Grass Hogs Racing - 2010 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 or member 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 helmut with visors or goggles
- 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
- it is strongly recommended that all drivers wear body safety apparel such as motocross upper body gear, this is optional in all classes except the Extreme class where it is mandatory

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 try to ensure that drivers are in proper restart position.
- If you cause the yellow flag you must take the rear position.
- 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

Five flags are used to send signals to the drivers during the race. The flag colors are white, yellow, green, red 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.
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.
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.

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. Material may be added for structural strength. It is recommended that the front axles be bolted or welded rigid, eliminating the stock pivot point.
-No offset of front or rear axles (center line of frame to outside of tires) allowed except in extreme machines class
-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, unless the tractor and driver/owner were part of the Grass Hogs Racing Club in 2008 season IN WHICH CASE they will be allowed (grandfathered) for the life of the tractor and it's number. NO NEW BUILDS WITH THIS APPLICATION. This applies to all classes except Extreme.
-NO HANDLEBARS allowed unless tractor and driver/owner were part of Grass Hogs Racing Club in 2008 season IN WHICH CASE they will be allowed (grandfathered) for the 2009 season ONLY. NO NEW BUILDS WITH THIS APPLICATION.

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.

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.

TRACTOR CLASSES

Stock Modified

Minimum driver age - 13 years or at the discretion of the race director
Engine - maximum 25 C.I. OR 420 CC L-Head lawn tractor engine
- vertical crankshaft engines ONLY, single ONLY (unless tractor had a horizontal crankshaft engine, must be OEM engine)
- internal modifications are limited to the use of OEM parts meant for that engine
- engine shields, stock flywheel, stock carb, and intake manifold must remain
- governor can be removed, air filters, velocity stack can be modified or 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.

- steering - ball or spherical joint tie rod ends recommended
- 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
- 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 (unless tractor had a horizontal crank engine, must be OEM engine)
- 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
- unmodified OEM internal engine parts 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. It is allowed to use a straight replacement axle for the shiftable transmission or transaxle but must be of original diameter and still have all the gears functioning.
- 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
- new for 2010 - it is an option to follow super modified frame build rules
- discreet chopping of chassis to mount gear boxes, live axles allowed, (maximum 1 1/4 inch diameter axle)
- it must retain original OEM wheel base, minimum ground clearance 2 inches
- custom front fabricated axles recommended
- steering - ball or spherical joint tie rod ends MANDATORY
- maximum width front and rear 42 inches, outside to outside of tires
- brakes - rear only, open, disc preferred (brake performance may be teched at any time)
- rims - steel or aluminum minimum diameter 6 inches front and rear
- hubs and spindles MUST have H.D. cotter pins or lock collars to prevent movement
- body work MUST resemble a lawn tractor
- mud flaps are strongly recommended
ENGINE SIZE AS PER MODIFIED RULES


NEW CLASS 2010 -- PRO MODIFIED

Engine - 28.4 C.I. overhead valve single cylinder (vertical shaft only)
-no modifications to engine, completely stock with the exceptions of air filter and header
-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

Super Modified

Engine maximums - OHV max 622CC

Most commonly used:
- OHV Vanguard V-Twin Max 35 C.I. or 573 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

- 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
- L-Head twins and L-hHead 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
- no two-barrel carbs
- fuel, pump gas only, octane booster allowed, NO other additives
- 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 boes, live axles allowed (max. 1 1/4 diameter axle)
- must retain original OEM wheel base, minimum ground clearance 2"
- custom front fabricated axles recommemded
- 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)
- 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
- Body work open, MUST resemble a lawn tractor

Formula Tractor -- FT OPEN

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)
- centrifugl clutches allowed, NO snowmobile or ATV clutches
- NO exposed belts, chains, clutches or shaft ends - all must be guarded
- Fuel - pump gas only. 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
- 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
- Mud flaps strongly recommended on rear, must be 2" below center line of tire, front flaps optional
- Body work OPEN, must resemble a lawn tractor

Extreme Machines


Engine Maximums: OHV MAx.795 CC
Most common types:
- OHV Vanguard V-Twin Max 42 CI or 671 CC
- OHV Intek V-Twin Max 44 CI or 721 CC
- OHV Kawasaki V-Twin Max 44 CI or 721 CC
- OHV Kohler V-Twin Max 48 CI or 795 CC
- OHV Honda V-Twin Max 43 CI or 704 CC
- OHV Tecumseh V-Twin Max 42 CI or 691 CC
- Opposed L-Head twin Max 46 CI or 753 CC
ALL singles OPEN
ALL 250 CC Max Snowmobile, ATV, Moto-Cross, Motorcycle Engines
2 & 4 stroke. Twin or Single
- Extreme tractors will be teched on each race day, rules will be STRICTLY enforced.
- Safety concerns may result in machine being disqualified from racing that day. SAFETY is the #1 concern.
- Drivers must have proven racing abilities, minimum 1 complete season racing either Super Mod or FT Open.
- Minimum driver age 18 years
- internal & external modifications OPEN ALL ENGINES
- carburetion - OPEN. Any type, multiple carbs, fuel injection. NO turbos or blowers
- FUEL - Pump gas only, octane booster allowed ABOLUTELY no other additives
- after market flywheels and ignition OPEN. Governors can be removed
- exhaust - OPEN, must point down and away from other drivers and pit crew
- Brakes - OPEN, front & rear disc only. If front brakes are installed they MUST be hydraulic
- drive train OPEN, any clutching or drive system allowed
- NO exposed belts, chains, clutches or shaft ends. ALL MUST be guarded
- discreet chopping of chassis to mount gear boxes, live axles (max 1 1/4" diameter axle)
- steering - ball or spherical tie-rod ends MANDATORY
- custom fabricated front axle recommended. OPEN suspension
- must retain OEM wheel base, minimum ground clearance 2"
- hubs and spindles MUST have HD cotter pins and lock collar to prevent movement
- rims and hubs OPEN. Min diameter 6" TURF TIRES ONLY, shaving and cutting allowed
- MAX. width front and rrear 42" outside to outside of tires
- safety shields must remain, subject to inspection at any time
- mud flaps MANDITORY on rear, must be 2" below center line of tire. Front flaps optional.
- body work OPEN, must resemble a lawn tractor
- upper body safety gear is mandatory

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.

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 for 2010 - 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.
©2010 Grass Hogs Lawn Tractor Racing

MOTORCYCLE-SNOWMOBILE-ATV ENGINES
250 CC MAX. ANY MAKE OF 2 STROKE or 4 STROKE
DISPLACEMENT WILL BE STAMPED ON ENGINE FROM FACTORY
250 CC MAX.

Lawn Tractor Engine Displacement Tables

HONDA
OHV SINGLE
OHV TWIN
11 HP = 20 CI or 340 CC 18 HP = 37 CI or 610 CC
13 HP = 23 CI or 390 CC 22 HP = 39 CI or 639 CC
24 HP = 41 CI or 670 CC
26 HP = 43 CI or 704 CC
KAWASAKI
OHV SINGLE
OHV TWIN
18 HP = 33 CI or 540 CC 17-18 HP = 30 CI or 500 CC
22 HP = 39 CI or 641 CC
25 HP = 44 CI or 731 CC
TECUMSEH
OHV SINGLE
OHV TWIN
12-13 HP = 21 CI or 350 CC 25 HP = 42 CI or 691 CC
KOHLER
OHV SINGLE
OHV TWIN
13 HP = 19.5 CI or 321 CC 18 HP = 37 CI or 615 CC
18 HP = 30 CI or 493 CC 22 HP = 46 CI or 755 CC
26 HP = 48 CI or 795 CC

BRIGGS & STRATTON
FLAT HEAD-SINGLE
TWIN OPPOSED
OHV-SINGLE INTEK
OHV TWIN INTEK
OHV TWIN VANGUARD
11 HP = 25 CI or 409 CC16 HP = 40 CI or 655 CC 10.5 HP = 21 CI or 344 CC 18 HP = 38 CI or 622 CC 18 HP = 35 CI or 573 CC
13 HP = 28 CI or 458 CC18 HP = 42 CI or 688 CC 13 HP = 21 CI or 344 CC 22 HP = 40 CI or 655 CC22 HP = 38 CI or 622 CC
20 HP = 44 CI or 721 CC18 HP = 31 CI or 505 CC 26 HP = 44 CI or 721 CC25 HP = 41 CI or 671 CC
22 HP = 46 CI or 753 CC