Track Policy – Masterton Motorplex

Masterton Motorplex Track Policy

Version: September 15 2025 (added Electric Vehicle Policy)

Index:
1. Entry Procedure
2. Briefings
3. Qualifying
4. Crew
5. Pits
6. Gate Opening Hours & Parking
7. Prizegiving
8. Passengers
9. Competition Area Rules
10. Alcohol/Drugs
11. Camping
12. NZDRA Rule Changes
13. Personal Bests (PB’s)
14. Start Line Breakdowns
15. Dial-In Times
16. Interruptions to Racing Caused by a Racer (e.g. Oil Downs) – Fines
17. Electrimotion Safety Shutoff System
18. Driver Conduct
19. Travel Money Entry Deadlines
20. Electric Vehicles
21. General Rules

Contact Information

Visit the Contact Us page for all contact details.

1. Entry Procedure

Forms & Requirements

ALL racers must complete an Entry & SSP Form.
Street Cars/Bikes – When you arrive at the track please line up for scrutineering (7.00am – 8.30am Saturday only).
If you have a current sportsman licence, your licence number is your car number for the season.
If you purchase a meeting licence (day licence $30 )we will issue you with a temporary car number for the weekend on the day.
If you have any questions, please contact one of the officials.
Competition Cars/Bikes – Registration Booth open Friday night 5.30pm to 7.30pm. Saturday 7.00am to 8.45am. You must have your licence, log book and completed entry and SSP form.
All crew must sign in at the entry to receive armbands.
All forms are on our website and we encourage you to fill them in before the meeting (SSP forms must be filled in correctly, signed and dated for the meeting – this is an NZDRA requirement).

Late Entries

We do not accept late entries – if for some valid reason you are going to be late you MUST contact Hollee to discuss.

2. Briefings

Drivers Briefing

All Drivers and crew chiefs MUST attend the drivers briefing prior to the start of racing – approx. 9.30am on Saturday morning (announced over the pit PA prior to drivers briefing starting).

New Racers / Racers new to MMP / Racers wanting a refresher

All new racers MUST attend the ‘Newbies Briefing’ – this is announced over the pit PA and starts at 9.10am on the pedestrian crossing in the staging lanes – gives a rundown of racing rules and procedures – some drivers and crew may want a refresher on this – feel free to attend.

MMP Track Crew Briefing

All MMP volunteers MUST attend the MMP Crew briefing prior to the start of racing after Drivers briefing – approx. 9.45am on Saturday morning (announced over the pit PA system).

3. Qualifying

Qualifying will be on the first day only except at the Event Coordinator’s sole discretion.
If this day is cancelled or rained off MMP may extend qualifying to the second day.
The number of qualifying rounds will be at MMP’s discretion.
If the driver wants to change to a different competition category, they must inform the officials (at Registration Booth) no later than 10 minutes after the last qualifying round for the intended category has finished.

4. Crew

We will be strictly enforcing the limits on crew numbers. Your crew MUST BE PRESENT at the entry booth to sign in and receive their armbands.
These armbands will get them into the venue on Sunday morning only.
Super Street, Modified Bike or other sportsman DYO classes are only permitted 1 official crew.
Junior Dragster, Junior Drag bike, are permitted 2 official crew.
All other classes are permitted a maximum of 4 official crew.
Additional crew are allowed & should sign entry form, but will not receive armbands.
Crew that have not signed the entry form are only permitted in the public areas.
The vehicle driver takes full responsibility for them and their actions if they are in the drivers pit space.
If you require more than 4 crew (Group 1 only) please see Hollee.

5. Pits

Only race cars/bikes and tow-vehicles are approved to be in the Pits (these have stickers from registration booth).
Any unapproved vehicles/trailers will be required to move – This will be enforced – please let the Registration Booth know if you see vehicles in the pits that are not authorised.
All concrete pit spaces are privately leased. Please do not use a concrete pit space unless you are the owner, or you have been given permission by the Registration Booth or the event coordinator.
There is a map of the pit layout on our website. There is a large map of the pit layout at the entry to the pits, and another at the Registration Booth.
If you don’t park in the correct area please don’t be offended when you are asked to move.
Camping – If you can’t set up your tent within your pit space, you will be directed to the camping area (at the back of staging lanes). If you do camp in your pit space, you must pack up your tent before racing starts each day.
Any one on a bike, quad or trike MUST be wearing a helmet at ALL times
Racers are required to have a fire extinguisher in their pit space to assist quickly if a fire is caused.
The “VIP pit spaces” along the drag strip fence line are privately leased. Please respect the owners and do not wander through or use these spaces to view the racing without the owner’s permission.
Golf carts are to be used for towing purposes only, unless required for health reasons where the driver cannot walk to the toilets.

6. Gate Opening Hours & Parking

Gates open – Friday night at 5pm and 7am on Saturday & Sunday
Gates will be Locked 10.30pm Friday & Saturday Night by our onsite MMP official.
DO NOT ARRIVE EARLY AND PARK ON MANAIA ROAD – please park on South Belt or South Road until the gates are open – this is a Council requirement for the safety of other road users.
Parking on Manaia Road may result in you being asked to move your vehicle from this area – DO NOT wait by the gates early for them to open and block this road for other traffic.

Gate Contacts:

During Events: Bart Blithe – 027 248 4587. Bart’s Camp is located at the end of Sandi Lane in the Last “VIP pit space”.
All other times: Steve Carlsen – 027 443 9974 or Jackson Wilton – 027 248 2233

7. Prizegiving

Prizegiving will be held approximately ½ an hour after the last Competition final is completed or as soon as all the certificates have been printed.
The location for prizegiving is the area in front of the Yellow Container – Registration Booth – if there is a change in location it will be announced at drivers briefing
To be eligible for prize money there must be a minimum of 4 Cars/Bikes that must qualify in each class.

8. Passengers

No passengers are permitted unless Masterton Motorplex (MMP) receives a Passenger request form at least 7 days prior to event (under “Forms” on the website).
Passengers must have a direct involvement to the car i.e.: Sponsor, Crew, family (at MMP discretion).
MMP reserves the right to refuse any application.
MMP or the NZDRA Area Steward reserves the right to revoke any application on the day of the event.
You MUST advise the Entry booth that you are taking passengers, and the passenger(s) must sign the indemnity form – no later than 8.45am on Saturday.
All cars with a passenger on-board must display the letter ‘P’ 150mm or taller on the left front window. This letter must be removed when there is no passenger on-board.

9. Competition Area Rules

The Competition Area is the staging lanes, start line area, track and return road.
Only racers/crew that have signed the indemnity form and have an armband are permitted in the Competition area.
An adult MUST accompany any participants under the age of sixteen when they are in the Competition area (this includes Junior Dragster teams).
Any one on a bike, quad, trike, motorised scooter, motorised chilly bin etc MUST wear a helmet at ALL times.
Staging Lane Conduct:
- Once the pre-stage light is on, no one may touch the vehicle.
- For Junior Dragsters, only one pull-back is permitted.

10. Alcohol/Drugs

Drivers and crew may be subjected to random breath alcohol and drug testing. Failing a test means disqualification.
No alcohol in the pits until all racing has finished (not just your vehicle) Anyone caught consuming alcohol in the pit area while racing is on will be removed from the facility.
No alcohol in the public spectator area unless purchased at an on-site concession stand.

11. Camping

Overnight camping is available at the track for racers and crew only.
Please ensure you pay for camping at the gate. You will receive a camping armband, and there may be random spot checks.
There are no showering facilities.
Please keep the camping area clean and tidy.
There are several bins – please use them.
No race car engines to be run after dark – please use the pits for working on vehicles.
This is a family camping area. No loud noise or parties are permitted After 10.30pm. Disruptive behaviour or breaching the curfew may result in your race team being disqualified from continuing racing the following day.
We are powered by a generator and this will be turned off 10.30pm Friday & Saturday night.
Gates will be Locked 10.30pm Friday & Saturday Night by our onsite MMP official. Their Camp is at the end of Sandi Lane in the Last “VIP pit space”.
In case of emergency when gates are locked phone: Bart Blithe – 027 248 4587
STRICTLY NO CROSSING THE FENCES – THERE IS AN OPERATIONAL AIRPORT DIRECTLY BESIDE THE MMP BOUNDARY AND YOU NEED TO STAY WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES FOR YOUR SAFETY.

12. NZDRA Rule Changes

Please make sure you are familiar with all rules, not just the ones in your category.
A full copy of the rule book can be downloaded from the NZDRA website – www.nzdra.co.nz. Remember to also download the additional rule supplements.
If you require a logbook, contact NZDRA – www.nzdra.co.nz
New rules are usually confirmed by the NZDRA Board in May each year. Their website will be updated once their decision has been finalised.

13. Personal Bests (PB’s)

We will have a PB whiteboard located at Registration Booth.
If you run a PB during the meeting it is up to you to write it on the board.
We will present a PB certificate at Prize-giving for all PBs written on the board.

14. Start Line Breakdowns

If the car is between the start line and the yellow line on the barriers (about 100 feet / 30 metres out) the driver must stay in the car if they cannot restart. The starter will signal to the backup person to get behind the wall, and the starter will allow the other lane to go. The crew MUST NOT go onto the track.
If the car is past the yellow line on the barriers, the starter will shut the other lane down. He will then signal the crew to tow the stalled car to the finish line and onto the return road. Do not return to the start line. The other lane will then be restarted and have a bye run.
If the driver requires MINOR assistance (e.g. can’t get into reverse) signal the starter, or have your back up person signal, and he will allow the crew past the start line. This DOES NOT include remote starting or using battery packs in the tow vehicle.
Please tell your crew – DO NOT go onto the track without the starter’s permission.
DO NOT CROSS/JUMP THE BARRIERS AT ANY TIME regardless of the situation.

15. Dial-In Times

Racers are permitted to change their dial-in time for their racing up to the top of staging lanes (before they enter the concrete of start line area.) If a Driver wishes to change their dial-in time they must advise the Pit runner for their class who will then notify to opposing driver and also notify the Portacom control.
Once Racers enter the start line and or their Dial-In time is displayed on the Timing Boards and the Burnout is completed they are then accepting this Dial-in time and it cannot be changed.
No re-runs will be allowed for incorrect dial in if the racer enters full stage – the dial in displayed on the timing boards has been accepted.

16. Interruptions to Racing Caused by a Racer (e.g. Oil Downs) – Fines

Interruptions to racing are often caused by participants, many are accidental or unintended. However, occasionally interruptions are preventable, including incidents such as oil-downs, loose parts and fittings spilling fluids or vehicle parts, failure of unsuitable or illegal parts being used etc.
We strongly recommend fitting diapers to contain any oil should a failure occur.
Where MMP determines the interruption was preventable, MMP may impose any of the following sanctions:
- Impose a penalty on the racer – between $50 to $500 depending on the seriousness of event and number of previous incidents i.e. damage to track including sensors/sponges.
- Require the racer to perform specified remedial work on the vehicle before racing again
MMP may impose a sanction during the event or after the event.
Where a penalty is imposed this must be paid before the next event or the racer/vehicle will be refused entry.
Where remedial work is required the vehicle is not permitted on the race track until the work is inspected and passed by the area steward.

17. Electrimotion Safety Shutoff System

Masterton Motorplex has an Electrimotion Safety Shutoff System installed. Use of this system is mandatory for any vehicle running a quicker elapsed time (ET) than 6.50 seconds in a quarter mile.

The primary safety role of this system is to provide a secondary or backup method of parachute deployment, as well as fuel and ignition shutoffs.
Drivers must deploy parachutes manually using the approved primary release system – the Electrimotion system must not be used as the primary method of deployment.
Electrimotion will activate the parachutes if the driver becomes incapacitated or unable to operate the primary release.
All Electrimotion wiring, triggers, and components must be kept in good working order, and officials may inspect or review system operation and/or run data to ensure compliance.

18. Driver Conduct

Any driver or rider who refuses to voluntarily reduce speed or stop in the event of a vehicle not handling properly (i.e. excessive drifting of the vehicle towards the centre or edge of the strip) or any driver who wilfully fishtails or weaves with undue regard for the safety of himself or spectators, will be immediately barred from further competition.
If such conduct should take place during an elimination run-off, the race will automatically be forfeited to his opponent.
Any driver/rider and/or pit crew member found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, regardless of amount will be barred from the meet and is cause for suspension and/or revocation of competition privileges. (Also refer to the Alcohol & Drug section).
Abuse of any kind (including yelling or swearing) to officials regardless of whether the official is right or wrong will not be tolerated.
Any person or persons involved may be banned from the remainder of the event at MMPs sole discretion.
The driver/vehicle may be banned if a crew member is abusing officials.
MMP may, at its sole discretion, impose further sanctions after the event, including a ban from future events, and/or reporting of the behaviour to the driver’s sanctioning body for faction under their rules.
Entrants/Drivers are also responsible for their crew’s behaviour.

19. Travel Money Entry Deadlines

Travel money details and deadlines are now detailed in the Annual Newsletter.

20. Electric Vehicles (EV’s)

Masterton Motorplex is committed to maintaining a safe environment for all competitors, officials, and spectators. After thorough review, the participation of electric and hybrid vehicles is not permitted at this venue for any racing or on-track activities. This decision has been made based on the following key considerations:

Responder Safety: In the event of a crash, EVs and hybrids may remain electrically live, exposing crash crew and first responders to high-voltage hazards. Our current systems do not adequately mitigate this risk.
Fire and Safety Risks: Battery fires present serious challenges. They are difficult to extinguish using conventional methods and can reignite multiple times. Current track safety systems are not designed to handle such incidents effectively.
Track Surface Damage: A major battery fire has the potential to severely damage the asphalt surface. In such cases, racing would not be able to continue until significant repairs were completed, causing major disruption to events and other competitors.
Cost of Infrastructure Upgrades: The investment required to upgrade safety infrastructure, including fire suppression equipment, protective gear, and specialist training is currently not feasible for our facility.
Alignment with Other Tracks: Similar restrictions have been introduced at other motorsport venues facing the same challenges. Our decision is consistent with this broader industry approach.

21. General Rules

Dogs and Animals on Site

Dogs and other animals are not permitted anywhere at Masterton Motorplex. Drag racing environments involve extreme noise, sudden movement, crowds, and fast moving vehicles that can cause animals to panic and create serious safety risks. If you are found breaching this rule, you may be removed from the facility.

This EV policy will remain under review as technology and safety systems develop. Are we missing something? Please, let us know!