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1. RACE OFFICIALS
A. There will be an appointed Race Director positioned in the best place possible to monitor racecourse. This person along with the race officials will be watching for any infractions or violations and making any calls during racing. The Race Director has the right to disqualify the driver or sled for any reason. The Race Director shall decide the final interpretation of all rules. The Race Director has the right to disqualify any sinkers. Disciplinary action may be taken against drivers for unsportsmanlike conduct by themselves or their crew during a race or the awards ceremony, which may dismay the EWA, it's image, or the promoters interests. A fine of $100 and/or the expulsion from 1 race may be imposed. The Race officials shall report any and all incidence to the Race Director. The Race Director shall inform the driver and or crew in question of the violation and the disciplinary action imposed. The driver has the right to appeal to the President concerning these actions. The President has the exclusive right to discuss concerns with the Race Director. The confronting of the Race Director by Drivers or Crew Members or persons acting on behalf of a team during the course of events shall result in the automatic disqualification for the day. All points and purse earned by the driver shall be forfeited for the day.
B. If upon inspection a driver is found to be in violation of a EWA rule specification in their class, the driver will be disqualified for the event, forfeit any prize money due, and forfeit series points, by the decision of The Race Director. Driver will not be allowed to race in a EWA sanctioned event, if a fine is imposed, until such fine is paid.
C. Owner of sled is responsible for their driver’s actions in the pit area and on the race course. Acts of improper driving may result in disqualification.
D. Drivers that drive recklessly, as determined by the Race Director, and endanger spectators, another driver, or any race official will receive last place for that heat or 0 (ZERO) points if it is a heat race. The driver may be disqualified for the weekend.
E. It will be the intent to have Tech at every race possible. Any tech may take place on any sled at any time during the weekend.
F. It is not the responsibility of the EWA to retrieve a downed sled that the buoy did not release from. If opportunity and resources permits retrieval during racing it will be attempted.
2. SIGN UP
A. Drivers can enter one or two drag classes.
B. Drivers are categorized as Pro or Semi-Pro in the oval classes. Driver can enter up to two oval classes.
C. Snowmobiles can be entered only ONCE per drag class and ONCE per oval class.
D. Pro Class top ten (10) finishers or drivers, which qualified for a final during the season, cannot drop into the Semi Pro class the following season.
E. Number 1 is reserved for the combined Pro Oval points champion from the previous year, all drivers will retain their numbers until the pre-registration deadline, unless they request a change and the number is available.
3. REGISTRATION
A. Entry fee must be paid and the driver and pit crew must sign waivers before the snowmobile can be started.
B. Pre-Registration is required for All races. Pre-registration deadline is the Tuesday before the event. All drivers not pre-registered will be allowed to enter but must pay a $15.00 late fee. Driver and crew check in will be held on Friday evening from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at a designated place decided on by the EWA President and/or Secretary-Treasurer. Entries will not be accepted following the 9pm closure of registration. Deletions may be allowed for Sunday pending approval of the EWA. All change requests will be considered on a case by case basis. ALL DRIVERS WILL HAVE THE AVAILABILITY TO PRE-REGISTER BY MAIL, E-MAIL, ON-LINE, OR PHONE. C. Entry Fees will be as follows:
NHSA weekend Program
Pro Oval $150.00
Semi Pro Oval $100.00
Pro Drag $75.00
Semipro Drag $50.00
Amteur per class $50.00
Beginner $30.00
* Checks will not be taken for entry unless received 1 week prior to the event. No Exceptions!
D. Pit passes:Passes are $20.00 each Parking is limited and Vehicles will need a $30 parking permit. No one under 12 years old is allowed in the pits, special exceptions may be allowed at the discretion of the President and accompanied by an adult.
E. Membership
All drivers, including Amateurs, must join the Eastern Watercross Association There is no fee
* Return of all Non-sufficient fund checks, will be charged a $75.00 fee.
4. SAFETY
A. Safety OfficialThere will be a Safety Person in the Pit Area, whose function will be to enforce the safety rules set by the EWA. Sleds traveling through the pit area will be driven in a slow and safe manner, either walking beside or riding while seated, at no more than clutch engagement speed. Failure to comply will RESULT in DISQUALIFICATION.
B. Required Protective Gear:
i. Full coverage helmets are mandatory. Helmets will be full protective coverage and carry the 2005, or newer, “Snell Foundation Approval Code.” Helmets are also mandatory in the Staging and Starting area (Any color). Helmets must be securely fastened at all times The helmet MUST be predominantly blaze or international orange in color. More than 50% of its entire outer surface, including the visor, must be orange. A template measuring 2 by 3 inches placed anywhere on the helmet must be contact orange color.
ii. Full body life vest of any bright color with 100MPH rating.
iii. Shoes, socks, long pants (no exposed skin below the waist) and race shirts, preferably long sleeve.
iv. Moto-cross style pants are required in Pro Oval and Drag classes.
v. Eye protection is required for everyone in the staging and starting line areas. It is recommended that those in the pit area wear eye protection at all times.
C. Warm up Safety Stands Stands that retain cleats and other items that are thrown by a track will be mandatory and securely placed at the rear of tunnel opening within twelve (12) inches of the track, and must be a minimum of two (2) inches wider than the tunnel whenever the rear of the machines is raised to clean out the track. The Safety stand will be constructed of materials sufficient to contain cleats or other items that might be thrown from the track. Shield must be no more than one (1) inch from the ground. Side shields are also mandatory.The sled should be on the stand when ever it is practical. The track must have a minimum of two (2) inches of ground clearance.
D. Additional Start Line Stops There will be six (6) backstops constructed of material sufficient to contain cleats or other items thrown from a track at the start up area.
E. Engine Dead man Switch
Functional Tether (dead man) Switch MUST BE used and securely attached to the operator WHENEVER the engine isrunning. Participants will be given only one (1) warning. The second occurrence shall result immediate removal of the Driver and Team. All Points and Awards will be forfeited.
F. Snow Flap A rear snow flap of sufficient materials to retain a cleat that is thrown from the track will be installed in a permanent manner, and shall be held down along the distance of the snow flap so as to contain all mud, rocks, water, etc. at all speeds. The snow flap must be retained in a secure manner. (No springs or bungies)
G. Safety Inspection
i. Snowmobiles must be inspected by Race Official or Tech Official before it is allowed to be used or raced.
ii. Snowmobile will be checked for properly operating tether switch, the brake, sharp edges, proper belt guard, proper ski tips, proper rope and buoy.
iii. Each snowmobile will be issued a sticker after passing inspection. Each snowmobile must have this sticker before it is permitted to race.
H. Fire Extinguisher Everyone must have a working fire extinguisher in their pit area in case of fire. One (1) reprimand will be given, after which a $25 fine per day will be implemented.
I. Flags for Oval Racing
i. GREEN FLAG - means race
ii. RED FLAG - stop the race and all drivers will slow down and come to the designated landing area.
iii. YELLOW FLAG - Caution on the race track.
iv. BLACK FLAG - Disqualifies a driver. Driver must return to landing area
Reasons for disqualification LOOSE EQUIPMENT2. Unsafe Acts by the driver.
v. BLUE FLAG with YELLOW DIAGONAL - signals riders that the leaders are about to lap them.
vi. WHITE FLAG - One (1) lap to go
vii.BLACK AND WHITE CHECKERED FLAG - signifies winner and end of race.
J. Staging and Starting
i. All racers will be in the designated staging warm up area and must have sleds ready to go for race. Once drivers are called to the starting line, drivers or pit crews may not lift the sled to clear the track or motor. Driver must be prepared and ready to race. IN ALL CLASSES, SNOWMOBILED MUST BE BROUGHT TO THE STARTING LINE UNDER THEIR OWN POWER. ALL DRIVERS NOT ON THE LINE WILL BE AWARDED LAST PLACE POINTS FOR THE HEAT.
ii. If a driver has a mechanical problem starting from when the driver is called to the line, the driver can request two (2) minutes from the Starting Official to correct the problem. If the driver is not on the line at the end of this time, the race will go on without that driver.
iii. The start will be a Flag Start. A false start or jump occurs when a sled or driver starts (moves) before the green flag is raised.iv. Jumping the official start will result in automatic eleven (11) or twenty two (22) points for that heat or race. Ruling on jump starts is the decision of the flagman.
v. In the DRAG CLASSES, hitting a buoy or out of lane will result in zero (0) points, unless determined by Race Officials that out of lane was forced by another driver.
vi. In the drag classes, the Race Director may determine unsafe operation in which a driver will get zero (0) points.
K. Practice NO PRACTICE ALLOWED on Friday, Saturday or Sunday at the site on race weekend unless the race officials state differently.
L. Loose EquipmentLoss of buoy or an loose equipment in oval classes may result in a disqualification if the flagman determines that it is causing an unsafe situation. This may include a downed rider or buoy interfering with another rider. If your buoy is loose keep a close eye on the flagman.
M. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
i. NO OPEN ALCOHOLIC beverages permitted in the pit area during race hours.
ii. ANYONE suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including DRIVERS, PIT CREWS or VISITORS, while in the pit area during racing hours will result in the DRIVERS DISQUALIFICATION.
N. PASSING A RED or BLACK FLAG
i. The RED flag indicates a safety situation on the course. All drivers must slow down and return to the landing area immediately. BLACK flags are driver specific.
ii. Any driver passing a RED or BLACK more than once will be disqualified for the class.
5. SNOWMOBILE REQUIREMENTS (These apply to all snowmobiles)
A. Fuel must comply with section 6 (Fuel Section)
B. SNOWMOBILE MUST HAVE THE FOLLOWING
i. A FUNCTIONAL TETHER SWITCH CONNECTED TO THE OPERATOR WHENEVER THE ENGINE IS RUNNING.
ii. A standard* snowmobile track.
iii. A standard* snowmobile hood and belly pan. Hood style must be no older than 2000 and from a sled 580cc or larger model.
iv. PRO class belly pan must be of a model year from 2003 or newerv. A standard* functional brake.
vi. One or Two (2) standard* snowmobile skis with loop protection. The skis must have rubber tips or one (1) inch wide and at least three (3) inch diameter ski loops. NO UNPROTECTED METAL SKI TIPS ALLOWED. vii. One (1) standard* round wear bar per ski or none at all.
viii. Centrifugal snowmobile clutches.
ix. A belt/clutch guard constructed of at least 3/32" aluminum extending over the center bolt of the primary clutch and covering the secondary clutch in a safe secure manner on all Sleds.
x. A nylon rope with a minimum diameter of 1/2" and a minimum of 20 feet attached to the steering column or ski as appropriate and a buoy. Length depends on the depth of the water at the race site.
xi. Buoy must be secured in a safe manner at the Race Directors discretion.
xii. TUNNEL / FLAP: The flap mount cannot extend more than ten (10) inches from the back of the track. Measurement will be taken from a line perpendicular to the top of the tunnel. Tunnel extensions may not protrude lower than the running board. Suspension brackets may not extend below the running board more than six (6) inches. The bracket must not extend down or back more than two (2) inches from suspension bolts.
xiii. All sleds must have silenced exhaust or exhaust canister that may not exceed six (6) inches from hood maximum. Noise levels will be enforced. Repacking on occasion is mandatory. Silencers can be checked upon request of the Race Director. Drivers will be given 1 warning. Afterward a $100 fine and or disqualification may be imposed at the Race Directors discretion.
xiv. Snowmobile must have biodegradable chain case oil and antifreeze.
xv. Contrasting six (6) inch high numbers on both sides of the hood. Number One (1) is reserved for the COMBINED PRO OVAL points champion from the previous season. All others will be retained from the previous season.
xvi. Handlebars must have handgrips that cover and plug ends. xvii. Hood tether, it is recommended that hoods are secured to the chassis. A tether will prevent loss of a hood. Lost hoods will not be searched for until the close of the race. Sleds will not be allowed to continue without a hood.
C. SNOWMOBILE MUST NOT HAVE THE FOLLOWING:
i. No flotation devices allowed - except for boat cushion used as seat.
ii. No studs or traction devices allowed on the track. (excluding amateurs)
iii. No rudders allowed - RUDDER: any type of device that attaches to the snowmobile and rides in the water at any time. The mandatory snow flap is not considered a rudder.iv. No Airfoils allowed - AIRFOIL: Any type of device other than a standard hood that attaches to the snowmobile with the primary function of altering the flow of air around the snowmobile.
v. None of the following pressurized intake systems are allowed:
1. Nitrous Oxide
2. Turbo Chargers
3. Pressurized fuel tanks.
6. FUEL SECTION
A. Pump Fuel
i. Pump gasoline is not recommended for semi-pro and pro classes; however it may be used as long as it passes any applied tests. ii. It is recommended that pump fuel is tested prior to competition.
B. Race Fuel Race fuel will be subject to the same tests as Pump Fuel
C. Fuel AdditivesApproved fuel may be mixed with petroleum, organic, vegetable, or chemical base lubricants. The use of oils, fuels including gasohol and any additives that provide power-boosting characteristics are strictly forbidden. The list of illegal additives includes, but is not limited to, alcohol, nitrates, methanol, nitro and any oxygen bearing compounds.
D. Power Boosters No competitor or drivers pit personnel shall possess power boosting additives or agents upon the race premises of a sanctioned event.
E. Fuel Testsi. D.C. Test ii. D-15 Testiii. Water Solubilityiv. Ceric Nitrate Reagent (Test for Alcohol)v. Race Officials / Tech personnel will perform tests using general criteria similar to the test methods written in the current ISR rulebook.
F. Testing Application Any or all of the fuel tests may be applied
G. Test TimeDrivers will allow officials to test their fuel at anytime.
H. Testing Expense A contestant appealing a fuel disqualification must bear the expense of the fuel analysis and handling.
I. Drivers ResponsibilityIt is the drivers responsibility to ensure that his/her fuel is acceptable. If you are in question, have your fuel checked.
7. DRAG CLASSES
A. 0-600cc/ 601-800cc Pro Drags
i. Four (4) drivers race at a time. Points are awarded according to finish. The top four (4) drivers continue to the final.
ii. Normally aspirated.
iii. No nitrous oxide systems.
iv. Any centrifugal clutch system allowed.
v. Snowmobile frame and tunnel may be hand manufactured, but must retain stock appearance and retain the manufactures appearance and safety features.
vi. Engine Classification 0-600cc and 601-800ccvi. IWA legal Pro and Semipro stock machine allowed in the 0-600cc class see www.iwausa.org for rules.
B. 0-600cc / 601-800cc Semipro Drags
i. Four (4) drivers race at a time. Points are awarded according to finish. The top four (4) drivers continue to the final.
ii. Normally aspirated.
iii. No nitrous oxide systems.
iv. Any centrifugal clutch system allowed.
v. Snowmobile frame and tunnel may be hand manufactured, but must retain stock appearance and retain the manufactures appearance and safety features.
vii. Engine Classification 0-600cc and 601-800cc. See section 6 for fuel requirements.
viii. Pro drivers are not allowed to enter this class.
C. 0-600cc / 601-800cc Amateur Drags
i. Four (4) drivers race at a time. Points are awarded according to finish. The top four (4) drivers continue to the final. ii. Normally aspirated.
iii. No nitrous oxide systems.iv. Any centrifugal clutch system allowed.v. Snowmobile frame and tunnel must be Stock.vi. Front and rear suspensions may be altered to improve the handling of the machine.
vii. Engine Classification 0-600cc and 601-800cc. Engines must run on Pump fuel. (94 octane or less) See section 6 for fuel requirements.
viii. Seats, fuel tanks, gauges, and lights may be removed however the OEM chassis may not be altered in any way. ix. Traction products attached to the standard rubber track are allowed. However the snow flap must touch the ground and must be secured to contain any thrown studs.
x. Pro and Semi-pro drivers are not allowed enter this class.
xi. Amateurs are required to join the association or pay the weekend membership. Free pit passes and gate exemptions are not allowed.
xii. Top 3 drivers awarded a trophy.
D. 0-600cc / 601-800cc Trail Stock Drags
i. Four (4) drivers race at a time. Points are awarded according to finish. The top four (4) drivers continue to the final.
ii. Normally aspirated.
iii. No nitrous oxide systems.
iv. Any centrifugal clutch system allowed.
v. Snowmobile frame and tunnel must be Stock.
vi. Front and rear suspensions must remain stock.
vii. Engine Classification 0-600cc and 601-800cc. Engines must run on Pump fuel. (94 octane or less) See section 6 for fuel requirements.
viii. Seats, fuel tanks, gauges, and lights may be removed however the OEM chassis may not be altered in any way.
ix. Traction products attached to the standard rubber track are allowed. However the snow flap must touch the ground and must be secured to contain any thrown studs.
X. Pro and Semi-pro drivers are not allowed enter this class.
xi. Amateurs are required to join the association or pay the weekend membership. Free pit passes and gate exemptions are not allowed.
xii. Top 3 drivers awarded a trophy.
E. Beginner
This will be a limited class based on each site. The Amateur Drag rules apply however this is not head to head competition.
9. OVAL CLASSES
A. PRO OVAL 0-600cc 601-800cc
i. Engine and chassis rules are the same as Pro Drags.
ii. Up to four (4) drivers race at a time. Points are awarded according to finish. The top six (6) drivers continue to the final.
iii. IWA legal Pro and Semipro stock machine allowed in the 0-600cc class see www.iwausa.org for rules
B. SEMI-PRO OVAL 0-600cc 601-800cc
i. Engine and chassis rules are the same as Pro Drags.
ii. Up tofour (4) drivers race at a time. Points are awarded according to finish. The top six (6) drivers continue to the final.ii. Top Two overall points for the year in Semi-Pro must move up to PRO the following year.
C. Veteran
i. Same as Pro Oval 800 CC max Drivers Must be 40 or older Pro or Semipro
D. Amateur Oval
i. One (1) driver races at a time. Points are awarded according to finish.
ii. Normally aspirated.
iii. No nitrous oxide systems.
iv. Any centrifugal clutch system allowed.
v. Snowmobile frame and tunnel must be Stock.
vi. Front and rear suspensions may be altered to improve the handling of the machine.
vii. Engine Classification 0-800cc. Engines must run on Pump fuel. (94 octane or less) See section 6 for fuel requirements.
viii.Seats, fuel tanks, gauges, and lights may be removed however OEM chassis may not be altered in any way. ix. Traction products attached to the standard rubber track are allowed. however the snow flap must touch the ground and must be secured to contain any thrown studs.
x. Pro and Semi-pro drivers are not allowed enter this class.
xi. Amateurs are required to join the association or pay the weekend membership. xii. Top 3 drivers awarded a trophy.
10. LANE ASSIGNMENTS / RACE FORMAT
A. Lane Selection / Number of LapsThen lane choice will be decided by a computer system. Drivers are placed in their lane via the computer generated method. The number of oval laps and format may change due to the size of the race site. The determination will be made by the Race Director, Race Officials, Site Chairperson, and or Board of Directors.
11. BUOYS (Oval Racing)
A. Buoys must be driven around. Going over the top of a buoy will be considered not going around and will be called a violation.
B. Touching or bumping a buoy is legal.
C. Drivers who damage buoys intentional or not shall bare the cost of replacing the buoy. Drivers will be able to complete racing for the day but will not be able race again until the buoy has been paid for. No exceptions!
12. SERIES POINT SYSTEM
Finals Heats Place Ovals Drags 4-man 3-man
1st 212 160 44 44
2nd 191 139 33 33
3rd 170 118 22 22
4th 149 97 11
5th 128
6th 107
7th 96
8th 85
9th 74
10th 63
11th 52
ALL 50 50
Bonus Points50 points will be awarded to all drivers competing in 3 eastern races (per class)
25 points will be awarded to all drivers competing in the "East/West Challenge"
No expression or implied warranty of safety shall result from publication with these rules and regulations. These Rules are intended as a guide for the conduct of the sport and are in no way a guarantee against injury or death to spectators or participants.
* Standard - A product manufactured and sold by a snowmobile company.
* OEM - Original Equipment Manufacturer.