Rules

Updated 3/7/24

Rabbit River Pullers

General Rules

  • All tractors must have seat, fenders, hood, guards on belts and pulleys(unless not factory guarded). All tractors must have garden tractor appearance and be a maximum of 2 wheel drive. No chains, half tracks, or duals, only rubber tires are allowed. Only naturally aspirated* garden tractor type engines allowed with a max of 2 cylinders*. No Nitrous Oxide, pressurized fuel tanks, or alcohol. Open exhaust is allowed in all classes.  Open exhaust must discharge upward and be securely attached. Pump fuel only – Gasoline, Diesel, E-85. NO ALCOHOL IN ANY CLASS. Tractors must be in good mechanical condition with WORKING BRAKES REQUIRED. ( * – Unless otherwise noted)
  • Shields must be from 1/8” steel (min. 12ga.) or 3/16” aluminum. Items requiring shielding are the side of engines opposite the cam, drive shafts, clutches, and flywheels. All flywheel shields must be mounted securely to contain an outward explosion and prevent parts from being discharged from the tractor in case of a broken crankshaft or retaining bolt.
  • For horizontal shaft engines with the flywheel on the side, the shield must be 180 degrees over the top and extend down to the bottom of the flywheel. The fin side may be covered with expanded or solid metal( 1/8”steel or 3/16″ aluminum). A hole may be put in the side for a starter belt pulley to protrude.
  • Horizontal shaft engines with the flywheel crosswise in the chassis must have a shield 180 degrees over the flywheel and extend down to the bottom of the flywheel or down to the frame if the flywheel fits inside the frame. The fin side is to be covered, the same as above. if it is not facing the driver.
  • Vertical shaft engines with top flywheel must have a 360 degree shield ( 1/8″ steel or 3/16″ aluminum ) surrounding it. The shield may have expanded metal over the top. The total shielding could be described as a round or square box.
  • Turbochargers must also be shielded unless fully contained under the hood.
  • No narrow front or single front wheel tractors allowed above stock pulling class.
  • All tractors other than Lawn Stock must be equipped with rigid wheelie bars securely attached(welded or bolted) to the tractor. Wheelie bars must be able to support the weight of the tractor. The ground engaging part of the wheelie bar must be a minimum of 5” beyond the back of the rear tire, and a maximum of 5” off the ground.
  • Front weights cannot exceed 6ft (72”) from the center of the rear axle for classes below Stock Altered. Stock Altered and above classes will be allowed front weights to extend 7ft (84”) from the center of the rear axle. Rear weight bracket can’t reach more than 24” behind the center of the rear axle and may be no wider than 4’ 6”(54”). Rear weight brackets cannot interfere with hitch or sled chain, no part of the tractor is allowed to interfere/disturb weight scale. Weights may be repositioned on false start or re-pull, while hooked to sled. Weights and seat must be immobile while pulling. Pullers must weigh before each weight class on scale provided. Track officials may re-weigh any puller when protested. All pulling weights listed for each class include tractor, driver, and weights. Spot checks for weight and hitch height can happen at any pull, anytime throughout the night.
  • Hitch must have an opening of at least 1.5”, and maximum hitch height of 13”. No portion of the tractor may interfere with sled or chain. All tractors other than Lawn Stock must be equipped with a breakaway kill switch on the rear of the tractor, kill switch must have a 2” opening. Kill switch must be installed to stop the engine if disconnected from the tractor.
  • Kill switch should be within 6” of the centerline of the tractor and positioned on the left side of the tractor if it is not centered. Driver is responsible for kill switch type/placement. Accidental activation will be the end of the pull and does NOT warrant a repull.
  • No Jerking Of Sled Allowed! Maximum time between pullers should be 2 min. Obvious mechanical issues may be moved to the end of the class, if not ready by the end of the class, they will be disqualified. Entry fees may only be returned prior to the start of the class they were designated to pull in. 
  • A tractor is allowed to participate in each class only ONCE.
  • There will be a 30’ false start line marked by cones. Once the front of the sled passes cones, pull will be recorded as official, no re-pull will be allowed, unless you have first pullers option. Only one false start will be allowed per tractor per class. Any tractor with a mechanical breakdown, pull out of bounds(any portion of the tractor touching the line), or weights or parts falling off, while hooked to the sled will be subject to disqualification. 
  • The flagman and/or sled operator are in control of the pull and can stop the pull at anytime if forward motion is stopped or they determine something to be unsafe. Flagman decision is final. A false start(beginning the pull without a green flag) is subject to immediate disqualification. 
  • Any disqualification during a pull-off will be subject to last place within the pull-off(not last place in the class).
  • If an issue is found with a tractor, that tractor may be allowed to pull at that event according to the boards discretion, but the issue must be corrected prior to the next event or disqualification will occur and participation will be refused.
  • All safety issues will be at the discretion of the board and can be grounds for disqualification and participation may be refused.

 

  • Temporary(Event Specific) rule changes will be talked about by the board and/or rules committee before pull begins.
  • All rule interpretations will be made by 2 ranking committee officials, anyone with a major rule violation may be disqualified. If their pull has already been completed, no money will be refunded. Any tractor is subject to random checks/ inspections by committee determination. Officials are not required to post protest fees.
  • Tear down protest requires a deposit of $50 by the protester. A protester must be a puller in same class as disputed tractor or any ranking official. Tear down consists  of head removal only. The driver of protested tractor, tractor mechanic, and two committee officials may witness the tear down. The officials will determine engine legality. If engine is determined to be legal, protester forfeits deposit to the owner of the protested tractor as well as cost of any components needed for re-assembly(gaskets, etc.). If the engine is found to be illegal, all entry fees and winnings for that tractor will be forfeited, and any other tractor with the same owner will be subject to disqualification. In the case of illegal engine, protest fee will be returned to said protester. Owner of tractor will pay $50 to club treasury and forfeit points for that class.
  • Helmets are required for pullers age 15 and under and in any classes specified. All drivers must be able to operate the tractor in a safe manner, and be able to stop forward motion of tractor at anytime without assistance. Helmets must meet or exceed DOT specifications.
  • Driver must have one hand on the steering wheel at all times, and must remain totally seated(meaning contacting the lowest portion of the seat) during the entire pull. Attending the drivers meeting is mandatory and participants are expected to assist in making the pull run smoothly, including but not limited to running sled, raking, hooking, announcing, and other administrative tasks.
  • All drivers must be able to completely operate their tractor, additionally once hooked to the sled a driver must be able to operate independent of assistance.
  • No alcohol or smoking allowed on any pulling grounds, this is meant to be a family friendly environment, if you must smoke, please only do so near or inside your vehicle. Anyone in the pit area must wear closed heel and toe shoes – NO FLIP-FLOPS OR CROCS!
  • Each tractor is only allowed to participate in a single class per event(excluding Beginner stock).
  • Hook points will be awarded to a tractor that can successfully pull the chain tight on the sled under its own power. This will qualify the tractor for last place in the class. Multiple tractors satisfying this condition will all be eligible for last place in the class.
  • 10th place in a class and below will all be awarded 1 point.
  • Points ties will awarded to the competitor with the most 1st place finishes, if competitors are tied for 1st place finishes, it will be determined by 2nd place finishes and so on.
  • Class based age limits are open to board discretion.
  • If the rules don’t say you can, it means you probably can’t!

Rabbit River Pullers

Class Rules

Beginner Stock(Any puller in this class will not be eligible to pull in any others)

Entry level, youth class(12 and under). Meant for learning/introduction to pulling before moving to a stock class.

  • NO ALCOHOL.
  • Class will be run in 1st gear, no drive ratio altering changes allowed.
  • Factory made, commercially available garden tractors with cast block 4-cycle engine.
  • Engine must be unaltered.
  • Muffler is optional.
  • Engine must be governed to no more than 4000 RPM.
  • Max 23×10.5-12 tires allowed, cut or uncut, bar or ATV tires or 24x12x12 turf tires, cut or uncut.

Max HP: 14

Class weight: 900#

Stock

Entry level low cost class based on unmodified factory production engines. Engine may be in garden tractor chassis of choice. 

  • NO ALCOHOL.
  • No part swapping from other hp engines allowed, overhaul must use stock replacement parts.
  • .030 overbore allowed when motor has been overhauled.
  • Open exhaust allowed.
  • No grinding allowed on engine or carburetor(except valve grinding and cylinder boring).
  • Max 23×10.5-12 tires allowed, cut or uncut, bar or ATV tires or 24x12x12 turf tires, cut or uncut.
  • Transmission swapping is ok, however wheelbase must be maintained to stock for the chassis used.
  • Engine must be governed to no more than 4000 RPM.
  • Gearing changes are allowed.
  • Ignition timing may be modified.
  • No velocity stack allowed.
  • 13” max hitch height.

 10hp, 12hp, 14hp                                                                         16hp, 18hp, 20hp

   1 cylinder only                                                                            single or twin cylinder

Class A: 1150#                                                                                  Class C: 1150#

Class B: 1150#                                                                                  Class D: 1150#

Improved Stock(moderate modification) – age 14 & up

Class based on HP of OEM manufactured block, any OEM combo of heads, cam, and carb may be used. No governor required.

  • NO ALCOHOL.
  • HELMET RECOMMENDED.
  • Tractor must have deadman throttle.
  • Tractor must have shielding.
  • Billet steel flywheel and/or rod may be used, piston must be stock replacement. 
  • Billet piston allowed for single cylinder, stock piston pin height required.
  • Stock stroke only, .030 overbore maximum, .020 piston popup allowed.
  • Original head and/or block may be modified including welding, billet head allowed for flathead engines.
  • OEM cam specifications for lift and dwell must be maintained for overhead valve engines, reground cam allowed on single cyl. engines and any flatheads .
  • Stock valve rockers required for OHV engines, No roller valve train.
  • Carb standoffs may be used up to 3”, no non-stock manifolds on twins.
  • Aftermarket valve springs allowed, stock valve size must be maintained.
  • Max 23×10.5-12 tires allowed, cut or uncut, bar or ATV tires or 24x12x12 turf tires, cut or uncut.
  • Wheelbase must be stock for chassis used.
  • 13” max hitch height.

16hp, 18hp, 20hp(lower hp may compete in this class, provided tractor meets class rules)

22hp Predator also allowed in this class, No overbore allowed.

Class A: 1150#

Class B: 1150#

Stock Altered(high modification) – age 18 & up

Up to 52 C.I. modified engines.

  • NO ALCOHOL.
  • HELMET RECOMMENDED.
  • Tractor must have deadman throttle.
  • Tractor must have shielding.
  • No aftermarket blocks allowed.
  • Single Carburetor of garden tractor origin, carb standoffs allowed.
  • OHV engines may use aftermarket pistons & valves.
  • OHV engines must retain OEM cam lift and dwell.
  • Stock valve rockers required for OHV engines, No roller valve train.
  • .330 max valve lift, if stock cam has higher lift, stock cam may be used.
  • OHV engines must use stock valve size, stock heads and may not exceed 42 C.I.
  • Flat head engines may use billet head, and may not exceed 52 C.I.
  • No non-stock/aftermarket Intake allowed.
  • Up to 46 C.I. V-twin or 2cyl 40 C.I. turboed diesel may be used if engine is built to meet Improved Stock rules.*Experimental
  • Single Cylinder diesel may be forced air system.
  • Maximum wheelbase allowed is 56”.
  • 26×12-12 tires allowed, cut or uncut, ATV, bar or turf tires.
  • 13” max hitch height.
  • Aftermarket front axle allowed.

Class A: 1150#

Class B: 1150#

Pro Stock Gas/E-85(Very high modification) – age 18 & up

Based on 4-cycle garden tractor type engine with a maximum of 3 cylinders.

Displacement Limits:

V-twin: 45 cube, Opposed: 60 cube, Single: 60 cube

  • NO ALCOHOL.
  • HELMET RECOMMENDED.
  • Tractor must have deadman throttle.
  • Tractor must have shielding.
  • Forced Air engines must meet improved stock class rules.
  • No aftermarket heads allowed for OHV engines.
  • No roller valvetrain, no aftermarket intake manifolds.
  • Multiple engines are allowed, not to exceed 32hp and/or 4 cyl. total combined ,engines must meet Improved stock class rules.
  • Carb standoffs are allowed.
  • 3 cylinder engines must meet improved stock class rules.
  • Maximum wheelbase allowed is 56”.
  • 26×12-12 tires allowed, cut or uncut, ATV, bar or turf tires.
  • 13” max hitch height.
  • Custom Frames will be allowed – any frame must resemble a garden tractor frame, and must use a garden tractor factory/stock rear end and rear axle. 

Class A: 1200#

Class B: 1200#

Pro Stock Diesel(Very high modification)  – age 18 & up

Based on 4-cycle garden tractor type engine with a maximum of 3 cylinders.

Displacement Limits:

2cyl: 50 cube, 3cyl: 50 cube, Single: 60 cube

  • Diesel fuel only, no additives.
  • HELMET RECOMMENDED.
  • Tractor must have deadman throttle.
  • Tractor must have shielding.
  • May use turbos.
  • No aftermarket heads allowed for OHV engines.
  • No roller valvetrain, no aftermarket intake manifolds.
  • Multiple engines are allowed, not to exceed 32hp and/or 4 cyl. total combined ,engines must meet Improved stock class rules.
  • 3 cylinder engines must meet improved stock class rules.
  • Maximum wheelbase allowed is 56”.
  • 26×12-12 tires allowed, cut or uncut, ATV, bar or turf tires.
  • 13” max hitch height.
  • Custom Frames will be allowed – any frame must resemble a garden tractor frame, and must use a garden tractor factory/stock rear end and rear axle. 

Class A: 1200#

Class B: 1200#

Open(Highest modification)  – age 18 & up

Must use garden tractor style engine.

  • NO ALCOHOL.
  • HELMET REQUIRED.
  • Tractor must have deadman throttle.
  • Tractor must have shielding.
  • Must meet approval of board.
  • Custom Frames will be allowed – any frame must resemble a garden tractor frame, and must use a garden tractor factory/stock rear end and rear axle. 
  • 60 CI limit
  • Roller valvetrain allowed
  • Billet Flywheel required, No cast flywheels allowed.
  • Aftermarket intake, heads, standoffs allowed.

Class A: 1200#

Class B: 1200#