Technical Specifications¶
This page covers bumpers, radiator protectors, and transponders.
Bumper Rules¶
Stock Bumper Preference¶
Using the original stock bumper is the easiest and preferred option. With this choice, you’ll need to remove the plastic cover.
Permitted Options¶
Front and rear bumpers are limited to one of the following:
- Original stock bumpers, front and rear.
- A one-piece fabricated bumper constructed of only one (1) single beam/bar, no larger than 1.5″ schedule-40 pipe (2.0" OD), or 2″ × .120 square tubing. Multiple horizontal bars or stacked multi-beam structures are not permitted.
Mounting & Attachment Constraints¶
- Main supports (Figure 1): Fabricated bumpers must attach to the vehicle frame or chassis using a maximum of two (2) main mounting pillars or posts.
- No chassis reinforcement: The bumper assembly must function strictly as a bumper structure and cannot be used to brace, reinforce, or tie together the vehicle frame, unibody, engine mounts, or other components.
- Side/flank supports (Figure 2): Additional support braces extending to the outer flanks or turned ends are mandatory on side flanks for fabricated bumpers. Each flank must include a minimum of one (1) reinforcement, and supports may connect to either the main bumper structure/posts or the vehicle frame/chassis.
- Note: Side/flank supports are not considered additional chassis reinforcements. They are intended to prevent the bumper ends from flaring out or protruding in the event of an impact.
- Note on Stock Bumpers: Side flanks or turned ends may optionally be added to an original/stock bumper. If added, they must follow the same criteria as fabricated flank supports, limited to only one (1) beam, bar, or tube per side.
Figure 1. Two main bumper support pillars or posts attaching the bumper to the chassis.
Figure 2. Side/flank supports reinforcing the outer bumper ends.
No Sharp Edges
Tuck and round anything you add that isn’t stock. Don’t have anything sticking out that could puncture a tire or pierce a panel. Bumpers must follow the contour of the car and not extend past the car’s width. If the safety inspector doesn’t like it, be prepared to cut it.
Radiator Protectors¶
Must be behind your bumper and no larger than 1″ square or round pipe/tube. They can’t extend past where your radiator is mounted. Stay inside the frame rails.
(The best radiator protector is the person behind the steering wheel.)
Transponders¶
Each car needs two working transponders. They handle lap counting and timing during the FRed Lobster 100. Install them securely and in the proper location. Loose, hidden, backwards, or badly mounted transponders cause missed laps. If you’re unsure where they go, ask another driver or look at a returning car.
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Per car | Two matching, working transponders |
| Cost | $20 per set (both transponders for one car) |
| Assigned to | A specific car. Switch cars → buy a new set |
Mud Shields
A simple shield can help keep mud from building up on the transponders. Don’t place the shield too close, though — it may cause interference.
Friday Testing¶
We check all transponders on Friday during the heat races to verify they’re reading on the lap-counting system. If yours don’t register during the heats, you’ll need to replace them before Saturday’s main event.
Save Everyone Time
Transponder issues are one of the biggest things that slow us down on Friday, so check yours ahead of time. If they’re more than two years old, or look faded, cracked, or weathered, go ahead and change them out now.