2022 Hardwater Ice Racing Association Rules

2022 Hardwater Ice Racing Rules

General Rules for all classes

*New or revised for 2022

  1. All official’s rulings are final. Drivers are responsible for their actions and the actions of their pit crew, family, and fans.  Anyone not following these rules can be disqualified and asked to leave without refund.
  2. Only drivers that have paid all membership and entry fees are allowed to drive on the track.  If you don’t have a membership you are NOT allowed to drive or race on the track during the races.
  3. Drivers (and passengers, for Navigator class) must wear helmet and seat belts when on race track.
  4. Absolutely no drugs or alcohol use is allowed before, during, or after the race.
  5. No intentional rough or aggressive driving is allowed. Deliberate blocking, careless, reckless, or unsafe driving will result in disqualification.  If the flagman or track official points a rolled up black flag at you that is a warning to drive more cautiously.  If the full black flag is waved at you, you are disqualified and must pull off the track.  This decision is made by the flagman or track officials only.
  6. No fighting, if you have a problem bring it NICELY to a track official to discuss the issue. Track officials will not listen to someone yelling in their face or bad behavior and it can cause you to be disqualified.
  7. Windows may be left in car, but all other breakable objects must be removed (head and tail lights, hubcaps, etc.)
  8. All sharp edges on outside of car must be removed.
  9. All cars/trucks must have a light mounted on the rear of the car, so it can be seen through the snow dust. Yellow or orange is recommended.
  10. Stock gas tanks can be removed and relocated, but need to be mounted safely and securely.
  11. All cars must have working brakes.
  12. All cars must have numbers on each side and on the front windshield. If your number can’t be seen or read you will not get scored or receive points.
  13. Any weight added must be mounted securely in case of accident.
  14. No passengers are allowed in cars during the race (except in Navigator and Truck class).
  15. All cars must have a hook or chain securely mounted on the front and rear of car for towing.
  16. All cars must past inspection at any given time. If you have a question about something ask before doing it.
  17. Car mufflers need to be used to keep noise levels down, if your car is too loud you will need to fix it the following week.
  18. The car battery can be relocated but must be mounted safely and securely. If it is mounted inside the drivers compartment the battery must be covered.
  19. All roof openings (sun roofs, t-tops) must be filled in with tin or plexi glass in case of a roll over.
  20. Flags. Green = Go, Red = Stop immediately, Yellow = Slow down and use caution, Blue and Yellow = move over and let lead cars by, Black (Rolled) = Warning that you may be disqualified,  Black = You are disqualified and need to pull off track,  Blue= One complete lap left to race, Checkered = Race is over.
  21. If something or someone is found illegal IT IS illegal no matter how big or small the infraction is. If you are caught or disqualified a 2nd time you will be done for the remainder of the season.  Anyone caught cheating can be disqualified, suspended, loss of payback, loss of points, and loss of trophy at the discretion of the race board.  Rules will be enforced!
  22. Absolutely NO vehicles, trailers, equipment, garbage, or anything else can be left on the lake or surrounding area. Keep your area clean so we can continue to race.
  23. The event is done after the last race of the day is finished. Hardwater Ice Racing LLC is not responsible for anything that happens before or after the event.
  24. There will be no driver subbing. The driver and vehicle that start the 1st round must race in the 2nd round and in the feature.  Any vehicle change must be approved by the race officials before the first race.  For Navigator class, the points will stay with the car, rather than the driver.
  25. If you drive or get towed/pulled off the track you are not allowed to come back onto the track.
  26. Repairs on frames or chassis must be done within reason and must be put back to original stock location.
  27. In order to race you must be 12 years old or older. The HIRA Board Members have the final say if a driver is capable of safely handling race vehicle on or off the track.
  28. At any time a driver may be asked to park race vehicle until further notice.
  29. Any unsportsmanlike driving or actions on or off the track before, during or after the races can result in disqualification and loss of points, positions, payback, trophy and possible suspension at the discretion of the race board.
  30. Traction control is not allowed in any class.
  31. Drivers and passengers are not allowed to get out of the car at anytime unless ok’d by race official or an emergency. If a driver/passenger gets out they will be disqualified and not allowed to finish the race.  No one is allowed to touch or push cars out of the snow banks or when on the track.  No one is allowed to work on a car on the track unless ok’d by race officials.
  32. No mirrors allowed inside or outside of the car.
  33. A new class can be formed if you can guarantee at least five drivers for the event AND there is enough time and room in the schedule, and meets the requirements of the HIRA. If you have an idea don’t be afraid to ask, bring it up to a board member and we will see if it will work.
  34. Each driver is required to buy a membership as part of the race. This is a part of the $20 weekly race fee per class ($10 membership fee, $10 race fee).
  35. Mandatory that all drivers attend the drivers meeting.
  36. No one is allowed to start until the flagman throws the green flag. A cone will be used for the start of the races.  No passing or pulling out of line until after you are past the cone.  If caught pulling out, passing, or jumping the start the first time you will go to the back, the second time you be disqualified and have to pull off the track.
  37. If a Dash for Cash Special Race is held, to qualify to race in the Dash for Cash Special, driver must have previously raced in that class a minimum of 3 regular points races in the current season.
  38. Similar to stock bumpers in stock location and similar to stock size only. No overbuilt or aggressive bumpers will be allowed.  No sharp edges on bumpers (or cars).

*39.  Contact info for the Kold Kutter studs; phone 708-534-2897 or on their site at www.koldkutter.com  You can only get the correct studs directly from them.  They use a 12-24 thread so you can use a lock nut to hold them in.  On their website they are called Canadian Outlaw 12-24×1.5” studs.  Part numbers are KKA112-1224-250 (for a 250 pack) or KKA112-1224-500 (for a 500 pack).

*40.  HIR will measure/count the amount of studs by using a template. To make a template use a thin piece of plastic, rubber or even cardboard and cut out a section exactly 12” long and just a little under the width of your tire. Lay the template on your tire and use chalk, marker or a paint stick and lay out your pattern for your number of studs (varies by class). Then move your temple past one stud and add another mark for a stud and slowly work your way around the tire.  This way no matter where you put the template you should have the correct amount of studs.  A lot of times if you run a consistent pattern you will have 1-3 studs under your limit.  Once you figure out your pattern then install studs.  Take to the time to measure and count at least twice before you install studs.

*41.  Race and class schedule may change during the season.  We will do our best to run six races weather permitting.  We might have to add in a Saturday race to make it work.

Soft Rubber Class Rules

  1. Cars must be front wheel drive with a 4 cylinder engine.
  2. Any DOT tire commercially available can be used. ABSOLUTELY no studs, picks, or screws are allowed in tires. Tires can be cut and grooved, but NO softening of tires.  Softness of tire must match other cars.  HIRA durometer gauge will be used to measure all tires.  Tire must be no more than 5 points below the average durometer reading of all tires that day on the HIRA gauge.
  3. A four point roll cage is required. Extra bars and support is always recommended.
  4. Side door bars are recommended.
  5. Only the stock transmission and front differential can be used. No welded, locked, posi, limited slip, or aftermarket transmissions or front differentials are allowed.
  6. Must have the stock suspension in the stock location. The only change allowed is the use of spring spacers or compressors.  No other modifications are allowed.  No blocks, aftermarket struts and shocks, tie downs, coil overs, etc.  Keep it stock or keep it home!
  7. You must use a stock chasis, no tube or custom chasis.

Stock Stud Class

  1. Cars must be front wheel drive with a 4 cylinder engine.
  2. Can use homemade or Menard’s Tire. Menard’s Tire can only leave two full rows of studs, others must be removed.  Homemade tire can have a maximum of 10 studs per foot, only exact Kold Kutter Brand studs sku# KKA112-1224 can be used.  You can use one flat standard thickness washer on the outside of the tire under the stud head.  You don’t have to use a washer on the outside- the choice is yours.  You can use any size washer and nut inside tire.  No modifying of the stud size and shape.  Can run 3 or 4 studded tires.
  3. A four point roll cage is required.
  4. Side door bars are recommended.
  5. Only the stock transmission and front differential can be used. No welded, locked, posi, limited slip, or aftermarket transmissions or front differential are allowed.
  6. Must have the stock suspension in the stock location. The only change allowed is the use of spring spacers or compressors.  No other modifications are allowed.  No blocks, aftermarket struts and shocks, tie downs, coil overs, etc.  Keep it stock or keep it home!
  7. You must use a stock chasis, no tube or custom chasis.
  8. A four point seat belt harness is recommended.

Navigator Class

  1. This is a Rubber Class, no studded tires allowed.
  2. Same car rules as the soft rubber class.
  3. Driver and 1 passenger only, driver and passenger seats must be secured, with working seat belts and helmets required.
  4. Points will stay with the Car in this class, rather than the driver.

*5. Passenger must sign the waiver.

15 and Under Class

  1. You must be 15 years of age or younger. If you turn 16 in the middle of the season you will be allowed to finish racing this class the rest of the season.
  2. Your car must meet the Soft Rubber class rules.
  3. With HIRA permission, an adult may ride with new driver for the first year.

Full Stud Class

  1. Cars must be a factory production front wheel drive vehicle with a 4 cylinder engine. This means that all cars must have a factory chassis.  No tube frame or custom cars.
  2. Use Menard’s or homemade Tire. For Menard’s, no studs need to be removed.  For homemade tires, use 30 studs per foot, only exact Kold Kutter Brand studs sku# KKA112-1224 can be used.  You can use one flat standard thickness washer on the outside of the tire under the stud head.  You don’t have to use a washer on the outside – the choice it yours. You can use any size washer and nut inside the tire.  No modifying of the stud size and shape.  All four tires can be studded.
  3. A six point roll cage is required and to include at least driver’s side door bar. The cage must be mounted as close to the roof as possible.
  4. No electronic traction control.
  5. No superchargers, turbochargers or NOS allowed.
  6. Valid Driver’s License required (not permit).

*SXS & SXS Turbo Class

  1. If there are enough entries the SXS and SXS Turbo class will be ran separately.
  2. SXS Class = no turbos or superchargers

SXS Turbo Class = Machines with turbos or super chargers.  Non turbo machines are allowed to jump up into class if we have enough to separate them.

  1. 4 or 5 point harness required. Window net or hand restraints strongly recommended.
  2. No passengers allowed
  3. Tires and studs – no stud count limit. Must be a atv style stud (no snowmobile studs or bolts, etc)  The racers last year were running approx. 250 per tire.
  4. Must have a number on each side and the front of the machine.
  5. Depending on weather and track conditions we will try to have a small course laid out on the inside of the normal oval and use the normal corners and front straightaway for the rest of the track and see how it goes.

*Truck Class

  1. Compact trucks with 4 or 6 cylinders only. No full size and no 8 cylinders.  Jeeps and mini suvs are allowed.
  2. Rear wheel drive only. You can use a 4×4 truck but you have to remove the front drive shaft.
  3. 4 point roll cage required. Can be built in the box of the truck.  The more cage the better.
  4. Must have the stock suspension in the stock location. Keep it stock or keep it home.
  5. Rear mud (snow) flaps required
  6. One driver and one passenger will be allowed. You don’t have to have a passenger if you don’t want one.  Passenger must sit in the front passenger seat, with seat belt and helmet on at all times.
  7. Points will stay with the driver.
  8. Only Menard’s (front only) or homemade tires are allowed. Front tires- you can use any amount of studs you want.  Rear tires are 10 studs per foot.  Only exact Kold Kutter Brand studs part # KKA112-1224 can be used.  You can use one flat standard thickness washer on the outside of the tire under the stud head.  You can use standard diameter washer or a fender washer.  You don’t have to use a washer on the outside – the choice is yours. You can use any size washer (fender washer recommended) and locknut inside the tire.  No modifying of the stud size and shape.  All four tires can be studded.  Tire sealant like Monster Seal (works very good) or Slime is recommended to run in the tires.
  9. Any added weight must be securely fastened onto the truck.

**A new class can be formed if you can guarantee at least 5 drivers for the event AND there is enough time in the schedule.  If you have an idea don’t be afraid to ask, bring it up to a board member and we will see if it will work.

 

Race Order for the Day (subject to change)

  1. Full Stud Heats 10.  Any “B” Features (Soft Rubber and Navigator)
  2. Navigator Heats 11.  Full Stud A Feature
  3. SXS 12.  Navigator A Feature
  4. Stock Stud Heats             13.  SXS A Feature
  5. SXS Turbo (if enough entries) 14.  Stock Stud A Feature
  6. Soft Rubber Heats 15.  SXS Turbo Feature (if enough)
  7. Truck Heat             16.  Soft Rubber A Feature
  8. 15 & Under Heats 17.  Truck A Feature
  9. Intermission For Plowing 18.  15 & Under A Feature

Schedule

9:00-10:45 Open practice

9:30-10:45 Registration

10:45 is Draw Cutoff for Heats

11:00 Drivers meeting

11:20 Races Start

½ Hour after the last race the event is over and all vehicles must leave.

All drivers will draw for the starting line up at registration.  The number you draw will determine your starting position and what heat you are in.  You must draw for your starting position by 10:45, anyone who hasn’t drawn by this time will start in the back of the heat race. Your finish position in round one is inverted to determine your starting position in round two.  For example, if you place 1st in your heat race in round one, you will start last in your heat race in round two.  Your combined total for round one and round two will determine your starting position in the feature.  If there are more then 14 entries in a class a “B” feature might be ran.  The top ten qualifiers will start in the “A” feature.  The remaining racers will race in the “B” feature, the 1st and 2nd place finishers will start in the last row of the “A” feature.  If there is a tie in points after the second round whoever had the best starting position from the draw will qualify the highest.

Heat races are 6 laps and features are 10 laps.  We race on a 1/4 mile oval track.

**Point System.  You must start the heat / feature under your own power to earn points.  If we race a complete full season which is 6 races, there will be one throw away race.  So your top five points races will count towards the season total.  If you are dq’d or lose points from the HIR Official you can not use that “0” points for a throw away.

Position           Heat Races points      A Feature points        B Feature points

1                                  10                                35                    1 point less then the last place in the A feature

2                                  9                                  33                    Each following position will have one less point

3                                  8                                  32

4                                  7                                  31

5                                  6                                  30

6                                  5                                  29

7                                  4                                  28

8                                  3                                  27

9                                  2                                  26

10                                1                                  25 (etc)

 

**Trophies and Awards

Weekly trophies will be given out for the 15 & Under class and SXS class, for 1st-3rd places.  1st Place in all other classes will receive a trophy.  Season trophies will be given out for each class at the annual banquet, as long as a full season is achieved.

 

Location

For the 2022 Season we will be racing our season on Borden Lake, behind JJ’s Bird’s Nest in Garrison, MN.  You can park right on the ice, coming on at the access next to the parking lot.  Address is 26915 State Highway 18, Brainerd MN 56401.  No charge for spectators!!

 

If you have any questions please call Chad Erlandson 218-838-5479 or Jerry Koering 218-851-1904

 

Check out Hardwater Ice Racing on Facebook for all the current information and any updates!