2012 Amateur Competition Rules

The following rules and regulations supplement the AMA Racing Rules, and are solely applicable to Grand National Cross Country events. Please direct all questions and inquiries to Racer Productions, Inc. All decisions by Racer Productions are final.

A. GENERAL:

1. Race Length:

Division	Length
Motorcycle Youth	90 min
Motorcycle Amateur	2 hr
Motorcycle Pro	2:45 - 3 hr
ATV Youth	1 hr
ATV Amateur	2 hr
ATV Pro	2 hr

2. Inclement Weather:

Events may be conducted regardless of weather conditions. In the event of rain or other unfavorable conditions, it may be necessary to alter the order of the event schedule, including but not limited to, adjusting the length of the race or delaying or stopping the program completely. Should a delay occur, every effort will be made to resume the schedule in a timely fashion if conditions significantly improve.

3. Pit Vehicles:

Spectator and pit riding is prohibited.

4. Pit Crews:

Riders are responsible for the actions of their entire pit crew.

5. Membership:

AMA Membership is not requred.

B. RIDER ELIGIBILITY AND CLASSIFICATION:

1. "A" Classes

a. All riders in the top 10 overall ranking in any regional or state hare scrambles series.

b. All "B" Class Champions and "B" riders ranked second or third in the previous year's GNCC who won at least four races.

c. All riders that have ever qualified for the American ISDE Trophy or Junior teams, excluding the Masters/Golden Masters class.

d. All riders that have an "A" ranking in any other off-road series. This applies to both AMA and non-AMA sanctioned events.

e. Age Divisions - "B" riders who won four or more races the previous year.

2. "B" Classes

a. All "C" class championships in the previous year's GNCC.

b. All "C" riders ranked in the top 2-5 of their class earning at least 50% of the points earned by the class champion in the previous year's GNCC. Ranking is based on year-end series points and not the banquet awards.

c. All riders that have a "B" ranking in any other off-road series. This applies to both AMA and non-AMA sanctioned events.

d. "B" riders placing in the top 20 overall at any given event will be moved to the "A" class the following event.

e. Age Divisions: "C" riders ranked in the top 2-5 of their class earning at least 50% of the points earned by the class champion in the previous year's GNCC are eligible to advance to the next younger "C "division, in lieu of advancing to "B", if applicable. Rank-ing is based on year-end series points and not the banquet awards. Once this option is exercised, the rider must remain in the younger age division for at least 5 years. For the ATV 16-19 C class only, riders ranked in the top 2-5 of their class earning at least 50% of the points earned by the class champion in the previous year's GNCC are eligible to advance to the next older "C "division, in lieu of advancing to "B". Once this option is exercised, the rider may not return to the younger age division in lieu of advancing to "B".

3. Novice/"C" Classes: Novice skill level riders and riders that do not otherwise qualify as an "A" or "B" level rider.

4. Women Amateur: Limited to Intermediate and Novice level riders. The previous year's class champion will be required to advance to the Women's class, if less than 25 years old.

5. Sportsman: Restricted to "A" and "B" skill level riders not eligible for any other morning class. Class is not eligible for national points, series awards or contingency, or podium recognition.

6. Trail Rider (Bike): Limited to the non-competitive casual rider. Class is not eligible for national points, series awards or contingency.

7. First Year Racer: Limited to riders competing in their first year of organized competition or the non-competitive casual rider. Class is not eligible for national points, series awards or contingency.

8. Age Divisions: For all youth classes, age is determined by the rider's age on January 1. However, a youth rider may voluntarily advance to a higher age division if he will be eligible to do so at any time during the year, but once a youth rider advances to the higher age division, he may not return to the younger age division. For all amateur classes, the age of the rider is determined as of the date of the event. However, riders competing in a younger age division are not required to move to an older age division once they become eligible to do so. For purposes of clarification, the Schoolboy classes are "youth" classes.

9. Rider Age: Bike amateur riders must be at least 12 years old to race (with the exception of the youth classes), and must be at least 14 years old to compete on a bike above 250 cc. ATV amateur riders must be at least 16 years old to race (with the exception of the Sport, Schoolboy and Youth classes).

10. Changing Classes: A rider may petition to move to a lower classification based on class finishes and time differences. However, in order to do so, the rider must first petition his/her AMA or home district or the AMA Off-Road Manager for reclassification, and provide Racer Productions with a copy of the granted petition, prior to racing a GNCC event in the lower classification.

11. Rider Advancement: Riders advanced in their local series prior to completion of the GNCC series may continue to race in the GNCC class in which they started, so long as they do not voluntarily race in the higher classification prior to the start of the next season of the local series, i.e., SETRA, SERA, WORCS, etc..

C. MACHINE ELIGIBILITY AND CLASSIFICATION:

1. BIKES

a. Open: 251cc and over single cylinder bike engine, so long as the cylinder is stamped with the correct engine displacement.

b. Super Mini: (79-112cc 2-strk; 75-150cc 4-strk) Max. Wheels: Front 19"; Rear 16". Big wheel and small wheel models permitted.

c. Trail Rider: (70-150cc 4-strk) Air-cooled models only. Class is not eligible for national points, series awards or contingency.

2. ATV

a. Production Rule: OEM motor and matching frame combination model required (matching year NOT required). Frame geometry must remain as designed by the OEM, including all suspension pivot points. Engine modifications, frame reinforcements, and aftermarket A-arms, caster brackets, swing-arms and suspension are permitted. AMA homologation not required. See the 2011 Class Chart for production class designation.

b. Sport (15+): (201-400cc) 2-wheel drive production models. Modifications are permitted. No engine displacement reduction permitted.

c. 4x4 Open: (561-850cc) 4-wheel or 2-wheel drive shaft or chain driven automatic transmission/clutch production models that come with rack or rack availability as standard equipment.

d. 4x4 Lites: (201-560cc) 4-wheel or 2-wheel drive shaft or chain driven automatic transmission/clutch production models that come with or without racks or rack availability as standard equipment.

e. U2: (201-840cc) 4-wheel or 2-wheel drive shaft or chain-driven automatic transmission/clutch production models that do not have rack or rack availability as standard equipment, i.e., Wolverine, Renegade, Scrambler, V-Force.

f. Schoolboy (13-15): (91-200cc 2-strk; 91-300cc 4-strk) production models. No engine displacement reduction permitted.

g. 90 Limited: (71-90cc 2-strk; 75-125cc 4-strk) production models. The following may be changed: tires (but no tire balls), wheels (cannot change stock width), pipe, sprockets, gearing, clutch, twist throttle, handlebars, grips, handle bar pads, front bumper, rear grab bar, air filter and jetting. Fenders may be trimmed. No other modifications allowed INCLUDING carburetors, oil injection, air box and lid, gas tank, wheelbase, width, rear axle, A-arm, shocks and suspension.

h. 90 Open: (71-90cc 2-Strk; 75-125cc 4-Strk) production models. Shifter, Automatic and CVT models eligible. Shifter models restricted to this class.

D. EQUIPMENT:

The AMA Equipment Standards List in Chapter 2 of the AMA Racing Rulebook applies. In addition, the following apply:

1. All machines must have silencers. Machines may be tested by officials any time prior to, during or after the event.

2. The machine a rider leaves the starting line on is the official machine of the rider for that event, and may not be switched during the event.

3. Riders may not carry gasoline anywhere except inside the machine's fuel tank.

4. All machines must have a working kill switch (bikes) or tether cord (ATV).

5. No horns, bells or other sound devices are permitted on machines.

6. Machine sound level cannot exceed 98 dB/A.

7. All riders contesting the series are required to comply with the number plate color code. (see attached Class Chart).

E. REGISTRATION:

1. Riders may only enter one race per day.

2. Riders under the age of 18 must provide a photo I.D with proof of age upon request by an official, and be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at registration.

3. Riders must register for the race before riding their machine anywhere, may not exceed 1st gear idle when traveling to/from their pit area, and must always wear a helmet. Warm-up riding is limited to the start area and only after an official has given permission and the rider has registered for the event.

4. Riders must obtain a transponder. Transponders can be purchased/rented at each event. For best results, mount the unit on the rider's chest protector or on the front fender. Transponders have a 2-year battery life from the date printed on the unit. Once the unit fails to read at Tech Inspection, or exceeds the battery life, riders must purchase/rent a new unit.

5. At registration, riders will key in their transponder unit number and will receive two numbered helmet tags for emergency back-up scoring. Place the smaller white tag on the lower left chin side of the helmet; place the colored tag on the back of the helmet. Helmet tags may not be trimmed less than 3".

6. All machines and rider helmets must be taken through Tech Inspection prior to racing for the purpose of inspecting transponder functioning, helmet tag placement, number assignment, and contingency eligibility. Safety equipment and machine eligibility are the sole responsibility of the rider.

F. START PROCEDURE:

1. Riders shall line up on their assigned starting row on a first come basis when directed by the race official. No one is permitted on the starting line until authorized.

2. The Riders Meeting will be conducted on the starting line before the start of each race. All riders are responsible for attending.

3. All starts are dead engine (excepting youth ATV). The start procedure will be as follows:

a. The blue flag will signal all riders to shut down their engines.

b. 30 seconds later the Referee will extend his arm to signal "10 Seconds" before the start of the race. At the "10 Seconds" signal, all crewmembers must step behind the riders.

c. Between 8 and 10 seconds, the green flag will be thrown, signaling the start of the race.

4. Riders starting their machines prior to the green flag signal, or taking off with the wrong row will be penalized.

5. Riders missing the start of their class must enter the race course at the starting line and complete the start chute.

6. ATV riders are required to start the event with their tether cord properly affixed.

G. SCORING:

1. Transponder scoring is the official scoring procedure for GNCC.

2. There will be three checkpoints throughout the race course: one at the Finish Line and two Out-post checkpoints. Riders must come to a complete stop at the Finish Line checkpoint, but not at the Out-post checkpoints.

3. Checkpoints will be "No Passing" zones. The section from the Finish Line to the Finish Line Checkpoint is a "No Passing" zone. In addition, checkpoints will be marked with double arrows.

4. Riders may not be serviced or pitted in the area between the Finish Line and the Finish Line Checkpoint, or in the area immediately after the Finish Line Checkpoint.

H. THE COURSE:

1. A GNCC course may include trails, footpaths, roads, hills, motocross tracks, or any type of terrain which can be negotiated by a bike or ATV.

2. The course will be open to inspection on Friday after 3:00 p.m. Participants are permitted to walk or bicycle the course only. Riders will be disqualified for riding a GNCC course during the 7 days prior to the first day of the event.

3. Marking, cutting, tampering with or otherwise changing the course in any manner is strictly prohibited. Course modifications may only be made by an official.

4. No one, except officials and riders officially entered, may ride on the race course at any time during the event.

I. ON TRACK REGULATIONS:

1. Riders must remain on the marked course. The marked course is within 25 feet of race arrows. However, riders must stay within the confines of the following markers: double arrows posted on both sides of the trail, ribbons, signs, stakes, hay bales, barrels, motocross track, grass track, etc..

2. Riders encountering a traffic jam or bottleneck may go more than 25 feet off the course to get around the bottleneck only. However, the rider must re-enter the course as soon as possible, and upon approaching this section the next lap, must ride the original arrowed section if the track is clear. If the original marking devices are knocked down, the rider must stay on the original marked course regardless. A "bottleneck" is a section of the track that becomes impassable for any reason, with the exception of check points.

3. Riders may not cut to the inside of a white pole corner marker.

4. If a rider leaves the course for any reason he must re-enter where he left.

5. Riders may make repairs and otherwise receive mechanical assistance anywhere along the course from anyone. All such repairs and assistance must be made without causing interference with other riders and in a suitable area off the racetrack.

6. Radios are permitted between pit crew members, but not with or between riders.

7. Reckless riding. No rider may ride in such a manner as to endanger life or limb of other riders, officials or the public. Riders will be penalized for the reckless operation of their machine, including but not limited to the deliberate ramming, blocking or intentional contact with another rider, or for running into an official.

8. Team Tactics are prohibited, and include but are not limited to: blocking, allowing another rider to pass in order to affect the outcome of the race, or exchanging machines in order for another rider to continue the race. Riders involved will be penalized.

9. Unsportsmanlike Conduct. Persons whose appearance, conduct, associations or affiliations, on or off the track, deemed not conducive to the best interest of this sport or who exhibit conduct which is inappropriate, offensive, abrasive or in bad taste, may be excluded or suspended from GNCC at the discretion of the Race Director.

Participants engaged in any event, public appearance, media activity or any other situation relating to their participation in the series must refrain from intentional physical contact with any participant, inappropriate or profane language, fraud, and unsportsmanlike behavior. At the sole discretion of GNCC, participants who exhibit behaviors deemed inappropriate or unsportsmanlike, prejudicial or detrimental to the best interests of the sport, or detract from the enjoyment, appreciation or interests of the fans, sponsors or other supporters of the sport, may be penalized by monetary fine, docking of championship points, or both. Such penalties are not subject to protest or appeal.

J. RACE FINISHES:

1. The race officially ends for all contestants at the completion of the lap in which the checkered flag is displayed to the overall winner.

2. To be considered as having completed a lap, the rider and his machine must cross the plane of the checkered flag under the rider's own unaided ability. Towing is not allowed. If a machine is towed in from the course, that lap will not count. Racers whose disabled vehicles are towed back to the pit area by staff or otherwise, for any reason, are not eligible to return to the competition. Any laps earned by a racer that returns to competition after receiving a tow back to the pit area will be removed. If a racer desires to repair their machine and return to the competition, they must decline the offer to tow their vehicle back to the pit area. This rule does not apply to racers towed only a short distance in order to dislodge the vehicle from a track obstacle (i.e., mud pit, deep rut, ravine, etc.).

3. Riders will be scored in order of finish and laps completed. It is not necessary to complete all laps in order to be scored.

4. Results: Racers have 50 minutes to finish the race after the overall winner takes the checkered flag. A rider may question the results within the 30-minute period following posting of the final results. After 30 minutes, awards will be given out.

5. Awards are given at the rate of 1 per 3 riders, with a minimum of 5 awards per class. To win an award, a rider must complete 50% of the laps of the class winner.

6. Podium: Burnouts on the podium are prohibited. Violation of this provision will result in a penalty, including but not limited to fine and/or disqualification.

7. Impound: After the race, the top three overall riders, as well as any other rider requested by an official to do so, must leave their machines at a designated impound area until released by the official.

8. Protests must be in writing and comply with the AMA Amateur Competition Rule Book, GNCC Protest Procedure.

9. Penalties will be assessed at the discretion of the official based on the severity of the offense, and may include one or more of the following: position(s), lap(s), time adjustment, disqualification, suspension, loss of championship points, fine, probation.

K. NATIONAL AMATEUR CLASS CHAMPIONSHIPS:

Class Championships will be determined by the rider's best finishes in a minimum number of 9 events. A rider must enter a minimum of 9 events in order to be eligible for series awards and national class ranking. The entries do not have to be in the same class. However, at least 5 entries must be in the same class in order to qualify for ranking in that class. Only one entry per weekend will count.

Points will be earned in each class per event as follows:

1 - 20	5 - 16	9 - 12	13 - 8	17 - 4
2 - 19	6 - 15	10 - 11	14 - 7	18 - 3
3 - 18	7 - 14	11 - 10	15 - 6	19 - 2
4 - 17	8 - 13	12 - 9	16 - 5	20 - 1

Ties: Ties for the class championship will be broken by the most first place finishes, then by the best finish in the final race of the season if necessary. Ties for other amateur class positions will be broken by the best finish in the final race of the season.

L. NATIONAL NUMBERS

The electronic scoring system provides a complete overall race finish for each event. Points will be accumulated for National Number assignment and can be viewed as a gage toward overall ranking for the year.

National Numbers will be assigned based on overall finishes in a minimum of 9 events, with as many as 11 events counting. The minimum number of events does not have to be in the same class.

Final National Numbers for 1 PM race participants will be awarded to the top 20 overall first, regardless of number of events entered, then to remaining afternoon riders. Bike Numbers 111 through 119, and 174 are reserved for visiting champions. Final National Numbers for 10 AM race participants will start at number 201. A rider with an earned number has the option to reserve a higher number, if available.

Revised: 1.27.11

Racer Productions, Inc. 122 Vista Del Rio Dr, Mgtn, WV 26508. 304-284-0084