Way back when Muddy Waters invented electricity, power tools came to rule the Earth. And man, with his cunning ingenuity, harnessed their boundless power and made our lives beautiful. Thus, the happy people, enjoying the fruits of easy labour, begot Power Tool Drag Racing.
At SHARTA, we conduct timed drag racing of 240V A/C hand-held power tools, across 4 classes, on a 2 lane steel surfaced drag way, over a total distance of 18 m.
Each lane’s power lead is controlled by a momentary push ‘gaming’ type button.
We run NHRA style drag-race timing , complete with ‘Christmas tree’ start lights, where we capture:
R.T. Driver’s reaction time
E.T. Racing tool elapsed time
SPEED Speed at the finish line
For more info on TIMING and STAGING see Timing and Staging explanations in our FAQ section.
Reaction time is king and where the bragging rights are.
Way back when Muddy Waters invented electricity, power tools came to rule the Earth. And man, with his cunning ingenuity, harnessed their boundless power and made our lives beautiful. Thus, the happy people, enjoying the fruits of easy labour, begot Power Tool Drag Racing.
At SHARTA, we conduct timed drag racing of 240V A/C hand-held power tools, across 4 classes, on a 2 lane steel surfaced drag way, over a total distance of 18 m.
Each lane’s power lead is controlled by a momentary push ‘gaming’ type button.
We run NHRA style drag-race timing , complete with ‘Christmas tree’ start lights, where we capture:
R.T. Driver’s reaction time
E.T. Racing tool elapsed time
SPEED Speed at the finish line
For more info on TIMING and STAGING see Timing and Staging explanations in our FAQ section.
Reaction time is king and where the bragging rights are.
Check out basic RACING info below
Check out basic RACING info below
Join the NEXT RACE
Join us at the next race at the Bar Solè in Tighes Hill. Sunday Mar 30th, 3pm to 7pm. Woodfired pizza & power tool racing immersed in hot tunes.
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HOW DO I RACE?
...It's easy... Get your SHARTA licence at the race, get your tool checked and approved, or hire one of ours. Read on the deets here...
Licence and life membership is $10.
Tool hire is $10. Your fee enables you to race any hire tool throughout the race meet.
All SHARTA fees are CASH ONLY because CASH is KING.
1. BEFORE THE RACE
01Register at the event
Register at the event as a Racing Member of SHARTA, pay the one-time $10 rego fee (cash only) and get your Life membership and SHARTA racing licence.02Present your tool & SHARTA licence
Present racing tool & SHARTA licence to the SHARTA Marshals at the scrutineering area. If you don't have a tool, you can hire one.03Tool check
SHARTA Scrutineer ensures your tool complies with safety, weight and size requirements.04Tool class
Tools that pass scrutineering, will be CLASSED, given a RACING NUMBER and placed in the impound area ready to race.
2. AT THE RACE
01Ready...
Take your place in the racer line and the SHARTA Start Marshall will call you up when it’s your run.02Steady...
Present your scrutineered tool & SHARTA racing licence to the Start Marshal.03GO!
Be fast on the button!
HOW DO I RACE?
...It's easy... Get your SHARTA licence at the race, get your tool checked and approved, or hire one of ours. Read on the deets here...
Licence and life membership is $10.
Tool hire is $10. Your fee enables you to race any hire tool throughout the race meet.
All SHARTA fees are CASH ONLY because CASH is KING.
1. BEFORE THE RACE
01Register at the event
Register at the event as a Racing Member of SHARTA, pay the one-time $10 rego fee (cash only) and get your Life membership and SHARTA racing licence.02Present your tool & SHARTA licence
Present racing tool & SHARTA licence to the SHARTA Marshals at the scrutineering area. If you don't have a tool, you can hire one.03Tool check
SHARTA Scrutineer ensures your tool complies with safety, weight and size requirements.04Tool class
Tools that pass scrutineering, will be CLASSED, given a RACING NUMBER and placed in the impound area ready to race.
2. AT THE RACE
01Ready...
Take your place in the racer line and the SHARTA Start Marshall will call you up when it’s your run.02Steady...
Present your scrutineered tool & SHARTA racing licence to the Start Marshal.03GO!
Be fast on the button!
TOOL CLASSES
SHARTA has 4 different tool classes. When you get your tool scrutineered, it will be assigned to one of these racing classes.
YOU CAN ALSO RENT A RACING TOOL. ENQUIRE AT THE RACING EVENT.
CLASS S/B
STOCK BELT
Mainly stock belts, the original and everyman contest. Belt sender must be original, unmodified and run ‘off-the-shelf’ grit.
CLASS M/B
MODIFIED BELTS
Go your hardest with a belt sander action. Gearing, grip belts, bobbing, streamlining, but still a belt sander.
CLASS T/T
TOP TRADES
Super quick other tools, like planers, angle grinders, circular saws. Fast and furious.
CLASS T/V
TOP VOLT
Development class for experimental, unthought-of possibilities of plug-in 240V driven fun.
(I.e., an RC car diff driven by a router or toy dinosaur legs driven by a jigsaw, perhaps?)
TOOL CLASSES
SHARTA has 4 different tool classes. When you get your tool scrutineered, it will be assigned to one of these racing classes.
YOU CAN ALSO RENT A RACING TOOL. ENQUIRE AT THE RACING EVENT.
CLASS S/B
STOCK BELT
Mainly stock belts, the original and everyman contest. Belt sender must be original, unmodified and run ‘off-the-shelf’ grit.
CLASS M/B
MODIFIED BELTS
Go your hardest with a belt sander action. Gearing, grip belts, bobbing, streamlining, but still a belt sander.
CLASS T/T
TOP TRADES
Super quick other tools, like planers, angle grinders, circular saws. Fast and furious.
CLASS T/V
TOP VOLT
Development class for experimental, unthought-of possibilities of plug-in 240V driven fun.
(I.e., an RC car diff driven by a router or toy dinosaur legs driven by a jigsaw, perhaps?)
'RUN WHAT YA BRUNG'?
Scrutineering requirements
Your racing power tool will be scrutineered before the race by the Start Marshal to ensure it complies with our safety and racing requirements.
GENERAL SCRUTINEERING CRITERIA
Tool type
No battery tools. All tools must be 240V AC handheld power tools.
Dimensions
Tool dimensions shall not exceed; Width < 200mm, Height < 275mm, Length < 600mm & Weight < 10kg.
Bodywork
Costuming your power tool is highly encouraged, though be aware that we decelerate the racers with a friction tunnel, so any costuming on the top of your tool will be wiped off by the carpet tunnel at the end of the track. Also, space needs to be left on the top of the tool facing upwards, for the pass sticker, direction of travel arrow, race number and class.
IMPORTANT: No sharp edges, glass or brittle materials, no possible projectile parts.
3-pin plug
The 3-pin plug must be facing the rear and be parallel or inclined downward toward the track.
Direction of travel
All racing tools shall have the direction of travel clearly marked on the tool, facing upwards.
TOOL CLASS SCRUTINEERING CRITERIA
Class S/B: STOCK BELTS
Must be a stock standard belt sander with zero modifications (except costume) and running off-the-shelf grit sanding belts.
Class M/B: MODIFIED BELTS
Must be a belt sander. Modifications allowed, i.e. silicon belts, dust extraction removal, gearing changes, etc.
Class T/T: TOP TRADES
This class is for all tools other than belt sanders, e.g., planers, saws, grinders.
Obviously, cutters, blades and discs are not permitted. You will need to fit some kind of tyre or wheel to grip to our steel track.
Class T/V: TOP VOLT
This class is an undeveloped prototype class designed for other power tool-driven racing tools. Each tool will be scrutineered on its merits. Get in touch to discuss your mad scheme.
'RUN WHAT YA BRUNG'?
Scrutineering requirements
Your racing power tool will be scrutineered before the race by the Start Marshal to ensure it complies with our safety and racing requirements.
GENERAL SCRUTINEERING CRITERIA
Tool type
No battery tools. All tools must be 240V AC handheld power tools.
Dimensions
Tool dimensions shall not exceed; Width < 200mm, Height < 275mm, Length < 600mm & Weight < 10kg.
Bodywork
Costuming your power tool is highly encouraged, though be aware that we decelerate the racers with a friction tunnel, so any costuming on the top of your tool will be wiped off by the carpet tunnel at the end of the track. Also, space needs to be left on the top of the tool facing upwards, for the pass sticker, direction of travel arrow, race number and class.
IMPORTANT: No sharp edges, glass or brittle materials, no possible projectile parts.
3-pin plug
The 3-pin plug must be facing the rear and be parallel or inclined downward toward the track.
Direction of travel
All racing tools shall have the direction of travel clearly marked on the tool, facing upwards.
TOOL CLASS SCRUTINEERING CRITERIA
Class S/B: STOCK BELTS
Must be a stock standard belt sander with zero modifications (except costume) and running off-the-shelf grit sanding belts.
Class M/B: MODIFIED BELTS
Must be a belt sander. Modifications allowed, i.e. silicon belts, dust extraction removal, gearing changes, etc.
Class T/T: TOP TRADES
This class is for all tools other than belt sanders, e.g., planers, saws, grinders.
Obviously, cutters, blades and discs are not permitted. You will need to fit some kind of tyre or wheel to grip to our steel track.
Class T/V: TOP VOLT
This class is an undeveloped prototype class designed for other power tool-driven racing tools. Each tool will be scrutineered on its merits. Get in touch to discuss your mad scheme.
If you see green, you’re too late. BUT, if you’re too fast you’ll red-light and you’re out.
RACING RULES
1
All racers must hold a valid SHARTA racing licence
2
All racers must obey the directions of SHARTA race officials at all times
3
All racing tools must be of the handheld power tool type
4
All racing tools to be powered by 240 volt electricity only and must comply with SHARTA’s scrutineering requirements
5
SHARTA Timekeeper calls the winner, and their decision is final
6
Racers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times
7
Racers may be disqualified and licence revoked for breaching any rules or acting in a belligerent or unsafe manner
8
SHARTA reserves the right to change and update rules
If you see green, you’re too late. BUT, if you’re too fast you’ll red-light and you’re out.
RACING RULES
1
All racers must hold a valid SHARTA racing licence
2
All racers must obey the directions of SHARTA race officials at all times
3
All racing tools must be of the handheld power tool type
4
All racing tools to be powered by 240 volt electricity only and must comply with SHARTA’s scrutineering requirements
5
SHARTA Timekeeper calls the winner, and their decision is final
6
Racers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times
7
Racers may be disqualified and licence revoked for breaching any rules or acting in a belligerent or unsafe manner
8
SHARTA reserves the right to change and update rules
FAQ
Check out our FAQs for more information.
If you have more questions, select to call us or email us below.
1What is power tool drag racing?
It’s a ridiculously fun and entertaining, action-packed sport, like real drag racing in the real world, but better because anybody can participate. Take a power tool, run it straight out of the box or turn it into your own custom drag racer and set it off down the track against the clock and/or against an opponent.
You don’t need an engineering degree, trade qualifications or a fat wallet to race power tools. All you need is a handheld tool with a simple motor and you’re in business.
While a fast tool is great, power tool drag racing also tests your reaction time. How quick off the mark can you be?
You don’t need an engineering degree, trade qualifications or a fat wallet to race power tools. All you need is a handheld tool with a simple motor and you’re in business.
While a fast tool is great, power tool drag racing also tests your reaction time. How quick off the mark can you be?
2How does power tool drag racing work?
Each race consists of two power tool drag racing machines racing down parallel galvanised steel tracks. They are plugged into long extension cords, controlled by racers with a handheld go-button. The drag racing tools are set on the start line and the Start Marshall attaches the power cords to the tools with the racers taking their places at the start area, go-buttons in hand. The Start Marshall checks for race readiness. When all is clear and ready to race, the Start Marshall will power up the switches for the drivers.
Just like real world drag racing, there is the ‘Christmas tree' start line lights over the track. When the lights go green, you press and hold your go-button.
The power tools race down the track and the timing system will determine a winner and all valid times are recorded and displayed on our leader boards in real time. The SHARTA timing system records the Reaction Time (R.T.) of each driver, the Elapsed Time (E.T.) and Speed (SPEED) in miles per hour at finish.
For further info explore: ‘Christmas tree' start lights system
Just like real world drag racing, there is the ‘Christmas tree' start line lights over the track. When the lights go green, you press and hold your go-button.
The power tools race down the track and the timing system will determine a winner and all valid times are recorded and displayed on our leader boards in real time. The SHARTA timing system records the Reaction Time (R.T.) of each driver, the Elapsed Time (E.T.) and Speed (SPEED) in miles per hour at finish.
For further info explore: ‘Christmas tree' start lights system
3What are track dimensions?
The track is 18 metres/59 feet long, made of galvanised steel. Each lane is 200mm wide.
4Timing and staging
T I M I N G
Top Sportsman Christmas tree lights are a crucial element in drag racing, designed to initiate fair and precise starts for competitors. The Christmas tree is a vertical set of lights positioned at the starting line of the drag strip. It consists of a series of colored lights that signify different stages of the race countdown. The top Sportsman variant of the Christmas tree includes a sequence of yellow lights followed by a green light, signaling the launch of the race.
As the race begins, the yellow lights on the Christmas tree illuminate in a rapid countdown, known as the "staging process." The first white light, often referred to as the "pre-stage" light, indicates that a car is nearing the starting line. Once the driver has fully staged the vehicle, the second set of yellow lights, known as the "stage" lights flash at ½ sec intervals and then the green light comes on, signaling the start of the race.
Reaction Time (R.T.) is a unique concept in drag racing where it refers to the time it takes for a tool to move off the starting line after the green light activates. This time includes both the driver's reaction time to hit the button and the tool’s response time. The goal is to hit the button a fraction of a second before the green light without triggering a red light. This timing is often likened to an on-board clock in the driver's mind, involving a rehearsed countdown. It's noted that while challenging, this skill is more about rhythm than a simple reaction.
S T A G I N G
The SHARTA dragway has sensors at the start line. Placing your tool on start line will trigger the sensors which commences the ‘staging’ process and the race.
Staging can be shallow or deep, as long as the tool is covering the sensor. Shallow Staging is pulling up just enough to trip the sensor and has the possible advantage of timing a "rolling" start. Deep Staging is pulling forward towards the Trailing Edge of the active zone and has the advantage of starting out physically as far forward as possible.
Staging first has the advantage of ample time for positioning but the disadvantage of commitment. Staging last has the advantage of dictating the start but substantially less time for positioning.
Top Sportsman Christmas tree lights are a crucial element in drag racing, designed to initiate fair and precise starts for competitors. The Christmas tree is a vertical set of lights positioned at the starting line of the drag strip. It consists of a series of colored lights that signify different stages of the race countdown. The top Sportsman variant of the Christmas tree includes a sequence of yellow lights followed by a green light, signaling the launch of the race.
As the race begins, the yellow lights on the Christmas tree illuminate in a rapid countdown, known as the "staging process." The first white light, often referred to as the "pre-stage" light, indicates that a car is nearing the starting line. Once the driver has fully staged the vehicle, the second set of yellow lights, known as the "stage" lights flash at ½ sec intervals and then the green light comes on, signaling the start of the race.
Reaction Time (R.T.) is a unique concept in drag racing where it refers to the time it takes for a tool to move off the starting line after the green light activates. This time includes both the driver's reaction time to hit the button and the tool’s response time. The goal is to hit the button a fraction of a second before the green light without triggering a red light. This timing is often likened to an on-board clock in the driver's mind, involving a rehearsed countdown. It's noted that while challenging, this skill is more about rhythm than a simple reaction.
S T A G I N G
The SHARTA dragway has sensors at the start line. Placing your tool on start line will trigger the sensors which commences the ‘staging’ process and the race.
Staging can be shallow or deep, as long as the tool is covering the sensor. Shallow Staging is pulling up just enough to trip the sensor and has the possible advantage of timing a "rolling" start. Deep Staging is pulling forward towards the Trailing Edge of the active zone and has the advantage of starting out physically as far forward as possible.
Staging first has the advantage of ample time for positioning but the disadvantage of commitment. Staging last has the advantage of dictating the start but substantially less time for positioning.
5How do I become a racer?
Become a SHARTA member. See our friendly SHARTA crew at the registration area within the track zone, pay your licence fee (cash only) and you’re ready to go. No EFTPOS or online regos, we like to meet you up close and personally.
Kids welcome! All persons under 18 years of age shall be accompanied by a responsible adult in the racing zone at all times.
6What are the racing rules?
Please see SHARTA’s official rules of racing.
Rules of racing
Rules of racing
7What can I race?
The basic recipe for a power tool drag racer calls for a handheld power tool - a machine intended for handheld operation by one individual – powered by 240volts, typically a belt sander but can include other handheld tools such as planers, circular saws, handheld angle grinders. Easiest is the humble belt sander. Out of the box it’s a ready-made racer. Put it on a flat surface with the belt facing down, lock or cable-tie the trigger into the on position and, once powered up, your tool will automatically propel itself forward like a tiny tank. Need more traction? Try a belt with a different grade of sandpaper and see what happens. Remember, your reaction time (R.T) is just as important as your power tool race time (E.T.) and finish speed (SPEED).
Other tools may take more skill and/or patience to convert. Check our scrutineering requirements and rules of racing and then let your inner gearhead loose. All tools must meet SHARTA’s size and weight restrictions to fit the track dimensions as well as comply with the all-important safety stipulations as per the SHARTA Scrutineer’s inspection, refer to the sections: Scrutineering requirements Rules of racing
Other tools may take more skill and/or patience to convert. Check our scrutineering requirements and rules of racing and then let your inner gearhead loose. All tools must meet SHARTA’s size and weight restrictions to fit the track dimensions as well as comply with the all-important safety stipulations as per the SHARTA Scrutineer’s inspection, refer to the sections: Scrutineering requirements Rules of racing
8How are the drag racing tools classed?
There are four classes of tools at each SHARTA fixture. Refer to the Tool Classes section.
Tool Classes
Tool Classes
9What are the maximum size and weight requirements for a drag racing tool?
Refer to our scrutineering requirements section for details.
Scrutineering requirements
Scrutineering requirements
10What if my racer is not very fast?
No worries. Much kudos is given for artistic merit and design uniqueness. So let your imagination soar and impress with your DIY creative decoration.
There are not many constraints on your design, but do keep in mind: track dimensions, maximum width, height and length restrictions, power and safety. It takes a lot to make us nervous but if your racer doesn’t meet regulations, then it’s a no-go.
Scrutineering requirements Rules of racing
Scrutineering requirements Rules of racing
11I don’t have my own power tool to bring along. Can I still be a racer?
Yes! Once you have become a SHARTA member you can pay an additional fee to the SHARTA crew at the registration area and then use SHARTA’s awesome power tool drag racers.
12Can I race more than one tool at any race meet?
Yes.
13Can my tool be radio-controlled or battery operated?
No. Only tools powered by 240 Volts can race.
14I have a variety of tools I want to race. Do I have to pay a membership/licence fee for each racing tool?
No, as a paid-up SHARTA member you can present your racing licence and race any of your SHARTA-compliant tools (or one of ours). Drivers pay, tools don’t!
15What does membership fee include?
Your membership fee grabs you a lifetime SHARTA membership and a valid SHARTA racing licence and the right to race at any SHARTA fixture, using your own drag racing tool or one of ours.
16What personal details does SHARTA keep on record?
Just the name you give us so we can issue a racing licence. We’re not about getting up in your business, hassling you with marketing or hawking your personal data.
17Why do I need a SHARTA racing licence?
The licence is evidence of your paid-up membership so that you can take your turn to race and also allows our Timekeeper to enter your racing name at each SHARTA race you attend so that results can be displayed on our Score boards at each event you participate in.
1818. So is there an etiquette to power tool drag racing?
Yes.
Respect is crucial when you race tool to tool with someone.
Listen to and follow the directions of the SHARTA officials at all times. They’re there for your and everyone’s safety and racing enjoyment.
FAQ
Check out our FAQs for more information.
If you have more questions, select to call us or email us below.
1What is power tool drag racing?
It’s a ridiculously fun and entertaining, action-packed sport, like real drag racing in the real world, but better because anybody can participate. Take a power tool, run it straight out of the box or turn it into your own custom drag racer and set it off down the track against the clock and/or against an opponent.
You don’t need an engineering degree, trade qualifications or a fat wallet to race power tools. All you need is a handheld tool with a simple motor and you’re in business.
While a fast tool is great, power tool drag racing also tests your reaction time. How quick off the mark can you be?
You don’t need an engineering degree, trade qualifications or a fat wallet to race power tools. All you need is a handheld tool with a simple motor and you’re in business.
While a fast tool is great, power tool drag racing also tests your reaction time. How quick off the mark can you be?
2How does power tool drag racing work?
Each race consists of two power tool drag racing machines racing down parallel galvanised steel tracks. They are plugged into long extension cords, controlled by racers with a handheld go-button. The drag racing tools are set on the start line and the Start Marshall attaches the power cords to the tools with the racers taking their places at the start area, go-buttons in hand. The Start Marshall checks for race readiness. When all is clear and ready to race, the Start Marshall will power up the switches for the drivers.
Just like real world drag racing, there is the ‘Christmas tree' start line lights over the track. When the lights go green, you press and hold your go-button.
The power tools race down the track and the timing system will determine a winner and all valid times are recorded and displayed on our leader boards in real time. The SHARTA timing system records the Reaction Time (R.T.) of each driver, the Elapsed Time (E.T.) and Speed (SPEED) in miles per hour at finish.
For further info explore: Start lights
Just like real world drag racing, there is the ‘Christmas tree' start line lights over the track. When the lights go green, you press and hold your go-button.
The power tools race down the track and the timing system will determine a winner and all valid times are recorded and displayed on our leader boards in real time. The SHARTA timing system records the Reaction Time (R.T.) of each driver, the Elapsed Time (E.T.) and Speed (SPEED) in miles per hour at finish.
For further info explore: Start lights
3What are track dimensions?
The track is 18 metres/59 feet long, made of galvanised steel. Each lane is 200mm wide.
4Timing and staging
T I M I N G
Top Sportsman Christmas tree lights are a crucial element in drag racing, designed to initiate fair and precise starts for competitors. The Christmas tree is a vertical set of lights positioned at the starting line of the drag strip. It consists of a series of colored lights that signify different stages of the race countdown. The top Sportsman variant of the Christmas tree includes a sequence of yellow lights followed by a green light, signaling the launch of the race.
As the race begins, the yellow lights on the Christmas tree illuminate in a rapid countdown, known as the "staging process." The first white light, often referred to as the "pre-stage" light, indicates that a car is nearing the starting line. Once the driver has fully staged the vehicle, the second set of yellow lights, known as the "stage" lights flash at ½ sec intervals and then the green light comes on, signaling the start of the race.
Reaction Time (R.T.) is a unique concept in drag racing where it refers to the time it takes for a tool to move off the starting line after the green light activates. This time includes both the driver's reaction time to hit the button and the tool’s response time. The goal is to hit the button a fraction of a second before the green light without triggering a red light. This timing is often likened to an on-board clock in the driver's mind, involving a rehearsed countdown. It's noted that while challenging, this skill is more about rhythm than a simple reaction.
S T A G I N G
The SHARTA dragway has sensors at the start line. Placing your tool on start line will trigger the sensors which commences the ‘staging’ process and the race.
Staging can be shallow or deep, as long as the tool is covering the sensor. Shallow Staging is pulling up just enough to trip the sensor and has the possible advantage of timing a "rolling" start. Deep Staging is pulling forward towards the Trailing Edge of the active zone and has the advantage of starting out physically as far forward as possible.
Staging first has the advantage of ample time for positioning but the disadvantage of commitment. Staging last has the advantage of dictating the start but substantially less time for positioning.
Top Sportsman Christmas tree lights are a crucial element in drag racing, designed to initiate fair and precise starts for competitors. The Christmas tree is a vertical set of lights positioned at the starting line of the drag strip. It consists of a series of colored lights that signify different stages of the race countdown. The top Sportsman variant of the Christmas tree includes a sequence of yellow lights followed by a green light, signaling the launch of the race.
As the race begins, the yellow lights on the Christmas tree illuminate in a rapid countdown, known as the "staging process." The first white light, often referred to as the "pre-stage" light, indicates that a car is nearing the starting line. Once the driver has fully staged the vehicle, the second set of yellow lights, known as the "stage" lights flash at ½ sec intervals and then the green light comes on, signaling the start of the race.
Reaction Time (R.T.) is a unique concept in drag racing where it refers to the time it takes for a tool to move off the starting line after the green light activates. This time includes both the driver's reaction time to hit the button and the tool’s response time. The goal is to hit the button a fraction of a second before the green light without triggering a red light. This timing is often likened to an on-board clock in the driver's mind, involving a rehearsed countdown. It's noted that while challenging, this skill is more about rhythm than a simple reaction.
S T A G I N G
The SHARTA dragway has sensors at the start line. Placing your tool on start line will trigger the sensors which commences the ‘staging’ process and the race.
Staging can be shallow or deep, as long as the tool is covering the sensor. Shallow Staging is pulling up just enough to trip the sensor and has the possible advantage of timing a "rolling" start. Deep Staging is pulling forward towards the Trailing Edge of the active zone and has the advantage of starting out physically as far forward as possible.
Staging first has the advantage of ample time for positioning but the disadvantage of commitment. Staging last has the advantage of dictating the start but substantially less time for positioning.
5How do I become a racer?
Become a SHARTA member. See our friendly SHARTA crew at the registration area within the track zone, pay your licence fee (cash only) and you’re ready to go. No EFTPOS or online regos, we like to meet you up close and personally.
Kids welcome! All persons under 18 years of age shall be accompanied by a responsible adult in the racing zone at all times.
6What are the racing rules?
Please see SHARTA’s official rules of racing.
Rules of racing
Rules of racing
7What can I race?
The basic recipe for a power tool drag racer calls for a handheld power tool - a machine intended for handheld operation by one individual – powered by 240volts, typically a belt sander but can include other handheld tools such as planers, circular saws, handheld angle grinders. Easiest is the humble belt sander. Out of the box it’s a ready-made racer. Put it on a flat surface with the belt facing down, lock or cable-tie the trigger into the on position and, once powered up, your tool will automatically propel itself forward like a tiny tank. Need more traction? Try a belt with a different grade of sandpaper and see what happens. Remember, your reaction time (R.T) is just as important as your power tool race time (E.T.) and finish speed (SPEED).
Other tools may take more skill and/or patience to convert. Check our scrutineering requirements and rules of racing and then let your inner gearhead loose. All tools must meet SHARTA’s size and weight restrictions to fit the track dimensions as well as comply with the all-important safety stipulations as per the SHARTA Scrutineer’s inspection, refer to the sections: Scrutineering Rules of racing
Other tools may take more skill and/or patience to convert. Check our scrutineering requirements and rules of racing and then let your inner gearhead loose. All tools must meet SHARTA’s size and weight restrictions to fit the track dimensions as well as comply with the all-important safety stipulations as per the SHARTA Scrutineer’s inspection, refer to the sections: Scrutineering Rules of racing
8How are the drag racing tools classed?
There are four classes of tools at each SHARTA fixture. Refer to the Tool Classes section.
Tool Classes
Tool Classes
9What are the maximum size and weight requirements for a drag racing tool?
Refer to our scrutineering requirements section for details.
Scrutineering
Scrutineering
10What if my racer is not very fast?
No worries. Much kudos is given for artistic merit and design uniqueness. So let your imagination soar and impress with your DIY creative decoration.
There are not many constraints on your design, but do keep in mind: track dimensions, maximum width, height and length restrictions, power and safety. It takes a lot to make us nervous but if your racer doesn’t meet regulations, then it’s a no-go.
Scrutineering Rules of racing
Scrutineering Rules of racing
11I don’t have my own power tool to bring along. Can I still be a racer?
Yes! Once you have become a SHARTA member you can pay an additional fee to the SHARTA crew at the registration area and then use SHARTA’s awesome power tool drag racers.
12Can I race more than one tool at any race meet?
Yes.
13Can my tool be radio-controlled or battery operated?
No. Only tools powered by 240 Volts can race.
14I have a variety of tools I want to race. Do I have to pay a membership/licence fee for each racing tool?
No, as a paid-up SHARTA member you can present your racing licence and race any of your SHARTA-compliant tools (or one of ours). Drivers pay, tools don’t!
15What does membership fee include?
Your membership fee grabs you a lifetime SHARTA membership and a valid SHARTA racing licence and the right to race at any SHARTA fixture, using your own drag racing tool or one of ours.
16What personal details does SHARTA keep on record?
Just the name you give us so we can issue a racing licence. We’re not about getting up in your business, hassling you with marketing or hawking your personal data.
17Why do I need a SHARTA racing licence?
The licence is evidence of your paid-up membership so that you can take your turn to race and also allows our Timekeeper to enter your racing name at each SHARTA race you attend so that results can be displayed on our Score boards at each event you participate in.
18So is there an etiquette to power tool drag racing?
Yes.
Respect is crucial when you race tool to tool with someone.
Listen to and follow the directions of the SHARTA officials at all times. They’re there for your and everyone’s safety and racing enjoyment.