Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 120-3-18-.07 - Motor Vehicle Racetracks

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(1) General Requirements for all Motor Vehicle Racetracks

(a) All barriers, fencing, guard rails, and deflectors required under this Chapter shall be inspected by facility owners and / or operators prior to each racing event or exhibition. Damaged, deteriorated, or missing components shall be repaired or replaced prior to any activities subject to the license of the facility. All inspections, deficiencies, and repairs shall be documented by the facility owners and / or operators. These documents shall be maintained by the facility for a minimum of three years and shall be made available to the authority having jurisdiction upon request.

(b) The owner or lessee of any real property upon which exists a motor vehicle racetrack or other place subject to this chapter shall inform the Safety Fire Commissioner within ten days of any damage caused to any guardrail, post, or other device which has for its purpose the prevention of injury or loss of life to spectators at the racetrack or other place. Until any such damage is repaired and the repairs are approved by fire inspectors, there shall be no activities subject to the license of the facility permitted on such racetrack or other place.

(c) Prior to each racing event or exhibition, racetracks shall be inspected by the facility owners or operators for any obstructions or debris. All obstructions or debris which may cause a vehicle to lose control under racing conditions and endanger spectators shall be removed prior to the racing event. Such inspections shall be documented by the facility owners and / or operators.

(d) Any person including, but not limited to, staff, crew, press, and photographers with pit and track access shall be provided with a means to be readily identifiable. Such means may include displayed credentials, identified vests, shirts, or other means approved by the State Fire Marshal.

(e) Where required by this Chapter, spectator and debris control fences shall have catch cables installed as follows:

(1) There shall be a minimum of four catch cables, equally spaced along the height of the fence.

(2) The bottom strand of catch cable shall be a minimum of 3/4 inch diameter.

(3) The remaining strands of catch cables shall be a minimum of 3/8 inch diameter.

(4) Catch cables shall be corrosion resistant.

(5) Catch cables shall be rigidly anchored, with anchor points designed by a Georgia registered architect or engineer to withstand the maximum anticipated load generated during a vehicular impact.

(6) Catch cables shall not be anchored to fence posts.

(7) Catch cables may be supported by fence posts and shall be installed to allow f or absorption of vehicular impact.

(2) Circular, Oval, and Similar Racetracks

(a) This subsection applies to circular, oval, and similar racetracks.

(b) Spectator Exposure: Guard rails shall be designed to be reasonably effective in preventing vehicle penetration and redirecting errant vehicles. The minimum requirements for guard rail posts shall be six inches by six inches and of treated timbers or the equivalent, embedded a minimum of four feet and exposed a minimum of three feet, and placed on a maximum 6-foot centers. These posts shall be embedded in holes packed tightly with gravel and dirt. The guard rails shall be constructed two inches thick by eight inches wide oak planking or the equivalent. There shall be at least four such guard rails. The first guard rail shall be placed even with the top of the post, and the other three rails shall be at one-inch intervals to constitute the required four, two inch by eight inch rails. Guard rails shall be provided to protect spectator and other occupied areas where the design, layout or grand ground level of the areas must be protected as determined by the authority having jurisdiction. Guard rails or the equivalent are required on both sides of the track where spectators are permitted in the infield.

(c) The Spectator Area(s) shall be maintained by the owner/operator of the facility. Spectator areas shall be located behind a spectator and debris control fence. This fence shall be constructed of heavy gauge wire mesh, installed on a minimum of 2 5/8 inch (outside diameter) or a minimum of 2 inch (inside diameter) pipe or equivalent. The fence posts shall be installed on a maximum eight-foot centers. All wire fences shall be grounded. These posts shall be embedded in a minimum of four feet of gravel and dirt. The fence shall be a minimum or 15 feet above track level. This fence shall be so designed, constructed, and erected to withstand normal crowd control use and deflection of debris from the racetrack side, and shall be provided with catch cables installed in accordance with this Chapter.

(d) Where metal posts are used, the wire shall be affixed to the post by lacing or attaching the wire to the post with wire of the same gauge as the wire fence. Where wood is used, the wire shall be affixed to the post with wire staples, the same size as the wire. The wire shall be hung loosely in a fashion that will permit a basket-type arresting system. This fence shall be constructed to prohibit spectators' access to the track area. No spectator(s) shall be permitted on the racetrack during trial runs, testing or racing events.

(e) Non-Spectator Exposed Area: Adequate metal deflectors, similar to those in highway construction and equivalent in strength, are permitted where there is no spectator exposure as determined by the authority having jurisdiction.

(f) The pit areas shall be properly segregated from spectator exposure and where necessary, physical barricades made of adequate fencing material shall be installed. Spectator and debris control fencing in accordance with 120-3-18-.07(2)(b) shall be provided for all spectator areas located within the pit areas. Close policing and supervision of the pit area shall be enforced at all times. Adequate type and size portable fire extinguishers shall be installed throughout the pit area. This need shall be determined by the on-site inspection.

(g) The entire racetrack shall be constantly monitored and policed to ensure spectators remain in the designated spectator areas. Persons monitoring and policing the racetrack shall be provided with a means of constant and immediate communication with each other.

(h) Flagman shall be at least 18 years of age and shall not be under the influence of intoxicants, narcotics, and other dangerous drugs while performing their duties. Flagmen shall be provided with a working area that will ensure their safety at all times. The flagman in control of the event shall be provided with a means to prevent the flagman from being struck by any debris which may come from the racetrack. The flagman's vantage point shall provide a view of the entire racetrack. The flagman shall not be permitted to work on the track surface under any circumstances while racing events is are in progress.

(i) Prior to each racing event or exhibition track surfaces shall be inspected and maintained in good condition.

(3) Drag Strips

(a) This subsection applies to drag strips.

(b) No person shall be allowed in the competition or staging area except event officials, drivers, and pit crew members.

(c) Guardrails shall be designed to be reasonably effective in preventing vehicle penetration and redirecting errant vehicles. The minimum requirement for guard rail posts shall be of the highway type "I" beam with guard rail posts on a maximum of 12-foot centers or equivalent. Posts shall be embedded in a minimum of 3 feet in concrete and exposed a minimum of 2 feet. The guard rail shall be mounted on the "I" beam beginning at the top of the "I" beam and secured with bolts and nuts a minimum of 5/8 inch diameter. Guardrails shall be erected on both sides of the strip to extend from the start to finish line. Where spectators or automobile parking are permitted beyond the finish line, the guard rail shall be extended to include these areas. Guardrails shall be erected no more than 3 feet from the edge of the racetrack surface. The entire racing strip shall be paved.

(d) Crowd Control Fence: A crowd control fence shall be installed a minimum of 20 feet from the guard rails. The fence shall be of the heavy chain link fence type. The fence shall be a minimum of 48 inches high and mounted on steel posts a minimum of 1 1/2 inch inside diameter and on a maximum of 8-foot centers. A metal top rail shall be installed the entire length of the fence. The fence shall be installed in such a manner to ensure that spectators are not permitted on the racetrack. No spectator shall be permitted on the racetrack side of the fence during time trial runs, testing or racing events. All wire fences and metal guard rails shall be grounded.

(e) The racing pit area shall be properly segregated from spectator exposure and where necessary, physical barricades made of adequate fencing material shall be installed. Where a physical barricade is impractical due to the pit area location or movement of the vehicles, crowd control officers shall be provided in numbers as needed to adequately provide spectator segregation and safe passage of spectators and the general public through the area. Close policing and supervision of the racing pit area shall be required at all times. Adequate type and size portable fire extinguishers shall be installed throughout the racing pit area. This need shall be determined by the on-site inspection.

(f) The entire racetrack shall be constantly monitored and policed to ensure spectators remain in the designated spectator areas. Persons monitoring and policing the racetrack shall be provided with a means of constant and immediate communication with each other.

(g) The starter shall be at least 18 years of age and shall not be under the influence of intoxicants, narcotics, and other dangerous drugs while performing their duties. The starter's vantage point shall provide a view of the entire racetrack.

(h) Prior to each racing event or exhibition racetrack surfaces shall be inspected and maintained in good condition.

(i) The entire racetrack shall be constantly monitored and policed to ensure spectators remain in the designated spectator areas. Persons monitoring and policing the racetrack shall be provided with a means of constant and immediate communication with each other.

(4) Road Course Racetracks

(a) This subsection applies to road course racetracks.

(b) Spectator Exposure: Guard rails shall be designed to be effective in preventing vehicle penetration and redirecting errant vehicles. Double row guard rails or other barriers shall offer similar protection such as reinforced concrete, earthen embankments, or other approved barriers shall be provided in primary spectator areas. The guard rails shall be made of steel or other materials of equivalent strength. Spacing, strength, and installation requirements shall be similar to those used in highway construction. The height, spacing, and strength shall be determined by the Inspector. A fence shall be installed not less than 25 feet behind the racetrack guard rail for spectator control. The fence shall be constructed of adequate wire to prohibit spectator access to the immediate racetrack area. The minimum height of this fence shall not be less than 48 inches. All wire fences and metal guard rails shall be grounded.

(1) the 25-foot distance between the racetrack guard rails and the spectator control fence shall be reduced to a minimum of five feet when the guard rail is four feet below the spectator area elevation.

(c) Fences shall be installed on 2 5/8 inch outside diameter steel posts or the equivalent and on a maximum of 10-foot centers and embedded in a minimum of 30 inches of concrete. A suitable metal railing or the equivalent shall be firmly secured at the top of each fence and shall run the entire length of the fence in the primary spectator areas.

(d) The racing pit area shall be properly segregated from spectator exposure and where necessary, physical barricades made of adequate fencing material shall be installed. Where a physical barricade is impractical due to the pit area location or movement of the vehicles, crowd control officers shall be provided in numbers as needed to adequately provide spectator segregation and safe passage of spectators and / or the general public through the area. Close policing and supervision of the racing pit area shall be required at all times. Adequate type and size portable fire extinguishers shall be installed throughout the racing pit area. This need shall be determined by the on-site inspection.

(e) Flagman shall be at least 18 years of age and shall not be under the influence of intoxicants, narcotics, and other dangerous drugs while performing their duties. Flagmen shall be provided with a working area that will ensure their safety at all times. The flagman in control of the event shall be provided with a means to prevent the flagman from being struck by any debris which may come from the racetrack. The flagman in control of the event shall be provided with a means of constant and immediate communication with other flagman to monitor racetrack areas which are not in view of the flagman in control. The flagman shall not be permitted to work on the racetrack surface under any circumstances while racing events are in progress.

(f) Prior to each racing event or exhibition racetrack surfaces shall be inspected and maintained in good condition.

(5) Mud Bogs and Demolition Derbies

(a) This subsection applies to mud bogs and demolition derbies.

(b) Demolition Derbies that occur on licensed racetracks under this chapter shall comply with the requirements for that facility type and are exempt from the requirements of this section.

(d) All vehicles competing in mud bogs shall be equipped with a kill switch that is readily accessible to the driver and a tethered kill switch. One kill switch that combines these functions shall satisfy this requirement.

(e) Spectators shall be separated from the course edge by at least 50 feet. An approved means shall be provided to prevent spectators from approaching within 50 feet of the course edge.

(1) Spectators may be separated from the course by less than 50 feet only where the course is equipped with a 1/2 inch restraining cable installed not more than 10 feet from the course edge and a secondary adequate means to prevent spectators from approaching within 20 feet of the restraining cable. The cable shall be securely anchored to 6x6 inch posts and set at a minimum of 48 inches height. Posts shall be spaced by not more than 8 feet on center installed with at least 36 inches firmly buried.

(f) The starter shall be at least 18 years of age and shall not be under the influence of intoxicants, narcotics, and other dangerous drugs while performing their duties. The starter's vantage point shall provide a view of the entire course.

(6) Truck and Tractor Pulls

(a) This subsection applies to truck and tractor pulls.

(b) No person shall be allowed in the competition or staging area except event officials, drivers, and pit crew members.

(c) All vehicles competing in truck and tractor pulls shall be equipped with a kill switch that is readily accessible to the driver and a tethered kill switch. One kill switch that combines these functions shall satisfy this requirement. An additional kill switch that is tethered from the sled to the truck or tractor shall also be provided to shut off truck or tractor power in the event of sled separation from the truck or tractor.

(d) Spectators shall be separated from the course edge by at least 100 feet. A means shall be provided to prevent spectators from approaching within 100 feet of the course edge.

(e) The starter shall be at least 18 years of age and shall not be under the influence of intoxicants, narcotics, and other dangerous drugs while performing their duties. The starter's vantage point shall provide a view of the entire course.

(7) Monster Truck Events

(a) This subsection applies to monster truck events.

(b) No person shall be allowed in the competition or staging area except event officials, drivers, and pit crew members.

(c) All vehicles competing in monster truck events shall be equipped with three remote ignition interrupters; one controlled by the event safety official, one in the cab of the vehicle readily accessible to the driver, and one installed on the back of the vehicle.

(d) For monster truck events held in arenas, where spectators are elevated above the area floor by at least five feet, spectators shall be separated from the course edge by at least 50 feet. Where spectators are elevated less than five feet above the arena floor, spectators shall be separated from the course edge by at least 100 feet.

(e) For monster truck events held outdoors, spectators shall be separated from the course edge by at least 100 feet. Additionally, a temporary earthen barrier or approved equivalent means shall be provided around the course perimeter to slow any vehicle which may leave the course in an uncontrolled manner during the event. Earthen barriers shall be at least five feet high and designed to not act as a ramp.

(8) All-Terrain Vehicle and Utility-Task Vehicle Racetracks

(a) This subsection applies to all-terrain vehicle racetracks and utility-task vehicle racetracks.

(b) All terrain-vehicle and utility-task vehicle racetracks shall have designated spectator areas.

(d) The entire racetrack shall be constantly monitored and policed to ensure spectators remain in the designated spectator areas. Persons monitoring and policing the racetrack shall be provided with a means of constant and immediate communication with each other.

Notes

Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 120-3-18-.07

O.C.G.A. § 25-2-4.

Original Rule entitled "Fire Suppression Equipment and Personnel and Ambulance Service" adopted. F. Aug. 17, 1970; eff. Jun. 16, 1970, as specified by the Agency. Repealed: New Rule with same title adopted. F. June 3, 1987; eff. June 25, 1987, as specified by the Agency. Amended: F. Dec. 31, 1992; eff. Jan. 20, 1993. Repealed: New Rule entitled "Motor Vehicle Racetracks" adopted. F. Jan. 13, 2022; eff. Jan. 1, 2022, as specified by the Agency.

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