General Rules
Mountain Valley Raceway
2019 General Rules
Any interpretation or deviation of these rules is left to the discretion of the racing officials. The Officials’ decision is final.
Section 1:
1:1. All persons participating in a scheduled program including, but not limited to participants, equipment owners, pit crew members and guests or affiliated persons, assume full responsibility for any and all injuries sustained, including death and property damage, at any time they are on Mountain Valley Raceway property, or in route to or from Mountain Valley Raceway property.
1:2. Track Promoter and officials are not responsible for any damage or theft of trucks, equipment, tools or personal property on the premises. It is recommended that one person remain with personal property at all times to avoid possible theft and/or damage.
1:3. No participant, equipment owner, pit crew member, guest or any other affiliated person shall have any claim for injury, damages, expenses or otherwise, against Mountain Valley Raceway and/or it’s directors, officials, employees and/or volunteers by reason of disqualification, damage or injury to either equipment, participant or both. Any person whether participant, car owner, pit crew member, guest or other affiliated person further agree that the race track is in a safe condition and usable if they take part in the racing activities.
1:4. No person shall be allowed in the Pit Area until a wristband (hereinafter “pit pass”) has been secured for the scheduled event. Pit passes must be in plain view at all times and are not transferable. Violation may result in a fine and/or suspension from the restricted area.
1:5. Minors under the age of 14 will not be allowed in the Pit Area. Minors 14 and older will not be allowed in the Pit Area without supervision and authorization from a parent. The parent must sign a Liability Release Form. No one under the age of 14 will be allowed to race.
1:6(a) Drinking of alcoholic beverages and use of marijuana in the Pit Area is forbidden during scheduled events. Use of illegal substances is never allowed on the race premises. Any participant in a scheduled event who exhibits evidence of using alcoholic beverages, marijuana and/or any controlled substances will immediately be escorted from the Pit Area. They may be given any of the following:
1. Verbal Warning
2. Removal from the Mountain Valley Raceway Pit Area.
3. Suspension from that night’s event
4. Suspension from any event for a time to be determined by the Promoter
5. A fine up to $500.00.
Alcohol may be consumed in the Pit Area at the end of the nights’ final race.
1:6(b) Keep you Pit Area clean. If you pack it in, pack it out. Trash cans are located in various locations in the Pit Area for your use. When you leave, your Pit Area must be as clean or cleaner than it was when you arrived. You will be charged a $25.00 fee each time your Pit Area is not left in a clean condition. No Exceptions!
1:6(c) All cars must be removed from the Pit Area by Sunday evening at 6:00 pm. Drivers/Owners must make arrangements with a Director to enter the Pit Area. Cars left past Sunday evening without contacting a Director may be removed at the owners’ expense and disposed of accordingly. Owners/Drivers leaving their cars past Sunday evening without making other arrangements will be suspended from racing for a number of races as determined by any Mountain Valley Raceway Association director.
ALL FINES MUST BE PAID IN CASH OR BY MONEY ORDER BEFORE RETURNING TO THE FACILITY.
ALL PENALTIES MAY BE ASSESSED AT THE PROMOTOR’S DISCRETION.
NOTE: The general admission area is the only area in which the consumption of alcoholic beverages will be permitted during the races. If a Pit Pass holder drinks alcohol in the general admission area, the Pit Pass holder will not be allowed back into the pits until all racing has been completed.
1:7. The participant assumes responsibility for the actions of his/her pit crew and/or guests and/or any person affiliated with his/her vehicle at all scheduled events. In every aspect, the participant shall be the sole representative for his/her car owner and pit crew in all matters pertaining to the race program and events.
1:8. No person shall participate in fights, physical or verbal, or conduct himself/herself in an unsportsmanlike manner, including derogatory hand gestures and/or improper/foul language at any time in the Pit Area or on the racing premises. Violators will be subject to any penalty or combination of penalties as the Promoter deems appropriate. All fines must be paid in cash or by money order prior to returning to the facility.
1:9 No person shall intentionally cause damage to another person’s property, race car or personal vehicle, tools or equipment on the Raceway premises on or off the race track. Violators will be subject to any penalty or combination of penalties deemed appropriate by the Promoter.
1:10. No person shall subject any official, director, volunteer or employee of Mountain Valley Raceway to verbal abuse, including the use of improper or foul language or hand gestures at any time. Violators will be subject to any penalty or combination of penalties deemed appropriate by the Promoter.
1:11. Participants agree to abide by official decisions. Decisions by the Race Officials pertaining to on-track observations and calls, interpretations of rules, race procedures, start and re-start positions and scoring of positions shall be considered final.
1:12 Discussions with the Promoter, Head Official or Safety Officials pertaining to official race decisions may be held AFTER completion of the FINAL race of the event with the participant or car owner ONLY, at the discretion of the Promoter or Head Official. All decisions made by the Promoter or Head Official shall be considered final.
1:13 It is the responsibility of the participant to make sure that all cash fines levied against him/her or any person associated with him/her are paid before the next race event. The Participant and his/her car will not be allowed to participate in any race until all fines are paid. The Promoter reserves the right to deduct any and all unpaid fines from the participant’s/car owners’ winnings.
1:14. All participants must attend the Drivers’ Meeting held prior to the start of that nights’ race.
1:15. NO SPEEDING IN THE PIT AREA will be allowed. Pit Area speed limit is 10 mph. This includes pit bikes, quads and side-by-sides. Violators will be subject to any penalty or combination of penalties set forth by these General Rules and Regulations.
1:16. No reckless driving will be permitted. No one will be allowed to drive any motorized vehicles in the pits, at any time, without a valid driver’s license (racing equipment exempt).
1:17. When entering or exiting the Pit Area, drivers must use caution or be subject to a penalty.
1:18. No dogs or other pets are allowed in the Pit Area during a race event unless they are securely confined or on a leash.
1:19. If a driver leaves the track under a Green Light, he must check in with the Line-Up Official and will only be allowed to re-enter the race while under caution.
1:20. Cars may be pushed or towed off the track and return once repairs are made and the car is deemed safe to operate by a Safety Official. The driver will only be allowed to re-enter the race while under a caution. A driver will receive three (3) laps to make necessary repairs after the race field is set to begin racing. The conclusion of the third lap will be a green flag. YOU MAY ONLY ENTER THE TRACK AFTER CHECKING WITH THE LINE UP OFFICIAL AND UNDER A CAUTION
SECTION 2 - COMPETITION FORMAT
2:1. The competition format and/or program may be altered by the Promoter and/or Head Official at any time.
2:2. Points: Season Championship points will be awarded by the Main Event finishing position and Heat Race finishing position.
2:3. Line-Up: After the Drivers’ Meeting, each driver will “pill pick” a qualifying number. Line-Ups will be based on draw.
2:4. Track Pack: If track packing is necessary, classes to pack will be announced at the Promoter or Head Officials discretion. ALL cars are required to participate in packing the track (15 minutes or 20 lap minimum). If a driver chooses not to participate in packing the race track, that driver will be started in the back of their Heat and shall not participate in “Hot Laps”. Modifieds may, but are not required to pack the track.
2:5. Hot Laps: Following the Driver’s Meeting and/or track packing, each driver will receive six (6) Hot Laps. Hot Laps will be ordered by class. If you are not in the staging area with your class, you will not receive Hot Laps. Exceptions may be made by officiating crew.
2:6. Heat Races: The number of cars registered will determine the number of Heat Races in each division. Heat 1 line-up will be determined by “pill draw”. Points will be earned by finishing position. Did-Not-Finish cars earn finish position points, Did-Not-Starts earn zero (0) points. Disqualified drivers, drivers black flagged for poor sportsmanship and/or rough driving earn zero (0) points.
2:7. Main Event: The Main Event line-up is determined by Heat finish positions. The Promoter and/or Head Official may choose to change the number of laps for various reasons prior to the start of the race.
2:8. Main Event Points: Main Event Points are awarded by finishing position. Did-Not-Finish cars earn finish position points, Did-Not-Starts earn zero (0) points. Disqualified drivers, drivers black flagged for poor sportsmanship and/or rough driving earn zero (0) points.
2:9. The Promoter and/or Head Official reserves the right to declare any race event (heat, semi-main or main) a timed event based on one (1) lap equaling one (1) minute.
2:10. Semi-Mains: If there are 2+ cars more than the minimum amount of cars allowed for a Main Event, we will run a semi-main (B-Main).
SECTION 3 - RACE PROCEDURES
3:1. The Promoter has the right to reject the entry of any car, driver or person onto the premises at any time, without explanation.
3:2. No person may enter the racing arena until he/she has completed and signed all required releases, registration and/or entry forms.
3:3. No person shall be permitted to sign the waiver and release form for anyone other than himself/herself, unless a minor is involved. Violators may be fined and/or disqualified and/or suspended.
3:4. Female drivers will not be permitted to participate in any racing event while they are pregnant.
3:5. Any driver requiring transport to, treatment at and/or examination at any hospital emergency room and/or doctor due to a track related incident must have a release signed by the examining doctor before further competition.
3:6. The Promoter or Head Official may eliminate any driver from competition should the driver be deemed physically or emotionally unfit to participate in a racing event.
3:7. No driver changes shall be made without notifying the Promoter, Head Official or a Pit Steward. Any driver doing so will be disqualified from that nights’ race event and forfeit any money or points earned in that race event. All driver changes must be made in the Pit Area only.
3:8. The driver and car he/she is changing to must also be registered for that night’s race for the driver change to be legal. If the driver change takes place prior to the Heat Race, they may maintain the pill draw. No driver changes can be made after the B-Main race begins.
3:9. When called, each driver must immediately proceed to the staging area. It is the driver’s responsibility to know when their race is up and what their line-up position is.
3:10. When the cars on the track are lined up in race order, the driver or drivers that are LATE will be given two (2) laps to make that race and get their spot. If the driver or drivers are not on the track after two (2) laps, that driver/drivers will go to the back and the field will move straight forward. The LATE driver has two (2) more laps to make it on the track before the flagman gives the one-to-go signal, the driver/drivers will not start that race until the next caution.
3:11. The track officials will direct the cars to their re-start positions. There will be no discussion or argument as to line-up positions. A driver will be given two (2) warnings. If the driver refuses to get into the assigned position, the driver will be sent to the back of the pack. If the driver still refuses after two (2) more warnings, the driver will be black flagged and disqualified from the current race. Points and/or pay-out will be lost.
3:12. After the car has been given the checkered flag and crossed the start/finish line, the car must slow down immediately. Any driver staying on the gas for more than half a lap after receiving the checkered flag may be assessed a one (1) position penalty on the finish for recklessness and lose five (5) points for that nights’ race.
3:13. Cars that leave the track under a green flag for repairs will not be allowed back on the track unless under caution. That driver will start at the back of the field.
3:14. Cars that leave the track under a caution will be given three (3) laps after the field is back in its correct line-up and ready to start racing again. The driver will start at the back of the field unless the driver enters the Hot Pit for a water cool down.
3:15. During a red flag condition, the Head Official may allow pit crew into the infield to assist their driver with repairs or adjustments. All crew members must have approval to enter the race arena. After receiving approval from the Pit Official, pit crew must enter the infield from the pit side only. Violators may subject their car to disqualification for the race event.
3:16. No fluid containers of any kind (gas, water, coolant, etc.) shall be allowed on the track without specific permission from a Track Official. Violators may subject their car to disqualification for that race event.
3:17. Any car that comes to a stop on the racing surface under a green or yellow flag condition for any reason other than by the direction of an official or for a safety issue, will be repositioned to the rear of the field for the re-start.
3:18. Any car involved in three (3) incidents resulting in a caution or red flag will be black flagged from the race and receive points based on finished laps.
3:19. The Head Official, assisted by other track officials, reserves the right to determine when a car stopped or was stopped for safety purposes and to reposition the cars accordingly.
3:20. Foul driving (rough driving, intentional spinouts) is not allowed and any driver guilty of foul driving will be penalized at the discretion of the Head Official. Penalties for foul driving may include any one or more of the following:
1. Loss of position at any time during or after completion of the race event;
2. Removal from the race;
3. Loss of money or points earned for that race event;
4. Fine;
5. Suspension;
6. Disqualification;
7. Probation; and/or
8. Removal from the Raceway premises.
3:21. Foul driving includes intentionally cutting the mark, unnecessary bumping, crowding, chopping, banking, charging corners or rough driving.
3:22. Any cars which are throwing or leaking fluids, smoking excessively or appear to be mechanically unsafe to continue racing will be given the Red Flag. If after two (2) warnings to leave the track has not been met, you will be Black Flagged and not allowed to return to that race plus lose points and/or payout.
3:23. All cars must begin each race event with all engine parts, such as exhaust, muffler, hood, etc., intact. If, during a race event, exhaust parts become loose or are lost off the car and the Track Officials feel there is an issue of safety involved, that car will be given the Black Flag.
3:24. When a car becomes disabled or is no longer eligible to compete during a race event, the driver shall park his/her car in a safe place in the infield and shall stay with his/her disabled car until completion of that race. The driver shall assist track workers in removing his/her disabled car from the infield. Any driver that abandons his/her car in the infield may be disqualified from that racing event and forfeit any money and points earned for that race.
3:25. No driver may stop his/her car on the race track during a race event or after the completion of a race event for any reason other than a safety issue or at the direction of a Track Officials. Violators may be disqualified.
3:26. No complaints will be heard by the Promoter, Head Official or Track Official until the FINAL race event has been completed. Any complaints or discussions of issues shall be directed to the Head Official by the driver or car owner only. Violators may be disqualified or subject to fines. Being confrontational with the Promotor, Head Official or any Track Official during the race program will subject that driver to any penalty or combination of penalties as set forth in these General Rules and Regulations.
3:27. Judgment decisions made by the Head Official or Track Officials cannot be protested.
3:28. All technical disputes are to be settled immediately after completion of the race program.
3:29. Rookies Eligibility: A rookie shall be a driver who has not competed in more than three (3) race events of that class in the points race season, in the prior year in his class, and must declare himself/herself a rookie to the Head Official and, upon sign-in of the race event, the driver declaring himself/herself a rookie must start the first two (2) races at the back of the pack and run a rookie flag from the back of the roll cage and a rear yellow bumper stripe. The Promoter or Head Official reserves the right to continue to declare the driver a rookie for an un-numbered amount of races if the Promoter or Head Official feels the driver is not ready to advance.
SECTION 4 - FLAGS
4:1. The Flagman controls the race event from the start of the race to the checkered flag. All drivers must watch and obey the Flagman.
4:2. Green Flag: Starts the race. The starter will display the Green Flag as the cars come around Turn 4. If the starter thinks the cars are lined up properly. The cars MUST maintain their designated starting positions until the Green Flag is displayed. The pole car sets the pace. It is the responsibility of the outside pole car to keep pace with the pole car. The pole car must maintain a steady pace. The initial front row will be given two (2) attempts at a clean start. After the second attempt ONE or BOTH cars will be moved to the back of the pack. All rows move straight forward.
4:3. Green Flag Restarts: The Green Flag will be displayed at some point coming out of Turn 4 at the Flagman’s discretion. The Flagman controls the re-start, not the first place car. Once the Green Flag is displayed, racing may begin throughout the track.
4:4. Yellow Flag: Signifies caution. When the Yellow Flag is displayed, the drivers are to slow down immediately and maintain a reasonable speed considering the conditions that exist on the race track. The determination of reasonable speed is a judgment call that will be made by the Track Officials. Caution Flags are not counted Mountain Valley Raceway. Therefore, do not race to the Yellow Flag. The position of the cars for a re-start will be the same position held by each car at the last lap completed under Green Flag conditions.
4:5. Blue Flag with Diagonal Yellow (or Orange) Stripe: Signifies Hold Your Position. This flag is displayed to cars being lapped by the leaders of the race. Signaled cars should hold their racing line and not try to block the leaders. The car(s) signaled do NOT have to yield to the leader(s) as the car(s) signaled may be in a race for position with cars behind them. THIS IS NOT A MOVE OVER FLAG, YOU ARE TO HOLD YOUR POSITION. This flag will be used during Main Events only.
4:6. Red Flag: Stop Immediately. The Red Flag means the race must be stopped. When the Red Flag is displayed all cars MUST STOP immediately on the race track surface. Cars should be brought to a stop carefully and safely. This does NOT mean drive around the track slowly. It means STOP.
4:7. Black Flag: Report immediately to a Pit Official. When the Black Flag is displayed (opened up) to a driver, the driver must leave the track and report to a Pit Official. If a Black Flag is presented to the driver still rolled up, it is a warning (Don’t Do That Again). Failure to obey the Black Flag will result in the scoring of that car to be discontinued until further notice, and loss of points and/or payout.
4:8. White Flag: Race leader has started his/her last lap. When the White Flag is displayed, it means the race leader has started his/her last lap.
4:9. Checkered Flag: Completion of the race. When the Checkered Flag is displayed, it mean the race is completed. When the required laps have been completed by the lead car, the race will be declared “official” regardless of any flag being displayed. When the Checkered Flag has been given to the leader, the balance of the field receives the Checkered Flag in the same lap. Finishing positions will be awarded according to the most laps traveled the least time, whether the car is still running or not.
4:10. Red and Yellow Diagonal Flag: The Red and Yellow Diagonal Flag will be displayed when there is a spin or tangle on the first lap of the race. The cars will line up in their original order except for car or cars involved in the Yellow Flag. Those vehicles involved shall line up at the back of the field in the order they get back in line.
4:11. Red and Black Diagonal Flag: When the Red and Black Diagonal Flag is displayed, the driver should enter the infield because of mechanical problems.
SECTIONN 5 - SAFETY
5:1. A full set of racing flags shall be used in all race programs at Mountain Valley Raceway.
5:2. The following safety equipment is mandatory for all drivers participating in Mountain Valley Raceway programs, including practice sessions and track packing:
1. Helmets - Full head coverage must meet DOT rating.
2. Approved shields.
3. Fire retardant racing suit, either one or two piece. Single layer Nomex is acceptable.
4. Racing gloves.
5. Racing shoes (optional).
6. Neck brace (optional).
7. Window net on driver’s side. If passengers are present, there must be a window net on the passenger side.
8. 5-point seat belts/harness correctly installed and not more than three (3) years old.
9. All mechanically operated devices must be mounted below the driver’s shoulders for safety.
10. Chain guards will be installed on all cars where chains are exposed to the driver and/or other participants. Minimum thickness is .090. The chain guard must be safety approved by the Promoter.
11. Any car that upsets, rolls or is involved in a serious accident must be inspected and approved by a Track Official to continue competition.
12. Safety inspections may be made at any time by a Track Official. Any car may be disqualified for safety specifications.
13. First race of the season and first time racers will have a safety check inspection performed by a Track Official.
14. Any driver that gets out of his/her car while on the racing surface, other than for emergency reasons or if asked to do so by a Track Official, will be disqualified and lose all points for that race event.
15. Any driver that walks away from his/her car after an accident or mechanical failure during a race event and LEAVES THE TRACK/INFIELD, and returns to the Pit Area, will forfeit the privilege of having his/her car towed back to the Pit Area. The car will remain in the infield until the end of the race night. Any driver that abandons his/her car in the infield may be disqualified from that racing event and forfeit any money and points earned for that race.
16. It is strongly recommended that a fuel bladder and a head and neck restraining device be used.
SECTION 6 - MECHANICAL/TECHNICAL INSPECTIONS
6:1. The Promoter or Head Official reserves the right to judge, decide and establish what constitutes a legal car.
6:2. The Promoter or Head Official reserves the right to subject any car to a mechanical inspection at the discretion of any Track Official at any time.
6:3. It shall be the responsibility of the driver or car owner to prepare the car for any inspection request by Track Officials. Failure to comply shall result in disqualification of the driver and car.
6:4. It will be the responsibility of the driver or car owner to have no more than two (2) persons in the designated inspection area.
6:5. Any car that is not immediately taken to the designated inspection area or is removed from the racing premises without the permission of a Track Official at any race program which calls for a mandatory inspection of cars after a race event or at the end of the program, may subject the driver and car to disqualification.
6:6. The top four (4) finishers in the Main Event may be subject to technical inspection.
