Post by Admin on May 20, 2016 9:12:01 GMT -6
2016 TSRA Rules
This is the first post of the reconstructed 2016 TSRA rules. This post will be updated as soon as I get more done. This is a Word doc., so there are format issues. When finished the Word doc. will be the official form of the rules if questions arise and I will email a copy to anyone who wants one.
Texas Slot Racers Association
The Texas Chapter of the USRA
President: P.A. Watson
Vice President: Shelby Thomas
Tech Director: Myk Duncan
Asst. Tech Director: Justin Risk
Sitting Committee
P.A. Watson - Slot Car Raceway, LLC
Earl Quinlan – Coolman’s Slot Car Raceway
Akala Murray – Slots of Fun
2016 Series Rules
Previous editions of the TSRA rules are hereby superseded by the following 2016 TSRA rules
Administration & Procedures
1. Year End Meeting
The TSRA will hold a policy meeting at the final race of the year. The meeting will be held after the USRA Box Stock race on Saturday.
The order of business will be:
A. Trophy presentation for at least the top 3 Series points winners in OMB, 27L, C12 and USRA Box Stock. Trophy presentation for Group 7 will be held after the Group 7 race on Saturday. Trophy presentation for Flexi LMP, TSRA GTP/LMP and Group F will be held after the Group F race on Sunday.
B. Discussion and adoption of the 2017 year rule changes
C. Election of the 2017 Officers. The yearly racing schedule should be finalized by the newly elected officers and TSRA member tracks 1 month prior to the first race of the new season.
The 2016 Season is
Race Date Location
1 February 27 & 28 Slot Car Raceway, LLC
2 March 19 & 20 Slots of Fun
3 April 39 & May 1 Coolman’s Slot Car Raceway
4 June 18 & 19 Slot Car Raceway, LLC
5 October 1 & 2 Slots of Fun
6 November 5 & 6 Coolman’s Slot Car Raceway
2016 TSRA Raceway locations
Slot Car Raceway, LLC 1000 West Oaks Mall, #512, Houston, TX 77082
Coolman’s Raceway 1607 Jackson, South Houston, TX. 77587.
Slots of Fun 1465 E .Renfro St, Bldg. B, Burleson TX 76028
2. Race Flyer
Race flyers should be available prior to the previous race. Race flyers should include date of the event, raceway address and phone number, opening time and schedule. Every effort should be made by the Raceway Owner to inform the racers of any special conditions that may affect the racer preparations or their car’s setup; i.e. track power/voltage, surface condition, braid type/recess, traction magnet race, switching tracks during the event (Hillclimb or King at P.A.’s or any other combination elsewhere)
3. Smoking/Fire Codes
TSRA Raceways may prohibit smoking in their raceways or may be located in areas where smoking is prohibited by law. Those wishing to smoke should take care when smoking outside the facility as to not allow smoke to enter the raceway.
4. Alcoholic Beverages
No alcoholic beverages may be consumed within the raceway or within close proximity. Consumption of these beverages on or near the raceway premises may result in legal ramifications against the slot car business owner. The business owner retains the right to eject individuals disrespecting this rule.
5. Driver Classification
Drivers who are factory sponsored and/or receive their parts at a substantial discount or has won a National race in any Pro class or Open race will be designated as a “Pro”. This does not apply to raceway owners or their employees, as they will be evaluated on their building and driving abilities on an individual basis and a decision made accordingly by the elected officials of the TSRA.
A “Pro” racer may earn series points, qualifying points and trophies in only C12 and Group 7.
A “Pro” racer can only earn Prize Money and Merchandise in Group 7.
6. Membership Fee
The TSRA is a self-funded association, as such there is a yearly $5.00 membership fee. Anyone wishing to join may, all racing participants are required to be members.
The $5.00 membership fee plus $2.50 from each entry fee will go towards funding the year end Awards Fund, which is to be divided equally between all classes for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers in the point standings.
7. Awards Fund
A fee of $2.50 is included in each entry fee for all classes. From this fee, $1.50 will be used for the year end Awards Fund. At the end of the season, based on participation, awards will be given to at least the first three finishers in the point standing for each class.
The remainder of this fee may be used for administrative supplies.
If any money is left over, additional awards may be presented or the balance can be carried over to the next year’s awards fund.
8. Entry Fees
Entry fees shall be the same for all races in the TSRA series
Flexi LMP $15.00
Group F $15.00
TSRA GTP/LMP $17.50
OMBox $17.50
USRA Box Stock $17.50
27L $27.50
C12 $22.50
Group 7 $37.50
At all TSRA races, track time will be charged at $10.00 per racer, per day. If you show up with a pit box and/or soldering iron, take up a pit space or otherwise consume electricity, you will be charged for track time for that day, even if you don’t race. Please support our raceways.
9. Registration and Tech Sheets
A standard TSRA tech sheet will be given to each racer during registration for each race they enter. Each racer must completely fill out a Tech Sheet for each race they enter during a TSRA event. Tech Sheets will remain the property of the TSRA and the TSRA is specifically allowed to release the Tech Sheet information to any individual, publication or manufacturer they deem reasonable. The Tech Director should number the Tech sheets as they are turned in.
10. Technical inspection
All cars will be inspected by the Race Director and/or the Tech Director and impounded prior to qualifying. The chassis, motor (in OM classes) and body shall be marked with unique and identifiable markings to ensure they are not switched after Tech Inspection. Markings should be made with paint or nail polish on items required by Tech. Engraving should not be used as a means of marking.
11. Series Points
Points will awarded and accumulated by TSRA members as follows.
Finishing position Points
1st place 12
2nd place 10
3rd place 8
4th place 7
5th place 6
6th place 5
7th place 4
8th place 3
9th place 2
10th place thru last place finish 1
12. Bonus point
The top qualifier in each race will receive 1 bonus point
13. Year End point Standings
The year end point standings will be determined from your 5 best finishes.
Race and Qualifying points not awarded in a Main race, due to “Pro” racers entered in a lower class, the points will move down to the next eligible finisher and will be awarded to the highest finishers in the Semis if necessary.
14. Tie Breaking System
If after the final race of the season a tie exists for any of the top 8 finishers in a class, the following tie breaker system will be used:
1st If the racers in question are in attendance at the last race.
2nd Number of races won throughout the season.
3rd Number of TQ’s throughout the season
4th Total laps acquired during the complete season.
15. Disqualifications
The TSRA membership and Its elected officials will not accept negligence of the rules as a defense of a formal disqualification.
A. Technical Disqualification
In the event a Racer is disqualified due to a technical violation, the Racer will be relegated to last place in the entire field and forfeit all entry fees and any points received. In the event of a technical disqualification the remaining racers will be realigned and receive the appropriate points.
B. Non-Technical Disqualification
In the event a Racer is disqualified for non-technical reasons, they will forfeit all points and awards.
16. Race Prizes
Solicitation and distribution of race prizes from manufacturers and distributors is the responsibility of the individual Track Owners. The amount of merchandise received for the race prizes will determine how many positions in the finishing order will receive merchandise as race prizes.
From the entry fee, 50% of the total fees collect for each class, minus the TSRA Awards Fund fee, will be awarded in the form of a merchandise certificate. The merchandise certificate is only redeemable at the issuing Raceway. Certificates and race prizes will be awarded at the conclusion of each classes races.
Group 7 will receive cash payout.
Certificate Calculation
Flexi LMP $6.25 x number of entries
Group F $6.25 x number of entries
TSRA GTP/LMP $7.50 x number of entries
OMBox $7.50 x number of entries
USRA Box Stock $7.50 x number of entries
27L $12.50 x number of entries
C12 $10.00 x number of entries
Group 7 Cash Payout 80% of the total entry fees received.
Prize Distribution Table
Entries 4 or less 5 to 6 7 to 11 12 to 15 16 to19 20 to 23 24 or more
Finishing Position
1st 100% 70% 50% 50% 50% 50% 50%
2nd 30% 30% 25% 22% 20% 15%
3rd 20% 15% 12% 11% 10%
4th 10% 9% 8% 7%
5th 7% 6% 6%
6th 5% 5%
7th 4%
8th 3%
17. Event Format
All series races shall be conducted in a two day format, Saturday and Sunday.
Once Tech opens for any class, only that class can be on the track for practice.
The time frame should be as follows:
Saturday
8:00 AM Track opens
9:00 AM Tech opens for OMBox
9:30 AM Tech closes for OMBox
9:35 AM Concourse judging with the cars on the track
9:40 AM Qualifying begins for OMBox
C12 Tech opens 15 minutes after the OMBox main and closes 30 minutes after it opens.
27L Tech opens 15 minutes after the C12 main and closes 30 minutes after it opens.
USRA Box Stock Tech opens 15 minutes after the 27L main and closes 30 minutes after it opens.
Group 7 Tech opens 15 minutes after the USRA Box Stock main and closes 30 minutes after it opens.
Sunday
8:00 AM Track opens
9:00 AM Tech opens for Flexi LMP
9:30 AM Tech closes for Flexi LMP
9:35 AM Concourse judging with the cars on the track
9:40 AM Qualifying begins for Flexi LMP
TSRA GTP/LMP Tech opens 15 minutes after the Flexi LMP main and closes 30 minutes after it opens.
Group F Tech opens 15 minutes after the TSRA GTP/LMP main and closes 30 minutes after it opens.
Any racer missing the cut off time for entering a class, may enter that class anytime until the final qualifier has finished. Late entries cannot qualify and will be seeded last choice in the field.
18. Qualifying
High-powered Qualifying for lane choice is allowed at the Raceway’s discretion.
1. All classes qualify for lane choice.
2. Qualifying order shall be random order, such as computer generated or drawing numbers
3. All spray glue classes will have one 60 second run to establish their single fastest lap, no optional bye runs.
4. At their option, the first qualifier of each glue class shall have 1 extra minute to break in the lane.
5. All glue classes will have two 30 second runs to establish their single fastest lap. Racers will have a 5 minute break between runs to work on their cars. Cars must pass Tech before their second run.
6. A reasonable amount of time will be given (not more than 30 seconds) for controller hook-up and run attempt. The Race Director may begin the countdown after 30 seconds regardless. Track computers should be set allowing 30 seconds intervals between qualifying attempts.
7. No shows, a racer who fails to show or waives the right to qualify will be moved to the lowest level for qualifying time. If more than one racer is a “No Show”, they are moved to the lowest level of qualifying times based on their Tech sheet number.
19. Length of Heats
Flexi LMP, TSRA GTP/LMP, Group F and OMBox
Mains only 3 minute heats 3 minute lane change
27L
Mains only 4 minute heats 4 minute lane change
USRA Box Stock and C12
Consi 4 – 2 minute heats 3 minute lane change
Semi 8 – 2 minute heats 3 minute lane change
Main 8 – 3 minute heats 4 minute lane change
Group 7
Consi 4 – 3 minute heats 3 minute lane change
Semi 8 – 3 minute heats 3 minute lane change
Main 8 – 5 minute heats 5 minute lane change
In all classes with 12 or fewer entries, the race will be run in “sit out” fashion. Flexi LMP, TSRA GTP/LMP, Group F, OMBox and 27L with 13 or greater racers will run an ALL MAIN format. Qualifying will pair evens and odds to determine Main seeding. The total laps run in all the Mains will determine the final standings for each class.
There is an exception to the race format for USRA Box Stock. When there are Pro racers involved in these races, the race becomes a round robin format up to 15 racers. 16 or more racers will be 2 mains with round robins up to 15 racers per main. At the end of each main the cars will be immediately impounded.
20. Finishing Position and Total Lap Tie Breaker
At the conclusion of each race all cars must remain on the track until the Race Director states they may be removed. Any racer tied for a position that moves or removes their car before the Race Director allows will automatically lose a tie for position.
When there are more than 8 racers or when there are multiple Mains, as each racer finishes their race, the racers must
1. Remove their lane sticker from their car
2. Sign or initial the lane sticker
3. Place the lane sticker on the side of the track where their car finished
4. Identify to the Race Director the location (track segment) of the lane sticker.
Be sure the lane sticker is securely attached to the side of the track as it will be used as a track position reference in case of a tie in lap totals. It is the responsibility of the racer to properly designate their finishing position as described above. In the event of a tie and a racer failed to mark their finishing position, the tie will be awarded to the racer with a lane sticker marking their finishing position. In the event of a tie where the racers involved failed to mark their finishing positions, the tie will be resolved by order of Tech Sheet numbers.
21. Sit Outs
If a race is run with “sit outs”, the racers are to turn marshal during their sit-out heat(s). Sit-out racers are not allowed to work on their car during the sit-out heat(s), except during the lane change segment entering their heat. Cars must remain in Tech at all other times. Violations will not be tolerated and are subject to a warning on the first offense, a 5 lap penalty on second offense and disqualification on the third offense.
Cars are to be brought to the impound area immediately after white lane is finished. Cars may only be picked up from impound before the Red lane is run. All impounded cars are subject to Tech inspection.
22, In Race Technical inspection
A technical inspection can be conducted during the Main of any class. This is at the discretion of the Race Director, Tech Director or a TSRA official.
23. Lane Change
During each lane change it’s the driver’s responsibility to know where their car has stopped and needs to be returned to. The TSRA requires the use of Lane Change Cards and for them to be placed in the lane to be run in the next heat, in the position that the car last stopped in. Racers or their delegates are responsible for removing the lane change card before the track power is turned on. If the racer’s car is off the track when the power the heat begins, the car should be return to the track at the driver’s panel.
24. Race Intermissions
All Consi and Semi races, if run, shall start immediately after lane choice. In Flexi LMP, TSRA GTP/LMP and Group F the Main(s) will start immediately after lane choice.
There will be a 15 minute intermission between all races.
A lunch break may be taken at the shop owner’s discretion.
25. Track Calls
Race Directors are allowed to turn off the track power if:
1. Prevent a “rider” from hitting the Deadman wall or to keep it from going through the lap counter in the wrong lane.
2. Track braid is up.
3. Power failure (one lane or all lanes). Failure determination is made first on a car via a nearby power supply, then by controller.
4. Possible debris in slot.
5. Possible lap counter or track equipment failure.
6. A car(s) that is off the track surface and the marshal is unable or not attempting to marshal the car.
7. Poor, inconsistent, or absent turn marshaling.
During a Track Call, if your car either caused the track call or de-slotted due to the track call and no marshal is in that area of the track to retrieve the car, racers are ONLY allowed to flatten their braid. NO OTHER WORK IS ALLOWED! The power will be turned on immediately after the racer returns to the control panel. During a track call, you are not allowed to lay your controller on the track. Controllers may be laid on the control panel or hooked on the side of the track in a manner as to not impede the progress of the race. A 5 lap penalty will be assessed to any racer placing their controller on the track while marshaling their own car.
26. Black Flag
The Race Director is obligated to black flag any car, which is dragging, interfering with other cars or continuously de-slotting due to mechanical problems (Not Driver Error). Upon being black flagged, the racer must bring the car in for repairs immediately. If the problem is not corrected, the black flag rule may be enforced again as required.
27. Lap Counter
The lap counter will be considered correct unless it can be proven otherwise. The lap counter should be corrected if necessary for conditions such as “riders” or cars coasting through on a track call.
Laps should not be added or subtracted unless the Race Director is certain the counter is incorrect.
For majors errors in counting steps should be taken to preserve as much of the race as possible, while being fair to all. If a major errors occur in the counting process that cannot be corrected the Race Director may:
1. Assign responsible Stewards to count laps or verify the counter.
2. Add or subtract mutually agreed laps as established by the Race Officials and Racers.
3. Restart the heat.
4. Restart the race from the latest possible point.
28. Marshaling
Substitute Marshals must be acceptable to the Race Director and Racers. Good racing is not possible without good marshals. Every Racer is expected to do their part both before and after racing if necessary. You must Marshal at least 1 race the day you race to receive your points. Marshals should make every effort to be at their turns at the beginning of each heat. The Race Director is responsible for insuring that turn marshals are doing an adequate job, enforcing compliances and finding replacement marshals if necessary. During lane changes marshals should take notice of cars stopped in their corners and pay close attention to cars stopped near the lap counter. Cars that stop in or behind the lap counter may be moved forward or backward depending on whether their lap was or wasn’t counted.
Marshaling for “glue” classes
1. During a track call, marshals or bystanders, at the Racers request may move the car backwards on the track to allow a “running start” at the turn.
2. The Racer may move their car backward if no marshal is available.
3. There shall be no working on the car during this time other than flatting the braid. The race should be restarted when all the cars are on the track and the racers are ready.
29. Glue
In all TSRA classes:
Tires may be glued by use of a glue board, tech block, or rubbed on the tires with your fingers. After a lane change the cars must be put back on the track at the position of the lane change card. The car must be put back on the track without rolling the tires thus creating a “glue zone”. Violations will not be tolerated and subject to a warning on the first offense, a 5 lap penalty on the second offense and disqualification on the third offense.
USRA Box Stock and Group 7 are “GLUE’ classes in the TSRA. Racers are permitted to apply glue directly to the track in only the glue zones. Racers may use a sponge or roller to move the glue past the glue zone and in to the corner.
30. Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Unsportsmanlike conduct on the part of a racer, pit crew or turn marshal, etc. will be subject to immediate disqualification at the discretion of the Race Director. Verbal abuse or profanity will not be tolerated. The Race Director should first warn the offending individual(s) that their behavior is unacceptable. Further violations will result in a 5 lap penalty for the first infraction and disqualification for the second. Repeat offenders of any of the unsportsmanlike conduct guidelines or any of the TSRA rules regarding procedures or technical rules may be prohibited from entering or attending future TSRA events.