CMA Rule Book 1
Regulations for Individual Sports
Applies to Dirt Track, Speedway, Road Racing, Mini Road Racing, Ice Racing
Latest Version: 2022
Canadian Motorcycle Association Rules & Regulations Governing All Open Competition
THE RULES AND/OR REGULATIONS SET FORTH HEREIN ARE DESIGNED TO PROVIDE FOR THE ORDERLY CONDUCT OF RACING EVENTS AND TO ESTABLISH MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCH EVENTS. THESE RULES SHALL GOVERN THE CONDITION OF ALL CMA EVENTS, AND, BY PARTICIPATING IN THESE EVENTS, ALL CMA MEMBERS ARE DEEMED TO HAVE COMPLIED WITH THESE RULES.
NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF SAFETY SHALL RESULT FROM PUBLICATIONS OF OR COMPLIANCE WITH THESE RULES AND/OR REGULATIONS. THEY ARE INTENDED AS A GUIDE FOR THE CONDUCT OF THE SPORT AND ARE IN NO WAY A GUARANTEE AGAINST INJURY OR DEATH TO PARTICIPANTS, SPECTATORS, OR OTHERS.
Note: The terms hereof importing the singular number or the masculine gender shall include the plural number or the feminine gender as the case may be.
Section
Index
Regulations for Individual Sports
Q-1
Q-13
Q-80
Q-200
R-1
REGULATIONS FOR INDIVIDUAL SPORTS
SECTION Q - DIRT TRACK
Racing on specially prepared flat or banked oval tracks, in a counter-clockwise direction
Mile – over 1200 meters in length
1/2 Mile – over 536 up to 1200 meters in length
Short Track – 536 meters or less
Tracks are measured 1 meter from the inside pole or rail.
Classes
Q-1
(a)
Mile
– Open Intermediate, Expert
(b)
1/2 Mile
– 450 Novice, Intermediate, Expert
– 600 Novice
– Open Expert, Intermediate
– Speedway
– ATV
– Youth 50cc, 65cc, 85cc
– Youth 250 4 stroke/85-125cc 2 stroke
– Veteran
When the organizer elects not to run the optional 450 Expert class, the Purse normally paid to that class must be added to the Open Expert class.
(c)
Short Track
– 450 Novice, Intermediate, Expert
– 600 Novice
– Open Intermediate, Expert
– Youth 250 4 stroke/85-125cc 2 stroke
– Veteran
– Speedway
– ATV
– Youth 50cc, 65cc, 85cc
– Optional class is 450 Expert. When the organizer elects not to run this class, the purse normally paid must be added to the Open Expert Class.
(c)
Notes:
(i) ATV specifications
An ATV is a four wheeled balloon tired off-road vehicle having a wheel at each diagonal extremity, consisting of a complete integral unit having accommodation for a rider only, sitting astride, steered by a handlebar.
All engines must be production model ATV engines or single cylinder production model motorcycle engines available for sale to the general public.
ATV’s must be 2 wheel drive – no 4 wheel or all wheel permitted. ATV machines must be equipped with a tether switch.
(ii) Youth riders may participate in two Youth classes at the same event, providing they qualify according to age requirements. Riders may participate in the Youth or Novice classes, but not both.
(iii) Youth 50cc class – no modifications permitted, except tires.
(e)
Lower Limits
– 450 class: 200cc
– Youth 85: 78cc
– Youth 65: 55cc
– Veteran: 250cc
(f)
Displacement limits for classes will be as listed, plus 5%. This 5% is to permit overbores to compensate for wear. However, any engine within the total maximum allowable cc’s shall De legal for the class regardless of how its displacement is obtained. (sleeving, stroking permitted), i.e. 600 class will allow 600 cc + 30 = 630 cc.
(g)
A #1 Plate will be awarded to classes as determined from time to time by the CMA Board. Riders who earn a National number will have their regular number reserved for the following year.
Licensing
Q-2
Age Definitions
– minimum is the birthday of the rider
– maximum is the end of the year in which the rider reaches the age
(a)
Youth Classes
-
50cc: minimum 5/maximum 8
-
65cc: minimum 7/maximum 10
-
85cc: minimum 9/maximum 14
-
250cc: minimum 10/maximum 16
(b)
Expert, Speedway
– DI, DII: minimum 15
(c)
Veteran: minimum 40
(d)
All others: minimum 13
Equipment
Q-4
(a)
Competitors must wear CMA approved riding equipment in good condition, consisting of leather or Kevlar® gloves, jacket, pants, boots of a minimum height of 8″ from the top of the sole and overlapping the pants, approved racing helmet, approved face shield or goggles with soft or padded rims. This also applies to practising. Hard plastic boots, manufactured for motorcycle competition may be substituted for leather.
Youth Classes may substitute the required clothing as follows:
– Safety work boots are permitted. Lower leg and shin protectors must be worn with them.
– Motocross shirts and padded pants are permitted.
For Speedway Tracks under 250 meters in length and Short Tracks of 536 meters or less, approved clothing includes that which is manufactured commercially for motocross competition (must include a chest protector).
(b)
Approved helmets must be certified by the manufacturer as meeting at least one of the following standards, and must have the original certification label(s) affixed (clearly visible/not painted over)
Accepted standards are:
Europe – ECE 22-05 (P only)
Great Britain – BS 6658 Grade A (Road Racing) and Grade B (all other disciplines)
Japan – JIS T 8133 : 2007
North America – Snell M2010, Scorpion ECE 750 Series
(c)
Machines must be fitted with a rear brake only (except Speedway).
(d)
All machines are to be fitted with a folding footrest on the right hand side, folding up and back at a 45 degree angle and to be mounted not lower than the frame. Fitting of a left hand footrest is optional, but
when fitted it must be of the folding type as above and fitted in the rear of the gear box and must never touch the rear chain.
(e)
Engine fuel must consist of gasoline defined as a petroleum fuel where specific gravity falls within the range 0.700 to 0.765 at 60 degrees F, and whose dielectric constant falls within the range 2.025 + 5 (2.025 is “0” reference meter). Additives for lubrication and knock suppression will be permitted, provided the resulting mixture falls within the above values.
Supercharging by means of a device of any kind is forbidden. The direct injection of fuel is not considered to be supercharging. Fuel, Oil & Coolants Refer to Speedway Q-16 S
(f)
(i)The following restrictions apply to the 600 and Open Expert classes for 1/2 Mile and Mile events
For Dunlop DT-II the following are approved:
Fronts – 27.0 x 7.0-19 CD5
Rear – 27.5 x 7.5-19 CD8
For Maxxis M7302 DTRI:
Fronts – 27.0 x 7.0-19 CD3
Rear – 27.5 x 7.5-19 CD5
– Golden Tyre cc5
– VRubber Winner 5
– For Dunlop DT3:
Front F5
Rear R5
Rear R8 for Expert 1/2 Mile classes
There are no compound restrictions on other brands. This list may be amended annually, or earlier if the need arises.
(ii) Youth Classes only are permitted the use of knobby tires.
(g)
The use of handlebars made from carbon, kevlar or any other composite materials is forbidden.
Prizes
Q-5
Note: where class combinations differ from those listed below, purse distribution will be established by head office.
(a)
Distribution by finishing position
– 8 places % 33/22/14/10/8/6/4/3
– 6 places % 40/25/15/10/5/5
(b)
Distribution by class
(i) Mile
-
Open Expert - 60% (8 places)
-
600 Expert - 30% (8 places)
-
600 Intermediate - 10% (6 places)
-
600 Novice - trophies (minimum 6 places)
(ii) 1/2 Mile
(iii) Short Track
(c)
Speedway – additional procedures
1/2 Mile – when all riders compete in heat, semi and final, prize money will be paid on total points earned (except National Championships).
Points will be awarded 6-5-4-3-2-1 each race. Short Track – Points will be awarded on the basis of 4-3-2-1.
Ties will be broken by position in the final race.
(d)
When optional classes are run, prizes awarded must be in addition to the advertised purse except where specified in Q-1.
(e)
The above formula applies to advertised purses up to $5,000.
When prizes exceed $5,000 (must be in minimum increments of $500), the total portion payable to the Expert classes will be distributed according to a breakdown which pays all riders who qualify and start in
the finals.
(f)
When an event is uncompleted through force majeur, the remaining prize money shall immediately be made available to the CMA office for distribution according to the situation.
(g)
In the event of a dead-heat, the money for the two positions shall be divided equally. The points for the higher position shall be duplicated.
(h)
When all advertised classes are run, the total purse must be paid.
Where the number of positions to be paid exceeds the number of finishers, the money for the vacant positions must be redistributed within that class.
Organization
Q-6
(a)
H20 (water) only may be used to control dust during the running of the race. Other dust control products may be applied to the race track up to six (6) hours preceeding the first practice session. Only products that are non-corrosive may be used to control dust.
(b)
No rider’s entry will be accepted after the first race or heat has started, except in extreme circumstances at the discretion of the Referee.
(c)
No machines may be ridden in the paddock or pit areas, except as permitted by the Referee.
(d)
Access to restricted areas (reference N-7) is limited to CMA members who have signed the official release.
All persons in the restricted areas must have an official pass, prominently displayed on their person at all times.
(e)
Riders shall practice with their own class of rider, i.e. novice with novice, experts with experts, Speedway Div. 1 with Div. l/Div. 2 with 2.
Lightweight class machines shall not race or practice with larger capacity machines.
(f)
Any machine involved in a crash necessitating a restart, shall be rescrutineered before allowed to restart.
(g)
At Referee’s discretion, riders are permitted to inspect the track between races. The race programme must include a time allowance for this.
(h)
When an event is cancelled due to weather, and practice and/or a portion of the programme has been run, entry fees must be refunded to all riders who have not practiced.
Q-7
(a)
The organizers shall have the right to specify that the heat and/or the semi final are deemed to be qualifying races, even though no riders will be eliminated by their position in such qualifiers.
(b)
At the first event of the season, starting line positions for the heats will be determined by the final standings in the previous year.
At each of the following events, starting line positions for the heats will be determined by the current standings.
Starting line positions for the finals will be determined by the finishing positions in the heats.
(c)
The width of the track at the starting line, divided by 1.5 meters per rider, shall determine the maximum number of starters permitted in each line. In no case will more than 10 riders be permitted to start in one line.
For 1/2 Mile
-
Expert – a maximum of 18 riders may participate in the Final (3 rows 6/6/6).
-
Intermediate and Novice – a maximum of 12 riders may participate in the final (two rows 6/6)
-
For Short Track events a maximum of 15 riders may participate in the Final. (3 rows – 6/6/3).
-
The Referee has the authority to restrict the number of starters in each line for safety reasons.
-
There must be a minimum of six inches between ATV’s on the starting line.
Q-8
(a)
(i) Where there are more riders in a class than can safely race together, qualifying, either by time trial or heats and semis, shall determine who rides in the final. This shall be the Referee’s decision.
(ii) All riders must have the option of a front row start for their first qualifying race.
(iii) Pole position will be the outside of the row closest to the stands.
(b)
When all riders in one class race in more than one qualifying heat, all those not qualifying directly to the final shall be eligible for the semi final, whether or not they have finished or started their heat.
(c)
Subject to equipment availability, qualifying and starting positions for the Expert class at National Championship Rounds, shall be determined by time trials. Riders will be allowed 1 warm up lap and 1 timed lap. Riders may wave off once only. The wave-off must be indicated at number 4 corner and the 2nd lap only will be considered as the official time, when such a situation occurs.
(d)
Any rider who qualifies for the final from a heat race, who changes bikes prior to the start of the final must inform the Referee and must start from the penalty line. A rider who does not inform the Referee of this change and who starts the final in their original qualifying position will be disqualified. Refer to Sport Code D-5(b).
(e)
Where qualifying is necessary, 2 alternates shall be prepared to start the final. Alternates are taken from the last qualifying race or races immediately preceding the final. If there is more than one qualifying race of equal status (i.e. 2 semis) one alternate is taken from each semi. Alternates are ranked according to the times of the semis.
(f)
(i) If any qualified riders fail to reach the start line by the time limit (Q-9 (b) (i)) the alternate(s) shall be permitted to start. Alternates are considered "active" until the green flag is displayed at the end of the first lap.
(ii) When an alternate replaces a disqualified rider, they will take the last starting spot; all other riders will bump up according to their start positions.
Q-9
(a)
(i) Starts will be standing start by clutch with engine running.
(ii) Any rider who jumps the starting line (tires roll over the lime line) before the starting signal is given, will start from the penalty line.
(iii) One starting line for each row, 11 meters apart, will be plainly marked by means of slaked lime. The penalty line will be 11 metres beyond the final starting line.
(b)
(i) The starter shall commence starting procedure within 2 minutes after the time the first rider arrives at the starting line. A race shall be considered as started when the starting signal is given, except in the case of a false start. It shall be considered a false start when one or more competitors leave the starting line before the starting signal is given.
(ii) Start procedure national championships. Starter stands in front of riders as they line up. After signaling the number of laps to be run, the starter will stand at the inside of the starting line and pick up starting light switch while timer (assistant Referee) will stand in front on side of track with 10 second board in hand.
-
When the starter is at his spot with switch in hand, timer will raise the 10 second board above his head; at 5 seconds he will turn board around. At that point the starter may activate the start at any time from 5 to 0 seconds.
-
If a rider rides over chalk line before start signal, red flag goes up for false start and rider involved goes to penalty line. The starter is the judge for a false start.
Q-10
(a)
The only persons authorized to stop a race are the Referee or his delegate and this shall be done by holding the red flag overhead. All competitors must stop racing immediately.
(b)
Where a race is stopped, the position of the riders at the last check over the finish line, previous to the stop signal shall be considered the finishing positions. The rider responsible for the stoppage shall be placed last in the results.
Q-11
(a)
When a final is stopped with 2 or more scoring laps completed, a single file restart shall take place (riders one meter apart). If less than 2 laps are completed, a complete restart shall take place (except Speedway). If a qualifying race is stopped, it shall be rerun at the Referee’s discretion.
(b)
(i) When a race is restarted, the rider or riders responsible shall be placed last in the restart positions. (i.e. first rider down last; second rider down – second last...) or (penalty row).
A rider may not restart if the race was stopped due to his falling and inability to get off the track due to apparent injury.
(ii) All those who originally started will be eligible to restart (exception Q-ll (b) (i)), provided they are ready within two (2) minutes of the specified time of the restart which shall be indicated by the Referee raising the green flag.
(c)
(i) Restarts regardless of the number and including any penalties applied are treated as a continuation of the original start.
(ii) Riders who originally started (came under starter’s orders) in the first start of any race, and are not subject to exclusion from the restart, are eligible to restart or rejoin the race at any time.
(iii) Should a race be stopped but not completed, riders must return their motorcycles to the designated work area only, if repairs are needed. Any rider returning a motorcycle to the paddock will be disqualified.
Designated area will be determined and marked by the Referee and will be announced at the riders’ meeting.
Q-12
(a)
A race will be terminated by displaying the checkered flag when the required number of laps have been completed. The white flag will be displayed to indicate when there is one lap to go in the competition.
The winner of the race is the rider who crosses the finish line ahead of the others when the checkered flag is displayed.
To be classed as a finisher of a race, a rider must:
-
cross the finish line when the checkered flag is displayed
-
cross the finish line within 2 minutes of the winner
-
complete 3/4 of the laps of the winner rounded off to the higher number.
(b)
Non finishers are not eligible for awards or points.
(b)
A rider may use any motorcycle which has been officially entered in the event, has passed technical inspection and is legal for the class involved.
When more than one competitor uses the same machine, the riding number of the competitor in his/her class must be displayed each time they participate.
SECTION - SPEEDWAY
A cross country race held on a closed course, 5 to 25 km in length and of 2 to 3 hours duration.
Classes
Q-13
(a)
Where numbers warrant, riders shall be classified into First and Second Division.
(b)
Reference Age Definitions Q-2
– Novice – age minimum 12, maximum 17.
(c)
Sportsman – Limited to first year Novice, retired veteran Speedway racers who are not currently competing in any other Speedway class
(d)
Machine capacities shall be limited to a maximum of 250 cc for Novices (minimum 12 maximum 16 on January 1). For other classes 500 cc plus 2% overbore. Novices are limited to a maximum of 250 cc 4 strokes.
Numbers
Q-14
Number plates are required, and shall be 9 x 11 oval or rectangle (with matt finish) affixed to the front right, and left sides of the machine.
Plate must legibly carry rider’s assigned number, minimum 6″ high with 1″ stroke. Contours and size relative to other numbers on the plate must be in harmony. Black number on white background.
Equipment
Q-15
(a)
Machines may not have operating brakes. A decompressor or kill button shall not be considered a “brake”.
(b)
Machines must be fitted with an operative “deadman” switch of the lanyard type which will operate when the rider is separated from the machine.
(c)
Folding footrests and rear wheel discs are optional.
(d)
Wheels, Rims and Tires
– The only permitted rear tires are FIM homologated Speedway tires.
– Front tire must be of a “trial” or “enduro” type pattern.
– The inside of spoked, cast or welded wheels must be covered with a disc or shield.
(e)
The top and bottom runs of the primary chain and the engine sprocket must be totally enclosed.
(f)
Machines must be fitted with a rear sprocket guard located in the frame loop on the left side of the machine, and extending below the bottom frame rail to cover the area of the chain from the sprocket to the frame rail.
(g)
Plugs must be placed in the ends of the handlebars.
(h)
Mufflers must be equipped with a safety cable to prevent loss.
(i)
(i) Oil Catch Tanks
All pre 1995 upright machines must be equipped with an oil catch tank with a minimum volume of 300cc to be emptied after each heat or race
(ii) Carburetors
Machines must be fitted with a single cylinder 4 stroke engine with a maximum capacity of 500cc, 4 valves maximum, fitted with one (1) carburetor with a maximum diameter of 34mm and one spark plug.
(iii) Carburetion Instruments
A section of the carburetion instrument induction tract must have a constant circular shape with a maximum circumference of 34.00 mm (+0.1 mm). Only one (1) single fuel nozzle is permitted. No other additions are permitted in the air induction tract.
On the air intake side, this circular section will be measured from the slide/throttle valve edge over a minimum length of 5mm.
On the engine side, this circular section will be measured from the slide/throttle valve edge over a minimum length of 25mm.
On the engine side, an additional hole (maximum circumference 6mm) is permitted to be used for engine starting purposes (choke).
– for two valve engines an additional jet and/or additional hole (maximum diameter 2mm) on the engine side is authorized to improve the engine’s response at lower rpm.
(j)
All machines must have a chain-break safety peg installed below and behind (to the rear of) the clutch sprocket.
(k)
Refer to Dirt Track Q-4
Organization
Q-16
(a)
Short Track races may never include more than 6 riders (does not apply to Scratch Races). For 1/2 Mile, the width of the track in feet (at the starting line) divided by S shall determine the maximum number of starters to a total of 8 permitted on the track in one line.
If 2 lines are used (e.g. 1st and 2nd Divisions) the number on each line shall be reduced to a maximum of 4, with the 2nd line riders behind the spaces in the first line.
The maximum number of riders in the final shall be the same as the maximum permitted by the above formula.
In Line staging, the lowest number is on the inside of the track, e.g. gated inside, counting out.
(b)
Where a speedway class is included in a regular short track programme:
(i) Speedway configuration bikes may not run in regular classes.
(ii) Dirt Track configuration bikes may not run in Speedway classes. The
fuel used by a motorcycle shall only be one of the determining factors.
Others shall include frame and chassis, engine, etc. The decision as to
whether a machine falls under the “dirt track” or “speedway” class shall
be the Referee’s subject to the normal appeal to the Region.
(c)
150 to 200 yard tracks are permitted.
(d)
Speedway class races on 1/2 Mile tracks must be scheduled for 4 laps.
Programme must provide a minimum of a heat, semi and final.
National Championships held on 1/2 Miles will be decided by final event only.
At both 1/2 Mile and Short Track Championships all machines that make the final will be impounded following the race for the 30 minute protest period.
(e)
Scratch Races on Short Tracks
4 riders maximum; duration of race 4 laps
Programme must provide a minimum of 3 races for each rider unless this would result in a race with less than 3 riders. Races can be either a heat, semi and final, or 3 heats for total points.
(f)
Handicap Races – duration of race 6 laps; handicapping at discretion of the organizer.
Starts
Q-17
(a)
Riders shall have a maximum 2 minute delay to get to the starting line.
Request for delay may be indicated by a raised arm, and the official signal, from the Referee or his delegate, must be made apparent to all riders in the race.
(b)
False starts will result in the offending rider being placed 10 yards back from his original start position.
(c)
Starting Procedure
May be one of the following at the discretion of the Referee:
(i) Riders will come up to but not touch the starting gate tape. Riders who touch the tape will go back to the penalty line;
(ii) Per rule Q-9 (b) (ii).
(d)
Starting Procedure – 1/2 Mile
(i) Riders will come to the line. If they cross the line with their tires before the tape is released, they will go back to the penalty line.
(ii) After leaving the starting line, riders will maintain a straight course for a distance of at least 30 yards before changing course. Riders who do not maintain a straight course will be penalized one position in the order of finishing.
Stops
Q-18
(a)
If a race is stopped and subsequently re-run, the rider who caused the race to be stopped shall be handicapped on the re-start. Any rider eligible to take in the re-run may change his motorcycle with the permission of the Referee. Refer to Sport Code D-5(b)
(b)
A rider who causes a race to be stopped will be penalized on any re-run by starting from a 10 yard penalty line, at the Referee’s discretion.
(c)
If 2 riders fall in the first lap, the race will be stopped, with the rider causing the stop given a ten meter penalty.
Q-19
A race will be terminated by displaying the checkered flag when the required number of laps have been completed. To be classed as a finisher a rider must:
-
cross the finish line when the checkered flag is displayed.
-
cross the finish line within 2 minutes of the winner.
-
complete 3/4 of the laps of the winner rounded off to the higher number.
Non finishers are not eligible for points.
Recommendations to Organizers
-
The referee should be located in a raised vantage point at the start/finish line.
-
Where possible, starting will be by means of a vertical rise gate.
-
Expansion of these rules including track sizes, composition, safety, formats for meets, etc. is available from head office.