2009 GENERAL RULES
The following rules are for all sanctioned OELTRA Race events. These rules are for the safe and competitive enjoyment of lawnmower racing.
OELTRA has adopted a Code of Conduct for its members, crew personnel, officials and any other persons involved with a sanctioned OELTRA event. All of the rules should be read thoroughly, as they will be enforced at all events and subject to technical inspection and at the discretion of the chief Tech Steward or Race Director. When in doubt ask for a ruling in advance to ensure that you are not disqualified during an event.
OELTRA reserves the right to make changes to the rules for safety and for the benefit and growth of lawnmower racing.
The final decision in any OELTRA business lies with the Executive. This includes race event locations, membership, rules, specs and Code of Conduct. The decision as to tractor eligibility rests with the Tech Steward.
Any questions, suggestions or concerns should be forwarded to the executive or the local representative in your area.
CODE OF: Good Sportsmanship, Common Sense and Fair Competition/Keep it simple.
1. No drugs or alcohol shall be consumed during any race event. Doing so will result in immediate disqualification from that event. Continued infractions could result in being ejected from any further race events or annulment of membership.
2. Profanity or insulting behavior at race events will not be tolerated.
3. Each racer is responsible for the actions of his/her guests and crew while at the race event. This includes while you are on the track.
4. Tractors must remain at minimum speed when in pit area and grid area. There will be a zero tolerance of those drivers ripping through the pits or leaving the circuit in an unsafe manner .
5. All race participants must register no later than1/2 hour prior to drivers meeting, at which time registration will be closed. Driver meetings take place 1 hour prior to race start.
6. It is the responsibility of each race participant to recognize the flag rules. The flags are normally gone over at the drivers meeting at every race. ( so pay attention or ask if you're not sure )
PERSONAL SAFETY EQUIPMENT
The following gear must be worn at all times when operating the racer: Gloves, CSA/DOT approved helmet with visor or goggles, long pants, boots which cover ankles, long sleeved shirt or jacket and attached tethered kill switch (see basic rules). It is required that all drivers wear a safety neck collar while on track. RECOMMEND FULL FACE OR MOTOCROSS HELMET FOR ADDED CHIN PROTECTION. THIS WILL BECOME MANDATORY WITHIN TWO YEARS.Special Note: It is recommended that all drivers wear body safety apparel, such as Moto Cross chest and back body gear. Even veteran racers see the safety part of this, we've all seen the tough guy stuff like Earnhardt who was against neck brace and full face helmet regarding driver safety, that should be a lesson to all.
RACE AND TRACK RULES
1. Racing grid will be determined by public draw immediately preceding driver's meeting. Qualifying heats will be run to determine your position for feature race. Number of heats and racers per heat will be determined on race day, but always in the same format. Any questions on this can be directed to the Chief Steward at any time.
2. All starts will be rolling (NASCAR type). Starts are controlled by main flagman. When the green flag drops race has started ( there is no foul line)
3. Yellow flag laps do not count, however Chief Steward has the right to shorten races.
4. Intentional bumping, uncontrolled ramming of the racer ahead and blocking will not be tolerated. It is conceded that some light tapping is part of racing, but any intentional infractions will result in being black-flagged after one warning.
5. Racers being lapped must stay on the outside line of the track.
6. Drivers are responsible for knowing their starting positions and heat numbers. They must stay near their mowers while waiting to line up. Failure to be present at race grid immediately prior to your race may mean forfeiture of your position and you may not be allowed to participate in that race.
7. If a driver leaves the track during racing, they must safely re-enter as close as possible where they left the track and must yield to traffic. (You cannot gain a position). If a driver does gain a position, you will be given one lap to give the position back. Failure to do so will result in being black flagged or no longer scored
8. If a mower quits running during a race, the drivers first responsibility is to move the mower to a safe distance from the track.
9. All drivers/participants are required to provide a lap counter from their crew, to assist in the scoring and registration at a minimum of one event during the season. Everyone will have their turn.
10. During the running of the race event , there will be no approaching of on track race officials. Bring your concern following the race. Drivers should make their guests or team mates aware that it will be the driver that will be DQ'd if an associated person with a team causes a scene or disrupts a fair board volunteer or race official during the running of a race event.
BASIC RULES ALL CLASSES
All tractors must have been a factory built lawn cutting tractor (no garden tractors)
ENGINE: Each Class has a specific maximum Horse power rating (OEM rating) and max cubic inch displacement, Any allowable modifications will be stated for that class, if it does not say you can do it,it's not allowed .Important requirement: every engine must have the genuine label/sticker to identify OEM Horsepower rating and or id stamped serial number tag. No grinding or machining of stock flywheels, All original cooling and safety shields must be intact . It's up to each tractor owner/driver to prove the legitimacy of their engine for their particular class. Oeltra has on file technical engine data from current engine production to 20 year old engines
CHASSIS: Frames, parts, must retain original manufacturers (OEM) specifications (no chopping) re: wheel base, length and width unless modifications specified in particular class. Material (steel) may be added for structural strength. Front axles must be bolted or welded rigid eliminating the stock pivoting.
BODY WORK: Can be customized (where allowed) but must retain some resemblance of a lawn tractor. All parts must be securely fastened to chassis i.e. fuel tanks, batteries, body work, etc.
FUEL: Only pump gas, max 96 octane (no additives) unless specified in that class.
BRAKES: Must be intact and working.
THROTTLE: Foot or trigger throttles with automatic spring return mandatory. The only exception: box stock class.
KILL SWITCH: Tractor must have a working tethered kill switch and be fastened to driver when on track.
EXHAUST: Is open, as long as it points down and away from driver and presents no apparent hazard.
MOWER DECKS: If mower deck is left on, blades must be removed and the deck must be securely fastened to chassis. Minimum ground clearance is 2".
SEATS: Must be mounted in center of tractor. No cutting of body work to install seat. No device or restriction to prevent easy excess of driver in case of roll over.
BUMPERS/NERF BARS: Bumpers are recommended in Super Stock and MANDATORY in all other classes.. If installed, Height 2" of center line of axles, not to protrude 2" beyond the furthest point of body or tires. Max width rear, 38". Max width front: Inside tires not to cover face of tire. Side nerf bars 1.5" in from outside of tires. No sharp edges.
NUMBERS: All tractors must have a visible number. Minimum 5" height. As an OELTRA member, your number is reserved for the season. No two tractors can have the same number.
STEERING : Any improvements or modifications to steering allowed and recommended. This is a critical component and rule. Worn out tie rods and joints will not be allowed on the track
TIRES : Turf type only for all classes. No shaving or cutting of tires. Only exception to tire rule will be at dedicated clay dirt circuits and will be announced prior to race day if racing slicks allowed for safety reasons.
HEADLIGHTS : All glass headlights must be taped or removed.
Note: Oeltra tech officials will be a no nonsense for 2009, they have the final say on race day. If you're not sure on something with tech, re read all the rules and then ask for a pre season ruling on eligibility for your racing mower.
GRAB HANDLE: LEFT HAND GRAB HANDLE MANDATORY ALL CLASSES.
SUPER STOCK CLASS (STOCK MOD)
Minimum Age - 13 years or at discretion of race director.
MAX ENGINE : 11 HP OEM Rating and 25 cid Flat head lawn tractor engine. No internal modifications, any replacement parts limited to the use of OEM parts meant for that engine. Engine shields, stock flywheel, stock carb and intake manifold must remain . Governor can be removed. Air filters, velocity stack can be modified or after market.
DRIVE TRAIN: Must utilize a shift able transmission/transaxle. No widening or locking up, as from the factory. Pulleys, sprockets, drive belts can be modified to change ratio. Centrifugal clutches allowed.
No widening or custom front axles, must remain in original position. (Reinforcement allowed).
Rims: Steel as from factory.
Wheelbase and maximum width: As from the factory
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MUDFLAPS: Recommended
MODIFIED CLASS
Minimum Age: 13 years or at discretion of race director
ENGINE: Max 13 hp OEM Rating. 4 cycle, single cylinder (Max. 27 cid, OHV) ( Max 28 cid Flathead), lawn equipment type engine. No internal engine modifications ,rebuild and repairs allowed using unmodified OEM parts. Flywheels and shrouds must be stock. No after market or custom intake manifolds or carburetors. Updated carburetors and valve train to OEM spec allowed. Governors can be removed. Custom velocity stack/air filters open. External fuel pumps and ignition allowed. Horizontal Engines are not allowed unless original with that machine.
FUEL: Gasoline Only...
DRIVE TRAIN: Must utilize a shiftable transmission or transaxle. Locking of transaxle/differential allowed. No Go Kart or after market live axles, or custom 90 degree gear boxes. Note: If tractor came equipped with a 90 degree gear box this is allowed. Rear axle can be widened to 42" max outside to outside of tire, mounted back on chassis in original OEM position, spacer brackets can be removed, no chopping of chassis to cut in rear axle. Drive line pulleys, sprockets and clutch system can be modified/altered. (Centrifugal clutches allowed). Front axles and steering can be modified or replaced with custom fabricated one piece beam and mounted back in original position. Minimum ground clearance to chassis 2", width 42" max outside to outside of tire.
FOR CLARIFICATION: STRAIGHT AXLE CAN BE INSERTED THROUGH TRANSAXLE CASING. IF UNSURE, ASK FOR A RULING BEFORE YOU BUILD.
BRAKES: On rear only. Any modifications for improvement allowed.
RIMS: Steel only. 6" fronts and 8" rears
MUDFLAPS: MANDATORY
SUPER MODIFIED CLASS
Minimum Age: 16 years
ENGINE: Max 18 HP OEM rated 40cid, OHV, twin or flat head opposed twins max 44 cid, lawn equipment type 4 cycle engines. Internal modifications allowed using OEM parts. No internal modification to OHV Twins. No fuel injection. External shields and intake manifolds must remain stock. After market aluminum billet flywheels are allowed. External ignition allowed. Internal modification to single cylinder 28 cid and under engines open. Governors can be removed.
FUEL: Gasoline only. Octane booster allowed. No other additives allowed.
DRIVE TRAIN: Discreet chopping of chassis to install after market clutches, gear box and axles allowed, must retain original OEM wheel base. Custom front axles and steering allowed.
MINIMUM GROUND CLEARANCE 2", max width outside to outside of tire is 42".
BRAKES: Open - any improvements allowed.
RIMS: Custom steel or aluminum rims allowed. Custom hubs or spindles must have lock collars or new HD cotter pins to prevent movement
MUDFLAPS: MANDATORY
NEW FOR 2009: REAR AXLE OFFSET ALLOWED TO A MAXIMUM OF 2".
FT OPEN CLASS (FORMULA TRACTOR)
Minimum Age: 16 years
ENGINE OPEN: Max 22 HP OEM Rated max 44 cid for ohv, max 46 cid for opposed flat head twins, 4 cycle lawn equipment engines. Internal and external modifications allowed for all engines. Approved aftermarket aluminum billet flywheels are allowed. and recommended.
FUEL DELIVERY: No fuel injection, blower , turbos or nos
IGNITION: Open.
SAFETY SHIELDS: Cowling or safety shields must remain subject to safety inspection. Engines must be separated by a safety shield or stock cowling from the driver. (This applies more so to rear engine machines and where steering cowling/dash is removed).
BRAKES: Open.
DRIVE TRAIN: Is open to live axle, belt or chain drive custom gear boxes or transaxles. Centrifugal clutches allowed, where custom drive train may be hazardous to driver protective shields must be installed. Discreet chassis modifications allowed for axle installation and reinforcement, but must maintain OEM wheel base. Max width: 42" outside to outside of tire. Rear axle requires collar locks through bolts to secure rear hubs or wheels.
BODY WORK: Open, but must still resemble somewhat of a lawn tractor. No device, obstruction, or restraint that prevents the driver free access from their machine in case of rollover will be allowed.
All steering linkages must use ball type or spherical threaded rod ends.
RIMS: Wheels and hubs are OPEN (aluminum or steel)
FRONT AXLE: One piece beam. No compression type suspension allowed. Front or rear.
MUDFLAPS: MANDATORY
NEW FOR 2009: REAR AXLE OFFSET ALLOWED TO A MAXIMUM OF 2".
POWER PUFF CLASS (WOMEN ONLY)
Minimum Age: 13 years
Any Stock Mod or Modified Class Tractor is allowed to run in this class. All other basic rules and regulations apply.
Participants must still register and sign a waiver. This class is meant for the moms, girlfriends, wives, etc., to get into the action.
JUNIOR CLASS
Minimum Age: 8 years to 13 max, and subject to race officials discretion
Tractor class is to follow the Modified class rules and specifications.
This class is speed restricted and may vary from track to track. Speed rule is based on a consensus of the parent/guardian and race officials. 2008 rule is capped at 30 kph for Juniors and will by enforced by radar gun.
Failure to abide by speed restriction will result in disqualification. One club representative will test all junior tractors in a hot lap prior to commencement of event.ROOKIE RULE APPLIES: All new racers will be placed at the rear until established experience proven.
MEMBERSHIP AND FEES 2009
Although anyone is welcome to race at OELTRA sanctioned race events, membership has its privileges. Members are the basis of the club and its members are entitled to provide input into the club. Tractor numbers are reserved for members and no duplication of numbers are permitted. Members can obtain promotional items (shirts, hats, stickers, etc.) at a discount. Members also receive and accumulate points at OELTRA sanctioned events to determine year end standings and awards.
Membership allows members FREE entry to most fairs and venues plus one pit crew person, plus registered members only pay the price to sign in at any event.
Most importantly, membership fees go towards the costs of running and maintaining the club.
Memberships can be purchased at race events as well as through any member of the executive.
Club Membership 2009: $30.00 if purchased prior to April 30, 2009
$40.00 if purchased after May 1, 2009
Per racer Race Event Entry Fees: $ 5.00/racer for members
$10.00/driver/class for non-members
There is no yearly fee for Junior or Power Puff Classes when there is a paid membership in any other class by an immediate family member, however regular event fees apply and completed OELTRA registration forms and signed waivers are required. The intent of this allowance is that the junior and/or powerpuff racer does not participate in any other class. Should the racer wish to enter another class, the full membership fee will be required.
NOTE: Where an agreement has been reached with another race organization, OELTRA member race event entry fees will apply. If you're unsure of the agreement status with your organization, I would be happy to provide that information.
It is beyond OELTRAs’ control should the venue choose to charge admission fees to non-OELTRA members.
