Topic: USLMRA Licensing Rules Announced

[mrmowitall]

Subj: [USLMRA] LICENSING RULES (Copied & Pasted); 3-13-08 
Date: 3/14/2008 10:05:01 AM Central Daylight Time
From: letsmow@aol.com
Reply-to: USLMRA@yahoogroups.com
To: uslmra@yahoogroups.com
Sent from the Internet (Details)
 




March 13, 2008

Racers:

In a continuing effort promote safety, maintain our position as the nation's
best and most trusted lawn mower racing organization and recognize the
continuous changes in the sport we created 15 years ago, the USLMRA is announcing a
Licensing Program for the STA-BIL National Lawn Mower Racing Series US Points
Races (The STA-BIL Series).

It is our aim to address the issues of dangerous/unsafe Rookie drivers in
certain classes and so-called "check book racing." Therefore, we have created set
of rules to help address these issues.

Keep in mind that this set of rules is not perfect and everyone out there has
their own opinion on how to solve this problem. USLMRA's stance on this topic
is to put out a set of Licensing Rules and observe the result throughout the
year and amend them as needed in future years.

We have all seen this problem at Local Chapter races as well as at STA-BIL
Series events. No one wants to travel hundreds of miles to be injured or have
their Mowchines damaged.

These rules are being added to the 2008 Rule book and will be accessible on
the USLMRA web Site and well as the USLMRA group site under the files section.

So with that said let's great ready to have a great safe Racing season.

Manny Torres
USLMRA National Chief Steward

March 12, 2008

2008 USLMRA Licensing Rules

USLMRA License, Definition: A USLMRA License is issued to a person who has
raced at a prescribed class level and their experience is such that they are
believed to be capable of racing within the licensed class in a safe manner.

Rookie Racer, Definition: A person who has not competed in a STA-BIL
National Lawn Mower Racing Series US Points Race (STA-BIL Series) in any Prepared
Class or FX Class within the past 12 months of a Race Day.

Veteran Racer, Definition: A person who has competed in a STA-BIL Series
Race in any Prepared Class or FX Class within the past 36 months.

Pro Racer, Definition: (BP and FX): A person, 18 years of age or older, who
has raced in at least ten (10) USLMRA Races (STA-BIL Series or Local Chapter
Races) in the B Prepared or FX Class, with at least four (4) of the races
having been STA-BIL Series Races.

I. LICENSING: STA-BIL SERIES

1) A Rookie Racer shall not compete at a 2008 STA-BIL Series Race in B
Prepared or FX Class.

2) License will be issued in each class a racer competes in.

3) A License for one race class does not grant licensure for any other
class. Licensure is provided for each class.

4) Pro Racers shall be permitted to race in all classes at any STA-BIL
Series U.S. Points Race.

5) "Veteran License" will be issued to racers meeting licensing criteria in
IMOW, A Prepared, C Prepared, S Prepared and Junior (J) Prepared Classes.

6) "Pro License" will be issued to racers meeting licensing criteria in B
Prepared and FX Classes.

7) A License may be issued to a racer for any class at the discretion of the
Race Day Chief Steward for situations including, bit not limited to a racer
who can verify participation in similar class in non-USLMRA affiliated race
events; a satisfactory display of driver competence; a racer 16 to 18 who has
previously raced in at least four (4) STA-BIL Series races.

II VETERAN RACERS OBTAINING A PRO LICENSE

Veteran Racers may obtain a Pro License by racing in at least ten (10) USLMRA
Races (STA-BIL Series or Local Chapter Races) in any Veteran Racer Class,
with at least four (4) of the races having been STA-BIL Series Races, subject to
approval of the Chief Steward.

III. LICENSING AT THE USLMRA LOCAL CHAPTER LEVEL

Issuance of License is at the discretion of each Local Chapter

IV. INTENT

To recognize the ever-increasing speeds of racing lawn mowers and the wide
range of racer experience. To create a competency level to be adhered to and
legislated. To recognize the fact that racers often purchase entire racing
machines or component parts, creating the potential for a disparity of driving
expertise. To raise entry criteria in the B Prepared and FX Classes.

V. SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

USLMRA realizes special circumstances may arise regarding Licensing. Racers
are encouraged to communicate with the National Chief Steward or Race Day
Chief Steward to discuss their situation.

[Fastgal20]

THANKS, USLRMA!!!  You just made my summer plans easier to make!!!  I was planning on going to NC the first weekend in May and finish up in Maryland, so I could qualify to race in Delaware (which I have traveled to for the last two years).  Since I have been racing in Outlaw races for over 7 years, in your rules I am a "rookie", so that means my BP and F/X mowers (that I have put a lot of time in) are USELESS!!!!  I was planning on making at least 4 points races to try to compete for rookie of the year, but I guess, since I haven't raced in "your" series, I am incapable of competing with you guys.  What is the use to run for points if you can't race??  Last summer, fall and winter's work into three mowers have just gone down the drain.  I guess I have other options though---the ARMA doesn't blackball you!!!  THANKS AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

[Scurry Murry]

It’s nice you took the time to post where you were from in your frenzy of trying to post something like this newby.

I put some thought into this before I said something but I don’t want it to be me that is being hauled off in the meat wagon. I race to have fun, I race to make new friends, I do race to get a rush, and I don’t race to get hurt! A year will pass and no one will say a word about the licensing regulations.

A proud member of the USLMRA
Brian Gustad

[Bishop Gideon]

FastGal20...

I just went back through all of your posts on this website, and you have said:

To the other post, yes, I am with ARMA, but I may run a couple US races.

So that tells me that you weren't really interested in running the USLMRA races very much, were you?  Running "a couple" USLMRA races most likely wouldn't put you in contention for the rookie of the year.

I'm curious to your real motives for writing this.  Almost sounds like you're just trying to start trouble.

Just an opinion.  I've raced with the USLMRA for many years now, but I've got plenty of friends in ARMA.  I support lawnmower racing on a whole, not just one particular group and I don't play politics.  So I don't really like it when someone comes along just trying to start trouble for no reason.

[Fastgal20]

First of all, I am sorry I ruffled so many feathers, I was just looking forward to running my racers (especially my B/P and f/x) at some of your races that are fairly close to me this year.  I thought (but maybe I'm wrong) that if you ran at least 4 US races you could qualify for the rookie of the year, and the races I have planned for are double-header weekends.  I am not a political person, nor am I a trouble maker, and yes I do take offense in being labeled as such.  I am just a racer who has been racing for several years and finally can fit some national races in my schedule.  I have 5 machines, a covered trailer and I love to race.  That's it--I was just very disappointed to read that the mowers I like to drive the best would have to stay home.  Yes, I agree you have to take inexperienced racers in account, but the fact that you race locally on a weekly basis doesn't seem to matter-there should be some kind of test for your driving ability before you disallow someone to race at the national level.  I do not make a lot of posts, but I read and learn from this site every day.  I research and don't post a lot of irrelevant questions.  Again - I am a racer, that is all, and I'm sorry I am emotional about it and expressed my opinion.  THIS IS ALL I am going to say about this subject and any further personal attacks are really not necessary.  Thank you.

[Tom Fox]

I'm very glad to see these rules being put into place. I'll be the first to admit that when I started racing BP last year...well....they are a handfull!!! I cound not even imagine being out there on a track with 10+ experienced drivers at a national points race!!!

Pro Racer, Definition: (BP and FX): A person, 18 years of age or older, who
has raced in at least ten (10) USLMRA Races (STA-BIL Series or Local Chapter
Races) in the B Prepared or FX Class, with at least four (4) of the races
having been STA-BIL Series Races

I feel even before atending any STA-BIL series race...you need to have at least 6 LC races under your belt. Then you can knock off the remaining 4 needed to get your license. REMEMBER..at a POINTS RACE...you WILL be racing with EXPERIENCED already PRO drivers.

Only downfall I see is us guys/gals here in the Northeast....I don't mind traveling a little but maybe some do...

Here are some of the distance's I would need to travel to go to a POINTS RACE:

Shelby, NC---760 miles
Clements MD--340 miles
Kankakee, IL--870 miles
Mendota, IL--925 miles
Sparta, MI--810 miles
Zion, IL--890 miles
Jonesboro, AR--1240 miles
Semmes, AL--1301 miles
Edenton, NC--501 miles
Barbourville, KY--820 miles
Avon Park, FL---1360 miles

So...THUMBS UP to USLMRA for putting SAFETY FIRST! 

[nor66]

This is what I think, I have built a BP class mower and have run one race with ARMA, but I have been racing for 4 years at a local level or as you say outlaw. I am not saying that I have planned on running any USLMRA races, but.......... There are quite a few National races that are going to run within reasonable driving distance from my location and I might would like to go to a USLMRA race and compete with some of the more well known guys in my class, but with the license requirements that would not be an option! Unless I start racing at a local chapter,which is just now getting started in NC and I don't believe there is a schedule as of yet, So correct me if I am wrong, but this seem like I would have to wait a long time to meet the requirements.  I feel like this rule is going to stop the USLMRA from inviting new people interested in lawn mower racing from joining, because of not being able to build to the class that they want to run in. Come on guys this is not NASCAR its Lawn Mower Racing!!!! Sure I want the sport to grow and sure I want people to take us more serious, but I feel like we need more people in the sport to make this happen and this rule is hindering that in my opinion!  Please note that this is not a personal attack on the USLMRA, but just the rule itself.
 I agree with FAST GAL maybe the USLMRA should come up with a reasonable driving test and maybe a period of probation for the "ROOKIE" driver! I understand that there is a safety issue being addressed here and I agree and understand completely. So why not have the "ROOKIE" driver pass a test and upon completion the rookie driver would have to have a bright colored stripe or something similar on their mower so as to warn the "PRO" driver of possible "ROOKIE" mistakes?

[THawley08]

The only problem I see here is BP and F/X are like NASCAR. Those things FLAT OUT FLY. Last year in Sparta I rember Manny telling us about I think it was the Maryland race about someone that had just bought a BP for $8000 and it was his first time and they has like 13 or 14 cautions. I would almost prefer the USLMRA for the safety of the other drivers require you to run in IMOW,AP,SP,or CP the first year before you are allowed to run in either BP or F/X. This would allow you to get your chassis set up and make sure its safe before you drop a big ole V-Twin or a Monsterous F/X engine on it. It would also give you some driving experience.

[Robert Sparbel]

I'm sorry but to those of you who don't agree with the licensing rule miss this?

V. SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

USLMRA realizes special circumstances may arise regarding Licensing. Racers
are encouraged to communicate with the National Chief Steward or Race Day
Chief Steward to discuss their situation.

If I understand this correctly  V. SPECIAL CIRCUMTANCES  is directed to those of you who have been running with other groups who have mowers that would pass BP or FX tech inspection.

As mentioned at the very begining this rule is for SAFETY and is to keep someone completely new to the sport from just going and buying a BP or FX and hitting the track for the first time at the national level.

Prior to racing mowers I used to race stock car and motorcross and have been avid snowmobile and atv guy since I was very young. When I first got into racing mowers I knew it would be different than anything I have ever raced before so I ran my first year in IMOW getting a feel for the sport and the mowers.

So I agree with the rule and keeping safety first!

[Scurry Murry]

I missed that rule also Robert! The only thing I can see that when it comes down to it is there going to be discrepancies between the LC level and the National Level when it comes to deciding who is qualified.

Brian

[cycloneracer]

FastGal.  Please no more US bashing.  Tom (the owner of this site) has stated he will not tolerate group bashing US, ARMA, or other.  Espically in the race sections.

Obviously you are a racer and Manny Torres is your contact on this matter.  I'm sure you will fall in the "special circumstances" category.  We are not trying to exclude anyone from raceing, but trying to make the national events safer.  Personally I think all rookies should have to make some test laps before the race regardless of the class.  Just to see if they can handle their mower at speed.  Even in SP there have been rookies that were dangerous on the track.

So if you are serious about attendin the US races please contact Manny.  I think he will understand.  If you need his contact info let me know, I can help.  If you want to start trouble.  Please take it somewhere else.

Paul

[Duane Ferguson]

Its not a bad rule. But I need to get a pro license and Ive been racing lawn mowers for 8+ years and been a member of the USLMRA for 10+ years come one.  The USLMRA needs to work on its timing of its rules. BTW both groups has their pros & cons.

Duane Ferguson
www.def3graphics.com

[mowdak1]

Well...

1.) Folks, all of the issues and concerns you address have been discussed by the committee that established the rule.

2.) Those having raced with other non-affiliated organizations simply need to read Rule...

7) A License may be issued to a racer for any class at the discretion of the
Race Day Chief Steward for situations including, but not limited to a racer
who can verify participation in similar class in non-USLMRA affiliated race
events; a satisfactory display of driver competence; a racer 16 to 18 who has
previously raced in at least four (4) STA-BIL Series races.

3.) The committee does understand the need to establish the driving test, to test the skills of those that have raced extensively in other associations, it will more than likely be implemented in some form or fashion, as soon as they are able to work out the requirements to meet such a test run as is addressed in the rule above immediately following the bold text, and life will go on in mower racing.

4.) This is being done in the interest of SAFETY, there is much concern that we're seeing too many incidences of inexperienced racers buying a ride that they can't handle. Therefore the USLMRA is attempting to implement the same frame of mind EVERY responsible racing organization preaches... Start out in a slower class, learn to drive a racing mower, learn how the chassis handles, learn how everyone else runs on the track, THEN and ONLY THEN move up into the faster classes when you have proven you are capable of handling such.

The problem is EVERYONE seems to want to start in the fastest class! We see that all the time on the forum here, we preach start in the slower classes here too.

This rule is not intended to prevent experienced racers from other organizations from running in USLMRA events, it is intended to guarantee you have a safe and enjoyable experience while racing with the USLMRA. As was pointed out previously if you have raced with another organization, please contact Manny Torres and he will advise you of what you need to do to qualify for license in these classes.

Those that have run USLMRA; as long as you've met the conditions and requirements set forth, it's simply a matter or requesting the license...

II VETERAN RACERS OBTAINING A PRO LICENSE

Veteran Racers may obtain a Pro License by racing in at least ten (10) USLMRA
Races (STA-BIL Series or Local Chapter Races) in any Veteran Racer Class,
with at least four (4) of the races having been STA-BIL Series Races, subject to
approval of the Chief Steward.

[Mp350]

We all have seen the guy on the track who is racing a class he should not be in. But if you look at most lap times there is only differ by hunderdths of a second, between an AP SP CP BP or FX. I have started my son this year on a I mow just to learn the ropes and I raced FX for my first 4 years and the last 2 have been on a CP. But with the new rules I would only be allowed to race in CP, so I will just have to take the FX back on the track to get my Pro licence so I can race any thing. But the rule has been made and we will just adjust. I do believe the only hard mower to learn to drive is a BP, just too much power and not enough traction. Most wrecks are caused by to main factors, inexperience and balls to the walls drivers. But the one thing I did not see in the new rule is how you can learn to drive in a class you have no licence for?   Well  I get to see how it works at the end of the month in Avon Park,

[benfield_boy]

   I don't like the rule . Quite honestly it messes some good drivers out of being able to race in classes that they are safe to drive in. But I do agree with the base of the rule. If a new driver who just got a mower and takes it to a race and does a test lap before the main race drives like a nut, he does not race in that class that day. But if another new drive comes with the same mower in the same class and dives like he know what he is doing, and is safe, he should be able to race.    Lets just not over complicate things !