2011
Official Rule Book
Racers and Non-racers:
If you wish to join GRASSCAR then you are requested to attend a scheduled club meeting which are posted on the web at http://www.grasscarmowersports.org/scheduled_races.htm
As of January 1st 2008 we are requiring proof of age for ALL members i.e.: Valid driver’s license, Sheriffs ID, Copy of Birth Certificate. All forms of id offered will be kept private.
The racing points system has been expanded to all drivers for future GRASSCAR Sanctioned events
It must be noted that the Board of Directors have final authority on all club rules. The head officials “Pit Boss and Production Manager” governs race day events.
Mower legality and safety is decided by the Pit Boss, if there are any discrepancies then the Pit Boss will make the final decision.
In the event there is a discrepancy at the race with scoring or final results, then these problems will be handled in the pits only and out of view of the spectators. If a member makes a scene in front of the spectators it will be considered as insubordination and he or she will be dealt with accordingly.
Trophies and web recognition are given only at GRASSCAR sanctioned events. Any event that is held under the GRASSCAR namesake and organized by Grasscar club members and officers is considered a GRASSCAR Sanctioned event.
For questions concerning the rules in this rulebook please feel free to attend one of our meetings or feel free to contact one of the listed officers.
PRESIDENT Edward Raymond -730-9312
VICE-PRESIDENT Jesse Blaisdell
SECRETARY / EVENT COORDINATOR – Stefanie Raymond -406-0262
TREASURER / EVENT COORDINATOR – Kim Blaisdell – 776-8802
Pit Boss Jeff Blaisdell
Pit Seward Bill Dunster
Official Positions:
Production Manager
Pit Boss
Official Flag person
Scorers
Pit Steward
Pit Assistant
Pit Security
All Grasscar MowerSports Members:
MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES - Club members must abide by all the club rules stated in this Official Rule Book and at all times show good sportsmanship to show our professionalism to the spectators, sponsors, and our supporters. Each member is responsible for the actions of his or her family, friends, and pit crew.
VOLUNTEER TIME – Club members are encouraged to pitch in and help with all club events. This includes meetings, pre and post race preparations, track maintenance, track preparations, races, and parades. If all of our members participate, our race season will be more successful.
ALCOHOL – There is NO alcohol allowed on the track or in the pits on race day. And no driver will consume alcohol on race day prior to and during the race.
MEETINGS – GRASSCAR monthly club meetings will be held on a phone tree basis or as set in the prior meetings. GRASSCAR follows the PARLIAMENTARY procedure in all of its meetings.
TROPHIES –Trophies and or Ribbons are available to racers who place in the top three positions. They are available for viewing the day of the race.
Spectator Rules
Children must be accompanied by parent or legal guardian.
Seating- An area will be designated for seating. Under no circumstances will spectators be allowed to sit beside or be on track area or on the announcer’s stand.
Number registration fee: A $20 per machine number per class registration fee. This fee will be capped at $50 per family with multiple mowers. There will be a driver’s fee also per race of $5 per registered member and $10 per person with a non-registered mower.
Points: The points will be per class and based on a single point system for both the heats and the mains. The system will be set up in such a way as the number of mowers per class will be the highest point’s award with the lowest number of points for first place being 5. For each position that decreases in the field the points will go down one number. There will be penalty points assessed if there is unsportsmen like conduct that occurs with the discretion of the race officials.
General Rules of Racing:
Pre Race:
1) Our number one priority is driver and spectator safety.
2) On race day the prerace events will go as follows: 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. mower inspections, registrations and hot laps. 12:20-12:30 drivers meeting 12:35 p.m. – 12:55 p.m. machine prep at 12:55 p.m. All mowers will enter the race track area for the meet and greet immediately following the meet and greet the first race events drivers will stay out on the track for the first race and all others will exit the track and line their mowers in the pits.
3) All mowers will be inspected prior to registering at which time a dated sticker will be placed on your mower proving it passes inspection.
4) If your mower fails its first inspection a red sticker will be placed on the machine but you will be allowed to run the machine as long as the Inspector deems the machine safe to run. The next race day that your mower is inspected and it fails then the machine will not be allowed to run until the mower passes 100%.
5) All drivers before the race will sign a liability waiver. For drivers under the age of 18 a parent or legal guardian must sign with them and be present during the race day events.
6) ALL drivers are required to attend the drivers meeting at which time the race officials will inform the drivers of track and race conditions.
7) Following the drivers meeting the race schedule and event order will be posted.
8) The pits are open to the public before and after the race and during intermission. During the race the pits are accessible only to authorized personnel.
Race:
1) The drivers are responsible for lining up their machine for any upcoming races. If your machine is not lined up and ready when your race starts then the race will start without you.
2) Any Driver arriving at the track after the drivers meeting, initial drawing, and lineup are required to see the pit boss for a safety briefing and inspection before being allowed to race. At which time you will automatically be put in the last position of the last scheduled heat the mower is classified to run in. Any driver arriving after the heat schedule has been completed are required to see the pit boss for a safety briefing and inspection before being allowed to race. At which time you will automatically be put into the last position of the main race.
3) The official flagman will bring the mowers onto the racetrack for racing.
4) A one to five lap line up period will be given for the drivers to be lined up. The number of laps is left up to the flagman’s discretion. If you cause the official flagman to extend this then you can be black-flagged and moved to the back of the pack.
5) After all the heats have been run the designated race officials and scorers will assemble in the inspection area to draw the chips to decide the placements for the main races.
6) A driver can only have 2 people maximum in the pits as his/her pit crew. With the exception to children under the age of 16 which must be supervised by an adult.
7) If you happen to have an accident please make every effort to recover yourself as quickly as possible and wave a hand to let everyone know you are ok.
8) If under a caution flag and you purposely pass the 2 front mowers and or the pace machine then you can be moved to the back of the line up.
9) All racers who win a main event are subject to a post race inspection by the Pit Boss and or pit assistants.
General Rules of Flagging:
1) In the event of the caution flag being waved during a race, the official flagman will allow no more than 5 caution laps before waving the green flag for restart.
2) If you or your mower cause a caution or a red flag and you are able to continue racing then you must take up position at the rear of your last recorded lap. Caution laps don’t count as actual race laps. If you go beyond 5 laps, you will be allowed to return to the race but the laps you missed will not be counted in your favor.
3) When the caution flag is waved, the drivers will immediately and safely slow their mower and group up behind the pace machine and or the two lead mowers. Under the caution flag, it is the drivers’ responsibility to put themselves back into their appropriate position according to the white board held by the official flagman.
4) After each race, the winning driver is allowed 1 victory lap around the track carrying the checker flag.
5) After all the racing is done the winners of the main events in all the class will gather for pictures to be posted on the website with any comments they may have, if they wish.
6) If you cause more than 3 caution or red flag events then you will be black flagged off the track for that race for safety reasons.
7) There will be at least TWO scorers at all race events.
8) If a caution flag is thrown and it is not clear on who caused it then the scorers record the line up in the last recorded position.
9) All flag determinations are at the discretion of the official flagman and or Pit Boss.
General Rules of Flagging Cont:
Flag Definitions:
Ø GREEN – The race / practice is underway when the green flag is waved.
Ø YELLOW- CAUTION/ SLOW DOWN / NO PASSING ON ENTIRE TRACK.
Ø RED- Means stop all machines quickly but safely.
Ø BLACK- Pointed at Driver& not waved-Warning. Pointed at Driver & waved open- Driver report to the pit official.
Ø BLUE/ORANGE STRIPE- Open and pointed- you are a slow driver, move over to the inside line.
Ø WHITE- One lap to go.
Ø CHECKERED- End of race or practice session.
Ø Halfway point is two flags crossed.
Ø Two laps to go is two flags held parallel to each other.
But Most Importantly If You Are Not Sure Or Have A Question Please See The Pit Boss or Official Flagman Immediately To Get The Proper Answer To Flagging.
Examples of Flag Instances
1. ONLY the Official Flagman, Pit Boss and or Officer shall throw a RED flag. Being ordered by the PIT BOSS, OFFICER, and OR OFFICIAL FLAGMAN ONLY. All other instances will be considered YELLOW flags.
2. A RED flag being thrown means the immediate BUT safe stop of all machines on the track except for RESCUE vehicles.
3. A RED flag will only be thrown if the track conditions become unfit for safe race operation i.e.: excessive mud or debris, Track is too dry and the dust prevents safe visibility.
4. If a driver chooses to leave the track during a race to go to the pits for repairs or modifications to their machine then they do so under a GREEN flag no YELLOW will be thrown for these occasions.
If a Driver looses a part off their machine and it is an important safety piece then a YELLOW flag will be thrown and the Driver has a MAXIMUM of 5 YELLOW flag laps to fix the machine and return to the track without loosing any laps. In the result the driver can’t repair their mower in time to return in 5 laps then the Pit Boss can make a ruling if the machine can return in it’s present condition.
5. If a machine goes off the track from an accident then the DRIVER is responsible for signaling the Pit Boss or the Main Flagman if he or she intends to quit the race or return after a YELLOW flag. This does not include modifications to their machine to gain an advantage in the current race, Doing so will result is disqualification from the current race.
6. If a machine causes a YELLOW flag to be thrown and during the allotted 5 laps another machine experiences a legitimate YELLOW flag instance then that machine also is allotted an additional 5 laps. This is considered a LUCKY DOG instance.
Mower Specifications:
Modified Stock “MS”
You must be 13 yrs. or younger to race in this class:
1. A 16hp or lower single cylinder lawnmower engine.
2. No larger than a 5in. pulley on the engine.
3. No smaller than a 3in. pulley on the transmission.
4. Governor must be connected and fully functioning
Flat-Head Modified “FM”
You must be 14 yrs. or older to race in this class:
1. A single cylinder Flat-Head lawnmower engine not exceeding 14 hp.
2. Angled and gusseted reinforced spindles, reinforced rims are allowed.
3. Front axle sway stops are permitted.
Over-Head Modified “
You must be 16 yrs. or older to race in this class:
1) A single cylinder Over-Head Valve lawnmower engine not exceeding 24 hp.
2) A twin cylinder lawnmower engine not exceeding 24 hp.
3) Angled and gusseted reinforced spindles, reinforced rims are the only front-end modifications allowed.
4) Front axle sway stops are permitted.
5) No live axles allowed. Can only have transaxle
The following are NOT allowed for the above classes
1) Extended frames.
2) Shortened frames.
3) Widened frames.
4) Lowered Frames.
5) Extended front or rear axles.
6) Welded rims to the point of widening the rim.
7) Extended rims.
8) Dual wheels.
Powder Puff “PP”
You must be 14 yrs. or older and a female to race in this class:
1. A single cylinder lawnmower engine not exceeding 18 hp.
2. No larger than a 5-inch pulley on the engine.
3. No smaller than a 3 in. pulley on the transmission
The following are allowed for this class.
1. Dual wheels and extended rims on the rear only.
2. Extended front and rear axles.
3. Overall width must not exceed 45 inches
See drawing for more information.
Minor Frame Modifications for pulley alignment are allowed for this class provided they are approved by the Pit Boss prior to the race.
Super Modified “SM”
You must be 18 yrs. or older to race in this class:
1. A lawnmower engine not exceeding 30 hp.
The Following ARE allowed in this class.
1) Front-end modifications: welded and or custom axles, angled and reinforced spindles and rims.
2) Dual wheels and extended rims.
3) Extended and Widened frames.
4) Shortened and Lowered frames.
5) Extended front or rear axles.
6)
7) Live axles
Unlimited “UL”
You must be 18 yrs. or older to race in this class:
See drawing for more information. The machine can look like anything but must be made of at least 50% lawnmower.
Old Goat “OG”
You must be or turn 45 by July first of the racing season.
Or be physically disabled and above the age of 35 and can prove your disability.
Disability to be determined and approved by the clubs officers to race in this class:
1. A single cylinder Flat-Head lawnmower engine not exceeding 12 hp.
2. No larger than a 5 inch pulley on the engine.
3. No smaller than a 3 in. pulley on the transmission
4. Angled and gusseted reinforced spindles, reinforced rims are allowed.
5. Front axle sway stops are permitted.
See drawing for more information.
All Classes:
The following are REQUIRED for all classes
a. A PROPER FITTING D.O.T. Approved Helmet with straps.
b. Eye Protection is a must for every driver.
c. Tether switches.
d. Bumpers.
e. Nerf Bars.
f. Electric Starting engine with a charged battery.
g. Working brakes. ”Brakes that stop the machine”
h. The RIGHT FRONT tire of ALL machines must contain a tube or a bead lock rim.
i. The machine must be made from a lawnmower or lawn tractor.
j. A Minimum of a 3-inch number must be placed on the right side and the rear of your mower and must be highly visible.
k. Fuel line clamps on all line connections from the fuel tank to the carburetor, A fuel shutoff valve must be installed as close to the tank as possible while allowing easy access to shut if off in case of fire or emergency.
The following are not allowed in the MS, PP, FM,
a. Tire chains.
b. Wheel weights that are attached to the wheels.
c. ATV tires, Tractor “paddle” tires, Slicks, go-cart tires
d. Studs “EXCEPT WINTER RACES”, Car tires
All Classes Cont:
The following are allowed and encouraged for all classes
a. Neck support.
b. Improved brake mechanisms. ”Go-cart disc braking system”
1) Lawnmower TURF tires ONLY for all classes except “UL”
2) The shifting control knob of ALL machines except chain drives and unlimiteds must not be recessed below the top of the frame box.
3) Handlebars are allowed.
4) Aluminum rims are allowed.
5) Car type steering mechanisms are allowed.
6) Custom modified front steering axles in all classes for safety. NO spindle bending will be permitted although gusseting the spindle is allowed. Custom front axles can be constructed as long as they are NOT made in such a way as to provide significant benefit to the machine or driver other than safety. They can’t be made wider, narrower, lower, higher, or made of lighter material than factory ((i.e. aluminum)).
7) Chassis box cutting and lowering for stability is allowed.
8) All engines except “UL” class must be stock. No internal engine work is allowed. Stock carburetors and coils/magnetos only.
9) Kill switch tethers must not exceed 55 inches.
10) The bottom of the bumpers must be as close to but not exceeding 8 inches up from the ground. They must also be at least a mass of 4 inches of pipe, flat stock or steel tubing. Wood can be used in the “MS” class but must be made from a piece of 4x4 or 2x6. The rear bumper must extend to at least the middle of the tires. They must be bolted or welded on securely. No sharp edges allowed.
11) Overall width of Machine shall not exceed 46 in.
12) Nerf bars must be present on the sides of the mower and be a mass of at least 4 inches of either pipe or flat stock and be no higher off the ground than 8 inches. They must also be bolted or welded on to the frame securely. No sharp edges allowed. Wood can be used in the “MS” class but must be made from a piece of 4x4 or 2x6.
13) If you have changed a rear axle on your mower in a width restricted class then it must be approved by the Pit Boss to race.
14) If you have modified your front axle then it must be approved by the Pit Boss to race.
15) Open or straight pipe exhaust is allowed for all classes but it must be securely fastened to the chassis and pointed in a safe direction.
16) If you want to bump up to the next class then the following rules will be followed with NO exceptions:
a) MS class drivers and machines cannot bump up at all.
b) FM class drivers that are below the age of 16 cannot bump up or down at all.
c) FM class drivers and machines that are 16 and older can bump up to the
d)
e) SM class machines can bump up to the UL class. But not down.
f) UL class machines cannot bump up or down at all.
g) OG class machines cannot bump up or down at all.
h) PP class machines cannot bump up or down at all.
If you get caught running an illegally built mower for your race class then you will be disqualified, and any and all trophies, ribbons and points for the days events will be taken away pending a full investigation and decision by the officers.
See drawing for specific diagrams for Safety Equipment.
Though We prefer That Your Mower Be Painted In The NASCAR Theme According To Your Number We Welcome Any Number And Paint Scheme On Your Mower. But We Do Ask That You See A Pit Official So We Can Identify Your Mower In A Race.
Grass Car Elite Fleet
Official Handbook
2011
All Tractor Specs
Chassis;
-no aluminum/steel built frames, must be a lawnmower frame to start.
- weight must be wielded or bolted
- max of 10’’ added to stock frame
- reinforcement allowed
Bumpers;
-max of 8’’ ground clearance
-min of 6’’ height
-must have rear less than outside to outside of tires or wheels (tires straight ahead)
-no sharp corners
-front optional
Wheels;
-min of ¾’’ spindles (front)
-steel bushings allowed (NO PLASTIC)
-optional reinforce (should be 90° to wheel hub)
-no aluminum, no doubled
-should not use c-clip (recommended pinned or bolted)
Nerf Bars;
-less than outside of tires
-foot must not pass through or get stuck in
Steering;
-no handle bars
-no end to end wields [Butt wields)
-no cotter pinned bars
Brakes;
-2 wheel operation (working)
-Tether/ kill switch working and attached to driver while on tractor
- Rear axle ¾’’ max
-width of tractor 44’’ outside to outside of tires or rims
Start of tractor;
-must have battery attached to tractor
-no push starts/jump boxes on track
Numbers;
-min 5’’ both sides
-No 2 tractors same # / First person to reserve gets the # second person must change
Seats;
-tech approved
Tubes;
-must have in all tires or bead lock wheels
Chains;
-must be covered
Drivers;
-must wear: DOT approver helmet, eye protection (not regular sun glasses), long sleeved shirt, gloves, leather boots (no sneakers), and pants
Classes;
Flat head -up to 12.5hp
Over head - up to 17.5hp single cylinder
Twin - up to18hp twin opposed
Powder puff – max 18hp
Old goats – up to 12.5hp (age 50+)
All Classes;
-First race day inspection filled out and signed by inspector, and driver/ owned to race
-after 3 races you may be asked to tear down, if you refuse you lose all points
- If you are found to be out of class you also lose all your points
LAWS
If any person or pit crew that is participating in the presentation of a sanctioned Grasscar event is suspected to have been drinking or appear to be impaired in any way; then the person that is making the accusation shall get a Grasscar officer. Upon result of investigation by officers, said person may be suspended or asked to leave the event. It will be then taken to the Board of Directors for a full investigation.
A suspension consists of but not limited to the following: Removal of trophies and or ribbons from the days events, removal of any race day points, or removal of offender on the day offense occurred, and the possible removal from further events. All of the above is pending investigation and final results determined first by the officers present and then by the Board of Directors.
In the event that a member has a legitimate disagreement or problem with another driver or race official or a decision made about a race event by an official, the member will bring this up with any officer immediately so the problem can be resolved immediately. Any member who chooses to express their problem to anybody other than a club officer causing club unrest or controversy will be considered insubordinate and can be subject to disqualification and even suspension from the day’s events, and possibly GRASSCAR’s next sanctioned event. The club officers will make this decision together.
If you suspect that a fellow racer has an illegal mower for his/her race class then we urge you as a GRASSCAR member to bring this to the attention of the Pit Boss. The Pit Boss will bring this to the attention of all officers.
Appeals
If you wish to appeal a decision imposed by the officers and officials then you must request it in writing within 10 days of the occurrence and it will be turned over to the Board of Directors.
Remember “Smile” Your Being Watched
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PLEASE HELP US KEEP OUR RECORDS STRAIGHT SO NO ONE IS MISSED ON ANY COMMUNICATION PLEASE EMAIL YOUR CURRENT PHONE NUMBER AND EMAIL ADDRESS TO kimfcms@yahoo.com or to stinker0981@yahoo.com .