It’s not often that half-mile racing makes its way to the Midwest, but when it does, it tends to draw a crowd! Wait, you never been to a half-mile event before? Oh man, you’re in for a wild ride! Our friends over a BangShift.com are organizing a half-mile event in connection with the East Coast Timing Association (ECTA) and we’ve got all of the details for you below!
Official Release:
ECTA Hosts Half-Mile Shootout at Airborne Park in Wilmington, Ohio!
July 11th and 12th will mark the first ever half mile meet for the ECTA. The reasons for doing it are many but the basic premise is this. We want to get more people involved in the world of land speed racing and with a half mile of distance, speeds will be thrilling and fun but not (in most cases) big enough to cause a competitor to have to add a cage or other significant safety gear for their first time out. Many muscle car enthusiasts out there want to “let it all hang out” for longer than they have the chance to at the drag strip and this is the chance for them to do it.
Below is a sampling of the basic rules you will need your car to comply to for speeds of 150mph and down. From experience we can tell you that cars achieving 150mph in the half mile are few so, we believe that these rules will really cover most of you interested in coming out to give this land speed racing thing a whirl. As with all of our other meets, we are limited to just 150 entry spots per event and when those are sold out, the event is closed. Yes, you can sign up the day of the race or the weekend of the race in person but we highly recommend reserving a spot for yourself to compete. You will get a ton of track time and we guarantee that once you give land speed racing a shot and meet the people, experience the environment, feel the speed, and strive for one more mph, you’ll be hooked for life.
We race in Wilmington, Ohio, which is between Cincinnatti and Columbus on I-71 in Ohio.
The entry cost is $250 per car. ($225 for the car and $25 for the membership fee)
To register, visit https://axwaresystems.com/axstorm/calendar_main.php — Click “create an account” and then plug in your information. You can pay online or at the meet itself.
Send any event related questions to [email protected]!
Basic guidelines for cars running up to 150 MPH are below
This is only a list to help you understand the more expensive safety requirements needed to race with the East Coast Timing Association. For full rules, see the current year rule book.
Shocks: A functional shock absorber is required for each sprung (moveable, non-fixed/rigid) wheel.
Drive Hubs: Any car equipped with a non-retained axle bearing (non-Hotchkiss type rear axle, front wheel drive hubs and four wheel drive hubs) assembly shall incorporate an approved hub to prevent loss of a wheel in the event of rear axle failure. Semi or full floating rear axle assemblies, as used in most late model production cars, are sufficient. Late model GM type rear ends using stock ʻCʼ clip axle retainers are NOT acceptable.
Tires: Due to the extended duration of this type event, Drag slicks are NOT ALLOWED. No recaps allowed. Adequate tire clearance between the tire and body or chassis is required. Tubeless tires must use metal valve stems, unless in Production or Street Car categories below 150 mph. Metal valve stem caps must be fitted to all valve stems. 150 and above, metal valve stem. Adequate tire clearance between the tire and body or chassis is required. Over 135 MPH, all hubcaps shall be removed.
The minimum tire requirements will be governed by ECTA inspection officials as follows:
Up to 135 MPH: Original equipment tire QR & RR
Up to 150 MPH: SR, TR or UR rated tires
Up to 175 MPH: HR rated tires
Up to 225 MPH: VR, WR, YR or ZR rated tires or steel-belted drag radials
Fire Suits: For cars running 150 MPH or less, a minimum of a long-sleeved shirt and long pants is required.
Helmet: ALL DRIVERS SHALL WEAR a full-face helmet with face shield bearing a Snell Foundation tag reading Snell SA2005 (FIA 8860- 2004). Competitors are encouraged to upgrade to the now available Snell SA2010, Snell SAH2010 or FIA 8860-2010 standard helmets if making a new purchase. Helmets with a Snell rating label of 2005 will expire in January 1, 2017, helmets with a Snell rating label of 2010 will expire on January 1, 2022. No open face helmets will be allowed. Helmets will be visually inspected at least once each year. Helmets shall be undamaged and in serviceable condition. Eyeglasses worn under the helmet must be shatterproof.
Roll Bars and Roll Cages: All cars in competition over 135 MPH, must be equipped with a roll bar or roll cage structure. All closed cars between 135 MPH and 150 MPH must have a 4-point roll bar. All closed cars between 150 and 175 MPH must have a 6-point roll bar. All closed cars over 175 MPH must have a full roll cage. 2008 and newer production vehicles with all factory safety equipment installed and intact meet roll bar requirements to 150 MPH. All open cars are advanced one bar / cage category over closed cars. Any individual wishing to enter a vehicle which deviates from these rules MUST contact the ECTA 45 days before the event for approval.
Seats and Seat Belts: All vehicles OVER 150 MPH require a seat designed for racing. The seat shall be made of a metal, alloy sufficient to retain the driver under high “G” loading.
All vehicles 135 MPH and under require a lap belt and shoulder belt (3-point). All vehicles over 135 MPH (except 2008 and newer production vehicles with all factory safety equipment installed and intact): Minimum 5 point seat belts meeting SFI specification 16.1 or SFI specification 16.5, quick release, competition type seat belts are mandatory in all categories.
Batteries: Battery must be securely mounted.
These rules are NOT the total and fully inclusive rules for racing with the East Coast Timing Association with vehicles going a maximum of 150 MPH. For full rules, see the current year rule book.
Specific questions? Call Keith Turk at 334-763-6566
Rick Seitz is the owner and founder of GMEFI Magazine, and has a true love and passion for all vehicles. When he isn’t tuning, testing, or competing with the brand’s current crop of project vehicles, he’s busy tinkering and planning the next modifications for his own cars.
