Honor Speedway Lawn Mower Racing

2024 Rule Book

RULE BOOK DISCLAIMER: The rules and/or regulations set forth herein are designed to provide for the orderly conduct of racing events and to establish minimum acceptable requirements for such events. These rules shall govern the condition of all events, and by participating in these events, all participants are deemed to have complied with these rules.

NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF SAFETY SHALL RESULT FROM PUBLICATION OF OR COMPLIANCE WITH THESE RULES AND/OR REGULATIONS. They are intended as a guide for the conduct of the sport and are in no way a guarantee against injury or death to a participant, spectator or official.
The race director shall be empowered to permit minor deviation from any of the specifications herein or impose any further restrictions.

NO EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF SAFETY SHALL RESULT FROM SUCH ALTERATION OF SPECIFICATIONS. Any interpretation or deviation of these rules is left to the discretion of the officials. Their decision is final.

SECTION 1: GENERAL COMPETITION REGULATIONS

RULES OF THE TRACK

1.1 - Parent’s Notarized Signature of Release and Approval required if under the age of 18

1.2 - A driver who has consumed any alcoholic beverage on the day of an event may NOT participate in a practice or race event. NO alcoholic beverages may be consumed by ANY driver, or race staff before the end of the last race or other on-track activity. NO illegal drugs or controlled substances shall be tolerated on the track premises AT ANY TIME. Violation will result in disqualification and loss of points.

1.3 - NO BUMPING WILL BE TOLERATED!!

1.4 - The responsibility for a safe pass rests with the overtaking driver.

1.5 - The following flag signals will be obeyed without question:

GREEN: The race/practice is underway - GO!

YELLOW: caution slow down do not pass.

RED: slow to a stop and kill engines stay out of the way of medical / track crew.

BLACK: you have been disqualified. Pull to the infield until racing has stopped and exit track 

WHITE: one lap to go.

CHECKERED: race/practice is over, take the corner and slow on the track, for a “cool down” lap, and then exit track.

1.6 - Driver must keep one hand on the steering wheel at all times.

1.7 - If a driver leaves the course, he/she must re-enter the course as close as possible to the same point the mower left the marked track. The driver may not simply re-enter further down the track.

1.8 - If a mower stalls on the course, the driver’s first responsibility is to move the mower to a safe position at least 10 feet off the course. Pit Crew or guest may not go on the course at any time during a race unless specifically directed to do so by the Safety Crew. This could lead to driver disqualification!

1.9 - Mower must be completely stopped before driver dismounts.

1.10 - Unsafe on/off-track driving practices may result in disqualification.

1.11 - All drivers must attend all announced Drivers’ Meetings. Failure to attend the MANDATORY Drivers’ Meeting will result in not being allowed to participate in the day’s events, practice, heats or features. All first-time event drivers must attend an announced Rookie Drivers’ Meeting. Drivers may be penalized or disqualified for failure to attend. The Race Director may override this ruling on a case by case situation.

1.12 - Protests against another driver or his/her mower must be lodged in writing with the Race Director on a protest form prior to the start of the race, or within 30 minutes of completion of the day’s last race. Enforcement of these rules depends on a protest being filed with the Race Director or the Tech. Director. The Race Director has the final say on all protests.

1.13 - Laps may be counted under a yellow flag. However, there is a minimum of two laps under green after a yellow to finish the race (Green, White and Checkered).

1.14 - Drivers involved in an incident must be inspected in the grid area at the discretion of the Technical Inspector(s).

1.15 - All mowers involved/causing a caution/accident will be moved to the end of the racing order after it is determined that they are safe to continue.

1.16 - Starting grid will be determined by a random pill draw before heat races, Starting grid for feature will be determined by heat race finishing order, totally inverted.

1.17 - Due to the extreme speeds and width of the Class, the Race Director will determine if NO MORE THAN (10) of these mowers will be allowed to race at one time. An A Main and B Main race may be used to determine the feature lineups.

1.18 - If a yellow or red flag is thrown before the first lap, the race will be restarted, & pffending drivers will move to the tail of the field, remaining drivers will be lined up in original starting grid, moving straight forward respectively, but only ONCE. The racer causing the jump start or yelloe goes to the rear.

1.19 - The Race Director has the right to remove from competition any driver, crew member or guest/

1.20 - Mower pit speed is 5 mph maximum.

1.21 - No mower may have more than one (1) attendant on the grid, in addition to the driver.

1.22. - All drivers must have the following when on the mower, drivers are to wear full face helmets with chin strap on and off track with goggles and/or with safety shelled down, must have a chest protector, neck brace, long pants, long sleeve shirt and/or jacket, boots with at least 7” of ankle support and gloves.  ALL drivers must utilize a Raceceiver, every time they are on the racing surface.

1.23 - No smoking on the track or track infield during the racing event.

1.24 - Refueling is not allowed on the track.

1.25 - Mower must be completely stopped before driver dismounts.

1.27 - Crews are under the discretion of the Chief Steward or Pit Steward at all times.

1.28 - Drivers are responsible for the conduct of his/her guests and crew, even while on the track.

1.29 - No pets are allowed on the racing course. Pets in the pits must remain on a leash and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets. 

1.30 – Pit passes are $ 30.00.  If an event is presented, paying a purse, entry fees shall not exceed $60.00 maximum for Honor Speedway Races. Until field grows sufficiently, this is an amateur class, racing for a trophy.

1.31 - Only one person shall be allowed on a racing lawn mower.

1.32 - No exceptions will be made to this rule: During racing events, the switching of mowers is NOT allowed. The mower used by a driver during practice and Heat races MUST be the same mower raced in the Feature Race. A backup mower is not allowed.

1.33 DRIVER ELIGIBILITY 


- Drivers must be a registered member of Honor Speedway 


- Drivers must be at least 13 years old (by December 31^st of the race year). Drivers 13-17 years of age may compete at each event with an approved, notarized Minor Release form on file with the track Race Director.

- Notarized Minor Release & Class Registration form may be filled out by a parent or legal guardian prior to the event.

1.34 DRIVER SAFETY EQUIPMENT:

Every DRIVER must wear an automobile racing or motorcycle type FULL FACE HELMET approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation or the Snell Foundation. The helmet must fit snugly and be securely buckled when the driver is on the track. Long hair must be kept tucked inside the helmet. Goggles or a face shield are required. Glasses are not sufficient. 


Every DRIVER must wear: long pants, long-sleeved shirt or jacket, full-fingered gloves or leather, over-the-ankle footwear on the track. Motorcycle leathers or anti-abrasion karting suits are highly recommended. No loose clothing (un-tucked or unbuttoned shirts, etc.) 


Every DRIVER must wear an approved racing neck support. 


Drivers must wear chest protectors of their choice for their safety. 


1.32 TECHNICAL INSPECTION:

Every mower entered in any event must be approved for competition by Technical Inspection before practicing or racing at any event. A Safety Tech/Build Tech sticker will be issued at each race. 


All racing mower MUST have been originally sold to cut grass See Class Rules for engine size limits and chassis 


Final determination of eligibility and classification is up to the Chief Technical Inspector


Drivers must show their personal safety equipment at Technical Inspection before practicing or racing at any event. 


When going through Technical Inspection, you must bring the complete mower. This includes the hood. NO EXCEPTIONS! 


Only the driver will accompany the mower through technical inspection with the exception of minors. A parent may accompany them. This is to eliminate crowding around the technical inspection line. 

All mowers must have working brakes and tethered kill switch 


Section 2; GENERAL MOWER REQUIREMENTS

***NOTICE*** -- These general requirements apply to class. 

2.1 ENGINE:

All mowers that do not have the top of the engine completely covered by the hood must have the
flywheel covered by either the recoil housing, the stock wire housing or racer made cover. 


All positively charged terminals must be insulated with a cover or heavy tape, and the battery 
must be well secured. 


Aluminum fly wheels and/or stock flywheels. 


Fuel lines must be clamped at all joints.

Cannot exceed 23hp.

Must be a lawn mower engine, vertical and/or horizontal (proof will be asked by tech) 


2.2 FRAME:

Discrete strengthening is allowed. Front and rear axles must use original frame as primary mounting point. The original frame can be used, can be reinforced, can build custom frame (must be within the original frame size and/or measurements).

Minimum 4" ground clearance to frame

No offset or stagger. Body must be mounted in the center of the wheels. 


Again, no staggering is allowed and on centerline. 
 

2.3 WHEELBASE:

Wheelbase may not be altered. 


You will be allowed, but not required, a maximum width 40" sidewall to sidewall 


2.4 WHEELS:

Wheels must be the same size on each axle. 


No dual or tandem wheels. 


2.5 TIRES:

Tires must match in size per axle. 


Lawnmower tires, Hoosier kart tires, or slick kart tires must have been grooved min 1/8” deep.

Tires must be of same size on each axle (front tires the same, rear the same).

Flat tires will be black-flagged! 


No slick tires in any class. 


2.6. REAR AXLE:

Can use stock rear and/or 1” kart rear axle, Mowers must be free of projections, which could injure the driver or a competitor, or damage another mower. 

No axle or wheel mounting bolts may protrude beyond the face of the tire sidewall.


2.7. FRONT AXLE AND STEERING:

Steering wheels may be replaced with any commercially available pieces, but not substituted for each other.

Steering columns must pass through the hole in the dash.

All nuts and bolts attaching the steering assembly (tie rods and spindles) must be secured with lock nuts, castle nuts with cotter pins, or coiled tension pins.

Grips may not be added to steering wheels in any class.

2.8. DRIVELINE: 

All exposed chains and sprockets must be fitted with metal guards to direct a broken chain downward.

All mowers must utilize a stock clutch and or centrifugal clutch (must be 40hp related).

No torque converter clutches 

Mowers with horizontal engines that are factory built with such, will be permitted to have drive-shafts as long as the mower has an operational clutch.

However, the driveshaft will be covered and have safety rings around driveshaft and go to a shift-able transmission and the transmission will connect to the rear axle by either chain or belt. 


2.9. BRAKES: 

Mower brakes must be in good condition and easily operated. They must be operating on at least the two rear wheels. 


Brakes may be improved in any way. Rear brake rotors may not be mounted on jackshafts only on rear axles. 


2.10. EXHAUST: 

 Must be under mower and to the side only (not out the hood) 

2.11. THROTTLE: 

All mowers MUST be equipped with an automatic duel spring throttle closing device. 


Throttle and brake controls may be relocated. (Not on steering wheel )


Mowers in all classes must be fitted with sturdy double return springs mounted at two (2) 
different mounting points on both ends to help eliminate the throttle from sticking or failure to completely close when released.

For V-twins and different style carburetors used. For example, using Mikuni or the CV style Keihin Carburetors, the Slide Spring can count as one return spring and there must be a separate external spring attached as the safety spring. 

Set up for Slide Body Carburetors used

2.12 KILL SWITCH:

All mowers must be equipped with a kill switch, which will turn off the ignition if the driver leaves the mower. Mowers shall use a tether, Velcro is NOT acceptable. Pressure switches are not allowed. Kill switches must remain in closed position (engine not running) until the driver mounts the mower.

Additional switches that can by-pass the kill switch are not allowed under any circumstance. The ignition interrupter kill switch and cap/prong must be commercially available for racing type vehicles such as jet skis, snowmobiles, 4-wheelers, etc. Magnetic, or any other form of homemade switch is not allowed.

2.13 BODY:

Cutting blades must be removed completely from all mowers. , 


Glass headlights must be taped or removed. 


Mowers must be safe and complete, all parts and panels in place, with no missing nuts, bolts, cotter keys, etc. 


Mowers must be neat and clean, with paint in new or very good condition. No excess dirt, oil, grease, rust or primer. Sponsor graphics must not interfere with mower’s racing numbers or class 
letters. 


Front bumpers or not permitted in prepared classes 


Rear Bumpers are required, they must be built to 40” max length and 8” max high : Single Pipe Bumpers may NOT be used. 


Fenders may be discretely moved, modified and altered so that the driver can lower the seat assembly. Fender trimming is allowed, however, chopping of fenders is not allowed. The following are guidelines: 

Trimming or Flaring fenders so that there is a 1⁄2" of clearance between the fender edge and the 
top of the tire. 


Trimming should follow the contour line of the fender, not merely remove sheet metal in the immediate area. 


Trimming or flaring that results in sharp edges will not be allowed. v. Fender should retain its 
original look. 


Modifications to the fender assembly are allowed to lower the seat: however the rear axle must be under seat
from the ground. Fender cutouts are permitted but must have protective trimming to eliminate the possibility of having sharp edges. 

MOST PREFERRED FENDER/CORRECT MODIFICATIONS  

UNACCEPTABLE/INCORRECT FENDER MODIFICATIONS 

If in doubt, it is best to check with the Tech Inspector or Chief Steward for further clarification. 

Due to the increased speeds it is recommended that all “Prepared Class

Mowers” can have SIDE BARS commonly known as NERF BARS mounted on the running boards as long as they meet the set dimensions noted below. Nerf bars should come within 2” of the rear tire and no closer than 1⁄2”. Also no further out in width than the sidewalls if the rear tire. Center MUST be filled in so foot cannot slip through.

2.14 RACE NUMBERS:

Race numbers MUST be of a sharply contrasting color from their background, and must be visible  from all four sides or two sides of the mower. All mowers must have their number visible from the front for grid line up and scoring purposes.

It is recommended that racing numbers be preregistered with the Race Number Coordinator. Machines without numbers will have them assigned on race day. Racing numbers are “owned”, and will force unregistered duplicates to change. Should be a minimum of 3" high, and be shown on both sides of the mower.

2.15 FUEL AND FUEL DELIVERY 

The only acceptable fuel is pump gasoline. Fuel must be pumped fuel bought at Service Stations. For example: SUNOCO Racing Fuel or VP Racing Fuel sold at Marathon Service Stations. Additives are prohibited. Any apparatus other than the carburetor which can be used to introduce any gaseous or liquid substance into the induction flow, whether connected or not, is prohibited, and will result in disqualification. Such devices include, but are not limited to, nitrous oxide, alcohol or water injection systems, turbo or superchargers, and/or the attendant hardware consistent with these systems.

Electric fuel pumps are NOT allowed in any class.