Ute Barrel (and Circle) Competition
Ute Barrel Racing is a crowd favourite, where drivers put their vehicles through a barrel-race style course. It’s fast, dusty, and usually ends in plenty of cheers for the slickest turns and biggest slides.
Competition Regulatons
- The event must take place within the showground arena, not at other venues.
- There must be a minimum 20-metre barrier between spectators and vehicles.
- Complete entries must be submitted before the competition begins.
- Submission of an application does not guarantee entry.
- Successful entrants must be available at the designated competition start time.
- All drivers must sign a waiver before competing
- Show organisers reserve the right to alter the competition without notice.
Failure to follow competition rules or Officials' parking directions will result in disqualification and forfeiture of entry fees.
- A current, valid Driver’s Licence is required and must be produced. Learner's permits are not accepted.
- Drivers must return a zero-alcohol reading immediately prior to the event. Testing will be conducted by Officials.
- Seat belts must be properly adjusted and worn during competition.
Suitable footwear must be worn. Thongs or sandals are not permitted.
No passengers are allowed unless assistance is required due to impairment (e.g., hearing). - Any ute leaving the defined competition area during their run will be automatically disqualified.
- Any contact with barricades will result in disqualification.
Both driver and passenger doors must remain unlocked during competition.
Drivers will line up outside the arena in competition order and await instructions from Officials. - Each driver will receive a quick debrief before entering the arena. A horn will sound to begin the run.
- A horn will sound to signal the end of the run. Drivers must stop immediately and exit the arena at walking pace (5kph). Failure to do so will result in disqualification.
- Only vehicles that pass safety scrutiny will be permitted to compete.
- Utes must be registered and have registration papers present. Must be registered as a utility with a tub or tray (removable canopy allowed).
- Officials will inspect all utes for safety. Any loose items or toolboxes in/on the tray must be removed.
- Only one competing vehicle is allowed in the arena at any time.
The competing vehicle must completely exit the arena before the next vehicle enters.
- No alcohol is permitted in the Competition Pit Area during the event.
- Maximum vehicle speed in the Pit Area is 5kph (walking pace).
- All Officials must stay behind safety barriers during competition.
- Official photographers must remain behind safety barriers.
- Qualified medical personnel must be present and on duty.
- NSW Rural Fire Service must be present and briefed on the event.
- Entry and exit points to the arena must be clearly marked.
- Officials will wet down the competition surface before and between runs as needed to manage dust.
Utes must follow their defined barrel course. Contact with barrels will result in disqualification.
- The event will be judged based on the fastest clean run (free of infringements).
- All judges' decisions are final.
- Judges will also consider each driver’s attention to public safety.
Circle Work Rules
- Only stable 4WD utes with a low centre of gravity and standard radial tyres are eligible.
- Each driver will receive a quick debrief before entering the arena. A horn will sound to begin the circle work.
Each run is limited to two minutes*. A horn will sound at the end, and competitors must stop and exit the arena at walking pace (5kph). - The circle work arena will be clearly marked using appropriate materials.
- Judges will award points for:
-Driving skills and control
-Drifting skills
-Number of circles completed
-Number of figure 8s completed
-Crowd reaction
-Full use of arena space
*Note: run times may be adjusted depending on arena surface, weather, and number of entries.
Barrel Racing Rules
- Leaving the competition area will result in disqualification. Contact with barricades will result in penalties at the discretion of the Officials.
- Each driver will receive a debrief prior to entering the arena. A horn will sound to begin the run.
- Drivers must stay within the designated barrel course. Dislodging barrels will result in time penalties.
The winner is determined by the quickest run, factoring in any penalties.