points are awarded to the boat number and cannot be transferred from one class to another.

2. All winners and runners-up must have participated in 51% of this year’s races.

3. POINTS:

A. Registration: must pass safety inspection. 200 points.

B. Qualifying: As defined under qualifying and elimination. 100 POINTS.

C. Qualifying position: Within each class, the slowest boat (E.T.) will be awarded 2 points, the second slowest 4 points, and each successive boat in increasing increments of 2 points. Only boats qualifying as defined under qualifying and elimination are eligible for position points.

D. BYE-RUN - Do not have to run to get points. 100 points.

E. ROUND WIN 100 points.

F. FINAL ROUND WIN 150 points.

G. Some races may be designated as double points. All points for both days will be doubled.

4. INCOMPLETE RACE: Points will be awarded only for fully completed class rounds. If a race is stopped and cancelled in the middle of a class round, no points will be awarded to any boat for that round regardless of whether or not they have run.

5. TIE BREAKER:

A. Number of events won.

B. Number of rounds won.

C. Number of events attended.

1. Fire Control: Required in all boats using nitro methane and alcohol. Halon, CO2, dry chem.nafs-111, or fire X system with a ten (10) pound minimum bottle with a visual gage and at least two single orifice nozzles or one (1) multi-orifice nozzle aimed at each side of the motor. The activating switch must be located inside the capsule.

2. Cables and Hoses: No one piece cables or hoses may be used. All cables and hoses must be of a two piece (or breakaway) design, with the break point positioned outside the capsule.

No plastic hoses or lines may be located in the engine area to activate parachute or fire system. Cable break away devices must meet SFI specification 11.1.

3. Canopy and Latch Pins: Only push to release pins with a minimum of five (5) pounds spring pressure are allowed. Pins may be recessed a maximum of one (1) inch below outer surface of capsule shell.

4. Flotation: All capsules must have sufficient flotation to keep the capsule floating even when completely filled with water. In addition₃ any boat in which a capsule is installed, must have the maximum practical amount of flotation installed between the underside of the boat’s deck and the inside of the hull. Said flotation must extend from the bow of the boat to the back of the capsule, and then within each tunnel to the rear of the boat. Flotation is not required across the transom area. The flotation used must be of a type specifically designed and manufactured and manufactured to provide buoyancy in water. All flotation must be attached, bonded, or installed in such a manner as to render the flotation virtually impossible to remove. No bolts, clamps, etc., may be used to hold the flotation in place. No peanut foam or block foam will be allowed. If cosmetic or protective panels are installed over the foam, they must either be removable or have inspection holes in them. Inspection holes two (2) to four (4) inches in diameter should be located on twelve (12) inch centers along the entire length of the panels.

5. BOTTOM PAINT: All capsules that may break away must have the bottom painted a fluorescent yellow.

6. INTERIOR: All brackets and levers should be mounted so as to prevent injury or interference to the driver in the event of a crash or an emergency exit from the capsule. All interior items, such as the seat, must be securely attached to the capsule frame rails.

Reinforcements should be used where needed to prevent excessive flexing which could result in the separation of components within the capsule. The roll cage must have foam padding installed around the head hoop as well as all head hoop supports. The form must have minimum ¼ inch compression. No tinting is permitted on the windshield (canopy) in order that divers may see into the capsule if it is submerged.

7. SEAT BELT: The seat belt must be an SFI 16.1 approved five point harness commercially manufactured by a recognized safety equipment manufacturer. The harness system must be securely attached to the frame rails of the capsule. ‘Push To Release’ latches will not be permitted on any harness. The safety harness must be re-certified/dated by the manufacturer every two (2) years following date of manufacture.

8. LIFE-RINGS: Each capsule must be equipped with a minimum of two (2) lift rings (or hook eyes) located on top of the capsule, a deflector must be installed so as not to catch the holding rope.

9. NECK COLLAR: Drivers are required to wear a commercially manufactured neck collar or helmet restraint to limit the forward movement of the head.

10. AIR SUPPLY: Minimum 30 Cu. Ft. high pressure (2000 P.S.I.) air tank for driver. Air tanks must be inspected annually and have a current decal affixed to the tank attesting to the inspection. Quick release brackets, which will allow the air tank to be quickly and easily removed, must be permanently attached to the frame rails of the capsule. Hose clamps and/or nylon tie-raps are not acceptable. A quick release coupler must be installed in the air supply hose between the first stage regulator and the second stage regulator, no more than fifteen (15) inches from the driver’s mask or helmet. The quick release coupler must also have a second coupler attached to allow a diver to hook up a second air tank while under water. The quick release coupler to be used is a Parker Stainless Steel Fluid Connector, part number (HS 162SL/SH-63). The Scuba regulator must be permanently fixed to the driver’s mask or helmet with a maximum of three (3) inches of hose between mask and regulator. If a mask is used, it must be designed so as to completely cover the driver’s mouth as well as his nose and to provide an air tight seal. The mask must be attached to the driver’s helmet in such a manner as to prevent its being dislodged or removed inadvertently. If a full face helmet is used, the face shield must be completely sealed to the helmet. In addition a neoprene neck sock must be installed in the helmet so as to provide an air tight seal. A standard open face helmet used with a normal scuba mouthpiece will not be permitted. It will be the responsibility of the driver to ensure that his air tank has been completely refilled to approximately 3000 PSI for the high pressure system, 2000 PSI for the low pressure system, or the equivalent thereof prior to each run (qualifying as well as elimination). Random checks to determine if air tanks are completely filled will be performed at the launch ramp prior to a boat being allowed to enter the water.

11. LOCATING DEVICE: A DATASONICS ELP-362A emergency locator beacon (‘pinger which will transmit an acoustic signal under water on a frequency of 37.5 KHZ) must be securely mounted inside each capsule. The mounting position must be such that the pinger will instantly be covered in water if the capsule submerges.

If any or all of the classes of racing are not completed due to inclement weather, darkness, etc., the previous round winner with the lowest E.T. of that round shall be declared the winner. If the first round of a class is incomplete, the winner shall be the boat with the lowest qualifying E.T.

A. Pro boats  with $300.00 entry fee will get a 66% payback, sportsman boats with $150.00 entry fee will get a 50% payback.. Any extra money that is added to the purse will be distributed according to the race director.

B. The purse will be paid out with 80% going to the winner, 20% going to 2^nd place.

A. If one full round of qualifying is completed (every boat in every class having had a chance to qualify), the #1 qualifier will be paid for the win. Based on 50% of regular purse with no extra money added.

B. If on race day one full round of elimination in all classes is completed, the fastest time alive in each class will be paid for the win based on 100% of the purse with no extra money added.

C. At the completion of the race the full purse plus any extra money will be paid.