MOWER RACING SERIES
2009 RACING SEASON
Rules that differ from the 2008 rulebook have been highlighted in bold faced print
Additional rule changes may be implemented as needed. Please monitor the National website-www.golawnmowerracing.com- or your local chapter for updates.
The American Racing Mower Association (ARMA) is an organization designed for lawn mower racers by lawn mower racers. This sport provides racers, their families and friends the opportunity to get involved with competitive racing that is affordable. This rulebook provides the standards that regulate the operations within ARMA. Maintaining safe, competitive racing is the primary purpose of this document and with the cooperation of all members, we can collectively keep this sport as it was intended, FUN. A lot of time, money, and energy have been spent on mower fabrication, engine building, and traveling to and from race venues. Keep that in mind when racing and race clean and safe. Although mishaps will happen from time to time on the track, let’s look out for each other and keep ourselves and our mowers in the same conditions when we started the race as when we leave.
General Regulations
1. On Track Regulations
Any deliberate actions to circumvent the safety features of a mower at either a Local
Chapter or National Points Series race will result in sanctions for the driver. These
sanctions will include a minimum of the following:
Total loss of points for said event
Suspension from 2 race events immediately following the incident
Based upon the severity of the incident sanctions may be increased at the discretion
of either the Local Chapter representatives and/or their board of directions or the
ARMA National Board of Directors (dependent upon where the incident occurred).
Actions to deliberately violate the rules for any mower class will result in the same
sanctions found above.[/b]
a. No alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs are allowed within the controlled area of the racing activity, including the pit area.
b. Any person who is actively participating in a race event (at any level) who has consumed alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, or controlled substances that is mind and/or motor skills altering may not participate in any capacity.
c. Completing a safe pass is the responsibility of the overtaking driver. No bumping will be tolerated. This means if you initiate a pass and during execution you realize you cannot complete the pass in a safe manner then it is up to the overtaking driver to return to a safe position on the track while avoiding contact with other racers. You will gain more respect by taking yourself out then placing the other racers in an unsafe situation causing personal injury and mower damage.
d. If another racer is overtaking you and it is clear that they are faster make room for the overtaking racer and let them pass.
e. Blocking is part of racing but not to the point where it causes a crash.
f. The racer that causes an incident will restart the race at the end of the field. The track officials will determine this.
g. Flags will be used to communicate to the racers the following on track conditions:
1) Green: The race/practice is underway when displayed.
2) Yellow: CAUTION, DANGER. No passing on the entire track and the drivers will form a single line at a safe pace speed and close up to the leader and follow the starter’s directions.
3) Yellow & White: The field is not bunched up for restart. If this is displayed, close it up.
4) Red: Stop all racing action immediately and shut off your engine. This flag is used in emergency situations where personal injury has occurred or the track is blocked.
5) Black: This for driver or equipment infractions. The driver must safely exit the track and consult with the Chief Steward. A furled black flag is a warning to a driver to clean up his/her act or receive the full black flag indicating he/she needs to exit the track.
6) White: One lap to go. Crossed white and green indicates race is halfway complete.
7) Checkered: End of race or practice session. Winner may choose to make a victory lap with the checkered flag. The remaining drivers will complete the lap and safely exit the track to the pit area.
h. Driver must keep both hands on the steering wheel, except to momentarily operate other controls. Driver’s body may not be intentionally positioned out of the mower seat onto or over the mower fender.
i. If you leave the course during the race re-enter the track as close as possible to the exiting point. Exiting the course and reentering in order to gain position will result in the driver being placed at the rear of the field.
j. If the mower stalls move the mower to a safe place at least 10 feet off course.
k. Unsafe off track driving will not be tolerated.
l. Drivers must attend all drivers meetings. If an unforeseen circumstance forces a driver to miss the meeting they shall begin at the rear of the field after meeting with the Chief Steward for a briefing on the day’s racing information.
m. Starting positions will be determined by random draw for a rolling start
[b]2. Pit Area and Track Regulations
a. No person under 16 years of age shall be on the grid. Those 16 years of age and
older are permitted with an approved parents consent form on file.
b. Mower pit speed is 5 MPH maximum.
c. Long pants, closed shoes and shirts are required in the track area.
d. Refueling: Driver must dismount and engine must be shut off when fuel is added.
A fire extinguisher (Liquid Fire Rated) must be in the hands of a crew member any
time fuel is added to a hot machine.
e. Mower must be completely stopped before driver dismounts.
f. Track crews are under the direction of the Track Steward at all times.
g. The driver is responsible for the conduct of his/her guests and crew, even while on
the track.
h. Only authorized personnel and drivers shall enter the racing course during racing
activity. All individuals entering the pit area, including crew members and guests,
must sign a release discharging ARMA from liability. All individuals entering the
track area must have a wrist band.
i. No pets are allowed on the racing course.
j. ARMA reserves the right to limit pit space. Campers and RV’s may be permitted
on race day only if space permits.
k. No vehicles other than racing mowers and official vehicles such as tow mowers
shall be on or near the track.
3. Driver Eligibility
a. Drivers must be members of the American Racing Mower Association.
b. Drivers must be at least 16 years of age. Drivers under 18 years of age may
compete with the approved parent’s consent form on file.
c. Drivers participating in Junior Prepared must be at least 10 years old and no
older than 15 years old.
d. All drivers must sign a release discharging the ARMA from liability.
4. Safety Equipment
q. Every driver must wear an automobile racing or motorcycle-type full-face helmet approved by the U. S. Department of Transportation or the Snell Foundation.
r. The helmet must fit snugly and be securely buckled when driver is on the track.
s. Goggles or a face shield are required. Glasses are not adequate protection.
t. All drivers must wear long pants, long sleeved shirt, neck brace, full-fingered gloves and leather over the ankle footwear on the track. Chest protectors and other anti-abrasive suits are highly recommended. No loose clothing on the track.
5. Mower Eligibility
a. Events are open to all riding type lawn mowers and garden tractors (with tires 20” or less) that were mass-produced and commercially
available to mow residential lawns. Zero turn riders are not permitted. The mower may be modified from its original configuration as noted in
section 7 General Mower Specifications Modified Classes.
b. Final determination of eligibility and classification is up to the technical inspector.
c. Organizers reserve the right to reject at any time any mower, which in their
opinion, represents an attempt to defeat the spirit of these rule, even though it
complies with the letter of them.
Modified Classes.
b. Final determination of eligibility and classification is up to the technical inspector.
c. Organizers reserve the right to reject at any time any mower, which in their opinion, represents an attempt to defeat the spirit of these rule, even though it complies with the letter of them.
6. Technical Inspection
a. All mowers entered in any BTMRA event must inspected for compliance by the Technical Inspector prior to participating in practice or racing.
b. Drivers must complete the registration process and sign insurance releases prior to entering the tech line.
c. Drivers may be questioned on the content of this document and must pass in order to practice or race.
d. All required safety equipment must be present at technical inspection.
e. Any driver, guest, crew member or official that displays behavior that is considered dangerous to other drivers, guests, crew members or spectators may be removed from the events by authorized event officials.
f. Contact a staff member for clarification of any item mentioned above.
g. If it is the opinion of an ARMA official designee (Local Chapter President or
other officer, ARMA Board of Directors member) that a Stock, Super Stock or
Junior Prepared mower is out of compliance with rules for these classes said
mower may be internally examined. This may include removal of cylinder
heads, opening of transmissions, etc. See sanctions in Section 1.
7. General Mower Specifications- Modified Classes (All classes except Stock)
a. Cutting blades must be removed.
b. Cutting decks must be securely mounted in near stock location. Only Pro-X mowers may simulate a cutting deck. Decks may extend beyond the tire sidewalls a maximum of 2”. Decks must be as wide as the body edge or running boards whichever is wider.
c. Mowers must maintain a minimum of 2.5 ” ground clearance under the lowest point of the deck.
d. Mowers must maintain a minimum of 4” of ground clearance under the lowest point of the frame. Unused brackets and non-structural material may be removed to gain clearance.
e. Exhaust design is open, but must terminate away from the driver and competitors, in a rearward and downward direction without creating a safety hazard.
f. Starter and functional battery must be onboard, either electric or pull rope in all classes except Pro-X.
g. Rear wheels must be secured to the rear axle with shaft locks, center bolts or thru-bolts.
h. All non-stock mowers shall have an automatic, throttle closing device.
i. Kill switch lanyard length shall be as short as necessary to effectively stop the mower as quickly as possible. Lanyard length shall not exceed 40”. This device must be commercially available for racing and/or recreational vehicles such as ATVs, jet skis snowmobiles, etc. Homemade and/or magnetic switches are not allowed.
j. Mower brakes on any Sportsman or X series mower must upgraded to a brake system on the rear axle.
k. Brakes may be hydraulic or mechanical.
l Throttle and brake control may be relocated.
m. The steering wheel, seat, body and frame must be centered between the right and left wheels.
n. Drive line may be modified from the engine pulley to the rear wheels. All classes except Pro-X must use a shiftable lawnmower transmission or transaxle. vari-drives may be used if originally equipped.
o. No centrifugal or torque converter clutches permitted in any class except Pro-X.
p. Rear axle may use open differential, locked, live or solid axle. No single wheel drive. Aluminum rear axles are permitted.
q. Wheels must be the same size on each axle, of any origin, but made of metal. Duel or tandem wheels are forbidden.
r. Front axle and steering may be modified or fabricated. Front axles may be pinned, bolted or welded into place. No suspension allowed. All modifications and fabrications are subject to the judgment of the technical inspector.
s. All steering linkage must be ball-type or spherical threaded rod ends.
t. Footholds and seat side boosters must be minimally designed so as not to entangle body parts.
u. External ignition systems and aluminum flywheels are authorized.
2009 RACING SEASON
Rules that differ from the 2008 rulebook have been highlighted in bold faced print
Additional rule changes may be implemented as needed. Please monitor the National website-www.golawnmowerracing.com- or your local chapter for updates.
The American Racing Mower Association (ARMA) is an organization designed for lawn mower racers by lawn mower racers. This sport provides racers, their families and friends the opportunity to get involved with competitive racing that is affordable. This rulebook provides the standards that regulate the operations within ARMA. Maintaining safe, competitive racing is the primary purpose of this document and with the cooperation of all members, we can collectively keep this sport as it was intended, FUN. A lot of time, money, and energy have been spent on mower fabrication, engine building, and traveling to and from race venues. Keep that in mind when racing and race clean and safe. Although mishaps will happen from time to time on the track, let’s look out for each other and keep ourselves and our mowers in the same conditions when we started the race as when we leave.
General Regulations
1. On Track Regulations
Any deliberate actions to circumvent the safety features of a mower at either a Local
Chapter or National Points Series race will result in sanctions for the driver. These
sanctions will include a minimum of the following:
Total loss of points for said event
Suspension from 2 race events immediately following the incident
Based upon the severity of the incident sanctions may be increased at the discretion
of either the Local Chapter representatives and/or their board of directions or the
ARMA National Board of Directors (dependent upon where the incident occurred).
Actions to deliberately violate the rules for any mower class will result in the same
sanctions found above.[/b]
a. No alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs are allowed within the controlled area of the racing activity, including the pit area.
b. Any person who is actively participating in a race event (at any level) who has consumed alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, or controlled substances that is mind and/or motor skills altering may not participate in any capacity.
c. Completing a safe pass is the responsibility of the overtaking driver. No bumping will be tolerated. This means if you initiate a pass and during execution you realize you cannot complete the pass in a safe manner then it is up to the overtaking driver to return to a safe position on the track while avoiding contact with other racers. You will gain more respect by taking yourself out then placing the other racers in an unsafe situation causing personal injury and mower damage.
d. If another racer is overtaking you and it is clear that they are faster make room for the overtaking racer and let them pass.
e. Blocking is part of racing but not to the point where it causes a crash.
f. The racer that causes an incident will restart the race at the end of the field. The track officials will determine this.
g. Flags will be used to communicate to the racers the following on track conditions:
1) Green: The race/practice is underway when displayed.
2) Yellow: CAUTION, DANGER. No passing on the entire track and the drivers will form a single line at a safe pace speed and close up to the leader and follow the starter’s directions.
3) Yellow & White: The field is not bunched up for restart. If this is displayed, close it up.
4) Red: Stop all racing action immediately and shut off your engine. This flag is used in emergency situations where personal injury has occurred or the track is blocked.
5) Black: This for driver or equipment infractions. The driver must safely exit the track and consult with the Chief Steward. A furled black flag is a warning to a driver to clean up his/her act or receive the full black flag indicating he/she needs to exit the track.
6) White: One lap to go. Crossed white and green indicates race is halfway complete.
7) Checkered: End of race or practice session. Winner may choose to make a victory lap with the checkered flag. The remaining drivers will complete the lap and safely exit the track to the pit area.
h. Driver must keep both hands on the steering wheel, except to momentarily operate other controls. Driver’s body may not be intentionally positioned out of the mower seat onto or over the mower fender.
i. If you leave the course during the race re-enter the track as close as possible to the exiting point. Exiting the course and reentering in order to gain position will result in the driver being placed at the rear of the field.
j. If the mower stalls move the mower to a safe place at least 10 feet off course.
k. Unsafe off track driving will not be tolerated.
l. Drivers must attend all drivers meetings. If an unforeseen circumstance forces a driver to miss the meeting they shall begin at the rear of the field after meeting with the Chief Steward for a briefing on the day’s racing information.
m. Starting positions will be determined by random draw for a rolling start
[b]2. Pit Area and Track Regulations
a. No person under 16 years of age shall be on the grid. Those 16 years of age and
older are permitted with an approved parents consent form on file.
b. Mower pit speed is 5 MPH maximum.
c. Long pants, closed shoes and shirts are required in the track area.
d. Refueling: Driver must dismount and engine must be shut off when fuel is added.
A fire extinguisher (Liquid Fire Rated) must be in the hands of a crew member any
time fuel is added to a hot machine.
e. Mower must be completely stopped before driver dismounts.
f. Track crews are under the direction of the Track Steward at all times.
g. The driver is responsible for the conduct of his/her guests and crew, even while on
the track.
h. Only authorized personnel and drivers shall enter the racing course during racing
activity. All individuals entering the pit area, including crew members and guests,
must sign a release discharging ARMA from liability. All individuals entering the
track area must have a wrist band.
i. No pets are allowed on the racing course.
j. ARMA reserves the right to limit pit space. Campers and RV’s may be permitted
on race day only if space permits.
k. No vehicles other than racing mowers and official vehicles such as tow mowers
shall be on or near the track.
3. Driver Eligibility
a. Drivers must be members of the American Racing Mower Association.
b. Drivers must be at least 16 years of age. Drivers under 18 years of age may
compete with the approved parent’s consent form on file.
c. Drivers participating in Junior Prepared must be at least 10 years old and no
older than 15 years old.
d. All drivers must sign a release discharging the ARMA from liability.
4. Safety Equipment
q. Every driver must wear an automobile racing or motorcycle-type full-face helmet approved by the U. S. Department of Transportation or the Snell Foundation.
r. The helmet must fit snugly and be securely buckled when driver is on the track.
s. Goggles or a face shield are required. Glasses are not adequate protection.
t. All drivers must wear long pants, long sleeved shirt, neck brace, full-fingered gloves and leather over the ankle footwear on the track. Chest protectors and other anti-abrasive suits are highly recommended. No loose clothing on the track.
5. Mower Eligibility
a. Events are open to all riding type lawn mowers and garden tractors (with tires 20” or less) that were mass-produced and commercially
available to mow residential lawns. Zero turn riders are not permitted. The mower may be modified from its original configuration as noted in
section 7 General Mower Specifications Modified Classes.
b. Final determination of eligibility and classification is up to the technical inspector.
c. Organizers reserve the right to reject at any time any mower, which in their
opinion, represents an attempt to defeat the spirit of these rule, even though it
complies with the letter of them.
Modified Classes.
b. Final determination of eligibility and classification is up to the technical inspector.
c. Organizers reserve the right to reject at any time any mower, which in their opinion, represents an attempt to defeat the spirit of these rule, even though it complies with the letter of them.
6. Technical Inspection
a. All mowers entered in any BTMRA event must inspected for compliance by the Technical Inspector prior to participating in practice or racing.
b. Drivers must complete the registration process and sign insurance releases prior to entering the tech line.
c. Drivers may be questioned on the content of this document and must pass in order to practice or race.
d. All required safety equipment must be present at technical inspection.
e. Any driver, guest, crew member or official that displays behavior that is considered dangerous to other drivers, guests, crew members or spectators may be removed from the events by authorized event officials.
f. Contact a staff member for clarification of any item mentioned above.
g. If it is the opinion of an ARMA official designee (Local Chapter President or
other officer, ARMA Board of Directors member) that a Stock, Super Stock or
Junior Prepared mower is out of compliance with rules for these classes said
mower may be internally examined. This may include removal of cylinder
heads, opening of transmissions, etc. See sanctions in Section 1.
7. General Mower Specifications- Modified Classes (All classes except Stock)
a. Cutting blades must be removed.
b. Cutting decks must be securely mounted in near stock location. Only Pro-X mowers may simulate a cutting deck. Decks may extend beyond the tire sidewalls a maximum of 2”. Decks must be as wide as the body edge or running boards whichever is wider.
c. Mowers must maintain a minimum of 2.5 ” ground clearance under the lowest point of the deck.
d. Mowers must maintain a minimum of 4” of ground clearance under the lowest point of the frame. Unused brackets and non-structural material may be removed to gain clearance.
e. Exhaust design is open, but must terminate away from the driver and competitors, in a rearward and downward direction without creating a safety hazard.
f. Starter and functional battery must be onboard, either electric or pull rope in all classes except Pro-X.
g. Rear wheels must be secured to the rear axle with shaft locks, center bolts or thru-bolts.
h. All non-stock mowers shall have an automatic, throttle closing device.
i. Kill switch lanyard length shall be as short as necessary to effectively stop the mower as quickly as possible. Lanyard length shall not exceed 40”. This device must be commercially available for racing and/or recreational vehicles such as ATVs, jet skis snowmobiles, etc. Homemade and/or magnetic switches are not allowed.
j. Mower brakes on any Sportsman or X series mower must upgraded to a brake system on the rear axle.
k. Brakes may be hydraulic or mechanical.
l Throttle and brake control may be relocated.
m. The steering wheel, seat, body and frame must be centered between the right and left wheels.
n. Drive line may be modified from the engine pulley to the rear wheels. All classes except Pro-X must use a shiftable lawnmower transmission or transaxle. vari-drives may be used if originally equipped.
o. No centrifugal or torque converter clutches permitted in any class except Pro-X.
p. Rear axle may use open differential, locked, live or solid axle. No single wheel drive. Aluminum rear axles are permitted.
q. Wheels must be the same size on each axle, of any origin, but made of metal. Duel or tandem wheels are forbidden.
r. Front axle and steering may be modified or fabricated. Front axles may be pinned, bolted or welded into place. No suspension allowed. All modifications and fabrications are subject to the judgment of the technical inspector.
s. All steering linkage must be ball-type or spherical threaded rod ends.
t. Footholds and seat side boosters must be minimally designed so as not to entangle body parts.
u. External ignition systems and aluminum flywheels are authorized.