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UNITED STATES MODIFIED TOURING SERIES – 2009 RULES & REGULATIONS
Published December 2, 2008 THE RULES AND/OR REGULATIONS SET FORTH HEREIN ARE DESIGNED TO PROVIDE FOR THE ORDERLY CONDUCT OF RACING EVENTS AND TO ESTABLISH MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCH EVENTS. THESE RULES SHALL GOVERN THE CONDITION OF SPEEDWAY EVENTS AND, BY PARTICIPATING IN THESE EVENTS, ALL RACEWAY COMPETITORS ARE DEEMED TO HAVE COMPLIED WITH THESE RULES. NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF SAFETY SHALL RESULT FROM PUBLICATION OF, OR COMPLIANCE WITH THESE RULES AND REGULATIONS. THEY ARE INTENDED AS A GUIDE FOR THE CONDUCT OF THE SPORT AND IN NO WAY ARE A GUARANTEE AGAINST INJURY OR DEATH TO PARTICIPANTS, SPECTATORS OR OTHERS. NOTE: Significant and/or material changes from the published 2008 USMTS rules are highlighted in red. Changes made for grammatical purposes or to improve clarity are not highlighted. The United States Modified Touring Series shall hereafter be simply referred to as USMTS throughout the rules description. USMTS official(s) shall include all personnel employed as an official by participating racetrack. TABLE OF CONTENTS
Article 1: Definitions
Article 2: General Rules
Article 3: Points, Provisionals, Awards & Procedures
Article 4: Body
Article 5: Roll Cages
Article 6: Frame
Article 7: Cockpit
Article 8: Suspension
Article 9: Electrical System
Article 10: Fuel System
Article 11: Tires & Wheels
Article 12: Braking System
Article 13: Drive Shaft
Article 14: Transmission
Article 15: Rear End
Article 16: Engine
Article 17: Weight
Article 18: Safety
Article 19: Claiming Procedures
Appendix A: Body Specifications
Amendments ARTICLE 1: DEFINITIONS
1.1 Racecar: An automobile designed solely for competition on oval race tracks, controlled from within by a driver.
1.2 Automobile: A vehicle which carries its own motor and operates on four non-aligned complete wheels, of which two are used for steering and two for propulsion.
1.3 Vehicle: A man-made locomotive device propelled by constantly taking real support on the earth's surface whereas the propulsion and steering are under the control of a driver aboard the vehicle.
1.4 Driver: The person controlling the operation of the racecar. The driver is expected to understand how to operate the mechanisms which control the speed, direction and braking of the racecar.
1.5 Participant: A person directly involved in the mechanical operation and/or management of a racecar, including, but not limited to, drivers, crew members, racecar owners, sponsors and their family members.
1.6 Event: A USMTS-sanctioned competition between two or more competitors and their racecars. An event shall consist of practice (hot laps) and actual racing contests.
1.7 Official: An official shall be any person participating in the exercise of authority for enforcing or interpreting these rules. The official may also make judgments concerning the conduct of participants and declare penalties for breaches of these rules, as well as perform technical inspections on any USMTS racecar. The combination of officials may vary from week to week and from one racetrack to another.
1.8 Promoter: An entrepreneur who oversees the operations of the racetrack, either as a tenant or owner of the facility. Furthermore, the promoter is the person responsible for the implementation of rules, hiring staff and financial compensation to participants.
1.9 Cockpit: The volume of the racecar which accommodates the driver. ARTICLE 2: GENERAL RULES
2.1 USMTS rules shall apply at all events. All participants are subject to the rules of the USMTS and are expected to know the rules. An expressed ignorance of USMTS rules by any participant will not be recognized as a valid argument for failure to comply with USMTS rules.
2.2 Approval of any racecar by an official shall mean that the racecar is approved for participation in the event and shall not be construed in any way to mean that the inspected vehicle is guaranteed to be mechanically sound or safe. Be it further declared that officials and/or the USMTS shall not be liable for any mechanical failure, nor for any losses, injuries or death resulting from the same.
2.3 Conduct:
2.3.1 Participants will conduct themselves as professionals. Any unsportsmanlike conduct by a participant shall be grounds for disqualification and/or punitive action by the USMTS. This will be strictly enforced.
2.3.2 Drivers are responsible for the conduct and actions of their car owners, crew members, sponsors and family members.
2.3.3 Absolutely no alcoholic beverage or other illegal chemical substance may be consumed by a driver prior to, or during, an event. The duration of the event shall also include all support class events run as a part of the overall program. The use, sale or distribution of illegal drugs at any time shall be cause for immediate and indefinite suspension.
2.3.4 Any participant who defies or violates the intent or spirit of the USMTS rules shall be considered to have engaged in unsportsmanlike conduct and shall be dealt with accordingly and swiftly by the USMTS. Unsportsmanlike conduct shall include, but is not limited to, participant entering another driver’s pit area; threatening or touching an official; throwing a tantrum or acting outrageous due to an official decision; removing helmet during race conditions; use of profanity or obscene language directed at officials or other participants; intentionally making contact with another racecar following the finish of race or during a race under non-racing conditions (i.e. caution periods); fighting; and/or publicly criticizing USMTS officials, rules, decisions or sponsors.
2.4 All drivers must be at least fourteen (14) years of age (proof of age required). Drivers under eighteen (18) years of age are required to have a signed and notarized Parental Consent Form. The Parental Consent Form must be signed by a parent or legal guardian, and must be received by USMTS headquarters prior to participation of the driver in any event.
2.5 The USMTS may require any driver to undergo a physical examination by a licensed health care provider prior to being allowed to participate in any event.
2.6 Drivers must properly display approved USMTS sponsor decals in order to participate in any cash or contingency award program related to that sponsor. Decals must be displayed on both sides of the racecar – not on deck or trunk lid - and must be of the original size and design distributed by the USMTS. At each event, drivers must properly display the approved USMTS logo decal in order to receive any points, prize money or contingency awards for that event.
2.7 No equipment or racecar will be considered as having been approved by reason of having passed through inspection unobserved.
2.8 All racecars must be able to join the race lineup on demand and unassisted, or must go to the rear of the lineup for the start of the race.
2.9 The USMTS reserves the right to add to, delete, supersede or modify any rule, exhibit or drawing that the USMTS deems necessary for the conduct of events and/or safety of participants. All amendments are effective on the date of publication by the USMTS regardless of when a person subject to the rules receives actual notice of the amendment.
2.10 Every driver must inspect the racing surface and the track area to learn of any obstructions or other defects which, in the driver’s opinion, presents an unsafe condition for competition. The driver shall report any unsafe condition in writing to an official. Any driver that competes in an event is considered to have inspected the track surface and surrounding perimeter to determine that all conditions are satisfactory. If the driver does not feel that the conditions are satisfactory, the driver should not compete in the event. The driver further acknowledges that he or she is aware that auto racing involves risk, and that by competing in an event, the driver assumes these risks with full awareness and responsibility.
2.11 All drivers are responsible for registering their racecar for each event in order to ensure their respective starting position in each event.
2.12 The USMTS and/or promoter reserve the right to refuse to accept the entry of any racecar or participant. Furthermore, the USMTS and/or promoter reserves the right to revoke or cancel any entry, or any participant’s claimed right to be on the racetrack’s premises, if it is determined that a participant’s presence or conduct is not in the best interest of the sport of auto racing, other participants, spectators, track management and/or employees of the USMTS.
2.13 Lighted signaling devices, hand signals or any other equipment or methods used for communication during an event between a non-competing participant and a driver is not allowed.
2.14 Radios and any other devices used for transmitting or listening are not allowed on the racecar. Exception: Officials may require drivers to utilize a one-way radio to enable audio communication from officials to drivers. Furthermore, racecars may be fitted with a timing transponder as supplied by officials.
2.15 No computers allowed on the racecar, including, but not limited to, electronic traction control devices. Any driver found to be using traction control will be subject to a minimum fine of five thousand dollars ($5,000) and up to a lifetime suspension from all events.
2.16 Technical Inspections:
2.16.1 The top three (3) finishers in the “A” Main will be required to report to a designated tech area following the “A” Main, where mandatory and varied post-race technical inspections will be required to take place.
2.16.2 At the discretion of the official(s) overseeing an event, any participant may be disqualified by the official(s) for violation of any USMTS rule(s) and/or equipment and/or action(s) deemed to be hazardous to other participants or officials.
2.16.3 All racecars are subject to inspection by an official at any time. Any driver whom refuses to allow any inspection by an official, or terminates an inspection in progress, shall be subject to a fine of two-thousand dollars ($2,000), suspension from all USMTS events for fourteen (14) days, loss of all points earned to-date for the current season and forfeiture of all cash and/or awards earned at the event.
2.16.4 Any illegal part discovered through inspection shall be confiscated by officials and forfeited by the driver. For first infraction, driver discovered to be using illegal parts of any kind shall be subject to a fine of two-thousand dollars ($2,000), suspension from all USMTS events for fourteen (14) days, loss of all points earned to-date for the current season and forfeiture of all cash and/or awards earned at the event. For second infraction, driver discovered to be using illegal parts of any kind shall be subject to a fine of five-thousand dollars ($5,000), suspension from all USMTS events for one (1) year, loss of all points earned to-date for the current season and forfeiture of all cash and/or awards earned at the event. Confiscated parts will be sent to manufacturer for inspection. Failure by the driver to surrender any illegal part for confiscation shall result in a separate penalty, in addition to other applicable penalties under this rule. A “part” shall be defined as any piece of the racecar and/or competitor's apparel, including, but not limited to, tires, wheels, engine components, chassis components and fuel.
2.16.5 The overall weight of the racecar shall be measured at the conclusion of an event with the driver in the cockpit, wearing complete racing apparel.
2.16.6 All measurements must be made while the racecar is stationary on a flat horizontal surface.
2.17 Decisions of the USMTS are final and binding without exception.
2.18 These rules have been set by the USMTS and are subject to change without notice. All promoters will be informed of any changes to these rules after the date of publication, and those changes should be made available to drivers at their racetrack and/or announced at drivers meeting. The USMTS will also publish any amendments to these rules on the USMTS website at www.usmts.com. ARTICLE 3: POINTS, PROVISIONALS, AWARDS & PROCEDURES
3.1 Licenses:
3.1.1 Drivers must be licensed in order to be eligible for points, points funds and/or contingency awards. (Download an application at www.usmts.com/downloads.asp).
3.1.2 The cost of a USMTS National Tour regional license shall be $150. The cost of a USMTS Southern Series license shall be $200. The cost of a license for The Hunt is $100 (included with purchase of any other two (2) licenses).
3.1.3 There is no requirement that a driver purchase a USMTS license to compete in any event. However, benefits enjoyed by licensed drivers include higher event purses and bonus payouts, increased tow money, discounted entry fees, contingency awards, points funds, provisional starting spots, increased media recognition, a personalized driver profile page at www.usmts.com and more.
3.1.4 Drivers possessing a USMTS National Tour regional license are eligible to earn points in the USMTS National Tour region for which they possess a license. Drivers possessing a USMTS Southern Series license are eligible to earn points in the USMTS Southern Series. All licensed drivers who qualify for The Hunt (see Rule 3.8) are eligible to earn points in The Hunt. Drivers who are not qualified for The Hunt may purchase a license for The Hunt and shall be eligible for all of the benefits of a licensed driver except points and points funds.
3.1.5 Drivers must be licensed prior to the start of an event in order to earn points for that event. Points will not be retroactively awarded.
3.2 Points:
3.2.1 In addition to possessing a valid USMTS license, drivers must also meet other eligibility requirements in order to earn points in an event, including, but not limited to, utilizing American Racer KK704 tires on all four wheels; and displaying required USMTS and sponsor decals.
3.2.2 Points will be awarded to each eligible driver in the “A” Main as follows: 1st - 100 points, 2nd - 95 points, 3rd - 91 points, 4th - 87 points, 5th - 84 points, 6th - 81 points, 7th - 78 points, 8th - 76 points, 9th - 74 points, 10th - 72 points, 11th - 70 points, 12th - 68 points, 13th - 66 points, 14th - 64 points, 15th - 62 points, 16th - 60 points, 17th - 58 points, 18th - 56 points, 19th - 55 points, 20th - 54 points, 21st - 53 points, 22nd - 52 points, 23rd - 51 points. All other drivers that start the “A” Main and finish below 23rd are awarded 50 points. All eligible drivers that fail to qualify for the “A” Main are awarded 45 points.
3.2.3 Hard Charger Bonus: One (1) bonus point is awarded to each driver in the “A” Main for each racecar passed from the original starting spot. For instance, if a driver starts 18th and finishes 11th, that driver will earn an additional seven (7) bonus points. Provisional starters are not eligible to earn Passing Points.
3.2.4 Lap Leader Bonus: Each driver that leads at least one lap in the “A” Main will earn one (1) bonus point. The driver that leads the most laps in the “A” Main will earn two (2) bonus points (tie goes to the highest-finishing driver).
3.3 Qualifying Procedures:
3.3.1 The following qualifying procedures are typical, but may be altered on a per-event basis when USMTS officials deem necessary due to car count, track or weather conditions, attrition, etc.
3.3.2 Drivers must draw for starting positions in heat races. Cut-off for draw is typically 15 minutes prior to start of hot laps. Drivers failing to draw before cut-off time shall be lined up at the rear of the earliest heat race with the smallest starting field.
3.3.3 Drivers failing to start their scheduled heat race shall be scored in last place for that heat race.
3.3.4 Heat races will award 59 points to the winner, then descending by 4 points for each finishing position thereafter (59-55-51-47-43-39, etc.). Each driver will earn an additional 1.5 points for each racecar passed in the heat race, based on actual starting position versus actual finishing position. The sum of these points shall be the driver’s Passing Points. Typically (depending on car count), the top-12 drivers in Passing Points qualify for the first 12 starting positions in the “A” Main. Of those, the top-8 drivers in Passing Points will redraw for starting positions 1 through 8, with the remaining four drivers starting “heads up” by Passing Points in positions 9 through 12. Officials may elect to stage a “dash” race among the top 8 qualifiers to determine the starting line-up (this is not typical).
3.3.5 One or more “B” Mains will be staged with non-qualified drivers starting “heads up” by Passing Points. The top 8 finishers (typical) qualify to start the “A” Main in positions 13 through 20 (“heads up” by “B” Main finish).
3.3.6 Four (4) provisional starters shall be added to the rear of the “A” Main field. When the total number of entries for an event is 40 or less, 20 drivers shall qualify for the “A” Main through heat races and “B” Mains with 4 provisional starters completing a 24-car “A” Main field. When the total number of entries for an event is 41 or more, 22 drivers shall qualify for the “A” Main through heat races and “B” Mains with 4 provisional starters completing a 26-car “A” Main field. The first two provisional starting positions shall be awarded based on USMTS points for the particular region or series related to that event (see Rule 3.4). The next two shall be awarded based on the most recent Modified division points at the host racetrack. If the racetrack hosting the event does not normally feature Modifieds and/or does not award points, no additional provisionals shall be added.
3.4 Provisionals:
3.4.1 Drivers possessing a USMTS National Tour regional license are eligible for a maximum of two (2) provisionals in that region. Drivers possessing a USMTS Southern Series license are eligible for two (2) provisionals in the USMTS Southern Series, plus one (1) additional provisional for every ten (10) USMTS Southern Series events that driver competes in.
3.4.2 Additional provisionals as selected by event sponsor or track promoter may be awarded.
3.4.3 Drivers that qualify for The Hunt (as described in 3.7) shall receive two (2) provisionals for The Hunt, plus a maximum of two (2) additional provisionals for any unused provisionals from prior regional or USMTS Southern Series events (maximum of 4 provisionals in The Hunt).
3.4.5 Driver may not use a backup car and receive a provisional. The racecar used in a qualifying heat race or “B” Main will be the only racecar that driver may use for a provisional.
3.5 Top Dog Bonus:
3.5.1 In each USMTS National Tour region and The Hunt, drivers ranked among the top-10 in points will be guaranteed a minimum of $400 in earnings at each event where that driver is among the top-10 in points for that region or The Hunt. USMTS Southern Series drivers will earn a minimum of $300 for those among the top-10 in points and $200 for drivers ranked 11th through 15th in points.
3.5.2 Drivers must have perfect attendance in the USMTS National Tour region, USMTS Southern Series or The Hunt where the event is held. Once a driver misses a single race in a particular region, USMTS Southern Series or The Hunt, that driver is no longer eligible for the Top Dog Bonus in that region, USMTS Southern Series or The Hunt.
3.5.3 The Top Dog Bonus will take effect beginning with the third race in each USMTS National Tour region or USMTS Southern Series. The Top Dog Bonus will take effect beginning with the first race in The Hunt.
3.5.4 If a driver refuses to accept a provisional at any event, that driver will not be eligible for the Top Dog Bonus at that event.
3.6 Points Funds:
3.6.1 Licensed drivers are eligible to earn points funds.
3.6.2 Points funds shall be paid out to no fewer than the top-10 finishers in final USMTS National Tour regional, national and USMTS Southern Series points. USMTS National Tour regional points funds are based on ten (10) races or more and shall be prorated if fewer races are completed (due to rain-outs and/or unforeseen circumstances).
3.6.3 Actual points funds awarded in each USMTS National Tour region and the USMTS Southern Series shall be the percentage of actual events competed in by that driver multiplied by the amount scheduled to be paid for that position in the points standings (EIRI). Points funds for the final national standings (The Hunt) shall not be reduced because of driver attendance.
3.6.4 A driver will only receive 70% of net points fund monies if he/she fails to appear at the USMTS national awards banquet (EIRI).
3.7 The Hunt for the USMTS National Championship will be comprised of the final 10 to 18 USMTS National Tour events of the season (depending upon final schedule, rain-outs and/or other unforeseen circumstances) and shall determine the national champion, the final national points standings and subsequent points funds to be distributed. The USMTS points system shall be used at all USMTS National Tour regional events, with the top-10 in the final points standings in each USMTS National Tour region and the current top-10 in USMTS Southern Series points, earning 10 points for first place, 9 points for second place and so forth, descending to 1 point for 10th place. Each driver who competed at all events within a USMTS National Tour region or the USMTS Southern Series also earns 5 bonus points, regardless of finishing position. The total points earned for all regions and/or the USMTS Southern Series shall serve as the base points that each driver will start The Hunt with (driver may use points from four USMTS National Tour regions or from three USMTS National Tour regions and the USMTS Southern Series). The USMTS points system will be used at the remaining events for the drivers in The Hunt to determine the USMTS National Champion.
3.8 Rookies:
3.8.1 All cash monies, trophies and contingencies will be awarded to drivers who fulfill and meet all minimum Rookie requirements during the racing season.
3.8.2 Driver must possess a valid USMTS license.
3.8.3 USMTS National Tour: driver may not have participated in more than fifteen (15) USMTS National Tour events in a single season, or more than twenty-four (24) USMTS National Tour events overall; USMTS Southern Series: driver may not have participated in more than twelve (12) USMTS Southern Series events in a single season, more than twenty (20) USMTS Southern Series events overall or more than twenty-four (24) USMTS-sanctioned events overall.
3.8.4 Driver may not have won a USMTS-sanctioned “A” Main during a prior season.
3.8.5 Driver may not have won a Rookie of the Year award from any similar touring series or sanctioning bodies.
3.8.6 Driver may not have won a championship in any similar touring series or sanctioning body.
3.8.7 Official decisions regarding Rookie eligibility are final, binding and not subject to appeal.
3.8.8 Rookie of the Year points will be awarded to Rookies based on their performance in relation to other Rookies in the “A” Main as follows: 1st - 25 points, 2nd - 23 points, 3rd - 21 points, 4th - 19 points, 5th - 17 points, 6th - 15 points, 7th - 13 points. All other Rookies that start the “A” Main are awarded 11 points. All Rookies that officially start a race but fail to qualify for the “A” Main are awarded 10 points.
3.8.9 Combined points earned in all USMTS events shall determine the 2008 Rookie of the Year and related awards. ARTICLE 4: BODY
4.1 1970 or newer American compact passenger car only (no panel vans or station wagons).
4.2 An aluminum half-windshield may be used on driver’s side of the front window opening only.
4.3 Stock appearing front window support units must be used (painted roll bars are not acceptable substitutes). Front window may have a support of no more than six (6) inches at bottom, going straight up to top for non-clear materials. Support may be up to ten (10) inches at bottom, going straight up to top, only if it is a clear Lexan material.
4.4 A minimum window opening of twelve (12) inches must be maintained on both side window openings.
4.5 Streamlining at top of windshield is not allowed. Bodies must have standard appearing windshield opening and corner post must follow standard configuration.
4.6 Original roof line of vehicle must be maintained with a maximum of five (5) inches of slope from rear to front. No more than one-half (1/2) inch stiffener allowed at the rear of the roof and must turn down perpendicular to the ground. OEM Gremlin roofs are not allowed.
4.7 Sail panels must be of matching design with matching styles on both sides of racecar.
4.8 Belly pans are not allowed. A belly pan will be defined as any object or material that alters the airflow under the racecar.
4.9 Panel in front of right door next to engine compartment is not allowed.
4.10 No racecar will be allowed to compete with excessive (to be determined by an official) body damage.
4.11 Spoilers:
4.11.1 A maximum rear spoiler height of six (6) inches. NOTE: This rule is subject to change during the 2009 season if the USMTS deems that more parity between engine combinations is warranted.
4.11.2 Rear spoiler may not exceed the width of the rear deck lid and must be flush to the deck.
4.11.3 A maximum of two (2) center supports and a maximum of two (2) side supports may be attached to the front of the rear spoiler. Supports may extend up to two (2) inches above and behind the rear spoiler. Each support may be a maximum of twenty (20) inches in length and must angle back from three (3) inches in the front. Supports may not be squared and may not be longer than twelve (12) inches before the break to angle to three (3) inches. If running adjustable spoiler, supports may not be more than two (2) inches from any spoiler angle. See Body Specifications diagram (Appendix A) for measurements and template.
4.11.4 Fins, wings or other air spoilers (except as noted above) are not allowed.
4.12 The rear deck lid and/or trunk area must be covered.
4.13 Aluminum roofs are allowed.
4.14 Doors and quarter panels may be mounted a maximum of one (1) inch above the deck.
4.15 Excluding hood and nosepiece, the top of the body should extend no further forward than the back of the engine block. The bottom of the body may extend up to eight (8) inches forward of the back of the engine block.
4.16 Nose may not extend past front bumper and must be a minimum of seven (7) inches above the ground. A two (2) inch lip on the nose is permitted, but may go no further than leading edge of hood.
4.17 Bumpers:
4.17.1 Both front and rear bumpers must be used, and must not have any sharp edges. Any inappropriate bumper will be disallowed by an official. Front bumper should be mounted from frame-end to frame-end with the bottom loop parallel to ground. Bumpers must be made of a minimum of one and one-quarter (1-1/4) inch tubing and must be able to support the racecar if lifted by a tow vehicle.
4.17.2 Rear bumpers may be constructed of tubing or flat stock, and must protect the fuel cell. Center of bumpers (front and rear) must be at least sixteen (16) inches from the ground and no more than twenty (20) inches from ground. Rear bumpers may be no more than two (2) inches wider than the body on each side and may not be open-ended (must wrap around and be connected to side rail bars).
4.18 Appearance:
4.18.1 All racecars must be numbered with large legible numbers on both sides, on top and on the nose and real panels. Numbers on the sides of the racecar should be in contrasting color from the body and be at least four (4) inches thick and at least eighteen (18) inches high. Top numbers should be at least four (4) inches thick and twenty-four (24) inches high.
4.18.2 Officials reserve the right, in the public image of the sport and/or the USMTS, to assign, approve or disapprove any advertising, sponsorship or similar agreement in connection with any event. All cars must be neat appearing and are subject to approval of officials to compete. By competing in an event, all drivers agree to comply with the decisions of officials in this regard.
4.19 Overall width of the racecar may not exceed 78 inches. Width shall be measured from the widest points on each side of the racecar. ARTICLE 5: ROLL CAGES
5.1 Round steel tubing, seamless roll-over bars are required for the basic roll cage, and must be acceptable to officials. Acceptable tubing is as follows: one and three-quarters (1-3/4) inches by nine-tenths (.090) of an inch or one and on-half (1-1/2) inches by ninety-five one-hundredths (.095) of an inch for mild steel and DOM tubing (one and three-quarters (1-3/4) inches by eighty-three one-hundredths (.083) of an inch for chrome-moly tubing). Aluminum and/or other soft metals are not allowed. Roll bar connections must be properly welded.
5.2 Roll bars within the driver’s reach must be padded with an accepted material as determined by an official. Fire retardant material is highly recommended.
5.3 Installation and workmanship must be acceptable to officials.
5.4 Must be frame-mounted in at least six (6) places.
5.5 Must consist of a configuration of front and rear hoops connected by tubing on the sides or side hoops.
5.6 With helmet on and driver securely strapped into the racing seat, top of driver’s head must not protrude above the roll cage.
5.7 Must have a protective screen or bars in front window opening in front of driver’s face.
5.8 Protection of driver’s feet utilizing a bar across the back of the engine with vertical bars and rub rails or similar protection is mandatory.
5.9 Brace bars forward of roll cage may not be higher than the stock hood height.
5.10 A minimum of three (3) driver side door bars must be parallel to ground and located perpendicular to the driver so as to provide maximum protection for the driver, but without causing undue difficulty in getting in or out of the racecar. Side bars must be welded to the front and the rear of the roll cage members. Door bars with a thickness of less than nine-tenths (.090) of an inch should have four (4) bars at least one and one-half (1-1/2) inches in diameter at a minimum of eighty-three one-hundredths (.083) of an inch thickness and be gusseted in place. The door bars must have six (6) vertical studs per side of one and three-quarters (1-3/4) inches by eighty-three one-hundredths (.083) of an inch minimum seamless round tubing equally spaced. ARTICLE 6: FRAME
6.1 Factory production complete full 1960 or newer parallel American passenger car frames only. Frames may be cut in rear only at a point not further than thirty-six (36) inches from center of rear end housing.
6.2 May only be altered for the installation of springs and shocks.
6.3 All components must be made of steel and be properly welded.
6.4 Must be full and complete on both sides, may not be widened or narrowed and must be able to support roll cage on both sides.
6.5 Minimum height from ground is four (4) inches. Exception: Front cross member may be notched for radiator clearance only.
6.6 Jeep, Bronco or similar four-wheel drive frames are not allowed. Sports car frames are not allowed. Front-wheel-drives are not allowed.
6.7 Rear of frame may be altered to accept leaf or coil springs.
6.8 Hydraulic, ratchet or electric weight jacks are not allowed anywhere on the racecar. Aluminum jack bolts are not allowed.
6.9 Minimum wheelbase of one-hundred eight (108) inches on both sides (no tolerance).
6.10 Tubular front clips are not allowed. ARTICLE 7: COCKPIT
7.1 Loose objects and/or weights are not allowed.
7.2 Air bags are not allowed.
7.3 Rear view mirrors are not allowed.
7.4 Floor and firewall must be complete in the driver’s compartment. No interior sheet metal can be higher than or enclose a standard window opening. Sheet metal in the driver’s compartment must be horizontal from the top of the driver shaft tunnel to the right side door bars or angle from the top of the drive shaft tunnel upwards to the top of the right side door bars. Driver must be able to exit the racecar from both sides.
7.5 Steering:
7.5.1 Must be OEM and must remain within original bolt pattern for type of frame used
7.5.2 Rack and pinion is not allowed.
7.5.4 May be modified to suit driver, but must remain on left side of cockpit (no center steering).
7.5.5 Quick-release metal coupling on steering wheel is mandatory. Plastic couplings are not allowed.
7.6 Seat:
7.6.1 Factory-manufactured racing seats are mandatory, and must be acceptable to officials.
7.6.2 Homemade aluminum, plastic or fiberglass seats are not allowed.
7.6.3 Must be properly installed and seat back cannot be moved back further than rear edge of quarter post.
7.6.4 High-back aluminum seats only. ARTICLE 8: SUSPENSION
8.1 Must remain stock-type for the type of frame being used. Steel aftermarket parts may be used as stock components as long as they mount in the stock location and are the same size as the OEM parts. This includes lower tubular A-frames. If using lower tubular A-frames, must match factory specs.
8.2 No aluminum or titanium components allowed. Magnet must stick to all components.
8.3 Steel tube-type upper A-frames allowed and can be moved.
8.4 Aluminum cross shafts and wedge tubes are allowed.
8.5 Stock passenger car spindles only - no fabricated spindles. Bottom A-frames cannot be altered, lightened or moved.
8.6 Front sway bars may be used. Front sway bars must be made of steel and may be attached to the bottom A-frame using steel heim joints. Sway bars must be solid full-length OEM
8.7 Rear panhard bars may be used. Rear panhard bars must be made of steel and may be attached by using a minimum three-quarter (3/4) inch i.d. steel heim joint.
8.8 Steel coil-over eliminators or steel/aluminum coil-over kits are allowed, but must conform to shock and spring rules.
8.9 Suspension or rear end parts must be steel. Aluminum mounting brackets are permitted.
8.10 Shocks & Springs:
8.10.1 One shock per wheel only.
8.10.2 Air shocks are not allowed.
8.10.3 All coil springs must be at least four and one-half (4-1/2) inches outside diameter. Steel springs only. No torsion bars allowed in rear.
8.10.4 Canister shocks are not allowed.
8.10.5 Shocks shall be subject to claim, as outlined in Claim Procedures (Article 19). ARTICLE 9: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
9.1 Battery:
9.1.1 Must be securely mounted.
9.1.2 One (1) 12-volt battery only (no 16-volt batteries).
9.1.3 Voltage converters are not allowed.
9.2 Ignition:
9.2.1 No magnetos or crank-triggered ignitions.
9.2.2 No more than one (1) coil may be used.
9.2.3 Kill switch required within easy reach of the driver. The switch must be clearly marked “off” and “on”.
9.2.4 MSD ignition boxes shall be subject to claim, as outlined in Claim Procedures (Article 19). ARTICLE 10: FUEL SYSTEM
10.1 Fuel:
10.1.1 Must be automotive gasoline or alcohol only. No additives of any kind. E85 ethanol or racing fuel is permitted. Penalty for illegal fuel is loss of points, cash and awards earned for that event.
10.1.2 May not be blended with ethers or other oxygenates, and may not be blended with aniline or its derivatives, nitro compounds or other nitro containing compounds.
10.2 Electric fuel pumps are not allowed.
10.3 Carburetor:
10.3.1 One (1) two-barrel, four-barrel or Predator carburetor properly installed will be permitted.
10.3.2 Must be naturally aspirated.
10.3.3 No fuel injection.
10.4 Fuel cell:
10.4.1 Must be commercially manufactured and must be mounted utilizing at least two (2) steel straps. Straps must be two (2) inches wide at all measuring points.
10.4.2 Must be enclosed in a steel container and must be protected in rear of axle by roll cage tubing mounted securely.
10.4.3 No part may be lower than protective tubing. Protective tubing must be no wider than six (6) inches on both sides.
10.4.4 Must have check valves.
10.4.5 Limited to a maximum capacity of thirty-two (32) gallons.
10.4.6 Must have check valves. A ball-type, flapper or spring or filler rollover valve is mandatory for fuel cells without a positive seal filler neck/cap system. ARTICLE 11: TIRES & WHEELS
11.1 Wheels:
11.1.1 Must be fifteen (15) inches in diameter and eight (8) inches in width.
11.1.2 Stickers are not required.
11.1.3 Must be reinforced steel only.
11.1.4 A steel or aluminum bead lock may be used on the right front and right rear wheels only, and may be mounted on the outside of the wheel so long as it does not add over three-quarters (3/4) of an inch to the overall width of the wheel.
11.1.5 Homemade mud caps are not allowed.
11.1.6 Wheel covers are allowed on right side wheels only.
11.1.7 Wide five wheel adaptors are not allowed.
11.1.8 Steel or aluminum spacer between hub and wheel is allowed, but overall width of racecar cannot exceed 78 inches (see Rule 4.20).
11.1.9 Aluminum or steel lug nuts are allowed.
11.2 Tires:
11.2.1 American Racer G60 or KK-704 (stamped or non-stamped) tires are allowed. All non-stamped tires must be asphalt (no dirt). Some events may allow an alternative tire. Check your entry form or call (515) 832-7944 to verify.
11.2.2 Softening is not allowed. Any driver caught softening, “doping” and/or adding fluids to the inside of the tire(s) shall be penalized as per Rule 2.16.4.
11.2.3 Grooving and/or siping is permitted.
11.2.4 Recaps are not allowed. ARTICLE 12: BRAKING SYSTEM
12.1 Must be operating on all four wheels and must lock up all four wheels during inspection.
12.2 Must have caliper and rotor on all four wheels. Vented rotors are required on front wheels.
12.3 Electronic brake actuators are not allowed.
12.4 Calipers may not be lightened and must be OEM
12.5 Steel or aluminum single-piston OEM-type calipers are allowed.
12.6 Rotors must be steel and may not be lightened or drilled. Rotors may be re-drilled for different bolt patterns or larger studs.
12.7 Front-to-rear brake bias is allowed.
12.8 Brake shut-offs are not allowed.
12.9 Brake lines must be visible. ARTICLE 13: DRIVE SHAFT
13.1 A loop is required and must be constructed of at least one-quarter (1/4) inch by two (2) inch solid steel. Loop must be mounted no more than six (6) inches from the front of the drive shaft tube. Alternatively, two (2) loops of one-quarter (1/4) inch by one (1) inch solid steel fastened to cross member are allowed.
13.2 Must be painted white.
13.3 Must be made of steel. ARTICLE 14: TRANSMISSION
14.1 OEM three-, four- and five-speed and automatic production-types allowed.
14.2 “In and out” boxes are not allowed.
14.3 Must all be clutch-operated.
14.4 Bert and Brinn transmissions are permitted. With motor running and racecar in stationary position, driver must be able to engage racecar in gear and move forward, then backward, at time of inspection.
14.5 Clutch must be inside of bell housing for OEM production-types.
14.6 One (1) forward gear and one (1) reverse gear must be in working order, plus a neutral position, and must be able to be shifted by driver.
14.7 Clutch-type transmissions must be equipped with an explosion-proof steel bell housing. Aluminum must be SFI-approved (GM bell housing is not SFI approved).
14.8 Automatic, Bert or Brinn transmissions must have a guard two-hundred seventy (270) degrees around flex plate or flywheel, and must be constructed of at least one-quarter (1/4) inch steel. Alternatively, automatic transmissions may utilize an SFI-approved aftermarket guard.
14.9 All racecars must have the capability of starting without being pushed or pulled. ARTICLE 15: REAR END
15.1 Any passenger car or truck type is allowed. No aluminum allowed except lowering blocks, axle cap and drive plate.
15.2 Quick change is optional: Steel tubes only; ten (10) inch ring gear only; pinion and carrier bearings must be tapered; titanium is not allowed; wide-five wheel patterns are not allowed; aluminum spools are permitted. Magnesium will be permitted until such date that the cost increases, at which time only magnesium rear ends purchased prior to that date will be permitted and must have original serial number.
15.3 No cambered rear ends (one-piece drive flange only).
15.4 No traction devices allowed (includes Gold Track, True Track or similar type components). ARTICLE 16: ENGINE
16.1 Must be able to be used in conventional passenger car without alteration. Motor mounts may not be removed or altered. Castings and fittings may not be changed. Machine work on outside of engine, or on front or rear of camshaft, is not allowed.
16.2 Total “dry sump” systems are not allowed. “Wet” system must be operative.
16.3 Modification of cooling system is permitted. Radiators and oil coolers may not protrude above interior.
16.4 Any American make may be used. Rear of engine (bell housing flange) must be mounted at least seventy-two (72) inches forward from the center line of the rear axle – NO TOLERANCE.
16.5 Offset must be within two (2) inches of centerline of front cross member.
16.6 Must be a minimum of eleven (11) inches from ground to front center of crankshaft.
16.7 Steel blocks only – no aluminum or titanium.
16.8 Overflow tubes must be directed toward the ground and inside the frame rails.
16.9 Radiator must be mounted in front of engine.
16.10 Wiring elements must be accessible for technical inspection. Any racecar advancing spots and missing will be subject to disqualification.
16.11 Tri-Y headers are permitted, but cannot contain stainless steel.
16.12 Exhaust system and/or mufflers must be mounted in such a way as to direct spent gases away from the cockpit and away from areas of possible fuel spillage.
16.13 Mufflers are recommended. Mufflers may be required at track's discretion.
16.14 Engine type shall determine overall weight of racecar (see Rule 17.1)
16.15 Flat Tappet/Steel Head Engines:
16.15.1 Stock diameter lifters only. Mushroom lifters are not allowed.
16.15.2 Stud girdles and shaft rockers allowed.
16.15.3 Engine components must be of matching manufacturers (i.e. Chevy for Chevy).
16.16 BRODIX Aluminum Spec Head Engines:
16.16.1 Approved product numbers for the BRODIX Aluminum Spec Head are as follows: SP CH USMTS/USMTS (Chevrolet), SP FO USMTS/USMTS (Ford) and SP MO USMTS/USMTS (Mopar). For more information, call BRODIX at (479) 394-1075 or visit www.brodix.com online.
16.16.2 Roller cams are permitted.
16.16.3 Removing, relocating, grinding, polishing or defacing of any cast letters or numbers is strictly forbidden.
16.16.4 May be angle milled, but valve angle must remain within one (1) degree of original manufactured specification.
16.16.5 Valve guides must retain original angle and spacing as manufactured. Valve guides may not be tapered, thinned or shortened whatsoever.
16.16.6 Absolutely no welding or adding material of any kind.
16.16.7 Removal of material is not allowed, except for pushrod clearance. Factory CNC chamber may not be altered in any way.
16.16.8 Absolutely no enlarging, relocating or other altering of any bolt hole, dowel hole or threaded hole, except to spot face bolt holes after angle milling.
16.16.9 Heli coils may be used for repairs.
16.16.10 Absolutely no grinding or polishing of any kind anywhere on the casting, except for pushrod clearance.
16.16.11 Internally repaired BRODIX Aluminum Spec Head must be recertified by BRODIX.
16.16.12 BRODIX Aluminum Spec Head checking fixtures will be used by officials to check all specifications and dimensions.
16.17 Other Engines:
16.17.1 Roller cams are permitted.
16.17.2 SB2 motors are not allowed. ARTICLE 17: WEIGHT
17.1 If utilizing the Flat Tappet Engine (see Rule 16.15) or BRODIX Aluminum Spec Head Engine (see Rule 16.16), the minimum overall weight of the racecar must be two-thousand four hundred (2,400) pounds. If utilizing steel or aluminum heads with a 23-degree valve angle, the minimum overall weight of the racecar must be two-thousand four hundred fifty (2,450) pounds. If utilizing raised runner heads or heads with less than a 23-degree valve angle, the minimum overall weight of the racecar must be two-thousand five hundred (2,500) pounds. Racecars utilizing aluminum heads other than the approved BRODIX Aluminum Spec Heads must have (25) pounds in front of mid-plate.
17.2 Ballast:
17.2.1 May not be mounted in cockpit, or outside of body or hood area.
17.2.2 Must be securely mounted, painted white and clearly marked with the car number.
17.2.3 Must be attached with at least two (2) one-half (1/2) inch bolts.
17.2.4 May not be attached to rear bumper. ARTICLE 18: SAFETY
18.1 It is recommended that each racecar have built-in fire extinguishing equipment, but cannot be of the dry powder type (must be Halon 1211 or equivalent).
18.2 Drivers should have in their pit area as part of their equipment, at all times, a fully charged dry chemical, Halon (or its equivalent) fire extinguisher. Ten (10) or thirteen (13) pound fire extinguishers are highly recommended.
18.3 Driver must wear required helmet, fire suit and five-point safety harness whenever the racecar is on the racetrack. This includes during track packing, warm ups, hot laps and races.
18.4 Helmets are mandatory and must be an approved SHCA or Snell-type full coverage.
18.5 Helmets should accompany driver and racecar at time of inspection.
18.6 Helmets of at least Snell SA2000 or SA2005 rating are mandatory.
18.7 Complete one- or two-piece fire suits of a flame retardant nature must be worn by all drivers at all times when the racecar is on the racetrack. This includes during track packing, warm ups, hot laps and races.
18.8 SFI-approved fire-resistant gloves and shoes are mandatory.
18.9 Five-point safety belts, sub-belt and shoulder harness is required. Factory-type shoulder belts or straps are not allowed.
18.10 Metal to metal buckles are required on shoulder and seat belts.
18.11 Shoulder harness must be mounted securely to the roll cage. It is recommended that seat belts and shoulder harnesses not to be more than one (1) year old.
18.12 Where the belt passes through the seat edges, it must have a grommet installed, be rolled and/or padded to prevent cutting of the belt.
18.13 Full-size window net mounted in the left side driver’s window opening is required. Window net mounts must be welded to the roll cage. All bars around the driver must have approved roll bar padding. Approved racing arm restraints are recommended.
18.14 Fire-resistant safety neck collars are mandatory. ARTICLE 19: CLAIMING PROCEDURES
19.1 Any driver possessing a valid USMTS license may have the opportunity to execute a claim. All drivers, licensed or not, are subject to being claimed.
19.2 Any driver in the “A” Main is eligible to claim the shocks or MSD ignition box of another driver’s racecar in the “A” Main.
19.3 Claims must be made within five (5) minutes of the completion of the “A” Main. Claimed items must be removed at the racetrack and within one (1) hour after claimed driver accepts the claim.
19.4 Immediately following the conclusion of the “A” Main, without returning to his/her pit location, driver making claim must drive racecar, under its own power, directly to the designated claim area. Claiming driver shall select from eligible racecars in the “A” Main, and must declare that choice to the official overseeing the claim area. If the claiming driver decides at that time that he/she does not wish to execute the claim, he/she will nonetheless be charged one claim on his/her claim card. If multiple drivers declare an intention to claim, the driver finishing farthest back in the “A” Main will select first.
19.5 Claiming driver must present cash to official overseeing the claim area at the time the driver declares intention to claim. The cash price of the claim shall be one-hundred dollars ($100) each for shocks or two-hundred fifty dollars ($250) for MSD ignition boxes. Drivers claiming shocks may claim one (1) or more shocks during a single claim.
19.6 Driver is allowed one (1) claim per event, regardless of the outcome of that claim.
19.7 Only drivers and officials are allowed in the designated claim area. Any other participants associated with that racecar that enter the claim area will be subject to disqualification, fine and/or suspension.
19.8 Only a driver may claim, and only the claimed driver may agree to accept or refuse the claim. The first statement of acceptance or rejection of the claim by the claimed driver is binding.
19.9 Any driver refusing to accept a claim will forfeit all cash winnings and contingency awards for that event. Any driver refusing to accept a claim will forfeit all USMTS points (national, regional or otherwise) accumulated up to, and including, the event at which the claim was made. Furthermore, driver will forfeit the privilege to make a claim for a period of one (1) year from the date on which the claim was refused.
19.10 Sabotage of claimed parts will result in driver being suspended from all USMTS events for fourteen (14) days and until a $1,000 fine is paid and received at USMTS headquarters. Driver will also forfeit all USMTS points (national, regional or otherwise) accumulated up to, and including, the event at which the sabotage occurred. Furthermore, driver will forfeit the privilege to make a claim for a period of one (1) year from the date on which the sabotage occurred.
19.11 Driver may claim a maximum of three (3) times during the calendar year.
19.12 The USMTS reserves the right to disallow any claim at their discretion.
19.13 At their discretion, officials reserve the option to claim the shocks or MSD ignition box of any racecar. Officials may exchange MSD ignition boxes at any time.
19.14 Disqualification shall not affect a legal claim. Claimed parts will be removed and transferred prior to any penalties being assessed. APPENDIX A: BODY SPECIFICATIONS 
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AMENDMENTS
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For rules clarifications or questions, call (515) 832-7944 or email tech@usmts.com. |
