2002 Rules & Regulations

© 1995-2002 Wayne Harris


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dB Drag Racing Competition

 

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.

 

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 rule book. 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. 

 

dB Drag Racing Creed

 

 

Section 1 - General Rules

 

1-1               Competitors may use the program material of their choice while competing.

 

Additional Guidelines:

 

·         The program material being played must originate from a source unit that is specifically designed for installation and operation in a 12-Volt auto sound environment. This includes cassette decks, CD players and changers, DVD players and changers, VCR’s and VCP’s, MP3 units, AM / FM / Satellite radio tuners, and any other playback device that is specifically designed for installation and operation in a 12-Volt auto sound environment.

·         The program material may consist of music, test tones, or any other type of recorded audio signal.

·         The program media may be from a commercial source (such as a CD you purchase) or a custom, home-made recording.

·         Tone generators, frequency multipliers, harmonizers, etc. are prohibited.

 

Exceptions:

 

·         Competitors must use the official dB Drag Racing competition CD (dB Jams Volume 5) at all multi-point events.

·         Competitors are limited to playing frequencies of 80 Hz and below at all multi-point events. If a competitor's highest SPL is achieved at a frequency of 81 Hz or higher, then that competitor’s score will be disallowed. If the violation occurs during the qualifying rounds, the competitor may be granted a retry at the sole discretion of the head judge. If the violation occurs during the elimination rounds, the competitor will be eliminated from the competition, regardless of the competitor’s score.

 

1-2               Adjustments to the sound system may be made while the vehicle is being metered as long as no other applicable rules are violated during the adjustment process. (Metering is the process where the Sound Pressure Level or SPL of your vehicle is measured.)

 

1-3               The contestant’s vehicle may be running while in the judging lanes as long as the following conditions apply:

 

·         Operation of the vehicle or sound system must not endanger the judge, competitor, spectators, or any real or personal property on the premises.

·         The vehicle’s parking brake must be set.

·         The wheels must be chocked.

·         The hood must be closed.

·         The maximum engine idle speed must not exceed 2000 RPM.

·         A remote “engine kill switch” must be easily accessible from outside of the vehicle for those competitors that are bolting (clamping, strapping, etc.) the doors of the vehicle closed while in the judging lanes.

 

It is the competitor’s responsibility to comply with the conditions listed above. Competitors found to be in violation of one or more of these conditions shall be disqualified from the competition.

 

1-4               The contestant must be outside of the vehicle while the vehicle is being metered and all doors, windows, and other openings to the vehicle must remain closed during this time.

 

Exception - Competitors may remain inside of the vehicle during metering provided:

 

·         They wear adequate hearing protection at all times. Removal of the hearing protection while inside of the vehicle will result in immediate disqualification.

·         The competitor’s maximum SPL never exceeds 140 dB. A measured SPL in excess of 140 dB will result in immediate disqualification.

·         The competitor signs a dB Drag Racing entry form that includes a waiver stating that the competitor understands that “exposure to high sound pressure levels may result in temporary or permanent hearing loss”.

 

1-5               When the SPL metering process begins, contestants will have 30 seconds to achieve their highest Sound Pressure Level (SPL). The SPL metering equipment will record and save each competitor’s high score during this 30 second judging interval.

 

1-6               Contestants may not open their vehicle during the metering process. If a contestant opens his or her vehicle while being metered, the competitor may be disqualified. If the violation occurs during the qualification rounds, the competitor may be granted a retry at the discretion of the head judge. If the violation occurs during the elimination rounds, the competitor shall be disqualified from the competition.

 

Section 2 - Competitor Classification System

 

Competitors are classified by the number of woofers in their system and the extent to which their vehicle has been modified. For specific limitations regarding vehicle modifications for each division, refer to Sections 3-5 later in this rule book.

 

 

2-1               The dBDRA considers speakers with maximum diameters of 8 inches or larger to be woofers.

 

2-2               All of the woofers in a vehicle (8 inches and larger) will be counted when determining what class a competitor should compete in, even if the woofers in question are not operational.

 

Additional Guidelines:

 

·         Every woofer in an Isobaric or Compound configuration shall be counted.

·         Hidden woofers (such as those found in Bandpass enclosures) shall be counted.

·         Passive radiators, ports, and vents are not considered to be woofers, and therefore will not be counted as such.

 

2-3               “Token” woofers are strictly prohibited. If a competitor has installed woofers in such a manner as to circumvent the competitor classification system, the competitor may be re-classified or disqualified at the sole discretion of the head judge.

 

Example:

 

·         A competitor who normally competes in the Super Street 1-2 class shows up at an event and decides that his normal class is too competitive for his taste. In an effort to circumvent the competitor classification system and move up into the Super Street 3-4 class, the competitor borrows 2 woofers and then lays them in the back of his vehicle. Now, there are a total of 4 woofers in the vehicle, even though the 2 woofers he just “installed” are not a legitimate part of the sound system. Activities such as this are strictly prohibited.

 

2-4               Each competitor may compete in one, and only one class at each dB Drag Racing event.

 

Additional Guidelines:

 

·         Competitors may not enter the same vehicle in more than one class at a dB Drag Racing event, nor may a competitor enter more than one vehicle at the same show.

·         Competitors may not send out a “fleet” (2 or more) of vehicles to compete in an attempt to circumvent the points accrual requirements for the World Finals.

·         Competitors must accompany their vehicle at each event. In other words, a competitor may not send his vehicle to an event with a friend in order to compete while he stays at home.

 

2-5               The standard classes for dB Drag Racing are as follows…

 

Street Division

 

·         1-2 Woofers, 12-inch maximum woofer diameter – 1 subwoofer amplifier maximum.

·         3-4 Woofers, 12-inch maximum woofer diameter – 2 subwoofer amplifiers maximum.

 

Additional Guidelines for the Street Division:

 

·         Each subwoofer amplifier is limited to a maximum of 4 “non-bridged” output channels or 2 “bridged” output channels.

·         Amplifiers used for non-subwoofer applications will not be counted.

·         Subwoofers may not contain more than 2 voice coils per sub.

·         Competitors who qualify for the World Finals must move up into either the Super Street or Extreme Divisions the following season. Once a competitor has moved up, they may no longer compete in the Street Division.

·         Cargo vans and commercial vehicles are prohibited from competing in the Street Division.

·         Sponsored vehicles are not permitted in the Street Division.

 

Super Street Division

 

·         1-2 Woofers – No Walls

·         1-2 Woofers

·         3-4 Woofers

·         5-8 Woofers

·         9+ Woofers

 

Extreme Division

 

·         1-2 Woofers

·         3-4 Woofers

·         5-8 Woofers

·         9-12 Woofers

·         13+ Woofers

 

The classes listed above are the recommended standard classes for dB Drag Racing. Typically, all of these classes will be offered at multi-point events. However, if there are fewer than 8 entries in a given class, or if the event is a single-point event, the show promoter may, at his discretion, combine one or more classes in order to fully populate the elimination brackets. In any case, the number of classes offered, and their specific breakdown, is at the discretion of the show promoter.

 

Section 3 - Passenger Compartment Regulations

 

3-1               The passenger compartment and listening / measurement compartment shall be one and the same. (Intent: Measurements should be taken inside the passenger compartment.)

 

3-2               No partitions or other barriers may divide or compartmentalize the passenger compartment. (Intent: The listening environment should approximate that found in a typical vehicle.)

 

3-3               The windshield and front doors to the vehicle must function as an unobstructed boundary to the passenger compartment. (Intent: The listening environment should approximate that found in a typical vehicle, where the doors and the windshield act as “walls” to the listening environment.)

 

3-4               The passenger compartment must accommodate 2 average size adult passengers, sitting side by side, in a traditional seating arrangement. (Intent: The passenger compartment of the vehicle should approximate that of a typical vehicle.)

 

Additional Guidelines:

 

·         For clarification purposes, the dBDRA defines an average size adult as someone who is 66 inches (5’ 6”) tall.

·         While seated, the distance between a passenger’s knees and chin shall be at least 12 inches. (Compliance with this rule can be verified by laying a mic jig across the passenger’s knees and then measuring the distance from the center of the jig to the passenger’s chin.)

·         The size (air volume) of the passenger compartment may not change during competition. (For example: The subwoofer enclosure can not move forward, airbags may not be deployed, etc.)

·         The cabin of the vehicle may not be “pressurized” or “de-pressurized” with a gas or fluid of any type. In addition, the air inside of the cabin may not be replaced with a gas or fluid of any type.

 

3-5               Nothing must interfere with the placement of the microphone or the use of the microphone jig.

 

Additional Requirements for Extreme Division competitors

 

·         Each competitor must provide adequate space for the placement of the microphone stand on the passenger side of the vehicle. (A minimum 12-inch diameter flat surface is required.)

·         Competitors are requested to attach 3 straps (tie-down, Velcro, or equivalent), spaced in a Y configuration, to hold the legs of the microphone stand in place.

 

3-6               All reflective surfaces, with the exception of the windshield and dashboard, must be located a minimum of 1 microphone jig length (13 inches) from the microphone capsule. (Intent: Reflective surfaces shall not interfere with the measurement equipment.)

 

3-7               The extent to which modifications to the passenger compartment are allowed is limited by the division a competitor is competing in. (See Section 2 entitled, “Competitor Classification System” earlier in this rule book for a complete listing of competition divisions and classes.)

 

Additional Guidelines:

 

For clarification purposes, the dBDRA uses the term “modification” to describe changes to the vehicle that have been made in order to accommodate the sound system or to improve the competitor’s score.

 

Some examples of passenger compartment modifications include:

 

·         Replacing the OEM glass

·         Replacing the OEM dashboard

·         Replacing the OEM seats

·         Reinforcing the door panels

·         Floor build-ups and roof build-downs

·         Removing or replacing the OEM center console

 

A Special Note on Equivalent Replacements:

 

·         There are several areas in the rule book where the term “equivalent replacement” is used. The dBDRA considers an equivalent replacement to be a replacement that closely resembles the OEM product it replaces in both form and function. This includes structural rigidity, cosmetics, and size. For example, if a competitor is replacing the door panel on a vehicle, it would be acceptable for the replacement to be made of 1/8-inch thick fiber board covered with upholstery material, since the structural rigidity, cosmetics, and size of the replacement panel are similar to those of the original panel. On the other hand, a replacement panel made from 1-inch thick MDF would not be permissible because the structural rigidity of the replacement panel is different from that of the original.

 

A Special Note on the Installation of Speakers other than Woofers:

 

·         Speakers that are less than 8 inches in maximum diameter may be installed anywhere in the vehicle, provided their installation does not violate any other existing rule.

·         It is permissible to strengthen doors panels at the location where speakers are installed in the doors.

·         Door pods are also permissible, as are custom fiberglass “build-outs” or other modifications that are made in order to accommodate speakers in the installation location.

 

Street Division Passenger Compartment Restrictions

 

3-8a            Modifications to the passenger compartment are prohibited.

 

Additional Guidelines:

 

·         The OEM headliner (or an equivalent replacement) must remain in place.

·         The OEM door panels (or an equivalent replacement) must remain in place.

·         The OEM carpeting (or an equivalent replacement) must remain in place.

·         Sound damping materials may be used to reduce vibration when installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommended installation instructions. For mat-type materials, a maximum of 2 layers may be applied at any given point. For spray-on materials, a maximum spray thickness of 1/8 inch may be used. (Only one type of sound damping material may be used at a given point.)

·         Expanding foam may be used sparingly throughout the vehicle to seal small openings or reduce vibration, but may not be used to fill voids or other large cavities (such as the dashboard or doors).

 

3-8b            Nothing in the sound system may interfere with the normal use and / or operation of the vehicle.

 

3-8c            Seats may be folded for competition, but may not be removed from the vehicle unless they were originally designed as a consumer removable component. Competitors who fold their seats must be able to demonstrate that the installation of the sound system does not interfere with the normal operation of the seats that were folded.

 

Additional Guidelines:

 

·         Any removable seat that remains installed in the vehicle during competition will be treated identically to a permanently installed seat.

·         If a removable seat has been removed from the vehicle prior to competition, then the officiating staff will treat the vehicle as if that seat doesn’t exist.

 

3-8d            If the vehicle is an extended-cab or king-cab pick-up truck, then the “normal use” restriction for “jump seats” that are located behind the front seat of the pick-up is waived.

 

Additional Guidelines:

 

·         This waiver only applies to pick-ups that have “jump seats” located behind the front seat. The dBDRA defines a “jump seat” as an OEM seat that was designed to be folded up against the side or back of the pickup’s passenger compartment.

·         Jump Seats may not be removed from the pick-up, but they may be folded in order to accommodate the sound system.

 

Super Street Division Passenger Compartment Restrictions

 

3-9a            No modifications to the passenger compartment in front of the trailing edge of the door jamb are permitted.

 

Additional Guidelines:

 

·         The OEM headliner (or an equivalent replacement) must remain in place for those areas in front of the trailing edge of the door jamb.

·         The OEM door panels (or an equivalent replacement) must remain in place for those areas in front of the trailing edge of the door jamb.

·         The OEM carpeting (or an equivalent replacement) must remain in place for those areas in front of the trailing edge of the door jamb.

·         Sound damping materials may be used throughout the vehicle. For mat-type materials, a maximum of 2 layers may be applied at any given point that is located in front of the door jambs, and an unlimited number of layers may be applied to those areas that fall behind the door jambs. For spray-on materials, a maximum spray thickness of 1/8 inch may be used on surfaces that are located in front of the door jambs, and an unlimited spray thickness may be applied to surfaces that fall behind the door jambs. (Only one type of sound damping material may be used at a given point if that point falls in front of the door jambs.)

·         Expanding foam may be used sparingly in front of the door jambs to seal small openings or reduce vibration, but may not be used to fill voids or other large cavities (such as the dashboard or doors). An unlimited amount of expanding foam may be used behind the door jambs.

 

3-9b            Competitor’s may fold or remove their seats from the vehicle during competition.

 

Extreme Division Passenger Compartment Restrictions

 

3-10a        Competitor’s may fold or remove their seats from the vehicle during competition.

 

3-10b        Floor build-ups, roof build-downs, and foot well modifications are acceptable.

 

3-10c        Center consoles must not exceed the height of the dashboard.

 

3-10d        Nothing must obstruct the driver’s (or passenger’s) view through the windshield or side windows. (Window bracing and floor-to-roof bracing is acceptable.)

 

3-10e        The maximum aggregate width for all bracing in front of the door jambs is 6 inches. (To determine compliance with this guideline, find the widest point on each of your braces. Next, add these maximum width’s together. The total value must be 6 inches or less.)

 

Example 1: A competitor is using a single 4” x 4” brace from the roof to the floor. The widest dimension of the brace is 4 inches, so the competitor is in compliance.

 

Example 2: A competitor is using a single 2” x 4” brace from the roof to the floor. The widest dimension of the brace is 4 inches, so the competitor is in compliance.

 

Example 3: A competitor is using two 2” x 4” braces from the roof to the floor. The widest dimension on both braces is 4 inches. The maximum aggregate width for the competitor’s braces is 4 + 4 = 8 inches which is more than is allowable.

 

Example 4: A competitor has a 2” x 2” brace from the dash to the ceiling, another 2” x 2” brace from the dash to the floor, and a 3rd 2” x 2” brace from the floor to the ceiling. The maximum aggregate width for the competitor’s braces is 2 + 2 + 2 = 6 inches, so the competitor is in compliance.

 

Example 5: A competitor is using two 3” diameter pipes from the floor to the ceiling. The widest dimension of each pipe is 3 inches. The maximum aggregate width for the competitor’s braces is 3 + 3 = 6 inches, so the competitor is in compliance.

 

Section 4 - Vehicle Regulations

 

4-1               The vehicle must be driven into and out of the judging lanes.

 

Exception:

 

·         Some events may prohibit the operation of motor vehicles. In situations such as this, or when safety is an issue, compliance with this rule is waived.

 

4-2               The size and location of the vehicle’s doors must not be altered.

 

Additional Guidelines:

 

·         The door jambs may not be modified in an effort to circumvent the “string test” (see Section 6-2 later in this rule book).

·         As a minimum, the vehicle must have a door for the driver and another for the passenger. Each of these doors must be located in the traditional locations for the driver and passenger. (i.e. Opposite sides of the vehicle.) Exception: Vehicles that were originally manufactured with only one door. (i.e. Mail delivery jeep.)

 

4-3               This rule (4-3) applies to Extreme Division competitors only. The OEM glass in the windshield and / or side windows to the vehicle may be replaced with another material as long as that material approximates the location and functionality of the original equipment. (i.e. Plexiglas, bullet-proof glass, or another fully transparent material.)

 

Additional Guidelines:

 

·         The “slant” of the replacing material must approximate that of the OEM glass.

·         The unobstructed viewing area for the front windshield must be 4 square feet or larger. The unobstructed viewing area must be symmetrical in nature, with equivalent transparent areas on both the driver and passenger sides of the vehicle. Important: Only areas of the windshield that are not impeded in any way will be considered unobstructed. For example, if windshield braces or the dashboard blocks portions of the windshield, those portions will not count as part of the unobstructed viewing area.

 

Measurement Technique:

 

Unobstructed viewing areas will be identified by looking straight into the vehicle from in front of the vehicle on a plane that is parallel to the ground. The borders surrounding each unobstructed viewing area will be marked on the windshield with a “dry erase” marker or tape. Next, the officiating staff will determine the surface area contained within the boundary of each border by laying a ruler flat against the surface of the windshield and making measurements that are parallel to the windshield. The sum total of all unobstructed viewing areas must be 4 square feet or larger.

 

·         The unobstructed viewing area for the driver and passenger side windows must be 200 square inches or larger (per window).

·         Side windows do not need to be operational. (They don’t need to roll up or down.)

·         There is no limit to the number of external windshield braces that may be used as long as their existence does not violate other applicable rules.

·         The officiating staff must be afforded a clear view inside of the vehicle when looking through the windshield and side windows of the vehicle.

·         A secondary windshield and / or windows may be used in conjunction with the OEM glass as long as the maximum distance separating the two materials does not exceed ¼ inch at the center of the windshield and / or window.

·         Competitors who have replaced the passenger side window with Plexiglas must provide a 1-inch diameter hole (with stopper) for the microphone cable.

 

4-4               Modifications to the external OEM “skin” (body) of the vehicle are not permitted if the modification in question will result in a change in the vehicles interior volume. The dBDRA defines the “skin” of the vehicle as the external shell (top, front, back, and sides) of the vehicle’s OEM body that gives the vehicle it’s distinctive appearance. This is also the part of the vehicle that is normally painted. The underside or undercarriage of the vehicle is not considered to be a part of the OEM “skin”.

 

Additional Guidelines:

 

·         “Chop-tops” are not permitted.

·         Non-OEM extended roofs are not permitted.

·         Non-OEM vehicle extensions or “stretches” are not permitted.

·         Cut-throughs in pickup trucks are permitted provided the enclosure and / or other equipment that is located in the bed of the truck does not extend above the side-walls of the bed. If the pickup has a commercially available camper shell, then the sidewall restriction does not apply. Home-made camper shells are strictly prohibited.

·         Modifications that are strictly cosmetic in nature, or that do not affect the internal volume of the vehicle are permissible. This includes spoilers, hood scoops, air dams, fender flares, etc..

 

4-5               This rule (4-5) applies to Extreme Division competitors only. A removable or flip-down panel(s) may be used to cover the OEM foot wells.

 

Additional Guidelines

 

·         In the interest of safety, competitors are encouraged not to modify the vehicle’s OEM foot pedals (accelerator pedal, brake pedal, clutch, and parking brake).

·         The “2 adult rule” will be administered while the panel(s) are in place.

 

Section 5 – Auto Sound Equipment Regulations

 

All of the auto sound equipment used in the competitor’s sound system must satisfy the following guidelines:

 

5-1               All auto sound equipment must be designed for installation and operation in a 12-Volt auto sound environment.

 

5-2               All auto sound equipment must be (or have been) commercially available. The determination as to whether a product is (or was) commercially available shall be at the sole discretion of the dBDRA.

 

5-3               All auto sound amplifiers must be linear in nature.

 

Additional Guidelines:

 

·         The amplifiers used in the sound system should be designed for audio reproduction. For clarification purposes, the amplifier’s output waveform should be a close facsimile to that of the input signal. In addition, the amplifier’s output magnitude should be proportional to that of the input signal. All of these guidelines apply to frequencies between 20 and 80 Hz. The determination as to whether an amplifier is acceptable for use in dB Drag Racing competition shall be at the sole discretion of the dBDRA.

·         No embedded active power sources (such as batteries) may reside inside of the amplifier.

 

5-4               The program material must be reproduced using conventional loudspeakers (subwoofers). The determination as to whether a loudspeaker is acceptable for use in dB Drag Racing competition shall be at the sole discretion of the dBDRA.

 

Additional Guidelines:

 

·         The dBDRA defines a conventional loudspeaker as a sound reproducing electro-mechanical transducer that incorporates a cone, surround, basket, and voice-coil.

·         The loudspeaker must be powered directly by the audio amplifier(s).

·         Loudspeakers incorporating servo mechanisms, actuators, or any other form of mechanically powered motor are specifically prohibited.

·         Compressed air, explosive devices, etc. are expressly forbidden.

 

5-5               Auto sound equipment introduced less than 60 days prior to the Season Cut-Off date (September 30, 2002) will not be permitted at the Finals or at ANY multi-point event. (Products must actually be shipping and commercially available at retailers 60 days prior to the deadline date.) For 2002, the deadline is August 1.

 

5-6               Competition vehicles and auto sound systems may NOT be altered during competition at the Finals or at ANY multi-point event. Only damaged equipment may be replaced and the equipment being replaced may only be replaced with an equivalent component. The determination as to whether a product is an equivalent component  shall be at the sole discretion of the dBDRA.

 

Additional Guidelines and Examples:

 

·         This rule does not apply to source units or signal processors.

·         The period of time from which alterations are prohibited begins with the start of the event (registration) and ends with the awards ceremony at the conclusion of the event..

·         You may replace a broken 400 watt amplifier with another brand’s 400 watt amplifier. You may not replace a 400 watt amp with a 1000 watt amp. (The replacement amp’s rated output power must be within +/- 20% of the original amp’s rated output power.)

·         You may adjust the tuning frequency of your enclosure by adjusting the enclosure’s vent. You may not rebuild or replace the enclosure.

·         You may not rebuild or modify your vehicle’s interior.

 

Section 6 - Installation Regulations

 

6-1               Sound producing devices must not interfere with the measurement equipment. This includes, but is not limited to; horns, wave guides, vents, or other devices that are deliberately placed in close proximity to the microphone capsule. (Intent: Nothing shall interfere with the measurement equipment.)

 

6-2               All loudspeaker enclosures, and / or baffle boards, with the exception of those mounted in the kick-panels or doors, shall be located behind an imaginary plane that stretches from the trailing edge of the driver’s door to the trailing edge of the passenger door.

 

Additional Guidelines:

 

·         Compliance with this rule may be verified by using the following test: Two judges position themselves on opposite sides of the vehicle. A string (or wire) is passed through the open doors of the vehicle. Both judges pull the string so that it is taught. Next, the judges move the string in unison so that the string slides along the trailing edge of each judge’s respective door jamb. If the string does not touch the enclosure (or loudspeakers), then the test passes.

·         Any components that are attached to the loudspeaker enclosure, including speakers, amplifiers, signal processors, etc., are considered to be a part of the loudspeaker enclosure.

 

Additional Guidelines Related to Pick-Up Trucks Only:

 

·         If the vehicle is a standard pick-up truck (not an extended-cab or king-cab) and the subwoofer enclosure is mounted behind the front seat, compliance with the “string test” is not required.

·         If the vehicle is a standard pick-up truck (not an extended-cab or king-cab) and the installation incorporates a “cut-through” to the bed of the truck, then compliance with the “string test” will still be required.

·         If the vehicle is an extended-cab or king-cab pick-up truck, then compliance with the “string test” will still be required.

 

6-3               The maximum voltage of the vehicle’s electrical system shall not exceed 18.0 volts DC at any time while the vehicle is being metered.

 

Additional Guidelines:

 

·         The sound system in the vehicle must be powered by the vehicle’s primary electrical system. This system, which is comprised of the alternator(s), battery (or batteries), and distribution system, must in turn be powered by the vehicle’s engine.

 

Exception:

 

o        Compliance with this rule is not required provided the vehicle’s engine is not running while the vehicle is being metered.

 

·         External generators, fuel-cells, battery chargers, etc. may not be used in the judging lanes.

 

6-4               All of the components in the sound system (with the exception of an external podium or source unit) must be located within the external OEM “skin” of the vehicle. (This includes, but is not limited to alternators, batteries, amplifiers, enclosures, and speakers.)

 

The following exceptions only apply to Extreme Division competitors:

 

·         Battery boxes located underneath the vehicle are acceptable.

·         Fully encapsulated or “caged” alternators located above the hood, in front of the grille, or underneath the vehicle are acceptable.

 

6-5               The dBDRA defines a speaker wall as any subwoofer enclosure and / or baffle board that exceeds the height of an imaginary plane that stretches horizontally from the top of the driver’s door (where the side window enters the door frame) to the top of the passenger’s door on the opposite side of the vehicle.

 

Additional Guidelines:

 

·         Compliance with this rule may be verified by using the following test: Two judges position themselves on opposite sides of the vehicle. A string (or wire) is passed through the open window on the driver’s side, through the interior of the vehicle, and out of the open window on the passenger side of the vehicle. Both judges should then pull the string so that it is taught while resting against the lowest point on the top of the 2 doors (where the glass enters the door frame). If the enclosure in question does not exceed the height of this string, then the enclosure is not considered to be a wall. If any part of the enclosure exceeds the height of the string, then the enclosure is considered a wall.

·         Any components that are attached to the subwoofer enclosure, including speakers, amplifiers, signal processors, etc., are considered to be a part of the subwoofer enclosure.

 

Exceptions:

 

·         If the subwoofer enclosure is installed in the trunk of a vehicle, then compliance with the “wall test” is not required.

 

6-6               Additional installation limitations are determined by the division a competitor is competing in.

 

Street Division Installation Restrictions

 

6-7a            Speaker walls are prohibited.

 

6-7b            Subwoofers mounted in the rear-deck are acceptable.

 

6-7c            All loudspeaker enclosures and/or baffle boards with the exception of those mounted in the kick-panels or doors shall be located behind the trailing edge of the REARMOST side door(s) on the vehicle.

 

Exception:

 

·         If the vehicle is an extended-cab or king-cab pick-up truck, then this restriction does not apply. This waiver only applies to pick-ups that have “jump seats” located behind the front seat. The dBDRA defines a “jump seat” as an OEM seat that was designed to be folded up against the side or back of the pickup’s passenger compartment.

 

6-7d            Commercially available center consoles are acceptable provided they displace less than 2 cubic feet of air. “Custom” or home-made center consoles are prohibited.

 

6-7e            The sum total of “stiffening” capacitors in the Street 1-2 class is limited to a maximum of 1 Farad. The sum total of “stiffening” capacitors in the Street 3-4 class is limited to a maximum of 2 Farads.

 

6-7f              The OEM battery may be replaced with an aftermarket battery. Competitors in the Street 1-2 class are limited to 1 battery and competitors in the Street 3-4 class are limited to 2 batteries.

 

Additional Guidelines:

 

·         If a competitor is using 1 battery, it must fit in the OEM battery location.

·         If a competitor is using 2 batteries, the first battery must fit in the OEM battery location and the second battery may be mounted wherever the competitor desires, providing other applicable rules are not violated.

·         If a competitor is using 2 batteries, the second battery must be less than or equal to the size of the first battery.

·         Replacement batteries must be of the same voltage as the OEM battery.

 

6-7g            Replacing the OEM alternator with a high-output alternator, or “beefing up” the OEM alternator is prohibited.

 

6-7h            Aftermarket interconnects and power cabling are acceptable.

 

6-7i              Podiums are prohibited. External “burp” buttons, mute buttons, or any other type of remote control, with the exception of the source unit’s remote control, is prohibited.

 

6-7j              The source unit must be installed in the dash of the vehicle.

 

6-7k            Temporary structural reinforcements to the vehicle are prohibited during competition. This includes attaching straps, suction cups, sand bags, etc. to the vehicle. However, pressing on the doors, windows, trunk and / or laying on the hood, roof, etc. is acceptable providing no other applicable rules are violated.

 

Super Street Division Installation Restrictions

 

6-8a            Speaker walls are acceptable (with the exception of the Super Street 1-2 NW class – please see the special note below).

 

6-8b            Center consoles that displace less than 2 cubic feet of air space are acceptable. (Both commercially available and custom or home-made consoles are acceptable.)

 

6-8c            There are no limits to the number of “stiffening” capacitors that may be used.

 

6-8d            There are no limits to the number or type of batteries that may be used.

 

6-8e            The OEM alternator may be replaced or “beefed up”. A maximum of 2 alternators may be installed in the vehicle.

 

6-8f              Podiums are acceptable.

 

6-8g            Temporary structural reinforcements to the vehicle are prohibited during competition. This includes attaching straps, suction cups, sand bags, etc. to the vehicle. However, pressing on the doors, windows, trunk and / or laying on the hood, roof, etc. is acceptable providing no other applicable rules are violated.

 

6-8h            A Special Note on the Super Street 1-2 No Wall Class:

 

The rules for the Super Street 1-2 No Wall Class are identical to all of the other classes in the Super Street division with the following exceptions…

 

·         Speaker walls are prohibited.

·         Modifications behind the door jambs may not extend above the plane that is used to determine compliance with the “wall test”.

 

Extreme Division Installation Restrictions

 

6-9               There are no specific installation restrictions pertaining to the Extreme Division unless noted elsewhere in this rule book.

 

Section 7 - Points Accrual

 

7-1               Eligibility for competition at the dB Drag Racing World Finals is partially based upon a competitor’s points accumulation throughout the season. To accrue points, a competitor must be a member of the dB Drag Racing Association and must compete at an officially sanctioned dB Drag Racing event. (Officially sanctioned events can be found on our event calendar at www.dbdragracing.com.)

 

Points will be awarded as follows:

 

·         First Place:                   8 Points

·         Second Place:               7 Points

·         Third Place:                   6 Points

·         Fourth Place:                 5 Points

·         Fifth Place:                    4 Points

·         Sixth Place:                  3 Points

·         Seventh Place:              2 Points

·         Eighth Place:                 1 Point

 

Points awarded at multi-point events will be multiplied as follows:

 

·         Double Point:                 2x the standard points awarded

·         Triple Point:                   3x the standard points awarded

·         World Finals:                 4x the standard points awarded

 

Note: The points awarded at the World Finals will count towards the following competition season.

 

7-2               Only competitors who actively participate in a dB Drag Racing event are eligible to receive points for that event.

 

Additional Guidelines:

 

·         Competitors must compete in the event until they either win or get eliminated from the competition.

·         At a minimum, competitors must establish a qualifying score.

 

Example:

 

·         If a competitor is the only entry in a class, the competitor must run through the lanes at least one time. No further participation in the event is necessary.

·         If a competitor qualifies for the elimination rounds, and then leaves before he or she is defeated (or wins) the event, the competitor will not receive any points.

 

7-3               While competitors may switch competition vehicles at any time, at least 50% of the competitor’s qualifying points must have been earned with the vehicle that will be competing at the Finals. (For example: If 100 points are required to qualify for the Finals, at least 50 points must have been earned with the vehicle that will be competing at the Finals.)

 

Special Provision:

 

·         If a competitor’s vehicle is totaled in an accident or is stolen, the dB Drag Racing Association may, at the competitor’s request, transfer all of the competitor’s points to a different vehicle providing the competitor can prove that an accident or theft actually occurred. Typically, a copy of the police report and a copy of the insurance claim will suffice. 

 

7-4               If a competitor is a show promoter (or is employed by a show promoter), at least 50% of the competitor’s qualifying points must have been earned at shows other than his own (or his employer’s).

 

7-5               Points are “non-transferable” between competitors.

 

Section 8 – Certified SPL

 

8-1               Competitors may establish a Certified SPL by competing at a Certified dB Drag Racing event. All multi-point dB Drag Racing events are Certified Events.

 

Additional Guidelines:

 

·         Certified Events must be officiated by the dBDRA or a Certified dB Drag Racing Turn-Key event promoter. A complete listing of Certified Turn-Key event promoters may be found in the Retailer area of the dB Drag Racing web site.

·         All standard classes must be offered at a Certified Event.

·         A competitor’s Certified SPL will be the competitor’s highest winning score at a Certified Event. This score may be established in either the qualifying or elimination rounds.

·         Certified dB Drag Racing Turn-Key event promoters, their employees, or immediate family members are not eligible to participate in their own Certified Events. 

 

Note: Unlike points which are accrued at the World Finals, Certified SPL scores established at the Finals are for the season in which the Finals culminates and will not carry forward to the new season.

 

8-2               If, for whatever reason, the dBDRA feels that the results for a particular event are in error,  or that the integrity of the event has been compromised, the dBDRA reserves the right to adjust all of the scores for that event by an equal amount or dismiss the scores altogether.

 

Section 9 - World Finals

 

Invitations to the dB Drag Racing World Finals shall be awarded as follows:

 

9-1               Competitors must accrue a minimum of 100 points during the current competition season.

 

9-2               Competitors must establish a maximum Certified SPL at a multi-point dB Drag Racing event. (Competitors are encouraged to continuously increase their maximum Certified SPL by attending as many multi-point events as possible.)

 

9-3               The dBDRA will invite the top 15 competitors (based on maximum Certified SPL) in each standard class who meet the above requirements. In other words, you must accrue a minimum of 100 points during the current competition season AND you must have one of the top 15 Certified SPL scores in your class in order to receive an invitation.

 

Special Notes:

 

·         If, for whatever reason, there are fewer (or more) pit stalls available at the Finals, the dBDRA reserves the right to invite fewer (or more) than 15 competitors in each class EQUALLY. For example, if there is room to fit 240 pit stalls at the Finals, then we may elect to invite 20 competitors from each class, instead of 15.

·         If 2 or more competitors have identical Certified SPL scores in the same class, then their position on the leaderboard will be determined by their total points accrual for the season.

·         If a competitor has qualified to compete in 2 or more classes at the World Finals, he or she will be required to choose which class they will participate in at the Finals.

·         The dBDRA reserves the right to invite international competitors to participate in the World Finals even if the competitors being invited don’t meet the minimum requirements as specified in this section (9) of the rule book.

 

9-4               Certified SPL is linked to the vehicle and class the competitor participates in. In other words, if you switch classes or change vehicles, you will then need to re-establish your maximum Certified SPL for the new class.

 

9-5               Competitors must be members of the dBDRA at least 60 days prior to the Season Cut-Off date (September 30, 2002) in order to be eligible for an invitation to the World Finals. In other words, a competitor must be a member of the dBDRA by August 1, 2002 if they want to be eligible for an invitation to the World Finals.

 

9-6               The deadline for Certified Class changes shall be 60 days prior to the Season Cut-Off date. (September 30, 2002). A competitor’s Certified Class is the standard class in which the competitor has established a Certified SPL. While it is permissible for a competitor to establish a Certified SPL in more than one class during the course of the season, they may not do so in a new class after the Certified Class change deadline date. For 2002, this date is August 1, 2002.

 

9-7               There will be strict regulation of meters and calibration at all multi-point events.

 

Section 10 - World Records

 

10-1            A dB Drag Racing staff member must be present in order to establish a new World Record.

 

10-2            World Records may only be set at Triple Point events and the dB Drag Racing World Finals.

 

10-3            To establish a new World Record, the competitor must beat the old record twice at the same event. The lower of the competitor’s two record breaking scores will be used as the new record.

 

10-4            Any time a competitor posts a score that could potentially result in a new World Record, the following procedures shall be undertaken to ensure the validity of the score…

 

·         The competitor’s vehicle (and podium) shall be immediately impounded by the dB Drag Racing officiating staff.

·         The officiating staff will then perform a mandatory Vehicle Audit.

·         The SPL measurement equipment shall be inspected and tested for proper operation. If it is determined that an equipment malfunction has occurred, the competitor’s score shall be nullified. Once the problem with the equipment has been rectified, the competitor’s vehicle will be re-judged.

·         The officiating staff must unanimously agree that the competitor’s score is a valid score. If the officiating staff cannot reach a consensus on the validity of the score, the competitor’s score shall be nullified. Depending upon the nature of the dissent, the competitor may be re-judged or disqualified as circumstances dictate.

 

Section 11 - Vehicle Audits, Rules Infractions, Penalties

 

11-1            The dB Drag Racing Association reserves the right to “audit” a competitor’s vehicle in order to verify compliance with the rules. During an audit, the competitor will be asked to show and/or explain various features of the vehicle and it’s sound system.

 

11-2            Audits may include (but are not limited to) the following…

 

·         Inspection of the vehicle’s electrical system.

·         Inspection of the vehicle’s sound system.

·         Inspection of the sub-woofer enclosure.

·         Inspection of the dash board, foot wells, center console, headliner, and door panels.

·         Inspection of the “podium”.

 

11-3            If the competitor denies the officiating staff’s request for an audit, the competitor’s score(s) shall be nullified and the competitor shall be disqualified from the event.

 

11-4            If a rules infraction is discovered during the course of the competition, the competitor may be disqualified from the event based on the severity of the infraction and the current status of the competition.

 

11-5            If the rule violation is an honest, minor infraction, the officiating staff may issue a warning and then ask the offending competitor to take the appropriate action in order to address the violation. If the infraction is exposed prior to the elimination rounds of competition, the competitor’s qualifying score shall be nullified and the competitor may be allowed to re-qualify once the infraction is rectified. If the infraction is discovered during the elimination rounds of competition, the offending competitor shall be disqualified from the event.

 

11-6            If the rule violation is an honest, major infraction, the offending competitor shall be disqualified from the event.

 

11-7            If the violation is deliberate and/or fraudulent in nature, the competitor shall be disqualified from the event. In addition, the dB Drag Racing Association reserves the right to further ban the competitor from competition in future dB Drag Racing events.

 

11-8            Any competitor that is caught tampering with, disabling, or destroying another competitor's system shall be immediately disqualified from the event. Furthermore, infractions of this nature will result in lifetime banishment of the competitor from dB Drag Racing competition.

 

11-9            Any competitor that is caught tampering with, disabling, or destroying the SPL measurement equipment shall be immediately disqualified from the event. Furthermore, infractions of this nature will result in lifetime banishment of the competitor from dB Drag Racing competition.

 

Section 12 - Competitor Code of Conduct

 

12-1            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.

 

12-2            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.

 

12-3            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.

 

12-4            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.

 

Some Examples:

 

·         Throwing a “fit” in the judging lanes.

·         The circulation or participation in petitions regarding dB Drag Racing.

·         “Mob” type behavior.

 

Section 13 - Miscellaneous

 

13-1            Qualifying Tie Breakers – If 2 or more competitors tie during the qualification rounds of competition, and if 1 or more of those competitors is pushed out of the round of 8 while the other tied competitor(s) make the cut, then all of the competitors who are tied will be re-metered immediately prior to creating brackets. This procedure will only involve the original slots available in the round of 8 prior to the tie-breaking round(s). If all of the competitors who are tied make the cut, then re-qualifying is not necessary and placement in the elimination brackets will be automatically assigned by the computer.

 

Example:

 

·         Assume that 3 competitors tie with a score of 153.4 dB. On the leaderboard, the competitors are listed in 7th, 8th, and 9th place. To determine which two competitors will advance to the elimination rounds of competition, a tie-breaker will need to take place between these three competitors. All three competitors will be required to re-qualify. During this process, let’s assume that the competitor in 7th place scores a 155.1, the competitor in 8th scores a 155.2, and the competitor in 9th scores a 156.1. This would result in the competitor in 9th place moving into the 7th place slot, the competitor in 8th place remaining in the 8th place slot, and the competitor who was originally in 7th moving into the 9th place slot. At this point, the brackets can be made and the elimination rounds can begin. There is one other situation that must be mentioned. Let’s assume that the re-qualifying scores for the three competitors are ALL higher than the competitor who originally qualified for 6th place. The original competitor will NOT be displaced because only the 7th and 8th place slots in the round of eight were originally affected by the tie.

 

13-2            Elimination Round Tie Breakers – If 2 competitors tie during an elimination round, both competitors will be given a specified period of time (by the head judge) to re-charge their batteries and inspect their vehicles. Both vehicles must remain in the judging lanes during this time. After the specified time interval has elapsed, the competitors will compete once more to determine the winner. This process shall be repeated until there is a winner.

 

13-3            All rules will be enforced based upon their intent and the ruling of the head judge is final.

 

13-4            Measurement System Validation at Multi-Point Events

 

13-4a        Measurement system accuracy shall be validated at least once per hour with the aid of an approved calibrator. Validation shall also occur whenever a microphone is impacted or whenever there is a hardware change of any type in the measurement system.

 

13-4b        All competitors in a given class shall qualify in the same lane.

 

13-4c        During the elimination rounds, if the absolute difference in incoming scores between two competitors is less than 0.5 dB, then the measurement system shall be validated for accuracy. In addition, after the two competitors compete against one another, if the absolute difference in their two scores is less than 0.5 dB, then the measurement system shall be validated for accuracy once again. If the absolute difference between the two lanes (error) is greater than or equal to the absolute difference in the two competitor's scores AND by compensating for the error the outcome of the run would be reversed, then the run is considered a tie and the competitors must re-run as described in section 13-2.

 

Example:

 

·         Assume we are doing a Semi-Final round of eliminations in a given class. The competitor in Lane 1 is entering the round with a 164.3. (The score that is used to determine the competitor's incoming score is his PREVIOUS winning score in the Quarter Finals in this example.) The competitor in Lane 2 is entering the round with a QF score of 164.6. Since the absolute difference in INCOMING scores between these two competitors is only 0.3 dB, a measurement system validation is required. Next, the two competitors would compete against one another. Let’s assume that the competitor in Lane 1 wins the round with a score of 164.8. The competitor in Lane 2 loses the round with a 164.3. Since the absolute difference in the two scores is 0.5 dB, a measurement system validation would be required. When validating, the Lane 1 is found to be 0.2 dB high and Lane 2 is 0.1 dB low. Since the absolute difference between the lanes (0.3 dB) is less than the absolute difference between the two scores AND the outcome of the run would not have been changed by correcting for these errors, the outcome of that round is approved and the Lane 1 competitor moves on to the next round of competition. If the competitor in Lane 1 had won the event by only 0.3 dB, then we would have treated this round as a tie, since the absolute difference between the two mics was also 0.3 dB.

 

13-5            Set-Up and Tear-Down Times at Multi-Point Events – Competitors may be required to set-up and tear-down within a specified period of time at multi-point events. The amount of time allocated for set-up and tear-down and the penalty for exceeding these time limits will be specified by the show promoter prior to the beginning of the competition.

 

Example:

 

Set-up time: 4 Minutes

Tear-down time: 3 Minutes

Penalty: 1 dB for each minute in violation.

 

Section 14 – Q&A

 

Question – Can any portion of the auto sound system be removed and placed in another competitors vehicle? Example, sharing amps, woofers, box, caps, CD player.

 

Answer – A competitor may borrow equipment IF AND ONLY IF his equipment breaks during the competition. For example, if a competitor blows a woofer during qualifying, he may borrow a woofer from someone else in order to continue competing.

 

Competitors may NOT share common components as a part of normal competition. For example, a car club could NOT build a single amp rack and then use it with each of their vehicles. Each vehicle MUST have it's own equipment. This includes all system components... Amps, Alternators, Batteries, Woofers, Source Units, Signal Processors, Podiums, etc.

 

Question – How should the microphone jig be used to ensure proper microphone placement in the vehicle?

 

Answer – The long arm of the mic jig should be horizontal and parallel to the ground. The vertical part of the mic jig should be perpendicular (straight up) with respect to the ground. At this point, you have positioned the mic horizontally and vertically. The final step is to place the tip of the mic capsule 1 inch away from the windshield. Without moving the placement of the mic, rotate the bottom of the jig until the 1" bumper touches the glass. At this point, the short leg of the jig should be parallel to the glass. Then, carefully slide the mic towards the glass until it is flush with the mic jig.

 

Question – May a competitor enter any class for which his vehicle does not qualify? For example, could a competitor who normally competes in the Super Street 1-2 class enter the Extreme 1-2 class?

 

Answer – Absolutely not. The class a competitor competes in is dictated by the number of woofers in their system and the extent to which modifications to the vehicle have been made. Competitors may only compete in classes for which their vehicle legitimately qualifies.

 

Question – If two alternators are installed in a Super Street vehicle, can the vehicle be running
in the lanes? Or does the vehicle need to remain off?

 

Answer – The vehicle may be running in the lanes provided no other applicable rules are violated.

 

Question – In the classes that have a “normal use” restriction, do the seats need to be able to slide all the way back in order to be in compliance.

 

Answer – No. The competitor may adjust the seat any way they wish, provided the resultant seat position is intended for normal operation of the vehicle.

 

Question – In the Super Street rules, it states that the wall and subs must remain behind the door jambs. Does this also apply to the batteries and amplifiers?

 

Answer – No. Auto sound equipment may be installed in front of the door jambs provided the installation of the equipment does not violate any other applicable rules. For example, amplifiers could be mounted underneath the driver and / or passenger seat as long as the normal operation of those seats was retained. On the other hand, amps may not be installed in the floorboard (in the Street and Super Street divisions) because the installation of the amps would interfere with the normal use of the vehicle.

 

Section 15 – Definitions

 

Average Size Adult – The dBDRA defines an average size adult as someone who is 66 inches (5’ 6”) tall.

 

Certified Class – The standard class that a competitor competed in when establishing their Certified SPL.

 

Certified Event – Any multi-point dB Drag Racing event.

 

Certified SPL – The competitor’s highest winning score at any multi-point event.

 

Commercial Vehicle – A vehicle that is not intended for use in consumer applications. Examples include Cargo Vans, Ambulances, Panel Trucks, School Buses, etc.

 

Consumer Removable Component – The dBDRA defines a consumer removable component (such as a seat) as an OEM component that was designed for removal as a part of the normal operation of the vehicle.

 

Jump Seat – The dBDRA defines a “jump seat” as an OEM seat that was designed to be folded up against the side or back of the pickup’s passenger compartment.

 

Metering – This is the process where the Sound Pressure Level or SPL of your vehicle is measured. The resultant score in decibels (dB) is your score.

 

OEM Equivalent – The dBDRA considers an equivalent replacement to be a replacement that closely resembles the OEM product it replaces in both form and function.

 

Speaker – The dBDRA defines a conventional loudspeaker as a sound reproducing electro-mechanical transducer that incorporates a cone, surround, basket, and voice-coil.

 

SPL – Sound Pressure Level. This value is expressed in decibels or “dB” for short. The higher the number, the louder the sound. An increase of 3 dB represents a doubling of acoustic energy. An increase of 10 dB represents a tenfold increase in acoustic energy and will sound twice as loud to the human ear.

 

Sponsored – If a competitor receives any form of compensation for promoting an auto sound related product, company, or service, then the competitor is said to be sponsored.

 

String Test – Two judges position themselves on opposite sides of the vehicle. A string (or wire) is passed through the open doors of the vehicle. Both judges pull the string so that it is taught. Next, the judges move the string in unison so that the string slides along the trailing edge of each judge’s respective door jamb. If the string does not touch the enclosure (or loudspeakers), then the test passes.

 

Wall - The dBDRA defines a speaker wall as any subwoofer enclosure and / or baffle board that exceeds the height of an imaginary plane that stretches horizontally from the top of the driver’s door (where the side window enters the door frame) to the top of the passenger’s door on the opposite side of the vehicle.

 

Wall Test – Two judges position themselves on opposite sides of the vehicle. A string (or wire) is passed through the open window on the driver’s side, through the interior of the vehicle, and out of the open window on the passenger side of the vehicle. Both judges should then pull the string so that it is taught while resting against the lowest point on the top of the 2 doors (where the glass enters the door frame). If the enclosure in question does not exceed the height of this string, then the enclosure is not considered to be a wall. If any part of the enclosure exceeds the height of the string, then the enclosure is considered a wall.

 

Woofer – A loudspeaker designed for the reproduction of bass. Also referred to as driver, subwoofer, or subs. The dBDRA considers speakers with maximum diameters of 8 inches or larger to be woofers.

 

Vehicle Skin – The dBDRA defines the “skin” of the vehicle as the external shell (top, front, back, and sides) of the vehicle’s OEM body that gives the vehicle it’s distinctive appearance. This is also the part of the vehicle that is normally painted. The underside or undercarriage of the vehicle is not considered to be a part of the OEM “skin”.