Carolina Antique Tractor Pullers Association
CATPA General Rules & Regulations
Safety is first, last, and always.
The officials of CATPA will enforce the rules for safety, fairness, and best interest of the association.
The track official's decision will be final.
No alcohol or drugs will be permitted.
Non sportsman-like conduct such as arguing or fighting will not be permitted (subject to disqualification and/or banning from CATPA functions).
No reckless driving of tractors will be permitted (on or off the track - subject to disqualification).
Tractors must not be left running without driver in seat.
Drivers must remain in seat at all times during the pull - no bouncing in the seat.
Only operator permitted on tractors - no riders.
Drivers under the age of 18 years old will be permitted to pull stock classes only after meeting the requirements of the parent(s) signing the release form and passing a driving test. Must have wheelie bars. Must also be able to weigh and back up to the sled. Experienced drivers allowed in super classes.
Tractor drivers must be in loose chain position with tractor in neutral and hands off controls before hooking and unhooking.
Excessive raising of front-end will not be permitted. Excessive to be over 12" between front tires and track. Decision to be made by sled operator or stopping flagman. Tractors with proper wheelie bars are exempt from this rule.
All tractors must have working brakes.
When the driver starts his/her pull, if he/she stops because he/she is in the wrong gear, spins out, chokes, or breaks, he/she can immediately pull again or drop to last provided he/she is not over the foot line (50 ft. on all). If he/she elects not to drop, then his/her stop, spin out, choke, or break point becomes his/her distance. Limited to two attempts only.
If the tractor pulls the sled too easily in the judgment of the sled operator, the sled operator will adjust the weight and the tractor can pull again first or drop to last.
When a tractor pulls the sled the full distance, it will be known as a full pull. When 2 or more tractors in the same class make a full pull, the sled operator will adjust the weight and have a pull-off. The tractors will line up in the order they made their full pull.
Side line markers with distance in feet will be used to assist in measuring distances pulled. A marker will also be placed at the stopping point of longest distance pulled to let other pullers know who is in the first place. This marker is an approximate marking and the footage counter on the sled will always be the official distance pulled.
Tractors that touch the white line will be disqualified.
A three-man committee made up of board members will resolve disputes.
A sled operator will ride weight transfer at all times.
Tractors must retain a factory appearance as approved by dispute team.
CATPA officials reserve the right to inspect any tractor at any time to make sure they meet the requirements of our safety rules.
Any tractor that fails to meet CATPA safety requirements will not be permitted to pull until the safety infractions have been corrected.
No tractor is allowed to hook more than one time in each class.
No weight changing on scales or track.
Any questions regarding these rules should be directed to the track officials or board members.
Pullers must cross the scales to have weight checked after each pull. If over-weight for that class, you will be disqualified. When unhooked from sled, don't stop or get out of seat until tractor is weighed, except when broke down.
If any puller violates the CATPA rules: 1st time - disqualified with no points; 2nd time - put on probation with no points; 3rd time - barred from pulling for the rest of the season with no points. Applies to both drivers and tractors.
See additional rules pertaining to your individual tractor and class.
After you start your pull, you must not attempt to change gears, clutch the tractor, or jerk the sled in any way.
The use of T.A.'s, multi-power, or others types of power shifts will not be permitted (exception - super tractors and turbos).
When a tractor is bought, sold, or traded, all points accumulated by that tractor stays with that tractor for the year.
These rules can be added to, or modified by the board of directors and rules committee.
All tractors with turbos and all modified tractors must have a spring loaded throttle that returns the engine to idle when released. This is commonly known as a dead man throttle.
See additional rules and regulations covering stock tractor, super tractor, and turbo tractor.
All out-of-competition tractors will be pulled at the end of each class they are pulling in. No tractor to pull out-of-competition more than two times per class during the year.
Any part or weights falling off the tractors after being hooked, and until the tractor is unhooked, will result in disqualification.
Any driver that is going to pull must be able to pull his/her tractor across scales and back up to the sled.
All CATPA rules will apply.
Trophies and/or awards given to pullers are furnished by promoters, not CATPA.
Gate admission - only 2 people per tractor allowed through the gate. This includes the driver & 1 person. Promoter gets gate fee, not CATPA.
All tractors to have stationary seats.
All tractors with turbos must have wiring, hardware, etc. for connection to sled tachometer.
CATPA Rules for Stock Antique Tractors, 1960 & Older
Safety rules apply to all tractors, classes, and persons.
Drawbar maximum height of 21" to hook point; fixed in all directions - no floating.
Length of drawbar - 18" minimum from center of wheel to hook point - with no obstructions.
All stock tractors must be equipped with a 3" open ring hitch or clevis with 3" opening in horizontal position. Clevis must be stationary. Sled chain hook must hang free.
Maximum width of tractor - 96" measured from outside to outside of tires.
Factory fuels only - kerosene, diesel fuel, propane, gasoline, and cam 2. No nitrous or anything injected.
Factory RPM's plus 10% - fast idle maximum - checked with tachometer with hand throttle held full open by CATPA official.
Must have working governors - no manual override. Rev. limiters & MSD boxes are allowed, will be inspected for by-pass switches.
Tractor must have original frame and original motor mounts.
Exhaust pipe must go straight up.
Must have agricultural-type carburetor, in original up, down, or side-draft position.
Must have working brakes.
Recommend that all tractors have wheelie bars per CATPA specs.
Recommend that engine have stop switch in reach of driver.
Weight racks will be permissible - front weight racks not to extend more than 12" past front frame of tractor. Rear weight rack not to extend past rear of back tires. All weight to be secured to weight rack. All weight racks to be stationary. If weights are lost, you will be disqualified.
No changing of gears during pull.
Tractors with factory gear reduction, such as torque amplifier, multi-power, power shifts, or any other factory shifter (that is a factory reducer) can be run either side - no shifting.
Any gear pulling with maximum 3.5 MPH speed limit. Horn will blow 2 warnings, 3rd horn blown - disqualified.
It is recommended that all tractors that run this class on a regular basis be clean, painted, and/or restored.
Cut tires allowed on rims - to meet these specifications:
Tires can be cut on top of cleat, cannot be cut in front of cleat
Weight Classes
3,250
3,500
4,000
13.6 Max Tire Size (170 sq. in.)
Weight Classes
4,500
5,000
5,500
15.5 Max Tire Size (200 sq. in.)
Weight Classes
6,000
7,000
16.9 Max Tire Size (252 sq. in.)
Weight Classes
8,000
9,000
18.4 Max Tire Size (300 sq. in.)
Weight Classes
10,500
12,000
24.5 Max Tire Size
Rims will be no larger than tire size.
Maximum wheel size - 38" diameter.
Dispute to be settled by 3-man dispute team.
All CATPA rules apply.
CATPA Rules for Super Antique Tractors, 1960 & Older
Safety rules apply to all tractors, classes, and persons.
RPM's - 2500 maximum - checked with tachometer with hand throttle held full open by CATPA official.
All wheel and tire sizes allowed up to 24.5, 38" diameter - no 42" tires and rims.
Maximum width of tractor - 96" measured from outside of rear tires.
Cut tires allowed.
Drawbar maximum height of 21" to hook point.
Drawbar to be fixed in all directions - no floating.
Length of drawbar - 18" minimum from center of wheel to hook point.
Must have closed ring hitch - 3" or more in diameter and tractor must not obstruct or clevis. Sled chain hook must hang free.
Must have factory working governors - no manual overrides.
Exhaust pipe must go straight up.
Must have agricultural type carburetor, in original up, down, or side draft position.
Must have working brakes.
Mandatory that all tractors have wheelie bars per specifications.
Tractor must have the original frame and same original manufacturer's brand of engine offered in original tractor, fitting onto the original bell housing and bolted directly to the original motor mounts (no alterations) and with no more or less cylinders than the original motor.
Power shifting permitted.
Tractor must have safety kill switch capable of being hooked to sled (disconnected by sled operator). Will be checked.
Tractor must have dead-man throttle.
Tractor must have back on seat. Minimum 6" high measured from top of seat rim.
Factory fuels only: kerosene, diesel fuel, propane, gasoline, and cam 2. Nothing injected.
Tractors must have fenders. Minimum to top of tire, and wide enough to cover drivers sides.
Weight racks will be permissible: front weight rack not to extend more than 12" past front frame of tractor. Rear weight rack not to extend past back of rear tires. All weights to be secured to weight rack. All weight racks to be stationary.
Weight limitations are as follows: AC WD45, Massey 33, Oliver 77, Farmall Super H, and down, and like-size tractors are not allowed in classes below 4000 lb. No 88 Oliver, M Farmall, 44 Massey, G John Deere, and like tractors can pull below the 4500 lb. No 99 or 990 Olivers or like tractors can pull below the 7000 lb. No GVI Moline, 1900 Oliver, and like tractors can pull below 8000 lb.
It is recommended that all tractors that run this class on a regular basis be clean, painted, and/or restored.
All CATPA rules apply.
Modifications may be made to these rules at any time CATPA board of directors and president thinks there is danger to the drivers or spectators.
These tractors will be inspected and if they don't meet these specifications, you will not be allowed to pull until specifications are met - no exceptions.
CATPA Farm Class Tractors - Any Year Model
Safety rules apply to all tractors, classes, and persons.
Must be stock appearing.
Stamp steel wheels allowed - maximum rim size is 38" on all farm tractors.
Cut tires in the 4500, 5500, 6500, 7500, 8500, and 9500 will be same as stock classes. Maximum tire size 24.5 x 32.
Factory RPM's plus 10% up to 8500 lb. classes. Maximum RPM's for 8500 lbs. and up is 3000 RPM's.
No turbos allowed below 8500 lb. classes.
Lift weight brackets with stabilizers must be rigid (vertical & horizontal).
Lift weight brackets can be replaced with fixed weight brackets.
Classes are 4500, 5500, 6500, 7500, 8500, 9500.
Draw bar same as stock tractors.
No welded-on hubs.
No factory parts can be moved or replaced by aluminum, fiberglass, or plastic. Can use thin sheet metal. 8500 and 9500, may remove HYD lift housing if a SFI approved roll cage is installed. Cage must have SFI stamp and documentation. If you use a cage, you must use seat belts and wear a dot approved helmet. CATPA recommends you use a five point harness.
Must have cross bolts in stack 5" above turbo.
All tractors with turbos must have kill switches.
Exhaust pipe must be secured.
Removal side shields permitted.
Turbo must be covered up with sheet metal, same thickness as hood (must be steel).
No hole drilling in turbo housing.
Stock manifold.
Weight racks not to extend more than 12" past front frame of tractor. Rear weight rack not to extend past back of rear tires. All weight racks to be stationary.
Must have throttle stop on injection pump.
Must have original motor or factory replacement.
Maximum cubic inch - 504.
All turbo farm tractors to have wide fronts, no tricycle.
Factory fuel only.
CATPA Hot Farm Class Tractors - Any Year Model
Safety rules apply to all tractors, classes, and persons.
Must be stock appearing.
Stamp steel wheels allowed - maximum rim size is 38".
May use cut tires - maximum tire size is 24.5 x 32.
Maximum RPM 3000.
No turbos allowed below 8500 lb. class.
Lift weight brackets with stabilizers must be rigid (vertical and horizontal).
Lift weight brackets can be replaced with fixed weight brackets.
Classes are 10500, 11000, 11500.
Draw bar same as stock tractors.
No welded-on hubs.
No factory parts can be moved or replaced by aluminum, fiberglass, or plastic. Can use thin sheet metal. 10500, 11500, and 12500 may remove HYD lift housing if a SFI approved roll cage is installed. Cage must have SFI stamp and documentation. If you use a cage, you must use seat belts and wear a dot approved helmet. CATPA recommends you use a five point harness.
Must have cross bolts in stack 5" above turbo.
All tractors with turbos must have kill switches.
Exhaust pipe must be secured.
Removal side shields permitted.
Turbo must be covered up with sheet metal, same thickness as hood (must be steel).
No hole drilling in turbo housing.
Stock manifold.
Weight racks not to extend more than 12" past front frame of tractor. Rear weight rack not to extend past back of rear tires. All weight racks to be stationary.
Must have throttle stop on injection pump.
Must have original motor or factory replacement.
Maximum cubic inch - 504.
All turbo farm tractors to have wide fronts, no tricycle.
Factory fuel only.
CATPA Rules for Turbo Tractors - 1973 & Older
Safety rules apply to all tractors, classes, and persons.
Classes offered will be 5500, 6000, 6500, 7500, 8500, 9000, 9500, and 10500.
Tractor must have the original frame and same original manufacturer's brand of engine offered in original tractor, fitting onto the original bell housing and bolted directly to the original frame (no alterations) and with no more or less cylinders than the original motor.
Engine sizes and weight classes:
5500 lb. class limited to 370 cubic inch max.
6000 lb. class limited to 370 cubic inch max.
6500 lb. class limited to 410 cubic inch max.
7500 to 8500 lb. class limited to 550 cubic inch max.
9000 to 10500 lb. class limited to 600 cubic inch max.
Engine RPM 3000 max.
Tractor must have stock bell housing and stock transmission housing - no aluminum replacements.
One air compression device (turbo charger).
One fuel injection pump or carburetor of any size permitted.
Side shield required - must extend below center line of crank.
Turbo charger must be surrounded by sheet metal.
Must have 100 lbs of moveable weight.
Exhaust stack must extend 12" minimum straight up with two 2 3/8" bolts crossed 6" above hood or tube.
All super rules on kill switches, seats, weight brackets, drawbars, tire and wheel size, etc. will apply.
Wide front ends only, no tricycle.
Must have throttle stop on injection pump - will be inspected.
Cubic inch will be checked first and last of the season with AP&G cubic inch tester. CATPA reserves the right to check cubic inch any time we feel there is a need.
Sled operator may stop tractors that seem to be getting out of control.
6250 lbs will compete under the 6500 lb. rules.
CATPA Rules for Antique Modified Tractors
All safety rules will be in force at all times on and off the track! Safety first!
Classes offered will be 4500, 5000, small block (365 cubic inches) 5500, 6000, 6500, and big block (500 cubic inches) 5500 open.
Tractors must use the rear end and sheet metal (transmission optional) from a farm tractor of the years 1963 and before. Hood may be modified and/or extended to accommodate the automotive engine and/or transmission.
Tractors may have frames extended or replaced, but no part of the tractor (including weight brackets) shall extend further than 13 ft (156 inches) from the center of the rear wheels. The rear weight bracket shall not extend past the rear tires. The front weight bracket must not extend more than 12 inches in front of the furthermost portion of the grill or main frame of tractor. The wheel base of the tractor (center of front wheel to center of rear wheel) shall not exceed 10 1/2 ft (126 inches).
Any automotive OEM 6 cylinder or small block or big block v-8 naturally aspirated cast iron engine (with OEM cast iron heads) with a maximum of 365 cubic inch displacement small block, or a maximum of 500 cubic inch displacement big blocks. No fuel injection. Aluminum intakes allowed.
Small block may run 6500 RPM's, big blocks can run 6000 RPM's. Every tractor must be equipped with a memory tachometer and track official will check the memory tach at the end of each pull. If memory tach is not working or is obviously inaccurate, the tractor will be disqualified. Tractors must be equipped with a 4-prong trailer light plug (female end) in order that CATPA can, at their option, attach an association owned tach to the tractor at any time (before pull, after pull, or tach on tractor during pull). The plug should be wired as follows: A) white wire-ground; B) brown wire-12 volt power supply; C) yellow wire-coil/tach; D) green wire-light (optional).
Tractors may use gasoline or high octane racing fuel only. No nitrous or any additives allowed. No pressure on fuel tank.
Tractors may run either an automotive automatic or manual transmission in addition to the tractor transmission, or the automotive transmission (manual or automatic) may be connected directly to the differential.
All automotive transmissions must be covered with a current (not over 4 years old) sema approved safety blanket or shield and be secured as specified by sema.
All engines using a clutch must be equipped with a current sema (or NHRA) approved clutch housing, flywheel, pressure plate, and clutch disc, or the clutch, flywheel, pressure plate, and clutch disc must be covered with a sema approved safety blanket or shield and secured as specified by sema.
The remaining drive train to the original tractor transmission (or differential if not using the tractor transmission) must be shielded 360 degrees with 3/16 inch steel or 3/8 inch aluminum and fastened every 6 inches with 3/8 inch grade 8 or better bolts or butt seam welded.
All engines must be equipped with an electric cooling fan. No OEM or OEM replacement fans are allowed.
All automatic transmissions must be equipped with a safety switch to prevent starting unless in park or neutral. Tractors equipped with manual transmissions must have a safety switch so clutch must be depressed in order to start engine.
All tractors must be equipped with kill switches and wheelie bars as specified by CATPA. Kill switches must cut off the ignition and stop the electric fuel pump, if so equipped.
All tractors must be equipped with a "return to idle" dead-man throttle.
All exhaust pipes must point straight upwards.
A 2 1/2 pound ABC fire extinguisher must be mounted within easy reach of the driver.
Hitch point must not be over 21 inches high or closer than 18 inches from a line extending center to center of the rear wheels.
Tires may be cut.
Wheel diameter must not exceed 38 inches.
Maximum width of tractor is 96 inches.
Tractors must have fenders that are a minimum of 2 inches higher than the tires and are wide enough to cover the driver's body.
Tractors must have safety shields of a minimum of 1/8 inch thick steel on each side of the engine extending the full length of the engine. The shield must extend at least 2 inches below the point of the lowest throw of the crankshaft and to the top of the piston travel. Shield must not be attached to the engine. Starter, motor mounts, and other accessories do not qualify as being part of the shield.
All tractors must be equipped with a roll bar or roll cage. The roll bars and roll cages must be of sufficient strength and height to protect the driver. A factory made ROPS will be adequate. All roll bars, roll cages, and ROPS must be attached to the main frame or axles of the tractor. Roll bars, roll cages, and ROPS must be of sufficient strength steel (no aluminum) to protect the driver and support the tractor in the event of an accident. Automotive exhaust pipe will not be allowed for construction of roll bars and roll cages.
Tractors must have back on seat, minimum of 6 inches high, measured from top of seat rim.
Tractors must be equipped with seat belts and drivers must have them fastened while pulling.
It is recommended that drivers wear helmets when pulling.
All CATPA rules apply.
Tire sizes:
Small Blocks - 4500-5000 lbs (365 cubic inches) 18.4 x 38
Big Blocks - 5500-6500 lbs (500 cubic inches) 24.5 x 38
Effective July 1, 2005 - tractor must have wide front end, 48" center to center tires minimum.
CATPA Kill Switch Specifications
On spark ignition tractors - the kill switch must break the electrical current to the ignition.
The use of a plug in the circuit that comes apart when tractor breaks away from the sled or is pulled by sled operator is acceptable.
On diesel engines - the kill switch must shut the air off to the intake.
This can be done by an electronic switch that shuts off the ignition pump and releases the intake flap by use of magnet or a mechanical flap with break away cord run from intake through 3/8" copper tube to 2" ring.
All kill switches to have a 2" minimum ring attached for hooking the sled.
Kill switch to be mounted minimum 4 ft. above ground level and not more than 6" off center either way.
Kill switches will be tested along with hitches and wheelie bars.
The authority to pull the kill switch is left up to the sled operator and is a judgement call, not subject to question.
In the event a kill switch comes loose by accident or unknown reason during the pull, and the flagman & sled operator agree that no danger was involved, the tractor may pull over.
If the kill switch is pulled because of reckless driving or other dangerous situation, the tractor will not be permitted to pull over.
CATPA Wheelie Bar Specifications
Wheelie bars must have pads, no wheels.
The front edge of the stabilizer pad can't be further forward than the rear most portion of the tire.
10" maximum height off ground.
Pad size - 5 x 5 x 1/4" thick
20" minimum across pads from outside to outside.
NOTE: The wheelie bar must be able to support the weight of the tractor in the heaviest class pulled. To test, jack up the pads so tractor is completely off the ground.
The wheelie bars and draw bars will be inspected by CATPA officials while tractor is on scales being weighed.
CATPA Membership & Point System
You must join CATPA to be in the points system.
You will receive a number for your tractor.
Members who have more than one tractor to enter in points:
Tractor #1 will cost $20.00
Each additional tractor will cost $5.00 extra
Points go to the tractor & the trophy at the end of the year would go to the person who signed up that tractor.
Membership renewal is required each year.
Tractors must pull at least 1/2 of pulls that CATPA has to offer for that year to win points.
Plaques or trophies will be given to 1st & 2nd place in each class.
If a non-member wins 1st place & a member wins 2nd place, 1st place points goes to the member.
Pulls that are rained out, pullers that come & are pre-registered for that pull will receive 5 points in addition to what they win or what they will win.
If there is only one tractor in a class, there will be no trophies awarded, but you will still receive your points.
Points awarded as follows:
1st Place - 5 Points
2nd Place - 4 Points
3rd Place - 3 Points
4th Place - 2 Points
All Others - 1 Point
CATPA Membership Application
Driver Information:
Name ________________________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________________
City _______________________________ State _________ Zip Code ____________
Phone Number _________________________________________________________
The tractor with driver must weigh within the limits of a class to be eligible to pull in that class. All safety rules and class rules shall be followed at all times.
CATPA will not be responsible for accidents or injuries. I hereby understand and agree to abide by the rules and conditions of CATPA.
Driver Signature ________________________________________________________
Date _________________________________________________________________
** Make checks payable to CATPA **
Direct questions to Brad Gautier (910) 990-1239, or email farmalltractor@yahoo.com