TONERS LAKE KARTING CENTER
2011 Race Operations & Procedures
Foreword
Toners Lake Karting Center (TLK) operations are conducted in accordance with the current International Kart Federation (IKF) Competition and Regulations Technical Manual. Regardless of membership status, each driver is required to know and follow the IKF manual. The purpose of the document is to provide an overview of the TLK rules from sign up through awards. It is also intended that this document fill in gaps regarding TLK practice not covered in the manual. It is hoped that this document will help members to understand some of the basic rules and procedures at Toners Lake Karting Center. In the event of a conflict between this document and the IKF manual, the IKF manual shall take precedence except where specifically noted as a "local option."
1. Registration
All drivers, crew members & spectators must sign (legal name) a waiver of liability form at the registration booth. All minors (under age 18) must have a parent of legal guardian sign the liability waiver. A wristband can be obtained for $5.00, per person. The wristband must be worn and visible on the persons wrist at all times during the race event. Kart entry fee is $5.00 per kart class entered.
Only 2011 board members, E.M.T.'s and track officials are allowed on the race track surface at anytime. In some circumstances the pit steward or flagman may approve your access to the track. However, this is at their discretion. If you enter the racing arena (inside the fenced track area) without the approval to do so, you the driver or your driver will tag the field for the first two heats for that day. If this continues, the driver will then receive 5 point penalties deducted from the main event for each occurrence.
After signing the liability waiver, each class will have an entry sheet available at registration. Each entrant will be asked to provide their name, kart number and select the division of their class and city of residence. The lineup will be at the discretion of the flagman.
Registration opens at 11:00 am and closes at 12:30 pm. At the discretion of the Registrar and/or Race Director, late entrants will have to tag the field in both heat races. If the 1st heat is missed the driver will start the feature in the rear.
2. Pre-Safety Inspection
All karts must pass a pre-race technical inspection by the Technical Director or his/her assistants. The purpose of the pre-race inspections is to check the safety of the kart and the driver's protective equipments. At a minimum, the kart will be inspected to verify proper operation of steering and brakes. Front axles will be checked for safety pins and rear axles will be checked for snap rings. All linkages and fasteners for the steering and brakes, and ballast weights will be inspected to verify that they are tight and safety wired, cotter pinned or use some type of locking device. All ballast weights will be painted white, marked with the kart number, and require the use of a 5/16" bolt for mounting. No mounting on kart body, only chassis and/or seat. In addition, all karts may be checked for maximum length, height and width. All drivers are required to wear helmets Snell 2000 certified. Classes Jr. 2 and below are required to have full face shields (upper classes have the option of full face shields or goggles). All racing classes must wear neck collars, gloves, jackets, long pants, and/or driving suits (all must be of heavy weight material), and high top shoes or boots. Long hair must be tucked in. No hooded sweatshirts are allowed or jackets with strings in them. Chest protectors are required for all racers in Junior 1 class and younger. Chest protectors are recommended for all other classes.
The Technical Director's judgement as to the safety of the kart and its driver's protective equipment is final and cannot be protested. When an entrant has passed all requirements, an inspection sticker will be applied to the kart. No kart will be allowed onto the racetrack without proper display of the inspection sticker. Pre-race technical inspections will close at 12:30 pm.
(Local Option)
All pits must have a fire extinguisher.
NOTE: THE PRE-RACE INSPECTIONS CANNOT GUARANTEE SAFETY. TLK ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE SAFETY OF AN ENTRANTS KART. EACH ENTRANT IS FULLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COMPLETE AND COMPREHENSIVE SAFETY OF THEIR KART AND DRIVERS PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT. TLK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY MECHANICAL FAILURE OR LOSS, INJURY OR DEATH RESULTING FROM IT.
3. Wristband (pit pass) Check
Everyone in the pit area will need to pay a $5.00 pit fee and then be given a wristband. The wristband wearer (pit pass) will be allowed to exit and re-enter the pit area. All persons entering the pit area are required to wear and clearly display the wristband (pit pass on their WRIST).
4. Drivers Meeting
The flagman or Race Director will conduct a Drivers Meeting in the pits to provide instructions regarding the conduct of the race and to review race rules and procedures. Other announcements or discussion of general club interest may also take place at this time. All drivers must attend. If a driver fails to attend the meeting, he/she will tag both heat races. The drivers' meeting will conclude with the playing of the National Anthem.
5. Heat Races/Scoring
Heat races will begin as soon as the track is ready and the staring lineups are posted. The heat races consist of two 10 lap heat races or at the discretion of the flagman. The starting lineup for the first heat race is determined by chip draw at registration/sign in. The 2nd heat race is the inverted position of the first heat race. If there are more than 10 entries, the race director may split the class into two groups.
The heat races are primarily qualification races and the scoring from the two heat races is used to determine the lineup for the main event or feature race. Substitute drivers are not allowed.
6. Intermission
The scorekeeper will tabulate the results of the heat races to determine the starting lineup for the main event/feature during the intermission period. The lineup for the main event/feature will be determined by the tabulation of the two heat races.
An announcement will be made when the starting lineups for the main event/feature are posted. Each entrant should review the lineup to be sure no errors or omissions have been made. Any suspected errors should be discussed with the race director as soon as possible and before the start of the main event/feature.
7. Main Event/Feature
The main event is 15 laps for all junior classes and 20 laps for adult classes or at the discretion of the flagman(local option). A driver's finish position in the main event is their final position for the race. TLK season points will be awarded to the driver (not Karts) for finishing positions. If a driver does not finish the main event, the driver will receive last place points if he/she received a green flag in that class anytime during the race day. Points will be awarded in the order of driver drop out. However, the kart must pass post tech. A driver will receive zero points if disqualified of misconduct, see item 12 (local option or for a technical item, under weight, illegal engine, etc. 10 points are allotted).
If the race event is ended early due to rain or other cause, the feature will be run first at the next race event.
8. Race Results/Season Points
The final race results will be posted on the board after all karts have cleared post tech. They will also be posted on the TLK website. TLK season points are awarded as follows: 1st place (20), 2nd place (18), 3rd place (17), 4th place (16), 5th place (15), 6th place (14), 7th place (13), 8th place (12), 9th place (11), 10th place (10). Tenth place and below will receive 10 points. Any kart that completes 1 lap receives 10 points to show. Each driver will be allowed to delete their lowest point total for 1 race event this season. Point totals will be based on number of completed races minus the lowest points lowest day for that driver. If all 10 points races are completed this season, the maximum point total would be 180 points (1 race day event, lowest point total is removed). There will be no season points for the Rookie Class.
9. Starting Procedure
Each racer is responsible for knowing the order of races for each event and their starting positions in each race. This information is posted on the pit board near the staging area. Karts should be moved to the staging area well before the race is to start. Once the staging area is clear, the karts should be moved to the staging area in the same positions as the starting positions for the race. Only one crewmember per kart is allowed in the staging area. No kart stands are allowed in the staging area. Engines are generally started when the group on the track enters the last lap of their race. Once that race has completed and has left the track the flagman or the race director will signal when it's time to enter the track. Karts that have not started or are having other difficulties have 90 seconds to enter the track.
(Local Option)
*A single chip draw will determine the 1st heat lineup.
*The 2nd heat position is inverse of the 1st heat.
*Feature/Main Event is determined by heat finishes.
*In the event of a tie, original chip draw determines Feature/Main Event position.
*If you are not lined up at the time the karts leave the gate you will automatically be sent to the rear.
*One restart of a stalled kart will be allowed up to the completion of the first lap scored.
*No mechanical work allowed on the track unless authorized by the race director.
*If you are not in the listed heat you cannot run in the next heat.
All drivers must form and remain in their proper positions as they approach the flag stand. The flagman my signal at this point to expect a start at the end of the lap. When the yellow flag is waved, expect the green flag as you come around. The pole position kart is responsible for maintaining a pace that will allow a safe and fair start. The outside pole kart is responsible for matching that speed. Failure of any kart to maintain a proper pace lap speed may result in the driver tagging the field. The speed maintained by the pole kart must remain steady. The flagman determines when the race starts. The race starts the moment the green flag is waived. There will be no passing until the green flag is waved. The flagman/race director may order a restart of the race if not satisfied that the race started in a fair and orderly manner. The karts responsible for the restart may be put to the back of the field. This is the decision of the flagman/race director.
If the yellow flag comes out before the completion of the first scored lap, there will be a complete restart of the race. There will be two attempts at a double file start. After that, the race director will line the karts up double file with protected leader starting positions. Karts forced off the racing surface or spun due to close racing conditions may be cause for a yellow flag. However, a spin and other mishaps may or may not bring out the yellow flag. This is the decision of the flagman/race director.
If you are uncomfortable with your starting position at any time, you may specifically request to be placed at the back of the field. Let the race director know of this request as soon as possible so that the starting lineup may be rearranged.
10. Flags
Green Flag - start racing. The track is clear. You may pass other karts.
Yellow Flag - The caution flag will come out if there is a hazardous condition on the track. When you see the flag, raise your hand to signal to the other drivers that you will be slowing. Then begin to slow to a safe and prudent speed and hold your position. We do not race back to the flag stand for the yellow flag. The positions of the karts will be that of the last completed green flag lap. Passing is not allowed under the yellow flag. The race leader will set the pace of the field at a safe and reasonable speed. All other drivers will line up single file behind the race leader. The flagman will reorder the lineup if it not in accordance with the scorekeepers instructions. The flag man may stop the karts to correct the lineup if necessary. Once the lineup is correct, the flagman will usually signal one lap to go before the green flag will be waved. If the caution flag comes out during the first lap of the race, there will be a complete restart of the race.
Drivers who are judged to have been responsible for a yellow flag will be put to the back of the field. If no fault can be determined, no penalty will be assessed. Drivers who are judged to have spun off to avoid an accident will regain their position in the race.
If you spin out, it is important for you to regain the track as soon as safely possible. Always make sure that you move onto the track without causing a crash. Just because a kart has spun out does not necessarily mean that a caution flag will be waved. A driver who intentionally brings out the yellow flag is subject to disqualification.
Any driver whose kart stalls or stops on the track shall hold both hands vertically above their head until all other karts clear the stalled kart and the yellow flag is waved.
Red Flag - The red flag means that there is an extreme hazard on the track. When you see a red flag, raise your hand to let other drivers know that you will be slowing. Slow down immediately, come to a safe and controlled stop as soon as possible, and wait for directions from the track turn crew. There will be no working on karts during the red flag period.
Black Flag - (closed/furled) when pointed at a driver and then shaken, means an official warning about behavior on the track. It is only a warning.
Black Flag - (open and waved) indicates that the driver must report to the race director at the end of the hot pit entrance to the track. Drivers can expect to see this flag directed at them if they have been engaging in rough driving, dangerous driving, or unsportsmanlike conduct. The flag may also be directed at drivers whose karts have a mechanical problem or hazard.
Green and White Flag - Closed and crossed means the halfway point of the race.
White Flag - Indicates there is one lap left in the race.
Checkered Flag - Indicates that the race is over. Slow down and exit the track near the tech area. There is one cool down lap required after the checkered flag. Begin slowing no later than the top back straight leaving turn two. Exit the track after the cool down lap and immediately report to the scale area. No one other than the drivers with their karts is allowed in the tech/scale area.
11. Driving Procedures
The following set of driving rules is generally accepted in all types of oval racing and is in use at Toners Lake Karting Center. These rules are enforced to ensure safe and fair racing.
When leaving the track after a cool down lap, raise your hand to let the other drivers know that you will be exiting. The 1st place kart may take the checkered flag around for a victory lap after the Main Event is finished.
Passing - Both drivers have responsibilities in a passing situation. The driver attempting the pass has the primary responsibility to see that the pass is performed in a safe and controlled manner. The overtaken kart may not have more than incidental contact with the kart that is passing them or cause the driver to change their line.
The driver being passed has the right to maintain their line. However, when the driver has their front wheels even with the seat of the kart they are trying to pass (1/2 kart length), they are considered to be alongside the driver being passed and may not change their line in an attempt to block or maneuver in a way that can cause a spin or an accident.
Blocking - You may actively defend your position on the racetrack, but only in a safe and sportsmanlike manner. Weaving and other dangerous tactics is forbidden. You may zig, but you cannot zag in an attempt to keep another kart from coming alongside. Once another kart is alongside (1/2 kart length), changing your line to prevent the driver from completing the pass is not permitted. All drivers must leave racing room on the track while being passed. Drivers not leaving racing room will be warned or penalized.
Contact - Some incidental contact will occur during close racing. This is normal. Excessive contact, or contact where there is a sharp speed differential is not permitted. Bumping, nudging, blocking, pushing, etc is not permitted.
Driver Skill and Control - All drivers must demonstrate adequate skill and control of their karts. Any kart spinning by itself 3 times in a race is subject to disqualification from the race. Causing 2 caution or yellow flags in a race is subject to disqualification from the race. Any kart that is significantly off the pace being set by other karts in the race or driving in an erratic manner is also subject to disqualification.
These rules do not cover all situations and any driver conduct judged to be dangerous or unsportsmanlike by the race director or flagman shall be penalized. The race director or flagman may impose any of the following penalties:
Verbal warning
Dock one or more positions
Dock one lap
Disqualification from the heat
Disqualification from the main event/feature
In addition, the TLK Board of Directors may impose other penalties such as suspension or expulsion from the track.
12. Personal Conduct
Drivers are responsible for their own conduct and the conduct of their crews at all times. Any offense committed by a crew member will be chargeable directly to the driver. The first offense could result in written warning. The second offense could result in suspensions from the event. The third offense could result in expulsion for the season. If a situation arises, all racing will come to a stop while the Board of Directors resolve the situation. In rare cases, the Board has the right to skip the written warning and give an immediate suspension.
All participants will conduct themselves in a courteous manner at all times. Profanity, ridicule, threats of abuse directed or instigated toward race officials, Board Members, competitors, fans, family members, or other participants will not be tolerated. No driver or crew member may approach another kart, driver, official or crew member and argue, fight or even discuss any manner in a disorderly fashion.
No use of unauthorized vehicles on track grounds during race events (i.e. atv, motorcycle, pit buggy).
No illegal drugs or narcotics are allowed at anytime at Toners Lake Karting Center. Alcohol is not permitted in the pit area during race time at Toners Lake Karting Center.
13. Grievances
Protest may result in penalties ranging from verbal warning to suspension. Written protests are an important tool for TLK to use in monitoring and improving the conduct of racing at TLK.
All protests involving on track misconduct shall be submitted by a legal entrant in the same class the protest has occurred. All protests shall be submitted in writing to the Grievance Director within 10 minutes of completion of the heat or main event. If you approach a race official with a negative attitude at anytime, you or the driver will be automatically penalized 5 points.
Protests involving off track misconduct at TLK may be submitted in writing to the President of TLK by any participant (crew, family member, spectator, etc)
If any unsportsmanlike conduct occurs at anytime at the TLK facility involving drivers, crew, family members, and/or fans while a race event is in progress the race will be red flagged. A resolution will be determined. All parties involved will be advised of the Board Members decisions. Racing then can resume.
14. Tech Rules
Each driver is required to know and follow the 2011 IKF competition regulations and technical manual. TLK has a copy of this manual on premises if there should be any questions. At the end of each race, all karts and drivers will proceed directly to the scale area. Drivers may not add any weight to themselves or their karts between the finish of the race and weigh in of driver and kart. Only the drivers for that event will be allowed in the impound area. The driver will follow the instructions given by the scale operator and/or tech director. Any driver leaving the impound area without weighing will be disqualified. Any crew member entering the impound area without the permission of the tech director may be grounds for disqualification of the driver.
Passing pre-race safety inspection is a condition for passing post race tech inspection. However, passing pre-race safety does not guarantee legality at post race tech. If a safety item is not present at post race tech, for any reason, the kart will be deemed illegal and will not pass post race tech.
Every driver is responsible for the proper maintenance of their protective equipment (helmet, gloves etc...) and other safety equipment. If any infractions are found at any time during the event race, the driver will be subject to disqualification.
All karts are subject to inspection for legality after heat and main event races. The number of karts inspected and the items of inspections will be determined by the technical director and/or his assistants. One representative per kart is allowed (required) in the impound area for the purpose of observation, as well as assisting in the tear down procedure under the direction of the tech official. The representative will be invited to witness any infractions discovered by the inspection. The inspection is intended by TLK to be a fair and open process.
Note that any driver who modifies their engine or fuel with the intent to defraud officials or other competitors by such modifications or actions (obvious intent to cheat) is subject to suspension and loss of points.
If a legal entrant feels that another entrant in the same class is using illegal equipment, the following procedure will be used. The protester must verbally contact an official and also be willing to let their kart be checked for the same problem as the protest.
(Local Option)
*Mandatory Brake Guard
*Mandatory Full Rear Bumper
*Mandatory Chain Guard (chain guard cannot be made from duct tape)
*Weights Cannot be Mounted on the Body
*No Grooved Tires
*No sqare cornered bumpers- must have rounded corners to lessen chance of injury in an accident.
15. Medical and Accident Procedures
An Emergency Medical Technician (EMT or First Responder) will be on the premises anytime karts are running on the track in race or practice sessions.
No one is allowed onto the track or at the scene of an accident unless specifically authorized by race officials. Stay away, keep calm, and let the EMT and race official handle the matter.
16. Weight/Age Classes
(In order to move to an advanced racing class early (i.e. rookie to Jr. 1), you must be within 1 year of the assigned class age and complete the required request form for submission to the board. However, If you are 14 years of age and in a Jr. 2 class wanting to move to adult classes, the driver can be within 2 years of the age class. The TLK Board will make the final decision for class advancement at the next scheduled board meeting once paperwork is submitted.
Putt-Putt Class
Flathead - Purple restrictor and .233 max lift. This class is for young brand new drivers. One you win twice in this class you will be moved up to the rookie class.
Rookie Class (5-7 y.o.)
Flathead - PURPLE restrictor and .233 max lift
Clone - SILVER restrictor, shoe clutch only, exhaust not to exceed 5/8" diameter
235 lb weight minimum for all rookies
Pump gas only for all rookies
Junior 1 (8-12 y.o.)
Flathead - BLUE or PURPLE restrictor, .233 max lift, 250 lb weight minimum
Clone - PURPLE restrictor, shoe clutch only, pump gas only, exhaust not to exceed 5/8" diameter, 250 lb weight minimum
Animal OHV - 3 hole BLACK restrictor, .255 max lift, 270 lb weight minimum
Junior 2 (12-15 y.o.)
Flathead - RED restrictor, max lift .233, 300 lb weight minimum
Clone - BLUE restrictor, shoe clutch only, pump gas only, exhaust not to exceed 5/8" diameter, 300 lb weight minimum
Animal OHV - 3 hole GOLD restrictor, .255 max lift, 330 lb weight minimum
Stock Appearing Briggs (16 and older)
Motors must be Briggs and Stratton with Stock carburetors.
Motors may not exceed 206 c.c.
No roller rockers allowed
No stroked motors
Motors can be run on gas or alcohol, no additives
If enough flatheads are present we will run a separate flathead class, otherwise all will run together.
Flathead weight- 350# All others 370#
GENERAL CLONE RULES
- Any color clone not to exceed 196 cc (not Honda's)
- 26.5 cc minimum at top dead center
- Stock flywheel key
- Stock flywheel
- 10.8 # max valve springs
-87-92 Octane Pump gasoline only
Clone Lean
Shoe clutch only, pump gas only, exhaust must be 1" in diameter or smaller and no longer than 22", 340 lb weight minimum
Clone Buff
Shoe clutch only, pump gas only, exhaust must be 1" in diameter or smaller and no longer than 22", 390 lb weight minimum
RWYB
Open Class 2 Stroke
To be Determined
Open Class Clone
Mandatory billet flywheel, any type clutch, 87-92 Octane Pump fuel only,, 370 lb weight minimum
Open Cage Class
-No weight limit
-No limits on motor except it has to be under 250cc
-Top wing-optional
-5 point seatbelt is required
-Full roll cage is required
-Grooved tires are optional for this class only
Note: ALL CLONE MOTORS - Recommend use of a floor mount tank for safety purposes. If a floor mount tank is used, a pulse type fuel pump is allowed and may be pulsed only from the crank case or the valve cover. Not all clone motors out of the box will be legal!! It is the racers responsibility to make sure that it checks out to be legal.
17. Claim Rules for Clone Lean & Clone Buff Motors Only
Any driver can claim a top 3 finish. However, they must finish the feature/main event and pass inspection. Claimer must notify track personnel of intent at end of feature race. Claimer must pay $130.00 CASH to owner of claimed motor. Claimed motor can have all add-ond removed prior to forfeiture.( clutch, clutch guard, top plate etc.)
18. TLK Season Points
TLK conducts a season points program. The points program will coincide with the competition year beginning 01/01/11 and ending 12/31/11. Points will be kept for each racing class (except rookies TBD). TLK members will receive points for each race in accordance with policy adopted by Toners Lake Karting Center. Awards will be presented at the discretion of the TLK Board of Directors, in each racing class based on the total points received within that class. There is a total maximum point value of 180 points per class, per driver for 2011. The lowest race event point total will be removed from each participant as a throw out race.
Note: A class must contain a minimum of 3 karts throughout the season to be eligible for year end awards.
Updated 05/11