flat track commission...the second definition is much more prominent, which ... fuel tank thermal...

Meeting Agenda

Flat Track Commission

2019 Summer Meeting

September, 2019

Via Conference Call

2

Meeting Agenda

1. Opening of the meeting

Comments by the AMA Track Racing Manager – Ken Saillant

2. Brief Review of Commission Progress since December 2019

Conference Call 2/26/2019

Draft A 4/20/2019

Draft B 7/20/2019

Draft C

3. Current Status of Commission

December 2018 Proposals and These Proposals are for 2020 rule book

December 2019 Meeting will kick off 2021 rule book

4. Rule Proposals #FT-0919-01 thru Rule Proposal #FT-0919-20, for inclusion in the

2020 AMA Rule Book.

5. New Discussion Items

6. Preliminary Info Concerning the December 6-8, 2019 On-Site Meeting in Columbus

7. Closing of the meeting

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American Motorcyclist Association Proposal for Rule Book Revision


Proposal: FT-0919-01 Page: 128 Section: 3.1 Chapter: B Paragraph: 2

CURRENT:

The AMA, on the basis of participation and achievement in District-level competition, shall classify riders unless otherwise provided by AMA rules.

PROPOSED:

The AMA does not classify racers for Flat Track, TT, or Ice Race competition at the National

level. Racer classification is established at the recognized district level on the basis of

participation and achievement in competition. All recognized District Organizations and

competition partners are empowered and encouraged to implement a Racer Advancement

System.

REASON:

This is a redefined version of FT-1218-5, which was tabled at the December 2018 meeting, and

later approved, albeit not through a formal vote. The AMA does not classify riders for track

racing competition at the National level, so our rule book should not say that they do.

Submitted By: Bert Sumner

Decision: _____ Yes _____ No _____ Amended

4



Proposal: FT-0919-02 Page: 131 Section: 3.2 Chapter: B

PROPOSED:

Replace all references to “DTX” with “Production”.

REASON:

For clarity.

This was tabled as Agenda #6 in the December 2018 meeting. A Working Group was formed,

who concluded on the name change to “Production”.

“DTX” currently has two different meanings. In some cases, “DTX” means “motorcycles with

minimal modifications beyond stock form”. In other cases, “DTX” means “a motocross machine

that has been modified for dirt track use”. The second definition is much more prominent, which

leads to confusion when a promoter offers a “DTX” class. Renaming the “stock” classes to

“Production” will alleviate this confusion.



5



Proposal: FT-0919-03 Page: 131 Section: 3.2 Chapter: B Paragraph:

CURRENT:

DTX Class Standards

PROPOSED

The following changes/modifications are NOT PERMITTED on Flat Track, TT and Ice

Race Production Class machines:

a) Air Box

b) Air Box Vent Tube

c) Air Filter Screen

d) Air Intake Boot

e) Axles

f) Brake Rotor Size (thickness/diameter)

g) Brake Master Cylinder

h) Carburetor (including any parts with exception to jets)

i) Clutch (any part including clutch cover) 2

j) Crankshaft Stroke Length

k) Cylinder Bore Size 1

l) EFI Throttle Body 5

m) Electronics 5

n) Exhaust Control Valve (ECV)

o) Exhaust Pipe (any part)

p) Frame 3

q) Front Forks 4

r) Front Fork Caps

s) Intake Diameter

t) Intake Spacer

u) Internal Engine Components (blue printing is not permitted) 2

v) Lower Triple Clamp

w) Oil Injection System (only oil may be in system) 6

x) Rear Shock 4

y) Reed Valve Assembly (any part)

z) Shaft Drive ring and pinion [3.2.B.10]

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aa) Silencer (tip may be modified to accept spark arrestor)

bb) Subframe 3

cc) Swing arm 3

dd) Transmission (any internal part)

ee) Yamaha PW50 Start/Run/Off Switch

ff) Water Pump Assembly (any part except the cover)

b. Clarifications:

a) 1 Cylinder re-plating is allowed. The original manufacturer’s bore must be

retained.

b) 2 Clutch plates, pistons, and piston rings may be aftermarket as long as they

maintain the stock shape, design, and material of the OEM parts. High

compression pistons are not permitted.

c) 3 Material may be added to the production frame or swing arm for strength,

including welding. These changes shall not affect frame geometry.

d) 4 OEM front and rear suspension can be altered with internal modifications

only. Shock linkage and suspension spring rates may be changed to any

commercially available part.

e) 5 Programming or mapping changes to the stock OEM ECU unit are allowed.

f) 6 For engines with oil injection systems, the system must be fully functional and

only oil may be put in the reservoir. Pre-mix gasoline is not permitted in the oil-

injection system. [3.2.B.9]

c. The following additions are NOT PERMITTED on Flat Track, TT, and Ice Race

Production Class machines:

a) Adjustable Leak Jet

b) Bark Busters (closed end or wrap-around metal hand guards)

c) Fork Brace

d) Radiator Fan

d. The following additions, changes, or modifications ARE ALLOWED on Flat Track,

TT, and Ice Race Production Class machines:

a) Air Filter

b) Anodizing (may be added to any external aluminum part)

c) Brake Lever and Perch

d) Brake Line

e) Brake Pads

f) Brake Pedal (Mini bikes that are only equipped with hand brakes may not add

a foot brake)

g) Brake Snake

h) Chain, Chain Rollers, and Chain Guard

i) Clutch Lever and Perch

j) Cosmetic Items (provide that there is no performance advantage)

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k) Counter Shaft Cover (may be removed)

l) Foam (may be added to any part)

m) Foot Pegs

n) Fork Bleeders

o) Frame Guard

p) Fuel Screw (adjustable)

q) Fuel Tank (Carbon Fiber or carbon composite fuel tanks are not permitted

unless homologated)

r) Fuel Tank Thermal Cover (including heat tape)

s) Gripper Tape

t) Hand Guard (plastic open ended only)

u) Holeshot Device

v) In-line Water Cooler

w) Ignition Cover

x) Number Plates

y) Oil Cooler

z) Power Valve Actuator Hose Kit

aa) Radiator Side Shrouds

bb) Radiator and Radiator Hoses

cc) Radiator Guard and/or Brace

dd) Rims

ee) Rim Locks (may add, remove, or change)

ff) Seat (cover or foam)

gg) Shifter Lever

hh) Shock Linkage (commercially available parts)

ii) Skid Plate

jj) Spokes

kk) Sprockets

ll) Steering Stabilizer / Damper [3.2.C.10.d] [3.3.H.4.c]

mm) Throttle Tube

nn) Triple Clamp upper/top

oo) Water Pump Cover

pp) Wheel hubs

REASON:

Harmonize with MX Standards. The MX Limited Class Quick reference charts will also be

adopted and incorporated, although wheel size, and wheel hubs shall be allowed to be modified

in Production classes.



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Proposal: FT-0919-04 Page: 132 Section: 3.2 Chapter: C Paragraph: 1.c

CURRENT:

The frame used by a rider to qualify may not be changed, though engines may be.

PROPOSED:

Delete.

REASON:

This rule is not universally enforced, so it should not be in the rule book as a requirement.

The commission approved FT-1218-11 at the December 2018 meeting to delete this language

from 3.2.C.1.c and 3.2.C.8.d.4. At the same meeting, the Commission approved FT-1218-18 to

remove similar language from 3.3.C.2.

The AMA Board of Directors rejected the Commission recommendations without explanation.

The Commission hereby states that these rules discourage racers from participating in AMA

Events. Most racers travel hundreds – maybe thousands – of miles to participate in the nearest

AMA Flat Track event(s). To be turned away due to a machine failure will encourage that racer

to avoid AMA events in the future.

Furthermore, transponder scoring is growing in prominence, which means that “qualifying” takes

place during “practice” at those events. But not all events are scored by transponders. Which

means at some AMA events, a rider may change bikes after practice with no penalty, while at

other events, a rider may not change bikes after practice.



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Proposal: FT-0919-05 Page: 138 Section: 3.2 Chapter: E Paragraph: 1

CURRENT:

On tracks one half mile and larger, abrasion resistant outer gear is required. Abrasion resistant

equals leather, Cordura, air mesh, or stretch Kevlar.

PROPOSED:

On tracks one half mile and larger, abrasion resistant outer gear is strongly encouraged.

REASON:


RDO’s and Competition Partners are encouraged to add this rule to their supplemental rules,

but only if they intend to enforce it.

Youth racers, women racers, and part-time racers frequently object to this requirement.



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CURRENT:

Boots must be at least 8 inches high.

PROPOSED:

Boots must extend above the ankle.

REASON:

Small boots worn by youth racers and very small adults usually do not extend 8 inches above

the ankle and yet offer adequate protection.



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CURRENT:

A steel skid shoe must have a curved front that extends at least 2” over the toe of the boot.

PROPOSED:

A steel skid shoe must have a curved front that extends over the toe of the boot.

REASON:

Steel shoes worn by youth racers and very small adults usually do not extend 2” over the toe of

the boot.



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Proposal: FT-0919-08 Page: 139 Section: 3.2 Chapter: E

CURRENT:

NEW

PROPOSED:

Most AMA sanctioned meets do not offer racer medical insurance. All racers are strongly

discouraged from participating in any AMA sanctioned meet if they do not have their own

medical insurance.

All racers and other personnel must assess for themselves the track, the facilities, the existing

track conditions, the anticipated future track conditions, their choice of protective equipment,

their skill level, the skill level of the other competitors with whom they will be racing with, their

comfort level on their machines, their comfort level on the course, and all other matters relating

to safety.

It is the sole responsibility of each racer – or the parents of legal guardians of minor racers – to

select the apparel that will provide the appropriate level of protection for the risks from

participating in AMA competition.

There are several other forms of personal protection that exist in the marketplace. Each racer

must choose which additional forms of protection are appropriate for them, based on their

personal risk assessment of their anticipated racing activities.

Studies by the Flat Track Safety Group (http://www.flattracksafetygroup.org/) have determined

that a large percentage of critical injuries sustained during Flat Track, TT, and Ice Race

competition result from blunt force trauma to the thoracic area. The side rib cage – the area

between the arm pits and the hips - are particularly susceptible to severe injury from side

impact, commonly resulting in broken ribs, punctured lungs, or other internal injuries.

Note: Roost protectors do not offer significant protection to the rib cage, thoracic region, or

internal organs in the event of a crash. They are designed to deflect rocks kicked up by other

racers.

Motorcycle protective vests, motorcycle safety vests, and 360-degree thoracic vests may

provide additional protection to the thoracic area, thoracic spine, and the side rib cage area in

particular.

Body armor, impact armor, and leathers with built-in armor may provide additional protection

against broken limbs or damaged shoulder/elbow/knee joints.

13

Leathers with inflatable air bags may offer additional protection against chest and neck injuries,

and may stabilize the cervical spine and/or head during a crash.

Neck braces may offer additional protection to the cervical spine area and the base of the skull.

Back protector, vertebrae protector and spine protectors may offer increased protection to the

spine and vertebrae against blunt force trauma.

REASON:

To provide improved guidance to racers and parents of youth racers about the importance of

selecting appropriate protective equipment.



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Proposal: FT-0919-09 Page: 142 Section: 3.3 Chapter: C Paragraph: 6

CURRENT:

To participate in a Main event, the rider must start all heat and semi events, as required, for that

class.

PROPOSED:

Delete.

REASON:




Submitted By: Levi Mayer


15




CURRENT:

11. A rider whose machine is disabled before reaching the finish line may, under his/her own

physical power, push or carry his/her machine (in the direction of the track) across the finish line

to receive the checkered flag. Provided he/she completes at least 50 percent of the number of

laps as the winner, a rider who finishes in this manner will be considered as having completed

the event.

PROPOSED:

Delete.

REASON:






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APPROVED (FT-1218-25 from December 2018 meeting):

At all events, the number of riders allowed to start any race should take into account the width

and length of the course, run-off room available, the ability of all riders to negotiate the first

corner without incident, and the speed and skill level of the class(es) being run. Allowing more

than 12 riders on any flat track course for any race is not recommended, due to the lack of run-

off room and the amount of clear track available to each rider.

PROPOSED (addition):

When a class has 13 or 14 participants, and the referee has no safety concerns, the referee is

empowered to start all competitors in that class final so as to eliminate the need to run a semi in

that class or to eliminate one or two racers from that class final.

REASON:

Added an exception that is currently used.



17



Proposal: FT-0919-12 Page: 147 Section: 3.3 Chapter: G

CURRENT:

NEW

PROPOSED:

Two-Stroke Displacement

Youth Racer Age

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

0-51cc Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No No No No No

52cc-65cc No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No No

66cc-85cc No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

86cc-250cc No No No No No No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes

251cc-Up No No No No No No No No No No Yes Yes

Four-Stroke Displacement

Youth Racer Age

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

0-51cc Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No No No No No

52cc-90cc No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No No

91cc-125cc No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

126cc-150cc No No No No No Y** Y** Y** Yes Yes Yes Yes

151cc-250cc No No No No No No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes

251cc-Up No No No No No No No No No No Yes Yes

Y** = Yes for air-cooled, No for water-cooled

REASON:

Provide a quick-reference guide to allow parents and promoters alike to quickly identify which

size machines a youth of a certain age is eligible to compete on.



18




CURRENT:

Class Age Requirement Engine Size Engine Type

1. 50cc DTX Jr,. 4-6 years 0-51cc 2-stroke

0-51cc 4-stroke

Single-speed automatic. Maximum wheelbase 36 inches. Maximum wheel size 10 inches. Maximum seat height 24 inches.


2. 50cc DTX Sr. 7-8 years 0-51cc 2-stroke

0-51cc 4-stroke

Single-speed automatic. Maximum wheelbase 41 inches. Maximum wheel size 12 inches. Retrofitted 12 inch wheels are permitted. OEM parts must be used.


3. 50cc DTX PeeWee Shaft 4-8 years 0-51cc 2-stroke

Single-speed automatic oil-injected. Maximum wheelbase 36 inches. Maximum wheel size 10 inches. Maximum seat height 22 inches.


4. 50cc DTX Peewee 4-8 years 0-51cc 2-stroke

0-51cc 4-stroke

Single or multi-speed automatic. Maximum wheelbase 38 inches. Maximum wheel size 10 inches. Maximum seat height 22 inches.

PROPOSED:

Class Age Requirement

Engine Size Engine Type

1. 50cc Production Chain Drive Jr. 4-6 years 0-51cc 2-stroke

0-51cc 4-stroke

Transmission: Single-speed automatic, with chain drive. Wheelbase: 36 inches maximum. Wheel size: 10 inches maximum. Typical entries in this class include machines from KTM, Cobra, LEM, etc.

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2. 50cc Production Chain Drive Sr. 7-8 years 0-51cc 2-stroke

0-51cc 4-stroke

Transmission: Single-speed automatic, with chain drive. Wheelbase: 41 inches maximum. Wheel size: 12 inches maximum. Typical entries in this class include machines from KTM, Cobra, LEM, etc.



3. 50cc Production PW Shaft Drive 4-8 years 0-51cc 2-stroke oil-injected

Transmission: Single-speed automatic, with shaft drive. Wheelbase: 36 inches maximum. Wheel size: 10 inches maximum. Typical entries in this class are the Yamaha PW50.



4. 50cc Production Chain Drive Shifter 4-8 years 0-51cc 2-stroke

0-51cc 4-stroke

Transmission: Single speed automatic or multi-speed automatic, with chain drive. Wheelbase: 38 inches maximum. Wheel size: 10 inches maximum. Typical entries in this class are the Honda XR50 and CRF50F, and Yamaha TTR50.

REASON:

This was tabled as Agenda #4 in the December 2018 meeting. A Working Group was formed,

who recommended the modifications listed above. Most notable changes:

- Updated the title of each class for clarity

- Removed seat heights

The models listed in each class are an attempt to clarify to parents and promoters which bike

belongs into which 50cc class.



20



Proposal: FT-0919-14 Page: 150 Section: 3.3 Chapter: H Paragraph: 5

APPROVED (Agenda #3 from December 2018):

PROPOSED

Class Engine Size

1. 200cc 86cc-200cc

2. 250cc 201cc-250cc

3. 450cc 251cc-450cc

4. 451cc-Open 451cc – Open

5. Veteran 30+ 201cc - Open

6. Senior 40+ 201cc – Open

7. Super Senior 50+ 201cc - Open

8. Women 12+ 201cc - Open

Production Classes

Class Engine Size

1. 200cc Production 86cc-200cc



Class Age Requirement Engine Size

1. 200cc 12+ years 86cc - 200cc

2. 250cc 12+ years 201cc - 250cc

3. 450cc 14+ years 251cc - 450cc

4. 505cc 14+ years 251cc - 505cc

5. Open Lightweight 12+ years 250cc minimum

6. Open Heavyweight 14+ years 450cc minimum

7. Veteran 30+ years 201cc minimum

8. Senior 40+ years 201cc minimum

9. Super Senior 50+ years 201cc minimum

10. Women 12+ years 201cc minimum

Production Classes

Class Age Requirement Engine Size

1. 200cc Production 12+ years 86cc – 200cc



Wheelbase: 53 inches minimum Wheel size, front: 18” minimum Wheel size, rear: 18” minimum

21

REASON:

For safety reasons, added wheelbase and wheel size limits to the amateur classes to prevent a

mini bike (example, a bored/stroked CRF150R) from running against full sized machines.

The 53” wheelbase came from the MX Section 1.3.L.

Also expanded the Class list to reflect more accurately the amateur classes that are offered at

various RDO’s across the country.



22



Proposal: FT-0919-15 Page: 150 Section: 3.3 Chapter: H Paragraph: 5

CURRENT:

Class Class Name Engine Size

9 Vintage Pre-1975 201cc – Open

10 Modern Vintage Pre-1980

Exclusion – 4-valve 500cc

PROPOSED:

REASON:

To better align the Amateur Vintage classes with Section 3.9. This was Tabled as FT-1218-27

at the December 2018 meeting. A Working Group was formed and suggested the above.



Class Notes

9. 1913-1932 Era Vintage (brake-less) See 3.9

10. 1933-1951 Era Vintage (brake-less**) See 3.9

11. 1952-1968 Era Vintage (brake-less**) See 3.9

12. 1969-1976 Era Vintage (with brakes) See 3.9

13. 1977-1988 Era Vintage (with brakes) See3.9

** 1933-1951 and 1952-1968 Era Vintage must run brakes at TT meets.

23



Proposal: FT-0919-16 Page: 208 Section: 3.8

CURRENT:

NEW

PROPOSED:

The maximum opening between spokes on all wheels shall not exceed 3”. A cover must be

fitted to the right side of the rear wheel that covers the spokes from rim to hub. If the maximum

of 3” between spokes is exceeded on the front wheel then a wheel cover that covers the spokes

from rim to hub on the left side is required

.

REASON:

Safety. This was tabled as FT-1218-32 at the December 2018 meeting, but reintroduced here

with refined language.

Submitted By: Kelly Inman


24



Proposal: FT-0919-17 Page: 214 Section: 3.9 Chapter: C

CURRENT:

NEW

PROPOSED:

Add a comprehensive list of motorcycles that were approved for AMA Class C competition from

1949-1989.

REASON:

This was originally submitted as FT-1218-33, which was rejected at the December 2018

meeting due to the information being on a non-AMA web site. This new proposal is to include

the list within the AMA Rulebook to inform Vintage racers (and promoters) of this great resource

for knowing exactly when each motorcycle was approved for competition.

Submitted By: Bill Milburn


25




CURRENT:

1970s Vintage 750cc

Era: 1969-1976

Configurations: 361cc-750cc

PROPOSED:

1970s Vintage 750cc

Era: 1969-1976

Configurations: 251cc-750cc two-stroke multis, 361cc-750cc two-stroke singles, 361cc-750cc

four-stroke singles, or 361cc-750cc four-stroke multis.

REASON:

To more accurately reflect the rules of the era.

Submitted By: Bill Millburn


26




CURRENT:

1980s Vintage 500cc

Era: 1977-1988

Configurations: 0-504cc four-stroke singles

PROPOSED:

1980s Vintage 500cc

Era: 1977-1988

Configurations: 251cc-500cc two-stroke singles, or 251cc-504cc four-stroke singles.

REASON:




27




CURRENT:

CLASS: 1980s Vintage 750cc

Era: 1977-1988

Acceptable Configurations: 375cc-500cc two-stroke single, 504cc-750cc four-stroke singles, or

501cc-750cc four-stroke twins

APPROVED (FT-1218-35 at December 2018 meeting):


Era: 1977-1988

Acceptable Configurations: 504cc-750cc four-stroke singles, or 501cc-750cc four-stroke twins

PROPOSED:


Era: 1977-1988

Acceptable Configurations: 505cc-750cc four-stroke singles, 251cc-750cc two-stroke twins, or

251cc-750cc four-stroke twins

REASON:




flat track commission...the second definition is much more prominent, which ... fuel tank thermal...

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