2019 Western Midget Racing

Midget Rules

(1/27/2019)

Preface

These rules will provide for the orderly conduct of Western Midget Racing (WMR) sanctioned events and establish the minimum acceptable requirements for such events. These rules will govern the condition of all events and by signing in to these events all participants are deemed to have read and understand these rules and agree to abide by them.

No expressed or implied warranty of safety will result from the publication of, or compliance with, these rules and/or regulations. They are intended as a guide for the conduct of the sport and are in no way a guarantee against injury or death to participants, spectators or others.

WMR reserves the right to amend any rule at any time by notifying participants in writing or posting on the WMR internet website. Rules involving safety may be imposed immediately and it is the responsibility of all participants to stay abreast of any and all rule changes. Rules governing car specifications may be amended at any time to ensure competitive racing. This is at the sole discretion of the WMR officials. Rules will be imposed as written. It is your responsibility to be familiar with all rules. WMR official’s decisions shall be final in all cases.

WMR will run as a home track division in 2019 and all racing procedures, line ups, and on track conduct will fall under the host track’s jurisdiction. The host track’s officials have the authority to enforce both WMR rules and those of the host track. It is the participant’s responsibility to know and understand both these rules and procedures and those of the hosting track. Points and purse will be awarded by the hosting track.

General Rules

1. Minimum age for competition is 16 years of age. An exemption to allow the minimum age to lower to 14 years old will be considered with a written resume reflecting at least one full season of adult racing experience to include Open Micro, Lightning or full Sprint cars. Other adult divisions may be considered. Approval will be at the discretion of the Series Directors and those decisions are final.

2. Rookies will be required to carry a yellow ribbon and start at the rear of their respective events for 3 races or until approved by the series race director. Rookies are defined as drivers who have no prior race experience at this or higher level. (Race Director discretion). New and/or inexperienced drivers to the series will be required to run a ribbon and start at the rear of their respective events for 3 complete events or until approved by the Series Race Director.

3. Car numbers must be displayed in 3 areas, 1 on each side of the tail and 1 on the front section of hood or nose, these numbers need to be in high contrast. Note: Scorers and officials need to be able to identify the numbers on the cars from a long distance.

4. Drivers will be held responsible for the conduct of their crew and/or owner. Suspensions, fines, loss of season points and purse money may apply. Verbal or physical abuse will not be tolerated.

5. One way radio/race receiver mandatory.

6. Scoring transponders must be attached to the chassis behind the rear axle.

Eligible Engines

A.  General Motors Ecotec LE5, LAT, LE9 2.4 liter I4. This engine was used in Pontiacs, Chevrolets, and Saturns from 2006 through 2012. Displacement is 2,384 cc (145.5 cu in), 88 mm (3.5 in) bore and 98 mm (3.9 in) stroke. Compression ratio is 10.4 to one. There were various emission option codes throughout the production life of this engine. All versions are eligible. These engines may be sourced as new or new rebuilt directly from GM dealers or used from auto dismantlers.

This is a “spec” engine and, except for the modifications specifically allowed in these rules, must maintain stock specifications and configuration as produced by General Motors. No other addition or deletion of parts or material is allowed.

Engines may be repaired or rebuilt to stock specifications and dimensions using standard rebuilder’s tolerances only. For instance, you may hone cylinders but not bore. You may surface a head but not mill it. You may change head gasket thickness but compression ratio must remain less than 10.5 to 1. You may turn crankshaft journals for replacement bearings. You may not port or polish heads, balance or add internal coatings. Balance shafts may not be deleted. Valve seats may be lapped but shape and angles may not be altered. All parts, including gaskets and bolts, used in the rebuilding process must be OEM or OEM spec replacement parts designed for the LE5, LAT, and LE9 variants and must have the same dimensional specifications, weight, material properties, and tolerances as the component parts supplied when the engine was originally manufactured or rebuilt by GM. Aftermarket or factory performance parts are not allowed.

All emissions parts and accessories must be removed. Some California emissions engines came with a secondary air injection system. These engines have small passages cast into the head from the exhaust port to the exhaust flange face of the head. These passages may be blocked off or welded shut.

1. Waterneck may be replaced.
2. Remote oil filter, oil cooler, and oil accumulator are optional
3. Spark plug brand and heat range is open
4. Oil pan may be replaced with a low profile wet sump pan. Wet sump oiling system using stock oil pump and pump drive only.
5. Bolts and fasteners used for the oil pan and all other exterior parts and accessories may be aftermarket sourced.
6. Alternator must be used and belt driven from the front of the engine.
7. Power steering pump, if used, must be belt driven from the front of the engine.
8. If power steering is used, the dampener must be replaced with Pontiac Solstice dampener/pulley part number 12585233
9. Accessory brackets and attachment points are open.
10. Intake manifold must be stock unaltered LE5, LAT, LE9
11. Tubular headers are legal. Right side exit only. 13/4 inch primaries, 3 inch collector, 4 into 1. Must have O2 sensor bung installed in the collector. May have second bung for a wide band sensor.
12. Muffler required. Must meet local track sound requirements.
13. Crankshaft centerline must be be located no lower than 6 inches above the bottom of the frame and centered between the lower frame rails.
14. Maximum left side engine tilt is 12 degrees.
15. Fuel must be 100% pure methanol. No additives allowed.
16. On board battery capable of starting the car required.
17. Engine must have a working electrically powered starter mounted in stock location. Car must be capable of self starting. Clutches are optional.
18. Spec air filter is K&N part # RU-3190
19. Spec fuel injectors Siemans Mototron 80# EV6 109991. Injector adapters may be required-AC Delco # 217-2257
20. Intake tube must be 2 .75 inch O.D. and 9 to 11 inches long and have a bung to accommodate the spec GM MAF sensor. Intake tube must incorporate a 90 degree bend at the throttle body and run roughly parallel to the centerline of the engine toward the front of the car.
21. 12 volt electric fuel pump required capable of 100 GPH and at least 90 PSI. May be either external or internal tank mounted.
22. Fuel filters are open and highly recommended. Generally 100 micron stainless steel before the pump and 40 micron stainless steel after the pump for external fuel pumps.
23. Fuel rail must be modified for a return type system. The Pontiac Solstice fuel rail (GM part 2172262) allowed and recommended.

The following engine control sensors must be OEM or OEM replacement parts and produce signals identical to OEM specs.

1. Crankshaft Position Sensor GM # 12588992

2. Knock Sensor AC Delco #12636736

3. MAP Sensor AC Delco # 2134681

4. MAF Sensor AC Delco # 2134222

5. Cam Position Sensor s(x2) AC Delco #2131690

6. Throttle Position Sensor is part of the throttle body #2173428

7. Variable Valve Timing Actuators AC Delco # 12679099 intake, #12679100 exhaust

8. O2 sensor AC Delco 2132957

9. Fuel pressure regulator must be Aeromotive #13129 or #13130 (kit with fitting and gauge). Fuel pressure must not exceed 60psi at any time.

The following items are spec and single sourced. They must be supplied by an authorized distributor:

Programmed Electronic Control Module (ECU), fuse box, engine wiring harness, and throttle pedal actuator. (this is a drive by wire throttle control system)

1. The ECU is locked and is not user serviceable. Any attempt to access and/or modify the fuel/air/spark maps and other programming perimeters in the ECU will result in confiscation of the unit and subject the driver and/or owner to suspension/expulsion and/or fines and/or loss of points and/or winnings.

2. The wiring harness may not be altered except to add or subtract length for power connections and fuel pump connections.

3. Any method or attempt to alter the signals sent between the various sensors and the ECU is not allowed and will subject the driver and owner to the penalties listed above.

4. Series officials may inspect these items at any time and subject them to electronic scanning and testing. Competitors may also be requited to exchange these items for replacement parts supplied by series officials. Failure to comply with an official’s request for ECU or harness inspection or exchange will subject the driver and owner to the penalties listed above.

5. The throttle pedal actuator assembly may be modified to fit the car and to position the pedal as desired. This includes cutting, adding/subtracting material, etc. but the rheostat sensor and travel stop must remain unchanged. Throttle toe straps are mandatory. A minimum of 2 (two) return springs must be connected to the throttle pedal.

B. USAC/Northwest Focus Midget/SCREAM Ford Focus 2.0 liter ZETEC (pre 2004). All components must comply with the NWFM or USAC rules for this engine with the following exceptions:

a) Displacement may be increased to 2.021 Liters (123.33 CID) by means of over bore.

b) Aftermarket pistons (JE), rods, cams, cam gears, springs, valves, retainers, keepers allowed. JE piston #298717 or 298718 allowed. Stock crankshaft and stock stroke only. Crank may be turned for undersized bearings. No other addition or removal of material allowed.

c) Head must remain stock but may be milled as long as compression ratio is no more than 11 to 1. No porting allowed.

*Note: The intent is to allow people who have worn out or damaged focus midget engines to repair them and give them a place to race.

Chassis and Body Design and Construction

All phases of design and construction are subject to the approval of the Technical Director. The Chief Steward and the Technical Director may exclude any car, design or construction, which they deem unsafe or not meeting the specifications, the spirit and/or the intentions of the rules contained herein. No rotating carbon fiber or titanium parts allowed.

Dimensions and Weight

1. The wheelbase must be at least 66 inches and no more than 76 inches.

2. The overall width will be a maximum of 65 inches.

3. All cars must weigh a minimum of 1,160 lbs., including water, oil, fuel, and the driver with his/her personal equipment. Cars may be weighed prior to and/or following any event.

Additional bolt on weight must be mounted and fastened to the frame and or chassis in a secure manner. Weight must be mounted in an area between bottom frame rails, front and rear axles and no higher than mid rails at cockpit. All weight must be mounted within confines of frame. No weight may be added during yellow or red flag.

Car Construction / Body

1. All cars shall be rear drive only.

2. Engine must be mounted on the centerline of the chassis and the crankshaft must be parallel to the bottom plane of the chassis.

3. Only torque tube type drivelines, utilizing only one u-joint, will be allowed. The torque tube must be one solid piece, Torque tube hoop or strap mandatory. Highly recommended driveline containment system utilizing steel shield bolted to engine plate or containment blanket to cover torque ball and u-joint.

4. Radius rods may not be attached within the confines of the cockpit.

5. The driver shall be seated directly behind the engine, The centerline of the seat back shall be no more than 1 inch off the center line of the roll cage when measured at the top of the seat back to the center line of the roll cage.

6. Only standard type Midget Car bodies, tail tanks, and hoods will be permitted.

7. It is suggested that a drawing be submitted to the technical director for approval prior to fabrication of any custom or homemade body panels.

8. All body panels factory, custom or homemade must meet the rules or will not be allowed without a grace period.

9. The front part of the body, known as the nose assembly, shall not be wider than the parallel lines of the body and may not exceed the width of the frame. The nose assembly may not extend forward beyond the confines of the front bumper.

10. The engine must be covered with a cowling or hood secured in place. The hood or cowling need not enclose the sides of the engine.

11. Side panels covering the sides of the engine and/or vertical spill plates may not extend vertically past downtube. Any wicker or turn out may not extend past the frame rail vertical of down tubes or cage, rearward of back of cage or below the bottom frame rails.

12. Right side cockpit body panels may be maximum of thirty-six (36) inches high as measured from the bottom frame tube at rear motor plate and projected rearward twenty-three (23) inches. Right side cockpit opening must have a minimum opening of eight (8) inches vertical and twenty-three (23) inches horizontal.

13. Left side cockpit body panels may be maximum of twenty-five (25) inches high as measured from the bottom frame tube at the motor plate and projected rearward twentythree (23) inches.

14. Side visors on roll cage will be allowed, must maintain 8” vertical and 23” horizontal opening on right side. The left side visor can be no larger than right. Visors or panels that restrict driver’s vision at the discretion of the Technical Director and will not be permitted.

15. Sail panel may extend rearward to triangular bar at back of roll cage, sail panels may not extend forward past a cross plane established by seat back.

16. All paneling must not extend past edge of frame rails more than thickness of material.

17. One (1”) inch turnout allowed on all body and sail panel edges. (except sun visor and nerf bar panel).

18. Only steel, aluminum, or carbon fiber driver floor (belly) pan are permitted (the driver floor pan must support driver weight when stood on). The bellypan may not extend rearward past the leading edge of the rear axle and must be flat from side to side without any aerodynamic aids. Horizontal panels may not extend below the plane of the underpan or fuel tank.

19. Sun visors are limited to seven (7) inches in length from top to bottom, and may not be wider than the width of the cage, sun visors must be flat on both sides. For fan recognition, all teams are encouraged to place the drivers’ name on their visors in large letters.

20. Airfoils, wings, spoilers or other aerodynamic appendages will not be permitted. The Technical Director may have any panel or part removed which in their opinion is not within the spirit or intent of this rule.

21.With the exception of suspension components, induction and/or exhaust systems and nerf bars, no accessory or component of the car may extend more than 6 inches from the main frame tubes. Cylindrical oil tanks mounted outside the frame, behind the engine must be mounted as close to the frame as practical.

22. Rear view mirrors are not permitted.

23. Carbon Fiber body panels are approved for use.

24. Major chassis or body features considered to be new, innovative, unusual or not considered standard are to be considered not approved or permitted. The Series Technical Director must approve any such item prior to use.

Roll Cage and Chassis

1. Frame and/or chassis must be constructed of 4130 normalized tubing.

2. Roll Cage Construction cars constructed after 1/1/98, main uprights forming the roll cage must be minimum of 13/8 inches O.D. x .095 wall thickness 4130 normalized tubing.

3. No water or oil coolers are to be placed above or beside the cockpit opening

Fuel System

1. A conventional tail tank, fuel cell and the fuel contained must be carried on the centerline of the chassis and be located behind the driver. All cars must be equipped with a fuel cell and tail tank meeting the requirements of SFI Specifications 28.2.

2. The minimum capacity of the tank must be 18 U.S. gallons

3. All tanks must have a minimum of four mounts to the chassis.

4. Fuel tanks may not be mounted to the chassis utilizing any portion of the access plates or the nut plates bonded into the fuel bladder.

Bumper / Nerf Bars

1.The car must be equipped with a rear bumper at all times.

2. Front and rear bumpers, and nerf bars must be constructed of magnetic and or stainless steel (NO TITANIUM) tubing with a minimum O.D. of 7/8 inch and having a minimum wall thickness of .065 inch and a maximum wall thickness of 120 inch. A maximum of three horizontal and/or three vertical tubes are allowed in the construction of nerf bars.

3. All cars must have a tubular front bumper extending forward no more than 21 inches from the leading edge of the front axle. Bumpers must be constructed so as not to cause a safety hazard.

4.The right nerf bar cannot extend beyond the outside of the right rear tire.

5. With the exception of the exhaust system, no components or accessories may be attached to the nerf bar assembly.

Steering and Suspension

1. Removable steering wheels incorporating a quick release mechanism conforming to SFI specification 42.1 are mandatory. Pin type mechanisms are not allowed.

2. Welded aluminum or titanium suspension parts are prohibited exception of Jacobs ladder (Watts link).

3. Drag link straps mandatory.

4. No electronic weight, shock, sway bar or any suspension item adjuster.

5. No electric power steering or power assist units of any kind will be allowed. Power steering must be standard belt drive.

6. Shock absorbers must have all valve mechanisms housed in a single cylindrical unit. Shock absorbers may have only one external adjustment and may be adjusted remotely only by manual methods. Shock absorbers cannot operate or be adjusted electrically Cannot be adjusted from the cockpit.

7. External adjustments only on all suspension, coil over, torsion bar, sway bars, shocks, radius rods, weight jacking, No cockpit adjustable devices for any suspension item.

8. Use of carbon fiber suspension or steering components of any kind is prohibited.

Axles

1. Front axles must be constructed of SAE 4130 steel or a steel alloy equivalent to structural strength. Titanium front or rear axles are not permitted.

Wheels

1. The number of allowable wheels is restricted to two(2) front wheels and two (2) rear wheels on each car.

2. The rim diameter must be 13 inches.

3. The rim width is limited to eight (8) inches for both front wheels and the left rear.

4. The right rear wheel may be a maximum of ten (10) inches in rim width. Right rear tire outer bead locking device is required.

5. If wheel/mud covers are used they must be secured in place as designed by the manufacturer.

Tires

1. The use of any devise/s to alter the air pressure of the drive tires while the car is in motion is prohibited.

The tire listed below are the only rear tires approved for competition.

Right Rear Hoosier #35172 80/10.0-13 Branded USAC

Left Rear Hoosier #35140 74/10.30-13 Branded USAC Hoosier #35155 76/10.0-13 Branded USAC Hoosier #35165 78/10.0-13 Branded USAC

2. There will be no tire softening or treating of any kind. (dirt or asphalt).

Brakes

1. Cars must be equipped with an effective hydraulic braking system.

2. Master cylinders not fixed to the frame must have flexible lines

3. Brake discs are limited to being manufactured of steel, ferrous or aluminum alloy. Titanium, carbon and/or carbon composite, brake discs are not allowed.

4. If at any time during competition it becomes evident that a car is without brakes, the necessary repairs must be completed before the car can continue in competition.

Electronics

1. Electronics that provide traction control are prohibited. The use of electronic logic processors to control any function of the race car, and/or any system for gathering continuous data from any function of the race car is strictly prohibited. Tachometers are the only item approved for use to collect/record data.

Safety Equipment

1. Approved aluminum or composite seats may be used, no fiberglass. Seats must be mounted with minimum of 4 bolts 5/16 diameter. Seats must be installed and used in accordance with manufacturer’s instruction. Full containment seats are highly recommended.

2. It is mandatory that all cars have a headrest of high impact, shock-absorbing material meeting SFI Specification 45.2 behind the driver’s head with a minimum thickness of one (1) inch.

3. Seat belts must meet SFI 16.5 or SFI 16.1, be within two (2) years from date of manufacturer. (must have label) Seat belts must be installed and used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

4. Helmets – All participating drivers must wear safety helmets designed specifically for auto racing that meet or exceeds the SA2005 or SA2010 Snell Foundation 31.1 Specifications and are labeled as such. Helmets will be subject to inspection at each event by the Technical Director.

5. Fire Suits – All drivers must wear fire resistant underwear, socks, shoes, gloves and a one-piece uniform fitted snugly around the neck, wrists and ankles. It is recommended that you also wear a fire resistant head sock and/or helmet skirt. Recommended all above items meet SFI Foundation Specifications 3.2A and 3.3

6. Arm Restraints – Arm restraints are mandatory and must be worn at all times during competition.

7. Roll cage nets will be required if full containment seats are not utilized.

8. If required, cars will be fitted with roll cage nets on both the left and right sides of the roll cage for all events. All roll cage nets must conform to SFI Specifications 37.1, which specifies a functional quick release opening mechanism. The life of roll cage nets shall not exceed two (2) years. Caution should be used when positioning head restraining nets to be certain that the driver’s head cannot get under the net in case of an accident. The bottom of the roll cage net should be as close to the top of the shoulder as possible.

9. Roll cage padding conforming to SFI specification 45.1 Mandatory if not utilizing full containment seat in all areas surrounding head, highly recommended with full containment seat.

10. A SFI approved head and neck restraint system is highly recommended.