Jason Weigandt
by: Jason Weigandt
Thursday December 31st, 2009
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Welcome to Quick Fill. We have one day to stick with a New Year's Resolution from 2009 to make sure we get the 2010 rules posted before the end of the year.

So, we're posting them now. The links to the 2010 Rules are here:

2010 Amateur Rules

2010 Pro Rules

2010 Class Structure

Now, let's explain some of these rules and changes for 2010.

Attention Youth ATV racers and families: There was a conflict between the posted proposed Class Chart and the proposed Amateur Rules from last week with regard the 90 Limited (ATV) classes.  The proposed rule was to open the limited class to both manual and automatic clutch models.  However, we failed to update the Class Chart to reflect this proposed change, and it still indicated "No Manual Clutch."  Due to this ambiguity, it is necessary to extend the public comment period for THESE CLASSES ONLY for one additional week.  We apologize for the confusion but are relieved we caught the problem when we did. The proposed 2010 rule allows manual and automatic clutch machines in the Limited classes, which is a change from 2009, when only auto-clutch models were allowed. Tell us what you think of this proposed change, email Jeff Canfield jcanfield@gnccracing.com

All the other rules are final, and here are some notes on key elements of them:

We will now allow a part known as a Caster Brackets in Production classes (ATV).  The Caster Bracket is a bolt-on part that changes the caster of a machine's front suspension, and certain ATVs (especially the '09 Yamaha YFZ450) seem to really benefit from the change. Keep in mind that production classes are not stock or limited classes, these are modified classes that have always allowed a massive amount of changes to be made to improve a machine's performance and handling. The intent of the production rule is to prohibit hybrid machines (dirt bike engines in aftermarket frames) and to prohibit cutting or manipulation of the frame so as to jeopardize the structural integrity of the OEM frame.  The caster bracket is merely an aftermarket bolt-on part not much different that mounting up new shocks or a steering stabilizer, which has always been legal in production classes. In addition, Yamaha riders have indicated they can accomplish the same handling improvement in their machine with aftermarket a-arms, but it's much more economical to simply add the caster bracket instead. So we're not adding performance, but we are reducing costs.  The bracket changes the operation/function of the pivot point, but not the pivot points' actual location on the frame.

We have revised minimum age requirements for our pro classes, but we made a mistake when we posted the proposed rules last week. Here's a clarification: the bike XC2 Lites age minimum is 15 for 2010, and 16 for 2011.  The XC2 Pro Am (ATV) minimum age is still 16.  The original proposed rule had the age for both classes at 15 for 2010.  This required correction, as no ATV racer under 16 is allowed to race a 450cc machine in any GNCC class.


Photo By: Jason Weigandt
Introducing a (45+) 4x4 class.
We have set the age for the new Utility Senior class at (45+). We carefully studied the ages of the riders competing in the Utility classes last year, and saw plenty of riders approaching age 40 who are still competitive in the existing classes. Our goal with this new class is to provide a less-intimidating class for older riders who may not be competing in the series now, and not just a new class for past champions to fight for another #1 plate. We've been trying to figure out a way to introduce the masses of riders who own 4x4 ATVs to come and race our series, including adding Limited and Lites classes. We thought about adding a Utility Novice class this year, but that class would be very hard to enforce since the current Utility classes don't carry A or B class designations. So we're going to try a (45+) class and see if we can draw in some older folks who don't want to start on the front rows and take on Swift/Beasley/Buckhannon/Kilby and the rest.

We had some feedback regarding parts and equipment used in the 4x4 Limited class. Let's put it this way: the rules will remain the same in 2010 as they were in 2009, and those rules will be enforced. If you're racing in the Limited class, make sure your machine doesn't violate those rules.

The 4x4 Lites class is on notice:  Entry numbers were very low in 2009, and if those numbers do not improve in 2010, the class will be eliminated for 2011. This year we increased the Lites displacement limit to 560cc, to accommodate the Polaris 550XP and the Yamaha Grizzly 550 (which is actually a 558). We hope adding new machines to the mix improves the numbers. We'll see.


Photo By: Krista Shaw
Not many changes to the amateur rules.
The Women's ATV class displacement limits will remain 201-Open as in 2009. This is an amateur class, and we have not place displacement limits in the other amateur classes, either.

As for bike classes, nothing really needed to change. We did note a drastic drop off in 200 A entry numbers lately, though, since most expert riders have now switched to four-strokes. If the 200 A class doesn't see entry numbers improve in 2010, the class will be combined with 250 A (with 122-250cc limit) in 2011.

That's all we have. In general, this has been one of the simplest years in terms of changes, and we thank our racing family for that. Your feedback in invaluable and we welcome it at all times.

With that, we'll send you off to a Happy New Year celebration. See you next year!

 


Photo By: Jason Weigandt
We don't plan on making many UTV rule changes, and we'll have those rulebooks done shortly.

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