2015 Rulebook Suggestions

[TRK]

Suggestions for the 2015 Rulebook are CLOSED

Suggestions for the 2015 rulebook are now open and will be accepted until Friday October 3rd, 2014 (rules suggestions will not be accepted after 2400hrs on October 3 2014). Once the list is compiled, the proposed rule changes will be sent out to all members. Rule changes can be submitted to Shannon, the VP of Rules and Tech Carl, or to any rider representative. The preferred method would be for racers to submit rule changes via the rule change thread on the MRA forums.

We've changed the venue and scenery for the rule change meeting over the last few years, so Shannon is up for suggestions on where to have it. The rule change meeting will take place in November.

The rule change meeting is open to all members and will be held to discuss the proposed 2015 rule changes. The members attending this meeting will be encouraged to give input on the changes that will be presented to the MRA board for approval. Finalized rule changes for the 2015 season should firmed up before the end of the year.

When making your suggestion, be sure to cite the existing rule and what changes you are suggesting. If it is a new rule, please use the exact wording as you would like it to appear at the rule change meeting and possibly the rulebook.

If you want to discuss your rule change proposal, please start a separate thread.

If you have any questions please contact Shannon via the forum.

[gsnyder828]

Allow slicks in Open SS:


Change section 2.2.2.G

from: Only DOT approved tires or non-DOT full rain tires may be used. The original molded tread pattern cannot be modified. Non-DOT slicks and non-DOT intermediate tires are not allowed.
to: For MWSS and HWSS only DOT approved tires or non-DOT full rain tires may be used. The original molded tread pattern cannot be modified. Non-DOT slicks and non-DOT intermediate tires are not allowed. For OSS only DOT approved tires, non-DOT slicks or non-DOT full rain tires may be used. The original molded tread pattern cannot be modified. Non-DOT intermediate tires are not allowed


Rationale: Boost grid size. OSS has some of the smallest grids of the weekend - typically 1/2 that of MWSS & HWSS. It's the only class for the weekend on a 1000cc bike that requires DOTs, adding cost to the weekend to run it - so some otherwise eligible riders just skip it.


Consolidate ROR Classes



Kill RORO and RORU. Run one ROR class, without 2 sub classes. Provide recognition on the podium to the top MW bike in ROR each race (like MotoGP does for top Open Class rider and WSBK does for top EVO rider) and potentially something end of year in addition to/in lieu of a top 10 plate - i.e. different color numbers/plate or such.




Rationale:

Current setup is contrived. Is it one race, 2 races or 3? We say it's 3, but let's be honest, it's really 1 or maybe 2. There's ROR overall and maybe there's RORU. RORO is a joke. If *ahem* someone starts from pit lane/dead last on a 1000 and finishes 11th b/c 3 guys on 600s are either faster than me - I mean them - or close enough to prevent me/them from catching, then I got 11th. Not 8th in RORO - I got beat fair and square by 3 riders on lesser bikes - saying I got 8th is ridiculous. RORO makes no sense. The setup in general is confusing for spectators too.
Grid Sizes - we hardly manage to pull more riders than the payout level in ROR. Breaking it into 2 classes, within a 3rd overall class doesn't make sense.
Grid Sizes - All it takes to get in the top 10 in RORU this year is to show up and finish 2 races... enough said. It has lower participation than OSS.





Actual Section Changes (I may miss a few - but this should be most):

Section 1: Kill the "(GTO/GTU)" after ROR
Delete Section: 2.4.1.5
Change 2.4.1.6 to delete references to "GTO"
Change 4.3.D to remove references to "GTO" and "GTU"
Change 7.2.1.C to remove references to "GTO" and "GTU"
I think the rest of my suggestion (recognizing to MW bike, etc.) is procedural - don't see anything in the rulebook that covers it.

[nobasin]

Novice classes are only allowed one red flag/restart. If NOVO or NOVU red flags a second time, race is over and scored according to position when race ended.

Rational: A perfect example is round 5 where for the first time all year practice and races started ONTIME until multiple red flags in NOVU put everything back over an hour with the restarts. So the corner workers have to stay a extra hour and not get paid anymore, or those of us who race endurance (some of us race both back to back) get our races reduced to 20 minutes which sort of defeats the purpose of an 'endurance' race, even it if is only 30 minutes. Endurance basically becomes a sprint race then.

I'd rather NOT penalize the novices OR the corner workers by moving the race to the end of the day if multiple red flags get thrown, nor am i suggesting changing the schedule and putting NOVO at the end of the day, but rather simply score the race where it ended with the second red flag. I also think this will incentivize novices to ride a bit more carefully and thoughtfully if they know that their race will end and not run if there are multiple red flags. This year seemed to actually be pretty clean with the nov classes up until round 5, so it hasn't been an issue as much this year, but it seemed like last year, every freakin' NOVO race had multiple red flags and I think that gets frustrating to everybody...the novice racers, corner workers, endurance racers, track marshall, brownie etc. It also pushes all the afternoon races so much later in the day that it almost always becomes a race against the rain and for the most part, most racers would rather race in dry conditions than wet I'm guessing.

Mike-

[jmaher]

For venue, I suggest something less controversial, that way maybe not as many people will show up.

Joe

[polar x]

Shotguns sounds good. quite place, nice drinks and plenty of bars to discuss rules. :cool:
or so I heard....

[scott_tiller]

Novice classes are only allowed one red flag/restart. If NOVO or NOVU red flags a second time, race is over and scored according to position when race ended.

Rational: A perfect example is round 5 where for the first time all year practice and races started ONTIME until multiple red flags in NOVU put everything back over an hour with the restarts. So the corner workers have to stay a extra hour and not get paid anymore, or those of us who race endurance (some of us race both back to back) get our races reduced to 20 minutes which sort of defeats the purpose of an 'endurance' race, even it if is only 30 minutes. Endurance basically becomes a sprint race then.

I'd rather NOT penalize the novices OR the corner workers by moving the race to the end of the day if multiple red flags get thrown, nor am i suggesting changing the schedule and putting NOVO at the end of the day, but rather simply score the race where it ended with the second red flag. I also think this will incentivize novices to ride a bit more carefully and thoughtfully if they know that their race will end and not run if there are multiple red flags. This year seemed to actually be pretty clean with the nov classes up until round 5, so it hasn't been an issue as much this year, but it seemed like last year, every freakin' NOVO race had multiple red flags and I think that gets frustrating to everybody...the novice racers, corner workers, endurance racers, track marshall, brownie etc. It also pushes all the afternoon races so much later in the day that it almost always becomes a race against the rain and for the most part, most racers would rather race in dry conditions than wet I'm guessing.

Mike-



I don't agree with this. I am a longtime novice and have 1 crash in 5 years of racing. To penalize me or anyone that does not cause the red flag does not seem fair. Maybe we can keep track of who causes the red flags and discipline them.
I would not be happy to pay all this money and if I am in the 2nd wave and the 1st wave causes a red flag in the 1st turn and I haven't even started then another red flag on restart in the 1st lap ends the race. I wouldn't be back anytime soon if that happens.
If this rule passes, it should be for any class, not just novices.

[aspenbum]

I propose a new rule that requires a lower chain guard on all motorcycles.

Create Section 5.2.1-S and 5.2.2-U as follows:
A shark fin lower chain guard is required on all motorcycles. It must be fixed to the swingarm in front of the rear sprocket with either bolts or welds.

I would also like to allow protests of lap additions for failure to comply with meatball flags. I propose a rule 12.3-AE that states: "Any rider in violatlation of a meatball flag stop and go penalty may protest the additional lap penalty if the rider has video proof beyond a reasonable doubt that they were not in violation of race procedures."

Reasoning: I was meatballed for a "jumped start" when my launch was damn near perfect. My forward facing GoPro shows the light and when my bike started accelerating which was absolutely not before the light went out. I was in the lead until my stop and go penalty forced me in to 15th place. I finished the race in 10th when I had a very good fighting chance to win it. I knew that during the penalty I hadn't jumped the start and was unable to do anything about it. I think that IF a rider KNOWS that they didn't jump the start and has video evidence of it that they can skip the stop and go penalty and protest the one lap penalty and score the race where they finished without the penalty. If the video evidence doesn't clearly prove the rider was compliant then the rider gets penalized with the one lap penalty.

[TRK]

Aspen,
this is already the case bro. I will look and see what the rule book says, and if it is unclear, I will clear it up for next year. Big gamble, but if there is irrefutable proof then it will work itself out.

[rybo]

Institute a hot pit lane speed limit of 35 mph and change the meatball penalty from stop and go to ride through.

Justification: Increase safety for the rider, spectators and officials during the service of penalties. The pit lane official could remain behind a barrier with a radar gun, if necessary, to enforce the pit lane speed putting them at less risk. The rider would have additional time (less speed) to deal with a person attempting to cross the pit lane during the service of a penalty. Safety would also be increased at the end of the race when there is considerable rider and pedestrian traffic on the hot pit lane.

Reduce ambiguity in the rules: Under the current rules the rider must proceed "at safe speed". This is completely subjective.

Section 8.1D

Current Wording:

Black flag with 12" Orange Center (meatball flag): Indicates a "stop and go" penalty or other penalty. Racers need to report to the pre-grid marshal within three laps. A number board will be displayed with the flag indicating the rider being signaled. Failure to report to the pre-grid marshal within 3 laps will result in a one lap penalty in the final results.

Proposed Change:

Black flag with 12" Orange Center (meatball flag): Indicates a "ride through" penalty or other penalty. Racers need to ride through the hot pit lane within three laps. A pit lane speed limit of 35 mph will be enforced. A number board will be displayed with the flag indicating the rider being signaled. Failure to report to the pre-grid marshal within 3 laps will result in a one lap penalty in the final results.

Section 10J

Current Wording:
A racer serving a "stop and go" penalty must exit the race track and proceed at a safe speed to the pre-grid marshal at the front of the pre-grid and wait until waved back onto the track. Excessive speed through the pre-grid area will result in a longer penalty and/or fines and /or disqualification.

Proposed wording:
A racer serving a "ride through" penalty must exit the track and proceed at no more than the pit lane speed limit through the hot pit. Excessive speed through the hot pit may result in additional penalties, fines or disqualification.

Section 7.1E

Current wording:
The start shall be a full-stop start. Riders who are not properly staged at thegreen flag/light will be assessed a stop and go penalty on pit road. A rider isconsidered staged if the front axle is behind but no more than 18” behind thedesignated row line and the front wheel is at a complete stop.

Proposed wording:

The start shall be a full-stop start. Riders who are not properly staged at thegreen flag/light will be assessed a ride through penalty on pit road. A rider isconsidered staged if the front axle is behind but no more than 18” behind thedesignated row line and the front wheel is at a complete stop.


ADD

Section 10L

Hot pit speed limit: A hot pit speed limit of 35 MPH will be enforced at all venues. Officials will clearly mark with cones, or other means, the speed limit zone at the beginning and the end of the hot pit lane. Failure to comply with the hot pit speed limit may result in penalties, fines or disqualification.

[polar x]

Institute a hot pit lane speed limit of 35 mph and change the meatball penalty from stop and go to ride through.

Justification: Increase safety for the rider, spectators and officials during the service of penalties. The pit lane official could remain behind a barrier with a radar gun, if necessary, to enforce the pit lane speed putting them at less risk. The rider would have additional time (less speed) to deal with a person attempting to cross the pit lane during the service of a penalty. Safety would also be increased at the end of the race when there is considerable rider and pedestrian traffic on the hot pit lane.

Reduce ambiguity in the rules: Under the current rules the rider must proceed "at safe speed". This is completely subjective.

Section 8.1D

Current Wording:


Black flag with 12" Orange Center (meatball flag): Indicates a "stop and go" penalty or other penalty. Racers need to report to the pre-grid marshal within three laps. A number board will be displayed with the flag indicating the rider being signaled. Failure to report to the pre-grid marshal within 3 laps will result in a one lap penalty in the final results.

Proposed Change:

Black flag with 12" Orange Center (meatball flag): Indicates a "ride through" penalty or other penalty. Racers need to ride through the hot pit lane within three laps. A pit lane speed limit of 35 mph will be enforced. A number board will be displayed with the flag indicating the rider being signaled. Failure to report to the pre-grid marshal within 3 laps will result in a one lap penalty in the final results.

Section 10J

Current Wording:
A racer serving a "stop and go" penalty must exit the race track and proceed at a safe speed to the pre-grid marshal at the front of the pre-grid and wait until waved back onto the track. Excessive speed through the pre-grid area will result in a longer penalty and/or fines and /or disqualification.

Proposed wording:
A racer serving a "ride through" penalty must exit the track and proceed at no more than the pit lane speed limit through the hot pit. Excessive speed through the hot pit may result in additional penalties, fines or disqualification.

Section 7.1E

Current wording:
The start shall be a full-stop start. Riders who are not properly staged at thegreen flag/light will be assessed a stop and go penalty on pit road. A rider isconsidered staged if the front axle is behind but no more than 18” behind thedesignated row line and the front wheel is at a complete stop.

Proposed wording:

The start shall be a full-stop start. Riders who are not properly staged at thegreen flag/light will be assessed a ride through penalty on pit road. A rider isconsidered staged if the front axle is behind but no more than 18” behind thedesignated row line and the front wheel is at a complete stop.


ADD

Section 10L

Hot pit speed limit: A hot pit speed limit of 35 MPH will be enforced at all venues. Officials will clearly mark with cones, or other means, the speed limit zone at the beginning and the end of the hot pit lane. Failure to comply with the hot pit speed limit may result in penalties, fines or disqualification.

How would one know there speed and how much leeway would there be in said proposal?





Not sure how this would be doable on the riders part? At least with the current speed the pit lane is protected once the meatball is shown until the rider comes in.

[peteyt328]

Where do we propose the procedural stuff?

[TRK]

Talk to me this weekend, or just post it up.

[cjmagnuss]

Section 10L
Hot pit speed limit: A hot pit speed limit of 35 MPH will be enforced at all venues. Officials will clearly mark with cones, or other means, the speed limit zone at the beginning and the end of the hot pit lane. Failure to comply with the hot pit speed limit may result in penalties, fines or disqualification.



I simply want to point out that this would mean no more practice starts on hot pit. I'm looking forward to the rule change meeting.

[rybo]

Freeze Modern Vintage at the 2015 (2005) model year -

Justification - Motorcycles in the last 10 years have made only incremental improvements versus the exponential improvements made in previous generations. As an example a 2006 R6 is virtually the same as a 2014 model. Freezing the motorcycle year at 2005 for five years will mean that a significant performance difference between a MV and a current motorcycle exists.

Current Rule:

2.5 Modern Vintage classes2.5.1 Requirements
Modern Vintage motorcycles must use a frame and engine case 10 years old or older, asdetermined by manufacturer’s model year. For 2014, the model year must be 2004 or prior.Exceptions to the year requirements are listed below. These exceptions are based on thefirst production cycle for a specific motorcycle.
The following exempted bikes are permitted to compete in modern vintage, but must meetthe requirements listed below in 2.5.2.
MVGTU exemptions:
2005-2006 Ducati 749, 749S and 749R,2005- 2008 Suzuki SV650, SV650S2005 Yamaha YZF R6
MVGTO exemptions:
2005 Aprilia RSV Tuono
2005-2006 Ducati 999, 999S, 999R2005-2006 Honda RC51
2005 Suzuki GSXR 1000
If a competitor feels a motorcycle not listed above could be eligible for a modern vintageexception, they can present their case to the MRA Board of Directors. The MRA Boardwill make a determination of eligibility. The MRA Board’s determination will remain finalfor the remainder of the race season.
2.5.2 Class Limits
Class displacement limits are the same as Novice and Amateur GTO and GTU, as specifiedin 2.6.1 and 2.6.2. Ducati models eligible for MVGTU with SPS, R, and RS designations areineligible if they displace greater then 749cc. All exempted models are eligible for MVGTO.

Proposed Rule:


2.5 Modern Vintage classes2.5.1 Requirements
Modern Vintage motorcycles must use a frame and engine case 10 years old or older, asdetermined by manufacturer’s model year. For 2015, the model year must be 2005 or prior. At the end of the 2015 season the age limit will be frozen until the current list of approved motorcycles is 15 years old or older. From that point forward Modern Vintage will be designated as a class for models that are 15 years old or older and models will be added on a year by year basis thereafter. Exceptions to the year requirements are listed below. These exceptions are based on thefirst production cycle for a specific motorcycle.
The following exempted bikes are permitted to compete in modern vintage, but must meetthe requirements listed below in 2.5.2.
MVGTU exemptions:
2006 Ducati 749, 749S and 749R,
2006- 2008 Suzuki SV650, SV650S
MVGTO exemptions:
2006 Ducati 999, 999S, 999R
2006 Honda RC51
2006 Suzuki GSXR 1000
If a competitor feels a motorcycle not listed above could be eligible for a modern vintageexception, they can present their case to the MRA Board of Directors. The MRA Boardwill make a determination of eligibility. The MRA Board’s determination will remain finalfor the remainder of the race season.
2.5.2 Class Limits
Class displacement limits are the same as Novice and Amateur GTO and GTU, as specifiedin 2.6.1 and 2.6.2. Ducati models eligible for MVGTU with SPS, R, and RS designations areineligible if they displace greater then 749cc. All exempted models are eligible for MVGTO.

[oldtimer]

I'll again propose a remodel of our Sat/Sun morning practice groups. And if we try it and it doesn't work? We could go back to what we have now!! :)

Practice groups by times (approximate times), which would mean novices mixed in with experts.

A fastest
B next fastest group
C 3rd fastest group
D slowest group

[rybo]

I'll again propose a remodel of our Sat/Sun morning practice groups. And if we try it and it doesn't work? We could go back to what we have now!! :)

Practice groups by times (approximate times), which would mean novices mixed in with experts.

A fastest
B next fastest group
C 3rd fastest group
D slowest group

I like this.

How is selection done?

Previous round lap times?
Self-Selection? (what we do now)
Maybe only ROR riders in the fastest group?

The beauty of the current system is that there is a clear delineator for novice / expert and the riders self select inside of the categories.

just throwing out some food for thought.

[MotoMatt]

Sounds intriguing.

How do we separate the fast 250s, who make up their time in the corners, from the slow 1000s who make up their time on the straights who both might have similar lap times?

Matt

[oldtimer]

The other clubs that I've seen use this system (AFM + CVMA) tell you what group you're practicing in based on your previous times with the club, OR a guesstimate if you don't have times. I'm open to either self selecting into your group, or being assigned based on your latest times, whatever is preferable to the majority.

Here is the "practice rules" section from the CVMA rulebook. Their track is 2.6 miles, similar to HPR, but we would pick time cutoffs as appropriate.

* I'd like to add that the proposed goal is to roughly divide the club into 4 even quarters for practice time. So that we don't have 60 bikes in one group and 20 in the next.

- Practice in four timed groups:
- Group A: 1:57.9 and lower lap times
- Group B: 1:58.0 – 2:01.9 lap times
- Group C: 2:02.0 – 2:09.9 lap times
- Group D: 2:10 and higher lap times
- Racers will be assigned to a practice group at Registration.
- Group assignment will be based on prior qualifying times.

- If a racer does not have a qualifying time from a previous event or a
previous group assignment, they will be initially assigned to a practice
group as follows: Open Machines = Group A; Middleweight Machines =
Group B; Lightweight Machines = Group C; UltraLightweight Machines
= Group D.

[Sol Performance]

There is no rules about it in the book but I would like to propose we have a ROR and production class qualifying record. This record to qualify as the absolute track record.

Current rule: none

New rule: none

Rationale: Some guys post a faster time during qualifying than they do during a race. If this is the fastest time recorded that a person has made a lap around the track, it should be the absolute record as well.

[TRK]

I agree with the qualifying record, but the overall record needs to be during a race. You can do too many special things for a one off fast lap during qualifying, that a racer couldn't or shouldn't do during a race.

[Sol Performance]

I understand what you are getting at. I don't believe anyone is doing that for either class but doesn't mean they couldn't try. Regulating the parts for qualifying would be too much of a task too.

[The GECCO]

I don't agree with this. I am a longtime novice and have 1 crash in 5 years of racing. To penalize me or anyone that does not cause the red flag does not seem fair. Maybe we can keep track of who causes the red flags and discipline them.
I would not be happy to pay all this money and if I am in the 2nd wave and the 1st wave causes a red flag in the 1st turn and I haven't even started then another red flag on restart in the 1st lap ends the race. I wouldn't be back anytime soon if that happens.

Scott, I agree that it's not fair to punish the other racers in the class, the ones that didn't cause the red(s). As the original poster pointed out, though, it's likewise unfair to punish the entire remainder of the program and the workers, etc, by making the program run long.



If this rule passes, it should be for any class, not just novices.

Absolutely.

[TRK]

FYI, we already have a rule for multiple red flags.............it is in the rule book.

[peteyt328]

Rule Change:

1. No fork extenders in Supersport. The rules are vague but say something to the tune of aftermarket caps are allowed strictly for the purpose of adjusting components, not for altering geometry past stock limitations. No different than the shock linkage I got shot down for last year.

2.2.2-D-b: Fork springs may be replaced with optional or after-market springs. Fork caps may be modified or replaced to allow external adjustment of fork springs only

Proposed: Fork springs may be replaced with optional or after-market springs. Fork caps
may be modified or replaced to allow external adjustment of fork springs only, and must be of OEM height. Extended fork caps are not allowed.


Procedural Changes:

1. Practice - As Wyeth suggested, break up practice into groups based on speed. There have been multiple incidents this year due to the current practice format, plus we have enough sessions that I can take naps between each of my practices. I have raced with several other clubs that do A,B,C,D or Slow/Med/Fast based on lap times and it seems to work much better. I personally like 3 groups since it allows more track time for each group, and could potentially cut the length of our days down so we're not cutting down race length to beat the rain every weekend. however since the 250/300's are in a class of their own perhaps we break it up as follows (using HPR as an example):

Production 250, 300, 400, etc - 15 min
middleweight and open bikes > 2:00 - 15 min
Middleweight and Open bikes > 1:53 and < 2:00 - 15 min
Middleweight and Open bikes < 1:53 - 15 min


2. 3rd call - our 3rd calls tend to be sporadic and leave people either sitting on the grid for 5 minutes or having to start from pre-grid because they wanted to keep some heat in their tires. Reason being the call is made at the checkered and that guy that was about to get lapped still has to make 2 more laps before exiting the track. How can we make this consistent? Make 3rd call when the last place guy (that hasn't been lapped) crosses the checkered, and enforce that the riders are released 1 minute after 3rd call (May need to add 30 sec depending on track). 1 minute is plenty of time to pull warmers and get to pre-grid, and we'll have consistency that everybody can count on.


3. Blue Flags in ROR - I've brought the blue flag up before and got some heat that this was a bad idea because many riders aren't experienced enough to safely get out of the way. Fair enough, but in ROR every rider should be experienced enough to see where the lap traffic is and try to stay out of the way. I've seen some close calls, and a couple bad accidents, due to lap traffic in a heated ROR race.


4. Double header race weekends - I know this has been discussed before. I've thought about this one a lot, and at first I didn't like the idea, but after racing with clubs like Chuckwalla I really liked this format. Essentially this turns a 7 round season into 14 rounds, making scoring a lot more reasonable and crashing out or having a mechanical isn't a season killer. It also gives the guys who race superbikes the opportunity to race Sat and Sun rather than sitting around waiting all day saturday because we've structured our schedule to be supersport dominant Saturday and Superbike dominant Sunday. Sure, we'd have to cut down on some of our classes; but let's be honest, we have more classes than CU's undergrad program. Many of which are duplicative, or don't even have enough riders to create a 3rd row (if you want suggestions just ask).


5. Red Flags - Round 7 was actually really good, but for most of the season it seemed like the red flags were revealing themselves easier than a hooker on Colfax. I realize this is going to be a sensitive subject but it's frustrating when we have to restart a race multiple times, start cutting laps off all other races, and keep the beers in the coolers until 7PM, when most of the red flags were minor accidents. I know this is a call the corner workers have to make and if somebody is seriously injured we don't want to delay sending the ambulance out. But I can think of several red flags this season that were typical low sides, off the track, and rider was up quickly and ok... Just something to consider.

[Chadwick929]

2. 3rd call - our 3rd calls tend to be sporadic and leave people either sitting on the grid for 5 minutes or having to start from pre-grid because they wanted to keep some heat in their tires. Reason being the call is made at the checkered and that guy that was about to get lapped still has to make 2 more laps before exiting the track. How can we make this consistent? Make 3rd call when the last place guy (that hasn't been lapped) crosses the checkered, and enforce that the riders are released 1 minute after 3rd call (May need to add 30 sec depending on track). 1 minute is plenty of time to pull warmers and get to pre-grid, and we'll have consistency that everybody can count on.
Since I was grid girl for a bit last season, I thought I'd throw some info about this. 3rd call is made when the checkered is thrown, then pre-grid is "supposed to" let everyone go once the last bike clears a certain turn. Like at HPR, we usually let you guys go once we clear Turn 9 or 10. If we did 3rd call when the last bike passes start finish, I think more people would be late to pre-grid and more people would be starting from pre-grid because they only have a minute or 2 to get out there. So I don't know if waiting would be the best option, but I do know that pre-grid should be more consistent in letting you guys go. AND we also need to be more consistent on announcing that the air fences are going to be blown up between a race. I think that's one of the areas where we could see the biggest improvement. I saw it a couple times at Round 7 where we knew that we were going to to the air fences, so made the call for a hold. I think that could be greatly improved if we could keep that up, instead of just deciding to do it right before a race or practice is about to start.


3. Blue Flags in ROR - I've brought the blue flag up before and got some heat that this was a bad idea because many riders aren't experienced enough to safely get out of the way. Fair enough, but in ROR every rider should be experienced enough to see where the lap traffic is and try to stay out of the way. I've seen some close calls, and a couple bad accidents, due to lap traffic in a heated ROR race.
I think it's a good idea for ROR, BUT, the problem is getting corner workers to see who the leaders are and getting the flag up. Some of the corner workers just see bikes going by and wouldn't know which is which. So maybe that's a Chris decision on whether or not we would do that. I think it would be a cool thing and I know I'd be able to figure that out, especially for ROR, but some people couldn't and it would be inconsistent. Maybe on Sunday we have the most consistant workers in certain corners throughout the track that would be willing to throw a blue flag and announce those corners in the rider's meeting for Sunday so the ROR guys will know where to look for them if they are about to be lapped.


5. Red Flags - Round 7 was actually really good, but for most of the season it seemed like the red flags were revealing themselves easier than a hooker on Colfax. I realize this is going to be a sensitive subject but it's frustrating when we have to restart a race multiple times, start cutting laps off all other races, and keep the beers in the coolers until 7PM, when most of the red flags were minor accidents. I know this is a call the corner workers have to make and if somebody is seriously injured we don't want to delay sending the ambulance out. But I can think of several red flags this season that were typical low sides, off the track, and rider was up quickly and ok... Just something to consider.
We throw the red for a rider down or a bike in the race line. We did throw a red for rain too. When making the call about a bike down, we call, "Bike down, Turn 4" wait for it..... "Rider is up" or.... "Rider is down". Then it's red flagged. We do wait a few seconds to see if the rider gets up first. There were a couple instances where the rider was down and then popped right up after the red flag was thrown. I know when I raced Round 4, in NovO the red flag was thrown because there was a bike on the track. It wasn't quite in the racing line, but it was close enough for me to have to check up and go around it just before the red was thrown. Sometimes there's nothing you can do about it, but we try to not call a red flag unless it's completely necessary. I remember one of the rounds at HPR it seemed like every race had a red flag! But again, if it needs to be thrown, we aren't worried about the beer in the cooler till 7pm, gotta make sure everyone is safe.

[TRK]

A lot of these discussions are more on the procedural side of things as opposed to the "rules. We will discuss them at the rule book meeting, but I am going to differentiate betweent the two.

thanks,
mojam

[scott_tiller]

FYI, we already have a rule for multiple red flags.............it is in the rule book.

I know that Shannon, but I was replying to the suggestion that the race get called at the second red flag.
As I read it, it is the Track Marshals decision to keep going with the race or move it to the end of the day.

[TRK]

Yup, and I agree with you. We go to the race track to race, and I would be pretty pissed too, if someone crashed going I to turn one first lap two starts in a row and my day was over. That is why the rulebook is worded the way it is, if the TM or board thinks cooler heads will prevail he can move the race to the need of the day. I firmly believe we all show up to race and should be afforded every opportunity to do so.

[MikeinDenver]

I think it's a good idea for ROR, BUT, the problem is getting corner workers to see who the leaders are and getting the flag up. Some of the corner workers just see bikes going by and wouldn't know which is which. So maybe that's a Chris decision on whether or not we would do that. I think it would be a cool thing and I know I'd be able to figure that out, especially for ROR, but some people couldn't and it would be inconsistent. Maybe on Sunday we have the most consistant workers in certain corners throughout the track that would be willing to throw a blue flag and announce those corners in the rider's meeting for Sunday so the ROR guys will know where to look for them if they are about to be lapped.



I have wondered about this myself. Watching F1 blue flags are going all the time. Having worked all three tracks this year(my first year) I think some tracks would be easier to do this on than others. HPR corners can't see much if any of the track beyond their section. I would think it would require either tracking equipment at the corners or maybe a separate radio channel with one person at the corner pretty much dedicated to that, working with the rest so they knew whom to blue flag. I like the idea but I think it would be difficult to implement reliably.

We need a live timing app like the F1 app.:p

[nobasin]

Yup, and I agree with you. We go to the race track to race, and I would be pretty pissed too, if someone crashed going I to turn one first lap two starts in a row and my day was over. That is why the rulebook is worded the way it is, if the TM or board thinks cooler heads will prevail he can move the race to the need of the day. I firmly believe we all show up to race and should be afforded every opportunity to do so.

scott and shannon, all good points and i understand that perspective. but again, supersport and endurance racers end up being penalized because of the time taken for multiple starts in what is typically the first race of the day. so maybe a potential solution would something in between the current rule and my original proposal where after the 2nd red flag the race automatically gets moved to the end of the day, unless the red flags both happen on lap one, where there is likely still time to do a 3rd restart and not make every subsequent race during the day way behind schedule. another option would be to have a max time limit that a regular sprint race can run. so lets say 30 minutes for a novice sprint race at hpr...the clock starts at the first green light, and you've got 30 minutes max to complete the race. so if you red flag on lap 2 after 5 minutes, there's a restart. if the 2nd restart red flags after 5 minutes (or anything <= half that laps), it can get a thrid restart but will be set to a number of laps approximately equal to time remaining. this would prevent what should be a 15 minute race (at hpr) going any longer than 30 minutes. this way multiple red flags still allow the race to happen, non crashing racers aren't unduly penalized, and at worst, the first race of the day would only set back the schedule by 15 minutes max. the track marshall and board could still have the discretion to move the race to the end of the day if they wanted as well so that option still exists.

my goal with this discussion is to figure out a way to not have endurance races cut down by 1/3 of their allotted time because of crashes earlier in the day as well as make sure all racers have the best opportunity to get some good racing in as shannon mentioned.

[TRK]

IMO weather has been the big factor, not red flags. Plus we need to give the track marshal and the board flexibility to the proper thing, making things automatic never seems to work very well. Too much shit happens. We will discuss in November, but I firmly believe what we are doing works.

[The GECCO]

Blue Flags in ROR [/COLOR]- I've brought the blue flag up before and got some heat that this was a bad idea because many riders aren't experienced enough to safely get out of the way. Fair enough, but in ROR every rider should be experienced enough to see where the lap traffic is and try to stay out of the way. I've seen some close calls, and a couple bad accidents, due to lap traffic in a heated ROR race.

Blue flags are a bad idea. The safest way for a pass to happen is it the person getting passed never sees it coming. The problem with the blue flag is that no matter how "good" or "bad" the lapped rider is, there's always the potential for a problem when someone intentionally goes off line. I watched Eric Bostrom (leading) get pushed off the track at PPIR by a rider who was shown the blue flag and moved over....right to where Bostrom was already committed to make the pass. If there was no flag, the pass would have been incident free. Traffic is a part of racing.

The other problem is deciding who earns the privilege of the blue flag? Obviously lappers being passed by the leader would get it, but what about when 2nd place comes through? Or 3rd? or 10th? Why should some riders get an "assist" with traffic and others not?

It should never be anyone's job to get out of the way. As the overtaking rider, it's your responsibility to make a safe and appropriate pass, whether it's a lapper or for position. If you catch someone mid-corner and get held up, that's racing.

Lastly, as much as I love the workers, virtually none of them are even close to being experienced enough to know when to display the flag, and we don't have the ability to have a central "control" person advising them when to display it.

If this is purely an RoR thing, perhaps the best way to solve it is to lower the threshold to 107% and make it a RULE rather than a recommendation. The reason I say 107% is that if the RoR winner runs 14 laps and the lapper runs 13, that's roughly a 7% difference. Obviously that goes out the window for a track as short as PPIR, but it's a place to start.

[DOUBLE A]

I would like suggest we go back to the 36, 32, 29 .... point structure as it was before the current points structure of 60, 50, 42 ... etc.

[TD675]

Would changing the format of the start of a race be a rule or procedural? Where can we suggest procedural changes?

[TRK]

post up your idea.

[TD675]

I would like to add the following to the rulebook to allow for a "LeMans Style" start for the 4-hour

Section 7.1.1 Four Hour Endurance Starting

The 4-hour endurance race will have a "LeMans Style" start with additional procedures as follows:

A. Bikes will be on the grid against the pit wall in their assigned grid positions at an angle facing forward.

B. Bikes will be running in neutral with one crew member holding it up from behind.

C. Riders will start on foot straight across from their bikes on the opposite side of the racing surface and will run to their machines when the light goes out or the green flag is waved.




I realize there might be a lot more to this but from my research, it seems that this is pretty standard for LeMans starts.

We had 34 entries for the 4 hour last year. If the bikes were spaced 8 feet apart then the grid would take up about 270 feet of track surface. The bikes start against the pit wall so that the crew can get back over in a reasonable time. Also, at HPR it will make for a better entry to turn 1.


Hope to get some people on board with this. It could be a lot of fun and definitely different.

[aspenbum]

Let's just move NOVU to the end of the day anyway!

[N1K]

Yes let's put endurance first and the nov classes last. I like it.

[jmaher]

Allow rear shocks of unlimited origin on production cup bikes.

Rational: This would align us with other organizations running production cup.

[cjmagnuss]

Eliminate Heavyweight Supersport and Heavyweight Superbike from the schedule.

Rationale: Come on, HWSS = MWSS Part 2, HWSB = MWSB Part 2. Our schedule is too long and does not have enough contingent time should we need it.

[TRK]

GSXR750, Panigale 899, MV Agusta F3, MV Brutale, possibly the new H2, plus some other bikes coming down the pipeline are pure HW bikes. Every club in the US has HW classes. The grids are large, manufactures and vendors pay great contingency, and every other club n the country has HW classes to support these reasons.



If you want to get rid of a class that is 100% redundant............get rid of thunderbike. Hell we could get rid of one our two production cup races we have every weekend (these are EXACTLY the same.)

I like our schedule, but looking to get rid of some great classes, with great races, so we can save maybe 15 minutes a day is a bad idea IMO. We could get rid of F40, cause it is just a repeat of.........or get rid of...........cause it is kinda like.........

We could always just start the day 15 or 30 minutes earlier.

[WolFeYeZ]

Eliminate Heavyweight Supersport and Heavyweight Superbike from the schedule.

Rationale: Come on, HWSS = MWSS Part 2, HWSB = MWSB Part 2. Our schedule is too long and does not have enough contingent time should we need it.

I think you have a good point, but this would completely shaft the couple of heavyweight bikes out there. Maybe eliminate HWSS and keep HWSB since they are almost completely redundant.

[WolFeYeZ]

Remove or modify 5.2.1 - "P. Supercharging (including turbo charging and blowers) is not allowed, except in Race of the Rockies."

Reasoning: The new Kawasaki H2 would be excluded from every race except ROR. It should belong in at least Open Superbike and possible other classes.


Update the wording of 7.1.J (scoring/restarting after a red flag) to:
J. When restarting or scoring a red-flagged race, racers will be re-gridded or scored as to their running order on the final lap that was completed by the entire field preceding the red flag. If the race is restarted, racers who crash or retire from a race before or during the red flag lap will be re-gridded at the back of the grid behind all non-crashing/non-retiring racers in the order in which they last crossed start/finish. If the race is determined to be complete and the race was stopped due to a rider(s) crash, the rider(s) involved will finish at the back of their respective lap group. i.e. a rider causing the red flag was in 5th place at the time of the red flag, there were 10 riders on the lead lap, and 15 riders started the race. The involved rider would be scored in 10th place.

Reasoning: The current wording is confusing as it cant be taken different ways. It should be reworded to clarify the intended rule.



Add rule to Supersport: 2.2.2.C The following items may be replaced by parts of unrestricted origin: x - Battery.

Reasoning: Lightweight batteries cost like $40 more than standard and can be much more reliable since we only use our bikes a few times a year. A lightweight battery is not going to change the results of a race.

[TRK]

I am working on this one bro.....basically I think we should follow the WERA model and any bike that comes from the factory with forced induction bumps up a class. If it is an open bike then it is an open bike........

[Dutch]

As for meatballs. As a nov. I wasnt acclimated w pit in procedures. And I think its a superfluous danger coming n and goin out. A suggestion is a 5 sec penalty is appropo and much safer.

[Matrix]

Suggest being able to run Rain Tires in Production.

Current: Section 2.10.N: Tires must be DOT rated tires only. The DOT rated tires can be grooved at the racer’s discretion.

Proposed: Section 2.10.N: Tires must be DOT rated (no slicks). Rain tires will be allowed in the event a race is declared a wet race.

Rational: 1. Race DOT's do not work in the rain and/or when cold. Period. 2. Why not be able to run a decent tire that is built for the conditions? 3. I realize its intent it is to make racing cheaper but a used set of rains shouldn't break the bank. 4. Production Class, while fun on their own, are also a learning class where experience is gained that can be applied to bigger bikes later. By limiting a proper tire, you take away from that experience. 5. Racing in the rain (on rain tires) was a lot of fun and confidence inspiring on what you can get away with on them. DOT's and Street tires will not provide the same experience.

[cjmagnuss]

GSXR750, Panigale 899, MV Agusta F3, MV Brutale, possibly the new H2, plus some other bikes coming down the pipeline are pure HW bikes. Every club in the US has HW classes. The grids are large, manufactures and vendors pay great contingency, and every other club n the country has HW classes to support these reasons.



If you want to get rid of a class that is 100% redundant............get rid of thunderbike. Hell we could get rid of one our two production cup races we have every weekend (these are EXACTLY the same.)

I like our schedule, but looking to get rid of some great classes, with great races, so we can save maybe 15 minutes a day is a bad idea IMO. We could get rid of F40, cause it is just a repeat of.........or get rid of...........cause it is kinda like.........

We could always just start the day 15 or 30 minutes earlier.

We had a great time watching you and Pete battle all year but look at the grids or results and compare HW to MW. They are the same race. We should cater to the majority of OUR racers, not the random out of town guy with an MV Augusta. Panigale 899, MV Agusta F3, MV Brutale are all thunderbikes. No one has a GSXR750 (except maybe someone cheating)

I never understood why we had production cup both days either...

I'm open to other ideas too, I just don't want to be out there running superstreet in the dark or packing airfence in the dark. We need to do something.

[TRK]

They aren't exactly the same, but most of our classes have another class that has a majority of participants that are the same.
We can shorten up the day, without canceling classes that 40 plus racers signed up for this year. Jim is working on some scheduling ideas plus with all the thoughts out there about regrouping practice we can come up with more than the 15 minutes that canceling 2 very popular classed would create. Plus no matter what happens we can't control the weather.
We will discuss more at the meeting, but we can definitely come up with a better solution than telling guys we are getting rid of classes

[Yeeker]

Even running MW & HW concurrently would be better than eliminating HW. I don't know that I want any changes yet.

[peteyt328]

I'm not opposed to eliminating some classes (there are many more than just HWSS and HWSB), but that's good contingency money that you're eliminating. Another reason I like the double header schedule though. Running 15 classes twice per weekend provides the same amount of racing time and contingency money as running 30 different classes once per weekend. Just sayin....

[JimWilson29]

I'm not opposed to eliminating some classes (there are many more than just HWSS and HWSB), but that's good contingency money that you're eliminating. Another reason I like the double header schedule though. Running 15 classes twice per weekend provides the same amount of racing time and contingency money as running 30 different classes once per weekend. Just sayin....

So which 15 classes would you propose we eliminate in order to run double header weekends for the other 15 classes?

[rybo]

As a general theme I would like to see us move Supersport further away from Superbike rather than closer to it. It's already a stretch to call many of the bikes on the supersport grids actual supersport bikes.

One suggestion: Expand the production cup classes to include Production 600 with rules that closely mimic the current production cup rules. Minimal changes would be permitted. Fork valving would be OK, but cartridges would not. Slip on exhausts would be OK (with the intention of eliminating the catalytic converters to reduce heat) but full systems would not. Maybe shocks, maybe not. The stock one on the GSXR is really pretty good and I think the ones on the Yamaha's are reasonably decent where the ones on the Hondas are typically not so good.

Run this class in parallel with supersport for a season, maybe two, and then make THIS be supersport.

For my next act I will contradict myself.

Eliminate Open Supersport and replace it with Open Superstock.

Open Superstock will mimic the current OSS rules, except that it will allow use of slick tires at all times. The other supersport classes will remain on DOT's as presently required.

Rationale: 1000cc bikes have limited places to race during a weekend. This would expand the number of offerings to riders by one race class without forcing them to buy a special set of tires for just one class.

[oldtimer]

Eliminate Heavyweight Supersport and Heavyweight Superbike from the schedule.

Personally I don't think we need to eliminate any SUNDAY classes, since Sunday does not run long. (HW Superbike = OK)

However Saturday often runs long, and I would support cutting HW Supersport from the Sat schedule in an effort to get Saturday back under control. Even though I run HWSS....

Worst case I would support cutting both classes because I agree the heavyweight class is mostly dead. But Shannon pointed out, we're getting bikes on these grids.

[rybo]

Existing rule:

2.7 Endurance


Endurance races consist of Amateur classes including Lightweight,Middleweight, Heavyweight, and Open categories. Unlimited frame and enginecombinations are allowed. (displacement specifications for Lightweight arelisted in section 2.4.1.1 and for other classes in 2.3.2)

Points will accumulate throughout the year toward class championships.

The format, length of race, and rider change requirements may change during
the year. Typical endurance races are solo events lasting 30 minutes.


PROPOSED RULE


2.7 Endurance


Endurance races consist of Amateur classes including Solo, Team and Relay. Unlimited frame and enginecombinations are allowed. (equipment and team rules to mimic those of the 4-hour endurance race)

Points will accumulate throughout the year toward class championships.

The format, length of race, and rider change requirements may change during
the year. Typical endurance races are events lasting 60 minutes.


Rationale: Make endurance racing actually be endurance racing, encourage team endurance racing (which can be highly cost effective), allow the 4 hour race to be included in the season points total, potentially reduce schedule load by eliminating at least one break in the race day.

[oldtimer]

Another procedural proposal:

Drop to only 2 rounds of practice Saturday morning to shorten the overall Saturday schedule. (*hides*)

[nobasin]

i'm hoping that we can come up with some procedural efficiencies to find/save time rather than talking about eliminating classes or practice sessions. i don't even agree anymore with my original rule proposal for only 2 red flags allowed because of all the good points brought up. however, that doesn't change the intent of proposing the rule change, which is about looking at ways to make saturdays flow more efficiently because that just makes for a better race day for everybody, regardless of what classes you are racing or if you are novice or expert.

keeping racers happy is and should be a primary goal of the club along with creating good racing, so to some degree no matter what we do, saturdays just have the risk of being a long ass day. if nothing changes on saturdays, i won't be sad.

[TRK]

Bravo.......we need to think BIG picture. We will discuss all these points at the rulebook meeting. We also need to remember we had some pretty crazy weather this year, and the club did an AWESOME job of making it happen. Some of our best racing comes from the classes we talk about.

[TRK]

Moham's input

Production cup

Allow a replacement shock and cartridge forks
Members have asked about slicks for contingency
Base on SS rules minus the motor

Pole sitter can pick any spot on the front row

Talk superchargers turbochargers (OEM forced induction bumps up a class)

Recommend a brake lever guard

Tony Bakers idea on production cup

cut production to 2 classes:

500 Prod
350 Prod

reasons: good 250 rider could beat any 300 out there, and maybe the 500's anyway. 250s no longer made. classes are entered now on the basis of "how can I finish last every weekend and still win a prize at the end of the year." Racers need to EARN a top 5 overall, production isn't currently addressing that.


Allow rear shocks in production.

Reasons: costs 3 times as much to "fix" a stock shock, so only the guys with money will do it. Several "bolt on" replacements available, including "better" stock shocks from other modern bikes. (r6 for example, gsxr for example). Allows traveling racers to race without us "allowing them to cheat" or making them take their bikes apart.


A member asked to combine NOVO/NOVU AMO/AMU

[rybo]

Current Rule:

12.3
AA.Within two weeks of the appeal, the MRA Board of Directors shall appoint a three-member appeal board. The appellant will be given written notice of the location and time of the board hearing, and may appear on their own behalf. MRA officials will determine the time and place of the hearing.







The decision of the appeal board will be rendered within seven days of the hearing, and is considered the final word on the matter. The decision is binding to all parties.

If the appeal is turned down, the $300 fee will be forfeited. If the appeal is upheld, the fee will be returned.


Rule Suggestion: Delete all references to an independent appeals board




Within two weeks of the appeal, the MRA Board of Directors shall review the case and make a final decision based on the published rulebook. The appellant will be given written notice of the location and time of the board hearing, and may appear on their own behalf. MRA officials will determine the time and place of the hearing.











The decision of the board of directors will be rendered within seven days of the hearing, and is considered the final word on the matter. The decision is binding to all parties.

If the appeal is turned down, the $300 fee will be forfeited. If the appeal is upheld, the fee will be returned.


Rationale: The MRA is an extremely small community and there is no way to assemble an objective panel of non-involved parties. Furthermore, club officers are the only individuals who should be able to make binding decisions based on the rules that affect club members either in penalization, points, finishing position or sanction. Finally getting non-obligated parties to volunteer what could be a considerable amount of time and expense (driving) may be difficult given busy schedules and the time constraints in current appeal rule.

[WolFeYeZ]

I want to get one more in before midnight :

A change to the red flag rule for finishing position to the last time each rider crossed the start Finish line rather than the whole grid. Should be feasible.

[TRK]

Closed for suggestions......

[rybo]

Free the spiny echidna!

[TRK]

That was funny........but no

[GiXXXer Junkie]

Freeze Modern Vintage at the 2015 (2005) model year -

Justification - Motorcycles in the last 10 years have made only incremental improvements versus the exponential improvements made in previous generations. As an example a 2006 R6 is virtually the same as a 2014 model. Freezing the motorcycle year at 2005 for five years will mean that a significant performance difference between a MV and a current motorcycle exists.

Current Rule:

2.5 Modern Vintage classes2.5.1 Requirements
Modern Vintage motorcycles must use a frame and engine case 10 years old or older, asdetermined by manufacturer’s model year. For 2014, the model year must be 2004 or prior.Exceptions to the year requirements are listed below. These exceptions are based on thefirst production cycle for a specific motorcycle.
The following exempted bikes are permitted to compete in modern vintage, but must meetthe requirements listed below in 2.5.2.
MVGTU exemptions:
2005-2006 Ducati 749, 749S and 749R,2005- 2008 Suzuki SV650, SV650S2005 Yamaha YZF R6
MVGTO exemptions:
2005 Aprilia RSV Tuono
2005-2006 Ducati 999, 999S, 999R2005-2006 Honda RC51
2005 Suzuki GSXR 1000
If a competitor feels a motorcycle not listed above could be eligible for a modern vintageexception, they can present their case to the MRA Board of Directors. The MRA Boardwill make a determination of eligibility. The MRA Board’s determination will remain finalfor the remainder of the race season.
2.5.2 Class Limits
Class displacement limits are the same as Novice and Amateur GTO and GTU, as specifiedin 2.6.1 and 2.6.2. Ducati models eligible for MVGTU with SPS, R, and RS designations areineligible if they displace greater then 749cc. All exempted models are eligible for MVGTO.

Proposed Rule:


2.5 Modern Vintage classes2.5.1 Requirements
Modern Vintage motorcycles must use a frame and engine case 10 years old or older, asdetermined by manufacturer’s model year. For 2015, the model year must be 2005 or prior. At the end of the 2015 season the age limit will be frozen until the current list of approved motorcycles is 15 years old or older. From that point forward Modern Vintage will be designated as a class for models that are 15 years old or older and models will be added on a year by year basis thereafter. Exceptions to the year requirements are listed below. These exceptions are based on thefirst production cycle for a specific motorcycle.
The following exempted bikes are permitted to compete in modern vintage, but must meetthe requirements listed below in 2.5.2.
MVGTU exemptions:
2006 Ducati 749, 749S and 749R,
2006- 2008 Suzuki SV650, SV650S
MVGTO exemptions:
2006 Ducati 999, 999S, 999R
2006 Honda RC51
2006 Suzuki GSXR 1000
If a competitor feels a motorcycle not listed above could be eligible for a modern vintageexception, they can present their case to the MRA Board of Directors. The MRA Boardwill make a determination of eligibility. The MRA Board’s determination will remain finalfor the remainder of the race season.
2.5.2 Class Limits
Class displacement limits are the same as Novice and Amateur GTO and GTU, as specifiedin 2.6.1 and 2.6.2. Ducati models eligible for MVGTU with SPS, R, and RS designations areineligible if they displace greater then 749cc. All exempted models are eligible for MVGTO.

The 2005 and 2006 GSX-R 1000 are the exact same bike with the exception of a silver vinyl stripe on the stock plastics. The '06 should also be allowed in MVGTO. Wait, nevermind, there it is. :)

[oldtimer]

Bravo.......we need to think BIG picture. We will discuss all these points at the rulebook meeting. We also need to remember we had some pretty crazy weather this year, and the club did an AWESOME job of making it happen. Some of our best racing comes from the classes we talk about.

I happen to like our current schedule and don't want to cut classes/practice either. Saturday has been running long and that sometimes sucks...but our grids are really strong, most clubs aren't seeing this many bikes/class. Yay MRA!!

Pete mentioned the CVMA schedule, which stayed impressively on time when we joined them. Kudos to that club they are a nice group. Aaron and I noted a couple of things they do differently than us: 1) they run 6 lap sprints, so the entire day is quicker/shorter. 2) they don't break for lunch, and instead rotate cornerworker shifts on track.

There's no way we can skip lunch break, it's for the benefit of race staff and we don't have enough ppl for shifts. And while it was fun to try shorter races, I like our program here. A lot of our racers complain they're not getting their $'s worth with current race distance, so shorter is probably a no-go.

I'm in favor of continuing the current schedule for 2015! :)

[JimWilson29]

Thank you, Wyeth. It's encouraging to hear positive feedback from a member, especially after experiencing how another club runs things.

[TRK]

Thank you Wyeth!!!

[oldtimer]

Having seen what other clubs are dealing with around the country, I think the MRA is ahead of the game. It's important to remember the various regional roadracing clubs are just groups of amateur racers, and they all have the same issues.

When we were at CVMA they talked about club problems in the riders meeting, and asked their members to help. Same as here. Keep up the good work guys!

[rybo]

Having seen what other clubs are dealing with around the country, I think the MRA is ahead of the game. It's important to remember the various regional roadracing clubs are just groups of amateur racers, and they all have the same issues.

When we were at CVMA they talked about club problems in the riders meeting, and asked their members to help. Same as here. Keep up the good work guys!

This post needs a "like" button so that I may click it.

[JimWilson29]

7.1 General Procedures
Current:
B. Riders pre-grid at the track entrance. Riders who fail to take their assigned position at pre-grid may be required to start the race from behind the last row of gridded riders, or from pit road once the remaining motorcyclists have passed, at the discretion of officials. The Pre-grid Marshal will signal the riders onto the track to proceed to the starting grid, or take additional hot laps as the Pre-grid Marshal may direct.

Proposed:
B. Riders pre-grid at the track entrance. Riders who fail to take their assigned position at pre-grid, or are not listed on the grid, may be required to start the race from behind the last row of gridded riders, or from pit road once the remaining motorcyclists have passed, at the discretion of officials. The Pre-grid Marshal will signal the riders onto the track to proceed to the starting grid, or take additional hot laps as the Pre-grid Marshal may direct.

Current:
E. The start shall be a full-stop start. Riders are not properly staged at the green flag/start light will be assessed a stop and go penalty on pit road. A rider is considered staged if the front axle is behind but no more than "18" behind the designated row line and the front wheel is at a complete stop.

Proposed:
E. The start shall be a full-stop start. Riders are not properly staged at the green flag/start light, or staged in the wrong position, will be assessed a stop and go penalty on pit road. A rider is considered staged if the front axle is behind but no more than "18" behind the designated row line and the front wheel is at a complete stop.




7.2 Points Procedures
Current:
F. The pole position rider can choose to swap with the outside position of the front row.

Proposed:
F. The pole position rider can choose to swap with the outside position of the front row. This includes the restart of a red-flagged race.


12.3 Procedures and Policies
Current:

U. The VP of Rules and Tech will make the decision regarding any protest.
V. The VP of Rules and Tech will make a decision regarding the penalty to be levied. In the event of an upheld protest, penalties will be assessed in accordance with Section 13.

Proposed:
U. The VP of Rules and Tech will make the decision regarding any protest. If the VP of Rules and Tech is unavailable to make the decision, the MRA Board will make the decision.
V. The VP of Rules and Tech will make a decision regarding the penalty to be levied. If the VP of Rules and Tech is unavailable to make the decision, the MRA Board will make the decision.
In the event of an upheld protest, penalties will be assessed in accordance with Section 13.



3.3 Refund Policies
Current:

A. If the racer applies for a refund prior to Midnight on Friday for a Saturday Race, or prior to the track "going cold" on Saturday for a Sunday race, a racer can receive 100% of class entry fee(s) paid in excess of $35, which is retained as an administrative fee. Each time a racer cancels races in any given weekend, they will be assessed a $35 administrative fee. If you come in once and cancel all your races-there is one administrative fee. If you come in twice to cancel-you will be charged two administrative fees. If yo come in three times, you will be charged three administrative fees.



Proposed:

A. If the racer applies for a refund prior to Midnight on Friday for a Saturday Race, or prior to the track "going cold" on Saturday for a Sunday race, a racer can receive 100% of class entry fee(s) paid in excess of $35, which is retained as an administrative fee. Applying for a refund must be done either in person or via email/written notification. Phone calls will not be accepted. Each time a racer cancels races in any given weekend, they will be assessed a $35 administrative fee. If you come in once and cancel all your races-there is one administrative fee. If you come in twice to cancel-you will be charged two administrative fees. If yo come in three times, you will be charged three administrative fees.

Current:
E. If the racer does not show for a race day, that racer may forfeit all entry fees for that race day if the rider does not cancel by Friday at midnight of the race event weekend by contacting a current MRA Board Member.



Proposed:
E. If the racer does not show for a race day, that racer may forfeit all entry fees for that race day if the rider does not cancel by Friday at midnight of the race event weekend by contacting a current MRA Board Member in person or via email/written notification. Phone calls will not be accepted.

[JimWilson29]

5.2.2 Technical Requirements for Novice, Amateur, and Expert Competition Motorcycles
Current:

R. Transponders must be securely mounted on the front fork between the upper
and lower triple clamps and must not interfere with lock to lock motion of
the steering nor bind on any controls or wiring. Approval of any variances of
mounting location lies with the VP of Rules and Tech.

Proposed:
R. An AMB Tran X 260, or current 260km/h equivelant, Transponder is required and must be securely mounted on the front fork between the upper and lower triple clamps and must not interfere with lock to lock motion of the steering nor bind on any controls or wiring. Approval of any variances of mounting location lies with the VP of Rules and Tech. Failure to have a transponder mounted to the motorcycle at the start of a race may result in
forfeiture of points scored for that race.

[JimWilson29]

Section 9 - RACER CONDUCT
Current:
B. The use of intoxicants or drugs of any nature (to include marijuana) that could
affect the mental or physical abilities of any participant from his/her normal
capabilities when in good mental and physical health are strictly prohibited.
Failure to comply will result in punitive action up to a $1000 fine and a
permanent suspension. All Federally illegal drugs (to include marijuana) are
prohibited from being used or possessed at an MRA event at any time.




Proposed:

B. The use of intoxicants or drugs of any nature (to include marijuana) that could

affect the mental or physical abilities of any participant from his/her normal

capabilities when in good mental and physical health are strictly prohibited. This
includes the admission of being impaired, while on the track, during or after the
race weekend. Failure to comply will result in punitive action up to a $1000 fine and
a permanent suspension. All Federally illegal drugs (to include marijuana) are prohibited
from being used or possessed at an MRA event at any time.




Current:
F. Physical violence or abuse of any other person to include MRA officials within
the boundaries of the racetrack facility will result in immediate suspension, a
fine, and possible prosecution through local law enforcement agencies.

Proposed:
F. Physical violence or abuse of any other person to include MRA officials and staff within
the boundaries of the racetrack facility will result in immediate suspension, a
fine, and possible prosecution through local law enforcement agencies.

[bjackson]

Allow rear shocks of unlimited origin on production cup bikes.

Rational: This would align us with other organizations running production cup.


This rule was already added in 2015. Aftermarket rear shocks are now allowed in Production classes...

[WolFeYeZ]

This rule was already added in 2015. Aftermarket rear shocks are now allowed in Production classes...

I think you discovered last year's rulebook suggestion post bjackson :P