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UNOFFICIAL 2012 LITTLE WHEELS RACE SCHEDULE

Race Day schedule

Sign-in/Safety                          7:30-9:00am

Controlled Practice*                 8:30-9:30am

Pit Meeting                               9:30am

Racing                                      9:45am-completion

*Your car MUST be signed in prior to practicing. There will be no open practice on Race Day.

Pit fees are $20 for the first car and $15 for all other cars entered by the same family

All members must be in good standing in order to participate. All fees and/or monies owed to Little Wheels and/or QMA for protest fees, NSF checks, fundraisers, etc. must be paid in full in order participate.  There will be a $20 fee for NSF checks. If you have more than one NSF you will be required to pay cash for the remainder of the year.

Rain outs

The decision to call a race event due to rain will be made by the Little Wheels Board of Directors.

 

In the event that a race is called due to rain prior to the race event beginning, no refunds will be given. If that event is made up on a rain date, credit will be given for the sign-in fees for that day for individual drivers and their specific class.  Drivers signed in will receive credit as an “attempt to race” toward year end eligibility. A race event that has already begun will not be rescheduled.

In the event a race is rained out prior to completing one set of heats, no points will be awarded. This will be considered a rain out. If that event is made up on a rain date, credit will be given for the sign-in fees for that day for individual drivers and their specific class.  Drivers signed in will receive credit as an “attempt to race” toward year end eligibility. A race event that has already begun will not be rescheduled.

If the race day is called for any reason after completing one set of heats, but before the completion of all races scheduled, all competitors will receive points earned in any completed races. All competitors will earn first place points for any races not completed (assuming a two heat & one main format).

Sign-in and safety inspection

Each car must be inspected by club safety personnel prior to signing in. Upon completion of safety inspection, you will be given a safety checklist and registration form. Please complete the bottom section of the form and bring it to the tower to sign in your car. Any car signed in after sign-ins close will start at the back of their first race. No car will be allowed on the track for controlled practice until it has been safety checked and signed-in. A practice number must be placed on the front of the nose cone.

QMA badges and/or wristbands received at sign-in will be worn in the hot chute or any other restricted areas.

Race Format

Little Wheels non-qualifying club races will consist of 2 heats and mains. One or both heat races may be removed at the discretion of the Race Director if the car count is exceedingly high or if bad weather is threatening.

Little Wheels qualifying club races will consist of time-ins (per Grand’s format in QMA rulebook), one heat, and mains. All cars breaking a track record must be sealed at scales.  The heat race may be removed at the discretion of the Race Director if the car count is exceedingly high or if bad weather is threatening.

There will be a ONE minute warm-up for all races. Your car must be “on the track” as designated by the line at the beginning of the hot chute when the horn sounds indicating the end of the warm-up period or he/she will be placed at the end of the pack for the start of the race.

All heat races will have a time limit of 20 minutes and all mains will have a time limit of 30 minutes, excluding red flag conditions.

Junior classes will have a maximum of 8 cars per race with 9 cars permitted to avoid an additional heat or main. Senior classes will have a maximum of 10 cars per race with 11 cars permitted to avoid an additional heat or main. The extra car provision does not pertain to the Novice classes.

Class race orders will be arranged to minimize occurrences of drivers running “back-to-back” races.

Heat Races:

                                                15 Laps Novices & Juniors

                                                            15 Laps Senior (5 or less cars)

                                                            20 Laps Senior (6 cars or more) 

Main Events: 

C Main Events & Lower:           15 Laps Novice

20 Laps Junior

                                                            30 Laps Senior

B Main Events                          20 laps Novice

                                                            25 Laps Junior

                                                            35 Laps Senior

A Main Events                          25 Laps Novice

                                                            30 Laps Junior

                                                            40 Laps Senior  

Heat Race lineup

In races with no qualifying, a pill draw will determine the first heat lineup. The lowest number drawn will start in the pole for the first heat, 2^nd lowest starts 2^nd, etc. In the case the same number is drawn by 2 drivers, revert to sign-ins (first to sign in gets first available position).

The second heat will be a full inversion of the line up from the first heat.

In races with qualifying, a pill draw will determine the qualifying order. The heat race lineup will be a full inversion of the qualifying order.

Main Event lineup

In divisions having 11 or less cars (9 for Novice & Jr.), A Main positions to be set by combining the finish score of both heat races (See Points System), with top six cars inverted (4 for Novice & Jr.). No-times and late arrivals will run behind all the qualified cars in the order in which they signed in. (First sign in goes to first open slot, etc.) 

In the event that any class has more than 11 cars (9 for Novice & Jr.) the lineups for the Main events will be determined by the results of the combined heat races and pill draw in the event of a tied score.  First 6 positions (4 Novice & Jr.) inverted into the A Main, next 6/4 inverted into the B Main etc. The remaining unfilled positions in each Main event will be determined by the results of the previous Main. Mains will be set up so that up to 4 cars will advance to the next higher main, regardless if it is an 8 or 10 car division. 

In the event only one heat race is run, the lineups for the mains will be determined as follows:

In divisions having 10 or less cars (8 for Novice & Jr.), A Main positions to be set by finish

of heat races, with top six cars inverted (4 for Novice & Jr.). Remaining cars added in finish order straight up, with no-times and late arrival running behind all the qualified cars in the order in which they signed in. (First sign in goes to first open slot, etc.) 

In the event that any class has more than 10 cars (8 for Novice & Jr.) the locked in positions for the Main event will be determined by the results of the heat races and pill draw.  First 6 positions (4 Novice & Jr.) inverted into the A Main, next 6/4 inverted into the B Main etc. The remaining unfilled positions in each Main event will be determined by the results of the previous Main. Mains will be set up so that up to 4 cars will advance to the next higher main, regardless if it is an 8 or 10 car division.   

Fuel

Fuel will be tested regularly, and at any time, at the discretion of the tech director. Fuel must be purchased at the fueling station determined by the tech director for all club races. The selected station and fuel grade shall be posted on the club website and at the track.

Tires

Absolutely no tire wrap of ANY kind will be allowed on tires that are mounted on wheels outside of your trailer (either on your car or pit cart) per QMA. NO EXCEPTIONS.

All participants in all LWQMA race events will be required to run a Vega MBM tire on the right front and right rear. If a car is spotted in staging with the wrong brand or compound tire, the will be required to change to the allowed brand and compound tire before being allowed to enter the track. If a car finishes a race with the wrong brand or compound tire, they will be a DQ at scales and receive last place points for that race. All other QMA rules pertaining to tires apply. The spec tire rule does not apply to novices.

At all LWQMA race events, all cars will be required to start the A Main with a previously used tire. Acceptable previously used tires will have been marked at scales following a heat race (either at Little Wheels or a Region Race). It is the handler’s responsibility to ensure their tires are marked at scales.  Tires that are inadvertently damaged beyond use during the A Main event may be replaced by another marked previously used tire. Penalty for racing the A Main without the required marked tire will be a DQ at scales and receive last place points for that race.

Tech Procedures 

The top 4 finishers in each A Main will automatically be impounded to a specified holding area for Technical proceedings. Cars must proceed directly to impound after crossing scales and stay there until released by the Technical Director or be subject to disqualification.

The extent, level, and number of tear downs will be at the discretion of the Tech Director. He/she will coordinate with the tower on how tech will be handled at each race. An owner/handler has the right to refuse an assigned tech person if there is another qualified individual to perform tech. If there is a problem with an engine, the specific problem(s) will be submitted to the Regional Tech Director (or his designee) for 1) review by not less than a total of three tech personnel (if not already done) and 2) a final determination. 

In addition, all cars will be checked for weight and conformance per QMA rules such as nerf bars, tread width, etc., when leaving the track after heats and Main Events. Do not leave the scale area until you are released or you will be DQ’d.  

Tread width is measured from tire center to tire center on the bottom of the tires. For nerf bars, if a straight edge is placed against the outside rim of a rear wheel and contact is made with a nerf bar the wheel may be rotated ¼ turn in either direction and checked again. If contact is made on the second attempt, then the car will be disqualified and the driver will receive last place points.)  

Awards           

A-Main Events              1^st, 2^nd, & 3^rd Place

B-Main Events              1^st & 2^nd Place & Ribbon for 3^rd

C & Lower Mains           1^st & Ribbon for 2^nd &3^rd

You must sign in and attempt to race at 6 of the 9 events to qualify for year-end participation awards.

You must sign in and attempt to race 6 of the 9 races in one division to qualify for year-end points awards in that division.

There must be 2 qualifying cars in a division, for 6 or more races, for that division to be eligible for year-end points awards.

There will be one throw out race. Each competitor will throw out their lowest daily points total, and it must be a day that other competitors scored points. You may not throw out a race in which you receive 0 points due to a Flagrant Unsportsmanlike Conduct black flag or a Technical DQ at teardown. Drivers do not need to sign in on the race date that they wish to use as their throw out.

Points System 

Heats:              1 point spread per position                 

                                    1^st  – 20                                              

                                    2^nd – 19                                               

3^rd – 18   etc.                          

Qualifying:        Points are determined by the number of qualifiers in the respective class and will be equal to the value of heat race points. For example, if there are only enough cars for one heat, the top qualifier will receive 20 points, 2^nd fast will receive 19 points, etc. If there are enough cars for 2 heats in a class, the top 2 qualifiers will receive 20 points, the next 2 will receive 19 points, etc.

Main Event:      2 point spread per position

A-Main: 1^st – 150, 2^nd -148, 3^rd -146, 4^th -144, 5^th -142, 6^th -140,

7^th -138 etc.

B-Main: 5th – 130, 6^th -128, 7th -126, 8^th -124, 9^th -122, 10^th -120

                                                (Novice & Jr Classes Start at 134)

C-Main: 5^th - 118, 6^th -116, 7^th -114, 8^th -112, 9^th -110, 10^th -108

                                                (Novice & Jr Classes Start at 126)

            D-Main:            5^th – 106, 6^th -104, 7^th -102, 8^th -100, 9^th -98, 10^th -96

                                                (Novice & Jr Classes Start at 118)

                        E-Main: 5^th – 94, 6^th -92, 7^th -90, 8^th -88, 9^th -86, 10^th -84

                                                (Novice & Jr Classes Start at 110)

YOU WILL ONLY RECEIVE POINTS IN THE HIGHEST MAIN FOR WHICH YOU QUALIFY. 

If two or more cars are disabled together and are unable to continue, the points will be added together and divided between them equally EXCEPT if one of the cars is charged with a call, in which case the cars will be scored as if the car receiving the call exited the race before the other disabled car.

Flagrant Unsportsmanlike Conduct black flags will receive no points for that race.  Technical DQ’s at tear down will receive no points for the entire event but will still receive credit for year-end awards. All other DQ’s will result in last place points for that race. If more than one driver is disqualified in a race, then both drivers will receive last place points. For example, if two drivers were DQ’d in a race with ten cars, both drivers would receive points for 10^th place. No driver would receive 9^th place points.

In the event of a tie for places at the end of the series, two equal places will be awarded. (Ex. tie for 1^st there will be 2 - 1^st place awards given). Rollover awards will be given only if the rollover occurred under green flag racing conditions. (Heat or Main warm-ups do not count). 

Drivers who score DNS (Did Not Start) or DNF (Did Not Finish, as the result of a crash, third Charged Yellow, or any other instance identified as a DNF under QMA rules) in a race will receive points according to when they drop out in relation to other drivers. DNS must attempt to warm up and/or race. 

DNA (Did Not Attempt) means that the car was not present for either the warm up, the heat race or qualifying and/or did not attempt to start the car for either the warm up or the race. A DNA for heat races or qualifying will not receive any points. DNA in the main event will receive last place points.

Novice Class is NOT racing for points or championships. Their attendance is logged for year-end participation awards.

Moves             

Any move from one division to another in the same Class, driver will enter new division with 1 point less than the lowest point total in the new division with the same number of races run.  Only one move per series allowed. Driver is still able to qualify for year-end points awards as long as they qualified, signed-in, and attempted to race 6 out of the 9 races in one division.

You must sign in and attempt to race 6 of the 9 races in one division to qualify for Year-end

awards in that division.

If a Novice driver moves up after the 4^th race in the series, they will start with 0 points in the new class.  Therefore, if the Novice driver wants to race for points in the new class they must be sure to move up by the start of the 4^th race of the series.

Moving from one CLASS to another: (Such as: Jr. Honda to Lt. 160 or Sr. Stock to Lt. Mod), the driver will enter the new class with 0 points.

Rules and regulations

Pierce County park rules will apply. For everyone’s safety, there will be no bicycle riding, rollerblades, skateboards, scooters, or RC cars inside the fenced paved area during any race event. Helmets must be worn whenever riding. If you are caught riding without a helmet, whatever you are riding will be confiscated until you go home.

Please be courteous when using two-way radios and please do not use the same channel as the race officials (ch.11). Absolutely no one is permitted in the tower during races except tower workers and race officials. No smoking is allowed inside the fenced area.

GENERAL RULES:

1.    All rules and procedures not set forth herein will follow the current Region 9 format and QMA handbook. 

2.    QMA code of conduct and all club rules will be adhered to at all races and all QMA functions. It shall be up to each and every member to exhibit appropriate behavior at all times, and to take the personal responsibility to address any negative behavior that they see and encourage those people to have better, more positive attitudes.  

3.    Any race related disagreements are not to be directed toward the flagger, judges, or tower workers. If you have a concern, please discuss it with the race director. Protests or disputes will be settled by the Race Director, and his/her decision is final.

4.    Any time a QMA member is on the grounds of the facility designated for use by the club, they are subject to QMA and club rules and regulations and adopted code of conduct.

5.    If a handler enters the racing surface or in any other way causes a disruption of the green flag racing event, the car he/she is handling will be disqualified.

6.   Upon the unanimous decision of the handlers, anytime there are less than 4 cars in a division, they may be combined with the other division in that class, with the heavy division to the front, providing that the total of the two divisions does not exceed 10 cars. No combining for the Junior divisions. No combining Honda with Stock, except in the Novice division.

7.    In all cases driver’s hair must be secured, either under the helmet or inside the jacket, while on the track.

8.    All visors will be in place before the car approaches the track. Clear or amber shields required after dusk.

9.   Liberation of fluids, car related safety items (nerf bars, bumpers, shoulder bar and fuel tank), driver related safety items (helmet, gloves, neck collar, arm restraints, belts, and visors), is cause for automatic disqualification and last place points will be awarded.

10.  If a muffler comes loose but does not leave the car, it is NOT reason for immediate disqualification. All mufflers must be securely fastened to the header pipe and the header pipe must be securely fastened to the head. Handlers may repair broken exhaust pipes or mufflers in the designated work area under yellow or non-medical red flag conditions. Muffler baffles, mufflers, and exhaust pipes lost during a race and not repaired back to QMA legal specifications before the checkered flag waves will be reason for disqualification at scales (per QMA Rulebook) and last place points will be awarded. No holes allowed in baffle.

11.  QMA work rule will be used. No working on car or engine while on track, with exception of asking judges to turn off fuel. Car must be taken to a designated area for repairs. Any car using the work rule will restart at the back of the pack and must be back on the track-racing surface (past the yellow line) when the green flag drops or it will be disqualified. Five courtesy laps will be given, after cars on the track are properly lined up, for repairs to be made in the pits (once per car, per incident). This provision shall apply to the initial lineup and restarts. On a restart, if a car is in the pits and does not get back on the track before the green flag is given and there is yellow thrown before the lap is completed, the car in the pits would be allowed to rejoin the race.

12.  No car can be started while in the staging (line-up) area while waiting to go onto the track. No car can be left unattended while running anywhere on the premises.

13.  No pit cart, dollies, extension cords, generators or open flames will be allowed in staging/line-up area except to unload cars. Cars must be race ready when placed in staging. Cars entering staging must do so from the back of the staging area.

14.  A race is over when the flagger unfurls the checkered flag. A checkered flag, once unfurled and displayed to the drivers, cannot be withdrawn to wave a yellow flag. In the event of a disputed unfurling of the checkered flag, the Race Director will make the final determination.   

15.  Anyone who is 16 and older who is qualified and a member of QMA shall be allowed to flag.

16.  Any car receiving three (3) Chargeable Yellow Flags during a race will be black flagged and considered a DNF for points. The driver will receive points according to when they drop out in relation to other DNF drivers.  The tower spotter will call out cars dead on the track, cars entering and leaving the track and in what order.

17.  If during the line up process, any car(s) that fails to line up and /or keep proper pace or continually jump-starts the green, the flag person should point a rolled black flag as a warning. Cars that still do not keep the proper pace or other infractions may be sent to the back of the line up. The important thing to remember is that the starter must maintain control and remain consistent.

18.  If a driver is racing in sequential races, then the first car raced may be left in the scale area while the driver stages for the next race. It is the handler’s responsibility to notify the scale worker of the situation. Drivers must proceed directly to staging for their next race without delay. Excessive delays, as determined by the race director and pit boss, may result in the group entering the track before the transferring driver is ready to begin.

19.  There will be no provision for waiting for a car in the hot chute. When the flag person has a complete line up he/she will start the race.

Judging:                       At all Little Wheels club races, a minimum of 3 judges per race shall witness the race and be responsible for making calls according to the QMA National Judging procedures. Judges shall not be handlers, owners or parents of drivers entered in the same division at that race meet. A flag person shall not make any DQ calls unless so directed by the judges of that event. Judges will communicate to the Flag person and tower when making a call. No arguing with judges will be allowed. All decisions are final. Judging will follow National Guidelines.

Called for Rain:             Racers on the racing surface called for rain will move their cars to the hot chute area. Cars will remain there until the race is resumed or called. Working on cars is not permitted in the hot chute during rain delay.

Called for Time:            When time is up the race will finish on the next incident flag or at the checkered flag. If incident occurs then finish would be restart order per tower. Finish will then be signaled with yellow and checkered and all cars will be instructed to leave the race surface.

Protests:                      All protests must be made in writing within one hour of the completion of that race, to the Race Director or delegate only. Anyone protesting to an official other than the Race Director, or delegate, will be suspended from participation. The protest must reference the racing rule or scoring procedure that was not followed by the race officials. Judging calls may not be protested.   

Track fuel is at the Shell station located at

19921 Meridian E, Graham, WA‎ - (253) 847-2200‎

Please get your MIDGRADE gas there so you  will breeze  through tech.