Most all forms of motorsports take place on a track. Some are asphalt racetracks, circle dirt tracks, drag strips, etc. and as in tractor pulling the layout of the track is important. It precludes a safe and fair place for competitors to determine a winner.

Most pulling tracks are laid out about the same outdoors with some indoor tracks being modified to fit the building. Most tracks are at least 30 ft. wide and are lined with chalk and any vehicle that touches the chalk will be disqualified.

All competitors are allowed two attempts to start the sled within the 75-ft shutdown area. Marks placed at 75’, 100’ and each 50’ up too the 300’ mark, keep fans and pullers alike appraised of the pull distance, If a puller pulls the front of the sled past the 300’ line he has made a full pull. If more than one competitor makes a full pull, then the sled is changed and a pull-off takes place to determine the winner.

A laser operator actually measures the distance to 1/100 of a foot and radios information to the announcer. A checkered flag is also placed at the leading distance so everyone can see where the leading distance is.

List of Terms

Staging Area — The area where tractors wait for their turn to pull. It is in this area that the tractors are weighed and hitch heights checked.

Starting Line — The point where the sled is positioned for the puller, the point from which the measurement starts. When using a laser-measuring device, it is zeroed on the sled prior to each run.

Spotting Sled — Each competitor can place the orange cone at the back of the sled where they want the sled to be parked when it is their turn to pull.

Shutdown Area — The first 75 feet of the track in which the puller can shut down his vehicle if he has a problem. He may then take his second attempt. Pullers get two chances to make a measurable pull.

Out-of-Bounds Line — The chalk like that runs down both sides of the track a driver who touches this line with his vehicle is dis­qualified.

Checkered Flag — This marks the leading distance.

Run-off Area — The area at the end of the track where the tractor shuts down.

Distance Markers — These markers are placed at 75’, 100’, 150’, 200’, 250’ and 300’ intervals, so that fans and officials can gauge distances during a run.