Southern Offroad Racing Promotions

2011 Southern Lights Challenge

Rules and Regulations

1. RACE PROMOTOR/OFFICIAL:

The race official has authority concerning all rules mentioned in this rulebook. He has complete authority in regard to interpretation, addition, deletion or alteration of these rules. Abusive behavior toward any SORP official or staff member will result in disqualification and/or removal from the event without refund. A race official may be appointed by the race promoter for a single event or multiple events. The race promoter/official has the authority to make decisions about the interpretation or alteration of these rules.

2. NO ALCOHOL

Riders are not allowed to consume alcohol or drugs prior to their race. Any rider caught consuming alcohol or other illegal substances prior to their race will be disqualified and BANNED from future SORP events.

3. CLASSES

1. Pro-Am

2. Open “A”

3. Open “B”

4. Open “C”

5. 16-24 Open

6. 25-34 Open

7. 35 and over Open

8. Open Women’s

9. Youth

10. Super Mini

11. Sr. Mini

12. Jr. Mini

13. Pee Wee

14. Jr. Pee Wee

4: PRO-AM

This class is a 120% payout at each event. However, this class will require at least 3 riders to be a paying class otherwise you will be racing for trophies/plaques only. This class is open to rider’s ages 16 yrs and up. It is open to both 2 & 4 strokes. Any displacement size is permissible. Beginners, C and B class riders will NOT be permitted to race in this class. Riders DO NOT have to sign up for an additional class to participate in this class. The race official/promoter has the right to make decisions regarding a rider’s ability to compete in this class on a case-by-case basis.

5: OPEN “A”

This is a skill-level class for plaques or trophies.  This class is open to rider’s ages 16 yrs and up. It is open to both 2 & 4 strokes. Any displacement size is permissible. Riders between the Pro-Am and B level may race this class (this means these are the only other racers allowed to race the pro-am). Age effective date will be October 1, 2011.

6: OPEN “B”

This skill-level class is for plaques or trophies.  This class is open to rider’s ages 14 yrs and up. It is open to both 2 & 4 strokes. Any displacement size is permissible. Age effective date will be October 1, 2011.

7: OPEN “C”:

This skill level class is for plaques or trophies. This class is open to rider’s ages 14 yrs and up NO EXCEPTIONS. It is designed to be an introductory level
class for the beginner rider. The race official/promoter has the right to make decisions regarding “beginner” status on a case-by-case basis. Any displacement size is permissible (2-stroke or 4-stroke). Age effective Date will be October 1, 2011.

8: 16 to 24 OPEN:

This class is for plaques or trophies. It is open to both 2 and 4-stroke machines. Any displacement size is permissible. This class is open to rider’s ages 16 yrs to 24.  Age effective date will be October 1, 2011.

9: 25 to 34 OPEN:

This class is for plaques or trophies. It is open to both 2 & 4 strokes. Any displacement size is permissible. This class is open to rider’s ages 25 to 34 only.  Age effective date will be October 1, 2011.

10: 35 AND OVER OPEN:

This class is for plaques or trophies. It is open to both 2 & 4 strokes.  Any displacement size is permissible. This class is open to rider’s ages 35 years or older. Age effective date will be October 1, 2011.

11: OPEN WOMEN’S:

This class is for plaques or trophies. It is open to women riders ages 14 and up. It is open to both 2 & 4 strokes. Any displacement size is permissible. Age effective
date will be October 1, 2011.

12: YOUTH (240CC 2-STROKE/350CC 4-STROKE/90 MOD):

This is an age and cc limit class, not a skill level class and is for plaques or trophies. It is open to riders 12 to 16. Air-cooled 2-strokes 240.01cc or less, air-cooled 4-strokes 300.01cc or less, 2-stroke water-cooled engines 105.01cc or less and 4-stroke water cooled engines 150.01 cc or less. (This includes 90mods). Big bores are allowed in this class as long as the maximum cc limits are not exceeded. Age effective date is October 1, 2011.

13: SUPER-MINI:

This is an age and cc limit class not a skill level class and is for plaques or trophies. It is limited to ages 9-14 years old. This class is limited to 104cc two stroke and 125cc four stroke. You are allowed to modify your engine & suspension. Manual clutches will be allowed as long as the maximum cc limits are not exceeded. ATV engines only, water cooled engines are allowed, engine must match production frame. Cobra 70cc or any equivalent quads will be allowed to race in this class. This class is set up for the older mini racers age group to be able to compete on competitive quads locally before moving on to the faster quads such as the youth class
quads. Everyone will be asked to step 3 feet behind the rider so not to interfere with the race. Age effective date is October 1, 2011.

14: SR. MINI:

This is an age and cc limit class not a skill level class and is for plaques or trophies. It is limited to ages 8-12 years old. This class is limited to 90cc two stroke and 114cc four stroke.  You are allowed to modify your engine, suspension and clutches as long as the maximum cc limits are not exceeded. ATV engines only, water cooled engines are allowed, NO manual clutches allowed, engine must match production frame.  NO AFTERMARKET CYLINDERHEADS, CYLINDER OR CRANKS UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED BY REFEREE.  Carburetor cannot exceed 33mm. Cobra 70cc or any equivalent quads will not be allowed to race in this class however
the 50cc Cobra and LEM will be allowed to race in this class but cannot exceed 50cc and single speed transmission only. This class is set up for the older mini racers age group to be able to compete on competitive quads locally before moving on to the faster quads such as the Super Mini quads. Everyone will be asked to
step 3 feet behind the rider so not to interfere with the race. Age effective date is October 1, 2011.

15: JR. MINI STOCK:

This is an age and cc limit class not a skill level class and is for plaques or trophies. It is limited to ages 6-11 years old. This class is limited to 50cc two stroke and 107cc four stroke. You are allowed to modify your engine, suspension and clutches as long as the maximum cc limits are not exceeded. ATV engines only, water cooled engines are allowed, NO manual clutches, engine must match production frame. The use of aftermarket cylinder heads and crankshafts is prohibited.  Carburetor cannot exceed 28mm. Cobra 70cc or any equivalent quads will not be allowed to race in this class however the 50cc Cobra and LEM will be allowed to race in this class but cannot exceed 50cc. This class is set up for the younger age group to be able to compete on competitive quads locally before moving into the older age group such as the Sr. Mini class. Everyone will be asked to step 3 feet behind the rider so not to interfere with the race. Age effective date is October 1, 2011.

16: SR. PEE WEE STOCK:

This is an age and cc limit class not a skill level class and is for plaques or trophies.  It is open to rider’s ages 5-8 years old.  Riders racing in this class are not eligible to race in the Jr. Pee-Wee Class.  Engines are limited to 50.01cc 2-stroke and 90cc 4-stroke. A onetime standard over bore is allowed as long as the cc limits is not exceeded (Standard overbore: 10 to 20 thousandths over the stock bore).  The use of aftermarket cylinder heads and crankshaft is prohibited.  Check with referee for internal modifications that will be allowed.  Water cooled engines are allowed and ATV engines only, no manual clutches allowed. Engines much match production frame.  Jetting, gearing, tires, wheels, sprockets, shocks, a-arms, swing-arms, nerf bars, handlebars, steering stem, and axle may be changed/modified but no other
mods are allowed.  The only exception is that you are allowed to add a safety kill switch to the ignition and running boards will be accepted as nerf bars for this class. No race gas of any kind allowed in this class. Parents must be on hand at all times during specified moto to ensure rider is secure from start to finish. Parents cannot help rider when at the gate by pushing or touching the rider when the gate is being dropped. Everyone will be asked to step 3 feet behind the rider so not to
interfere with the race. Age effective date is October 1, 2011.  NOTE: The 50cc Cobra or other equivalent quads are not allowed in this class.

17: JR. PEE WEE:

This is an age and cc limit class not a skill level class, this class is designed for the new or inexperienced rider, racing for trophies or plaques.  It is open to rider’s ages 3-5 years old. Riders racing in this class are not eligible to race in the Sr. Pee-Wee Class in the same season. Engines are limited to50.01cc 2-stroke and 70cc 4-stroke.A one time standard over bore is allowed as long as the cc limits is not exceeded (Standard overbore: 10 to 20 thousandths over the stock bore).   Aftermarket cylinder heads and cylinders are prohibited.   No internal engine modifications allowed.  Water cooled engines are allowed and ATV engines only, no manual clutches allowed.  Engines much match production frame. Jetting, gearing, tires, wheels, sprockets, shocks, a-arms, swing-arms, nerf bars, handlebars, steering stem, and axle may be changed/modified but no other mods are allowed. This means no engine or clutch alterations of any kind, if it came from the factory with it, it has to stay on and if it didn’t come from the factory with it, it can’t be added. Running boards will be accepted as nerf bars in this class. No race gas of any kind allowed in this class. You are allowed to add a safety kill switch to the ignition. Parents must be on hand at all times during specified moto to ensure rider is secure from start to finish. Parents cannot help rider when at the gate by pushing or touching the rider when the gate is being dropped.  Everyone will be asked to step 3 feet behind the rider so to interfere with the race. Age effective date is October. 1, 2011. NOTE: The 50cc Cobra or any other equivalent quads are not allowed in this class. The race official/promoter has the right to make decisions regarding the “beginner” status on a case by case basis.

NOTE: Parents of MINI Riders……after your riders has been given the thumbs up from the gateman you are not allowed to touch your rider or the bike…….in other words you are not allowed to pull the quad back if it has moved forward. If this occurs the rider will be disqualified!!!!!!!!!!

18: RACE FEES

All race fees for the 2011 Southern Lights Challenge will be:   $35 for first class and $25 for additional classes.

19: CHALLENGE:

There will be a total of 4 races in the 2011 SORP Southern Lights Challenge. All races included in the challenge will be one day events.  If the event should be called due to weather or other circumstances beyond Southern Offroad Racing Promotions control, then only one attempt will be made to reschedule the race.  If this attempt fails for whatever reason, the race will not be re-scheduled.   Riders can register for as many classes as they would like as long as age and bike qualifications fall within the required rules and regulations of all classes you are participating in.

20: TROPHIES/PLAQUES:

Top three finishers will trophy/plaque in Pro (if no pay out is available), Open A, Open B, Open C, 16-24, 25 – 34, 35 and over , Women’s and Youth. Top five
finishers will trophy/plaque, Super Mini, Sr. Mini, Jr. Mini, Sr. Pee Wee, and Jr. Pee Wee.  Participation awards will be given to 6^th place on down in the Super Mini, Senior Mini, Junior Mini, Senior Pee Wee, and Junior Pee Wee Classes.

21: SCORING:

Racers receive Overall Points based on their finish position in BOTH motos, (except when heat races are run). After racing both motos, both finish positions are
added together. The racer with the lowest score receives 1st place, the racer with the second lowest score receive 2nd place, etc. Example: Racer A received
a 1st (Moto 1) and a 2nd (Moto 2). Racer B received a 2nd (Moto 1) and a 3rd (Moto 2). Racer A would receive a 1st place Overall (1st + 2nd = 3) while Racer
B would receive 2nd Overall (2nd + 3rd = 5).  The second Moto ALWAYS counts more than the first. This is necessary because in many cases there are “ties” after both motos are complete. Racers must finish at least one Moto in order to score an Overall finish position. Those who DNF (or DNS) both motos will receive (0) points overall for that race.  You must complete one full lap under your own power and cross the checkered flag in order to be scored for that moto.
22: HEAT RACES:

Heat races will be run in any class that has more racers than the starting gate will hold. These heat races will qualify racers for the main event. Example: (20)
racers enter a class. The starting gate wills generally hold only (12) racers.  These (20) racers will be divided up into two heat races with (10) racers in each heat. The top (5) racers will automatically advance to the main event. The other (5) racers from each heat will run a Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ) to determine the last (2) racers who will advance to the Main Event. The racers who do not qualify at the LCQ are finished at this point and will receive points as 13th place on…as determined by their LCQ finish. In this heat race format, only the Main Event will determine overall winners. Those advancing to the Main Event from the LCQ need to understand how they will be scored on their LCQ. The racer scoring 1st place in an LCQ will be assigned a final position for that Moto which is one place behind the number of racers who advanced directly to the Main Event. Example: (20) racers enter a class. The gate will hold on (12). Therefore, there will be two heats with (10) racers in each heat.   The top (5) from each heat will advance directly to the Main Event. The rest will run in an LCQ. The top (2) from this LCQ will advance to the Main. These
(2) from the LCQ will receive an 11th and 12th place finish for their first Moto for determining gate choice only.

23: RACE STAFF/PROMOTER/OFFICIAL AUTHORITY:

The Race Promoter, Race Official, Starter of the race, Scorekeepers, or SORP staff, all have the authority to disqualify or penalize any racer acting inappropriately on or off the race track. Under no circumstances will any verbal, reckless or drug/alcohol induced abusive behavior be tolerated. All riders, their family and friends must stay clear of the race course and the infield of the race course at all SORP events. Failure to abide by all SORP event rules will result in disqualification and/or removal from the event without refund.

24: RACE EQUIPMENT:

Number plates are REQUIRED on both front bumper and rear grab bar of each quad. White plates with black numbers are recommended. We also recommend the use of numbers on both rear fenders. Remember, if your number cannot be read, you will not be scored. Helmets and boots are required of all racers. A tether type kill switch is required to be installed on each quad being used for either practice or racing. Nerf bars or floorboards are also required. (We highly recommend nerf bars for Pee wees if possible) Chest protectors, racing pants, gloves, neck protection and goggles are highly recommended.

25: LAPPED RIDERS:

In the event that you are being lapped, you must allow the faster rider to pass you. Failure to do so may result in disqualification or loss of position.

26: TRACK BOUNDARIES:

Riders must stay on marked course. If a rider loses control and goes out of bounds or is knocked off the track in a tangle with another rider, he/she must re-enter the track at the same place (or as close as physically possible to it.) Failure to do so could result in a docked lap or docked positions. If it is determined that the rider
INTENTIONALLY cuts a section of the track, either to avoid a track obstacle (i.e. jump/whoops) or to gain positions, the rider may be docked positions, docked laps or disqualified. The race official will review each case and assess the fairest penalty for that case. The event must be witnessed by a Track official, SORP staff or track staff for penalties to be assessed. No penalty will be assessed based off spectator information only. All riders their family and friends must stay clear of the race course and the infield of the race course at all SORP events. Failure to abide by all SORP event rules will result in disqualification and/or removal from the event without refund.

27: BREAKDOWNS – DNF:

Riders must finish the Moto on the same quad they started on. The use of 2 or more quads in one heat or moto is not permitted. However, a second quad may be used
for additional heat races or motos if needed. The point of this rule is that the same quad that lines up at the gate is the same quad that must cross the finish line. NOTE: Rider must complete ONE FULL LAP (under their own power) or they will receive a DNF for this Moto.

28: FLAGS:

Each rider must memorize the color and function of each flag. A green flag signals that the race is in progress. The yellow flag signals that the racer should take caution and not attempt to gain a position or jump any jumps. This is usually used in a particular section of the track when an accident has occurred; the red flag will be used to stop the race. If the red flag comes out and the leader has not yet completed one half of the total laps, the race will be restarted, all riders shall return to the starting gate. If the leader has completed at least one-half the required laps and a red flag comes out, the race is over and will be scored as is. The black flag is waved at an individual rider to signal him to pull off the track. The white flag is a courtesy flag that signals the rider to “take another lap”. The checkered flag means that the race is over ALWAYS RACE TO THE CHECKERED FLAG!

29: PROTEST:

It is not up to the race promoter/official to check out all “possible” illegal quad modifications. If an official can visually see an illegal situation,
that official will do their best to get the situation rectified. It will be up to that official how to proceed.

A. Scoring Inquiry/Protest:  Any scoring inquiry must be received within 15 minutes of the completion of the Moto in question. All scores are final after
the results have been posted for a 15-minute period unless there is a “keypunch error” by computer personnel.

B. Age Protest:  A protest over a rider’s age must be received in writing along with a $50 cash deposit before SORP will perform any research.   The “15 minute” rule also applies in this situation. If found to not be in the legal age range of a class, the rider will be disqualified and lose all accumulated points for the race.  The
money from the protest will go to SORP for administration costs regardless of outcome.

C. Mechanical Protest: All protests concerning mechanical rules must be received in writing within 15 minutes of the completion of the moto in which the protested machine competed. A “Mechanical Protest Form” must be completed and a $150 non-refundable cash deposit is required for each discrepancy listed. SORP officials will not pursue verbal protests. Once the protest has been filed, the SORP official will appoint a SORP mechanic to watch the teardown of the engine by the owner/mechanic and will measure/inspect the cause of protest. If the second Moto for that class has not been raced, the machine will be parked in a designated area. The machine may leave the designated area only to compete in the second Moto (failure to bring the machine directly back to the designated area will result
in automatic disqualification.) After the second Moto has been completed, the SORP mechanic will watch the teardown by the owner/mechanic and will
measure/inspect the cause of protest. Only the Rider and/or guardian, the Protestor, and SORP officials will be allowed during the teardown. Once the tear down is complete it is the owner’s responsibility to put the bike back together.  If an engine discrepancy is found, then the rider will be disqualified from the event. The Protestor will be refunded $100 of their cash deposit with the remaining $50 being split between the SORP and the SORP appointed mechanic. It is the rider’s responsibility to appoint and pay a mechanic to do the tear down on his or her quad. If NO engine discrepancy is found, then the rider will be awarded $100 of the deposit and the remaining $50 will be split between the SORP and the SORP appointed mechanic. It is the rider’s responsibility to appoint and pay a mechanic to do the tear down on his or her quad. Any Protests/complaints received from individuals who have been consuming alcohol or are abusive to Track/SORP officials and staff will be IGNORED.

30: LAPS:

The
Race Promoter will determine how many laps are to be run by each class at each particular event.

31: STARTING GATE:

Any grooming or prepping in front of the starting gate is not allowed.  If caught grooming or prepping the track in front of the starting gate while staging at gate, the rider will be disqualified.   The only people allowed in front of the starting gate will be the track or SORP personnel. All non-riders (excluding starting gate staff) must
back away from the starting gate once the riders are being “checked” by the gatekeeper. No pushing or other assistance will be allowed. A rider may not have assistance at the starting gate by any persons, including parents, mechanics, guardians, etc. When two classes are being double gated together the gateman may not give a courtesy check for the second class. Be ready for the gate to drop when the second class pulls to the gate. No one is allowed to remove a rider from the line without permission except a SORP race official or a parent or guardian of the rider. Anyone caught doing this will cause there rider to be disqualified.

“Two minute rule”:
If a rider fails to report to starting line during staging, a representative must be present to hold their starting position for the race. If a rider fails to report to the staging area by the time the gateman starts staging, the rider loses his/her gate pick and will line up last. The starting of the race will not be held up for longer
than two minutes. The two minute warning starts when the gate man calls to fire up your quad. When classes are being double gated the two minute rule starts
for both classes when the first class on the gate is told to fire up there quads. Once the gate is dropped on the first class you will not be able to call a two minute hold.

32: MINORS:

A Legal Guardian must be present at all times during specified moto, to ensure rider is secure from start to finish. If legal guardian of minor is not present, minor will not be allowed to race and will be disqualified.

33: AGE VERIFICATION: Age verification may be required. Please bring a copy of original birth certificate and/or driver’s license to each event. Failure to provide adequate proof of age could result in disqualification.

34: TECHNICAL INSPECTION:

All quads MUST BE inspected BEFORE going to the gate! This rule will be strictly enforced! It is not the race promoter/officials duty to make sure you have your quad inspected! It is your duty to make sure your quad is inspected! Tech inspections will generally be held at the practice before the race and during sign ups on race day. If you show up to the race gate without proper tech inspection approval stickers you will not be allowed to race and YOU WILL BE DISQUALIFIED from that moto!
35: MINIMUM FIVE (5):

All classes must have at least 5 entries for that class to be gated by itself. Anything less than 5 entries will be gated with a competitive class and the gate may be dropped separately.  The classes will be scored separately. Pro Am must have 3 entries in order to pay out. If less than 3 riders in this class, riders will be racing for trophies or plaques only.

36: NEW QUADS:

New quads are being manufactured all the time. Any new quad coming into the market must first be evaluated by the race promoter/official in order to be considered
“legal” in a class.

37: FAMILY ORIENTED:

SORP is a Family oriented organization and will promote a family atmosphere at all times.

38: MEDIA RELEASE:

Photos and video will and can be taken at any SORP event. By signing the registration form a rider does hereby release his/her image for use in advertising,  promotional videos, brochures, and event fliers.

39:  INSURANCE:
The SORP Organization does not provide liability or ANY insurance coverage of any kind.  Before racing, please be sure that you properly insured and/or covered.

40:  MARKETING:
Marketing of any product, booths, or concessions must be approved by the SORP track promoter and participating race course.

41: PIT RIDING:

We will not allow pit riding during all SORP events.  No one under the age of 16 will be allowed to ride anything in the pits.  After practice and your race, your quad will need to be parked. Parents, it is your responsibility to make sure your kids abide by this rule; it is for the safety of everyone.