NHRA Auxiliary Pit Vehicle Policy - Is this new?

[Jason Oldfield]

So I log onto the NHRA National Event Entry website today, and I'm presented with the message below in a pop-up window that I must accept to continue. Now, I know that NHRA had a policy regarding pit vehicles, but I don't remember there being a $1,500 fine per occurrence for violation of the policy. This also seems to be much more wide ranging and specific than previously.

Is this something new, or did I miss something?

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It is in the best interests of the sport, racers, sponsors, fans and vendors to reduce and better control auxiliary pit vehicles. Therefore, the following apply:

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PENALITIES FOR VIOLATION OF AUXILIARY PIT VEHICLE POLICY
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� THERE IS A $1,500 FINE PER OCCURRENCE FOR VIOLATION OF THIS POLICY

� YOUR VEHICLE MAY BE IMPOUNDED

� YOUR PERMIT MAY BE REVOKED

� OTHER PENALTIES DEEMED APPROPRIATE MAY BE IMPOSED

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AUXILIARY PIT VEHICLE OPERATING RULES
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• Pedestrians have the right-of-way. Be observant and courteous at all times.

• Auxiliary pit vehicles may be used for necessary transportation only.

• No Joyriding, cruising, or recreational riding.

• Use perimeter roadways and avoid high-traffic areas, such as the Pro pits and Manufacturers Midway, unless absolutely necessary to do otherwise.

• The maximum speed limit is 15 mph or lower where posted.

• Must be at least 16 years old and have a valid state driver�s license.

• Never operate any vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, medication or injury.

• Never transport passengers whose judgment may be impaired.

• Obey traffic signage, directions, signals and instructions by officials, security and/or law enforcement officials.

• Each passenger must have an OEM seat and remain seated while vehicle is moving. No passenger overloading. No passengers sitting in a backwards position on the front cowling, riding on front dashes of golf carts or on ATV handlebars.

• Never operate any vehicle without proper authorization, at excessive speed, recklessly or without due consideration to pedestrians.

• No parking in pedestrian traffic areas or where parking would create an obstacle.

• Must display current year valid pit vehicle sticker at all times. Any stickers from previous seasons must be removed.

• Pit vehicles operated after dusk/sunset must have a working headlight. Taillights may also be required on an individual basis depending upon vehicle design.

• All vehicles must be operated according to manufacturer and applicable industry specifications regarding seating capacity and operating controls. It is the owner�s and operator�s responsibility to be familiar with such specifications.

• Owners and Operators specifically ASSUME ALL RISKS of any type regarding the operation of any auxiliary pit vehicle.

• Report all incidents/crashes involving the vehicle to NHRA Official or Security and/or law enforcement officials. REPORT CRASHES/INCIDENTS REQUIRING MEDICAL ATTENTION TO LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS IMMEDIATELY.

• AUXILIARY PIT VEHICLE OWNER/OPERATOR (hereinafter �LICENSEE�) UNDERSTANDS, ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES that all auxiliary pit vehicles operated at any NHRA event, regardless of ownership, must be registered with NHRA. LICENSEE FURTHER UNDERSTANDS, ACKNOWLEDGES, AND AGREES that Licensee assumes and shall be responsible for the risk of loss to Licensee, its invitees, NHRA, track owners and operators, racing participants, and each of their respective officers, owners, officials, sponsors, contractors, employees and agents from the acts or omissions of Licensee, its invitees and guests with respect to Licensee�s use of any vehicle at any NHRA event, including without limitation the operation of an auxiliary pit vehicle by Licensee and/or its invitees. Licensee shall maintain its own comprehensive general liability insurance. LICENSEE FUTHER AGREES to indemnify and hold harmless the Released Parties as to all lawsuits, claims, damages, costs and attorneys� fees, including claims as to Released Parties� sole or contributory negligence, arising out of or related to Licensee�s auxiliary pit vehicle being on site at the event.