2026 USAC National Sprint Car & Midget Rule Updates
USAC has announced a number of rule updates and enforcements to be implemented beginning with the 2026 season for USAC’s AMSOIL Sprint Car National Championship and NOS Energy Drink Midget National Championship divisions.
Rule updates were discussed by USAC competitors during the annual competition meetings held recently at USAC headquarters in Speedway, Indiana.
USAC AMSOIL SPRINT CAR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
304.A - Roll Cage & Chassis
All cars must have a roll cage, which is integral with the frame and does not encroach upon an imaginary cylinder 20 inches in diameter, extending through the top cockpit opening directly above the seat. The roll cage should extend two (2) inches above the driver’s helmet when seated in the driving position. Halos do not figure into the required clearance between the top of the helmet and the roll cage, main cage only.
305.A - Fuel System
A conventional tail tank, fuel cell and the fuel contained must be carried on the centerline of the chassis and be located behind the driver. All cars must be equipped with a tail tank and fuel cell/bladder meeting the requirements of USAC and SFI specification 28.2.
305.C - Fuel System
Fuel tanks may not be mounted to the chassis utilizing any portion of the access plates or the nut plates bonded into the fuel bladder. The only exception is a secondary mount attached to the top plate to prevent the fuel tank from separating from the chassis in the event of a failure of the primary mounts.
306.A - Bumpers & Nerf Bars
The car must be equipped with a rear bumper at all times, functioning as best as possible without being a hazard.
307.E - Steering & Suspension
Cars are limited to five (5) shocks/dampeners. No electronic shocks are allowed. If a second shock is used on any corner of the car, the second shock cannot be a through-rod shock or have a cannister attached.
308.B - Wheels
All wheels will be measured from where the tire seats on each side.
308.J - Wheels
Wheel balancers and/or inside wheel covers are allowed on both the front and rear of the car.
308.K - Wheels
Any wheel cover dislodging under racing conditions will be subject to a fine. Wheel covers must be held on with a minimum of three (3) bolts only. 5/16” recommended.
317.A - Safety Equipment
Approved aluminum and composite seats may be used, no fiberglass. Seats must be mounted with a minimum of four (4) bolts 3/8 diameter. Seats must be installed and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Approved full containment seats are required.
317.C - Safety Equipment
Seat belts must meet SFI 16.5 or SFI 16.1 and be within the manufacturer expiration label. Must have label. Seat belts must be mounted to the frame. Mounting is at the discretion of the USAC Technical Director.
1307.A - Yellow Flag Work Procedure
Work area time is available in all events. Each car will only be permitted guaranteed work area time once per event. Cars utilizing a provisional and cars no longer on the lead lap are not eligible for guaranteed work area time.
1312.D - Event Procedure
All national feature events may require a necessary stoppage for fuel based on total laps.
1312.G - Event Procedure
If 27 cars or less are in attendance during an event on a track under a half mile in length, three (3) heat races will be held with the top-six (6) finishers transferring out of each heat. Semi-Feature transfers will not retain their qualifying time and will start in positions 19-24 in the feature event.
If 30 cars or less are in attendance during an event on a track a half mile in length, three (3) heat races will be held with the top-six (6) transferring out of each heat. Semi-Feature transfers will not retain their qualifying time and will start in positions 19-24 in the feature event.
USAC NOS ENERGY DRINK MIDGET NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
402.B - Dimensions & Weight
The maximum width from the right rear tire to the left rear tire is 65 inches.
403.B - Car Construction & Body
Only torque tube type drivelines utilizing only one (1) u-joint or CV joint will be allowed. The torque tube must be bolted directly to the face of the rear axle center section without any interruptions; the torque tube must be one (1) solid piece. A torque tube strap is mandatory. A driveline containment system utilizing a steel shield bolted to the engine plate or containment blanket to cover the torque ball and u-joint is highly recommended.
404.B - Roll Cage & Chassis
All cars must have a roll cage, which is integral with the frame and does not encroach upon an imaginary cylinder 20 inches in diameter, extending through the top cockpit opening directly above the seat. The roll cage should extend two (2) inches above the driver’s helmet when seated in the driving position. Halos do not figure into the required clearance between the top of the helmet and the roll cage, main cage only.
405.A - Fuel System
A conventional tail tank, fuel cell and the fuel contained must be carried on the centerline of the chassis and be located behind the driver. All cars must be equipped with a fuel cell and tail tank meeting the requirements of USAC and SFI specification 28.2.
406.A - Bumpers & Nerf Bars
The car must be equipped with a rear bumper at all times, functioning as best as possible without being a hazard.
407.F - Steering & Suspension
Cars are limited to five (5) shocks/dampeners. No electronic shocks are allowed. If a second shock is used on any corner of the car, the second shock cannot be a through-rod shock or have a cannister attached.
409.B - Wheels
All wheels will be measured from where the tire seats on each side, 10 inches right rear seat to seat & 8 inches left rear seat to seat.
409.H - Wheels
Wheel balancers and/or inside wheel covers are allowed on both the front and rear of the car.
409.I - Wheels
Any wheel cover dislodging under racing conditions will be subject to a fine. Wheel covers must be held on with a minimum of three (3) bolts only. 5/16” recommended.
416.J - Ignition & Electronic Equipment
Two (2) ignition switches are allowed in the cockpit.
417.C - Safety Equipment
Seat belts must meet SFI 16.5 or SFI 16.1 and be within the manufacturer expiration label. Must have label. Seat belts must be mounted to the frame. Mounting is at the discretion of the USAC Technical Director.
1412.G - Event Procedure
If 27 cars or less are in attendance during an event on a track under a half mile in length, three (3) heat races will be held with the top-six (6) finishers transferring out of each heat. Semi-Feature transfers will not retain their qualifying time and will start in positions 19-24 in the feature event.
If 30 cars or less are in attendance during an event on a track a half mile in length, three (3) heat races will be held with the top-six (6) transferring out of each heat. Semi-Feature transfers will not retain their qualifying time and will start in positions 19-24 in the feature event.
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