House Rules 2023
1. The sportsman of the Year award will be given annually in honor of Don Wilhite
2. The Rookie of the Year award will be given annually in honor of Doug Matheny
3. Car #1 is reserved for the previous year’s champion. The champion’s old car number will be reserved for that year.
4. A two-year limit will be placed on all retired car numbers.
MEETINGS AND RULE CHANGES:
1. General meeting will be held the third Tuesday of each month.
2. The Board Meeting will be held the first Monday of each month.
3. An annual meeting will be held in November of each year. The year’s motions will be voted on to become rules or deleted
4. Construction rules: Changes will be restricted to September, October and November of every third year in order to freeze the rules during car building and racing season for the following years.
5. House rules: Will be revised during the November meeting and voted on.
6. All members will have a vote on general business. A one vote per car by vested member will apply to all construction and competition motions. Vested member
definition: A member must have competed in a minimum of three (3) VMRA races in the previous or current season or have been voted a lifetime member by club majority
vote to be considered a vested member and be eligible to vote on construction or competition rules.
MONEYS:
1. All cars are to be paid equal tow money. If extra money (purse) is available, it will be broken down by event. Additional purses are to be paid as dictated by the purse
provider. Yearly membership fees are $40.00 for all members. $12.50 of each membership sold will go toward the awards banquet cost.
2. A $50.00 new car registration fee will be assessed to all club members at the time the car number is registered.
3. Board members are not allowed to spend more than $200.00 at a time without the vote of the rest of the club members.
4. All unclaimed moneys will go into the banquet fund after November of each year.
5. After December 31st of the current year, any leftover money above $2500.00 operating cost will be put into the banquet account for the following year.
POINTS:
1. All scheduled races will be points races.
2. Points go with the car number. Once a car has qualified, the number stays with the car. If a driver change occurs, the car must start in the back of its previously assigned
races for that evening.
3. Rookie drivers must announce before their first race that they will be racing as a Rookie. Rookies will receive the same points as the car number that he/she drives,
minus the show-up points. Rookie definition: A driver that has competed in less than three (3) races with VMRA.
4. In the event of a rainout, points will be awarded for all completed events up to the time of the rain out. (Time-ins, heat races, and main events).
5. Points shall be awarded to Car Number only if either the car or the driver is present at the event when substitution is requested. Substitutions may only happen twice per
season, and they may not be consecutive.
6. In case of no time-ins (due to rain or other circumstances) we will use the season points and invert them for line up. In the event of no time-ins for the first (1st) race of
the season we will do a random drawing.
POINTS BREAKDOWN:
1. Points given for time-ins will start at 20 and decrease by 1 (20, 19, 18, 17, etc.)
2. A-Heat race points will start at 15 decreasing by 1 (15, 14, 13, 12, etc.)
3. B-Heat race will start at 13 decreasing by 1 (13, 12, 11, 10, etc.).
4. Main event points start at 25 drop by 3 points for 2nd place, 2 points for 3rd place and one point for each place after that (25, 22, 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, etc.)
TRACK PROCEDURES:
1. Observe all track pit rules and speed limits.
2. Fire retardant drivers’ suits must be worn by all drivers. Nomex underwear, gloves and hoods are recommended.
3. A helmet with eye protection is required.
4. An “A-B-C” rated fire extinguisher is mandatory in the driver’s compartment of the racecar.
5. This rule will invert the line up with the fastest cars to the rear. The one-second rule will be implemented in the Main Event when 10 or more cars time. Any car timing in more than one second slower than the fastest qualifying time will start at the rear of the main event. The two top finishers from the previous event's main will start at the rear of the field but ahead of any "one-second" cars.
6. All race results will come from the tower unless a written challenge of the results is presented to the point’s officials or at least 2 board members within 20 minutes of the
end of the race. Once a challenge has been presented, the person writing the challenge and the points committee or board members will go over the lap sheets, which are
presented, from the tower. Points will be awarded from these results.
7. After time-in announcements, all cars must time-in together unless they notify a club pit official of mechanical problems.
8. No controversial decisions will be made at the track.
9. Rookies with flags will line up according to time-ins unless they elect to go to the back.
10. Engines may be teched at any time by the Tech Committee. The Tech Committee is authorized to pull intake and exhaust and no further unless inspection raises
suspicion. Doing so may not hinder a car from making its next scheduled event on that race day.
11. Two-way communication devices are allowed for safety.
12. Tires will be 10-inch-wide Hoosier “take-offs” as procured and provided by VMRA. Left side tires on left side of car - 3025 or 3035 on the left, right side tires on
right - 3045 on the right. No siping, cutting or grooving will be allowed.
13. Race-ceivers will be required by driver or spotter at all tracks using them.
COMMITTEES:
1. Rules and Policies: To review all rules and make suggestions to the club members at a designated general meeting.
2. Nomination: To take nominations for the VMRA Officers and present them to the Club Members.
3. Social and Awards: To plan and organize banquets, picnics, parties, etc.
4. Fund Raising: To make and take suggestions on fundraising ideas, put said ideas into action and follow through.
5. Scheduling and promotions: To attend promotional meetings and to work with tracks to put together a race schedule for VMRA. Also, to be responsible for setting
up tow fee payments and any other aspects concerning VMRA racing at given track.
6. Points: To keep track of time-ins and to line-up cars at each race accordingly. To keep track of all finishes and keep the current points. To help resolve any finish
challenges by reviewing lap sheets. Will also sit in with the Rules Committee when it comes to revising the points system.
7. Technical: To check each car competing in a VMRA event to make sure all meet and follow rules.
8. In the absence of any appointed committee, board members may assume the duties of that committee.
PROTESTS AND PENALTIES:
1. Protests may be made by any VMRA club member if all the following are met:
A. Protest MUST be made no later than 15 minutes after VMRA’s last race of the event being protested.
B. Protests MUST be made to the Club President, or in his/her absence, to another board member.
C. Protests MUST be in writing and be accompanied by $100.00 cash.
D. Protest must be specific (Engine, Top end, bottom end, clutch assemblies, flywheel, etc.).
2. Penalties if a protest is upheld, (car found illegal)
FIRST TIME:
A. The $100.00 is returned to the protester. (The $100.00 is given to the protested if found legal)
B. If a car refuses the protest, it will be considered to be illegal.
C. If found to be illegal, that car number will lose all points earned for that race date.
D. A $25.00 fine MUST be paid to VMRA before the car can return to the track.
SECOND TIME:
A. The car number will lose all race points earned for that race date.
B. The car number will lose all money for that race date.
C. A $50.00 fine MUST be paid to VMRA before that car can return to the track.
D. The car and number will be suspended for the next two (2) racing dates, (even if it goes into the next racing season)
THIRD TIME:
A. The car will lose all points for the season
B. The car will lose all money for that race.
C. $75.00 fine MUST be paid to VMRA before that car can return to the track.
D. The car and number will be suspended for the next eight (8) racing dates, (even if it
goes into the next season).
SHOCK CLAIMS:
Procedures for Construction Rule 2017-2018-2019: C. Frames and Suspensions 7. (Last sentence of this rule) $85.00 claimer on shock only after the main event.
Driver must be a current paid member of VMRA, and in good standing to claim shocks. Shocks must be claimed, within fifteen minutes, after the end of the Main
Event. Claimed shocks must be removed within fifteen minutes of the claim. Eight five dollars ($85.00) per claimed shock, money must be presented to the boards
Sgt. of Arms; however, should the Sgt. of Arms be absent a board member may hold the money. A shock claimed may be made by any driver/car number that started said Main Event. There will be no restrictions on the number of claims that can be made to any car by any car team during the season. Claims will be in-forced for all Main Events.
If a claim is refused, the car# in question will lose points for that Main Event race with a Fifty-dollar ($50.00) penalty. If a claim is refused a second time, by the same car# in question, they will lose points for that Main Event race with a One-Hundred-dollar ($100.00) penalty. In addition, that car # will be on suspension for the next following race.
RULE VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES:
1. Minor violation (Not a formal protest): Left side weight, total weight, etc.
PENALTIES
FIRST TIME:
A. 10-point loss after main event
B. 5-point loss after heat race
C. time in points loss after timing in
Second Time:
A. Penalties will be same as above
B. Loss of all money for that race date
THIRD TIME:
A. Penalty will be determined by the board members. Possible to lose all points for the season and face a fine.
2. Major rule violations (Not a formal protest): Illegal engines, clutch assemblies, flywheels, etc.
PENALTIES:
FIRST TIME:
A. Car number will lose all points for that race
SECOND TIME:
A. Car number will lose all points for that race.
THIRD TIME:
A. Car number will lose all points for the season and may be suspended
B. Prior to a car returning to the track after being found illegal, it must pass tech
before racing in the next event.
C. The tech committee and/or two or more board members present at the race can
choose to put an illegal car on the trailer, not allowing it to race at that event.
UNSPORTSMAN LIKE CONDUCT:
1. Any club member may be subject to disciplinary action by the board and its members if a VMRA member behaves in an un-sportsman like manner that reflects
negatively on the integrity of the VMRA and its members. A $25.00 fine will be imposed on any member found to be acting un-sportsman like. A member may be
suspended temporarily or permanently depending on the offense.
2. Car owners/drivers are responsible for their pit crew’s actions. If pit crew members are found to be acting in an un-sportsman like manner, the car number they crew for
may be subject to discipline.
3. Any un-sportsman-like track incidents will be handled by the board on a case-by-case basis.
CONSTRUCTION RULES
2023 – 2024 – 2025
A. BODY
1. Any American made car body 1969 and older.1970 -77 compact bodies (example: Vega, Pinto, Gremlin) allowed with tech approval. Cars must also maintain an open wheel/ modified look. Right rear tire to extend at least ½ width outside body. Neat in appearance. No convertibles or pickups. Fiberglass bodies allowed with tech approval.
2. All bodies must be recognizable as factory production cars – original in appearance. No wings, spoilers, aerodynamic aids, etc. Radiator shrouds allowed behind the radiator.
3. 1/8th inch or greater Lexan type windshield must be used. All factory upholstery must be removed.
4. Front and rear fenders must be removed. Doors and rear deck lids are mandatory.
5. All cars are to be self-starting.
6. Car numbers will be a minimum of 16” high with a minimum stroke width of 3” and will be on both sides and top of car. Please make sure they can be read.
7. Pump gas, racing or aviation fuel allowed. No nitrous or alcohol allowed.
8. No 4x4 or front wheel drive cars allowed. No rear engine cars allowed.
9. Any car damaged during a race will be repaired before the next race day. (Skin and paint damage)
10. Mufflers or approved baffles are mandatory. Subject to track approval for noise level or with Tech approval.
11. Floorboards are to be a minimum of 20 Gauge steel or .080 Aluminum.
12. All sheet metal to be securely fastened.
13. 2950 pounds minimum weight with driver in driver’s seat, with a maximum of 57% left side weight. Cars must meet this weight regardless of fluids carried or
used. Cars are subject to weigh in at any time during a race day.
14. Front Bumpers: Minimum of two (2) horizontal bars separated by a minimum of 6”, minimum of two vertical bars between the horizontal bars. Front bumpers
must not extend out beyond 2” on either side of the front frame rails. Rear bumpers must not extend beyond the outside edge of the rear tires and extend to
a minimum of 2” inside the outside edge of the tires. All bumpers and rear nerf bars will have a contact height of 16” at the bottom bar static position for the
entire bumper or rear nerf bar. No bumper or nerf bar will have an end that can catch, poke, etc. another vehicle. Tech Committee can mandate additional
bumper bars as needed for safety.
B. SAFETY
1. Safety approved racing helmets are required, with eye protection required, Snell SA 2005 rating or newer required. A helmet and eye protection always
required while on the track.
2. Approved gas Fire extinguisher 2 ½ pound minimum is mandatory in driver’s compartment within reach of belted-in driver. An on-board fire system may be used in lieu of a removable 2 ½ pound extinguisher.
3. All batteries will be securely fastened and protected outside the driver’s compartment. Subject to Tech approval.
4. Racing type driver’s seat will be securely fastened to the frame or cage. High back seat or headrest is required. Do not attach seat to floorboards.
5. Wheels must be Steel and suitable for racing. Maximum wheel width 10. Subject to Tech Approval.
6. Driveshaft retaining hoop required approximately 12 inches from front and rear of driveshaft.
7. A minimum 3” wide lap belt and double shoulder harness with a single quick release is mandatory. Belts must be securely fastened to the cage and/or frame. Frayed or torn seat belts are unacceptable. Seat belts must be replaced 5 years after the manufacture date.
8. Six-point cage required
A. Main cage to be a minimum of 1 ¾ O.D. x .095 tubing.
B. Door bars are to be a minimum of 1 ½ O.D. x .095 tubing.
C. Four door bars (frame rail included), with top bar within 1” of window opening on the driver side. Subject to Tech approval.
D. Three door bars or “X” brace on passenger side.
E. All door bars to be tied together in the middle on the driver’s side.
F. One stress bar or cross “X” bar behind driver.
G. Cage behind driver to be higher than the driver’s helmet when buckled in.
H. Gussets are required on the floor main upright tubes joining the roll cage to the frame (4” minimum on uprights)
I. All tubes to have complete 360-degree welds. Subject to Tech approval.
J. A minimum of 1/8th inch steel plate is required on outside of driver door bars. Must cover driver’s torso.
9. Fuel cells must be protected on all sides, top and bottom – securely fastened to the frame behind rear firewall. Guards are required to prevent impact from the rear. A fuel cell or Tech approved cell is mandatory. Fuel cell must have a one-way roll over valve on vent and be covered on all sides.
10. Firewalls, front and rear, to completely enclose driver compartment are required.
11. All cars must have a right and left nerfbar or body part that acts as a nerfbar. Left side nerfbars can extend a maximum or 2” past the left tire if required for body and frame. The right side nerfbar can NOT extend outside of the right-side tires and no less than 2” less than the outer edge of the right side tires the ENTIRE length of the bar. The nerfbar height must be equal to the center of rear/front wheels plus or minus 3”. No nerfbar will have an end that can catch, poke, etc. another car.
12. Color coded Master Kill Switch easily reached by belted in driver and from the outside of the car is mandatory. Color to contrast with interior color.
13. All drivers are required to wear an approved SFI rated fire retardant fire suit. Suit must have SFI rating patch on the suit, at a MINIMUM the suit must have a SFI 3.2A/1 rating. Fire suits will be worn at all times when on the track. Fire suits must be in good repair.
14. Windshields are to be strapped or suitably retained. Subject to Tech Approval.
15. Rear view mirror is mandatory.
16. Any Bellhousing allowed when running after market racing clutch. (Subject to tech approval) SIF certified flex plate is recommended. If stock or non-racing clutch used, steel bellhousing is mandatory. If running automatic transmission, 3/8-inch reinforced belt or trans shield is required subject to tech approval.
17. Fuel lines may NOT run through the driver’s compartment. Subject to Tech approval.
18. Window nets are mandatory.
19. Electric fuel pumps are allowed with the use of a low oil pressure cutoff switch.
20. All cars will have operational four-wheel brakes. No more than one, 2 piston calipers per wheel, on front.
21. When the Tech Official finds a Safety Violation/Issue with your car it must be fixed by the following race. If the problem is not fixed by the following race, your car must remain on your trailer, and you will not be allowed to race until the issue is fixed.
C. FRAMES AND SUSPENSION
1. Stock American made/Stock appearing clips allowed. Frame rails must remain stock distance apart in width. Stock frame rails must extend 15 inches forward of
the spindle centerline and to the rear of the engine block. Lower control arm mount point/bolt holes must remain in stock location. Aftermarket front stub/clip allowed so long as they meet designed club template to ensure lower control arm and steering component mounting locations. Must add 40-lbs. total, to be distributed 20-lbs. to each frame rail in front of the front spring pocket. NO aluminum clips or frames allowed. Rack and Pinion type clips are NOT allowed.
2. Stock lower control arms must be used. A stock lower control arm is defined as the outside stamped configuration of the A-frame and shall be unaltered. Additions may be made for the shocks and sway bar. Ball joints will remain in the stock location. A-Frame mounts on the frame are to remain in the stock location.
3. Upper control arms and mounts may be stock or fabricated. Upper control arm mounts may be repositioned.
4. Stock OEM spindles must be used. No cutting or welding. May move tie rod location with minor grinding. ¼” wall thickness on all drilled holes. No dropped, after market, or Aluminum spindles allowed. Minor grinding is allowed to remove flashing and clean up spindle.
5. Steering must be of the type the clip was designed for. The steering box and idler arm must be in stock location/orientation. No rack and pinion steering.
6. Weight jacks are allowed on all four corners of the car.
7. Springs and Shocks: No coil over type suspensions, NO STRUTS. No coil over spring eliminators to be used. Minimum 5” diameter coil springs to be used. Rear leaf springs allowed. One steel or aluminum non-adjustable shock per wheel. No internal or external bumpers or stops. No air or remote reservoir shocks. No Schrader or bladder type valves allowed. No re-valving at the track. b. $85.00 claimer on shock only after the main event.
8. 102” minimum wheelbase.
9. No straight front axle cars.
10. Frames may be stock from the clip back or may be manufactured from a minimum 2”x3x.090 steel tubing or equivalent. IF 2”x3” or equivalent is used it must extend beyond all cage uprights.
11. Engines must be centered between the stock front clip rails with the most forward spark plug no more than 1” behind the centerline of the lower ball joints. Crankshaft centerline must be no lower than 11” from the ground.
12. No independent or “c” clip rear ends. No Detroit lockers, gold tracks or similar locker units allowed. Full or mini-Spools are allowed. Quick change optional.
13. Wide 5 hubs and steel wheels are allowed when installed on stock OEM spindles per rule C-4.
14. Minimum body height is 45”. Maximum track width, outside edge to outside edge at spindle height is 82” front and rear.
15. No cockpit adjustable devices for any suspension item. External adjustments only on all suspension to include, but not limited to, torsion bar, sway bar, shock,
trailing arm, radius rod, weight jacking, spring, pan hard bar, or any suspension component. No electronic controlled suspension device of any kind.
D. ENGINES AND RUNNING GEAR
1. No fuel injection, blowers, superchargers, or turbos. No traction control devices allowed.
2. All engines must be stock American factory production blocks. No aluminum or after-market type blocks.
3. No dry sump engines.
4. OEM cast iron heads or approved aftermarket cast iron heads allowed. Heads may not exceed 200 CC on intake runner. Owner is responsible to provide documentation to show heads are legal.
5. No porting, polishing, or port matching on heads. No tapering or grinding below 1” of valve seat. If in doubt, see a Tech official for clarification.
6. Maximum 370 Cubic Inch engines. Flat top pistons only. After market steel rods and crankshafts are OK. No stroker engines. Ask Tech for Clarification.
7. Any type ignition is approved. No magnetos.
8. Any intake manifold with a normally aspirated carburetor, 2 or 4 barrels may be used. No homemade/custom made intake manifolds.
9. No mushroom lifters or roller camshafts allowed. Roller rockers are permitted.
10. Rules apply to all engines, 4-6-8-10-12 cylinders, straight or V Design.
11. All cars must be equipped with a working clutch. After market clutches allowed. No in-out boxes. Reverse mount starter bell housing allowed. NO Aluminum flywheels. OEM transmissions with full set of working gears. Automatic transmissions MUST run an operational stock type torque converter.
ATTENTION
All construction rules and safety items on cars will be checked and approved by the Technical committee. It is understood that rules can be viewed differently by everyone. The technical committee will determine whether the way you conform to the rules is within the spirit of VMRA and the spirit of why the rule was written.
DISCLAIMER
No express or implied warrant of safety shall result from the publication of, or compliance with these rules. They are intended as a guide and are in no way a guarantee against injury or death to spectators, participants or others.