Section 4 – Heat Race Procedures
4.0 Heat Race Procedures:
4.1 Each driver will draw a number (aka: “pill”) for the first heat race lineup when they register for the day’s event. NOTE: Registration usually closes when the scheduled Drivers Meeting begins (or other posted time if applicable), or 2 hours after Gates Open posted time. If a driver misses draw, they will start on the back of both heats. (In the event of a weather delay, drivers must still come in and register/pay to race and/or to collect points per “Rain Out” rules.)
4.2 For the second Heat race the first heat line up is completely inverted with first time drivers/Rookies starting in the rear for both heats.
4.3 The Heat race finishes (points awarded) are added together to determine the starting lineup for the Feature. In the event of a tie between one or more drivers for any given position, the points will break the tie. If it is not a points race, or the drivers in the tie don’t have points accumulated, or it’s the first race of a new Points Race Season, the pill number drawn at registration will be used to break the tie.
4.4 The general guideline number of karts per heat is 8 [The exception would be with the younger age groups with regard to the groups respective and overall skill level, or lack thereof, we may require a beginner class to be split up even if they have right at 8, or even fewer, karts in the class. This is at the sole discretion of the Race Officials and is determined with safety, best flow of progression, and overall timing concerns of the race program in mind.] In the event there is a larger car count, that class will be split into 2 or more groups. This will be shown on the grid board as Group A, Group B, Group C, etc.
4.5 Starts:
4.5.1 The Flagman starts all the races on the initial waving of the green flag. The Green flag will be given when the front row karts are keeping a reasonable pace, and are in line, and are approaching/entering the start box at the same pace.
4.5.2 Any kart jumping the start (ie: passing), causing a “No Start” more than twice, may be sent to the rear for the next restart attempt or be docked the number of spots passed in the final race results and points awarded accordingly, or the front row will go back and 2nd row will move up and attempt the next start. Also if a kart jumps or passes before the Orange Cone on restarts (or drives below/under the cone), that driver will be docked in the same manner and race results will reflect penalty given for violation.
4.5.3 The Flagman may call “No Start” if, at his discretion, the drivers did not make a clean start at or from the starting box and/or to the start/finish line. If drivers continue to be non-compliant on starts and a Clean Start has not happened in 2 or more attempts, a single file start may be used.
4.5.4 If a kart “Scratches” before the class has left the shoot, the karts will be re-grid for that race. If a kart is unable to start the race after the class has entered the track, then the row where there is the open spot will move up to fill in the gap.
- Please inform the score keepers or grid steward if you will not be able to make your heat.
4.6 Yellow or Red Flag Procedures:
4.6.1 The kart(s) causing the caution and/or stopped on the track due to a caution will be sent to the rear, in front of any lap cars, if applicable, for the restart. The restart will be based on the last completed and scored lap. Note: A completed lap results when 75% of the karts cross the start/finish line.
4.6.2 If fault cannot be determined, all karts involved will either get their spot back or all go to the rear, based on the circumstances and race official’s call.
4.6.3 Kart/Drivers causing more than two cautions during the race may be sent to the pits.
4.7 Repairs:
4.7.1 Any kart stopped will be pushed to the middle of the infield or other designated work area (by exit shoot). If this occurs during a caution, 1 member of the pit crew has 2 laps to restart the kart.
- ONLY RESTARTS ARE ALLOWED IN HEATS!
- If kart stops or stalls and is clear of the track (moved to infield or exited) the race will stay green.
4.7.2 Driver will be allowed to restart kart twice during any given heat race, and only during a caution. If the kart stalled during a caution that was not caused by that driver, then they will get their spot back on restart, but ONLY if the kart is restarted within the time frame of that caution. If caution laps are extended due to kart not restarting, then driver will be sent to the rear (but in front of lapped karts).
4.7.3 If kart dies in the shoot (prior to the green flag) driver will be given approximately 2 minutes to start and enter the track. Once the gate has closed you may not enter the track.
Section 5 Feature Race Procedures
5.0 Feature Race Procedures:
5.1 There will be a 20-minute time limit on all Feature Races beginning when the chute gates are closed.
5.1.1 If the raced is called based on time limit, the last completed lap will determine the Feature Finish order.
5.2 Most “A” Feature races will be 15 to 20 laps (except for Young Guns and/or Jr 1). Race Officials may also reduce the number of laps based on the total number of karts entered in the class, or left racing due to others coming off track during race.
- If the class was split the combined limit for a A-main/Feature is 12 karts to make up a “Full Field” and anything over that number will require a “B-Main” with the number of laps to be posted on Grid Board. Note: B-Mains generally run 8 to 10 laps. with the top 4 moving up to the A-Main. Also, B-Mains are run immediately after the intermission and before all the other classes begin their A Mains/Feature Show with a small break in between the class’ B and A Main to give the drivers being taken from the B to the A time to make adjustments if needed.
5.3 Only track officials are allowed on the track and no one else will be allowed in the infield during the race program, unless authorized by a Race Official.
- The Exit shoot is considered part of the track during live racing and no one is allowed to stand in the exit shoot at anytime during the races.
- Parents who violate this rule are subject to having their driver being penalized and/or causing a Caution to be called – and the driver being sent to the rear, or a DQ if repeat offender, which will result in a loss in points for the night.
Exception to the rule
- a designated Outlaw parent who have started their driver using a four-wheeler may sit in the infield, as it’s safer for them to stay their than cross back across the track, or
- a parent of Young Gun (or other beginner/first time driver) who may need special assistance due to Rookie status or kart operating ability.
5.4 Anyone crossing or running out onto the racetrack during the a race, even if the drivers are under “caution” – because it’s still considered an active race event, will be subject to disqualification or loss of finish order position of their kart/driver for race. AND if done in an aggressive unsportsmanlike manner, the entire race team will be asked to leave the grounds immediately forfeiting any points that may have been otherwise awarded for the night. Additionally, the team will be subject to a race suspension for the next race depending on the severity of the incident/aggression in question.
- If your child is hurt, you will be summoned to come onto the track once the officials deem it safe and have gained full control of the entire situation.
5.5.2 The Green Flag will be given when the front row karts are keeping a reasonable pace, in line and approaching/entering the starting box at the same time. The pole sitter sets the pace and the general rule of racing is that the outside pole is to “keep up”, but if the pole driver doesn’t play fair and makes it impossible it’s bad for everyone – and the front row will be sent back and the second row will move up to attempt a clean start as previously stated.
5.5.3 If karts do not make a “Clean Start” according to the Flagman, a “No Start” will be called. If more than 2 No Starts are called the drivers may be lined up in single file order to attempt a Clean Start for the race.
5.5.4 Any kart(s) jumping the start 2 times causing a “no start” or yellow flag may be sent to the back. If a driver Jumps the start but the race goes/stays Green, the violating driver will be docked the position(s) of karts passed in the end race results tally and points awarded accordingly.
5.5.5 If a kart dies in the shoot (Before the Gates opens) the driver will have 2 minutes to restart their engine and enter the track to keep their starting position. After that time, driver may only enter the track at the Race Director’s and/or Flagman’s discretion and by direction of the Grid Steward who will make sure it is safe to enter – the driver will then have to tag on the back for the start and other karts will move up to fill in any gaps to line up.
5.5.6 If a driver “Scratches” before the race begins (and has reported the scratch to Score Keepers), the karts will be re-grid for that race. If something happens after the class has entered the track and a kart drops out before taking the green, then the row where there is the open spot will move up to fill in the gap. *Please inform the score keepers or grid steward if you will not be able to make the Feature.
5.6 Yellow or Red flag during feature:
5.6.1 The kart(s) causing the caution, and/or if driver has stopped on the track regardless of whether they were the initial factor that caused the caution -, by stopping they have engaged in the act of a causing a yellow flag/caution condition – will re-start in the rear (before lap karts). [NOTE: Going to the rear on a re-start after being a part of an incident in any way that results in your kart stopping on the track resulting in a Yellow Flag, is the standard motorsports measure of awarding blame and penalty and all the big tracks follow this rule.]
5.6.2 In the event that the officials do not agree on a particular call (ie: who was at fault because they didn’t see it play out due to their focus being on another area of the track, or their view was simply obstructed) the karts may be lined up for restart based on the last completed lap with everyone getting their spots back, or all drivers involved being sent to the rear.
5.6.3 On Re-Starts – Karts passing other drivers before the Orange Cone (if cone is used) or driving under or over it, will be docked at least one, maybe more position(s) depending on how many karts they passed before passing the cone.
- Re-start line ups are based on last completed lap as determined by the Score Keepers records. Karts not falling into their correct placement after several attempts to direct them will result in the race going Green with them in the wrong spot. (This is where Racecievers will come in handy so we can directly communicate with the drivers on situations like this. NEW: Racecievers are now mandatory in all Outlaw classes.)
5.7.1 Repairs:
5.7.2 You may not make repairs on the track. Pit Crews/Kart Owner must push kart to designated WORK AREA – which is in front of the exit shoot. Driver will be given a 2-minute mechanical window to make repairs. When time is up, and the race has gone back to Green racing conditions, karts will not be allowed to re-enter the track. In the event another caution occurs while the kart is still in the work area, infield or in/or near the exit shoot, and it is deemed safe by race officials, the driver may be given permission to rejoin the race and will be scored as lapped traffic according to number of laps that have occurred since kart was last racing.
5.7.3 If a driver pulls off the track or drives onto the infield – for whatever reason – and the track is clear, the race will stay green. If driver pulls into the infield the Flagman may throw a yellow to allow the driver to make repairs based on the circumstances, if time permits, and the race conditions are safe to do so. This is not a guarantee and when the track has a full field of karts in a heated competitive race, the track/race will most likely stay green if there is no obstacle in the driver’s path. That is the safest way to handle that situation in most cases, so drivers need to understand that if they pull off we are going to assume they are having equipment failure and can’t complete the race and we will stay Green.
5.7.4 Karts must pull off the track for a Black Flags, even if it was for safety/mechanical related issues like losing a neck collar, bumper, oil or gas leaking onto track, etc. In those events (ie: mechanical or safety related) a zero DQ will not be given and driver will receive last place points.
Section 6 Protest, Engine Tech Procedures & Motor Claim Rules
Disclaimer: First time drivers to KAM Kartway may not be protested. In the event that a competitor does not meet all KAM Kartway rules, and the issue does not present a safety issue or performance advantage for the driver, they will be allowed to participate in the scheduled event that day, forfeiting any points and/or cash payouts.
6.1 At the Race Director/Track Owner’s discretion, he may tech any kart including, but not limited to: motor, fuel, safety, tires, rule compliance, etc. as they see fit and drivers are subject to a Pre-Race Inspection before the races start. Upon failing a pre-tech or safety inspection, the driver will not be permitted to race unless the issue(s) have been corrected in time.
6.2 All Competitor Protests must be submitted to the Race Director or Score Keeper in writing within 15 minutes of completion of the heat race or prior to the beginning of the Feature race for the class in which the protested driver races in. Verbal protests will not be accepted nor Tech’d. The Protest Form is on the website under the “Forms” menu tab and can be downloaded from there.
6.2.1 The Protestor that is making the protest will fill out an Official Protest Form and pay the appropriate Protest Fee, which must be paid in cash and in full. NOTE: Below is a small but detailed list of what can be protested and what the fee for each will cost the protestor:
- Engine Protest $75.00 {A “Visual Protest” may be requested for a specific part for $25.00}
- Fuel Protest $25.00
- Tire Protest $10.00
- Weight Protest $5.00
(Forms may also be obtained from score official between races or at intermission upon request.)
6.2.2 The Protestor must be a Race Competitor – if a minor driver – then the Parent may file it out on their behalf – and the both drivers in question must be competitors in the same class. In the case of full motor tear down the person being protested AND the protestor must have finished in the top three (Podium Finishers) of the A-Main/Feature.
6.2.2.a The protest will be announced during the Feature, once the driver has entered the track, and the race will be finished “under protest”, which may be indicated by the Flagman by waiving both the Black Flag and Checkered Flag at the same time on the final lap.
6.2.3 If the driver under protest has a podium finish, they will still be awarded the trophy or award and be allowed to pose for pictures in Victory Lane. Awards will be returned if protest is upheld and kart is found to be non-compliant with the rules, or having illegal motor parts, or work done in violation of AKRA Technical Rules in a deliberate attempt to give the driver an unfair racing advantage (aka: Cheating).
6.2.4 In the case of a motor failing tech or the kart/motor owner refuses to be Tech’d, the kart and driver will forfeit any and all points and awards for that race date and is subject to a future race suspension for refusing.
- Please note that refusing tech a second time will result in being suspended permanently from the track for the remainder of the points race season.
- Once something is found that results in motor failing tech, the protest is over.
6.2.5 If the motor in question is in compliance with the KAM Kartway posted rules and/or the designated engine rules such as AKRA, then that driver/kart owner will receive 50% of the protest fee with the other half paying the Tech guy or being donated to the Track Awards Fund.
6.2.6 Due to some circumstances a motor/kart may be impounded until the protest (tech) can be completed. This can, and has, taken up to a few days to complete in an effort to obtain a qualified Tech person to perform the Protest Tech item under protest.
6.2.7 Only one team representative from each side will be permitted in the tech area while the tech is being performed and no one else may enter until the protest has been completed.
6.3 Motor Claims
6.3.1 Only motors subject to the Claim Rule can be claimed. To claim a motor, it must be claimed before the green flag of the A-Main/Feature Race. Persons filing a Motor Claim must get a form from one of the score officials, or print it off the KAM website (you will find this document on the “Forms” page). The protestor will need to present the completed form along with full payment (Cash only) to the Race Director or Score Official- and this must be done PRIOR TO THE GREEN FLAG OF THE A-Main/FEATURE.
The Claim fee is $500 and the motor mount, clutch, chain guard, throttle kit, header pipe/muffler, air filter adaptor, air filter, top plate & fuel pump are not subject to the claim.
6.3.2 Claimers must be a fellow class competitor and the driver being Claimed must finish the A-Main/Feature in the top 3 (Podium Finisher). To reiterate, that means that only 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers are subject to Motor Claims. Should the driver being claimed not finish in the top 3 a refund will be given to the protestor.
6.3.3 Claimer must have raced at KAM Kartway a minimum of 2 times before being eligible to claim a motor or have their motor be claimed by another driver.
6.3.4 The Track Owner/Promoter has the option at his discretion to claim any motor after the Feature is complete for the posted listed claim price. The Promoter will then auction the motor that was claimed off to the highest bidder, provided it passed Tech Inspection, at the following KAM Kartway race. In the event that it doesn’t pass Tech and is beyond repair efforts to make it fully compliant again and acceptable for use as a legal engine for motorsports racing application, then the person being claimed will be required to refund the Claim Fee back to the Track Owner and be held responsible for disposing of the engine.
6.3.5 Motors failing Tech after being claimed will result in driver being docked all awards, points and cash payouts accumulated during the points series, and are subject to future race suspension(s) depending of the severity of the rule violation(s), or the degree of which blatant unfair performance advantage was uncovered, or complete disregard for the welfare of the other racers, such as in the event of using illegal and dangerous fuel additives.
- As previously noted, the driver/kart owner being accused of failing Tech will have until the following Monday to make an Appeal and provide documentation and/or Industry Expert testimony, and/or provide other forms of proof they’ve collected, to show that a mistake was in fact made, and that their motor is compliant with the rule(s) in question. **There is a KAM Tech Appeals Form online under the “Forms” page of the website. If the ruling stands and the motor is officially declared “illegal”, and as a result of the illegal modification work done has made it beyond repairable and cannot be restored to a fully compliant race motor again, then it will go back to the original owner who will forfeit the claim fee and return it to the protestor, and be held responsible for proper disposal of the engine.