Rules

TRI-STATE MINI TRACTOR PULLERS ASSOCIATION

RULES – 2024

Section #1 -ELIGIBILITY OF CONTEST

  1. All drivers must be able to control all controls of their tractor from the driver’s seat.
  2. All minors must submit written consent of a parent or guardian to enter the contest.  Such statements must be turned in at the time of entry each day.
  3. Each contestant enters the contest at his or her own risk, or that of a parent or guardian and recognizes that he/she may be held responsible for any accidents, injuries, or property damage to others caused by his/her tractor.
  4. Age Limit of Drivers
    1. V8 tractors minimum 16 years old
    2. Zingers minimum 12 years old
    3. Guardian must be present for anyone under 18 years of age.
  5. Any puller in debt to Tri-State Mini Pullers will not be allowed to pull until the debt has been cleared.
  6. Approved DOT safety helmets with a full-face shield must be worn by all drivers in all classes during their pull
  7. All drivers in all classes must wear fire suits during the pull. Approved fire suits are constructed of 1 ply Nomex or Proban. SFI approved neck collar, gloves, hoods, gloves and footwear are also required for all classes.
  8. All pullers must be Members of the Tri-State Mini Pullers Association.  No unauthorized personnel within boundary lines. Authorization is by signing the waiver at the entry table.
  9. Any consumption of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs by any drivers or helpers before or during the pull will be grounds for immediate disqualification. No alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs will be allowed within spectator boundary lines of the track during the pull. No exceptions to this rule! PENALTY will result in disqualification for the remainder of the day’s pull and the NEXT PULL THAT THEY ATTEND. This includes Driver and Tractor.

Section #2 –CLASSES

Zingers

  1. Maximum weight:  1450lbs
  2. Maximum displacement is 2500 CCs
    1. Maximum  of 4 cylinders
    2. Single cylinder engines have NO displacement limit
  3. Must be naturally aspirated
    1. No forced induction (blowers, turbos, etc)
    2. No nitro, nitrous, or other pressurized fuel
  4. Aftermarket electronic or computerized fuel systems allowed.
  5. Cable around hitch minimum of 3/8” steel

Small Block

  1. Small Blocks only
  2. Maximum weight:  1850lbs
  3. Maximum displacement:  436 cubic inches
  4. Must be naturally aspirated
    1. No forced induction (blowers, turbos, etc)
    2. No nitro, nitrous, or other pressurized fuel
  5. No electronic or computerized fuel systems allowed

Big Block Single Carburetor

  1. Maximum weight: 1950lbs
  2. Maximum displacement: 540 cubic inches
  3. Must be naturally aspirated
    1. No forced induction (blowers, turbos, etc)
    2. No nitro, nitrous, or other pressurized fuel
  4. No electronic or computerized fuel systems allowed
  5. Big Blocks limited to ONE (1) carburetor
    1. Limited to Holley 4 barrel ,4500 base
    2. Class winners may have carburetor checked before collecting winnings
  6. Small blocks allowed utilizing rules for Small Block class (except weight)

Open Class

  1. Maximum weight
    1. Injected Big Block and Small Block Blower:  2050lbs
    2. Naturally Aspirated Small Blocks: 2100lbs
    3. Single Carburetor Big Blocks: 2100lbs
  2. Big Blocks
    1. Maximum displacement:  650 cubic inches, Must be OEM Bore space Blocks
    2. Must be naturally aspirated
      1. No forced induction (blowers, turbos, etc)
      2. No nitro, nitrous, or other pressurized fuels
    3. No electronic or computerized fuel systems allowed
  3. Small Block Blowers
    1. Maximum displacement:  370 cubic inches
      1. Engine block must be of a 1955-1975 style. 23 Degree Cylinder Head, Small Block Chevy Design
    2. Maximum blower:  8-71, Hi-helix maximum overdrive 0%
      1. 8-71 Standard rotor Maximum overdrive 7%
      2. 6-71 Hi-helix maximum overdrive 10% 
    3. Additional Blower Safety:
        1. must use SFI Spec. 14.1 blower restraints.
        2. Blower to manifold must use aluminum studs, NO steel studs allowed
        3. Must have four (4) SFI approved blower restraints holding blower down
        4. Must have SFI approved burst panel Shielded to protect driver AND fuel tank
        5. Supercharger drive components must be shrouded top and sides with minimum 0.060” steel.
        6. Blower shield must be wider than all components, idler belt, pulleys, etc. and be securely mounted.
        7. No electronic or computerized fuel systems allowed
        8. 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 (grade 5) in horizontal portion of exhaust pipe(s). Bolts to be installed 90 degrees to each other within 1 inch of each other.

SECTION #3 –ELIGIBILITY OF TRACTOR

  1. Contest is open to mini tractors with rubber tires. No four-wheel drive allowed. No dual tires, no tire studs or chains are permitted. All power must be transmitted through the two rear wheels. Tires are not to exceed 16.1 x 18.4 tire size.
  2. No portion of any tractor may exceed 8 feet forward of the center of the rear wheel. No portion of any tractor will exceed 6 feet in width rim to rim.
  3. All pulling tractors must be equipped with a dead man throttle. All throttles working in a forward-rearward direction and shall be closed in the rearmost position. For carburetor and fuel injections, there must be a spring on the butterfly shaft. No hydraulic throttle linkage allowed. Must be positive.
    1. All foot throttles must have metal toe strap. Metal strap must conform to the satisfaction of the Rules Committee.
    2. All hand throttles must be operated by hand only.
  4. A reverse lockout is required on automatic transmissions.
  5. All multi-cylinder tractors are to have a neutral start switch.
  6. All tractors must be equipped with workable brakes. All multi-cylinder tractors must have manufactured workable rear wheel brakes.
  7. Minimum drawbar length is 6 inches from the center of the rear wheels to the point of hook. Drawbar must be stationary in all directions, 13 inches from the top of hitching device parallel to the ground.
  8. Drawbar must be equipped with a hitching device not more that 1-inch in thickness and must have at least 1 3/4 inch round hole opening. Cross-sectional thickness must be equivalent of 1/2 inch round stock.  Pulling point may not be more than 3/4 inch from back edge of hitching device.
    1. The pin in the hitch is to be no smaller than 1 7/16 bolt, grade 8 or better.
  9. All tractors must have 1/2 inch cable around hitch and over the pig and under the rear end with two (2) ½ inch cable clamps fastened securely.
    1. No cable needed if hitch is NTPA legal.
  10. All tractors must have two (2) safety devices to prevent turnover. These devices to have wheels or skid plates. Wheels are to be at least one (1) inch wide and five (5) inches in diameter. All wheels must have metal centers. Skid plates are to be at least three (3) inches square and parallel with the ground. Wheelie Bars/Skid Plates must support the weight of the tractor with the driver seated. Wheels or skid pads must be no less than five (5) inches behind the rear of the rear tires and not more than six 6” above the ground. Wheelie Bars must have a minimum of 12” push bar that extends vertical from back of wheelie bars and ties back into frame or wheelie bars.  
  11. Front end skid plates:  Skid plate mounted in line with each rail (on both sides) equal in strength to frame rail material.  Skid plate surface to be a minimum of 2 inches wide, 10 inches long, with a minimum 2-inch curved radius when measured from the front most part of rolled edge, or a maximum of 45-degree bend from the ground and a minimum of 1 inch in material past the bend.
  12. All tractors, single-cylinder and multi-cylinder, will be equipped with a working kill switches.  Switches are to have a two (2) inch solid metal ring as hooking point. KILL SWITCHES must be 18 inches above the Hitch and 6 inches either Way.  Can be checked randomly.
  13. No pressurized fuel tanks allowed. All forms of nitro-methane including nitrous oxide are illegal.
  14. All modified class engine fans must be shrouded with steel 1/16 inch or thicker 360 degrees.
  15. All fly­wheels, clutches and pressure plate assemblies must be covered 360 degrees with 3/8 inch steel, five (5) inches wide or a blow proof bell housing.
  16.  All Automatic transmissions must be covered with an SFI approved scatter blanket. Blankets must cover from the valve body to the motor securely fastened at both ends, or 360 degrees with 3/8 inch steel the full length.
    1. All automatics with blow proof bellhousing must cover valve body to blow proof bellhousing with an automatic transmission blanket.
    2. All Manual transmission tractors must have full backing plate, all backing plates will have a minimum of 4 equally spaced 3/8″ minimum grade 8 bolts with lock washer and grade 8 nut below the center line of the crankshaft.
    3.  All tractors equipped with a planetary rear-end must have the gear boxed covered with a S.E.M.A approved blanket or shield. 
  17. Driveshaft covers on all single carb big block and open tractors must be secured to the chassis laterally by one of the two following methods. 1. Driveshaft cover must be tethered by 2” Nylon webbing or better material at its mid-point and secured through OR around frame rails. If webbing is secured with bolts, all fasteners must pass through metal grommets. Straps must have no more than 1 inch of slop between fastening points. All fasteners to be minimum of 3\8″ grade 8 . 2. Driveshaft cover must be fastened to the chassis laterally via cross member or similar rigid mount. All fasteners are to be minimum of 3/8” grade 8.
  18. All universal joints must be covered five (5) inches minimum.
  19. All zinger tractors with disc or automobile type clutches to be covered on the sides and top with 3/16-inch steel or an approved blanket.
  20. Harmonic balancer must be covered the width of the balancer 360 degrees with a front cover. Must be two(2) ¼ Straps or one (1) 1/4 inch by two (2) inch wide strap and fastened securely. If harmonic balancer is solid steel, aluminum or cast steel, it does not have to be shielded.
    1. Must have a bolt in the crankshaft to hold the harmonic balancer.
  21. All tractors to have side shields .060 thickness (length of block, top of block to top of pan).
  22. All belts, gears and open pulleys must be protected with 16-grade metal, twice as wide as belt or gears to be protected.
  23. A safely secured normal size seat must be used. Minimum six (6) inch high rigid back on all tractor seats. All tractors to have either a wraparound seat or fenders to keep the driver out of the wheels. All tractors must have a metal ¼ inch bar behind the seat attached to each of the fenders. The wrap around and fenders must support the weight of the driver.
  24. All exhaust must discharge vertically upward one (1) foot above the final bend. Vertical is defined as being within 10 degrees of being plumb. This includes zingers.
  25. Driver or eligible drivers must be sitting on the seat anytime the tractor is started or being run. Including zinger tractors, they must have a neutral lockout on them. (Zingers only)
  26. Roll cages are required on all classes.
    1. The roll cage must include the following:
      1. Two main loops over the top of the drive, connected laterally with a minimum of two (2) tubes or bars.
      2. The roll cage must attach to the chassis with at least 4 attachment points, utilizing minimum 3/8” diameter grade 8 bolts.
      3. Minimum suggested material
        1. Zingers: 1” diameter DOM tubing, .058” chromemoly or .083” mild steel
        2. All other classes: 1 ¼” DOM tubing, .058 chromemoly or .083” mild steel
      4. SEATBELTS ARE REQUIRED

27. Each tractor may be entered in more than one class, but only once in each class

28. NEW FOR 2024 ALL TRACTORS MUST HAVE A FLOOR PAN OR NET TO KEEP THE DRIVERS FEET FROM GOING BELOW THE FRAME RAIL.

SECTION #4 –OPERATION OF CONTEST

  1. The use of torque converters, automatic shifts, etc., will be permitted during the pull.
  2. All pulls must start from a tight hitch. No jerking or double clutching permitted.
  3. Contestants will be allowed two (2) attempts in the first 50 feet to start the sled or the first 30 feet if the track is less than 150 feet long. Average length of the track is 200 feet and maximum width is 30 feet. Where acceptable we will run a 300-foot track allowing two (2) attempts in the first 75 feet. Acceptability will be determined by the track width, distance of the crowd from the track and the run off space at the end of the track. The officers, sled operator and the promoters will make the decision. Floating finish lines will be used only when Sled Operator and Track Judge consider it to be safe.
  4. Drivers must REMAIN SEATED during the pull and have complete control of their tractor at all times.
  5. All tractors and tow tractors must be operated in a safe manner or this is ground for disqualification.
  6. Loss of liquid in an eight (8) inch circle by a tractor while on the track will be cause for disqualification. No intentional loss of liquid allowed. Catch cans on all water overflows.
  7. Tractor must remain within boundaries of contest course during the pull or they will be disqualified. If the tractor goes out of bounds past the finish line marker it will not be disqualified. Sled can go out of bounds but the tractor cannot.
  8. Only one pull allowed for each contestant unless tie is declared.
  9. The pull shall be considered over when forward motion of the load stops. The judge shall hold hole digging to a minimum.
  10. No portion of the tractor shall interfere with the sled or sled hitch during a pull.
  11. All weights must be safely secured to the tractor. Any ballast lost while on the track will be cause for disqualification. Weights include tractor and driver.
  12. Pull is considered good when the judge OK’s the unhooking of the tractor.
    1. Pull will be measured when you have internal damage.
  13. Number one (1) tractor will be the test puller and may take pull if weight machine is OK or he or she may pull in sixth position, test pullers only. If weight exchanger needs further adjustments, first puller after each adjustment will be treated as number one (1) puller. **All decisions on re-pulls must be made before tractor in question is unhooked from the sled.** On any re-pull caused by contest malfunction, puller at his own discretion may drop back six (6) positions, but he must make that decision before being unhooked.
  14. All tractors must be running when entering the track.
  15. On first attempt any tractor going out of bounds before marker may have a restart.
  16. If class restarts everyone starts over from the top of the class unless a contest malfunctions such as transfer sled breakage or rain.
    1. If 2/3 of the class in not completed all money will be refunded.
  17. Contestants must pull at position drawn. There will be two (2) staging areas, one (1) for checking hitches and one (1) for the tractor that is on deck. If the one on deck is not ready, the next tractor moves into that position. The tractor on deck must be running and ready to go before the transfer sled is back into the starting position.
    1. In pull off you must pull in position you pulled in.
  18. Tractors will have three (3) minutes when the sled is back on the starting line.
  19. All tractors must weigh out to be eligible for prize money. Tractors must go directly from the track to the scales with the exception of there being six (6) or fewer tractors and all drivers agree not to weigh out.
  20. Tractors are not to be driven around the Pit Area. You may drive your tractor on to the track and when you are finished, you may drive it off the track and then it must be shut down. Tow vehicle should be used to move your tractor when not entering or leaving the track.
  21. It is the driver’s responsibility to have passed a tech inspection for certification before attempting to hook to the sled in any class, to do so you must be to the pull 1 hour prior to the start of the pull.
  22. .       Any competitor in the class may make a protest for a suspected violation. That protester should go to the track judge after the pull of that tractor has been completed. The track judge will then ask that driver to take his/her tractor to a designated place to be inspected. If there is any doubt as to the reasonability of the protest the track judge may then decide to ask for additional support from the rules committee.
  23. No money will be paid out until a decision has been made. To protest a tractor, a $500.00 fee must be paid by the protester. The tractor cannot be checked until after the pull is over that day. Someone other than the protester must check the tractor.
    1. RESULTS OF PROTEST:
      1. The engine displacement FALLS WITHIN THE LEGAL LIMIT:
        1. All protest fees shall be forfeited to the owner of the protested mini rod.
        2. The mini rod shall retain all points and earnings and shall be allowed to compete with no penalties.
      2. The engine displacement EXCEEDS LEGAL LIMITS:
        1. All protest fees shall be returned to the individual filing the protest.
        2. The protested mini rod shall return all winnings eared from the TSMTPA on the date of protest.
        3. The protested mini rod shall forfeit all points accumulated for the current year.
        4. The protested mini rod shall be barred from further competition with the TSMTPA until such time as the engine is rechecked and found to be within the legal cubic inch limits.

SECTION #5 –GENERAL

  1. Violation of any of the rules shall constitute disqualification
  2. Contest to be governed by a judge with all decisions being final. Judges have the right to stop and disqualify any tractor if it is not being operated in such a manner, as it would be considered safe. Any disagreements shall be cause for immediate disqualification.
  3. Any arguments with any of the judges will be cause for disqualification for the next two (2) Tri-State pulls that you attend. Rules Committee to make the final decision.
  4. Only the driver will be allowed on a vehicle when it is being towed or driven, NO RIDERS. No rider is or on any vehicle in pit, track or adjacent areas, to include tow tractors unless it has two (2) seats, competing vehicles, tow back and maintenance equipment of any kind.
  5. All exchangers must be equipped with two (2) fire extinguishers not less than 2 3/4 pound; it will also be equipped with a 36-inch chain minimum.
  6. There will be no arguments during the pull. Any discussion can be held with the Rules Committee after the pull is over at either’s discretion.
  7. All entries for the day must be in 30 minutes prior to the start of the first class. If you have breakage throughout the day, you will get your money back for the class or classes that you cannot pull in.
  8. Pay back is 100% of entry fees pre class for non-guaranteed purse pulls
    1. Pay back for guaranteed purse payouts will be calculated per event.
    2. Heavy open class is a minimum of $100 to win for 2015

        1 tractor      2 tractors       3 tractors         4 tractors      5 tractors and up

         1st – 100%    1st – 60%        1st – 50%        1st – 50%                1st – 50%

                                2nd – 40%      2nd – 30%     2nd – 25%               2nd – 24%

                                                          3rd – 20%     3rd– 17%                 3rd – 15%

                                                                                  4th – 8%                4th– 6%

                                                                                                                 5th – 5%

ALL RULES GOVERNED BY THE TRI-STATE MINI TRACTOR PULLERS ASSOCIATION

Tri-State Mini Pullers 4300 Two Wheel Drive Truck Rules  

FRAME 

  1. Factory sheet metal may run fiberglass hood.  
  2. Firewall to remain in factory location: driver seat, steering wheel and driver must remain on left side.  
  3. Full length factory compact truck frame rails only; can reinforce from front to back; cannot add to rear  of frame length.  
  4. Must be compact style truck; S10, Ford Ranger, D50, Jeep Comanche, etc., no full size. Any kind of  motor to any kind of body. Colorado frames and single cab Dakota frames will be allowed. No steering  brakes.  
  5. Wheelbase must not exceed 122” from center of rear axle to center of front axle.  6. Front windshield mandatory, (can use glass or Lexan); all other glass optional. 7. Beds must be covered if cut out; tailgate are optional.  
  6. Trucks may not be any longer than 165 3/4”max. That’s from center of rear end to the farthest point  forward including weights. 
  7. Weight may be mounted on sled stops. No moveable weights while truck is in motion, this includes  the driver.  
  8. Overall length 52 inches from center of rear axle to the farthest most point including sled stops. 11. One-ton rear ends max.  
  9. One ton 4, 5, or 6 speeds must have all working gears; OEM transmission max. No cut gears can run  automatic and stall converter. 
  10. Rear tire size-max 33×12.50×15 DOT approved on 10” wheels max. No truing of tires.  14. Sled stops on the truck are NOT part of the frame.  

ENGINE 

  1. 406 cubic inch small block max (the 351 Cleveland will not be allowed in this class), any aftermarket  cast iron block.  
  2. Intakes, cast iron or aluminum, may run after market, intake may not exceed 7” tall that is from the  base of the carburetor to the top of the engine. (China wall) A. Any cam and any lifter allowed. Cam and  cam bearing must stay in original location kind, no scent additives. 
  3. A. Heads cast iron only may run after market, no 18 degree or lower heads allowed, no aluminum  heads. No tolerance on head measurements. Max of 2 valves per cylinder. B. Factory style distributor;  in factory location. Aftermarket distributors are allowed, but it must be in factory position.
  4. Up to one 4 barrel, naturally aspirated carburetor Holley 1450 base style maximum  5. Exhaust headers may go up or back and down, no turnouts. 
  5. Can run Rev. Limiter cannot use ignition box that can alter timing when in motion.  7. There will be a 1% tolerance on all engine measurements 

FUEL  

  1. No forced induction (blowers, turbos, etc.) no nitro, nitrous or pressurized fuel. 
  2. No electronic or computerized fuel systems  
  3. NO traction or timing control of any kind allowed.  

HITCH  

  1. Stationary in all directions; center of axle to point of hook 39 ¼ inch min.  
  2. Height is 27” to point of hook to ground max for 109 ¼” wheel base greater than 109 ¼” wheel base  to 122” max hitch height 25” 
  3. Hole will be no less than 3” in diameter: 1” min from edge of hole, 3” wide, 3 ¾” deep.  4. No “L” shaped hitches.  
  4. Hitch may not exceed past front of bed, anchor pin not to be less than 7/8” diameter.  6. No part of hitch to exceed 36” tall. Top stop not part of hitch. 
  5. No part of hitch adjusters are allowed past hitch point.  

SAFETY 

  1. Steel flywheel and safety bell housing and block plate. Any SFI approved flywheel is allowed  automatic transmissions to have SFI approved blank or shield  
  2. Harmonic Balancer must have ¼” shield 360 degrees around the balancer and not less than 2” wide strap on the front of the damper shield , except SFI approved  
  3. Engine cooling fans shielded 360 degrees; electric fans may not be covered.  
  4. Block shields must run the full length of engine and from top of frame to 1” above spark plugs. 
  5. All drive shaft loops must be within 18 inches of u joint. Minimum dimensions on loop material are:  .125 for steel, .250 for aluminum and 1” wide. No chains or cable to be used for loops. U-joints must be  covered on top and both sides.  
  6. No fuel tanks or fuel lines in driver’s compartment, or batteries, batteries mounted in bed or engine  compartment.
  7. Must have neutral start switch with light mounted in rear and in cab to show in neutral.  
  8. Must have kill switch mounted in rear of truck, to kill ignition and electric fuel pump. The hooking  point for the cable is to be a solid 2” ring minimum. 
  9. Must have working fire extinguisher. 
  10. Weight on class is 4300 lb.  
  11. Full fire suit including gloves, shoes, gloves, neck brace and helmet per the rules for the Tri-State  Mini Pullers rules 
  12. All vehicles must have a complete body (including grill and headlight sockets) with the exception of  tailgates, mirrors, front and back bumpers.  
  13. Must have a floor pan or safety net to prevent drivers feet from touching the ground. 

All rules governed by the Tri-State mini pullers, any arguments are cause for disqualification.

Update: 2/10/22, 1/17/23, 1/20/24, 2/14/24