SEFT RULE BOOK
SEFT RULE BOOK
SEFT Flat Track Racing Rules and Regulations
The purpose of this document is to provide guidance for a safe, fair, and smooth-running race event.
Equipment
Number Plates
Your number must be visible from the front, right and left side of the bike.
Sharp Protruding Objects
Motorcycles must be free of sharp items that could harm riders in the event of a fall or contact. If in doubt, ask the referee.
Helmets
All helmets must be of the full-face design. It is encouraged but not required that the following information be displayed on the helmet. Name, age, date of birth, blood type, allergies, important medical problems, and emergency contact name and telephone number.
Other Safety Apparel
Boots must extend above the ankles. Leathers are encouraged but not required. Long sleeves, pants, eye protection (goggles or face shield) and gloves are required. Steel shoe straps must be taped to your boot. Foot pegs cannot be bare metal; they must be covered with rubber or tape. Serrated MX style pegs are allowed on the right side. (No unprotected blade or tubular style foot pegs) No exposed handle bar ends. Handlebar levers must have a ball on the end of them (no sawed off clutch levers). All oil plugs and fill caps must be safety wired. Liquid cooled engines are not allowed to run standard antifreeze (No glycol based coolants). All motorcycles must have a working kill switch mounted on the handle bar near the grip on either the left or right side. (Compression releases are not acceptable as a kill switch).
Protest
In the event of a protest the rider presenting the protest must put the specific protest in writing and hand it to a designated SEFT official within 30 minutes of the end of the heat race or main event that the protest is being filed in. If the rider or motorcycle being protested is deemed illegal the rider will be disqualified from that class and points and awards from that race will not be earned. Only a rider participating in the particular class that the protest is being filed in may file a protest. The designated SEFT official (referee) for that day will be the one that makes the final decision on the protest. If the accused is found legal the Protester must pay the accused $200.00 this money must be given to the SEFT race director when the protest is made or no inquiry will be done.
Slower Riders
In the event that a rider is being lapped he/she should maintain their racing line and allow the faster rider to pass in a safe manner. It is up to faster rider’s to safely pass you, hold your racing line and do not abruptly try to swerve out of the way.
Class Rules
All riders’ ages are as of the day of the race. Any rider under the age of 18 must have his/her entry form signed by his/her parent or legal guardian.
The rider must be of adequate size and maturity to keep his/her machine under control at all times. This includes riding, stopping, starting, standing still, mounting and dismounting the machine.
Riders under the age of 12 are limited to riding machines of less than 120cc displacement for two-stroke and less than 160cc displacement for four-stroke. All riders on machines of larger than 250cc displacement before overbore must be of at least 14 years of age regardless of the class. Other age restrictions apply as listed for specific classes. Unless specifically mentioned for an amateur class, current professionals may not run in any amateur or vintage classes.
A front brake is not allowed unless specifically mentioned for a class. All motorcycles must have a functional and effective rear break unless a specific brakeless class is created for the event.
All fuel must be either pump gasoline or commercially available racing gasoline. For 2-stroke engines the addition of lubricating oil to the fuel is allowed. Methanol (methyl alcohol) is not allowed.
The motorcycle on which a rider starts a heat race is the motorcycle on which that rider must run in all races in that class at that event. Switching motorcycles is allowed but the rider will be required to start on the penalty row. Substitute riders are now allowed.
Unless noted, knobby tires will not be allowed.
Classes
50cc 2 stroke: Riders are allowed up through the age of 8 years. Approved models include Yamaha PW50, Suzuki JR50, Cobra 50, LEM 50, Polini 50, KTM 50, Husqvarna 50. Other 50 cc 2 stroke bikes and E-bikes may be allowed at the discretion of the referee. A front brake and knobby tires are permitted.
50cc 4 stroke: Riders are allowed up through the age of 9 years. Approved models include Honda XR/CR50 and Yamaha TTR50. Other 50cc 4 stroke bikes and E-bikes may be allowed at the discretion of the referee. A front brake and knobby tires are permitted.
65cc 2 stroke/110cc 4 stroke: Riders are allowed up through the age of 12. Engine, frame, and suspension modifications are allowed. E-bike also allowed at discretion of referee.
85cc 2 stroke: Riders are allowed up through the age of 15. Engine, frame, and suspension modifications are allowed. Maximum rim diameter is 17
crf150r also allowed at discretion of referee.
70-125cc: 70-125cc 4 stroke bikes and 2 stroke play bikes such as (Yamaha PW-80 and Suzuki DS-80 are allowed) 2 stroke racing bikes are not allowed in this class. (Bikes must be air-cooled) Riders are allowed up through the age of 14, beginners only. Engines may be modified or changed as long as replaced with the same style engine (i.e. CRF 70 engine replaced with Chinese built pit bike engine). Frame and suspension modifications are allowed. Minimum rim diameter is 10”. E-bike also allowed at discretion of referee. faster 50cc four stroke allowed with referee approval.
0-200cc: Riders must be at least 8 years of age up to 14years old to ride this class. The engine may be either a 2-stroke or 4-stroke configuration. Engine, frame, and suspension modification are allowed. Minimum rim diameter is 16”. E-bike also allowed at discretion of referee.
Novice: Motorcycles of any model year and of at least 125cc displacement are allowed. This minimum rim diameter is 17”. This class is for riders who are new to flat track racing or are not up to speed with other classes. After two wins in a one calendar year or demonstration of capabilities well above those of the other riders may no longer be eligible to compete in this class. Such judgement will be made by SEFT officials in the interests of safety (riders of similar speeds) and fairness (similar riding ability levels). This is a non-points paying class. Riders must be at least 12 years of age to ride 125cc-250cc and 14 years old of age to ride 251cc and up in this class. E-bike also allowed at discretion of referee.
Open Amateur: Motorcycles of any age and of at least 125 cc displacement are allowed. The minimum rim diameter is 17”. This class is not open to current professionals. Riders must be at least 12 years of age to ride a motorcycle no larger than 250 cc, and 14 years old of age to ride 251cc and up in this class. E-bike also allowed at discretion of referee.
Pro-Am/Sportsman A: The intent of this class is to allow the faster experienced amateur riders the chance to compete with the professionals. Riders must be at least 14 years of age. The minimum wheel size is 17”. Engine must be single cylinder configuration and the minimum engine displacement is 250cc. There is no upper limit on engine displacement. Engine, frame, and suspension modifications are allowed. Specialized flat track racing frames are allowed. Engines may be of either 2-stroke or 4-stroke configuration. E-bike also allowed at discretion of referee.
EXPERT: All riders must be at least 16 years of age, however up to the judgement of SEFT referee to allow 14 years of age and up. The minimum wheel size is 17”. The engine must be single cylinder configuration and the minimum engine displacement is 250cc. There is no upper limit on engine displacement. Engine, frame, and suspension modifications are allowed. Specialized flat track racing frames are allowed. Engines may be of either 2-stroke or 4-stroke configuration. Twin cylinder motorcycles are allowed to run this class at short track events when Open Pro Twins class is not offered. Once you race in the Open Pro class you are no longer eligible to run Vintage or Amateur classes in the same season. E-bike also allowed at discretion of referee. 14 years of age and up allowed with SEFT official approval.
Senior 40+: Riders must be at least 40 years of age. The minimum engine displacement is 249cc. E-bike also allowed at discretion of referee.
Super Senior 60+: Riders must be at least 60 years of age. The minimum engine displacement is 249cc. E-bike also allowed at discretion of referee.
Open Twins: To ensure class participants this will be a Pro-AM class with 100% payback. Must have a minimum of three participants to make a class. Should we not have enough participants to make a class (6) you may still ride in another class as exhibition with earned points. Minimum displacement is 649cc. Custom chassis are allowed, along with Hooligans. This will be a faster paced class. Minimum age for this class is 16 years old.
Vintage light: Motorcycles must be from 1986 or earlier, air cooled, up to 400cc, twin or mono shock ok. Can be of either 2-stroke or 4-stroke configuration. Engine displacement changes are allowed. Rims must be of a minimum diameter of 17”. The maximum number of cylinders allowed is 2. Specialized flat track racing frames are allowed. A rear brake is required. Riders must be at least 14 years of age to ride in this class
Vintage Open: Motorcycles must be from 1982 model year or earlier, air cooled, twin or mono shock ok. Can be of either 2-stroke or 4-stroke configuration. Rims must be of a minimum diameter of 17”. Multi-cylinder engines are allowed. Specialized flat track racing frames are allowed. A rear brake is required. Riders must be of at least 14 years of age to ride this class.
Mad Dog Stock (Stock 100/125 This class is intended to be a fun and competitive class with very close racing. Riders must be at least 14 years of age. This class is based on the CRF100 and XR100 motorcycles with CRF125L, Yamaha TTR125L, Suzuki DRZ125L allowed. Engine modifications are not allowed. Any tires may be used. Wheel assemblies must be stock. EXCEPT XR and CRF100 may use 16" Front wheel (xr80 front wheel). The air filter element, handlebars, sprockets, and rear spring may be changed. The stock air box must remain in place, and the lid may be modified or removed. The front and rear suspension must remain stock except for springs and oil. Frame modifications are not allowed. Carburetor must be stock but jetting changes are allowed. The stock exhaust (pipe) system must be used, and the end cap may be removed. Front brakes need to be disabled or the brake lever removed.
Mad Dog Open: This class is intended to be a fun class with very close racing. Riders must be at least 14 years of age. Current professional riders are allowed. Motorcycles must be a single-cylinder, 4-stroke, air cooled engine originally displacing no more than 150cc. Engine modifications are allowed using the original crankcase and cylinder head as long as the final engine displacement is no more than 190cc. Any tires may be used except knobby tires. Wheels and tires may be changed. The front forks can be mechanically altered or replaced.. Disc brakes are allowed. Frame modifications and custom chassis are allowed. Altered and aftermarket exhaust systems are allowed.
450 am This class is not open to current professionals. Riders must be at least 14 years of age or older to ride. 449cc only, DTX “mx based” bikes only. No custom chassis. No front brake. Must have 19 inch rims and flat track tires.
HOOLGAN: Any street bike with a 750cc or larger engine, a stock frame, 19-inch wheels for dirt track tires, and no front brakes. Payout to be determined by the race director.
Equipment
Flags are used by track officials to relay important information to the riders. They include track conditions, the remaining duration of the race, and other critical factors. Riders are required to know what every flag indicates.
Flags have the following meanings:
Green: This flag indicates the start of the race. The track is clear at least until the next flag station to the best knowledge of the person holding the flag.
White: The leader is on the last lap before the race is completed.
Green and white flags furled and crossed: This indicates that half of the laps have been completed. It may or may not be displayed during a race.
Yellow, displayed open: Caution! There is something on the track that requires the rider’s attention to avoid it. When a yellow flag is displayed, riders must ride cautiously with no passing of other competitors until they have passed the incident that caused the flag. It is not required to slow down. Lap counting continues.
Yellow, waved in earnest: There is a serious situation that may require the rider to sow down for avoidance or possibly even stop. No passing is allowed until after the incident has been passed. Lap counting continues.
Blue: You are being lapped. There is at least one faster rider approaching you from behind. Hold your line and do not impede their progress.
Black and white checkered: This signifies the end of the race. Slow down in a safe
manner taking into consideration the riders behind you.
Red: When this flag is displayed the race is being stopped for an emergency situation. Safely move off the racing line and come to a stop at designated hot box for each track discussed during riders meeting. Do not race back to the line. Scoring has been suspended at the completion of the previous lap. You will have the option to work on your bike during a red flag situation. Motorcycles cannot be taken to the pits for repair.
Once a motorcycle leaves the race track or hot box area it is not allowed to reenter the race. The bike must be ready to go when the race restarts. If you are not ready you will be asked to leave the racing surface and you will not be eligible to restart that race. The red flag will be displayed for a downed rider that is not capable of getting off the track without assistance. If a rider is capable of getting off the track he/she is expected to remove their motorcycle safety from the racing surface. If a race official determines that you deliberately laid on the track (ie. Playing possum) to bring out the red flag, you will not be allowed to restart the race. Violation of this rule could result in possible probation or suspension for the remainder of the season.
Black, furled:
When pointed at a competitor that competitor is being watched closely by race officials. It is a warning that the rider is doing something of which the officials do not approve and those actions must end immediately.
Black, displayed open:
The rider to whom the flag was displayed must pull off the track in a safe manner to an area near the officials. Lap counting for that rider has ended. The rider will soon have a polite discussion with the referee regarding the rule infraction. The location must be such that it does not interfere with the ability of the officials to run the race. Their primary responsibility is to the riders who are still on the track. The black flag can be shown to a rider if it is in the judgment of the race official that the rider is endangering others.
Race Procedures
Track Inspection
Walking the track before the event is encouraged. It is important and a safe practice to inspect the surface and escape routes before riding the track at speed. Inspection must be on foot.
Riders’ Meeting
Attendance is mandatory for all riders. It is important that all riders understand the procedures of the day, which can change from one event to another. Failure to appear may result in penalties including entry withdrawal at the discretion of the referee.
The number of laps that will be run will be announced at this meeting. The number of laps may be changed later for time limit, impending weather, or track durability reasons at the discretion of the officials. If there is a change in the number of laps after the riders’ meeting, riders will be informed before the start of the race.
Starting Procedures
There will be at least three pairs of starting lines containing 6 boxes. The distance between these lines (or pairs of lines) will depend on the size of the track but will have a minimum spacing of 15 feet. The front edge of the front tire must remain stationary in the box before the green flag or light is displayed.
The start may be indicated by either a green flag or a green light.
Jumping the start will result in being moved to the penalty line (ie. First line available for which there are no unpenalized riders). A second jump start by the same rider in the same race will result in being moved back to the next line. If there is no line that far back, a new line farther back located by the starter or referee will be created and the rider must start from there. A third jump start will result in that rider’s removal from the race.
A rider not present at the starting line for the original start of a race may not start in any subsequent restarts of that race.
Red Flag Conditions and Restarts
If any rider falls before the lead rider completes the first lap, there will be a complete restart indicated by the displaying of the red flag and/or light by the starter. All riders will go back to their original starting positions. Riders, who were penalized for jumping the original start, will remain in their penalized positions.
The rider who fell or was otherwise judged to be the cause of the restart will be penalized by having to start on the penalty line (ie. First line available for which there are no unpenalized riders). The restart position for this rider must be at least one line back from the position of the previous start. Riders who, in the judgment of the starter or referee, fell as a result of an action by another or to avoid another rider who was already down, will not be penalized.
Once an action occurs that is determined by the starter to be the reason for a restart, an independent fall by another rider is not cause for a penalty to that rider since scoring for that race has been effectively stopped. However, if a rider forces another down or off of the track after the initial cause for a restart, the starter reserves the right to penalize that rider for endangering other riders.
After the completion of the first lap by the lead rider, the track will go into the red condition only if it is judged by the starter or referee that there is a dangerous situation on the tack that requires the race to be stopped such as, oil on the track, weather, the need for medical attention for a hurt rider, or a section of the track is blocked and racing cannot continue in a safe manner.
If a restart is required before the completion of the second lap by the lead rider, the restarting positions will be the same as those used by the riders for the last previous start of the race. Corrections to those starting positions may be made by the starter or referee based on penalties for causing the restart.
If a restart is required after the completion of the second lap by the lead rider, there will be a staggered restart. The lead rider has the choice of either the inside or outside position at the front line, not the middle. The remaining riders will start behind in a staggered pattern all offset in the same direction. The offset distance will be approximately two feet.
The front edge of a rider’s front tire must be at least three feet behind the back edge of the rear tire of the next rider in front of them. Jumping the tart will result in being moved to the back of the line.
If it is observed that a fall was intentional or the rider, when capable of doing otherwise, intentionally remained in a dangerous situation to force a red flag or restart in the judgment of the starter or referee, that rider will be removed from the race.
The red flag will not be displayed every time a rider falls. It will be displayed if a rider or motorcycle is in the middle of the racing line and cannot move, or if most of the track is blocked, if medical attention is clearly required, or if there is no way for the rider and machine to move to a safe position. If a rider falls off of the racing line or if the rider is able to move off of the racing line before the other riders approach that position, the yellow flag will be displayed.
Mechanical Difficulties before the Race and Problems at the Starting Line.
If a rider is having mechanical difficulty before the start or restart of a race, that rider of a member of the rider’s crew can notify the starter. The starter will allow that rider a maximum of two minutes to make repairs before the race will be started. At this time other riders may ride slowly aru9nd the track to prevent engine overheating.
If a rider at the starting line has a problem such as a stalled engine, the rider must raise a hand and waive to the starter. If the starter sees this action, the start of the race will be delayed. If the starter misses the wave, starts the race, and another official sees that the rider did wave before the start of the race, the red flag will be displayed and the race will be restarted.
A stalling of the engine at the start of the race due to rider error with no wave to the starter before the start of the race will not result in a restart.
If a rider changes motorcycles after the first start of the heat race in a class, such as for a restart or for the main event, the rider must report the change of machine to the starter or scoring official in the immediate vicinity of the starter. The rider will then have to start from the penalty line (ie. First line available for which there are no unpenalized riders). Failure to do any of these requirements will result in a DNS (did not start) and zero points for that race.
Laps Required for an Official Race
A race may be shortened due to weather or other reasons. A complete race for scoring purposes requires the completion of at least 50% of the scheduled laps by the lead rider.
Rain-Out Policy
If all of the heats are completed then the race becomes official and scored according to finishing order from those heats. All qualifying riders will receive 1 point for that event. Awards and money will be paid out. If the event is rained out prior to the first round of heats being completed and the race cannot be resumed that same day, refunds and credits will be given for entries only. Gate fees will not be refunded. However we will race on Sunday should Saturday have a rainout.
Scoring
A points system is used to determine the season championship
Points will be awarded to the SEFT Racers according to their finishing positions relative to the other SEFT racers in that class. Rider(s) must complete a minimum of THREE race events in an individual class to be considered for SEFT series championship awards.
Position Points Position Points
1 25 11 9
2 21 12 8
3 18 13 7
4 16 14 6
5 15 15 5
6 14 16 4
7 13 17 3
8 12 18 2
9 11 19 1
10 10
Points are awarded only for main events. Points are not awarded for heat races. “DNS” (did not start) for the main event results in a position of last place and scores the points associated with that position for that race. If there are both A-main and B-main races and the A-main consists of 12 riders, all DNS riders for the A-main earn points for the 12th and final points paying position for that race. If there are an additional five riders in the B-main, then all DNS riders in the B-main earn points for 17th (12+5=17) position. If the rider does not start either the heat or the main (ie. Report to staging ready to ride), no points are earned. In the event that something happens that forces the race to be paid off of the heats, all qualifying riders will be awarded 1 point.
Lap counting stops with respect to scoring that rider when a rider receives a black flag. This applies whether or not the rider pulls off of the track. The rider will receive zero points for the event if the infraction was for riding in a manner that endangers other riders. The rider will receive points based on the finishing position with the laps completed if the infraction is based on a mechanical issue that occurs after the start of that race.
For a main event race to count with respect to scoring points, at least 50% of the scheduled laps must be completed. If a main event race is stopped after 50% of the laps have been completed and cannot be restarted, the official finishing order will be the order in which the riders came across the start/finish line at the end of the last scored lap.
If less than 50% of the main event laps cannot be completed and that race cannot be restarted, the official finishing order will be determined from the heat races. The class winner will be the winner of the fastest heat race. Second place will be awarded to the winner of the second fastest heat race in that class. Third place will be awarded to the winner of the third fastest heat race. This pattern will continue through all of the heats. Then the next place will be awarded to the second place rider in the fastest heat, followed by the second place rider in the second fastest heat, followed by the second place rider in the third fastest heat, and so on regardless of those specific riders’ race times. This pattern is followed throughout the heat races for placing the riders’ final finishing positions for the event for awards and money. 1 championship point will be awarded to all qualifying riders.
If an event is ended prematurely due to weather, disaster, less of track lighting, or other conditions, the following procedure will be followed. If all of the heat races have been completed, the riders will be scored and there will be no makeup event at a later date. For those who completed heat races only because their main event was cancelled, scoring will be determined by placement in the heat races and 1 championship point will be awarded to all qualifying riders. For those who competed in main event races that were completed or at least 50% completed before the remainder of the event was cancelled, their scoring will be based on the finishing order in the main event. All main events for that class (A main, B main, etc) must run for scoring from that class to be taken from the main events.
If the event ends before the completion of all heat races, a rain date will be set for the next day, if possible, or at some other date at the discretion of The Board of Directors. If the rain date is the next day, only entries from the original race may participate and the races will start where they left off the previous day. If the race is delayed more than one day, it will be conserved as a “make-up” event, and will run a full schedule of heat and main events, and entries will be open to additional riders.
If there is a tie in the season points, the higher position will go to the rider who has the most wins in that class. If that number is equal, it will go to the rider with the most second-place finishes. This procedure will be followed down through the order until a difference is found. If a tie still remains, the finishing order of the tied riders in the last completed main event of the season will be the tie breaker.
Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Unsportsmanlike conduct, is any action or threat, jeopardizing the safety of another rider or other person at the event. Flat track racing is a non-contact sport. Offenses include but are not limited to:
1. Intentionally or recklessly hitting another rider on the track.
2. Intentionally or recklessly running another rider off of the track.
3. Causing bodily harm to another rider or anyone else while off of the track, such as in the pits.
4. Intentionally or recklessly damaging the property of another.
5. Threatening any of the above-listed actions.
Riders are responsible for the actions of their crews.
Penalties are at the sole discretion of the event referee, are not subject to protest, and do not grant the offender any rights to monetary refund. The severity of the penalty will be based on actions required to protect the safety of others and to prevent such actions from reoccurring. Typical penalties for riders include:
Minor infraction, first offense of season: The rider is given a warning and is placed on probation.
Minor infraction, second offense of season: The entry will be scratched. No points will be earned that day. There will be no refund of entry, track, or other fees. The rider is placed on probation for the rest of the season.
Major infraction, first offense of season: The entry will be scratched. No points will be earned that day. There will be no refund of entry, track, or other fees. The rider is placed on probation for the rest of the season.
Major infraction, second offense of season: The entry will be scratched. No points will be earned that day. There will be no refund of entry, track or other fees. The rider is forbidden from entering the next SEFT race and will be on probation for the remainder of the season.
Repeated offenses: Riders may be suspended for the rest of the season and, in extreme cases, for life or until it is in the judgment of the Board that this rider is no longer a threat to others.
The black flag can be shown to a rider if it is in the judgment of the race officials that the rider is endangering others.
Pro Purse Payout
Note this is the minimum payout for the Pro Am, Expert and Open Twins class at all SEFT events based on the number of entries. At larger events or at the event promoter’s discretion, additional money may be added to the purse. At short track events a maximum of 12 riders go to the main. At 1/4 mile or larger tracks up to 18 riders may go to the main event depending on the ergonomics of the facility.
Rules are subject to change at anytime without notice by SEFT official's.
