Following a complete review of the Track Racing Standing Regulations, the ACU Track Racing Committee has made the following changes for 2019:
1.7 ADULT TRACK RACE RECORDINGS This is different from last year, as points rewarded for winning the final now DO NOT change regardless of the number of overall competitors entered into the class. At all ACU Grass Track events, points will be allocated to competitors finishing in point scoring positions. Standings in the National Grading lists will be used to decide competitors for the 250cc and 350cc Solo, 500cc Sidecar and 1000cc Left Hand Sidecar British Championships.
The British Masters Qualifier Championship will not be awarded grading points.
For all Grass Track events, the following points will be awarded in each class:
1st = 6 points
2nd = 5 points
3rd = 4 points
4th = 3 points
5th = 2 points
6th = 1 point.
Points are allocated on the results of each class at each event. In classes where there is more than one Final, points will only be allocated on the results of the first Final.
Where a competitor rides in more than one class, they will score points for each class. These points are not transferrable between classes.
Points will not be allocated in an ‘Unlimited’ capacity or ‘Open’ classes, with exception of ‘Upright’ Solos and ‘Pre 75’ Solo classes. In these classes, ‘Unlimited’ and ‘500cc’ results will be combined. There will be no Grading List for 250cc or 350cc Upright or Pre 75 classes.
Results are declared by the Clerk of the Course. They are either decided by a one-race Final, or by point-scoring legs.
The conditions of results must be listed in the race programme. In the result of a tie, it is at the organising Club’s discretion how ties are decided.
Points will only be awarded if results are declared after no less than two heats per competitor.
All National Grading lists will be published online throughout the season.
At the end of the season, results will be compiled, checked and cross-referenced with the Centre Recorders to ascertain the final standings.
1.8 YOUTH TRACK RACING RECORDINGS This is a new addition for 2019. At all ACU Youth Grass Track events, points will be allocated to competitors in accordance with their finishing positions.
Points will be used to form the National Grading list for these four Youth classes: (a) Auto-Cadet,
(b) Cadet, (c) Juniors and (d) Inters. Competitors who ride in more than one class will score points for each class, but points are not transferrable between classes.
All Youth competitors riding in an event will score points. However, competitors must complete in least one race to earn National grading points.
Points are allocated based on the number of competitors in the event. For example, when 5 riders compete, points will be allocated as follows:
1st = 5 points
2nd = 4 points
3rd = 3 points
4th = 2 points
5th = 1 point.
2.19 LEAVING THE COURSE/CUTTING THE COURSE This rule has been completely reworded. Last year it read as ‘The Clerk of the Course may exclude a competitor(s) who permits a wheel/wheels of his/her motorcycle and/or sidecar to cross the defined edges of the track, or who displaces marking flags with motorcycle/sidecar or any part of the person, unless such action was taken in the interest of safety or due to the action of another competitor.’ Any competitor(s) whose motorcycle crosses the defined edges of the track markers/white line – with any wheel – will be disqualified unless, in the opinion of the Clerk of the Course, the action was taken in the interest of safety for other competitors, or the competitor involved was forced ‘off course’ due to the actions of another competitor. 2.21 RIDERS PRESENTATION LAP/WINNERS LAP OF HONOUR This rule is a new addition for 2019. No unauthorised passengers (children, wives/partners etc.) are allowed to ride on a competitor’s motorcycle at any time during the event. In exceptional circumstances, an organiser may apply to the TRC for dispersion to this rule. 2.26 RIDERS Concussion/suspected concussion Rewording of the section below. If a competitor is involved in an incident which results in him/her being diagnosed by the Medical Officer/Paramedic as suffering from concussion or suspected concussion, the competitor is not permitted to participate any further in that event.
Organisers are to notify ACU Head Office as soon as possible of any concussion/suspected concussion injuries and then will subsequently:
a) Place the competitor on the ACU Stop List
b) Inform organisers of forthcoming events that the competitor has suffered a concussion or suspected concussion injury and is therefore placed on the ACU Stop List c) Inform the competitor that s/he needs to see a Doctor and obtain a letter/Doctor’s certificate which confirms s/he is fit to resume competitive racing/participate in a practice/test session.
The recovery time for anyone diagnosed with concussion or suspected concussion is as follows:
a) Over 20 years: Excluded immediately and suspended for a period of nine days.
b) 16–19 years: Excluded immediately and suspended for a period of twelve days.
c) 15 and under: Excluded immediately and suspended for a period of twenty three days.
The competitor is not permitted to ride during the obligatory suspended periods outlined above and then only once s/he is in possession of a Doctor’s certificate/letter after the suspended period has expired.
If a competitor has been injured on a Saturday and is suffering from concussion or suspected concussion, and the organiser is aware that the competitor was intending to ride or is scheduled
to ride somewhere else the next day, the organiser will inform the organiser of the event being
held the next day so they are aware of the competitor’s injuries and as such s/he is prevented from participating in that event.
4.4 MUDGUARDS AND WHEEL PROTECTION The section below has seen changes in the weight used to measure the Dirt Deflector tension. For Solos it has changed from 4kg to 8kg (Long Track and Grass Track). Category 1, Group A and B motorcycles must be fitted with two mudguards giving protection to the driver. The rear mudguard must extend laterally beyond the tyre and cover at least 35 degrees of the upper front quadrant of the rear wheel, and must extend to 5 degrees or more behind a vertical line running through the rear wheel spindle and must extend to the full width of the tyre. The Clerk of the Course may permit the removal of the front mudguard if conditions make this desirable. If cast or welded wheels are used for all types of Track Racing a protection must be provided by enclosing the spokes with solid discs. The Sidecar wheel mudguard must extend to the full width of the tyre. For all Solo machines FIM Homologated dirt deflectors may be used. The lower edge shall be 35mm maximum from the track surface over an equal distance. To measure the tension by the machine dirt deflector, a vertical balance shall be used to measure the equivalent minimum pre-load of 8kg for the dirt deflectors used for Long Track and Grass Track Solo machines and 6kg for 1000cc Sidecars. The vertical balance must be attached to the outer edge of the dirt deflector holder plate in line with the centre of the rear tyre. All measurements are taken with the machine in a vertical position, with the tyres normally inflated without a rider. If ‘Huggers’ are fitted to protect the rear wheel of Solo machines competing at ACU domestic events, they must comply to FIM regulations and be mechanically fitted to the machine.
4.7 FOOTRESTS AND HANDLEBARS The change to the section below has been highlighted in bold The footrest for the driver must be positioned to give easy access to any control pedal. The ends of the footrest must be rounded with a spherical radius of not less than 8mm viewing from front and end of footrest. The ends of the handlebars on all motorcycles shall be rounded or protected. Footrests must be mounted on an independent pivot. When light alloy handlebars are used, the distance between the two extremities of the clamping area (or of the two clamps) must not be less than 120mm and handlebar clamps must be very carefully radiused and engineered so as to avoid fracture points in the bar.
Handlebar width (Solo machines)
85/125 Min 650mm Max 850mm 250/350/500 Min 700mm Max 900mm
4.17 ADDITIONAL (OLD AND NEW) SIDECAR CLASSES The change in the section below has been highlighted in bold, also no aftermarket parts are to be used to enhance performance. 1. Pre 1980 Class
a) For machines fitted with British made twin cylinder engines, initially designed for mass produced road bikes (up to 650cc supercharged and 1000cc naturally aspirated).
For 650cc machines actual maximum capacity will be based on manufacturer’s standard rebore sizes
b) Chassis and running gear to be based upon the type commonly in use pre 1980.
c) British twin shock, no 2 speed gear boxes.
d) Dirt deflectors are not mandatory in this class. If a dirt deflector is not used, a flexible mud flap must be securely fixed, minimum thickness 10mm and 150% of the overall tyre width. The bottom edge of the mud flap must be within 35mm of the ground when laden.
e) All current safety and environment requirements must be respected. 2. 500cc Twin Cylinder Class
a) For machines fitted with parallel twin cylinder engines initially designed for mass produced road bikes (naturally aspirated) b) Standard 500cc air cooled parallel twin, mass produced, running on standard petrol with carburettors naturally aspirated, and standard electrics
c) Chassis to be based on current requirements.
d) Dirt deflectors are not mandatory in this class. If a dirt deflector is not used, a flexible mud flap must be securely fixed, minimum thickness 10mm and 150% of the overall tyre width. The bottom edge of the mud flap must be within 35mm of the ground when laden.
e) All current safety and environment requirements must be respected 4.25 FORMULA GRASS TRACK The specifications for this class have been refined and made clearer a) All machines must comply with the Standing Regulations for Track Racing as stipulated in the current edition of the ACU Handbook with the exception of the following: b) Honda Engine – a standard street legal 100cc – 125cc single cylinder, two valve, 4 stroke aircooled. Standard specification as per HAYNES MANUAL i.e. Bore 56mm Stroke 49.5mm comp ratio 9.5:1 etc
No engines designed for off road use e.g. XR range No interchanging of parts that would alter the standard specification of the engine. c) Gear Box – standard ratios only. No close ratio gears. No pinions to be left out of the gear box. The full cluster must be fitted. d) Carburettor – any make of carburettor. e) Ignition – any type including electronic. Rotor and stator plate may be removed. f) Fuel – petrol normal pump grade. METHANOL IS NOT ALLOWED g) TYRES SENIOR CLASS – Rear tyre restricted to Grass Track/Speedway/Trials tread patterns only. Maximum width 3.75 ins (95mm) NO TYRE CUTTING IN ANY FORM WILL BE ALLOWED. YOUTH CLASSES – no restriction as per ACU technical regulation 4.3 Class: Helmet: Number: Cadets/Auto Cadets 6–8 years White Black
Cubs 8–12 years Red White
Juniors 12–16 years Green White
Seniors Over 16 years Black White
4.26 GT 140 The specification for the GT140 class have been added, and all else in this section has been revised and tweaked. 1. a) Standing regulations must comply for Track Racing machines with current technical regulations for the new GT 140 class. b) Frame can be a Grass track twin shock or mono-shock incorporating a swinging arm with suspension, a Speedway rear subframe is not permitted. c) Forks can be any type. Leading link or telescopic. d) Wheels: Front – 23 inch Rear – 22 inch as per current regulations e) Engine: Maximum 140cc with 2 valves. f) Fuel: Petrol only, methanol is not permitted. g) Carburettors inlet must not exceed a maximum diameter of 26mm. Carburretor must be upright. h) Number plates (refer to 4.21) must be displayed on the front and either side at the rear of the machine. i) Brakes are not permitted as per Grass Track regulations 4.2. j) The rear silencer must be fitted with a retaining wire to ensure it does not become detached from the motorcycle during racing. k) Mudguards: Regular Grass Track guards or huggers kits are permitted. l) Ignition cut out system must be fitted to disable the engine via a lanyard attached to the rider. m) Chain: The rear chain must be covered on any area where the chain meets the front and rear sprocket.
SECTION 5 SAND/BEACH RACING
As per Grass Track Standing Regulations with the exception of:
a) Maximum twelve where on-track start
b) MX classes – Specification of the motorcycle: Refer to Section 5 of the MX Standing Regulations for basic specification of motorcycles, which MUST ALSO INCLUDE: Lanyard cut outs
Chain guards as per Grass Track standing regulations. c) MX classes to also include Enduro machines. ALL other Grass Track Standing Regulations apply to MX classes SECTION 8 1000CC SIDECAR SPEEDWAY REGULATIONS Speedway Sidecar regulations have now been added to the Handbook 8.1 DEFINITION To be deemed as eligible for competition in 1000cc Sidecar events on Speedway circuits, the motorcycle shall be in conformity with the following requirements: The motorcycle must have three rolling wheels. The Sidecar wheel must be on the left hand side of the motorcycle. The drive must be transmitted to the track surface through the rear wheel of the motorcycle.
The motorcycle must at all time carry a rider and a passenger.
Brakes are not permitted.
Rear wheel suspension is optional. The passenger must sit astride the motorcycle The motorcycle shall always race in a clockwise direction. 8.2 DIMENSIONS The overall length from the leading edge of the front tyre to outside of the rear mudguard must not exceed 2600mm. The overall width must not exceed 1500mm.
The wheelbase, measured from the centre of the front spindle to the centre of the rear spindle, must measure between 1280mm and 1800mm. The wheel track, measured between the centre lines of the track left by the rear and Sidecar wheels, shall be a minimum of 800mm and a maximum of 1100mm. The front and rear wheel must be aligned as such that the centre line of the tracks made by the motorcycle is proceeding directly forward, must be no further apart than 75mm. The width of the running board on the right of the motorcycle must not exceed 400mm.
The angle of inclination of the main body of the motorcycle must not exceed 10° from the vertical. The minimum ground clearance at any point of the Sidecar shall be 75mm unloaded. 8.3 ENGINE The engine capacity shall not exceed 1000cc. Engines may be bored up to 1006cc (no further tolerance). 8.4 MINIMUM WEIGHT: 180kg with empty fuel tank. 8.5 FUEL, OIL AND COOLANTS Methanol, of a commercial make, is the only permitted fuel. The use of octane boosters is forbidden. On liquid engines, an overflow pipe must direct any overflow coolant away from the rider and passenger into a catch tank.
The use of fuel additives is prohibited, with the exception of oil for two stroke engines. Fuel injection is permitted.
Fuel tanks must be constructed of a material that will neither shatter nor splinter upon impact. 8.6 EXHAUST SYSTEMS Exhaust pipes and silencers may be of a “baffle” or “absorption’’ type and must fulfil the requirements concerning noise control.
An exhaust extraction (megaphone types) effect must not be caused by the positioning of any tapered, conical or other shaped parts. The exhaust pipe must be fixed to the cylinder head and frame with a minimum of three clips (the point of fixture at the cylinder head is considered as one clip). The silencer must be fixed to the frame with at least one clip.
Additionally, a second flexible coupling must be fitted from the first third of the silencer to the frame (steel cable of at least 3mm diameter for reasons of safety) or a solid steel spring.
Exhaust fumes must be discharged towards the rear but not in a manner as to raise dust, foul the tyres, or inconvenience a passenger, or any other riders.
The entire exhaust system must be contained within the fairing, to ensure that the exhaust system cannot come in contact with any rider, passenger, or other motorcycle. 8.7 WHEELS, RIMS AND TYRES The front tyre and Sidecar tyre must be of a ‘trial’ type pattern.
Maximum sizes for rear wheel rim: 5.00" × 19".
The Sidecar wheel diameter must be between 16 and 19 inches and must camber inwards. Cast or welded wheels must be covered with a disc or other suitable shield. On level ground the maximum incline of the Sidecar wheel must not exceed 25 degrees, with the Sidecar being fixed rigidly to the motorcycle
The Sidecar wheel can be mounted with plates on both sides. If this situation exists the spindle diameter must be min. 12mm. If the Sidecar wheel is mounted with a bracket on one side, the spindle diameter must be min. 20mm. The rear and front wheel must be fitted with knockout spindles. The use of light alloys and titanium in the manufacturing of wheel spindles is forbidden. 8.8 SIDECAR PLATFORMS If the Sidecar platform is not an integral part of the frame, the platform must be rigidly fixed to the motorcycle in at least four places.
Any space between the Sidecar platform and the rear wheel of the motorcycle must be covered to ensure that the passenger’s hands and feet cannot be trapped in the driving chain or the rear wheel. The Sidecar wheel must be contained within a continuous 25mm horizontal crash bar, fixed rigidly to the Sidecar platform at Sidecar floor height. Any open area in the Sidecar platform inside the continuous crash bar, and on the running board on the near-side, must be filled with a suitable material to prevent either the rider or passenger from trapping their feet. 8.9 DIRT DEFLECTORS, MUDGUARDS, FAIRINGS A dirt deflector is compulsory and must be of a type homologated by the FIM. The dirt deflector flap holder must be constructed of a non-metallic material.
The dirt deflector must be fitted adjacent to the rear wheel and is required to deflect “wheel-spray” or track surface material downwards in order to minimise the inconvenience caused to other riders, spectators, and the soiling of track-side notices and equipment. The return mechanism must have a minimum pre-load of 6 kilos (to be monitored during the season and reviewed if required). The lower flap edge of the deflector must be 35mm (±5mm) from the track surface.
The dirt deflector arm must be modified to ensure that the blade and flap are correctly positioned behind the rear tyre. A rear mudguard must be fitted, and extend from the rear seat to a maximum of 150mm from the ground (when the Sidecar is laden).
The outside of the Sidecar wheel and tyre must be covered by a non-rotating shield or fairing. This fairing must be securely fixed to the Sidecar and outside of the crash bar. All fairings and nose cones must be constructed of fibreglass, plastic, or similar material. They must be smooth, free of any sharp or protruding edges, and must not provide a danger to any other competitor. The minimum clearance between streamlining and the ends of the handlebars or their attachments is 30mm with the front wheel in any position. No aero foils or similar devices are permitted.
No part of any nose cone or fairing may extend beyond a vertical line drawn through the leading edge of the front tyre. No part of the Sidecar fairing may extend beyond a vertical line drawn at a tangent to the rear edge of the back tyre. 8.10 FRAME The use of titanium and composite materials in the construction of a frame is completely forbidden. An efficient steering damper may be installed. 8.11 THROTTLE CONTROLS AND IGNITION CUT OUTS Throttle controls must be self closing when not held by the hand.
The throttle must be controlled by cable only; no ‘fly bye wire’ type throttle actuation is permitted. Rider aids, whether part or full system fitted on a motorcycle/engine CANNOT be used and are not permitted.
An ignition cut-out must be fitted on the handlebar, as close as practical to the throttle.
The switch must cut off the circuit of the electrical supply by the simple action of pulling a lanyard or a non-elastic cord (with a maximum length on 30cm), attached to the rider’s right wrist. Note: Interrupting the electric supply by grounding the circuit is not a sufficient measure.
The ignition cut-out lanyard must be attached to the operator’s wrist when the engine is running. Ignition cut outs will be checked prior to practice to ensure they function correctly 8.12 MEETING FORMAT AND REGULATIONS Details of the meeting formats and associated meeting regulations will be confirmed in the form of Supplementary Regulations that will be issued by the ACU TRC prior to the start of each seasons series. SECTION 9 YOUTH Changes below have been highlighted in bold. 9.5 AGE GROUPS, ENGINE CAPACITY AND NUMBER PLATES When a competitor reaches the maximum age for his or her group, they may continue in that group until the end of the calendar year, or upgrade on his or her birthday.
No competitor may compete before his/her 6th birthday. Competitors may compete until the end of the year in which their 17th birthday falls. A competitor may be upgraded to compete in Adult competitions on or after his/her 15th birthday, up to a maximum capacity of 250cc and may only revert to Intermediate Class Youth competition. There are no restrictions to the type or level of youth event that a competitor may enter. All competitors must be capable of sitting on their machines at the start line (unaided) with the machine in an upright in-line position with one foot firmly on the ground and the other on the footrest. Production Motocross machines will not be allowed in any other Grass Track class apart from the Cadets which must not exceed the stated capacity.
At joint Adult/Youth events, a rider must specify which class he/she will enter, and cannot ride Youth and Adult at the same event. The maximum engine capacity sizes as stated in the table below applies to Youth Grass Track
The Youth Auto/Cadet Class: The Auto machines and the geared machines in this class can run separately or be amalgamated depending upon the number of entries received by an organiser. For the British Championship these will be run as separate classes. SECTION 10 GRASS TRACK EVENTS HELD ON SPEEDWAY Changes below have been highlighted in bold 10.1 Permits may only be issued in respect of Speedway tracks that are licensed by the Speedway Control Bureau and maintained to the minimum standard for Speedway racing. 10.2 For an ACU club event, the Centre within which the circuit is based will normally issue permits for these events. 10.3 A Steward and/or Referee will be appointed by the Permit Issuing authority who will conduct a track inspection prior to the event. 10.4 The maximum number of competitors in each race shall be four. 10.5 Machines and capacities shall be as in current ACU Grass Track Standing Regulations. 10.6 Youth riders must only compete against others in their age groups as in Grass Track Standing Regulations. 10.7 Marshals must be appointed to the inside of the track as per Grass Track safety requirements. If a Clerk of the Course/Steward is in control on the track then red warning lights may only be used as a supplement to the Marshals’ warning flags. However if a judicial Clerk of the Course/ or Referee is using a control panel then they will operate the red lights when required with Flag Marshals responding immediately in support. No marshals shall be on the centre green for Sidecar Speedway events. 10.8 Two WARNING NOTICES (Type A) must be prominently displayed on either side of the track entrance. 10.9 PROHIBITED NOTICES must be displayed in areas to inform spectators of safe areas. 10.10 Strictly only appointed meeting Officials shall be allowed on the track or in the centre of the arena during practice or racing. 10.11 Strictly only competitors, mechanics and meeting officials shall be allowed in the Pit area during practice or racing. No riding will be allowed in the pits. 10.12 Any competitor deemed to be the primary cause of a race being stopped will be excluded from the race. 10.13 When a competitor’s motorcycle or any part of their body or equipment touches or breaks the starting tapes or prevents the raising of the start gate, then they will be excluded by the Clerk of Course/Referee. 10.14 Ambulance and First Aid cover must be in line with ACU Grass Track Standing Regulations. 10.15 Track marking and starting gates will be made with white chalk or similar material in contrast to the colour of the track surface and maintained in suitable condition throughout the meeting. SECTION 11 TRACK RACING OFFICIALS TRACK RACING OFFICIALS WHO REQUIRE A LICENCE Changes have been made to the table below See note below regarding whether a licence and attendance at an ACU seminar is required Licence Required: Attendance at Seminar/ Training Session Clerk of the Course/ Referee/ Assistant Clerk of the Course YES (once in any given three year period) YES, every third year minimum
Chief Steward YES (once in any given three year period) YES, every third year minimum
Chief Technical Officer YES (once in any given three year period) YES, every third year minimum
Sound Inspector YES YES, required for first issue only
Measurer YES YES, required for first issue only
Clubs and Centres shall only nominate candidates whose aptitude and integrity for the position they can fully justify. Official ACU approval and the issue of a licence is only after the candidates have proved to be competent according to the special requirements for each discipline. The respective Committees and Panels organise seminars that are compulsory for certain officials. A licence is valid for 3 years unless as otherwise specified.
TRACK RACING OFFICIALS WHO DO NOT REQUIRE A LICENCE