IMS 4’s RULES  

(International Mini-Stock 4-Cylinders)

DISCLAIMER

Please remember that 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 events, and by participating in these events, all participants are deemed to have complied with these rules.  NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF SAFETY SHALL RESULT FROM PUBLICATIONS OF OR COMLICANCE 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 a participant, spectator or Official.

The Race Director shall be empowered to permit minor deviation from any of the specifications herein or impose any further restrictions that in his/her opinion do not alter the minimum acceptable requirements.  NO EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF SAFETY SHALL RESULT FROM SUCH ALTERATION OF SPECIFICATIONS.  Any interpretation or deviation of these rules is left to the discretion of the Officials.  Their decision is final.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

            IMS 4’s RULES                                                                          Page

            General ..................................................................... 3

            Eligibility ................................................................... 3

            Body Rules ................................................................ 3

            Suspension ............................................................... 4

            Driveline .................................................................... 5

            Engine ...................................................................... 5

            Safety ....................................................................... 6

            Window Net Diagram .................................................. 8

            Seat Belt Mounting Diagram......................................... 8

            Roll Cage Diagram ..................................................... 8

            IMS 4’s Track Rules ................................................... 8

            General Rules .......................................................... 10

            Protests and Board Rulings ....................................... 11

            Driving Rules ............................................................ 12

            Note: IMS 4’s Board Decisions .................................. 13

            Practice Nights ........................................................ 13

            IMS 4’s Point System ............................................... 13

            “Information to Remember” ........................................ 14

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CONTACT HEAD MEMBERSHIP

All Membership Dues  $20

Car Number  $20

Floating Membership  $20

RULES ARE FROZEN FOR A TWO-YEAR PERIOD 

2009-2010

GENERAL

These rules were not written for the betterment of any one car.  Any variation of the rules must receive prior written approval from the Tech Committee.

The car owner must declare what year, make and model the car is, and all parts must conform to the technical specifications for that year, make and model, the only exceptions being where noted in the IMS 4’s rules.

Before you build a new car, the following must be observed: -

(a)    Have a proof of body, make and style (bring pictures if possible).

(b)    Once a car type is approved by Tech, it is approved for anyone to build.

ELIGIBILITY

1.       Cars must be originally manufactured in North America, or be destined for distribution in North America.  Car - maximum wheelbase of 102 inches.

2.       Four passenger cars.  No wagons, vans,

Two + two sports cars, “T” roof or soft-top cars, and no 4-wheel drives allowed.

3.       Four cylinder motors only, up to a maximum original displacement of 2300 c.c.

BODY RULES

1.       One non-original opening in body allowed:  exhaust hole in rear quarter,
4” maximum diameter.

2.       Original body silhouette is to be maintained from top of front bumper to top of rear bumper.
a) Subject to Tech approval, be allowed to swap car bodies regardless of brand
 of body provided, wheel base and width of body are within reasonable
 tolerances to your floor pan and the body must conform to the criteria
 of a mini stock.

 

3.       Original stock frames and floor pan from the center of the rear axle to the vertical turn of the firewall above the front clip mounting point must be maintained.  Patching allowed, provided that material used is original or same gauge as original.

4.       Gutting of original interior flammable material is required.  Windshields may be made of safety glass, Lexan or metal screen.  Openings in screen to be no more than 1/2” x 1/2 “.  Face shield must be worn with metal windscreen.  All glass windshields to be securely mounted in rubber.  Minimum of 6 windshield restraining clips to be used.  Minimum of one, 1/2” x 1/8” steel bar or 5/16” round steel bar inside centre of windshield or window screen.

5.       All glass except front windshield must be removed.

6.       No hood scoops.  Air dams allowed from top of bumper down, must not extend forward more than 3” from bumper.  Rear deck spoilers allowed -- top edge of spoiler maximum 5” from rear deck lid.  Rear deck maximum width.

7.       Stock type automobile bumper must be used.  Bumpers may be sectioned vertically, not narrower than the car’s track width.  Bumper must have metal straps 1/8” x 1” connecting bumper to fenders.  Bumper contact point must be 16” from ground along entire length.  Side rub rails may be no more than 2” from the body.  Rub rails must be turned in towards car body.

8.       Fuel cell Mandatory.  Fuel cell must be designed and manufactured expressly for oval track racing use.  Fuel cell must be securely fastened to frame or body.  Fuel cell must be enclosed in a metal container of 22-gauge minimum.  Fuel cell must be located in the opposite end of the car from the engine.  Any fuel lines routed through the driver’s compartment must be suitably enclosed.  Fuel cell filler neck must not protrude from body.  Fuel cell to be a minimum of 12” from bumper.

9.       Original hood and deck latches must be removed.  The hood and deck lid may be gutted.

10.   Side skirts may be put in place of stock rocker panels and may extend no lower than the bottom of wheel rim with driver.

11.   Fiberglass copies are permitted as replacement of metal hoods, trunks and fenders.  These must be “stock appearing”.

12.   Trimming permitted for tire clearance; no sharp edges.

13.   All exterior body trim to be removed.

14.   Radiators to remain in stock location only; catch can mandatory.  No antifreeze allowed.

15.   Doors must be bolted or welded shut.  Door skins may be riveted in place.  Replacement door skins must be minimum .020” steel.

16.   Firewall between driver and fuel tank must be not less than .020” steel or .050” aluminum.

17.   The trunk area of the car may be gutted up to the centre line of the axle.  Must have stock tail light panel or screen replacement.

18.   Car appearance to be maintained regularly  - driver is responsible.

SUSPENSION

1.       Suspension will be as per manufacturer’s specifications for declared make, model and year.

2.       No altering at suspension mounting points.

3.     Lowering allowed.  MacPherson Strut lower spring cups may be repositioned.  Lowering blocks allowed on leaf springs.  VW front torsion bars may be cut, turned and welded.  No remanufactured components (e.g. - tubular A arms).  No spacer(s) between strut(s) and ball joint(s) and or between control arm(s) and spindle ball joint(s).

4.       Sway bars optional.

5.       Replacement shock absorbers allowed.  No more than four shocks per car; one shock per corner only.  NO coil over shock absorbers other than stock MacPherson Struts.  Hiems ends allowed.  NO adjustable or rebuildable shocks allowed.  NO ALUMINUM SHOCKS ALLOWED.  NO exotic racing shocks allowed.  Shocks MUST be cleared with Tech.

6.       Maximum wheel width 7”.  All wheels recommended to be steel.  Stock wheels to be reinforced, if used on right front.  Approved racing type wheel(s) highly recommended.

7.       Tire Rule:

a)            i)              Goodyear Short Trackers – A400, 22 or 23 x 7" x 13", 14",

15" rim size.

b)            i)              Any chemical substance or mechanical process which

alters the tire(s) factory traction characteristics (e.g. - tire

softener) is not allowed.

8.       Maximum of four functioning jacking bolts permitted.  A leaf spring shackle ladder will be considered equivalent to jacking bolts on rear leaf springs.  No adjustment allowed on forward mounting points (front eyes).

9.       In MacPherson Strut type cars, the tops of the front struts may be moved to facilitate camber and caster adjustments.

10.   Due to lack of camber or caster adjustment on the front end of many of today’s small cars, special rulings will be applied on a car-by-car basis.  All alterations will be considered illegal without prior “written” Tech approval.

11.   Maximum left side weight will be 56% of total car weight with driver.

12.   Panhard bar may be used at rear suspension.

13.   Stock type (OEM)) brakes only as per make and model of car.  Drum brakes may be replaced by disc brakes, OEM stock calipers and rotors only.  Subject to Tech approval.  Any alteration other than stock specification must receive prior Tech approval.

14.   Maximum track width 72” (measured at maximum tread width).

 

15.   Stock type steering must remain in car.  May use replacement parts as long as they are stock O.E.M parts.  (e.g. - may swap steering box Toyota to Datsun.)  Rack and Pinion steering may be adapted to cars, which did not, originally come equipped with such steering—must be O.E.M. replacement part.  Mounting must be inspected by tech.

DRIVELINE

1.       Differentials may be locked by welding the Spider gears.  No torsional type.
No quick changes or limited slips allowed.

2.       Stock type transmissions only.  All internal parts must be installed and operational.  Automatic transmissions must have operational torque converter and a catch can of minimum one gallon.

3.       Cars with longitudinal drive shaft must have a bracket no less than 1/4” x 1” placed around the driveshaft and fastened to the floor or cross member, no more than 12” from the front end of the driveshaft.  Driveshaft to be painted white.

4.       Functional clutch and starter mandatory.  No aluminum flywheels.  Stock steel flywheel and clutch assembly only.  May be lightened and balanced.
Flex plates allowed on automatic transmissions only.  Billet steel flywheels may be used

5.       Scatter shield or approved device required.  Minimum 1/4” thick steel or approved blanket (e.g. - conveyor belt material).

6.       Rear end swaps are permitted  (Subject to tech approval)  All suspension pick-up points must be attached and working in original stock configuration.  rear end style must remain as original manufactured for the year, make, model, style of the car.

ENGINE

General:                   The car owner must declare to the Tech Committee what year, make and model the engine is and all parts and specifications must conform to the technical specifications for that make, model and year of car.  When in doubt as to the legality of replacement parts, the Tech Committee must be consulted for prior written permission to use such parts.  In the event of any dispute, the burden of proof is on the car owner.  Homologation papers, F.I.A., factory letterhead, or factory parts catalogue shall be the only acceptable proof.  All proof must be in English.

1.       Maximum engine size 2300 c.c.  Original displacement, plus .040" overbore. Single cam shaft design.  Displacement (cc’s) must be displayed in 1” numbers clearly on hood of car.

2.       Headers allowed, anti-reversion type allowed.  Some type of muffler will be required to meet track noise restrictions of 85 d.b.  - Cars over d.b.  levels will not receive points for the event.  Exhaust must exit under car/truck behind driver.

3.       Any cam allowed.  Valve springs, retainers, keepers and push rods optional.  Stock replacement only on followers and rockers.  No rollers.  Solid lifters may be used in place of hydraulics, adjusting screw type is optional.  No twin cams.

4.       The following carburetor options are allowed:

 

       A.  Holley model no. 2300 - 350 CFM 2 barrel:

             - maximum venturi diameter 1-3/16 inches

             - maximum throttle bore diameter 1-1/2 inches

       B.  Ford Autolite 2 barrel:

             - maximum venturi diameter 1-3/16 inches

             - maximum throttle bore diameter 1-9/16 inches

       C.  "5200" series Holey carb or equivalent with 26 mm primary, 27 mm

            secondary venturies.

       D.  Original 1 or 2-barrel carb for engine being used.

       Choke assembly may be removed and holes plugged.

       Air horn may not be removed.

       No internal modifications other than jetting.

5.       At any given time, during a sanctioned event, all cars must weigh a minimum of 1lb per cc of engine displacement, plus 150 lbs with driver-maximum 2500 lbs. All cars will have a maximum of 56% left side weight with driver. 

6.       Original stock intake manifold only.  Carb adapter may be bolted or welded to intake and blended into intake runners, maximum depth 1-1/2 inches.  Maximum adapter height is 2 inches, including gaskets.  Port matching allowed on intake manifold only - maximum depth 1-1/2 inches.
No coatings permitted inside of intake manifold.

7.       Stock cylinder head.  NO PORTING, POLISHING OR RESHAPING OF ANY PART OF THE HEAD OTHER THAN THE VALVE SPRING POCKETS.  Multi-angle valve grind allowed, maximum 75-degree (75^o) seat angle.  Stock size valves only.

8.       Maximum compression ratio is 11 to 1.

9.       Ignition systems optional; no magnetos.

10.   Stock crankshaft only; balancing permitted.  No non-stock counter weights.  No removal of material (e.g. - knife edging).

11.   Stock connecting rods only; beaming, shot-peening and balancing permitted.

12.   Pistons original or forged replacement permitted.

13.   Oil pan may be modified to maintain oil pressure and to have more capacity.  Minimum one quart metal catch-can for oil breather is required.  No dry sump type systems.

14.   No turbo charger; no super charger.

15.   Automotive pump gasoline only with a maximum octane rating of 94.  Fuel to be purchased from Canadian suppliers who sell fuel to the public for vehicles intended for street use.  NO MARKED GAS--NO COLORED GAS--NO ADDITIVES PERMITTED-- NO RACING FUEL.

16.   Motor swaps permitted, but must remain within original corporation of manufacturer (e.g. - Ford to Ford).  All swaps must receive prior written Tech Committee approval.

17.   Motor mounts must be in stock location.  Engine mounts may be reinforced or fabricated.

18.   No engine set back allowed.  Engine location to be determined by the original bell housing flange location.

SAFETY

1.       Full roll cage in driver’s compartment mandatory.  Bracing of front and rear compartments recommended (see page 7).

2.       All bars must be a minimum of 1-1/2” outside diameter, .090” wall thickness, and seamless or electric weld tubing for main roll cage.  1-3/4" main cage bars recommended.  D.O.M. tubing recommended for main cage.  No square tubing.  Gussets required on all main cage welds.  Gussets will be a minimum of
2” x 2” x .090” thick.

3.       Minimum of three door bars on the driver’s side.  Two door bars minimum for passenger side of car.  Two vertical bars in driver’s door.

4.       Approved window net must be installed in an approved manner  - opening from top.  No homemade nets (see page 7).

Window net must be replaced after 5 years from manufacturers date on net

5.       Driver’s seat must be an approved racing-type seat.  Seat must be attached to main roll cage.  High-back racing seat recommended.  New cars under construction should consider installing an approved aluminum seat.

6.     Seat Belts:  (minimum 5-point)

(a)    A double strap shoulder harness, minimum 3” width.

(b)    A quick-release lap belt, minimum 3” width.

(c)     All belts must be attached to the roll cage (see page 7).

(d)    Submarine belt mandatory.

(e)    Sternum strap recommended.

(f)      Belts dated maximum 5 years.  

7.       Approved driving suit mandatory - minimum SFI (3-2A/1) single layer rating.  No coveralls.  Fireproof driving gloves mandatory.  Driving shoes recommended.

8.       a)    Helmets must be full head coverage type and must meet Snell 1990 (or equivalent) standards.  (Snell 1995 or newer). If helmet is “M” rated and not “SA” rated, driver must wear fireproof balaclava.
b)    Neck collars  mandatory   

c)       HANS type head and neck resrtraint devices permitted

9.       No loose items will be carried in car/truck in any compartment at any time while car is on the track.

10.   Battery must be encased in a reinforced acid proof container, and securely bolted or strapped to a solid part of the car. 

       A battery master switch ("kill switch") in a conspicuous and easily reached point in

       the driver compartment, is Mandatory

11.   2-1/2 lb. fire extinguisher mandatory.  On-board fire system highly recommended.  Minimum of 2 outlets; one to be located at Fuel cell and one to be located in engine compartment.  Release must be accessible from driver' seat.  Annual service  check to be driver's responsibility.

12.   Cars involved in an accident may not be allowed back on the track without permission of a designated safety person.

13.   Do not drill holes through roll cage tubing for any reason.  Bolt holes should only be made in tabs securely welded to roll cage.

       Alternately, solid head eyebolts may be welded directly to the cage.

14.  Electric fuel pump shut off switch mandatory - e.g. - Vega type oil pressure switch.

15.   Car number to be 12” high on both doors and 18” high on roof (minimum) and 4” high on front of car.

16.   All weights must be painted white.

17.   In-car communication radios will be permitted and is completely optional.

(…See diagrams below…)

IMS 4’s TRACK RULES

When an International Mini Stock (IMS) program is put on at a facility, which has not made published track rules available; all members shall adhere to the following rules.  In the event of conflict between a facility’s track rules and the following rules, the Board shall notify all members present of any changes.

1.       When one signs for a pit pass, he/she accepts these rules and agrees that he/she and his/her crew will abide by them; “crew” means anyone signing in at the pit gate under that car number.  Car owner and driver shall be responsible at all times for the appearance and conduct of their pit crew.  All persons entering the pits must sign in under a car number.

2.       Drivers must appear in clean uniforms, and their pit crew must be in clean white trousers or in light colored uniforms, or they may be refused entrance to the pits.  All persons in the pits must have a shirt on at all times.  A pit pass must be affixed on the person and be in plain sight.

3.       Drivers and/or pit crew shall be with their cars at all times.  All drivers and cars/trucks must be ready to run when called upon to do so, or they will lose their starting position.

4.       Racecar and equipment shall not occupy more than one pit space wide.  Cars are to be parked off pavement except when awaiting entrance to the track.  No mechanical work, which could result in fluid spillage, is to be performed over paved surfaces.  Drivers are responsible for clean up of their pit area.

5.       Pit speed limit is 5 m.p.h.  Erratic driving in the pits could result in disqualification or a fine.

6.       Pit meeting attendance is mandatory for all drivers.

7.       There will be no alcoholic beverages or drugs in the pit area during the racing program or practice periods.  Violators will be subject to a fine or disqualification.

8.       Excessive use of foul or profane language will result in a fine and/or disqualification.

9.       There will be a mandatory fine for each party involved in any fighting before, during, or after any racing event.

10.   No glass containers of any kind allowed in the pits.

11.   No graphite oil or antifreeze is to be used in racecars.  Automatic disqualification if either is used.

12.   All cars must have easily accessible hook-up points for a tow truck.

13.   Sound level must not exceed 85 d.b.a. or car will not receive points for that event.

14.   All cars must be ready to time in with their own class.  No re-times, unless requested by Officials.  If two or more cars have the same time, the first car recording the time shall be considered faster.

15.   Car must take the green flag at the beginning of a race to be eligible to receive points.  Cars taking the Green Flag in Hot lap is considered attendance for year end payout.

16.   A race is complete when the checkered flag is displayed.

17.   When a red flag is displayed, stop as soon as possible without causing an accident.  Drivers must remain seat-belted in their cars/trucks until race is stopped or official permission to exit is given, except in case of fire or roll over.

18.   One pit person per car allowed on track during a red flag.  No object of any kind that could be used to repair the car is allowed on the track.  Windshield cleaning is permitted.  Official permission may be given to proceed to the pits.  Any car entering the pits must restart the race at the rear of the field.

19.   No one other than Ambulance, Wrecker, Firefighting Personnel, and Officials shall be allowed at the scene of an accident.  Violators risk a fine and/or disqualification.

20.   When yellow flag is displayed, slow down (without causing an accident!) and use extreme caution.  DO NOT RACE TO THE YELLOW.  Cars will be returned to the position held on the last completed racing (green flag) lap before racing will be resumed.  Car(s), which caused the yellow flag, may be placed at the rear of the field.

21.   Cars which receive the mechanical black flag (black with yellow centre) during an event must be cleared by the Pit Boss or designated Official before re-entering the event.  Car must report to the pits to receive clearance.

22.   Black Flag – Disqualification from event.

23.   Chief Steward or Starter may disqualify any car and driver after a race on any infraction of track rules.  Violation of IMS 4’s rules, which necessitate disqualification, may be reported to IMS 4’s Board members.  Only Board members will report to Chief Steward or Starter to discuss disqualifications.

24.   Decisions reached by Track Officials shall be final.  In case of dispute, only ONE representative from the affected car and ONE Board member may approach Officials after the conclusion of the race event.

25.   Protests of finishing positions must be in writing and received by Board members within 1/2 hour after final race of the event.  DO NOT HASSLE SCORERS!!!  Finishing order will be made available after the final race.  All results are final after 48 hours.

 

26.   Any car requiring assistance to restart during a yellow or red flag must restart at back of pack.

GENERAL RULES

1.       ALL RULES AND REGULATIONS CONTAINED ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES SHALL BE IN EFFECT FOR THE ENTIRE RACING SEASON.  THERE WILL BE NO ADDITIONS OR CHANGES, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF SAFETY RULES AND BOARD INTERPRETATIONS.

2.       When doubt on the interpretation of any of the following rules, the Board must meet and formally rule on the interpretation.  IF THERE IS NOT A RULE TO COVER IT, OBTAIN WRITTEN BOARD PERMISSION FIRST.  ANY ITEM NOT MENTIONED HEREIN WILL BE ILLEGAL UNTIL APPROVED BY THE BOARD.

3.       ANY member found drinking or drunk, using or under the influence of drugs in the pit area or anywhere on the track during our race program will be suspended for a minimum of four consecutive racing events.  Such use and/or influence shall be determined by a majority of Board members present, with the assistance of Track Security Personnel, if requested by the Board members present.

4.       All cars should be inspected by the Technical and Safety Committees before first competition in IMS 4’s events.  ANY car at the racetrack or under protest will be subject to inspection at any time.

5.       Everyone must have a valid IMS 4’s Membership Card for admittance to the pits.  Drivers must have an IMS 4’s Driver Card.  Non-driver cards do not entitle the holders to voting privileges, driving privileges, or instituting protest procedures.  (i.e. – Floater Membership)

(a)    No one under the age of 14 will be allowed in the pits without track permission.

6.       Club members agree to abide by Track Officials’ decision.  Drivers have the right to appeal, in writing, any track decision, with the approval of any two IMS 4’s Board members.

7.       If you have an assigned car number, it will carry over to the next season providing the following conditions are met:

(a)    You must renew your membership by the first points race of the next season.

(b)    The number must be raced by the third points race of the next season.  Special cases may be considered by the Board prior to the third points race.

         If the above conditions are not met, the car number reverts back to the club for re-assignment.

8.       The person to whom the car number is registered is totally responsible for the crew.  Violation of any rule, by anyone on the crew, may lead to the expulsion of the crew member(s) and the car with which they are associated.  “Crew” means any person signing in the pit gate under that car number.

9.       No car number may be changed after the car has timed in.

 

10.   There is NO one race grace.  Any car racing for points MUST be completely legal to the IMS 4’s rules.  If not legal, must start at the back of the pack and cannot race for points.

11. The person who “times in” a car must drive that car in the heat or main event for the car to retain its starting position.  If another driver is to race the heat or main event, the car must start from the back of the pack. 

12.  Behavior by persons or parties that is deemed by the Board to be detrimental to the betterment of the sport may be brought before the Board.  Penalties, if any, may be fines, probation, loss of points and/or money, forfeiture of awards or trophies, suspension or expulsion from IMS 4’s.

PROTESTS AND BOARD RULINGS

1.       All protests must be written in duplicate and signed by an IMS 4’s driver member in good standing.

(a)   Technical protests must specify the area of illegality.

i)        $75.00 cash will accompany each Mini Stock engine part protest.

ii)       Protests shall specify car number, make and model of car being protested.

(b)    $20.00 cash will accompany all other protests.  No cheques allowed for protests.  All protests will be submitted, within 30 minutes of the final IMS 4’s event on that program, to a Board member who will acknowledge receipt with their signature.  The duplicate copy shall serve as a receipt for all monies.

2.       (a) A Board Meeting will be convened at the earliest possible time after receipt

             of protest.

       (b)  A member has the right to request to appear before the monthly Board of

             Directors Meeting to present their side of the story.

3.       All cars subject to inspection will be impounded.

(a)    Alternatives to impound (i.e. sealing, immediate teardown, etc.) may be implemented by Board directive.

(b)    Transportation to the impound area will be provided by the affected car’s crew.

(c)     Substitute car not acceptable.

4.       There will be a maximum of five people present at the inspection:  two people affiliated with the car under protest (car owner and/or owner’s representative); two Tech Committee members (or one Tech Committee member and one Board member); and one protester’s representative from the Board.

5.       Findings of the Technical or the Driving Committee will be forwarded to the Board for decision.  Board’s decision will be furnished to both parties in writing.

6.       Board decisions on technical and driving protests may not be appealed.

(a)    If the Board rules that the protested item, part, or action is within the IMS 4’s rules, the protest fee will be awarded to the protestee.

 

(b)    If the Board rules that the protested item, part, or action is not within the IMS 4’s rules, the protest fee will be returned to the protester, and the Board will make a penalty decision.

7.       The Board has the power to impose any penalty it deems necessary and appropriate.  If a car is found to be illegal, the maximum penalty to be imposed is the loss of points, money, and trophy for the program and all other programs subsequent to the last technical inspection of that car.  Parts or components found to be illegal may be impounded by the Board until the end of the season.

8.       The penalty may be appealed to the membership only by the protested party.

9.     Car owners will not be reimbursed for gasket costs incurred at final (“Season Championship”) teardown.  At other times, if a car not under protest is ordered by the Board to be torn down (and found to be legal), the owner shall be reimbursed for gasket costs up to a maximum of $30.00.  A letterhead receipt for parts must be submitted to the Board.

10.   IT IS EXPECTED THAT PROTESTS WILL BE REASONABLE, LOGICAL, AND BASED ON SOUND EVIDENCE, THUS, WELL FOUNDED.  IF A PROTEST IS JUDGED TO BE NOT WELL FOUNDED, THE PROTEST FEE SHALL BE FORFEITED.  IF IT IS PROVED TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE BOARD THAT THE AUTHOR OF THE PROTEST HAS ACTED IN BAD FAITH, OR IN A HARASSING MANNER, HE/SHE SHALL BE DEEMED GUILTY OF ACTING IN AN UNSPORTSMANLIKE MANNER AND MAY BE PENALIZED BY BOARD DIRECTIVE.

11.   IT IS EXPECTED THAT CONFLICTS WILL ARISE.  ALL CONFLICTS SHOULD BE WORKED OUT WITHIN THE CONFINES OF THE CLUB.  ANY CONFLICTS LEADING TO LITIGATION, CIVIL AND CRIMINAL, OR THE IMPLIED THREAT OF LITIGATION WILL AUTOMATICALLY SUSPEND THE MEMBER, THE CAR, AND THE NUMBER ASSIGNED TO THE MEMBER FROM ANY CLUB PRIVILEGES, INCLUDING RACING, UNTIL CONFLICT IS RESOLVED.

12.   Any driver who has not raced before, or has had little track experience, must attend a Driver Orientation prior to driving a race.

13.    The Championship Race, any driver who has not driven a minimum of 3 points races prior to this race, must start at the back of the pack.

 

14.   Cars asked to be presented for inspection or teardown, being it mid-season or championship race; owner must be present at time of engine sealing.

DRIVING RULES

1.       The following color signals (flags or lights) will be obeyed without question:

(a)    Green:  Go, race has started.

(b)    Yellow:  Caution, slow down, hold your position, NO PASSING.

(c)     Red:  Emergency, race has stopped, stop your car/truck safely.

(d)    White:  One lap to go.

(e)    Checkered:  Race is over.

(f)      Black:  Report to Pit Boss immediately.

(g)    Black w/ Yellow Diamond:  Mechanical problem, report to Pit Boss.

(h)    Blue w/Diagonal Yellow Stripes:  Hold your position inside of track or outside of track, you are being lapped.

(i)      Crossed Flags:  Race is at the halfway point.

2.       Blatant disregard of black flag for two consecutive laps will result in removal of all points and money for that race program.

3.       CAR ON INSIDE HAS RIGHT OF WAY, except when being lapped.  Right of way is established when front wheel of inside car is even with the quarter panel of the outside car/truck.  Car passing on the outside must not “chop down” on the inside car until the pass is completed.

 

4.       Continuous blocking of another car will not be tolerated.  If you are about to be passed, you must allow the other car a groove to race in.

5.       In competition, anyone running under their own qualifying time by more than 3/10 of a second on a 1/4 mile track, or by more than 5/10 of a second on a 3/8 to 1/2 mile track, for two consecutive laps will be deemed illegal (governed by track conditions).  Penalty will be loss of points, money and trophy for that race program.  Cars, which start an event behind the fastest qualified car, in that event, shall not be penalized for running under their own qualifying time.

6.       Any car entering the track at any point must yield the right of way.

7.       Cool-off lap recommended after checkered flag.

8.       Arm signal required when entering the pits.

9.       5 mph speed limit in the pits.  Exercise caution.

10.   Erratic driving will not be tolerated.  If you car has a problem, keep out of the way or drive with more caution.  A poor handling car or bad brakes is not an excuse for hitting another car.  Penalties or disqualifications at the discretion of the Board after consultation with the Track Steward or Starter.

11.   Before competing, all rookies must complete a minimum of one practice session under the supervision of the Driving Committee before competing in an event.  Anyone who has not raced in more than three IMS 4’s programs is considered a rookie.  All rookies shall display yellow tape on rear bumper (provided by the Driving Committee) at all times while on the track until the Driving Committee and Board recommend removal.

12.   Anyone throwing a helmet, or acting in an unsportsmanlike manner toward a Board member or Track Official will be disqualified from competition for one racing program.

13.   Anyone getting out of his/her car on or near the track before the race is stopped or official permission to exit has been given (except in case of fire or roll over), will lose their points and money for that event.

NOTE:     IMS 4’s Board Decisions  - ANY and ALL decisions, made by the IMS 4’s
Board, shall remain final for the completion of that season.  Any rules may
be reviewed by IMS 4’s and altered in the best interest of all its members.

PRACTICE NIGHTS AT WESTERN SPEEDWAY

Weather permitting or unless otherwise notified:

.  Practice nights are for all classes of auto racing.

.  Practice nights usually start mid-March and continue until September, every

Wednesday nights from 5 pm to 8 pm (or until dusk, whichever comes first).

.  All people in the pits must comply with all Western Speedway Rules.

.  Helmets and driving suits are mandatory for all drivers.

.  Know and obey all flags handled by Flagman  (see page 11, #1).

PRACTICE NIGHTS AT SARATOGA SPEEDWAY

Weather permitting or unless otherwise notified:

.  Practice nights are for all classes of auto racing.

.  Practice nights usually start mid-March and continue until September, every

   Thursday nights from 6 pm to 8 pm (or until dusk, whichever comes first).

.  All people in the pits must comply with all Western Speedway Rules.

.  Helmets and driving suits are mandatory for all drivers.

.  Know and obey all flags handled by Flagman  (see page 11, #1).

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IMS 4’s POINTS SYSTEM

Driver Championship Points—Accumulated by the individual only—no back-up/replacement drivers

Owner Points—Accumulated by car number regardless of who is driving the car.

Trophy Dash:

No points  (trophy only)

Main Event only:

 1 point earned for Positions gained from Starting position as Determined by qualifying.

 e.g.       started 15th and finished 5^th 15 - 5 = 10 positions = 10points

Bonus Points:

5 Bonus points will be awarded for receiving  the checkered flag.

Additional Bonus Points will be awarded for Saratoga Races.

"INFORMATION TO REMEMBER"

The IMS 4's Club has a good reputation.  The camaraderie is excellent.  Drivers should conduct themselves in a professional manner on and off the track.  Our club has good drivers and great looking cars, and aims to keep it that way.

Drivers are responsible for all persons (crew and visitors) in their pit areas.  Drivers, crews, and visitors are expected to follow all rules and guidelines of the IMS 4's Club and of the Speedways.

If a driver has a concern, he/she should take it to the IMS 4's Pit Boss (or an IMS 4's Official if the Pit Boss is not available).  The matter will be discussed by the Board of Directors and a decision made.  Note - some matters may take longer to have a decision made.  Please read the rulebook carefully.

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The IMS 4's Board and its Directors would like to address the problem of questionable driving styles and conduct on the racetrack during events.

The Club will not tolerate any driver being overly aggressive or pulling stunts of any kind directed at any driver(s).  These actions could result in getting the black flag and/or probation and/or suspension.

It is for the well being of the club that this problem must be addressed and rectified before it is given the chance to degenerate into uncontrollable behavior.  Therefore, all drivers are being given this notice as fair warning.  Please be advised that any driving deemed to be rough or aggressive that causes an incident on the track, will result in a driver being put on probation.  If this driver causes another incident while on probation, this will result in a three-race suspension.  Further incidents by same driver, may result in being suspended for the year.

IMS 4's believes excellence in racing is our goal and that failure to understand or to abide by the driving rules is not acceptable or excusable, and that any conduct that is "deemed by the Board to be detrimental to the betterment of the sport", may be brought before the Board.

To avoid penalties, we encourage both drivers and their respective crews take the time and the effort to make themselves familiar with the driving rules [especially page 16, Driving Rule #3].

If you have any questions or uncertainties about interpretation of any rule, the IMS 4's Board will be there to assist you.

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Reporting To Scales  - After the Main Event, the top 4 cars are to stop on the front straight-away, 1st place in Victory Square.  Then, report directly to the scales.  Drivers, who do not go directly to the scales, will receive last place points.  The reason for this is that we do not want anyone to touch the cars after the Main Event, prior to going over the scales.  If you aren't sure whether or not you placed in the top 4, go directly to the scales after the Main Event.  You will be told at that time.

Drivers/Owners should be aware that SPOT TECHING will be done during the year, and you may be asked to remove parts for inspection (i.e. carburetor).

Your co-operation would be greatly appreciated.

The IMS 4's Board of Directors wishes their members a good season!

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