Posted September 7, 2006

Ask the Experts

You would be amazed at how many e-mails, phone calls and letters we receive daily, asking every rule question under the sun. So ATVAonline thought we'd take a different approach with Ask the Experts. Many of you race or think about racing the ATVA Nationals, either MX or the Extreme Dirt Track.

We called on Bob Smith, aka "Smitty"' the referee who works for the promoters at both series, and asked him a number of your questions.

ATVAonline: What is one of the most common problems you see?
First, I would have to say that too many people don’t read the AMA Sports rule book or the supplemental rules for both of the ATV National series. This would answer a lot of racers' questions, and make my job a lot easier.

Too often, people ask someone else who races, or they log on to some chat room for answers. Sometimes they get good information, other times, not so good.

Everyone can log on to www.ATVAonline.com and from the "Racing" page download the rule book and supplemental rules. You can also call or e-mail Doug Morris (614) 856-1900, ext. 1337, or dmorris@ATVAonline.com, with your questions.

AO: Have you had any problems with people entering the wrong classes?
Yes we have. The most common problem involves Open classes. At sign-up, the promoters post a list of all the classes offered and a description of each class. There are 31 different classes, so read the description closely.

In the Open classes your engine must be a minimum 266cc for a two-stroke and 451cc for a four-stroke. We get too many people trying to race a 450cc four-stroke, which isn't allowed.

AO: We've heard from many people that when they race the Nationals, they can step down a class.
Yeah, I have heard that a million times. NO, you can’t enter a class for a lower level of ability than you normally race at home or in your district. If you are an A or Expert at local races then you are an A class rider at the Nationals. There are a bunch of racers who are following the points race, and if they see a local rider moving down a class, I will hear about it. And that rider will be disqualified. It’s just that simple. Why take a chance at getting caught and lose all that time and money you spent traveling?

AO: I was told I need a number plate on my front and rear grab bar?
Not only do you need a front and rear number plate, but you must have 6-inch block numbers.

If you have a three digit number, mount the plate horizontally, and space the numbers apart so they can be easily read.

If the scorekeepers can’t read your number you won’t get scored.

AO: I wasn't scored correctly at a race and they told me there was nothing they could do to fix it. Is that right?
It depends. When results are posted for each race the times the results are posted are the results sheet. If there is an error, you have 30 minutes to ask the scorekeepers to go over the lap sheets with you and make changes, if necessary.

Scorekeepers are human and they do make mistakes, so check your scores. But after 30 minutes, you’re out of luck.

© 2006, All Terrain Vehicle Association