Hot Rod Rules 2026 - Scunthorpe

Introduction

Scunthorpe Hot Rod racing is a non-contact formula designed for lightly modified front-wheel-drive saloon and hatchback cars up to 2000cc in standard trim. All vehicles must maintain a professional appearance.

A minimum three-month ban will be issued for threatening behaviour, and a minimum twelve-month ban for physical violence. Repeat offenses will result in harsher penalties. This applies to drivers and team members across all formulae.

Driver Conduct:

All drivers are expected to always adhere to the rules and regulations of the event. This includes following all flag signals, race instructions, and ensuring that safety protocols are respected. Drivers must demonstrate good sportsmanship both on and off the track.

Drivers are also responsible for the conduct of their family and friends attending the event. Everyone must behave responsibly and show respect for others, including staff and fellow competitors. Any lack of respect towards officials, staff, or fellow racers will not be tolerated and may result in a ban from the event, with the duration determined by the promotion.

At the heart of our events is a shared goal of enjoyment for all. We want every driver and spectator to have a fun and safe experience, whether you’re racing on the track or cheering from the sidelines. Let’s keep the atmosphere positive, competitive, and most importantly, enjoyable for everyone involved.

What you’ll need

Helmets

• Helmets must fit correctly and meet one of the following standards: BS6658 Type A/FR
• FIA 8860-2004
• Snell SA2005/M2005/M2010
• SFI Foundation 31.1A or 31.2A
• European ECE 22-05
• Japanese JIS T8 133:2000 or JIS 8133:2007
• Shatterproof goggles or visors must be worn. Tinted visors are NOT recommended.

Overalls:

• Flame-Resistant Overalls: Drivers must wear fire-resistant overalls that meet a certain standard, typically an FIA 8856-2000 or BS EN 11612:2008 These standards ensure the overalls are made from materials that offer protection against flames and heat.
• Covering All Body Parts: The overalls must cover the entire body from neck to wrists and ankles. No skin should be exposed during the race, so long sleeves, long trousers, and a full-body suit are essential.
• No Holes or Tears: The overalls must be in good condition, without any tears or holes, which could compromise their protective capabilities.

Gloves:

• Fire-Resistant Gloves: Like the overalls, gloves must also be flame-resistant and meet similar standards (FIA 8856-2000 or equivalent). These gloves help protect the hands in the event of a fire or collision.
• No Loose or Damaged Gloves: The gloves should fit securely, and any gloves showing significant wear, holes, or damage are not permitted.

Footwear:

• Protective Footwear: Drivers must wear sturdy, protective footwear. Racing boots are the most commonly used and should ideally meet FIA 8856-2000 standards for fire resistance.
• Full Coverage: The footwear must cover the ankle and provide adequate protection. Shoes that expose the ankle or that do not have protective padding are not allowed.
• Non-slip and Secure: The boots must provide a secure fit and offer good grip for the driver, especially when handling the vehicle in potentially hazardous conditions.
• NO TRAINERS

Additional Requirements:

• Helmet and HANS (Head and Neck Support) Device: While the helmet must meet the required standards (as mentioned previously), many racers also wear a HANS device or similar neck support system, which helps protect the head and neck during collisions.
• No Jewellery or Loose Items: Jewellery, watches, or any loose items should be removed to prevent injury or damage during the race.

Racing Goggles/Visor Requirements:

• Eye Protection: Drivers must wear goggles or a full-face helmet visor to protect their eyes from debris, dust, and impacts, especially during collisions where glass and other materials may shatter.
• Shatterproof: Goggles and visors must be shatterproof to avoid any eye injuries in the event of an accident or impact. Standard, non-shatterproof eyewear is not permitted as it could break and cause harm.
• Secure Fit: Goggles or visors should fit securely and comfortably, ensuring clear visibility throughout the race without any risk of them becoming loose or obstructing the driver’s view.
• Visors vs. Goggles: Visor: Many drivers opt for a full-face helmet with a clear, shatterproof visor. This is often the preferred choice because it offers better overall protection for the face and eyes.
• Goggles: If a driver uses goggles instead of a full-face helmet, they should be fitted securely and be made from durable, impact-resistant material.
• Tinted Visors: Tinted visors are generally allowed, but the tint should not significantly impair the driver’s vision, especially in low-light conditions. Drivers are advised to ensure they maintain clear visibility in all conditions.

In short, goggles or visors are essential for protecting a driver’s eyes and face from debris and other hazards during a race. They must be shatterproof, securely fitted, and provide clear vision throughout the race.

These safety requirements are in place to minimize the risk of injury and to protect drivers in the dangerous and unpredictable environment of banger racing. It’s always essential to check with the specific event or league for any updates or additional requirements to ensure compliance.

CARS

• Only right-hand drive, front-wheel-drive, steel-bodied saloon or hatchback cars are permitted.
• All panels must retain their original design, and the vehicle structure must remain unchanged.
• Bulkheads and floor pans must remain intact and original.
• All rear towing eyes must be removed.
• Engine limitations: Maximum 2000cc for 8-valve engines, which may be modified.
• Maximum 1600cc for 16-valve engines, which must remain as manufactured.
• No redrilling of oilways or repositioning of cylinder head fixings is allowed on 8v engines.
• No turbocharged cars or twin-cam 8v engines are permitted.
• 16v engines may use any carburettor, standalone ignition system, and lightened flywheels.
• The following engines are NOT permitted: Rover, Honda, and Ford Zetec SE.
• All other Ford engines must have the original 1.6 casting on the block, clearly marked in white.
• Carburettors and injection: Any choice of carburettor or single-point injection is allowed.
• Multi-point injection is NOT permitted.

FRONT BUMPERS & FRONT WINGS

• Steel bumpers are permitted.
• Race Tech front ends are allowed.
• Plastic bumpers may be supported by a framework, but it must not exceed 40mm x 40mm box section (3mm thick) behind the front bumper.
• Box section may enter the chassis but must terminate within 15cm of entry with no additional strengthening or supports beyond the front struts.
• Wings must remain standard—no folding up or flaring of arches. Sills may be added.

RACING

• All drivers must be at least 16 years old.

SILENCER & EXHAUST

• All cars must be fitted with a silencer.
• If an internal exhaust system is fitted, it must be fully covered with a heat shield.

SCREENS, WINDOW NET & MIRRORS

• All glass must be removed.
• An interior mirror and a driver’s side door mirror must be fitted. The mirror must be at least 6 x 3 inches or an original external door mirror.
• A driver’s side window net is compulsory.

STOP LIGHTS

• Two fully operational brake lights must be fitted and clearly visible.
• Small marker-type lights are NOT allowed.

BRAKES

• All brakes must be fully operational.

WHEELS & TYRES

• Road-legal 12, 13, 14, and 15-inch wheels are permitted.
• Tyres must be either UK remould, UK budget, or mud and snow tyres.
• The following tyres are NOT permitted: Road rally competition tyres.
• Full rally competition tyres.
• Reinforced sidewall tyres.
• All tyres must be suitable for road use in the UK market.
• Front tyres and the nearside rear tyre must have at least 3mm tread depth.
• Beadlock wheels are NOT permitted.

BATTERIES & ELECTRICAL

• Batteries must be securely clamped inside the car and covered with an acid-proof material.
• Batteries must be fitted at least 6 inches from the fuel tank.
• An electrical cut-off switch must be mounted on the nearside rear quarter close to the B-pillar.
• Electrical wiring must not be fastened to fuel lines.

RADIATORS

• All cooling systems, including oil coolers, must be contained under the bonnet.

DRIVER’S SEAT & BELTS

• A competition seat with a head restraint must be fitted.
• Reclining seats must be welded into a fixed position.
• All seats must be securely bolted or welded into place. Adjustable runners must be welded securely.
• A minimum 3-inch-wide, 5-point harness is required. Each strap must be mounted separately to a secure location.
• An additional roll cage bar must be fitted behind the driver’s seat to provide seat support.

ROLL CAGES

• No alloy or part cages are permitted.
• The minimum roll cage must be a 6-point design, consisting of: Two front legs following the A-pillars, connected by a roof bar.
• Two rear legs following the B-pillars, connected by a roof bar.
• Two outer and one central bar connecting front and rear sections above the driver’s head.
• A dash bar between the front legs.
• Two connecting bars between the rear legs.
• Two rear stay bars extending from the rear of the roll cage.
• Two door bars on each side, fitted into the doors and connected to the front and rear legs.
• A centre bar in the windscreen area.
• Sill bars are optional, and door bars may connect to them.
• Joints must be welded over 90% of the contact area.
• Bolt-in cages must have a minimum 1-inch weld at each joint.
• Roll cage material: Minimum thickness: 1.25 inches OD 10swg (3mm) tube, 1.5 inches OD 12swg (2.5mm) tube, or 38mm x 38mm 10swg (3mm) box iron.

FIRE PROTECTION

• A 1kg dry powder fire extinguisher must be installed inside the car.
• Drivers must wear fireproof overalls and gloves, which must be presented at scrutineering.

MEETINGS

• Drivers and cars must arrive at least one hour before the advertised start time for signing-in and scrutineering.

ROOF COLOURS AND NUMBERS

All vehicles must display roof colours clearly, with a minimum of a 12-inch right-angled triangle positioned directly over the driver’s head. This ensures the roof colour is visible and easily identifiable from all angles. In addition to roof colours, door numbers must be prominently displayed on both sides of the vehicle, ensuring they are visible to officials and other drivers throughout the race.

Roof numbers must be black on a white background, with a minimum height of 21cm and a minimum width of 30cm. This standardization ensures that all numbers are legible from a distance and can be easily recognized during races.

NEW/NOVICE DRIVERS

All new or novice drivers must participate in a minimum of three meetings before they are eligible to start from the front of the grid. For their first three meetings, they will start at the back of the grid, positioned behind the Gold Roof drivers. This ensures a fair progression for new drivers as they gain experience and confidence in competitive racing.

FUEL TANKS

All fuel tanks must be constructed from metal and securely mounted behind the driver, ensuring they are positioned at least 6 inches away from the vehicle’s battery for safety. Fuel lines can either be made from metal or rubber, provided they comply with British Standards and are securely fastened along the centerline of the car. Additionally, a fuel shut-off valve must be easily accessible to the driver during a race. Every fuel tank must be fitted with a breather pipe equipped with a non-return valve to prevent fuel spillage and ensure proper ventilation.

FITNESS

Any driver who has sustained an injury, whether during a race or outside of competition, will not be permitted to continue racing in any event until a medical assessment has been conducted. The decision will be based on the driver’s fitness to safely participate, with no exceptions made for injured drivers.

LINCOLNSHIRE CUP QUALIFICATION

To qualify for the prestigious Lincolnshire Cup final, drivers must have participated in a minimum of five qualifying rounds. Only those who meet this requirement will be eligible to compete in the final event of the series.

TRANSPONDERS & RACE RECEIVERS

Race receivers are required for all drivers. These devices are essential for communication and race monitoring purposes, ensuring a safe and fair competition. To purchase yours, head over to the Race Receiver UK Facebook page.

MEETINGS GRACE PERIOD

Drivers will be granted one meeting’s grace period for vehicles that do not meet full compliance with regulations. However, this will only be applicable if the vehicle is not deemed unsafe. After this grace period, any non-compliant vehicles will be subject to penalties or exclusion from future events.

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE

The following minimum disciplinary actions will apply to breaches of behaviour:

• A minimum of a one-meeting ban will be enforced for any driver exhibiting threatening or aggressive behaviour.
• A minimum 12-month ban will be imposed for any driver involved in physical violence, with no exceptions.
• Social media abuse, including but not limited to online harassment or damaging comments, will result in a ban of up to three months, depending on the severity of the incident.

DRINKING & DRUGS

Random alcohol and drug testing will be conducted at every event to ensure the safety and integrity of the competition. Any driver who refuses to undergo testing or fails a drug/alcohol test will face an automatic 12-month suspension from racing, with no exceptions.

COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

Any complaints regarding race conduct must be submitted by drivers within 10 minutes of a race’s completion but prior to the start of the next race. Only registered drivers are permitted to lodge complaints, and these must be directed to the promotion for review. Complaints submitted outside this window or by non-drivers will not be considered.

FACEBOOK PAGE

Drivers who have not participated in the previous racing season will be removed from the official Facebook page to maintain accurate records of active participants. It is the responsibility of drivers to ensure their status is up to date.

IF IT DOESN’T SAY YOU CAN DO IT, YOU CANNOT DO IT!