The following are specific items of concern/changes that will be added to the 2016 Rule Book. These items are broken down in two areas. First areas that drivers need to be reminded of since it appears that many do not read the entire Rule Book and second, items that are going to change.
The following are thing all drivers need to pay special attention to prior to arriving to National events;
- Governed Engine classes (JP, IMOW, GPK, & GP), engines must be completely stock! With the exception of exhaust. In other words, as removed from a grass cutting mower with no modifications, example; Starter, air cleaner, double batteries, or internal modifications. The only authorized modification is the exhaust system.
- Throttle cables must be secured so that RPM cannot be increased by pulling them on Governed classes stated above. This will be checked closely!
Fuel can only be fuel bought from service stations (pumped gas), like SUNOCO, Marathon gas stations that sell 100 octane or VP Racing Fuel. No Alcohol or other type of additives of any type can be used. - Mowers MUST be clearly marked with correct class, number, and Sta-Bil Stickers and be clearly visible from at least 100 feet. This is to assist Timing and Scoring and the Chief Steward during the race and during line up. Which means lettering/numbers must stand out clearly both during day and night racing. This is repeated regularly at drivers meetings, however drivers continuously fail to comply.
- Mowers must be clean and free of oil and fuel leaks prior to coming through Technical Inspection. Many have been identified to have fuel & oil leaks and rejected. Again this is repeated regularly at drivers meeting, however drivers continuously fail to comply. Any type of fuel or brake fluid leak/seepage will result in failing Tech, no exceptions.
- In every class original engine block assemblies must be used, example; cylinder block, sumps, side covers and cylinder heads. The only exception is the valve cover which billet/aftermarket valve covers can be used to allow clearance for roller rockers if used. What does this mean? Billet side covers and sumps or forged aftermarket cylinder heads are illegal
- Correct tire type and sizes for class running may be used, example no Hoosier tires in prepared classes.
- All Prepared Classes must have shiftable transmissions with an exposed shifter lever and an operational clutch which engages/disengages the driveline.
- Remember only FXS/FXT can have the axles offset as stated in the rule book.
- All positive battery cables will be covered at all connection( starter, solenoid, battery) with tape or boot covers
Changes to the 2016 Rule Book;
- Tires must match in regard to size and type on each axle. No staggering will be allowed
Due to the decrease in the number of entries in the FX class, USLMRA will no longer run this class at the National Level. Local Chapters may still run this class.
Due the increased speeds that today’s race mowers are achieving it has been decided to change the 2016 rule book to allow all “Prepared Class Mowers” to have Side Bars commonly known as Nerf Bars mounted on the running boards as long as they meet the set dimensions noted below.
When going through Tech ensure you bring the complete mower, which means with hood and transponder, no exceptions! - Only the driver will accompany the mower thru tech with the exception of minors, a parent may accompany them. This is to eliminate crowding around the tech line.
“Prepared Class” Mowers with Horizontal Engines that were factory built with such will be permitted to have driveshaft’s as long as the mower has an operational clutch, however the drive shaft will be covered and go to a shift able transmission and the transmission will connect to the rear axle by either chain or belt. - In the FXT Class driveshafts will be permitted as long as the driveshaft is covered and connects to a gear box. At no time will the driveshaft be connected directly to the rear axle.
FXS & FXT frame MUST be original lawnmower frames. NO homemade frames of any type are authorized example: tubular type homemade frames, round or square are illegal. - At National point races where there are not a sufficient number of mowers entered in certain classes, the National Chief Steward may at his discretion combine classes, example combining SP with CP , GP with SP, AP with SP etc.
- Since 2012 front bumpers have been authorized in both FXS & FXT, however drivers have continued to drive in an unsafe or over aggressive manner. The USLMRA staff has taken a close look at our options and discussed this subject in-depth and while considering all the pros and cons we have decided that beginning with the 2016 racing season that front bumpers will no longer be authorized in the FXS and FXT classes. There has been much chatter about this topic on social media and we understand the negative comments, but we have to consider the safety of all drivers in these classes. It all depends on drivers looking carefully at their driving habits and respecting other racers in these classes. We have also read numerous positive comments and these drivers have also commented on their safety concerns. Bottom line is to police yourselves and drive with common sense and remember your only racing for a $15-$25 trophy. Local Chapters and Affiliated Clubs may continue to allow the use of front bumpers within their local groups, however if any of their members attend a USLMRA Sponsored National Point Race these bumpers must be removed.
- Finally this will severe as a last notice to drivers in the FXT class that if they continue to drive in a unsafe, over aggressive manner, that USLMRA may decide to eliminate the class in 2017 or sooner if we feel that becomes too dangerous and the possibility increases of drivers getting injured.
This reminder is not intended to discourage anyone from participating, but rather to encourage all to download the USLMRA Rule Book and read it! Then, if any questions arise, contact the USLMRA for clarification of the rules.
We all come to the track to race and have fun and socialize, it’s just a sport with no money involved just a $15-$25 Trophy/Plaque so let’s all just have fun.
Again we will do everything possible to allow everyone to race, but Local Chapter Presidents/Tech Inspectors and Drivers must also do their part in ensuring that mowers in their clubs are built to USLMRA standards and drivers conduct themselves in a professional manner on and off the track.
Keep in mind it nearly impossible to please every driver and not all will be completely satisfied with these changes, but we feel it is in the best interest of this great sport to make these changes as we continue to grow. We look forward to seeing you at USLMRA National Point races and hope you have a safe journey to and from our events in 2016.
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