Rules

The following rules will be in effect for the entire 2024 pulling season.

The only exception is if changes need to be made for safety reasons.

The 2024 MGTPA rules are designed to provide the orderly conduct of the motor sport of garden tractor pulling events and to reduce the risk of injury to participants and spectators during such events.

It is ultimately the obligation of each participant to ensure that his/her conduct and equipment comply with all applicable MGTPA rules and regulations. No express or implied warranty of safety shall result for the publication or compliance with these rules. They are intended as a guide for the conduct of the sport and are in no way aa guarantee against injury or death to pullers, spectators, or others.

Rules Committee:

Rule compliance for all classes will be enforced by the MGTPA Officers and Board of Directors.

Safety Committee:

Rules regarding safety will be checked and enforced by the decision of the MGTPA Officers and the Board of Directors along with the sled operator and flagman’s input.

Track Officials:

Sled operator and flag man

2024 Minnesota Minn-E-Rod Association Officers

President:  Richard Sturges

Vice President:  John Polifka

Secretary:  Leah Carrigan

Treasurer:  Gail Hauan

Board of Directors:  Wayne Carrigan

                                        Adam Revier

                                        Noah Roling

SAFETY RULES:

  1. All tractors must pass a safety inspection prior to their first pull with the MGTPA.  The officials will check to make sure that all rules were followed for the appropriate class.  All decisions are final. Anyone that chooses not to cooperate will be asked to leave the pit area and not allowed to pull.
  2. The following specifications will be checked on each tractor before its first pull.  This completed form will then be kept on file.
    1. Throttle operation (dead man)
    1. Kill switch operation (location, fixed ring)
    1. Brake operation
    1.  Steering operation
    1. Engine/Transmission shields
    1. Proper weight hold down (front and rear)
    1. Overall tractor length
    1. Hitch hole size
    1. Hitch thickness
    1. Material behind hitch hole
    1. Wheelie bars
  3. Each tractor will also have a second random inspection sometime during the summer.
  4. Each driver will have the following safety equipment checked before their first pull.  This completed form will then be kept on file for the driver.
    1. Helmet with shield
    1. Suit
    1. Shoes
    1. Gloves
    1. Neck brace
    1. Nomex mask (alcohol fuel mandatory, others recommended)
    1. Seat belts
    1. Fire extinguisher
  5. Drivers of all classes (except stock) are required to wear a SFI rated fire suit, (pants and jacket) gloves, and shoes. A SFI approved neck collar is required for drivers in all automotive classes. Drivers of the stock class are required to wear long pants and close toed footwear recommended.
  6. A Nomex mask is mandatory for all drivers using alcohol fuel.  A Nomex hood is strongly recommended for all V-8 classes.
  7. All drivers are required to wear an approved helmet with a shield.  The shield must be down when pulling.
  8. All tractors must have a fire extinguisher except for stock.
  9. All weights attached to the tractor must be securely attached. Loose weights are not allowed to sit on the tractor.  Weights must not interfere with the hookup of the skid.
  10. All steering and brakes must be in proper working order.
  11. All contestants, track officials and pit crews will be asked to refrain from using alcohol and any mood-altering drugs before and during the event. If the officials find that you are under the influence, you will be refused your rights as a competitor and may be asked to leave the pit area.
  12. Please be aware of the spectators.  If they are too close the pull will be stopped.
  13. All tractors must be in neutral to hook and unhook with tractor shut off or at an idle.
  14. Automatic transmissions must retain a reverse lockout and a reverse light is also recommended for the open classes.
  15. A kill switch ring is mandatory on all tractors.  A minimum of 1½ inch diameter solid ring is required for connections with minimum of 1/8 inch thickness.  It must shut down the engine, fuel pump, and any other system that controls the engine function. It must swivel or be a manufactured tether switch. It will be in the center of the rear of the tractor and at least 6 inches above the hitch.
  16. All tractors must have a wide front-end tracking within the rear tires.
  17. All tractors must have fenders except for stock. They must be a solid barrier between the driver and the rear tires. They must be at least .060 thick aluminum or steel and extend 4” or more over the tires.
  18. No one under the age of 16 will be able to drive an automotive engine class tractor. No one under the age of 14 will be allowed to drive an M/P class tractor until they receive a MGTPA license. To obtain this license you must show proof that you are always able to control your tractor.
  19. No tractors will be started or left running without a driver in the seat. Driver must remain seated while pulling.
  20. No rotary engines of any form are allowed.
  21. All tractors will require wheelie bars. They must be securely fastened to tractor and must not allow the front of the tractor to raise more than 12 inches. 
  22. If the track official has the red flag out, NO motion or movement (under power) will be tolerated. Any tractor will be shut down and disqualified.  
  23. All automotive engine tractors with a crankshaft parallel to the frame rails must have .060 steel or aluminum side shields from the front of the motor, and from centerline of the spark plugs to 2 inches below the center throw of the crankshaft. Note: frame rails count as part of the shield. This shield must be bolted to the frame.
  24. All batteries must be covered.
  25. There should be no locker rear ends in any tractors.
  26. If the Deadman’s throttle cable should break, a return to idle spring at carburetor is required.
  27. All tractors in the open unlimited & automotive classes will be required to have roll bars/roll cages. Roll bars/roll cages will consist of 2 bars over the driver. Roll bars/roll cages will be a minimum of 1.25” od x.90 wall tubing.  These tractors will be required to have a high back seat with a 4- or 5-point harness.
  28. All tractors must always be operated in a safe manner.  If this becomes a problem, the driver may be disqualified and possibly suspended from pulling. 

PULL RULES:

  1. The track will be 200 to 300 feet in length and no more than 20 feet in width. From the center of the road the track will be 10ft to each side.  This is to ensure safety of the spectators.  Officers and the rules committee members will have the final say whether the track is fit for a sanctioned pull. There will be a 25-foot shutdown area at the end of each track.
  2. A pull is defined as from when the hook of the skid goes into the hitch of a tractor to when the tractor is unhooked from the skid
  3. All tractors will be in line ready to pull two pullers before your turn to pull. If you are not ready your hook points will be taken away. There will be a 3-minute time period for each puller.  If he/she is not ready the next puller proceeds.
  4. Each puller will have 75 feet to decide whether to continue their pull.  The puller will have one such false start.  The sled will back up to the start line for the final attempt to pull.  Minor adjustments may be made in between the two attempts.
  5. Anything falling off the tractor during a pull will be cause for disqualification.  This also is in effect for excessive fluid leaking from the tractor which is a 6 inch or larger circle.  This includes all mechanical fluids, excluding water.  Mechanical breakage that causes the fluid loss will NOT be a disqualification.
  6. Additional weights added to the tractor may not exceed more than 12” from the furthest rear edge of the tire.
  7. The hitch height on all tractors may not exceed 13” in height, and not more than 14” from the center of the rear axle to the rear of the hitch hole.  The hitch must have a minimum of ½” material from the rear of the hole to the back edge of the hitch and must be ½” thick.  The hitch must be secure in all directions.  The hitch must contain a minimum 2” hole.  A clevis is not allowed except for the first-time stock pullers.
  8. All tractors must make class rules and weight. The weight of the tractor will include the driver, helmet, and required safety clothing.
  9. No tractor may be in more than 2 classes.
  10. The first puller in each class has the option to keep their pull or repull in third or last position. The second pull will be the recorded pull.  You must inform the track official of your decision before leaving the track or the first pull will be recorded. The first puller in the class doesn’t get the option for a repull if you are disqualified.
  11. The adjustment of the transfer/skid is up to its operator for safety or time reasons.
  12. Tractors can be checked at any time for safety, weight, or other rule compliances. After a tractor crosses the scale if found to be illegal it will be disqualified (no points will be awarded) If the tractor is corrected it will be allowed to make an exhibition pull in that class.
  13. No nitrous oxide is allowed in any class.
  14. No tire softening of any type is allowed in any class.
  15. No tire warming is allowed before pulling.
  16. The rules of a pull off are as follows. The drivers are to repull to be able to rescore for a final placing. If a driver chooses not to repull they will take the later placing in the pull off. If the drivers choose not to re-pull, then prize money will be divided equally.
  17. Pit meetings are mandatory for ALL drivers. The pit meeting will be held 15 minutes prior to the scheduled pull time. Any driver that does not attend the meeting will not be allowed to drive at that pull.
  18. Spec tires from previous season can be used up before buying the current spec tires.
  19. The decision to disqualify any tractor will be made by the sled operator and flag person.
    1. These decisions will be made before the tractor is unhooked and the skid backs up to the starting position.
  20. The tractor must stay within the white lines of the track during a pull.  If the tractor tire touches or crosses over the white line, it will result in a disqualification for that pull.  The tractor is ok to pull with a different driver.
    1. If the tractor tire touches or crosses over the white line in a pulling manner (example under power or laying rubber down) the following will apply:
      1. First offense disqualified from pulling that day
      1. Second offense, out for the next 2 pulls (4 hooks)
      1. Third offense banned from pulling for the next year and 1 day.
    1. The sled operator and flag person will determine if an out of the white lines infraction will be applied for a driver.

INCLEMENT WEATHER & SLED BREAKAGE:

  1. A pulling event will be called a complete show if ½ of the sanctioned classes have been run.
  2. Any class cancelled before all the scheduled entries have pulled shall be considered a rain out, no purse money will be paid, and each entry will receive 25 hook points. Entry fees will be refunded or credited for use at another event.
  3. If less than ½ of the event has been completed, no purse money will be paid, and each paid event entry will receive 25 hook points. Entry fees will be refunded or credited for use at another event.
  4. If more than ½ of the event has been completed, purse money will be paid in completed classes only. Those who did not hook, or the entire class was not completed will receive a refund or credit for use at another event.
  5. Purse money will be paid to those classes that were completed according to the results for those classes. Purse money for classes that do not complete will not be paid.
  6. In any class in which all entered competitors do not get a chance to compete, all tractors entered in that class and ready to compete, will receive only inclement weather points (25 points to replace hook points).
  7. The club president, board members, promoter and event director shall be the only involved parties determining if an event shall be stopped due to inclement weather or track conditions.
  8. If an event is cancelled more than 24 hours prior to the start time, no points will be given for that event.
  9. If an event is cancelled prior to the start time and the competitors are on the grounds, with the competition vehicle, they will receive a refund of paid entry fees and 25 hook points, but no other financial compensation.
  10. Any class not completed for any reason will be treated as a rained-out class.

PROTEST RULES:

  1. All protests must be made before the next class starts. If the protest is not presented prior to that time, there is no protest.
  2. A sum of $10.00 will be put up by the protestor and $50.00 will also be required for an engine teardown. All monies will go to the winner of the dispute. The protest and money will need to be presented to a rules committee member.
  3. All protests will be handled after the entire pull is over. The decision and/or the teardown will be done by the rules committee members present at that pull.
  4. Your entry fee money will be refunded if you choose not to hook.

WEIGHT PROTEST GUIDELINES:

  1. Money to protest will need to be in hand when protest is made to a board member
  2. Both the tractor being protested and the puller making the protest will need to take their tractors across the scale
  3. This protest will need to happen right after the protested tractor has pulled and an action will need to take place right away

CLASSES:

Stock                                     950 lbs.  1050 lbs.

Sportsman Modified       1150 lbs. (800cc or less)

1100 lbs. (over 800cc)

Super Modified                 1250 lbs.

Open Unlimited Class     1450 lbs. 1550 lbs.

Open 4 Cylinder Class     1300 lbs. 1400 lbs.

Economy V-8                      1800 lbs. 1900 lbs.

Pro Mod V-8                       1800 lbs.  1900 lbs.

Open Class V-8                  1800 lbs.  1900 lbs.

Pullers from another organization must have a minimum of three tractors to be given their own class with payout, otherwise less than three tractors will be exhibition pulls.

MEMBERSHIP DUES:

$30 for first tractor

$25 for second tractor

$20 for third tractor

$15 for fourth tractor

$10 for fifth tractor

$5 for each additional tractor

Tractors must be owned by the same person for membership discounts to apply.

ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP DUES: 

Membership dues are available for “non-pullers” for $30.00.  This will allow you to receive all mailings and pull information. This will also allow you to vote at meetings.

ENTRY FEES:

A puller must have membership dues paid and current. This is required to become a member in good standing with the MGTPA. Membership allows you to vote at meetings.

Stock class member entry fee $5.00 per hook

All other classes member entry fee is $10 .00 per hook

Non-members will have to pay an additional $5.00 entry fee to pull with the MGTPA club.

POINTS SYSTEM

The Minn-E-Rod Association runs a points system for the season of events. To be included in this you must be a member in good standing.

There will be 25 points awarded for hook points.

There will be a champion for each class of tractors at the end of the season.  In the event there is a tie it will be decided by the number of 1st place wins.

Points awarded as follows:

1st place                               100 points + 25 hook points

2nd place                              90 points + 25 hook points

3rd place                                80 points + 25 hook points

4th place                                70 points + 25 hook points

5th place                                60 points + 25 hook points

6th place                               50 points + 25 hook points

7th place                                40 points + 25 hook points

8th place                                30 points + 25 hook points

9th place                               20 points + 25 hook points

10th place                              10 points + 25 hook points

In the event there is only 1 tractor in a class, the pull will be considered an exhibition and there will be no points.

MONEY PAYOUT PER EVENT:

  1. Payout for each class will be:

                1st place $30.00

                2nd place $20.00

               3rd place $10.00

                Stock class payout

                1st place $15.00

                2nd place $10.00

                3rd place $5.00

  1. If there are only two tractors in a class, the payout will be:

1st place $20.00

2nd place $10.00

  1. If there is only one tractor in a class it will be an Exhibition hook, no points or payout will be awarded.

:

EXHIBITION RULES:

1. The hook fees are $2.00 for a member and $5.00 for non-members.

2. The tractor is allowed 1 hook per event.

3. Any exhibition pulls will be allowed at the official’s discretion.

INDIVIDUAL CLASS RULES ARE TO BE FOLLOWED ALONG

WITH ALL SAFETY AND PULL RULES.

STOCK:

1. Engine, frame, carb, and drive train must be stock appearing.

2. Horsepower limits are as follows:

950 lb. class and the 1050 lb. class – 18 HP Gear Shift and 20 HP Hydrostatic.

3. RPM limit 4000.

4. Must have stock flywheel, no cut flywheels.

5. All pulleys must be covered.

6. Tractor must be equipped with a starter on the tractor and will need to be operational.

7. Tractor must have working brakes.

8. Must use pump fuel. NO diesels.

9. Tires max size 26/12/12,

Tar-Turf style tires only

Dirt-Bar Tires are allowed

                                (No Cepek, Lawn Tech, Vogel or Pitbull)

No tire cutting allowed

10. Tractor will be able to be driven on & off the scale.

11. Single or Twin cylinders allowed (Limit of 2 cylinders).

12. Tractor must have reverse.

13. All tractors must have a wheelie bar of substantial construction to hold the weight of the tractor.

SPORTSMAN MODIFIED /SUPER MODIFIED

  1. Engine size will be limited to no more than 1500 cc’s. The number of cylinders will be limited to 4 cylinders. Multiple engines will be allowed if the number of cc’s and class weight are met. No turbine engines. 
  2. Modifications will be allowed. Engine must remain naturally aspirated.
  3.  All tractors will be equipped with a dead man throttle. Hand or foot must return to idle when released.  On a hand throttle, the idle/closed position must be to the rear.
  4. All exhaust must be directed up.
  5. The tractor will have all drive train components properly shielded at least on 3 sides (top and both sides) 360 degrees recommended with a minimum of .060 steel or .125 aluminum. All moving parts must be covered for everyone’s safety.
  6. Tire rules
    1. Tires for this class MUST be the specifications listed below.  Any deviations of these specifications will be an exhibition pull only.
    1. Dirt pulls – Max 26/12/12 sidewalls
    1. Tar pulls – No bar tires – Slicks are allowed. Max circumference of 84”
  7. The outside dimensions of the tractor must not exceed 6 feet wide and 8 feet long from the center of rear axle to furthest point forward including weights.

OPEN UNLIMITED CLASS

  1. Tires
    1. Tires for this class MUST be the specifications listed below.  Any deviations of these specifications will be an exhibition pull only.
    1. Dirt pulls max tire size is 26/12/12
    1. Tar pulls max size is a circumference of 84” wide tire
  2. Must follow all safety rules in general rules section.
  3. All automotive engine tractors must have a roll cage.
  4. All tractors qualify for this class if weight and tires are met.
  5. The outside dimensions of the tractor must not exceed 6 feet wide and 8 feet long from the center of rear axle forward including weights.
  6. Roll bars/roll cage 1.25” OD x .090 wall tubing is required. Lap belt is also required.
  7. Turbine engines: All open unlimited rules apply for chassis, tire size, and maximum combined weight limit with the following turbine engine limits.
    1. Gas turbine engine with a factory horsepower rating of 320 H.P. or less.
    1. Turbine engine must be a production-built engine, governor controlled not to exceed factory rpm and temperature limits.
    1. Any turbine engine exceeding 8000 rpm on output shaft will not be allowed to

use a clutch and flywheel assembly or automatic transmission. All driveline brake components, including caliper assembly, must be radially shielded 360

degrees with ¼” steel and both ends must be closed with 1/8” steel or grater.

  • Turbine air intakes must be screened with metal screen that has openings no larger than 3/16”.
    • A turbine engine must be equipped with an external shroud completely enclosing engine. Shroud to be made from no less than ¼” steel or aluminum. Factory installed external shroud allowed if material is equal to or greater in size and/or strength of external shroud specification.
    • Shroud must incorporate a flange at each end that extends radially inward from the shroud to within 1” of engine casting. A ½” air gap between the engine and the ID of the flange must be maintained for air circulation inside the shroud.
    • Flanges may be scalloped out to clear tubing accessories, brackets, etc. and maybe either rolled edges of the shroud or steel rings attached by welding or riveting to the shroud. Shroud must extend at least 3” beyond each end of turbine section unless limited by exhaust

housing or other permanently attached engine components.

  • Turbine engine must be equipped with two separate over speed protection

devices for power turbine wheel(s) Turbine engine overspeed shutdown required.

  1. Tractors powered with a turbine engine must have a stock appearing garden tractor hood and grill (nose piece).
    1. All other chassis, engine and safety rules listed for the open unlimited class must be followed.
    1. All turbine engines must be inspected and certified by MGTPA prior to registering or competing at a sanctioned event.

OPEN 4 CYLINDER CLASS

  1. Automotive engines only.  Modifications will be allowed.  All engines must be naturally aspirated.
  2. 1300 lbs. and 1400 lbs. classes may use 4-cylinder engines limited to 2800cc and up to 4 values per cylinder.
  3. Any form of carburetor or injection will be allowed.  No blowers or turbos allowed.
  4. Any type of fuel allowed except no nitrous oxide.
  5. All open tractors will be equipped with a dead man’s throttle, hand or foot operated.
  6. Tires of any design will be allowed; they must have the original printing on the sidewalls.  No duals.
    1. Tires for this class MUST be the specifications listed below.  Any deviations of these specifications will be an exhibition pull only.
    1. Dirt pulls – 31/15.5/15 Cepeks are allowed
    1. Tar pulls – American Racer 30/15/15 SD 44 compound Part# JWNWT from Boubin Tire PH# 800-722-3847 ask for Troy and let him know you are with the MN Minn-e-Rods
  7. The outside dimensions of the tractor cannot exceed 6 feet wide and 10 feet long.  Measured from the furthest points of the tractor, excluding weights.
  8. Weights must not exceed more than 12 inches from the back to the tires.
  9. The exhaust must be directed up.
  10. All drive trains must be properly shielded to ensure the safety of all.
    1. Driveline components and harmonic balancers must be shielded 360 degrees of rotation with 3/16” steel or ¼” aluminum and be securely attached.  There must be a strap across the front to retain the balancer and must have center bolt installed.
    1. Automatic transmissions must have a SEMA approved explosion shield and/or approved blanket OR enclosed 360 degrees with 3/16” steel or ¼” aluminum that is attached securely.  It must have a reverse lockout on the shifter.
    1. Clutch bell housing must be SEMA approved on all V8’s.  Other engines must have approved bellhousing blankets or be shielded 360 degrees with 3/16” steel or ¼” aluminum.  Steel flywheels are also recommended.
    1. All belts must be shielded with 1/8” steel or aluminum.
  11. All transmissions must be shielded on at least 3 sides.  Top and 2 sides from the rear of the engine heads to the front of the tails shaft housing.  This shield must be at least 1/8” steel or aluminum.  A steel torque converter cover must be bolted securely in place on automatic transmissions.
  12. Engine and transmission mounts must include 2 front mounts, 2 rear mounts, and a saddle under the rear of the transmission OR 2 front mounts and a support saddle under the rear of the engine and a transmission mount.  Note: sufficient strength cable may be used for a center support saddle and must have a maximum ½” clearance. 
  13. All tractors are required to have a driver activated safety start switch.  They must have a park/neutral safety switch or a clutch disengagement switch.

ECONOMY V8

REMINDER, this is an entry level class designed with your budget in mind.

  1. Engine rules:
    1. 1800 and 1900 lb. classes may be no more than 366 cubic and can’t be bored more than 30 thousand over stock.
    1. Stock stroke and rods.
    1. Flat top pistons and dish pistons only. Pistons must not protrude above deck.
    1. Stock automotive hydraulic cams only (no solid anti pump up lifters)
    1. Stock Carburetor only (2 or 4 barrel)
    1. No injection system of any sort.
    1. Distributor must be stock style No MSD or DUI or aftermarket ignitions.
    1. Stock timing chain only (no gear drives)
    1. No more than 1” spacer between intake and carburetor. Also, no high-rise intakes.
    1. Stock harmonic balancer only.
    1. All cast iron heads, block and intake.
    1. No porting, polishing, angle milling, decking or boring of any sort.
    1. No Vortec motors.
  2. Transmission rules:
    1. Must be stock working torque converter or manual transmission.
  3. Tire rules:           
    1. Tires for this class MUST be the specifications listed below.  Any deviations of these specifications will be an exhibition pull only.
    1. Dirt pulls – 31/15.5/15 size

(No aftermarket or Cepeks)

  • Tar pulls – WISSOTA late model spec tire  92/11/15 size or 90/11/15 or 88/11/15 W30S compound
  • All pump fuel is allowed. No racing fuel, no fuel with additives, no nitrous oxide.
  • Tractor should not exceed 10 feet in length and 6 feet in width measured from the furthest point excluded weights.
  • All drive trains must be properly shielded to ensure the safety of all.
    • Driveline components and harmonic balancers must be shielded 360 degrees of rotation with 3/16” steel or ¼” aluminum that is attached securely. There must be a strap across the front to retain the balance and must have a center bolt installed.
    • Automatic transmissions must have a SEMA approved explosion shield and/or blanket or enclosed 360 degrees with 3/16” steel or ¼” aluminum that is attached securely.  It must have a reverse lockout on the shifter.
    • Clutch bell housings must be SEMA approved on all V8’s, other engines must have approved bellhousing blankets or be shielded 360 degrees with 3/16” steel or ¼” aluminum. Steel flywheels are also recommended.
    • All belts and fans must be shielded with 1/8” steel or aluminum.
  • All transmissions must be shielded on at least 3 sides. Top and 2 sides from the rear of the engine heads from the front of the tails shaft housing. This shield must be at least 1/8” steel or aluminum. A steel torque converter cover must be bolted securely in place on automatic transmissions.
  • Engine and transmission mounts must include 2 front mounts, 2 rear mounts and a saddle under the rear of the transmission OR  2 front mounts and a support saddle under the rear of the engine and transmission mount. Note sufficient strength cable may be used for a center support saddle and must have a maximum ½” clearance.

PRO MOD V-8:

  1. 1800 and 1900 lb. classes engine size is limited to 412 cubic inches max.
  2. Head and Block castings must be ordinary junkyard available CAST-IRON castings. All parts, blocks and heads must retain all casting numbers and ID’s. No factory or aftermarket castings.
  3. Valve and springs—any valves are allowed. Roller tip rockers are allowed.
  4. Camshafts and lifters-any flat tappet cam and lifters are allowed. No roller cams or lifters allowed; no mushroom lifters allowed. Solid or Hyd. lifters are allowed.
  5. Pistons-flat top pistons of any make are allowed, no domes are allowed. Pistons must not protrude above deck.
  6. Rings, Rods, Crankshafts, Timing chains of any type are allowed.
  7. Intake manifold of any single 4 barrel is allowed.
  8. Carburetor of any type is allowed (up to 4 barrels) No fuel injection.
  9. Tires for this class MUST be the specifications listed below.  Any deviations of these specifications will be an exhibition pull only.
  10. Dirt pulls –
    1. Max tire size 31/15.5/15
    2. No specialty pulling tires
    3. May use brands such as Firestone, Goodyear, Cepeks
    1. Tar pulls – WISSOTA late model spec tire  92/11/15 size or 90/11/15 or 88/11/15 W30S compound
  1. Any type of fuel is allowed. No nitrous oxide!
  2. All drive trails must be properly shielded to ensure the safety of all.
    1. Driveline components and harmonic balancers must be shielded 360 degrees of rotation with 3/16” steel or ¼” aluminum and be securely attached.  There must be a strap across the front to retain the balancer and must have center bolt installed.
    2. Automatic transmissions must have a SEMA approved explosion shield and/or approved blanket OR enclosed 360 degrees with steel of ¼” aluminum that is attached securely. It must have a reverse lockout on the shifter.
    3. Clutch bell housings must be SEMA approved on all V8’s, other engines must have approved bellhousing blankets or be shielded 360 degrees with 3/16” steel or ¼” aluminum. Steel flywheels are also recommended.
    4. All belts and fans must be shielded with 1/8” steel or aluminum.
  3. All transmissions must be shielded on at least 3 sides. Top and 2 sides from the rear of the engine

heads to the front of the tails shaft housing. This shield must be at least 1/8” steel or aluminum. A steel torque converter cover must be bolted securely in place on automatic transmissions.

  1. Engine and transmission mounts must be 2 front mounts, 2 rear mounts and a saddle under the rear of the transmission OR 2 front mounts and a saddle under the rear of the engine and a transmission mount. Note: Sufficient strength cable may be used for a center support saddle and must have a maximum ½” clearance.
  2. All tractors are required to have a driver activated safety start switch. Meaning they must have the following:
    1. Park safety switch
    1. Neutral safety switch
    1. Clutch disengagement switch

OPEN CLASS:

  1. 1800 and 1900 lb. classes may use 8-cylinder engines limited to 470 cubic inches.
  2. Automotive engines only. Modifications will be allowed. All engines must be naturally aspirated.
  3. Any form of carburetor or injection will be allowed. No blowers or turbos.
  4. Any type of fuel allowed expect no nitrous oxide.
  5. All open tractors will be equipped with a dead man’s throttle, hand or foot operated.
  6. Tires of any design will be allowed; they must have the original printing on the sidewalls. No duals.
    1. Tires for this class MUST be the specifications listed below.  Any deviations of these specifications will be an exhibition pull only.
    1. Dirt pulls – 31/15.5/15 and 34/18/15 max size Cepeks are allowed
    1. Tar pulls – American Racer 30/15/15 SD 44 compound Part# JWNWT From Boubin Tire PH# 800-722-3847 ask for Troy and let him know you are with the MN Minn E Rods
  7. The outside dimensions of the tractor cannot exceed 6 feet wide and 10 feet long. Measured from the furthest points of the tractor, excluding weights.
  8. The exhaust must be directed up.
  9. All drive trains must be properly shielded to ensure the safety of all.
    1. Driveline components and harmonic balancers must be shielded 360 degrees of rotation with 3/16” steel or ¼” aluminum and be securely attached. There must be a strap across the front to retain the balancer and must have center bolt installed. 
    1. Automatic transmissions must have a SEMA approved explosion shield and/or approved blanket OR enclosed 360 degrees with 3/16” steel or ¼” aluminum that is attached securely. It must have a reverse lockout on the shifter.
    1. Clutch bell housings must be SEMA approved on all V8’s.  Other engines must have approved bellhousing blankets or be shielded 360 degrees with 3/16” steel or ¼” aluminum. Steel flywheels are also recommended.
    1. All belts must be shielded with 1/8” steel or aluminum.
  10. All transmissions must be shielded on at least 3 sides. Top and 2 sides from the rear of the engine heads to the front of the tails shaft housing. This shield must be at least 1/8” steel or aluminum. A steel torque converter cover must be bolted securely in place on automatic transmissions.
  11. Engine and transmission mounts must include 2 front mounts, 2 rear mounts and a saddle under the rear of the transmission OR 2 front mounts and a support saddle under the rear of the engine and a transmission mount. Note: sufficient strength cable may be used for a center support saddle and must have a maximum ½” clearance.
  12. All tractors are required to have a driver activated safety start switch. Meaning they must have the following:
    1. Park safety switch
    1. Neutral safety switch
    1. Clutch disengagement switch

News

The MN Mini Rod Pullers are keeping their fingers crossed and hoping for a fun filled summer of pulling. After having to sit out the 2020 season due to COVID, the pullers are all very anxious to get back on their tractors and put on exciting shows for each community we pull in.

Keep checking back on this site as we hope to confirm our 2021 schedule in early Spring.