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Karts |
Steel City Karts
2024 Rules
It
is the objective of Steel City Karting to support and promote karting throughout
Colorado and surrounding regions.
It
is ultimately the obligation of each participant and crew member to ensure their
conduct and equipment complies with all the applicable rules, as they may be
altered from time to time. The rules are in no way a guarantee against injury
and/or death to participants, spectators, officials and/or others.
RACING
IS A DANGEROUS SPORT!
YOUR
(OR YOUR CHILDS) PARTICIPATION IN THE SPORT OF KARTING IS AT YOUR OWN RISK!
Participants
are responsible to report any unsafe conditions to the event staff or officials,
and to operate within the guidelines for the event.
All
rules will be strictly enforced and all rulings by the track officials will be
final.
SPORTSMANSHIP – Racing
is a very emotional sport. As such, good sportsmanship is the key element of any
competitors racing program. This must include respect for all track
officials and a willingness to accept their decisions and directions, and respect
for all participants – drivers, owners, pit crews and their families. For our
part we will make every effort with our rules regardless of whom or what is
involved. We will treat all participants with respect and expect similar
treatment in return. A racer’s pit area is his/her castle – therefore please
stay out of other racer’s pit areas, especially after an incident where you
have been involved with that racer. Drivers – remember that you are
responsible for the actions of your crews. Any offending parties will be fined
appropriately and disciplinary actions will be initiated as deemed necessary. Public
address interviews, display of signs, or designs on racecars that use obscenity
or profanity, or are considered in bad taste by track officials are subject to
penalty or suspension. Sportsmanship and professional behavior are required at
all times throughout the year. Actions deemed detrimental to racing or C.R.A./Honor
Speedway are subject to misconduct penalties. This includes and is not limited
to posts on social media, emails, and websites. Any driver, owner, crew
member or team representative that disparages C.R.A./Honor Speedway or its staff
in any publication (including message boards, social media, website, etc.) radio
or television, may be suspended and/or fined.
While
we recognize your right to express opinions, good or bad, on social media,
however, owners, drivers and crew should, be advised that threats against
officials, other drivers, crew or family members will not be tolerated. Any
action by a driver or crew which appears to be the execution of a threat will
result in penalties via suspension and/or fines against the driver and/or car
owner. The driver and/or car owner will ALWAYS be held responsible for the
actions of members of their crew.
SOCIAL
MEDIA:
Social
media is a part of our daily lives, and when used correctly is an important
place for the sport to discuss issues and promote our activities. This policy is
not intended to restrict the good. Rather, it is to assist in curbing the more
dangerous and damaging activities that have become or may become an issue.
Any content submitted online through the
medium of the internet by those participation or officiating events should not
contain material that could be deemed to be threatening, harassing, bullying,
illegal, obscene, defamatory, slanderous or hostile towards any individual, team
or entity participation or officiating an event. The group defines content as
text, images, audio, video and any user generated content knowingly uploaded to
the internet.
PENALTIES:
It is understood that during the course of an
event, or of a season, participants that are consistently non-compliant with the
rules or standards, may receive penalties, particularly for non-compliance of
the same nature in during the course of the same event, or string of events.
Multiple penalties may be assessed to a
participant at one time for multiple infractions in an official session or
during an event.
Minor On-track
infractions or careless behavior --
Verbal warning
Loss of position
Put to rear of field
Loss of one lap
Intermediate on-track infractions or imprudent behavior with intent --
Disqualification
from official session
Disqualification from event and
expulsion from premises
Severe and/or intentional on-track infractions, or dangerous behavior without
regard for safety --
Suspension for
event(s)
Suspension for
remainder of season
Suspension for
one year
Permanent
revocation of privilege to compete
ROOKIE
OR BEGINNER DRIVERS:
Inexperienced drivers may be required to start at
the back of the pack for their first (3) races (not heats). This is at the track
director’s discretion. New drivers must display an “x” on the back of
their helmet or orange ribbon from the cage. This safety regulation includes all
divisions and classes.
It is expected that all drivers competing in
an event will show the basic skills necessary to properly compete in a karting
event, which includes understanding the basic policies and procedures that
govern the event.
The event Race Director has the final
decision regarding a competitor’s ability to properly perform, as well as
having the competitor run the appropriate class for their skill level. It is
within the right of the Race Director of the event to remove anyone from
competition, or to place them in a more appropriate class for their skill level,
should they determine it necessary for their safety, or the safety of the other
competitors.
SAFETY:
It is the responsibility of each participant to
properly manage the safety of their equipment at all times during the course of
an event. The track officials will not assume responsibility for the safety of
any competition vehicle.
ACCIDENTS:
Parents
of a minor may be allowed onto the track only when approved by the event
officials once the course is clear and the conditions are safe.
Any driver who has lost consciousness,
indicates a strong likelihood of concussion (dizziness, vomiting, blurred
vision, memory loss), or indicates a reasonable chance of serious injury may not
be permitted to continue in any official event, and is at the discretion of the
event medial staff and/ or race director.
DANGEROUS
CONDITIONS:
The race officials of the event have the right to
stop, postpone, or cancel any event if they deem conditions to be dangerous.
This includes weather, track conditions, driver(s) actions, civil unrest, or any
other condition that may arise and threaten the safety or well-being of
competitors, spectators, officials, or other people at or near the event.
In the case of impending severe weather, the
track officials should properly evaluate any available information, cease all
activities, and advise all parties to take immediate shelter. The event is not
responsible or liable for any damage to property or individuals during bouts of
severe weather. It is the responsibility of the driver and their crew/family to
recognize sever weather and take appropriate action to secure their property and
protect themselves regardless of the actions of the event staff.
PERSONAL
SAFETY EQUIPMENT:
Helmets:
All helmets used at an event must be full coverage (full face), with
the face-shield installed, and designed for competitive motor sports use.
Helmets must be in “factory condition”, with no visible shell damage.
If shell damage is visible, it will not be allowed to be used.
Gloves:
Gloves are required in all divisions. It is highly recommended to use
a glove with a leather palm. Gloves with cutoff fingers are NOT allowed
Suits/Jackets:
Driving suits of one or
two-piece design made of abrasion resistant material are preferred. SFI 3 or
better is acceptable.
Long
hair: If hair extends
appreciably from beneath helmet, the competitor must wear a balaclava to retain
hair from extending outside helmet. No hair is allowed to be visible when the
driver is “race ready”. Events are not responsible or liable for injuries
related to long hair while on-track, regardless of the situation. The driver is
exclusively responsible for ensuring that their long hair is properly secured.
Balaclavas are good for long hair.
Helmet
Supports (Neck Brace): Advanced neck and head supports are highly
recommended for drivers of all ages. NECK BRACE: Unaltered neck braces are
mandatory in all races and practices. You will be disqualified for the day if
you are found to have raced without one.
Chest
Protectors: All rookie and junior
drivers up to 13 years in all divisions are required to wear a chest protection
device with SFI specification 20.1.
Fire
extinguisher: Minimum
5lb. Fire extinguisher, accessible in pit area is required. If methanol is used
as a racing fuel, a 5 gal. Water can or sprayer must be located in pit area.
Other
standards: No sharp or protruding objects
anywhere on kart. No bars can extend past the outer edge of the tire except nerf
bars. All karts must be numbered and legible on all sides. Duplicate numbers
must have a letter and all must be legible. Kill switches are recommended in all
classes and marked with a vibrant color.
Arm restraints are recommended. No shorts, cut offs or jeans will be allowed.
Roll cage must be securely fastened in at least 4 points.
PRE-RACE
INSPECTION (DRIVER RESPONSIBLE)
·
Inspect
driver helmet
·
Inspect
frame for cracks and defects. Noticeable cracks and defect will render the
chassis unfit for competition and will need to be replaced or welded. If welded,
it must get the approval of the Race Director to continue.
·
Verify
brakes will lock when reasonable pressure is applied to the pedal.
·
Verify
Throttle fully closes when throttle pedal is released. At least 1 throttle return spring must be utilized, 2 springs
recommended
·
Verify
all safety items are lock nutted and/or wired.
·
Verify
weights are white and properly mounted, and
have the competitor’s number on it.
·
Verify
front spindles are safety wired and/or clipped.
·
Verify
nerf bars, bumpers, and bodywork are properly secured.
·
Verify
all exhaust is secured.
·
Verify
all fuel system components are free of defect, and fuel line is properly secured
to attachment points.
·
Verify
Third Bearing Support bolts are wired.
·
Verify
cameras (if using) are hard mounted to bodywork.
Each entrant is
obligated to ensure that their kart(s) maintain all general safety measures
(including personal safety equipment) for the duration of event.
Tires:
Tires are to be of treaded type and no
tire prep is allowed.
RESTRICTED
AREA ACCESS:
Only those persons having signed a waiver of liability and with a pit pass shall be allowed in the pit/restricted area, which include hot grid. NO one is allowed onto the track area without permission by staff.
Legal
Entrant:
The Legal
Entrant is the driver in the event, and shall include their parents or legal
guardian in the event the driver is a non-emancipated minor. Entry of the Legal
Entrant to the event does not guarantee the Legal Entrant any additional
benefits, points, or awards, and may not be used in any protest or appeal.
Entering an event implies that the rules and standards have been agreed to by
the Legal Entrant.
Refusal
of Entry:
The
Race Director or officials reserve the right to refuse entry to anyone.
Refunds:
Once the Legal Entrant has taken to the track for any event, or have entered an event that has a specific and restricted number of entries, they are not eligible for a refund. If they have not taken to the track for an official session, or the event has an open entry, it is at the discretion of the event director to determine their own refund policy.
Meeting
of Driver/Crew and Officials:
The
Race Director or flagman may conduct a meeting of drivers for the discussion and
interpretation of the rules and any specific standards applying to the event.
All drivers are required to attend, and it is the driver’s responsibility to
do so. Failure to attend this meeting does not remove the responsibility of the
driver to know the rules and standards of the event.
Combining
of Classes:
The combining of
classes at an event is acceptable. Classes must be age and speed similar. At no
time is it acceptable for an event to combine any Rookie or Junior class with a
Senior class. Combining different types of vehicles at an event is prohibited.
Champ or Outlaw karts may be combined, but may not be combined with a
traditional, or “flat”, kart.
Fuel
& Oil:
All
participants shall not dispose of fuels or lubricants in the pit area or the
track area by pouring or spilling such fuels or lubricants upon the ground.
Used
Tires:
Used
tires are not to be left in the pits, paddock, trash or any location at any
event without the expressed consent of the track owner and/or Race Director.
Trash:
It
is the responsibility of each Legal Entrant and their crew to collect and
dispose of their trash at any event unless directed otherwise.
Cancellation
of Event:
It is the right
of the Race Director to cancel the event (or a portion of the even) for various
circumstances dangerous conditions, weather, lack of Kart count, civil unrest,
etc.
Official
Scoring:
The
official race scoring, whether by electronic system or hand scoring, is the only
“Official/Legal” source of race scoring. The official scoring is the
information supplied & certified by the official scorer. To be scored, a
kart must be under its own power.
Radio
Use:
The
use of the RACEeiver or similar on way “tower to driver’ communication is
required. No 2-way radio communication is allowed.
Criminal
Activity:
Substance abuse
(alcohol or controlled substance)
Physical assault
Verbal assault
Displaying unsportsmanlike conduct (on or off the track) will result in
immediate removal from the grounds.
Rough driving will result in docked positions or black flag. Drivers
& crew members observed verbally of physically abusing other drivers or
officials will result in loss of point or suspension. NO EXCEPTIONS!!
Lapped
Drivers:
Lapped drivers are expected to
not impede the lead drivers. When receiving a Blue Flag (with
diagonal orange stripe), they are to maintain position and make
it easy for the lead drivers to go by. Some events may choose to use the Blue
Flag (with
diagonal orange stripe), or the Black Flag to remove lapped karts
if it is determined that it will be safer to do so.
Intentional
Contact:
While
contact may occur during an official session, it is to be avoided with care at
all times. Intentional contact either to execute a pass or disrupt the leading
driver is prohibited.
Signaling:
Signaling
from pit to driver is acceptable if done safely from the grid area by way of
hand signals, 2 wood or plastic sticks of a length no greater than 12 inches, or
by using a sign board. At no time are lights or lighting of any kind to be used
while signaling.
Mechanical
Failure/Stopping on track:
If
a driver has a mechanical failure, the engine dies for any reason, or from any
other reason while under green conditions, they are to raise their hands, slow
and safely, and pull off the track with caution. If the driver requires a
restart it will be at the official’s direction.
Officials:
Race
Director, Assistant Race Director, Head Flagman, Official Scorer, Corner
Marshall, and Pit Steward are all track officials and all rulings from them are
final.
Flags:
Black flag,
proceed to pit area, your kart is no longer being scored. If you receive a
curled black flag pointed at you, this is a warning for rough driving and you
are being watched. PLAY NICE!
Red Flag, stop
your kart as quickly and safely as possible, and remain inside. Do not stop
in proximity or pass the accident.
Yellow flag,
slow your speed and proceed with caution.
Green
flag – Race is underway.
White
flag – 1 lap remaining in race.
Checkered
flag – Race is complete.
RACE
FORMAT – LINE-UP, STARTING, HEATS, FEATURE
Grid:
Drivers will bring their karts to the grid when their class is scheduled. When
their class is scheduled. Each driver will then line up on the grid according to
the line-up sheet. They will remain in the same position on the track as they
were on the grid for the starting flag. It is the responsibility of the driver
to be aware of the race order and ensure its accuracy so that racing is not
interrupted.
Parade
lap:
Karts will leave the starting grid and take one full lap around the track.
Drivers will line up according to the lineup posted in the pits.
Pole
position:
The drivers on the front row, in conjunction with the starter will set the pace
during the parade laps and for the start of the race. If the front row does not
successfully start the race in (2) consecutive attempts, the head flagman has
the right to invert the 1st and 2nd rows.
Starting:
Drivers may not pass or change grid position until they have passed the starting
cone / tire. Jumping the start will cause a restart. If it happens again, the
flagger may send you to the back of the field.
Heat
Line-up:
First event will be lined up according to pill-draw (low number gets pole,
second lowest getting outside pole, etc.). Second race and there-on will be
lined up according to incoming points average, determined by previous feature
finishes during the season.
Feature:
the
line-up is determined by the heat race finishing order.
Classes:
Flat karts – 349cc & under : Engine
- 2 stroke of 4 stroke using 350 cc and up. Any winged kart can use any size 2
stroke or 4 stroke engine. Open clutch rule, wet clutches and disc will
be allowed. Alcohol
approved. NO NITRO. No dual mounted engines.
Cage (winged
Karts) 350 & up : Those
karts that incorporate a cage and wing. Engine - 2 stroke of 4 stroke using 350
cc and up. Any winged kart can use any size 2 stroke or 4 stroke engine. Open
clutch rule, wet clutches and disc will be allowed. Alcohol
approved. NO NITRO. No dual mounted engines.
Body
Rules:
It
is recommended but not required to run with a full body including side panels
and nose, this is for safety of our competitors. It is required in all classes
to have a full rear bumper that covers both rear tires from outside to outside.
WEIGHT
RULES
Flat
Karts:
Each kart plus driver must make a minimum weight of 375 lbs., it is the
driver’s responsibility to ensure they make weight. Each kart will be weighed
after the heat and main events. Failure to meet proper weight after the heat
race it will result in starting in the rear for the Main Event, and failure to
make weight after the Main will result in 0 points awarded for the event. No
wings allowed.
Cage
(winged Karts) 350 & up: Each
kart plus driver must make a minimum weight of 430 lbs., it is the driver’s
responsibility to ensure they make weight. Each kart will be weighed after the
heat and main events. Failure to meet proper weight after the heat race it will
result in starting in the rear for the Main Event, and failure to make weight
after the Main will result in 0 points awarded for the event.
Scoring:
RULES MAY NEED
TO BE ADJUSTED IN CASE OF A / ANY
CLASS DOMINATION.
ALL KARTS ARE
SUBJECT TO INSPECTION AND IS AT THE DISCRETION OF TRACK OFFICIALS ON WHETHER OR
NOT IT IS SAFE ENOUGH TO COMPETE.
SAFETY IS OUR #1
CONCERN, MAKE IT YOUR #1 CONCERN AS WELL. “RACE SMART”