Event Rules
Protest Procedures
Last Updated: March 30, 2026A competitor may file a protest regarding rule violations immediately after an event. A $25 fee is required, which is only returned if the protest is upheld by the Event Steward. The Steward’s decision on the matter is final.+2
Rules of the Road
Last Updated: March 30, 2026Intentional vehicle-to-vehicle contact results in immediate disqualification. Drivers must remain aware of surroundings; negligent behavior or repeatedly blocking faster vehicles will result in a black flag. Any vehicle losing its ballast on the track is immediately disqualified.+2
Prize Money (Per Lap Payout)
Last Updated: March 30, 2026Electrathon America mandates a “per lap” payout system rather than “winner take all”. Total prize money is divided by the sum of all laps completed by all participants to determine a per-lap rate. Each team is then paid based on their specific lap total.+2
Driver Weight and Ballast
Last Updated: March 30, 2026Drivers must weigh a minimum of 180 lbs, including race attire and helmet. If under this weight, non-liquid ballast must be securely attached to the vehicle. Ballast must be removable for weigh-in and must not be performance-related items like electronics.+4
Starting Grid Procedures
Last Updated: March 30, 2026Starting positions are determined by the Event Steward via methods like random draw, entry receipt order, or qualifying speeds. Vehicles must be positioned on at least 8-foot centers. A mandatory brake push test is performed on every vehicle while on the grid before the start.+4
Track Flag Meanings
Last Updated: March 30, 2026Green: Start of competition. Yellow: Immediate danger; slow down and proceed with caution. Red: Full stop at the Start/Finish line. Blue with Yellow Stripe: You are being overtaken; move to the inside to allow passing. White: Two minutes remaining (58:00 mark). Black: Mandatory pit stop for violations.+4
Race Duration and Timing
Last Updated: March 30, 2026Each race is exactly 60 minutes long. When the official clock hits 60:00, the checkered flag is dropped. Vehicles crossing the line before 60:00 may complete one final lap, provided they finish within a maximum of two additional minutes (62:00).+2
Divisions and Classes
Last Updated: March 30, 2026Competition is divided into two Divisions: High School (student-built/owned) and Open (individuals, colleges, or corporations). Within these, vehicles compete in three Classes: Standard (lead-acid), Solar (photovoltaic assisted), and Advanced Battery (alternative chemistries like Lithium-Ion).+3
Rules of the Road
Last Updated: March 30, 2026Intentional vehicle-to-vehicle contact results in immediate disqualification. Drivers must remain aware of surroundings; negligent behavior or repeatedly blocking faster vehicles will result in a black flag. Any vehicle losing its ballast on the track is immediately disqualified.+2
Prize Money (Per Lap Payout)
Last Updated: March 30, 2026Electrathon America mandates a “per lap” payout system rather than “winner take all”. Total prize money is divided by the sum of all laps completed by all participants to determine a per-lap rate. Each team is then paid based on their specific lap total.+2
Driver Weight and Ballast
Last Updated: March 30, 2026Drivers must weigh a minimum of 180 lbs, including race attire and helmet. If under this weight, non-liquid ballast must be securely attached to the vehicle. Ballast must be removable for weigh-in and must not be performance-related items like electronics.+4
Starting Grid Procedures
Last Updated: March 30, 2026Starting positions are determined by the Event Steward via methods like random draw, entry receipt order, or qualifying speeds. Vehicles must be positioned on at least 8-foot centers. A mandatory brake push test is performed on every vehicle while on the grid before the start.+4
Track Flag Meanings
Last Updated: March 30, 2026Green: Start of competition. Yellow: Immediate danger; slow down and proceed with caution. Red: Full stop at the Start/Finish line. Blue with Yellow Stripe: You are being overtaken; move to the inside to allow passing. White: Two minutes remaining (58:00 mark). Black: Mandatory pit stop for violations.+4
Race Duration and Timing
Last Updated: March 30, 2026Each race is exactly 60 minutes long. When the official clock hits 60:00, the checkered flag is dropped. Vehicles crossing the line before 60:00 may complete one final lap, provided they finish within a maximum of two additional minutes (62:00).+2
Divisions and Classes
Last Updated: March 30, 2026Competition is divided into two Divisions: High School (student-built/owned) and Open (individuals, colleges, or corporations). Within these, vehicles compete in three Classes: Standard (lead-acid), Solar (photovoltaic assisted), and Advanced Battery (alternative chemistries like Lithium-Ion).+3
Protest Procedures
Last Updated: March 30, 2026A competitor may file a protest regarding rule violations immediately after an event. A $25 fee is required, which is only returned if the protest is upheld by the Event Steward. The Steward’s decision on the matter is final.+2
