dB Drag Racing is an auto sound competition format where competitors compete against one another to see who has the loudest car stereo system. This is the fundamental basis for a dB Drag Racing event.
dB Drag Racing is comprised of two stages of competition; Qualifying and Elimination. During qualifying the maximum Sound Pressure Level (SPL) for each contestant's sound system is measured. At the conclusion of the qualifying stage of competition the eight loudest competitors in each class are then placed in brackets for the elimination portion of the competition. During the elimination rounds, contestants face off in a head-to-head format. The winner of each bracket round advances to the next round of competition and the loser is eliminated from the event.
The dB Drag Racing Association (dBDRA) has gone to great lengths to ensure that the rules for competing in dB Drag Racing are as comprehensive and unambiguous as possible. Even so, there will invariably be times when a particular application or installation will fall outside the scope of this rulebook. When those occasions arise, it is the responsibility of the head judge to make a determination as to whether the incident in question abides by the "spirit" of dB Drag Racing competition. As a competitor, it is your responsibility to understand the rules contained in this book and to abide by any decisions rendered by the head judge.
Personal Conduct Policy
It is a privilege to be part of the dB Drag Racing Association.
Everyone who participates in the dBDRA must refrain from "conduct detrimental to the integrity of and public confidence in" the dBDRA. This includes dBDRA international representatives, officiating staff, and competitor participants.
Conduct that is illegal, violent, dangerous, or irresponsible puts innocent victims at risk, damages the reputation of others in the sport, and undercuts public respect and support for the dBDRA. We must endeavor at all times to be people of high character; we must show respect for others inside and outside the judging lanes; and we must strive to conduct ourselves in ways that favorably reflect on ourselves, our sponsors, the communities we represent, and the dBDRA.
To this end, the dBDRA has developed this Personal Conduct Policy and has made clear that the dBDRA's goal is to prevent violations of the policy. In order to uphold our high standards, when violations of this Personal Conduct Policy do occur, appropriate disciplinary action must follow.
All competition team members must conduct themselves in a professional and courteous manner. Physical or verbal abuse of other competitors, the officiating crew, exhibitors, or spectators may result in immediate disqualification, ejection from the event, and possible disciplinary action from the dBDRA.
Any competition team member who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs may be ejected from the event and could face possible disciplinary action from the dBDRA.
Any team member who poses a safety threat, either to himself or to others, may be ejected from the event and could face possible disciplinary action from the dBDRA.
Any team member who acts in an offensive or disruptive manner may be ejected from the event and could face possible disciplinary action from the dBDRA.
Any dBDRA affiliate, including international representatives, judges, or competitors whose on-line conduct violates this policy could face sanctions from the dBDRA, including forfeiture of all points, revocation of membership, or other disciplinary action from the dBDRA.
dBDRA Creed
I will never operate my system in a manner that will disturb those around me.
I will never operate my system in a manner that could result in injury.
I will never operate my system in violation of the law.
I will do my best to represent the dBDRA in a positive fashion.
I will conduct myself in a professional manner while participating at events.
I will do my best to support those companies and retailers who support our sport.
I will always abide by the dBDRA rules when competing and will do my best to ensure that others abide by the rules as well.
Safety Guidelines
The safety of the competitors, judges, and bystanders at a dBDRA event are of paramount importance. As the operator of the competition vehicle and its sound system, the competitor has a tremendous responsibility both to himself and to those around him with regards to safety. Competitors should clearly understand the following issues prior to participating in a dBDRA event.
Operation of a motor vehicle is inherently dangerous. You MUST ensure that the operation of your vehicle will not endanger yourself or those around you. Please adhere to all local laws and verify that your pathway is clear before moving your vehicle. Although officiating staff members may sometimes offer assistance in moving and/or directing traffic, the responsibility for the operation of the competition vehicle ultimately lies with the competitor.
Auto sound systems are capable of producing high sound pressure levels. Exposure to high sound pressure levels may cause hearing damage. NEVER operate your sound system in such a manner as to expose yourself or others to high sound pressure levels. In addition, listening to your sound system at high volumes while driving may prevent you from hearing emergency vehicles, vehicle or train horns, etc. Always operate your sound system in accordance with local laws and never operate your sound system in a manner that could interfere with the safe operation of your vehicle. This includes making adjustments to your sound system while you are driving.
Custom auto sound installations may affect the safety and/or integrity of your vehicle. Although some competitors may elect to have their sound system installed by others, it is ultimately the competitor's responsibility to validate that his or her installation is safe. Particular care should be taken with regards to electrical wiring. All power wires should be fused directly at the battery to minimize the risk of a fire hazard. Sound components such as speakers, amplifiers, enclosures, etc. should be fastened to the vehicle in such as way as to prevent them from causing injury or damage in the event of an accident. Vehicles that have been structurally modified to accommodate the sound system or vehicles that exceed the maximum gross weight limits as detailed in the vehicle's operating manual should never be driven on public streets or highways.
The dB Drag Racing Association and its affiliates are not qualified to determine the safety and/or legality of a given competition vehicle. This responsibility lies with the competitor. As such, the dB Drag Racing Association and its affiliates cannot be responsible for any accidents, damages, or injuries that occur at a dBDRA event. By participating in a dBDRA event, the competitor agrees to take full responsibility for his or her actions and any accidents, damages, or injuries that may occur. The dBDRA strongly encourages competitors to operate their vehicles and sound systems in a manner that is consistent with local laws. Flagrant disregard for safety will result in disqualification and subsequent ejection from the event.