BY-LAWS
I. Introduction
The O’Reilly United Mini Sprint Association will be hereafter referred to as the O’Reilly UMSA. These By-Laws, Racing Rules and Specifications are intended to ensure that O’Reilly UMSA events are conducted in a manner that is fair as possible for all competitors. On occasion, circumstances will be presented that are either unforeseen or otherwise extraordinary, in which strict application of the rules may not achieve this goal. In such circumstances, the Rules Committee and racetrack officials shall be empowered to permit reasonable deviation.
II. Election of Officers
A. Election of Officers will be an annual event, normally conducted in along with the awards banquet. There are no term limitations. Notification of this meeting will be made by posting on the internet, at least 10 days prior to the event. All meetings will be conducted in accordance with “Roberts Rule of Order”.
B. The annual elected positions (volunteers & non-compensated) are in effect:
President
Administrator
Four Area Representatives
Technical & Safety Representatives
Race Director
III. Duties of Officials
A. President. The President shall:
* Assure fair application of the By-law’s, Rules and Specifications
* Preside at all meetings and the Rules Committee
* Coordinate with track officials to publish the race schedule
* Manage UMSA finances including race night purse distribution
* Manage the points, publicity, marketing, and sponsorship programs
B. Area Representatives. The four area representatives shall:
* Preside in the absence of the President
* Participate as a member of the Rules Committee
* Assist track officials with administrative and logistical needs
* Coordinate car displays
* Facilitate the drivers meeting
* Administer the number drawing, race line-ups & purse distribution
* Assist in any of the elected duties of the Association
* Assist with telephone notifications
C. Technical Representatives. The Technical Representatives shall:
* Administer the Safety, Inspection, Technical and Protest Programs
* Participate as a member of the Rules Committee
* May have an alternate
D. Administrator. The Administrator shall serve as the Secretary/Treasurer and shall:
* Record minutes of official meetings
* Assist with managing the finances and race night distribution
* Assign car numbers to eliminate duplication
* Participate as a member of the Rules Committee
* Assist with publicity and marketing activities
* Keep area representative listing and notification tree current
* Maintain the official accounting of the points
E. Rules Committee. The Rules Committee shall:
* Consist of the President, the four Primary Area Representatives, the Technical Representatives,
and the Secretary/Treasurer
* Establish the rules and specifications for the race season for which they are elected
* Monitor the Rookie Driver program to approve graduation
* Assure fair application of the rules and specifications
* Settle all issues relating to Competition Infractions, Track Activity, and Disciplinary Actions
F. Membership Age. Minimum age for driver membership is fourteen (14).
G. Application. Every competitor will be required to apply for a competition license from O’Reilly UMSA. Dues are $65.00 yearly and run from January 1 through December 31. Dues must be paid to have voting privileges. If membership dues are not collected prior to the first race, drivers will receive zero points and half of the eligible nightly payoffs until dues are paid. Membership paid after 1 September is good for the following year. When joining the O’Reilly UMSA, applicant agrees to assume all responsibilities and liability for all acts or activities of said member. All members of the Association are expected to become familiar with the rules and regulations and shall conduct themselves accordingly.
No alcoholic beverages shall be consumed by drivers or pit crew members
prior to or during O’Reilly UMSA competition.
In addition, the use or sale of illegal drugs at any time may be cause for disciplinary action. The Rules Committee shall administer all disciplinary actions.
RULES & SPECIFICATIONS
Officers for 2006
President
Kevin Thomas (C) 256-339-7125, fax 256-775-2812
email
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Administrator
Kristen Thomas (C) 256-339-7126
Technical & Safety Representatives
David Clark (N) (256) 828-6873
Jimmy McClain Sr. (N) (662) 838-8346 (C) (901) 848-6620
Summary of changes for 2007 * Right Rear tire must durometer 50, after May 5th the Right Rear must be NMMA Stamped Tire and Durometer 50.
* 636cc engines will be allowed, however there is a 50lbs. weight penalty for engines 618cc to 636cc.
Points of Emphasis for 2006
* Proper use of safety equipment; gloves, arm restraints, neck brace, and certified helmets and driving suits. (safety is a must)
* Correct size of wings
* Correct size of sideboards
* Outdated seat belts
I. Engine Definitions
A. Engine:
- Any multi-cylinder four-cycle engine, not exceeding 600cc plus .080 inches/cylinder overbore, engineered to fit on a mini sprint chassis
1. Any engine work or modifications are allowed
2. Any after-market replacement parts may be used.
3. Fuel injection is allowed
5. Maximum cc's will be 636
6. Minimum Weight for 619cc to 636cc Engines will be 800 pounds With Driver.
7. Minimum Weight for 600cc to 618cc Engines will be 750 pounds With Driver. B. General Information:
1. Engines must have a cockpit operated electric starter and a lever manual clutch in car and an on board battery capable of starting a 600cc multi-cylinder engine
2. Must remain chain driven off original countershaft (belt drive may run as equal)
3. Engines must have been designed for street use on motorcycles ridden in U.S.A.
4. No turbochargers or superchargers allowed
NOTE: To find the cubic inches of displacement of an engine, measure the bore and multiply it by itself. Then multiply the product by .7854 and multiply that product by the stroke of the engine and multiply that by the number of cylinders. These measurements will give the allowable engine cubic inches weight and classification of the car. Bore x Bore x Stroke x .7854 x 16.35 = Cubic Centimeters.
C. Transmissions:
Any type transmission is legal. Shifting mechanism must have this device mounted in the driver’s compartment or on the opposite side of the chain guard if mounted outside.
D. Roll Cage:
Roll cages shall be at least 1" .062 wall thickness, or 1 1/18 " .065 wall thickness, or 1 1/14" .065 wall thickness. Roll cage shall be made of chromoly steel or equivalent material. The front section of the cage shall be no further back than the steering wheel. Roll cages shall have sufficient fore and aft bracing and strength to support the weight of the car and driver in case of an upset. Cage shall have gussets at the intersecting bars to the uprights. Bends must have at least 3" radius. No square or pointed corners allowed. Roll cage must be a minimum of 3" and a maximum of 6" above the driver’s helmet. A cross bar behind the seat to support the shoulder harness is required.
E. Bumpers:
Car must have bumpers that extend beyond the front and rear tires. Nothing may extend beyond a tangent line from the outside edge of the tires to the bumpers. Nothing may extend beyond the outside edge or the tires. No sharp corners or designs as to hook or damage.
F. Nerf Bars:
All cars must be equipped with nerf bars. Nerf bars must extend to inside edge of tires, but not beyond the outside of the tires.
G. Seat Belts:
Seat belts must be securely attached to the car and used at all times. Metal to metal latches only, 5-point seat belts, shoulder harness, and sub strap are required. Belt dates must not be over 3 years old.
H. Arm Restraints:
Arm restraints are mandatory and must be adequately adjusted to keep the drivers hands below the top of the roll cage.
I. Uniform and gloves: A name brand flame-retarded is required.
J. Gloves: Flame-retarded gloves are required.
K. Neck Braces: Neck braces and/or cage nets are required.
L. Helmet:
Helmets must be full head coverage, competition type, and one of the three latest SNELL approvals.
M. Electronics:
No radio communications allowed. On and off switches must be on dash, top of the cowl or on the steering wheel. They must be functional so that killing the main power will kill the electric pump.
N. Battery: Wet cell batteries must be covered and vented outside the cockpit.
O. Fuel: Gasoline, ethanol, or methanol may be used, depending upon class (see engine definitions above)
P. Weight.
Minimum weight for car and driver is 750 pounds. Material used to add weight to the car must be firmly attached as part of the car’s structure.
Q. Suspension:
Any shock absorbers are legal. Rear wheel drive only. No dual rear tires. Any size and tire combination may be used, however, tires may not exceed 22 ½ inches in height. Wheels must be held on with 4 or more standard lug nuts or knock-off hubs.
R. Tread:
Maximum allowed is 48 inches; minimum is 32 inches, measured center to center of tires.
S. Tires:
Right Rear tire must durometer 50, after May 5th the Right Rear must be NMMA Stamped Tire and Durometer 50.
All other tire compounds are open
T. Wheelbase:
Maximum allowed: 70 inches; minimum: 50 inches; measured from center of front axle to center of rear axle.
U. Brakes:
Brakes will be of sufficient strength so as to slide the wheels while the car is in motion at any given time.
V. Bodies:
All cars must have complete bodies. Metal firewall between driver and engine, made of 24 gauge steel or .0625" aluminum, is required. Body of cars must be made of aluminum, metal, fiberglass, or high impact plastic (lexan). Cars should be painted an attractive color or colors. No rear view mirrors allowed. The only part of the car that can be dismantled, for the driver to enter or exit, is a quick release steering wheel hub. Mudguards are allowed but must be made of aluminum or fiberglass and can be no less than 16” from the top of cage. All mechanically operated devices must be mounted below the driver’s shoulders for safety. Cars must have complete under
pan extending from the front of the seat to a place forward of the drivers feet.
W. Wings:
Wings are optional. Right sideboard can be a maximum of 54" X 24". The left sideboard can be a maximum of 54" X 26". Sides must cover center section. All wings must have 1/16" radius edges or edging. Wings sides cannot be more than 4 " below top of roll cage. Total size cannot exceed 12 Sq. Ft. Nose wings cannot exceed 432 square inches.
No double tiered wings allowed.
X. Numbers:
1. Car numbers are assigned on first come, first serve basis and are retained by the owner/driver as long as continued membership is maintained. The President and Secretary keep track of the numbers assigned, along with membership applications, to eliminate duplication.
2. Cars must have legible numbers painted in contrasting colors on both sides of car and the nose or nose wing. Minimum height is 8" on nose or nose wing, 10" on each side of the tail cone, and 12" on the wing. Numbers must be separated from advertising so they will be readable.
3. All members must display the O'Reilly UMSA Racing Series logo on both sideboards of the wing
Y. Chain Guard:
Chain guards are mandatory. Material will be made of .090 " thick aluminum or equivalent and will run on top of chain from the front of the front sprocket to the center of the rear axle. Driver must not be able to touch the chain or sprockets while sitting in the cockpit.
Z. Traction Control Devices. These devices are not allowed.
IV. SAFETY ISSUES
1. The track management is responsible for assuring qualified medical and safety personnel are available during O’Reilly UMSA events. As a general rule, racing facilities do outstanding jobs satisfying this requirement. O’Reilly USMA members should refrain from getting involved in medical or safety issues and allow EMT personnel to do their job.
2. At least two carbon dioxide fire extinguishers must be available at all times.
3. Each racecar trailer should have a fire extinguisher available in the pits.
4. One fire extinguisher should be affixed to the push vehicles.
5. Any car liberating excessive oil, water, smoke or fuel may be black-flagged from the track.
6. Push vehicles/handlers are incouraged to assist in the infield where allowed
V. INSPECTIONS
A. Safety.
Safety inspections will be conducted at the beginning of the race season. Periodic inspections may be conducted as required. Safety issues that surface throughout the year will be corrected before allowing competition.
B. Engine.
1. To reduce track time on race night, it is recommended that all engines be inspected and sealed at the beginning of the racing season. The Technical Representative or Alternate must conduct inspections. Cost for sealing will be $5.00 to defray the cost of materials. This money will be placed into the UMSA point’s fund.
2. The top three cars will be inspected after the feature event. If the engine has never been sealed (or if the seal is broken) the engine must be inspected and resealed, if desired.
C. Weight.
The top five cars will be weighed after the feature race. The combined weight for the car and driver is 750 pounds (800 pounds for 636cc Engines). If track scales are inoperative or not available, the Technical Representative may opt for using other weighing mechanisms. However, this “other method” must be identified at the drivers meeting and made available to allow everyone the opportunity to check their cars for proper weight prior to competition.
NOTE: If the engine or fuel injection system is discovered illegal, or if car is found underweight: driver loses points and monies for that particular race. The money will be added to the Driver Points Fund.
VI. Race Night Competition Procedures & Rules
Note: Most racetrack pit areas open between 4 and 5 PM. Racecar haulers and drivers should arrive at the track as soon as possible. A considerable amount of activity takes place after arrival and often times, the pit entry line is extremely long. Driver/Car entry fees are not required. However, each person entering the pits must obtain a pit pass (normally $20.00-$25.00). Unless notified otherwise, most programs start between 7pm and 8pm
A. Drivers Meeting & Number drawing:
1. All drivers must attend a driver’s meeting, normally held between 5:30 and 6:00 pm. This meeting will clarify any issues between O’Reilly UMSA and track procedures. The number drawing will follow the drivers meeting.
2. The number of entries will determine the number of heat races. As a general rule, 20 cars or less will justify 2 heats with equal numbers in each. More than 20 cars may justify three heat races. More than 30 cars may justify 4 heat races.
Lineup example: Three heats are planned - starting with the lowest number drawn, we will alternate heat 1,heat 2, heat 3, with the lowest number going to heat 1, the 2nd lowest going to heat 2, etc. until all cars are accounted for. Based on the heart race finishing orders, a tentative schedule is set. The winner of the first heat race will roll a single die to determine how many cars will be inverted for the feature. A roll of 1 will reflect the field starting straight up. Number Four will invert the first four rows; fourth row to first, 3rd row
to second, 2nd row to 3rd and 1st row to 4th.
NOTE: Our normal program may vary on special occasions. We may have the opportunity to qualify our cars, run dash for cash races within the classes, and possibly run the stocks and modifies separately. It really depends on the car count, the mixture of classes, the promoter’s preference and his available funds.
3. Drivers missing the drawing must start in the rear of the last heat race, regardless of the class in which they compete.
4. A driver must start in their respective heat race - they cannot start in any other heat. A driver not starting their heat will be scored as last place in their designated heat. If multiple cars cannot start there respective heat race, the line-up will be based on drawing position.
B. A driver may register and receive payoff for only one car per event. A driver may switch to an alternate car but will be required to start at the rear of the next race (heat or feature) in which the alternate car is used.
C. Switching of drivers or cars after the qualifying heat races must be reported to O’Reilly USMA officials so that the line-up may be changed. Drivers changing cars, after the heat races, must start at the rear of the feature event.
D. O’Reilly USMA officials provide the initial heat and feature line-ups to the track officials. Once the race cars enter the racetrack surface, they are under the control of the track officials.
E. Race Procedures:
1. The pole car shall set the pace as determined by the flagman’s signals for the start of an event. All scoring issues are administered by the respective track procedures.
2. Jumping the start has different penalties at different tracks. This issue will be addressed with the track flagman during the drivers meeting.
3. A car charged with the yellow or red flag will be place to the rear of the field. However, cars that stop on the track to avoid an accident should be place back into their original running order. Again, these issues are under the jurisdiction of the track management.
4. O’Reilly UMSA DOES NOT race back to the start-finish line during a caution. Restarts are from the last completed lap. Lapped cars will remain in the same running order, as they were when the caution is displayed.
5. Two Spin Rule: A car charged with causing two cautions flags, two red flags, or a combination thereof, will be black flagged. This does not apply to cars that spin to avoid an accident or a car that has been spun by another car.
6. A car that leaves the track under green flag conditions (except for accidents, spins, or circumstances beyond the driver’s control) is not allowed to return.
7. Work Rule. Minor repairs (especially safety issues) to the car may be made as long as it can be done during the caution or red flag. Car must return to the track before the green flag drops. Since pit parking varies at each track, a designated work area will be assigned. Work rule limitations will be coordinated with track officials and addressed at each drivers meeting.
8. Rough driving will not be tolerated. Rough driving is interpreted as intentionally cutting the mark, unnecessary bumping, crowding, jumping starts, refusal to line-up properly, or foul driving. At the track official’s discretion, the driver may be given the black flag.
9. Disrespect to Track Officials will not be tolerated. Track officials and/or UMSA Rules Committee may administer disciplinary actions, if necessary.
10. The end of an event will be official when the lead car receives the checkered flag, regardless of how many laps the following cars have completed.
11. A driver that has a racecar become disabled before it reaches the finish line may not push the car to the finish line nor receive assistance reaching the finish line.
12. All race activities are under the control of the track officials.
13. The top three cars will be weighed after the feature race.
14. The top three cars will have their engines inspected after the feature race.
VII. PROTESTS
A. Only finishing positions 1-15 can protest.
B. Engine:
1. If engine tear down is required, protesting party must pay a $150.00 deposit.
2. If the engine is found illegal: driver loses points and monies for that particular race. The money is returned to the protester.
3. If the engine is found legal: driver retains points and is awarded $100 of the protest fee. The remaining $50.00 will be added to the UMSA point’s fund.
4. Refusal to be inspected will result in the same penalty as VI.B.2 above.
C. Fuel:
1. The Technical committee can take a fuel sampling at any time, but only from the top three finishers.
2. Fuel must be tested with a hydrometer or UMSA purchased equipment that is membership approved.
3. If Fuel is found to be illegal by UMSA standards: driver loses points and monies for that particular race. The money will be added to the point’s fund.
4. Refusal to allow fuel test will result in the same penalty as VI.B.2 above.
VIII. Race Night Pay Out System
Race night purse is based on a guaranteed agreement between UMSA and local track officials. The pay scale for 2006(based on 20 cars) is:
1st - $1,000
2nd- $340
3rd- $240
4th- $170
5th- $135
6th- $110
7th- $110
8th- $100
9th- $100
10th- $100
11th- $75
12th- $75
13th- $65
14th- $65
15th- $65
15th-20th - $50
IX. Driver Point Distribution SystemA. The driver carries the points, not the car nor the car owner.
B. Driver points will be awarded according to their final positions scored by the track officials. Any change in this standing will require indisputable evidence. Changes in the final order must be reviewed and approved by the Rules Committee.
C. A maximum of 30 cars will be allowed to compete in the “A” Main event. Points for “A” Main participation are distributed as follows:
1st place: 100 pts
11th place: 72 pts
21st place: 52 pts
2nd place: 90 pts
12th place: 70 pts
22nd place: 50 pts
3rd place: 88 pts
13th place: 68 pts
23rd place: 48 pts
4th place: 86 pts
14th place: 66 pts
24th place: 46 pts
5th place: 84 pts
15th place: 64 pts
25th place: 44 pts
6th place: 82 pts
16th place: 62 pts
26th place: 42 pts
7th place: 80 pts
17th place: 60 pts
27th place: 40 pts
8th place: 78 pts
18th place: 58 pts
28th place: 38 pts
9th place: 76 pts
19th place: 56 pts
29th place: 36 pts
10th place: 74 pts
20th place: 54 pts
30th place: 34 pts
D. Show points will be awarded to drivers not making the “B” or “A” main events for mechanical reasons. These points will be awarded in addition to points earned during heat races. Points will start at 15 and drop one point for each position.
EXAMPLE: 28 cars are scheduled for the “A” main, 26 start. The two not starting will be awarded 15 and 14 points respectively, determined by their finishing position in their heat races. If they break before the heat race, the number drawn for heat positions will determine their position.
E. Heat Races will be 10 laps, 15 cars maximum.
F. Procedures for a 30 (plus) car field.
1. If more than 30 cars register and are available for the “A” Main, a “B” main may be run. A total of 24 cars will transfer to the feature (equal amount of cars from each heat race, depending on the number of heats).
2. The cars not transferring to the “A” Main will compete in the “B” main. The top 6 cars will transfer to the “A” Main but will not receive points. The cars not transferring to the “A” Main will receive points, based on their “B” Main finish, as follows:
7th place: 25 pts
10th place: 22 pts
13th place: 19 pts
8th place: 24 pts
11th place: 21 pts
14th place: 18 pts
9th place: 23 pts
12th place: 20 pts
15th place: 17 pts
3. Show points will be awarded per para VIII.D. above.
X. Rookie Driver Program
A. A rookie is a driver with less than three (3) races in any 600cc racing machine.
B. The rookie driver with the most accumulated points at the end of the season will be recognized as “Rookie of the Year”.
C. As a general rule, rookie drivers start at the rear of the field until the driver is confident that he/she can safely compete with the more experienced drivers.
D. The Rules Committee shall monitor the Rookie Driver Program to insure drivers obtain the proper skills before assuming a normal starting position.
XI. Best Appearing Car Award
This award will be determined by a vote of the membership at the year-end awards banquet.
XII. Most Improved DriverAward
This award will be determined by a vote of the membership at the year-end awards banquet.
XIII. Hard Luck Award
This award will be determined by a vote of the membership at the year-end awards banquet.
XIV. Best Appearing Crew
This award will be determined by a vote of the membership at the year-end awards banquet.
XV. Year End Points Fund System
The year end points fund is based on money collected from memberships, sponsorships, T-shirt sales and other donations. Five Hundred ($500) dollars will be allocated for year-end awards. Two Hundred ($200) dollars will be maintained in the checking account for fees and postage. The remaining funds, regardless of the amount, will be issued to the drivers finishing in the top ten positions.
1st Place…25%
6th Place…8%
2nd Place…15%
7th Place…7%
3rd Place…11%
8th Place…6%
4th Place…10%
9th Place…5%
5th Place…9%
10th Place..4%
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