Rules Belt Sander Drag Racing

Track

Inside width – 7 ¾”
Inside height – 1 7/8”
Overall track length – 45’ recommended minimum
Race length – approximately 30’ start line to finish line

Power: 110-volt 20-amp max. Your sander will have a standard 3 prong plug (NEMA5-15P)

​Details: The track bottom and sides are made from ¾” plywood The starting line has a guide that the sanders are pushed up against, so they are starting at the same point. The track is 30’ between the start and finish lines. After the finish line, there is 15’ of run off with padding placed for sanders to run into. Races are started using a lighted tree and red push button. Reaction time and race time are added for an official race time.  Shortest time without red lighting wins. Double elimination.
           

Sanders

• Stock (1st and 2nd place prizes)

            Stock sanders must be store bought unmodified sanders.  They cannot have had any changes that would affect the motors’ speed.  They must use a standard store-bought abrasive belt of any grit.  No alteration to the belt is allowed.  Stock sanders can (encouraged) be decorated and must have a front bumper and guild system to help the sander go straight down the track and stop in the padding.  Keep in mind that any decorations should not drop below 2” from the track as they could interfere with the side rails.  Sanders should be locked in the power “on” position with a zip tie.

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• Modified (1st and 2nd place prizes)

            Modified sanders are just that.  They have had modifications made to increase the speed the belt travels.  Many modified sanders have tried other motor sources including grinder motors and router motors.  The only rules a modified sander has to follow are 1 – must have a front bumper and guides that fit onto the track, 2 – plug into a standard 3 prong 110v outlet, 3 - must use an unaltered store bought sanding belt of any grit.

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• Best Dressed (best dressed prize)

            Decorating sanders is one of the highlights of every race event.  All participants are encouraged to decorate their race entries in whatever way they want.  Make sure no decorations fall below the two-inch height of the side rails.

Event Rules

The race Official's decision is final.

Racers are responsible for tracking the belt before each race.

Racers are responsible for ensuring the sander fits into the track.

Racers are responsible for any sander decorations.

Racers are responsible for all risks or damage to their sander.

Once sander is placed on track, it cannot be touched, adjusted, or interfered with.

Race Official aligns entries at starting line and plugs into power cord.

Race Official is responsible for making sure the sander switch is on.

Race will be replayed if switch was not on or at Race Official's discretion

Race Officials collect sanders at the end of track and return them to their owners.

Sander is disqualified if it stops, jumps track, flips, or does not finish for any reason.

Front bumper and guide: All belt sanders are required to have a front bumper and guides to avoid the belt of the sander catching the track sides or finish line padding and jumping off track.