Rules And Regulations

Disclaimer

CMA makes no representations or expressed or implied warranties that compliance with the rules and regulations published in this rules book will prevent or guarantee against injury or death to spectators or participants or damage to personal property.  These rules and regulations constitute the minimum acceptable standards for competition and are intended as a guide for the conduct of the sport.  Safety is the responsibility of equipment manufacturers, vehicle and engine builders, and the participants in the event.  Participants are expected to be alert to the inherent hazards of mud racing and are admonished to exercise good safety precautions and procedures.

Use of Rules

·                Written permission must be obtained from CMA before any individual or organization can specify or use these rules for any event or activity not sanctioned by CMA.

CMA Policies

·                Each member and/or participant agrees to familiarize themselves with all policies, rules, and regulations prior to competing in any CMA sanctioned event.

·                Each member and/or participant expressly agrees that the act of entering a CMA sanctioned event shall constitute an agreement by him/her to be bound by all of the rules and regulations covering the event.   The participant agrees to be bound by any of the decisions of the rules committee.  The member and/or participant also agrees to release and waive from liability and agrees not to bring any action against the CMA, rules committee, the facility, event sponsors, promoter, and all other event officials for any loss or damage caused by decisions, erroneous or otherwise, or decisions based on malfunctioning electronic or mechanical equipment, whether due to negligence or otherwise.

·                In entering an event, the member and/or participant agrees to release and waive from liability and agrees not to bring any action against the CMA, rules committee, the facility, event sponsors, promoter, and all other event officials for any loss, damages, or injury associated with any actions taken by the rules committee during the course of the race, whether such action constitutes negligence or otherwise.

·                The word “participant” shall include any persons directly or indirectly associated with any vehicle lawfully upon the premises for purposes of competition including, but not limited to owners, drivers, and crew members.

·                The authority of the rules committee to make decisions shall include and cover every facet of any kind in connection with the track, pits, conduct of the race, competition, behavior of the contestants and shall include the right to disqualify a driver and his/her vehicle from the race with no refunds made.

·                All members and/or participants take full responsibility and liability for their family, friends, and crew.  For safety reasons, familiarize them with all the rules and regulations of the CMA.

·                Any behavior of erratic driving in the pit or race track deemed by the rules committee as unsafe or detrimental to the event, will result in immediate disqualification and expulsion.  Improper conduct of family, friends, and/or support crew will result in driver and vehicle disqualification.  THERE IS NO FIRST WARNING AND NO REFUNDS TO RACER AND/OR CREW!

Vehicle Operation and Contestant Eligibility

·                All vehicles must be operated in a safe manner at all times.  The rules committee may disqualify any driver and vehicle not being operated in a safe manner.

·                Driver or pit crew member must be seated in the driver’s position any time the vehicle’s engine is running, or anytime attempting to start the engine, and at all times when being unloaded, driven, or towed.

·                Prior to competition, all cars and drivers must pass a technical and safety inspection.  All vehicles must have required safety equipment present when vehicle is teched prior to race.

·                Only the driver will be allowed in competition vehicles when being raced, towed, or driven.  No riders.

·                The primary responsibility for the safe condition and operation of a mud racer in competition rests with the car owner and driver.  The promoter assumes major responsibility for the operation of a safe mud pit.  The total responsibility for mud racing progress, however, must be shared by everyone associated with the sport.  The CMA serves as a coordinator and facilitator between the mud racers, the track and facilities owners, and the promoter.

·                Driver is responsible to bring race vehicle to central tech inspection area.

·                Driver must be 16 years or older.  If under 18 years of age, must have parent or legal guardian present to sign waiver (Showroom, Street, and Super classes only).

Promoter will Provide

·                Mud race track of proper construction.  150’ mandatory length and 35’ minimum width, with 40’ recommended.  Side markers should be placed every 10’.  Contact CMA for track guidelines.

·                Shut down area at least 250’ with 2x length of track recommended.

·                Pit and tech areas.

·                Spectator barriers need to be at least 25’ from track with 50’ recommended for safety considerations.

·                Night races must have fully illuminated pits and shut down areas.

·                Proof of insurance needed at least 15 days prior to the event.

·                Ambulance or proper emergency equipment and personnel.

·                Fire extinguishers for track.

·                Pressurized wash off area absolutely mandatory and should remain open at least 1 hour after race ends.  No garden hoses.

·                Pull out vehicles and equipment (back hoe preferred).

·                Tower and adequate lighting.

·                Driver registration personnel.

·                All track personnel to operate race.  $50 per person charge for CMA personnel to fill in if needed.

·                Security personnel.

·                Appropriate equipment available to clean start line and groom track between classes as needed.

·                Handicap parking and viewing areas to be set aside.

·                Lane side markers to be lathe pounded firmly into the ground with ribbon or paint markings on top.

To the Promoter

·                All races will have a $650.00 sanctioning fee.   Includes the following:

·                Split shows and Tuff Truck shows will be charged extra for set up, etc.

·                Promoter agrees to add in $2.00 per spectator to racers’ purse or $1000, i.e. whichever is the greater of the two (minimum spectator count of 500).

·                It is mandatory to use numbered arm bands furnished by the CMA at every race.

·                Tuff Truck shows require that an additional $0.50 per spectator to be added to their purse for that day.

CMA Points Awarded for all Events

Each race:                                                

Place                       Points                   Place                     Points       

1^st                                 10                         6^th                           5       

2^nd                                  9                          7^th                           4       

3^rd                                   8                          8^th                            3       

4^th                                   7                          9^th                           2       

5^th                                   6                         10^th                         1       

·                Every racer from 10^th to last place will receive 1 point for showing up and paying entry fees.

·                We will calculate the top 80% of drivers’ finishes for points championships.

Race Day Rules

·                One entry per driver per class.  Each driver must draw his/her own number.  Dual runs that draw back-to-back numbers will not be allowed to redraw.

·                Driver must run the vehicle that he/she registered to race for that class that day.

·                Driver must run in position drawn.

·                Movement past start line will be considered a run.   No packing the track.

·                Drivers must register and be teched prior to the running of the first racer in that class.

·                If a vehicle has previously been teched in and no changes have been made, one race grace period will be allowed to comply except for visible safety violations.

·                A vehicle that has rolled over earlier in the day needs to have a complete tech inspection prior to racing again.

·                Drivers registering less than ½ hour prior to the time the race is scheduled to begin, will not be refunded gate admission (money will go into the racers’ purse for that day).

·                The mandatory Driver’s Meeting is always held 15 minutes prior to the scheduled race time.

·                All drivers must attend driver’s meeting – if a driver is not at the meeting, he/she will not race.

·                All drivers must sign the waiver form prior to racing.

·                Racer has five minutes to get vehicle to start line after name is announced.

·                Vehicles that hit any of the stakes between the start line and finish line, and any vehicles that are out of control after the finish line, will be disqualified.

·                All vehicles must self start and self stage.  Staging must be done under the vehicle’s own engine power.  Driver must bring vehicle to start line.  No pit people are allowed at the start line.

·                Vehicle may only be raced twice in each class, provided there are two different drivers.  Vehicle may only receive one payback.

·                To protest, there will be a $25 protest fee for each minor violation.  The protest fee will be $100 if more than removal of a valve cover is required.  Money will go to the person who the rules committee decides in favor of.  All rules are subject to tech interpretation.  The protest must be submitted in writing and signed within 15 minutes of the completion of that class.  A protest must come from a person racing in that class that day.  Protest will not be accepted if protestor is under any influence of alcohol.  Members of the rules committee do not vote on a protest on their own vehicle or a vehicle in their own class if in competition that day.  Protests can include fuel and vacuum.

·                If a vehicle is protested and it is found to be illegal, all drivers racing that vehicle that day will lose points for the season and a $500 fine will be imposed.   Neither the vehicle nor the driver(s) can race until this fine is paid.   The fine will go into the CMA account.  Any points and money earned for that race will not be dispersed to the individual found illegal.  The vehicle will need to be legal and re-inspected at or before their next competition.

·                After a vehicle has made a pass, if a tech inspector finds a problem/illegal vehicle during a random test, the points for that day are lost for all drivers racing that vehicle that day and a $500 fine will be imposed.  Neither the vehicle nor the driver(s) can race until this fine is paid. The fine will go into the CMA account.  Any points and money earned for that race will not be dispersed.  The vehicle will need to be legal and re-inspected at or before their next competition.

·                The rules committee reserves the right to randomly inspect vehicles at their discretion.

·                A competitor may not proceed with his/her run until they have been given a green light or green flag.  The competitor must stop when a red light or red flag is displayed.  The run will be disqualified if these rules are violated.

·                All oil and fuel related products must be disposed of properly.

·                No unrestrained pets allowed in pit area.

·                No alcoholic beverages allowed in pit areas.  Zero tolerance to drivers drinking before racing.

·                CMA and the Rules Committee reserves the right to refuse to allow anyone to race who we feel is unsafe.

·                Situations may arise that are not covered in these policies, rules, and regulations.  In all cases, if limitations aren’t spelled out, it does not mean you can make unlisted modifications.  A ruling will be made by the rules committee, consistent with rulings, in situations of the same nature.  ALL INTERPRETATIONS OF THESE RULES WILL BE MADE BY THE RULES COMMITTEE AND THESE JUDGMENTS ARE FINAL.

1.           Helmet:

*  All drivers must wear a D.O.T. approved helmet.

*  Helmet must remain on until out of race area.

*  In Pro Stock, Modified and Open vehicles, the driver must wear a full-faced helmet with a Snell 85M or preferably a Snell SA85 or SFI 31.2 rating.  Snell 80 rating will not be acceptable.  A 360 helmet support is strongly recommended.

2.           Fire Suits and Clothing:

*  All drivers in Pro, Modified, and Open classes must wear SFI approved fire suits in good condition.

*  No open foot wear allowed.

*  Fire resistant head wear, gloves, and foot wear are strongly recommended.

3.           Eye Protection:

*  Eye protection (face shields, goggles, safety glasses) is mandatory in all vehicles without windshields.

*  No sunglasses.

4.           Belts and Driver Restraints:

*  Driver restraint system required in all vehicles.

*  OEM seat belts allowed in showroom stock, street stock, and super stock.

* A 4-point racing harness is required in Pro Stock, Modified and Open vehicles. 

*  Where roll cages are required, a 4-point racing harness is also required.

*  Seat belts and seat mountings must be deemed safe by the tech team.  Seat belt needs to be replaced when deemed unsafe by tech inspector.

5.           Fire Extinguishers:

*  All non-street legal vehicles must carry a minimum of one 2.5 pound halon, C02 or dry chemical fire extinguisher with a functional dial gauge and be fully charged. 

* Extinguishers should be mounted with a quick release bracket mounted within the driver’s reach when belted in, either in front or to one side of the driver. 

* No fire extinguishers are to be mounted behind the driver. 

* No loose fire extinguishers.

6.           Ignition Switch:

*  All vehicles are required to have an ignition kill switch to kill fuel and ignition.

* OEM ignition switches are allowed in showroom stock, street stock, and super stock.

*  Any non-street legal vehicle must have a battery cut out switch mounted at the rear of the vehicle and facing the rear of the vehicle.

*  All electric fuel pumps must be wired to ignition kill switches.

* Ignition kill switch must be located within driver’s reach with restraints intact, and clearly labeled either on/off or kill switch.

7.           Neutral/Park/Clutch Pedal Safety Switch:

*  All vehicles must have a working neutral/park/clutch pedal safety switch.  Vehicle must NOT be able to be started in any forward or reverse gear.

8.           Firewall and Floor:

*  All vehicles must have a complete firewall and floor pan separating the driver from the engine compartment and driveline components.  (rules committee discretion)

9.           Battery Mounting:

*  Batteries in all vehicles must be securely mounted using an OEM battery hold down system or properly constructed rigid hold down device.

*  No bungee cords, ropes, or wire.

* Batteries mounted within driver’s area must be properly shielded from driver.  Plastic marine case recommended.

10.  Cooling Systems:

*  All engine and transmission cooling devices must be securely mounted and shielded from drivers.

11.  Brake Systems:

*  All vehicles are required to have functional hydraulic brakes in good working order. When pinion brakes are not allowed, 4-wheel hydraulic brakes are required.  Must be tested prior to race.

*  Vehicles must have dual braking systems and must be able to stop in designated shut down area.

*  Transmission braking devices will be allowed in Pro Stock, Modified, and Open classes only.

*  Dual pinion brakes will be allowed in Pro Stock, Modified, and Open classes only.

*  Pro Stock, Modified and Open classes must have 2 separate master cylinders.

*  All brake lines must be in good condition and secured properly.

*  Steering and Wheel brake upgrades are allowed in Street Stock, Super Stock, and Pro classes.  Tech inspectors will approve materials and workmanship.

12.  Fuel and N.O.S. Systems:

*  All nitrous bottles and fuel tanks/cells must be securely mounted.

*  N.O.S. shut off must be accessible to the driver by using the OEM valve, an electric solenoid system, or a ¼  turn shut off value - must be within driver’s reach when belted.

*  Absolutely no tank other than OEM in cab. 

*  All fuel  lines must be in good condition, properly secured, and outside of driver’s compartment.

13.  Engine:

*  All engines must have a minimum of 2 external throttle return springs per carb.

*  All blowers must have an SFI approved blower restraint system and a 360 degrees shield on all blower belts.  Aluminum blower studs are required on all supercharged engines.

* Any engine moved from OEM frame mountings must be mounted properly by substantial construction and be deemed safe by tech team.

* Belts and hoses must be in good condition.

*  All components in engine compartment must be properly secured.

14.  Exhaust:

*  Exhaust systems in all classes must be routed as to exit either up, down, or straight back.  At no time should it exit to the side as to endanger officials or spectators.  (See individual classes for routing allowances.)

15.  Driveline:

*  All non-street legal vehicles must have either a transmission blanket, shield, or SFI approved case covering the transmission if equipped with an automatic transmission.  Recommended on all vehicles.

*  All non-street legal vehicles are required to have driveshaft safety loops  within 8” of U-Joint and not to exceed 24” between loops and 360 degree U-joint shields.  U-Joints are to be 2” wide.

*  All chain-type transfer cases must have a 360 degree shield of at least 3/16” thick steel or aluminum.  Frame cross members covering part of the chain can be considered part of the 360 degree shield.

*  All driveline shields required must be constructed of at least 1/8” thickness steel or aluminum.

16.  Hitching Points:

*  Vehicles must have rigid front and rear hitching points.

*  Hitching points must be easily accessible and be substantially constructed.  No chains, straps, cable, frame rail holes, spring shackles, or trailer balls.

*  Step bumpers with 1” hole allowed if properly secured to frame with a clevis.

*  Tow hooks must be attached to frame using a minimum of two ½” grade 5 bolts.  Tow hook clips are recommended.

*  Safety of rigid hitching point determined by rules committee.  Ruling is final.

17.  Body and Roll Bar/Roll Cage:

*  No body lift over 4 inches.

*  All open bodies vehicles must have a safe and securely mounted roll bar/roll cage, deemed safe by rules committee.

*  A 4-point roll bar is mandatory on all open bodied or non-street legal vehicles and is highly recommended in all vehicles.

*  A frame mounted 6-point roll cage is mandatory on all open bodied Pro Stock, Modified, and Open class vehicles.

*  All roll bars and cages should be constructed of continuous looped roll bar material.  No welded corners.

*  Metal roof section or properly placed wing constructed of metal to cover driver’s head.  (Rules Committee discretion)

Where Roll Bars are Required

1.           Tires:

·                33” maximum D.O.T. tire.  No cutting or grooving.

2.           Engine:

·                Must be factory available engine in stock location  – NO modifications.

·                No headers  - must be stock exhaust and intact.  Dual exhaust and glasspacks allowed.

·                Must pull  17” or more of manifold vacuum @ 900 RPM or less on our gauge.

·                Must have factory stroke only.  No stroking or destroking, max overbore of .060.

·                Electric fans, electric water pumps, and fuel pumps are only allowed if they were on the vehicle from the factory.   Fans can be taken off.

·                Must have 2 external return springs on the carb.

·                Batteries in all vehicles must be securely mounted.

·                OEM ignition upgrade allowed.

3.           Body:

·                All exterior and interior panels to be intact and unmodified.

·                Tops and tailgates may be removed.

·                After-market seats allowed.

4.           Frame and Suspension:

·                Must be factory suspension design for that vehicle.

·                Lift kits allowed.  Maximum 4” body lift.

5.           Fuel:

·                Additive-free pump gasoline or diesel only.  No ethanol or methanol blends.

·                Fuel tanks must remain in stock location.

·                No fuel cells allowed.

6.           Neutral/Park/Clutch Pedal Safety Switch:

·                All vehicles must have a working neutral/park/clutch pedal safety switch.  Vehicle must NOT be able to be started in any forward or reverse gear.

1.           Tires:

·                Up to maximum 35½ ” D.O.T. tire by caliper measurement at widest point  (all 4 tires must meet caliper measurement).  No cutting or grooving.

2.           Engine:

·                Must be factory available engine in stock location.

·                Must have same cubic inch that came in that year with production heads that match that cubic inch.

·                Must have factory stroke only.  No stroking or destroking, max overbore of .060.

·                Headers allowed – exhaust must be intact.