2026 Charleston Speedway DIRTcar HORNET Rules
(Sport Compact)
6.1 Engine
6.2 Electronics and Ignition System
6.3 Exhaust System
6.4 Transmission
6.5 Chassis/Frame
6.6 Weight
6.7 Fuel; Delivery and Containment
6.8 Body
6.9 Wheels and Tires
6.10 Trucks
6.11 Roll Cage
6.12 Personal Protection Equipment
6.13 Fire Suppresion Systems
6.14 Car Appearance
6.1 – Engine
A. Only four cylinder engines are allowed.
B. Only naturally aspirated engines will be allowed.
C. Turbo Chargers, Super Chargers, etc. are not allowed.
6.2 – Electronics and Ignition System
A. Only 12-volt ignition systems will be allowed.
B. Only one twelve (12) volt battery, securely mounted with both terminals covered will be allowed, mounted in a marine-type case is recommended.
C. A functional AM/FM radio with functional speakers, playing music at a high volume level while racing is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
6.3 – Exhaust System
A. No part of the exhaust may come through the hood.
6.4 - Transmission
A. Transmission coolers in the driver compartment are NOT allowed.
6.5 – Chassis/Frame
A. Any front wheel drive, compact car or truck is allowed.
B. A maximum wheelbase of 107-inches for Trucks is allowed.
6.6 – Weight
A. At the end of the event, vehicle and driver must weigh a minimum of 2300#.
B. Cars SHOULD not be lightened up. Structural integrity is necessary for safety. Any car,
truck, frame that is deemed unsafe by tech inspectors will not be allowed to compete. SAFETY IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!
C. Any type of extra weight that is added:
1. Must be painted white.
2. Must have the car number clearly legible on it.
3. Must be secured with a minimum of (2) two bolts.
6.7 – Fuel; Delivery and Containment
A. Only standard pump gasoline purchased from a local gas station is allowed for competition.
B. Fuel lines that pass through the driver compartment must be inside a magnetic steel tube to protect fuel line from being cut or ruptured.
6.8 – Body
A. Convertibles are NOT allowed.
B. Tow chains or cables are MANDATORY on the front and rear. Must be EASILY accessible by track officials for towing of your car.
C. No sharp or protruding edges in or around the cockpit.
D. Mirrors are NOT allowed.
E. All material considered flammable, such as vinyl seats, foam, airbags, etc., must be removed.
6.9 – Wheels and Tires
A. Only DOT passenger tires are allowed. Racing-type, Mud-type, All-Terrain-type, and/or Snow-type tires are NOT allowed.
B. All tires MUST remain inside of the body.
C. One inch outside diameter magnetic steel lug nuts on steel wheels are required AND highly recommended on aluminum wheels.
6.10 – Trucks
A. Any rear wheel drive, small, sport compact trucks are allowed. (S-10, Ranger, Toyota, Mazda, etc.)
B. All Trucks will be required to meet ALL rules of the Charleston Speedway DIRTcar Hornet Division.
6.11 – Roll Cage
A. Unless otherwise noted all tubing utilized in the construction of the roll cage must be 1.50-inch Outside Diameter, 0.095-inch thick steel tubing.
B. A six-point, full perimeter roll cage, is required.
C. The rear hoop must have bracing that crosses in an ‘X’ configuration.
D. Rear kicks up supports are required.
E. A minimum 1.25-inch outside diameter cross bar is required across the top of the halo bar.
F. The roll cage must be securely welded (WELDING IS REQUIRED) utilizing a minimum of 0.250-inch plating to mount cage to the frame. Only steel tubing will be permitted. Iron, galvanized pipe, fittings, square tubing, brazing and/or soldering is NOT allowed.
G. A minimum of three door bars on the driver side and two door bars on the passenger side, mounted in a horizontal manner are required.
H. Vertical bracing from the top to the bottom of the door bars on both sides is required.
I. A minimum of three (3) windshield bars and protective windshield screen with a minimum of 0.090-inch thick screens are required in front of the driver.
6.12 – Personal Protection Equipment
See section 4.3 GENERAL SAFETY RULES, in the Charleston Speedway General Rules. It is the sole responsibility of each competitor to verify the effectiveness, ensure proper installation, per the manufacturer’s specifications, and properly use, every component of the competitors safety equipment. Each competitor is expected to investigate and educate themselves for continuing improvement regarding their own personal safety equipment.
6.13 – Fire Suppression Systems
Automatic or Manually Operated Fire Suppression Systems are HIGHLY recommended but are not required.
6.14 – Car Appearance
See section 4.3 GENERAL SAFETY RULES, Rule #11 in the Charleston Speedway General Rules.
END OF 2026 HORNET RULES