2008 General Rules & Regulations

Download 2008 CES Rules

Download 2008 IRA Tech Manual

The following rules are as stated “General”.  There may be additional rules and regulations for each track and event.  It is your responsibility to be familiar with the rules for each event that you participate in.  These rules should be available in registration. If you do not understand a rule please ask a race official.

Spirit and Intent

Even if you are new to karting you have heard the term “spirit and intent”.  It is the concise description of how karting is run, pure, simple and undeniable. It is not some politically correct catch phrase that has its day and then fades away.  It is the law governing the sport of karting for the last 46 years.  It means that you may be judged based on your perceived spirit and apparent intent for your conduct at any time at the track.  Indeed, you should judge yourself using the same criteria.  The law of spirit and intent comes into effect when race officials are encountered with facets of karting not specifically addressed in the rulebook.  At this point, officials must make decisions based not only on fact, but also on whether the infraction was a clear case of attempting to controvert the spirit of the event.  It is many times the hardest decision for an official to make.  Nobody likes to invoke the spirit and intent rule.

We urge you avoid causing a spirit and intent ruling by being fully aware of all the regulations that apply to you and your kart.  It is impossible to write a rule for every aspect of karting. Before attempting modifications to your kart that are not specifically addressed in the rulebook talk to the technical inspector and clarify the requirements.  You should “intend” to compete successfully, but if your “intent” is winning by circumventing the rules, then you should reconsider your involvement in this sport.

Series Sticker

All karts entered in a series race will be required to display, in plain view, a legible series sponsor sticker.

Driver Eligibility & Requirements

1. You must be entered in a class in order to practice in all I.R.A. sanctioned events.
2. You must be an I.R.A. member, in good standing, in order to receive year-end awards.  If you wish to participate in an I.R.A. sanctioned event but do not wish to join the I.R.A. you may participate and receive race awards but not year-end points/awards.
3. The kart is the official entry in the race.  Once a lap has been made in a race with the entered kart, the kart cannot be changed without the permission of the race director.
4. Relief Drivers must meet all class rule requirements and be approved by race officials.
1. Enduro:  Driver of record must complete at least one lap of race and be scored.
5. Minimum driver age is listed in all class structures. However, if during the racing season, the driver has a birthday that would make them old enough to move to an “older” class, they will have the option to move up at any time during the racing season, with the exception of the Novice class.  If a driver chooses to move up to a senior class he may not move back to a junior class.  All drivers must produce a current state photo I.D. card or certified birth certificate upon request.  A minor’s release is required for all persons under the age of 18.

Protest Procedure

All protests must be submitted and acknowledged by an official in registration within 30 minutes of completion of the race that is being protested or, in the case of a scoring protest, within 30 minutes after official results have been posted.  Protests will not be accepted after 30 minutes. A protest can only be submitted by an entrant from the same class that is being protested, and can only be signed by one entrant.  Once the official has accepted a protest, additional protests for the same infraction will not be accepted. Official protest forms will be made available in registration and post tech. Any national race disqualification or suspension can be appealed in writing to the International Racing Association advisory committee.                                                                            

Points & Scoring

1. To receive year-end awards in each class the entrant must be an International Racing Association member, and pass post-tech.
2. Entrants may be required to place a scoring transponder on their kart in a location that is recommended for proper signal strength.  It is the driver’s responsibility to securely fasten the scoring transponder in a proper location prior to entering the track. 
3. Disqualification:  In the event that a driver is disqualified from an event for unsportsmanlike conduct on or off the racetrack he may NOT use that race as a drop race.  If a driver is disqualified for mechanical failure on the track, improper driving, post-race engine, oil or fuel tech or at the scales in post tech he may use that as a drop race.  However, if repeatedly disqualified for any reason the driver may be subject to penalty of not being able to use a race as a drop race.
4. To receive points you must leave the grid under power, take the green flag, sign at the scales when you are weighed in and pass post tech.
5. ROAD RACING:
1. In the event of a rainout all entrants will receive 200 pts. Plus the number of entries in the class.
2. In the event of a tie in the year end point total, the tie will be broken by the highest finishing position of the last race either or both drivers competed in.
3. The following point method will be used for calculating road racing season points:

Miscellaneous Rules

1. The pit lane will be a yellow flag condition and a safe speed will be maintained.  No passing will be allowed entering the pit lane.  Passing and/or unsafe driving in the pit lane will result in disqualification.
2. Data acquisition is legal in all classes.
3. Radio communication is legal in all classes except novice.
4. Approved exhaust silencers or mufflers are mandatory in all classes.
5. The use of tire warmers is not legal in speedway and oval racing.
6. Drivers are responsible for their pit crewmembers.  Unacceptable behavior may subject the driver to disqualification from an event. Verbal and/or physical abuse or threats directed at any individual at any event will subject the offender to immediate ejection from the event and/or a 1-year suspension.
7. All individuals entering the I.R.A. event site must sign and execute all insurance related documents as prescribed for that event.
8. Drivers meetings are mandatory.  If you are unable to attend the drivers meeting you are required to check in with the race director.
9. Vendor fee of $100.00 per event will apply to anyone selling product or services at any and all series events with the exception of series or class sponsors.
10. Championship Enduro Series its Clubs and organizers reserve the right to refuse any and all entries at any event(s).
11. International Racing Association, its series and organization(s) reserve the right to refuse any and all entries at any event(s).
12. No push starting will be allowed on the race surface after the start flag has been raised.
13. Two cycle airbox rules will not be enforced except if otherwise specified.  TAG airbox rules per TAG USA,
14. The clock will start when the flag drops for the first class on the grid in a multi-class race, not each individual class.
15. Axle clutches can be used in all classes except if otherwise specified.  TAG clutch rules per TAG USA.
16. All Championship Enduro Series classes have an open tire rule except if otherwise specified.
17. Dual brake system will NOT be required in all classes but it is suggested for road racing.  However, a dual brake system is required on all karts powered by 125cc engines or larger except if otherwise specified. TAG Brake rules per TAG USA.
18. In the event of rain or wet track conditions, the race will be declared rain points and all entered competitors will be issued 200 points.  If the track is usable, the race time slot will be offered to the competitors to compete for trophies ONLY.  This will allow the competitor to gain wet track experience at his or her discretion

Flags

Checkered Flag

The race is finished.  Slow to a moderate pace for exiting the track.  Proceed slowly to the post tech area.

White Flag

One lap to go in the race.

Black Flag

Racing is not a contact sport, although it is understood some inadvertent contact will occur, intentional and avoidable bumping, nerfing, pushing, etc., will be grounds for disqualification.  You will be warned only once with a rolled black flag, second warnings will result in a waved black flag. 

Rolled & pointed: A warning about driver conduct

Waved Black Flag: You must exit the track immediately you have been disqualified for a driving infraction. If a participant ignores the black flag along with his/her number being displayed by the flagman, that person will be disqualified for that day.

Meatball Flag (Black with a red ball): Will be thrown for technical or mechanical problems, requiring the driver to stop for consultation.  The flag will also be used for a pushing stop & go.

Red Flag

The race has been temporarily halted.  Slow to a safe stop, drivers shall proceed safely to the starting grid under direction of the corner workers and flagman.
If the red flag occurs prior to the halfway point in a race it will be restarted. Restarts will be in the same order as the last completed and scored green flag lap prior to the red flag.  If the red flag occurs at or after the halfway point it will be a completed race and the results will be the last completed and scored green flag lap.

Any kart or driver flipping over (turning over) causing a red flag will not be allowed to restart.  Any driver leaving the racetrack, due to an accident, by ambulance will not be allowed to restart.  Any driver causing a red flag may be subject to not restarting or disqualification, as determined by the race director. Any kart involved in an accident whose driver is transported to a health care facility is subject to post tech.  If driver does not return from the health care facility prior to the end of post tech, scales will be waived.

Green Flag

The racetrack is clear for racing.

Blue w/ Orange Stripe Flag

Faster traffic is about to overtake you; this is not the time to try to protect your position.  You are to allow those attempting to pass to do so safely and without difficulty.  If you continue to block the process of the lapping karts, you may be black flagged and pulled off the course.

Yellow Flag

There is a need for caution.  There is something in the track ahead and you should proceed with caution.  If the flag is waving there is a problem in that corner.  No passing will be allowed in the corner when a waving yellow flag is displayed.  If the flag is a standing yellow flag there is a problem in the next corner or there is debris in the straightaway. When the yellow flag is displayed at the starters stand this is a full course yellow slow down no passing until the green flag is displayed again.

Note:  Flags can vary from track to track.  If there is a variation from the above it will be brought up at the drivers meeting

Pre-tech & Safety Requirements

Personal Safety Equipment

Head Gear

Full-face helmets designed for competitive Motorsports use, that comply with Snell Foundation specifications, K98, K2005, M2000, M2005, SA2000, SA2005, SFI-24.1, , SFI-31.1A, SFI-31.2A, , or SFI-41.2, SFI-31.1/ 2005 or FIA 8860-2004 or Snell-FIA CMS / CMR2007 are mandatory.

SA rated helmets recommended for champ karts. Helmet must be available at pre-tech inspection. Helmets must be secured with a strap. Failure to do so will result in disqualification. A full visor, integral with the helmet, is mandatory.

Neck Braces

Collar-type, unaltered neck braces designed for motorsports use are mandatory in all sit up classes. Loss of neck brace during an event will cause a black flag with an orange circle “ meatball flag” to be given to the driver losing the neck brace. He must immediately proceed to the pits, and may replace the missing neck brace and then return to the race or practice session.

Driver Apparel

Drivers are required to wear jackets made of leather, vinyl, abrasion resistant nylon, or equivalent, and full length pants. Gloves, socks, and shoes are mandatory.  Nomex apparel is required for champ kart drivers

If driver’s hair extends appreciably below the helmet it is mandatory that the driver wear a head sock or balaclava to prevent the driver’s hair from extending below the helmet.

Loose clothing, bandanas, scarves, hoods, loose belts, etc. are not allowed.

The use of flak jackets or other chest protection devices is mandatory in Cadet and Junior classes and is strongly recommended in all classes.

All personal safety equipment is subject to, and shall be available for, pre-tech inspection.

Kart Requirements

General

The kart must be neat in appearance, in good repair, and show quality workmanship.

The kart must meet the requirements set forth in the I.R.A. Tech manual for its particular class.

Rear view mirrors are allowed as long as they are mounted to the kart. No hand mounted mirrors allowed.

European style clevis snap pins shall be safety wired.

Ballast

All weights added to the kart must be securely fastened to the kart with a minimum 5/16-inch diameter bolt. Any single weight weighing in excess of seven pounds shall utilize a minimum of two 5/16-inch minimum diameter bolts.

All bolts used to fasten weights to the kart must be cotter keyed, safety wired, or double nutted.

Steering Components

All steering component bolts, and nuts, must be cotter keyed and/or safety wired.

All steering component bolts, must be a minimum Grade 5 rating.

All rod ends must have universal type swivel joints and jam nuts.

Fasteners used on any component that will enable adjustment of camber, caster, etc. must be cotter keyed and/or safety wired.

Steering Shafts

Solid steering shafts shall be a minimum .625-inch diameter, made of cold rolled steel, and one-piece design. Welding the steering wheel or hub to the shaft is not allowed. Shaft extensions, and cutting and welding the shaft to alter its length is not allowed. The steering wheel must be secured to the shaft with a nut or cap screw in the axial position.

Hollow steering shafts shall be a minimum .700-inch diameter, with a minimum wall thickness of .070 inch, made of steel tubing, and one-piece design. Welding the steering wheel or hub to the shaft is not allowed. Shaft extensions, and cutting and welding the shaft to alter its length is not allowed. The steering wheel hub must be secured using a 5/16 inch minimum diameter bolt through the axis of the shaft.

Tiller, vertical shaft steering systems are not allowed.

Steering Wheels

Steering wheels may be circular, with a ten inch minimum diameter, and a minimum of three spokes.

Steering wheels may be of the butterfly type, with a ten-inch minimum diameter, and four spokes, and a minimum grip length of five inches on each side.

Wheels and Tires

Pneumatic tires designed specifically for racing only.

Minimum 9.0-inch diameter. Maximum 12.5-inch diameter.

Maximum width, mounted on wheel 10.375 inches

Tires must be available on the general market for a minimum of sixty days prior to use in an I.R.A. sanctioned event.

Wheel balancing weights shall not exceed ¼ ounce each.

It is recommended that additional tape be placed over stick on type weights.

“G-Rings” or lateral supported wheels are not permitted.

Wheel Hubs and Axles

Wheel hubs and axles shall be constructed of metallic materials.

Rear axles shall be one-piece design, driving both wheels.

Either solid or hollow axles are allowed

.984-inch minimum diameter. 1.75-inch maximum diameter.

Axles over 1.375 inch diameter shall be constructed of ferrous material.

Snap rings or similar fasteners are required at both ends of the rear axle, and must be safety wired.

If the rear wheel hub extends beyond the end of the axle, the hub must be pinned, or tethered.

Axle stiffeners are allowed as long as they are secured by cotter key, circlip, or through bolted.

Axle may not protrude beyond the outside of rim and tire.

Any device that allows the rear wheels to rotate at different speeds is not allowed.

Front axles

Front axle nuts must be secured with safety wire, cotter keys, circlips or berry clips.

Ground ball or roller type bearings only, and must be adjusted so there is not excessive play. Split race type bearings are not allowed.

The spindle axle may not protrude beyond the outside of rim and tire.

Brakes

Karts must, at minimum, have a braking system capable of braking both rear wheels equally and adequately.

Classes of over 125cc displacement require the use of dual braking systems. This shall consist of two independent and separate systems, operated by separate master cylinders.

One system must be fully functional if either system fails.

All brake system fasteners, including pedals, clevis pins, and master cylinder roll pins, must be safety wired or cotter keyed. If safety wiring or cotter keying is infeasible, as in the case of some brake pad fasteners an appropriate thread locking compound shall be use to prevent loss of the fasteners.

All-metal locking type nuts to secure the brake disk or drum to the hub are allowed in lieu of safety wire or cotter pinning at minimum two of the disc bolts must be double nutted.

If the pedal is mounted to the front bumper, the bumper must be welded to the frame, or through bolted or pinned, and the through bolts or pins shall be safety wired, cotter keyed or double nutted.

Hydraulic brake fittings shall be tight and leak free. Hydraulic brake lines shall be routed in a fashion, so as to not wear through, or be pulled loose.

Master cylinder actuating rod must be .250-inch diameter minimum or equal quality cable with positive stops on both ends.

No carbon fiber components allowed.

Driveline Components

Clutches are mandatory in all classes except those designated as direct drive.

Oil bath clutches are allowed as long as they are sealed to prevent leakage.

If outboard clutch mounting is used, a third bearing support or guard to contain the clutch in the event the crankshaft breaks is mandatory. Clutches mounted inboard are not required to have a support or guard.

Transmissions or other devices that allow the change of gear ratios while the kart is in motion are not allowed, except in shifter classes. Torque converters are not allowed.

Chain and Belt Guards

All karts shall be equipped with a chain or belt guard. Outboard drive systems will be allowed only if the chain or belt, and sprocket are completely enclosed from the front, top, rear, and sides.

Any sprocket not used for driving the kart must be fitted with a device to prevent exposure from any angle, or be completely encircled with a chain.

Chain oilers up to 8-ounce capacity are allowed. Competitors using chain oilers shall use a drip pan while on the grid. If a chain oiler is the highest point on the kart it must be protected with a roll bar, not to exceed 26 inches high from the ground.

Fuel Systems

No pressurized fuel delivery systems allowed. No fuel injection systems allowed.

Fuel capacity: Laydown enduro – no capacity limit.  All others – 9-liter maximum capacity. Fuel tanks must be constructed of puncture resistant material, and have a secure leak proof closure.

Fuel lines must be safety wrapped at all connection points.

Fuel tanks must be securely bolted to the primary structure, frame, or floor pan.

Fuel tanks on sprint karts must be located between the frame rails, and beneath the steering shaft.

The length of fuel line shall be only of adequate length to supply fuel to the carburetor. Excessive fuel line length is not allowed.

If other than metallic side tanks are used on an enduro kart, the use of double rail nerf bars per the I.R.A. tech manual is mandatory.

If a fuel tank is the highest point on the kart it must be protected with a roll bar, not to exceed 26 inches high from the ground.