Grass Hogs Racing

Grass Hogs Racing - 2013 Rules

General Rules
The following rules are for all races held by Grass Hogs Racing. They are designed to be as fair as possible for all.
The members of this club have adopted a code of conduct for its members, crew personnel, officials, and any other persons involved with a sanctioned race event.
All of the rules should be read thoroughly as they will be enforced at all events.
Failure to abide by the club rules will result in penalties being imposed on the driver:

1st offense will result in 500 points being deducted from the drivers current points total.
2nd offense will result in discretionary action as deemed appropriate by the executive board.

Code of Conduct
1. It would be considered a conflict of interest if any member of the executive of this club would be an executive with any other Lawn Tractor Racing Club.
2. No drugs or alcohol shall be consumed during any race event.
3. Absolutely NO profanity or insulting behavior will be tolerated at any race events.
4. Each racer is responsible for his or her guests while at each race event.
5. All drivers must register no later than ½ hour prior to the drivers meeting.
6. It is the responsibility of each driver to know the flag rules.
7. At no time during a race shall anyone other than the track officials and the participating drivers be on the track, unless a red flag has stopped the race. The exception will be during the juniors' races when support persons will be allowed access to the track.
8. Absolutely NO unsportsmanlike conduct will be tolerated.
9. In the event there is an issue on or off the track involving drivers or pit crew, the people involved shall not confront each other in any way. Any issues shall be brought to the members of the executive to be dealt with in a civilized and fair manner. Failure to do so will result in immediate removal from the racing area and pit area. The executive will decide the future of those involved as in penalties or complete banning from racing and the possibility of revoking membership.

Personal Safety Equipment
Personal safety gear as follows:
- CSA/DOT approved full face helmet with a shield, visor or goggles in all classes of racing
- chest protectors are manditory in all classes of racing
- safety neck brace
- gloves
- long pants
- boots which cover the ankles
- a jacket or long sleeved shirt
- attached tethered KILL switch to be used at all times when on the tractor
- ALL safety rules will be strictly enforced for everyone's safety
- No entry to race track without ALL safety gear

Race and Track Rules
- Racing grid will be determined by public draw at the drivers meeting. Qualifying heats will be run to determine your position for the feature race.
The number of heats, laps and racers per heat will be determined on race day. Any questions on this can be directed to the Track Director at any time.
- You and your tractor MUST run in the Qualifier to make it to the Feature. A MINIMUM of two complete laps must be made in the qualifier to race in the feature race. Drivers who qualify (complete at least 2 laps) but don't finish their qualifying heat will start in the rear of the feature race grid. Any driver not completing 2 full laps in the qualifying race starts at the back of the grid and will not receive any points, trophy or monies that may be available on race day, unless you have gone off the track due to mechanical failure and verified by a track official. You will then be eligible for points, trophies or money that may be available on race day. A driver must use the same tractor for both the qualifier and the feature race - if you change tractors for the feature race you will not be eligible for any points, trophies or monies that may be available for that race.
NOTE: you cannot just race two laps then drive off the track; there MUST be a legitimate problem with you or your machine.
- the race track is CLOSED immediately following the feature race. There will be NO extra laps unless the track owner gives permission.
- All starts will be rolling Nascar type.
Starts are controlled by the main flagman. When the green flag drops the race is started, but you must maintain your position until you cross the start line.
- Yellow flag laps do not count.
- Under the yellow flag drivers must stay in single file in their current running position. Main flagman will ensure that drivers are in proper restart position.
- If you cause the yellow flag you must take the rear position.
IN THE EVENT OF A YELLOW CAUTION FLAG FOR ANY REASON, ALL DRIVERS INVOLVED WILL BE MOVED TO THE BACK OF THE PACK. DRIVERS ARE RESPONSIBLE TO BE IN CONTROL OF THEIR TRACTORS AT ALL TIMES AND SHOULD BE PREPARED TO TAKE EVASIVE ACTION TO AVOID COLLISION WITH A STOPPED TRACTOR ON THE TRACK, OTHERWISE THEY WILL BE CONSIDERED PART OF THE CAUTION CAUSE AND WILL BE MOVED TO THE BACK OF THE PACK. THE MAIN FLAGMAN IN COLLABORATION WITH THE SCOREKEEPERS WILL ENSURE CORRECT POSITION OF ALL DRIVERS BEFORE THE GREEEN FLAG RESTARTS THE RACE.
- Intentional bumping, uncontrolled ramming of the racer ahead, reckless driving or blocking will not be tolerated, and will result in disqualification. Any intentional infractions will result in being black flagged after one warning.
- Racers being lapped must stay on the outside line of the track.
- Drivers are responsible for knowing their starting positions for the heats and features.
- Drivers must stay near their tractors while in the grid line up. Failure to be present at race grid immediately prior to your race may mean forfeiture of your position and you may not be allowed to participate in that race.
- If a driver leaves the track during racing they must safely reenter as close as possible to where they left the track, and must yield to traffic (you can not gain a position). If a driver does gain a position they will be given one lap to give the position back. Failure to do so will result in being black flagged or no longer scored.
- If a tractor quits running during a race the driver’s first responsibility is to move the tractor to a safe distance off the track (to the center or outside the track, whichever is closer). You must remain on your tractor until the race is over, you can not work on your tractor during the race.
- All tractors will be inspected at registration by the tech personnel to ensure the tractor's eligibility in each class. The tech stewards have the right to retech any tractor at any event upon their discretion.

Flag colors and what they mean

Six flags are used to send signals to the drivers during the race. The flag colors are white, yellow, green, red, blue with yellow stripe and black. Flag positioning will have different meanings ie. open flag, rolled flag. Drivers should be familiar with the meaning of the signals used by the flagmen, to ensure safe and fair racing for everyone.
Green flag - Signals the start of the race, or restart of racing after a caution or stop flag.
Crossed green and white flag signals the half way point of the race. Yellow flag - This is a caution flag. When the yellow flag is out racers are to slow down, continue at a slow speed in single file and do not gain position (do not pass). Racers should watch the flagmen for further instruction. IN THE EVENT OF A YELLOW CAUTION FLAG FOR ANY REASON, ALL DRIVERS INVOLVED WILL BE MOVED TO THE BACK OF THE PACK. DRIVERS ARE RESPONSIBLE TO BE IN CONTROL OF THEIR TRACTORS AT ALL TIMES AND SHOULD BE PREPARED TO TAKE EVASIVE ACTION TO AVOID COLLISION WITH A STOPPED TRACTOR ON THE TRACK, OTHERWISE THEY WILL BE CONSIDERED PART OF THE CAUTION CAUSE AND WILL BE MOVED TO THE BACK OF THE PACK. THE MAIN FLAGMAN IN COLLABORATION WITH THE SCOREKEEPERS WILL ENSURE CORRECT POSITION OF ALL DRIVERS BEFORE THE GREEN FLAG RESTARTS THE RACE.
White flag - This flag signals the start of the last lap.
Checkered flag - Signals the end of the race, and indicates the winner.
Red flag - All drivers are to stop and wait for further instruction.
Blue flag with yellow stripe - This is a flag to indicate to driver to move to the outside of the track so he can be passed by faster traffic.
Black flag - A rolled black flag is a warning to the driver for an infraction of the racing rules. An open black flag signals disqualification and the driver must remove himself from the track immediately.

All decisions are final and at the discretion of the main flagman, the two corner flagman and the score keepers.

Basic Rules for All Classes

ALL TRACTORS MUST HAVE BEEN A FACTORY BUILT LAWN CUTTING TRACTOR.

Engines: -each class has a specific maximum Engine cubic inch or CC displacement.
- any allowable modifications will be stated for that class.
- no grinding or machining of flywheels; all cooling and safety shields must be intact.

- Changes or modifications allowed to any internal engine part will be specified for the class you build for. IF THE RULES DON'T SAY YOU CAN CHANGE, ALTER, OR MODIFY SOMETHING FOR YOUR CLASS THEN IT'S NOT ALLOWED.

Chassis: - frame parts must retain original manufacturers (OEM) specifications (no chopping). This includes wheelbase length and width, unless modifications are specified in a particular class. - Maximum wheelbase length 48 inches from center of axle to center of axle. Material may be added for structural strength. It is recommended that the front axles be bolted or welded rigid, eliminating the stock pivot point.
- there will be no offset allowed in any class by any means except in FT OPEN TRACTOR
- Offset of front or rear axles is as follows for Open Tractor - the seat remains at center line. Axle offsets of 19 inches from the center line on the left to the outside of the left tire and 23 inches on the right is allowed with those dimensions only. No plus or minus in inches is allowed in any way.
-all spindle and axle ends must have H.D. pins or collars and be 1/2" inside rim face.
-No snowmobile or ATV clutches allowed.
-NO HANDLEBARS ALLOWED

Body Work: - can be customized (where allowed) but must retain resemblance of a lawn tractor. All parts must be securely fastened to chassis ie: fuel tanks, batteries, body work, etc.
Fuel:- Only pump gas, maximum 96 octane (no additives unless specified in that class).

Brakes:- must be intact and working, and subject to spot checks by tech stewards. Improvements recommended.

Throttle: - foot or trigger throttles with automatic spring return are mandatory.

Kill Switch:- tractor must have a working tethered kill switch which overrides all other safety switches and controls, and must be fastened to the driver at all times when the engine is running.
Exhaust: - is open as long as it points down and away from driver and presents no apparent hazard.

Mower Decks: - if the mower deck is left on blades must be removed and the deck must be securely fastened to the chassis. Minimum ground clearance is two inches.

Seats: - No chopping of chassis or frame to lower seat height. Fenders may be lowered or cut to lower seat. Seat must be mounted in the center line of the tractor.
- NO Go-Kart (high back) seats allowed.
- NO back rests or bars, no wings or spoilers allowed, driver must have free access to and from the tractor.

Bumpers: - not mandatory, but if installed must be at a height of 2 inches above center line of axles (maximum), not to protrude more than 2 inches beyond the furthest point of body or tires. Maximum width of rear bumper must be 2" less than the width of the rear axle outside of tire to outside of tire to a maximum of 40". Maximum width front - inside tires, not to cover the face of the tire.

Side nerf bars - must be within the maximum wheel base width, no sharp edges.

Grab Bars - mandatory on one or both rear fenders of all tractors, must be mounted minimum 1.5 inches from edge of the fender and must be securely fastened either bolted or welded

Numbers: - all tractors must have a visible number, minimum 5 inches high. As a Grass Hog member your number is reserved for the season. No two tractors can have the same number in the same class.

Steering: - any improvements or modification to steering is allowed and recommended, within the rules for each class.

Tires: - turf type only for all classes. No shaving or cutting of tires unless specified in that class. No Knobbie-ATV or snow hog tires. NEW FOR 2013 - HOOSIER TIRES ARE ALLOWED IN PRO MODIFIED, SUPER MODIFIED AND FT OPEN CLASSES ONLY
NEW FOR 2013 - CUTTING AND SHAPING OF TIRE TREADS AS WELL AS BEAD LOCKING IS ALLOWED IN PRO MODIFIED, SUPER MODIFIED AND FT OPEN CLASSES ONLY

Headlights: - all glass headlights must be taped or removed.

Rookie Rule:- All new racers will be placed at the rear until established experience is proven."THIS IS AT THE DISCRETION OF THE TRACK DIRECTOR AND EXECUTIVE"

TRACTOR CLASSES

STOCK MODIFIED

Minimum driver age - 13 years or at the discretion of the race director
IF THE RULES DON'T SAY YOU CAN CHANGE, ALTER, OR MODIFY SOMETHING FOR YOUR CLASS THEN IT'S NOT ALLOWED
Engine - maximum 25 C.I. OR 420 CC L-Head lawn tractor engine
- vertical crankshaft engines ONLY, single ONLY
- NO INTERNAL MODIFICATIONS TO ENGINE. UNMODIFIED OEM INTERNAL REPLACEMENT ENGINE PARTS MEANT FOR THAT ENGINE ONLY.
- engine shields, stock flywheel, stock carb, and intake manifold must remain
- governor can be removed, air filters, velocity stack can be modified or aftermarket
- drive train must utilize a shiftable transmission/transaxle, no widening is allowed (as from factory). Locking up of drive train is allowed.
- brakes, rear only, improvements recommended
- pulleys, sprockets, drive belts can be modified to change ratio
- centrifugal clutches can be used. NO snowmobile or ATV clutches allowed
- widening the front axle is allowed but must remain in original position and utilize original spindles; reinforcement allowed, maximum width of 42 inches and welded or bolted solid to the frame to prevent pivoting. No widening of rear axle.
- rims - steel only - rear 8" and up; front 6" and up.
- wheel base and maximum rear width as from factory and position can not be moved.
Fuel - pump gas only, no other additives
- ground clearance can only be changed by the use of different size tire

MODIFIED

- minimum driver age 13 or at the discretion of the race director
IF THE RULES DON'T SAY YOU CAN CHANGE, ALTER, OR MODIFY SOMETHING FOR YOUR CLASS THEN IT'S NOT ALLOWED
- engine maximum 28 C.I. or 460 CC L-head lawn tractor engine only, governor can be removed OR 390 CC OHV, governor can be removed.
- NOTE: Briggs overhead valve single engines with model number 28 are actually 28.4 CI or 465 CC. and are oversized for modified class and are not allowed.
- vertical crank shaft singles only
- intake manifold and carb may be updated, no alterations to intake manifold
- no aftermarket or non-lawn equipment intake manifolds or carberators
- flywheels and shrouds must remain stock, no grinding of flywheels
- NO INTERNAL MODIFICATIONS TO ENGINE. UNMODIFIED OEM INTERNAL REPLACEMENT ENGINE PARTS MEANT FOR THAT ENGINE ONLY.
- Custom velocity stack/air filters open.
- External fuel pumps and ignition allowed.
- fuel - pump gas only, no other additives
- drive train must utilize a shiftable transmission or transaxle or aftermarket 1 1/4" max diameter liveaxle and 90 degree gearbox. Trans or live axle must be mounted back on chassis in original OEM position, spacer brackets can be removed from transaxle.
- centrifugal clutches allowed, NO snowmobile or ATV clutches allowed.
- steering - ball or spherical joint tie rod ends recommended
- Drive line pulleys, sprockets and clutch systems can be modified or altered (centrifugal clutches allowed).
Front axles and steering can be modified or replaced with custom fabricated one piece beam and mounted back in original position.
- Minimum ground clearance to the chassis 2 inches. Width 42 inches maximum outside to outside of tire front and rear. - brakes - on rear only any modifications or improvement highly recommended .
- rims- steel only, 6 inch and up fronts , 8 inch and up rears.
- no exposed chains, belts, clutches or shaft ends; all must be guarded.
- no ATV style axles are allowed in this class
- it is an option to follow super modified frame build rules

PRO MODIFIED

- minimum driver age 13 or at the discretion of the race director
IF THE RULES DON'T SAY YOU CAN CHANGE, ALTER, OR MODIFY SOMETHING FOR YOUR CLASS THEN IT'S NOT ALLOWED
Engine - 28.4 C.I. - 31 C.I. overhead valve single cylinder (vertical shaft only)
- INTERNAL MODIFICATIONS TO ENGINE as per FT OPEN TRACTOR BUILD RULES ARE ALLOWED.
-frame build to follow the super modified build rules
-drive train to follow super modified specifications
-clutch - centrifugal only
-steering open
-live axle or transaxle
-fuel pump only
-engine to be mounted vertically only
-NEW FOR 2013 - HOOSIER TIRES ARE ALLOWED IN PRO MODIFIED
NEW FOR 2013 - CUTTING AND SHAPING OF TIRE TREADS AS WELL AS BEAD LOCKING IS ALLOWED IN PRO MODIFIED

SUPER MODIFIED

IF THE RULES DON'T SAY YOU CAN CHANGE, ALTER, OR MODIFY SOMETHING FOR YOUR CLASS THEN IT'S NOT ALLOWED
Engine maximums:
- OHV Vanguard V-Twin Max 35 C.I. or 573 CC
- OHV Intek V-Twin single barrel 40 CI or 655 CC
- OHV Intek V-Twin Max 38 C.I. or 622 CC
- OHV Kohler V-Twin Max 37 C.I. or 615 CC
- L-Head Twin (opposed) Max 42 C.I. or 688 CC
- OHV Single Max 31 C.I. or 505 CC
Anyone registered in 2012 is grandfathered for the year 2013 only with a 38 CI Vanguard in SUPER MODIFIED class
If your proposed engine is not listed above you should contact GrassHogs Tech Stewart or executive prior to building
- minimum driver age 16 years or at the discretion of the race director
- vertical or horizontal crank, 4-cycle engines only
- OEM unmodified internal engine parts only on OHV twins and OHV singles, UNMODIFIED PARTS MEANT FOR THAT ENGINE ONLY
- L-Head twins and L-Head singles, internal mods. open
- shrouds and covers- stock
- aftermarket aluminum flywheels and ignition allowed
- governors can be removed
- intake manifolds must be stock - no alterations
- carburetors may be updated or replaced by an improved model, must be from lawn equipment
- TWO BARREL CARBS ALLOWED, MUST BE OEM FOR THAT ENGINE
- fuel, pump gas only maximim 110 octane
- no exposed belts, chains, clutches or shaft ends - All must be guarded
- centrifugal clutches allowed, NO snowmobile or ATV clutches
- discrete chopping of chassis to mount gear boxes, live axles allowed (max. 1 1/4 diameter axle)
- must retain original OEM wheel base, minimum ground clearance 2"
- custom front fabricated axles recommended
- steering,ball or spherical joint tie-rod ends MANDATORY
- Maximum width front & rear 42 inches outside to outside of tire
- brakes - rear only,open, disc preferred (brake performance may be teched at any time)
- NEW FOR 2013 - HOOSIER TIRES ARE ALLOWED IN SUPER MODIFIED
- NEW FOR 2013 - CUTTING AND SHAPING OF TIRE TREADS AS WELL AS BEAD LOCKING IS ALLOWED IN SUPER MODIFIED
- rims - steel or aluminum, minimum diameter 6" front or rear
- hubs and spindles MUST have H.D. cotter pins or lock collars to prevent movement
- mud flaps strongly recommended on rear, MUST be 2" below center line of tire. Front flaps otional
-Go-Kart seats are allowed. In a step through, a go-kart seat can be a maximum of 2 inches above the fenders. In a tunnel frame, a go-kart seat can be a maximum of 12 inches high.
- Body work open, MUST resemble a lawn tractor

Formula Tractor -- FT OPEN

IF THE RULES DON'T SAY YOU CAN CHANGE, ALTER, OR MODIFY SOMETHING FOR YOUR CLASS THEN IT'S NOT ALLOWED
Engine Maximums: OHV Max 655 CC
Most commonly used:
- OHV Vanguard V-Twim Max. 38 C.I. or 622 CC
- OHV Intek V-Twin Max. 40 C.I. or 655 CC
- L-Head Twin (opposed) Max. 44 C.I. or 721 CC
- OHV Single Max. 33 C.I. or 540CC
- minimum driver age 16 years or at the discretion of the race director. MUST have proven racing abilities,alone on track and in traffic
- vertical or horizontal crankshaft engines - 4 cycle lawn equipment engines
- internal modifications OPEN - all engines
- multiple carbs, single carb, 2-barrel carb, any brand - OPEN (NO fuel injection)
- aftermarket flywheels and ignition - OPEN
- governors can be removed
- discrete chopping of chassis to mount gear boxes,live axles allowed (max. 1 1/4" diameter axle)
- centrifugal clutches allowed, NO snowmobile or ATV clutches
- NO exposed belts, chains, clutches or shaft ends - all must be guarded
- Fuel - pump gas only maximim octane of 110. NO Octane booster allowed, no other additives allowed.
- Ignition - OPEN.
- ALL safety shields and cowlings must be in place. Engines must be separated by a safety shield or cowling from the driver. Extra shielding must be installed for rear engine machines
- Brakes - OPEN, rear only, disc recommended (brake performance may be teched at any time)
- must retain OEM wheel base. Minimum ground clearance 2"
- custom fabricated front axle recommended. OPEN suspension.
- steering - ball or sherical tie-rod end MANDATORY
- Offset of front or rear axles is as follows for Open Tractor - the seat remains at center line. Axle offsets of 19 inches from the center line on the left to the outside of the left tire and 23 inches on the right is allowed with those dimensions only. No plus or minus of inches is allowed in any way.
- Maximum width front & rear 42" outside to outside of tires
- Rims - steel or aluminum minimum diameter 6" front and rear
- hubs and spindles MUST have HD cotter pin or lock collar to prevent movement
- TIRES - TURF TIRES TO BE USED; NEW FOR 2013 - HOOSIER TIRES ARE ALLOWED IN OPEN CLASSES
NEW FOR 2013 - CUTTING AND SHAPING OF TIRE TREADS AS WELL AS BEAD LOCKING IS ALLOWED IN OPEN CLASSES
- Mud flaps strongly recommended on rear, must be 2" below center line of tire, front flaps optional
-Go-Kart seats are allowed. In a step through, a go-kart seat can be a maximum of 2 inches above the fenders. In a tunnel frame, a go-kart seat can be a maximum of 12 inches high.
- Body work OPEN, must resemble a lawn tractor

LADIES ONLY

- Female drivers only
- minimum age 13 years or at the discretion of the race director.
- Any stock mod, or modified class tractor is allowed to run in this class
- All other basic rules and regulations apply.
- Participants MUST register and sign a waiver.
-THIS CLASS WILL RACE WHEN A MINIMUM OF 3 PARTICIPANTS ARE REGISTERED ON THAT DAY

JUNIORS

- Age 8-13 years or at the discretion of the race director.
Engine must conform to stock mod or modified rules.
ENGINE MAXIMUM 28 C.I. OR 460 CC. L-HEAD LAWN TRACTOR ENGINE ONLY. GOVERNOR CAN BE REMOVED OR 390 CC. OVERHEAD VALVE.
- NOTE: BRIGGS OVERHEAD VALVE SINGLE ENGINES WITH MODEL NUMBER 28 ARE ACTUALLY 28.4 C.I. OR 465 CC. AND ARE OVERSIZED FOR MODIFIED CLASS AND ARE NOT ALLOWED.
- Tractor build to follow the stock modified, modified, or super modified class FRAME build rules and specifications.
- This class is speed restricted. Speed rule to be set and agreed upon at each race. This is met by the use of a "throttle stop". The throttle will have a stoppper under or on it that can be easily adjusted for either Stock Mod. or Junior class. The club has access to a radar gun and will use it at the start of the season to be sure all juniors are at the same speed. Let's keep our kids safer this way

Rookie Rule
All new racers will be placed at the rear until racing abilities are proven.

Membership

Everyone and anyone is welcome at any Grass Hogs sanctioned race event.
As a member of the club you are entitled to provide input into the club.
Tractor numbers are reserved for members and no duplication of numbers is permitted in any one class.
Members also receive and accumulate points at Grass Hogs sanctioned events to determine year end standings and awards.
Membership fees go towards the cost of running and maintaining the club.
Membership can be purchased at race events or from members of the executive.
Membership fees - single $40, family $60. (The family rate will apply to immediate family only ie: the racer, his/her significant other and their minor (under 18) children. It does not apply to adult siblings, cousins, close neighbors etc. )
Grass Hogs reserves the right to limit the number of membership cards given to any member.
Points System
Club members accumulate points at races according to their finishing position. Points are awarded as follows:
1st - 600 points
2nd - 500 points
3rd - 400 points
4th - 300 points
5th - 200 points
Any finishing position after 5th will receive 100 points.
All other registered drivers in each race (non finishers) will receive 50 points.
Awards will be given at year end according to points totals.

Trophies & Purses Trophies will be presented to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners of the feature races in compliance with the rules. Final results will be tabulated after completion of all races on that day and an awards presentation will be held.
Purse monies provided by the hosting venue will be awarded to top 3 drivers in each class on that day. Non members are eligible for trophies and these venue provided payouts but not club points.

©2013 Grass Hogs Lawn Tractor Racing