ELKHORN, Neb. — Driver safety will take center stage in 2027 as RaceSaver IMCA Sprint Cars introduce new safety equipment requirements and age restrictions designed to provide additional protection for younger competitors.
Effective Jan. 1, 2027, all drivers under the age of 18 competing in the RaceSaver IMCA Sprint Car division will be required to wear an SFI-approved head and neck restraint system.
The new requirement strengthens the division’s commitment to driver safety and ensures that younger competitors have an additional level of protection whenever they take to the track.
Along with the new safety equipment requirement, RaceSaver IMCA Sprint Cars will implement an additional age restriction based on track size.
While drivers must be at least 14 years old to purchase a RaceSaver IMCA Sprint Car license and compete in sanctioned events, beginning in 2027, drivers must be at least 16 years old to compete on tracks measuring one-half mile or larger.
The new age restriction is the result of insurance requirements affecting younger drivers competing on larger racing surfaces. The change was necessary to comply with insurance guidelines while continuing to provide opportunities for younger competitors to participate in RaceSaver IMCA Sprint Car racing.
Drivers ages 14 and 15 will remain eligible to compete at sanctioned tracks measuring less than one-half mile, provided they meet all applicable licensing and safety requirements.
The updated regulations are part of an ongoing effort to strengthen safety standards throughout the RaceSaver IMCA Sprint Car program without compromising the affordability and accessibility that have helped make the division successful nationwide.
All drivers, parents, promoters and race teams are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new requirements well ahead of the 2027 racing season to ensure they have the proper safety equipment and meet the minimum age requirements for the tracks where they plan to compete.
The new safety equipment and age requirements will be enforced at all RaceSaver IMCA-sanctioned events beginning Jan. 1, 2027.
Complete rules and additional information are available at www.racesaver.com.