2016 TSRA Rules

[CARSHouston]

This is the completed addition of the rules. This is a Word file, so there are formatting issues.
PDF is now attached to the bottom of this post, you can now save, open and read it.
Questions and/or comments can be sent to P.A. and He can relay changes to me.

Texas Slot Racers Association
The Texas Chapter of the USRA

President: P.A. Watson
Vice President: Shelby Thomas
Tech Director: Myk Duncan
Asst. Tech Director: Justin Risk

Sitting Committee
P.A. Watson - Slot Car Raceway, LLC
Earl Quinlan – Coolman’s Slot Car Raceway
Akala Murray – Slots of Fun

2016 Series Rules

Previous editions of the TSRA rules are hereby superseded by the following 2016 TSRA rules

Section 1
Administration & Procedures

1. Year End Meeting
The TSRA will hold a policy meeting at the final race of the year. The meeting will be held after the USRA Box Stock race on Saturday.
The order of business will be:
A. Trophy presentation for at least the top 3 Series points winners in OMB, 27L, C12 and USRA Box Stock. Trophy presentation for Group 7 will be held after the Group 7 race on Saturday. Trophy presentation for Flexi LMP, TSRA GTP/LMP and Group F will be held after the Group F race on Sunday.
B. Discussion and adoption of the 2017 year rule changes
C. Election of the 2017 Officers. The yearly racing schedule should be finalized by the newly elected officers and TSRA member tracks 1 month prior to the first race of the new season.
The 2016 Season is
Race Date Location
1 February 27 & 28 Slot Car Raceway, LLC
2 March 19 & 20 Slots of Fun
3 April 39 & May 1 Coolman’s Slot Car Raceway
4 June 18 & 19 Slot Car Raceway, LLC
5 October 1 & 2 Slots of Fun
6 November 5 & 6 Coolman’s Slot Car Raceway

2016 TSRA Raceway locations

Slot Car Raceway, LLC 1000 West Oaks Mall, #512, Houston, TX 77082
Coolman’s Raceway 1607 Jackson, South Houston, TX. 77587.
Slots of Fun 1465 E .Renfro St, Bldg. B, Burleson TX 76028

2. Race Flyer
Race flyers should be available prior to the previous race. Race flyers should include date of the event, raceway address and phone number, opening time and schedule. Every effort should be made by the Raceway Owner to inform the racers of any special conditions that may affect the racer preparations or their car’s setup; i.e. track power/voltage, surface condition, braid type/recess, traction magnet race, switching tracks during the event (Hillclimb or King at P.A.’s or any other combination elsewhere)

3. Smoking/Fire Codes
TSRA Raceways may prohibit smoking in their raceways or may be located in areas where smoking is prohibited by law. Those wishing to smoke should take care when smoking outside the facility as to not allow smoke to enter the raceway.

4. Alcoholic Beverages
No alcoholic beverages may be consumed within the raceway or within close proximity. Consumption of these beverages on or near the raceway premises may result in legal ramifications against the slot car business owner. The business owner retains the right to eject individuals disrespecting this rule.

5. Driver Classification
Drivers who are factory sponsored and/or receive their parts at a substantial discount or has won a National race in any Pro class or Open race will be designated as a “Pro”. This does not apply to raceway owners or their employees, as they will be evaluated on their building and driving abilities on an individual basis and a decision made accordingly by the elected officials of the TSRA.
A “Pro” racer may earn series points, qualifying points and trophies in only C12 and Group 7.
A “Pro” racer can only earn Prize Money and Merchandise in Group 7.

6. Membership Fee
The TSRA is a self-funded association, as such there is a yearly $5.00 membership fee. Anyone wishing to join may, all racing participants are required to be members.
The $5.00 membership fee plus $2.50 from each entry fee will go towards funding the year end Awards Fund, which is to be divided equally between all classes for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers in the point standings.

7. Awards Fund
A fee of $2.50 is included in each entry fee for all classes. From this fee, $1.50 will be used for the year end Awards Fund. At the end of the season, based on participation, awards will be given to at least the first three finishers in the point standing for each class.
The remainder of this fee may be used for administrative supplies.
If any money is left over, additional awards may be presented or the balance can be carried over to the next year’s awards fund.

8. Entry Fees
Entry fees shall be the same for all races in the TSRA series
Saturday Classes Sunday Classes
OMBox $17.50 Flexi LMP $15.00
C12 $22.50 TSRA GTP/LMP $17.50
27L $27.50 Group F $15.00
USRA Box Stock $17.50
Group 7 $37.50

At all TSRA races, track time will be charged at $10.00 per racer, per day. If you show up with a pit box and/or soldering iron, take up a pit space or otherwise consume electricity, you will be charged for track time for that day, even if you don’t race. Please support our raceways.

9. Registration and Tech Sheets
A standard TSRA tech sheet will be given to each racer during registration for each race they enter. Each racer must completely fill out a Tech Sheet for each race they enter during a TSRA event. Tech Sheets will remain the property of the TSRA and the TSRA is specifically allowed to release the Tech Sheet information to any individual, publication or manufacturer they deem reasonable. The Tech Director should number the Tech sheets as they are turned in.

10. Technical inspection
All cars will be inspected by the Race Director and/or the Tech Director and impounded prior to qualifying. The chassis, motor(s) (in OMBox and 27L) and body shall be marked with unique and identifiable markings to ensure they are not switched after Tech Inspection. Markings should be made with paint or nail polish on items required by Tech. Engraving should not be used as a means of marking.

11. Series Points
Points will awarded and accumulated by TSRA members as follows.
Finishing position Points
1st place 12
2nd place 10
3rd place 8
4th place 7
5th place 6
6th place 5
7th place 4
8th place 3
9th place 2
10th place thru last place finish 1

12. Bonus point
The top qualifier in each race will receive 1 bonus point

13. Year End point Standings
The year end point standings will be determined from your 5 best finishes.
Race and Qualifying points not awarded in a Main race, due to “Pro” racers entered in a lower class, the points will move down to the next eligible finisher and will be awarded to the highest finishers in the Semis if necessary.

14. Tie Breaking System
If after the final race of the season a tie exists for any of the top 8 finishers in a class, the following tie breaker system will be used:
1st If the racers in question are in attendance at the last race.
2nd Number of races won throughout the season.
3rd Number of TQ’s throughout the season
4th Total laps acquired during the complete season.

15. Disqualifications

The TSRA membership and Its elected officials will not accept negligence of the rules as a defense of a formal disqualification.
A. Technical Disqualification
In the event a Racer is disqualified due to a technical violation, the Racer will be relegated to last place in the entire field and forfeit all entry fees and any points received. In the event of a technical disqualification the remaining racers will be realigned and receive the appropriate points.
B. Non-Technical Disqualification
In the event a Racer is disqualified for non-technical reasons, they will forfeit all points and awards.

16. Race Prizes
Solicitation and distribution of race prizes from manufacturers and distributors is the responsibility of the individual Track Owners. The amount of merchandise received for the race prizes will determine how many positions in the finishing order will receive merchandise as race prizes.
From the entry fee, 50% of the total fees collect for each class, minus the TSRA Awards Fund fee, will be awarded in the form of a merchandise certificate. The merchandise certificate is only redeemable at the issuing Raceway. Certificates and race prizes will be awarded at the conclusion of each classes races. Group 7 will receive cash payout.

Certificate Calculation
Flexi LMP $6.25 x number of entries
Group F $6.25 x number of entries
TSRA GTP/LMP $7.50 x number of entries
OMBox $7.50 x number of entries
USRA Box Stock $7.50 x number of entries
27L $12.50 x number of entries
C12 $10.00 x number of entries
Group 7 Cash Payout 80% of the total entry fees received.

Prize Distribution Table
Entries 4 or less 5 to 6 7 to 11 12 to 15 16 to19 20 to 23 24 or more
Finishing Position
1st 100% 70% 50% 50% 50% 50% 50%
2nd 30% 30% 25% 22% 20% 15%
3rd 20% 15% 12% 11% 10%
4th 10% 9% 8% 7%
5th 7% 6% 6%
6th 5% 5%
7th 4%
8th 3%

17. Event Format
All series races shall be conducted in a two day format, Saturday and Sunday.
Once Tech opens for any class, only that class can be on the track for practice.
The time frame should be as follows:

Saturday
8:00 AM Track opens
9:00 AM Tech opens for OMBox
9:30 AM Tech closes for OMBox
9:35 AM Concourse judging with the cars on the track
9:40 AM Qualifying begins for OMBox

C12 Tech opens 15 minutes after the OMBox main and closes 30 minutes after it opens.

27L Tech opens 15 minutes after the C12 main and closes 30 minutes after it opens.

USRA Box Stock Tech opens 15 minutes after the 27L main and closes 30 minutes after it opens.

Group 7 Tech opens 15 minutes after the USRA Box Stock main and closes 30 minutes after it opens.

Sunday
8:00 AM Track opens
9:00 AM Tech opens for Flexi LMP
9:30 AM Tech closes for Flexi LMP
9:35 AM Concourse judging with the cars on the track
9:40 AM Qualifying begins for Flexi LMP

TSRA GTP/LMP Tech opens 15 minutes after the Flexi LMP main and closes 30 minutes after it opens.

Group F Tech opens 15 minutes after the TSRA GTP/LMP main and closes 30 minutes after it opens.

Any racer missing the cut off time for entering a class, may enter that class anytime until the final qualifier has finished. Late entries cannot qualify and will be seeded last choice in the field.

18. Concourse All Classes
Concourse will be judged prior to qualifying for each class as follow:
1. Concourse will be judged with all cars placed on the track.
2. The Race Director will appoint judges and who will pick the top 3 cars from the field.

19. Qualifying
High-powered Qualifying for lane choice is allowed at the Raceway’s discretion.
1. All classes qualify for lane choice.
2. Qualifying order shall be random order, such as computer generated or drawing numbers
3. All spray glue classes will have one 60 second run to establish their single fastest lap, no optional bye runs.
4. At their option, the first qualifier of each glue class shall have 1 extra minute to break in the lane.
5. C12, USRA Box Stock and Group 7 will have two 30 second runs to establish their single fastest lap. Racers will have a 5 minute break between runs to work on their cars. Cars must pass Tech before their second run.
6. A reasonable amount of time will be given (not more than 30 seconds) for controller hook-up and run attempt. The Race Director may begin the countdown after 30 seconds regardless. Track computers should be set allowing 30 seconds intervals between qualifying attempts.
7. No shows, a racer who fails to show or waives the right to qualify will be moved to the lowest level for qualifying time. If more than one racer is a “No Show”, they are moved to the lowest level of qualifying times based on their Tech sheet number.

20. Warm-up Time
Each class will have pre-race warm-up time equal to their heat length, except for 27L which will have 1 minute of warn-up time.

21. Length of Heats
Flexi LMP, TSRA GTP/LMP, Group F and OMBox
Mains only 3 minute heats 3 minute lane change

27L
Mains only 4 minute heats 4 minute lane change

USRA Box Stock and C12
Consi 4 – 2 minute heats 3 minute lane change
Semi 8 – 2 minute heats 3 minute lane change
Main 8 – 3 minute heats 4 minute lane change

Group 7
Consi 4 – 3 minute heats 3 minute lane change
Semi 8 – 3 minute heats 3 minute lane change
Main 8 – 5 minute heats 5 minute lane change

In all classes with 12 or fewer entries, the race will be run in “sit out” fashion. Flexi LMP, TSRA GTP/LMP, Group F, OMBox and 27L with 13 or greater racers will run an ALL MAIN format. Qualifying will pair evens and odds to determine Main seeding. The total laps run in all the Mains will determine the final standings for each class.
There is an exception to the race format for USRA Box Stock. When there are Pro racers involved in these races, the race becomes a round robin format up to 15 racers. 16 or more racers will be 2 mains with round robins up to 15 racers per main. At the end of each main the cars will be immediately impounded.

22. Finishing Position and Total Lap Tie Breaker
At the conclusion of each race all cars must remain on the track until the Race Director states they may be removed. Any racer tied for a position that moves or removes their car before the Race Director allows will automatically lose a tie for position.
When there are more than 8 racers or when there are multiple Mains, as each racer finishes their race, the racers must
1. Remove their lane sticker from their car
2. Sign or initial the lane sticker
3. Place the lane sticker on the side of the track where their car finished
4. Identify to the Race Director the location (track segment) of the lane sticker.
Be sure the lane sticker is securely attached to the side of the track as it will be used as a track position reference in case of a tie in lap totals. It is the responsibility of the racer to properly designate their finishing position as described above. In the event of a tie and a racer failed to mark their finishing position, the tie will be awarded to the racer with a lane sticker marking their finishing position. In the event of a tie where the racers involved failed to mark their finishing positions, the tie will be resolved by order of Tech Sheet numbers.

23. Sit Outs
If a race is run with “sit outs”, the racers are to turn marshal during their sit-out heat(s). Sit-out racers are not allowed to work on their car during the sit-out heat(s), except during the lane change segment entering their heat. Cars must remain in Tech at all other times. Violations will not be tolerated and are subject to a warning on the first offense, a 5 lap penalty on second offense and disqualification on the third offense.
Cars are to be brought to the impound area immediately after white lane is finished. Cars may only be picked up from impound before the Red lane is run. All impounded cars are subject to Tech inspection.

24, In Race Technical inspection
A technical inspection can be conducted during the Main of any class. This is at the discretion of the Race Director, Tech Director or a TSRA official.

25. Lane Change
During each lane change it’s the driver’s responsibility to know where their car has stopped and needs to be returned to. The TSRA requires the use of Lane Change Cards and for them to be placed in the lane to be run in the next heat, in the position that the car last stopped in. Racers or their delegates are responsible for removing the lane change card before the track power is turned on. If the racer’s car is off the track when the power is turned on and the heat begins, the car should be return to the track at the driver’s panel.

26. Race Intermissions
All Consi and Semi races, if run, shall start immediately after lane choice. In Flexi LMP, TSRA GTP/LMP and Group F the Main(s) will start immediately after lane choice.
There will be a 15 minute intermission between all races.
A lunch break may be taken at the shop owner’s discretion.

27. Track Calls
Race Directors are allowed to turn off the track power if:
1. Prevent a “rider” from hitting the Deadman wall or to keep it from going through the lap counter in the wrong lane.
2. Track braid is up.
3. Power failure (one lane or all lanes). Failure determination is made first on a car via a nearby power supply, then by controller.
4. Possible debris in slot.
5. Possible lap counter or track equipment failure.
6. A car(s) that is off the track surface and the marshal is unable or not attempting to marshal the car.
7. Poor, inconsistent, or absent turn marshaling.
During a Track Call, if your car either caused the track call or de-slotted due to the track call and no marshal is in that area of the track to retrieve the car, racers are ONLY allowed to flatten their braid. NO OTHER WORK IS ALLOWED! If a car is being repaired during a heat, the car should be returned to the track at the control panel. The power will be turned on immediately after the racer returns to the control panel. During a track call, you are not allowed to lay your controller on the track. Controllers may be laid on the control panel or hooked on the side of the track in a manner as to not impede the progress of the race. A 5 lap penalty will be assessed to any racer placing their controller on the track while marshaling their own car.

28. Black Flag
The Race Director is obligated to black flag any car, which is dragging, interfering with other cars or continuously de-slotting due to mechanical problems (Not Driver Error). Upon being black flagged, the racer must bring the car in for repairs immediately. If the problem is not corrected, the black flag rule may be enforced again as required.

29. Lap Counter
The lap counter will be considered correct unless it can be proven otherwise. The lap counter should be corrected if necessary for conditions such as “riders” or cars coasting through on a track call.
Laps should not be added or subtracted unless the Race Director is certain the counter is incorrect.
For majors errors in counting steps should be taken to preserve as much of the race as possible, while being fair to all. If a major errors occur in the counting process that cannot be corrected the Race Director may:
1. Assign responsible Stewards to count laps or verify the counter.
2. Add or subtract mutually agreed laps as established by the Race Officials and Racers.
3. Restart the heat.
4. Restart the race from the latest possible point.

30. Marshaling
Substitute Marshals must be acceptable to the Race Director and Racers. Good racing is not possible without good marshals. Every Racer is expected to do their part both before and after racing if necessary. You must Marshal at least 1 race the day you race to receive your points. Marshals should make every effort to be at their turns at the beginning of each heat. The Race Director is responsible for insuring that turn marshals are doing an adequate job, enforcing compliances and finding replacement marshals if necessary. During lane changes marshals should take notice of cars stopped in their corners and pay close attention to cars stopped near the lap counter. Cars that stop in or behind the lap counter may be moved forward or backward depending on whether their lap was or wasn’t counted.
Marshaling for “glue” classes
1. During a track call, marshals or bystanders, at the Racers request may move the car backwards on the track to allow a “running start” at the turn.
2. The Racer may move their car backward if no marshal is available.
3. There shall be no working on the car during this time other than flatting the braid. The race should be restarted when all the cars are on the track and the racers are ready.

31. Glue
All TSRA classes will run as “spray glue”, with the exception of USRA Box Stock and Group 7. Glue may not be applied to the track surface until after the 27L race is completed.
In all TSRA classes:
Tires may be glued by use of a glue board, tech block, or rubbed on the tires with your fingers. After a lane change the cars must be put back on the track at the position of the lane change card. The car must be put back on the track without rolling the tires thus creating a “glue zone”. Violations will not be tolerated and are subject to a warning on the first offense, a 5 lap penalty on the second offense and disqualification on the third offense.
USRA Box Stock and Group 7 are “GLUE’ classes in the TSRA. Racers are permitted to apply glue directly to the track in only the glue zones. Racers may use a sponge or roller to move the glue past the glue zone and into the corner.

32. Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Unsportsmanlike conduct on the part of a racer, pit crew or turn marshal, etc. will be subject to immediate disqualification at the discretion of the Race Director. Verbal abuse or profanity will not be tolerated. The Race Director should first warn the offending individual(s) that their behavior is unacceptable. Further violations will result in a 5 lap penalty for the first infraction and disqualification for the second. Repeat offenders of any of the unsportsmanlike conduct guidelines or any of the TSRA rules regarding procedures or technical rules may be prohibited from entering or attending future TSRA events.

Section2
TSRA General Technical Rules

Upon registration for each TSRA event, all Racers agree to comply with these rules and acknowledge such by signing a TSRA entry form. All Racers are responsible for the legality of their equipment. Racers can only enter one car per class and there can only one Racer per car per race (no substitute Racers). ANY RULE THAT IS IN QUESTION OR BEING INTERPRETED IMPROPERLY WILL BE CLARIFIED BY THE TSRA OFFICERS AND ANY DECISION MADE WILL BE FINAL.
USRA division 2 rules are not to be used as a guide in deciding legality of the TSRA rules, unless noted under a specific class’s rules.

1. Scale
All cars raced in the TSRA will be built to approximately 1/24 of the size of an actual race car. Wheelbase cannot be less than 4.100 inches as measured from the center of the guide pivot to the centerline of the rear axle or if protested, any measurement greater than 4.053 as measured from the rear of the guide hole in the chassis to the rear side of the rear axle will be legal.

2. Width
All cars may not be wider than 3.25 inches at any point along the length of the car. Body mounting pins may extend beyond this width. Glass head or T type pins cannot be used as body pins.

3. Clearance
The minimum clearance for any car raced in the TSRA will be .062. The chassis, motor, body, gear and traction magnets must clear this measurement. The guide, braid, front and rear tires are exempt from this rule. No parts may drag the track at any time.

4. Wheels
All cars must have front and rear wheels/tires (2 each).
1. No minimum rear tire diameter, car must clear tech tool (as in Rule #3 Clearance above) at all times.
2. Rear wheels/tires have a maximum width of .810 inches.
3. Front tires have a minimum diameter of .500 inches.
4. Front wheels/tires must rotate on their axles.
5. Front wheels/tires must be mounted so as to contact the track as the car is rocked to the side, before grounding on the chassis or body. There is an optional rule for TSRA GTP/LMP, see that section for more information.
6. Speed rubber is allowed for qualifying only.

5. Guide Flags
1. Only one guide or pickup device per car
2. Cut down guide flags are not allowed in Flexi LMP, TSRA GTP/LMP or any non-integral chassis class including “punched” guide holder chassis

6. Gear Specifications
Any plastic spur gears are allowed. NO metal spur gears may be run in any TSRA class.

7. Bodies
Designs should resemble full size racecars. Manufacturers are urged to maintain scale proportions. Variations are allowed to conform to state-of-the-art practices.
1. Paint – All bodies must be fully painted and opaque when sitting on the tech block. On air control bodies, the side of the body may remain clear. Exhaust pipes, body lines, injector stacks, mirrors and deals are optional.
2. Numbers – All cars must display 3 numbers of a minimum ¼ inch height. Please refrain from using markers.
3. Interior – At all times during the races, all cars must contain a suitably painted three dimensional 1/24th scale driver, with helmet, shoulders, arms and steering wheel, mounted in the original cockpit position. Driver stickers are acceptable, no paper drivers are permitted.
4. Windshield – Each body must have a clear cockpit area.
5. Fender Wells – Front wheels must be visible from the side of the car.
6. Body Openings – Except for the cockpit opening and USRA legal body openings, the chassis must be completely covered by the body and air control when viewed from above.

8. Air Control Devices
1. As measured from the tech block, no part of the air control devices may exceed 2.5 inches in height.
2. Side air dams may be a maximum of 2.5 inches high aft of the rear wheel centerline, but must taper to 2.0 inches high at a point 3.75 inches forward of the rear axle centerline.
3. All air control devices must have the front edges taped and all exposed corners rounded in a manner suitable to avoid injury to race participants and spectators.
4. No air control device may be opaque. Decals may be affixed to any air control device, but they cannot be opaque.
5. A diaplane may be attached to the front of the body, it may extend no more than ½ inch.

9, Parts Replacement
Any component may be replaced during competition except, the original chassis, motor (in OM classes) and the body. Any racer found to have switched a prohibited component will be immediately disqualified.

10. Commercially Available
Major components such as motor parts, motors, chassis parts, chassis and bodies for group or restricted classes must be readily available to all participants sufficiently far enough in advance of an event that all participants are able to compete on an equitable level.
Commercially available means that the product must be readily available through retailers and a minimum of 3 national USRA member commercial distributors at least 60 days prior to the USRA Nats or any TSRA event in which they may be used.
A product will be considered to be no longer commercially available after production has ceased. Products in this status have been approved for competition in the TSRA will continue to be legal for a period of time no longer than 2 years after production has ceased.
All products which are considered to be commercially available and restricted products, must meet retail price specifications and must be sold at standard industry discounts through approved dealers.
Any product that is restricted in retail price by the USRA or the TSRA may be adjusted in retail price according to the annual cost of living up to a maximum 5%.

11. Introduction of New Products
In restricted classes, new products introduced during the prescribed race season may be allowed in the TSRA as submitted, only if the USRA has approved them and they meet all elements of the “commercially available” rules.

12. Armature Regulations for Restricted Classes
Any armature that has been purposely altered or tampered with to make the stack appear longer, as an attempt to comply with the length rules, shall be declared illegal at the Tech Director discretion. Stack length minimums shall be required on all 3 poles of the armature (using calipers with the faces across each end of the pole) and only the actual lamination material shall be used to determine this figure. This is meant to specifically exclude, as an example, such practices as the insertion of spacer type materials between the laminations, abnormally thick applications of coatings or any methods of artificial compliance with the rule.

13. Armature Protest, Restricted Classes Only
Any competitor may protest another competitor’s armature. The competitor must officially inform at Race Director, Tech Director or TSRA Officer, at which time the race will be stopped. The protestor may “Buy A Look” by posting a $2.00 fee to the Race Director, Tech Director or TSRA Officer. The “Buy A Look” fee is transferable. The protestor is then entitled to look at the suspected armature in the car. The “Buy A Look” fee go to the protested party, if not applied to a “Formal Protest”
If not satisfied the protestor may file a “Formal Protest” which requires posting a fee equal to the manufacturer’s current suggested retail price of the respective armature. At this time, the armature must be non-destructively and indelibly marked, such as unique engraving of the armature stack. Extreme care must be taken to avoid damage to the armature balance and delicate components such as motor bearings, brushes, etc. An impartial race steward must then be charged with the responsibility of observing and verifying the authenticity of the armature for post-race inspection. The race will then be restarted and the protested armature will be allowed to finish the race. If the protested armature is removed from the car before the end of the race, it is the Steward duty to impound the motor until it can be inspected. Thorough disassembly and inspection should be conducted immediately after the race has completed and must be conducted in a manner assuring accurate technical verification. This can be accomplished by first properly measuring the dimensions of the armature against the classes’ technical specifications. Secondly, the epoxy can be destroyed using extreme heat such as a common torch. Then the armature should be dissected using a Dremel and carefully measure the wire and counting the turns.
The fees will be held by a TSRA official or designated Steward until the resolution of the protest and then promptly surrendered to the appropriate party. Likewise, any winnings, awards/prizes and/or points will be held pending the outcome of the protest.

14. Voluntary Disqualification or Withdrawal
A racer may elect a voluntary disqualification prior to the destruction of a protested armature. The protest fee and any posted money are returned to the party formally placing the protest. Any racer who elects disqualification, forfeits the entry fee, TSRA fees, race points and race prizes and /or awards for that event.

15. Class Rules/Specifications Protest
Protests may be filed for suspected illegal chassis, body, axles, etc. with a $2.00 protest fee. Due to the ability to determine legally without destruction of the protest item(s), the Tech Director will make an immediate determination. If the protest item(s) is found to be legal, the protest fee goes into the General Fund. If the protested item(s) is found to be illegal, the fee is refunded to the protestor and the racer with the illegal item(s) will be disqualified, forfeiting the entry fee, TSRA fees, race points and race prizes and /or awards for that event. Tire measurements are exempt from any type of racer protest.

16. Flexi LMP
Motor
Currently allowed motors include Hawk 7 and Falcon 7.

Chassis Specifications
All commercially available stamped steel 4 inch Flexi type chassis with a maximum suggested retail price equal to or less than the Mossetti Striker are approved. The .025 Cheetah 7 and the Parma lightweight pans are no longer approved for competition.

Allowed Modifications
1. May solder or glue oilites in place, may file or grind the holes in the chassis to allow for proper alignment
2. May remove plating on areas to be soldered.
3. May solder motor in place.
4. May change the bite bar, but it must be at least .039 inch or larger diameter. Bite bar may be soldered in place.
5. May add static weight to the chassis
6. May add tape to the chassis
7. May use any pan(s) from the same chassis manufacturer
8. May add spacers between the pan and the center section.
9. May file holes in the motor bracket or may remove the motor bracket.
10. May use the Parma # 95C motor bracket on any of the approved chassis.
11. May add nail polish, paint, or other coatings to the front of the chassis, behind the guide braid for insulation.
12. May enlarge the front axle holes to allow the axle to float freely. Front tires/wheels must still comply with TSRA Technical Rules: Wheels.
13. May add bracing to the top of the chassis to the guide holder. Bracing can be made of any material and as many pieces as needed, but only within 1 inch of the center of the guide hole. No bracing may extend forward of the original guide tongue and the original guide tongue may not be removed from the chassis.
14. May add pin tubes, but must be mounted solid. NO floating pin tubes.
15. May add a “U” shaped brace to the rear end of any flexi chassis. It may be inverted, but must be run vertically and not horizontally. You may use a commercially available product, such as, a Slick 7 # 390 or # 453 or you may make your own out of piano wire or a similar material.

Prohibited Modifications
1. No ball, roller, needle, or polymer bearings.
2. Bat pans and/or center section may not be modified for use of the Parma’s motor bracket.
3. No cut down guides.

Body
1. May use any commercially available LMP style body. Possible body list to follow.
2. Bodies do not need to be cut on the cut line, but the front of the body must maintain some vertical surface. “Blade” bodies are not allowed.

Axles, Tires and Gears.
1. Must have 2 piece O-ring type front tire/wheels.
2. Front axle must be at least .047 inch in diameter.
3. Front axle may be soldered in place, but front tires/wheels must still comply with TSRA Technical Rules: Wheels.
4. Independent front axles are allowed, but front tires/wheels must still comply with TSRA Technical Rules: Wheels.
5. May use any axle (3/32 inch minimum diameter) retailing for no more than $ 9.99.
6. May be flatted
7. May only use axle bushings, NO bearings allowed.
8. Flexi LMP rear tires are restricted to a wheel hub of .500 diameter or smaller, with a maximum price of $ 15.50 per pair.
9. Rear tires have no color requirements.
10. Any pitch plastic spur gear is allowed, no restriction on gear ratio

17. Group F
Motor
Currently allowed motors include Hawk 7 and Falcon 7.

Chassis
1. May use any USRA approved Box Stock chassis, must retail for a price, equal to or less than the maximum as listed on pg. 66 of the 2016 USRA rules
2. Chassis must be available in assembled form.
3. Chassis kits are allowed as long as they are assembled identically to the approved chassis.
4. May cut off the weight pans (these are the pans on the inside front of the chassis designed to hold or have weight soldered to).
5. May only reposition front wheel mounts and body mounts, body mounts may be floating.
6. May re-solder chassis on pre- assembled chassis.

Body
May use any commercially available wing car style body, must comply with sections 7 & 8 of the TSRA General Technical Rules.

Axles, Tires and Gears
1. May use any axle (3/32 inch minimum diameter) retailing for no more than $ 9.99.
2. May be flatted
3. May only use axle bushings, NO bearings allowed.
4. Group F rear tires are restricted to a wheel hub of .500 diameter or smaller, with a maximum price of $ 15.50 per pair.
5. Any pitch plastic spur gear is allowed, no restriction on gear ratio.

Weight
No minimum weight in Group F

18. TSRA GTP/LMP
Motor
Setup
1. Must use a commercially available C can and end bell meeting the specifications on pgs. 67-69 of the 2016 USRA rules.
2. Must retail for a price, equal to or less than the maximum as listed on pg. 66 of the 2016 USRA rules
3. Components may be interchanged between different manufactures.
4. Motors may be blueprinted including gluing, shimming and honing.
5. May install a bearing in only the can and can be glued or soldered in place.
6. May alter the bushing/bearing holes in the can and end bell for alignment purposes.
7. Must use commercially available magnets meeting the specifications on pgs. 68 of the 2016 USRA rules.
8. Gaussing of motors/magnets may be performed at pre-race Tech or at any time at the Race Director’s discretion. Suspect motors maybe marked to be torn down at the end of the race. Precautions should be taken by the race officials to ensure that the marked motor is not altered.
9. May use any 3 coil brush spring and spring tension may be adjusted.

Armature
1. Must be commercially available and be produced by a USRA approved manufacturer.
2. Must meet armature specifications on pg. 70 of the 2016 USRA rules
3. Must retail for a price, equal to or less than the maximum as listed on pg. 66 of the 2016 USRA rules
4. Must be tagged to reflect the USRA approved manufacturer as follows:
Koford Competitor “COM” or “COMP”
Mura Challenger “CH”
Pro Slot Contender “CONT” or “CTR”
5. Armature must be tagged, if the motor throws the tag during the race that is OK, as long as the tag was inspected during Tech.

Chassis
1. Any commercially available, USRA approved GT-12 chassis. must retail for a price, equal to or less than the maximum as listed on pg. 66 of the 2016 USRA rules
2. Chassis must be available in assembled form.
3. Chassis kits are allowed as long as they are assembled identically to the approved chassis
4. May add lead weight.
5. May add a rear motor brace and an upright brace.
6. No other modifications of the approved chassis are allowed.

Body
1. May use any commercially available GTP or LMP style body. Possible body list to follow.
2. Bodies do not need to be cut on the cut line, but the front of the body must maintain some vertical surface. “Blade” bodies are not allowed.
3. The body may be reasonably cut to clear the front skid plates of the chassis, which may protrude up to 1/16th inch outside of the body on each side. The rest of the chassis must be covered by the body when viewed from above the

Axle, Tires and Gears
1. Front wheels/tires not required, but if used, front tires/wheels must be a minimum of .500 inch in diameter.
2. Front wheel stickers are allowed.
3. May use any axle (3/32 inch minimum diameter) retailing for no more than $ 9.99.
4. May be flatted
5. May only use axle bushings, NO bearings allowed.
6. Rear tires must be black.
7. TSRA GTP/LMP rear tires are restricted to a wheel hub of .500 diameter or smaller, with a maximum price of $ 15.50 per pair.
8. Any pitch plastic spur gear is allowed, no restriction on gear ratio.

19. OMBox Stock
Motor
Setup
1. Must use a commercially available C can and end bell meeting the specifications on pgs. 67-69 of the 2016 USRA rules.
2. Must retail for a price, equal to or less than the maximum as listed on pg. 66 of the 2016 USRA rules
3. Components may be interchanged between different manufactures.
4. Motors may be blueprinted including gluing, shimming and honing.
5. May install a bearing in only the can and can be glued or soldered in place.
6. May alter the bushing/bearing holes in the can and end bell for alignment purposes.
7. Must use commercially available magnets meeting the specifications on pgs. 68 of the 2016 USRA rules.
8. Timing may be adjusted.
9. No shunt wires
10. May use any 3 coil brush spring and spring tension may be adjusted.

Armature
1. Must be commercially available and be produced by a USRA approved manufacturer.
2. Must meet armature specifications on pg. 70 of the 2016 USRA rules
3. Must retail for a price, equal to or less than the maximum as listed on pg. 66 of the 2016 USRA rules
4. Must be tagged with at least the number “12”. If the motor throws the tag during the race that is OK, as long as the tag was inspected during Tech.

Chassis
1. May use any USRA approved Box Stock chassis, as listed on pgs. 60 & 61 of the 2016 USRA rules.
2. Must retail for a price, equal to or less than the maximum as listed on pg. 66 of the 2016 USRA rules
3. Koford chassis 530 I, J, K, L, M and N are prohibited for the 2016 season.
4. Chassis must be available in assembled form.
5. Chassis kits are allowed as long as they are assembled identically to the approved chassis.
6. May only reposition front wheel mounts.
7. May add a lead wire retainer.
8. No modifications are allowed to the chassis pans, they cannot be removed.
9. May re-solder chassis on pre- assembled chassis, as long as it remains identical to the approved chassis.

Body
May use any commercially available wing car style body, must comply with sections 7 & 8 of the TSRA General Technical Rules.

Axle, Tires and Gears
1. No restriction on tires/wheels, except must comply with the Wheels section in the TSRA General Technical Rules.
2. May use any solid axle (3/32 inch minimum diameter) retailing for no more than $ 9.99.
3. May be flatted
4. May only use axle bushings, NO bearings allowed.
5. Any pitch plastic spur gear is allowed, no restriction on gear ratio.

Weight
No minimum weight in OMBox Stock

OMB Qualifying
Qualifying is one sixty (60) second round on standard race power of 14.3 volts. After qualifying times expires, the cars will be impounded until the race begins.

20. C12
Motor
Setup
The only restriction on the setup is the maximum number of magnets allowed is six (6) total.
Armature
1. Must be commercially available and be produced by a USRA approved manufacturer.
2. Must meet armature specifications on pg. 70 of the 2016 USRA rules
3. Must retail for a price, equal to or less than the maximum as listed on pg. 66 of the 2016 USRA rules
4. Must be tagged with at least the number “12”

Chassis
No restrictions, except must comply with the Clearance section in the TSRA General Technical Rules.

Body
May use any commercially available wing car style body, must comply with sections 7 & 8 of the TSRA General Technical Rules.

Axle, Tires and Gears
1. No restriction, except must comply with the Wheels section in the TSRA General Technical Rules.
2. May use any axle, 3/32 inch minimum diameter.
3. Axle bearings are allowed.
4. Any pitch plastic spur gear is allowed.

21. 27L
This class is open to any competitor, regardless of driver racking or classification.
27L is only allowed two motors for qualifying and the race, the spare motor must be inspected, marked and impounded at the same time the car is inspected for the race.

Motor
Setup
1. No restrictions on can or end bell.
2. Bearings are allowed in both can and end bell.
3. Must use Cobalt magnets, singles only, measuring .400 inch tall by .440 inch long (+/- 5%)

Armature
1. Must be commercially available and be produced by a USRA approved manufacturer.
2. Must meet armature specifications on pg. 70 of the 2016 USRA rules
3. Must retail for a price, equal to or less than the maximum as listed on pg. 66 of the 2016 USRA rules
4. Timing may be adjusted to allow for factory variations.
5. Must be tagged with at least the number “27”. If the arm throws the tag during the race that is OK, as long as the tag was inspected during Tech.

Chassis
1. May use any approved 27L chassis, as listed on pgs. 61 & 62 of the 2016 USRA rules.
2. Must retail for a price, equal to or less than the maximum as listed on pg. 66 of the 2016 USRA rules
3. Chassis must be available in assembled form.
4. Chassis kits are allowed as long as they are assembled identically to the approved chassis
5. Chassis must remain as approved by the USRA, NO modifications allowed, NO interchanging of components between manufactures.
6. The length of the wheelbase must be within +/- .010 of an inch of the specified length furnished to the USRA by the manufacture.
7. Pin tubes may be brass or steel and a maximum 5/8” long, additionally a ½” length of pin tubing or a maximum .035” piano wire may be used to brace the pin tube.

Body
May use any commercially available wing car style body, must comply with sections 7 & 8 of the TSRA General Technical Rules.

Axle, Tires and Gears
1. No restriction, except must comply with the Wheels section in the TSRA General Technical Rules.
2. May use any axle, 3/32 inch minimum diameter.
3. May use axle bearings.
4. Any pitch plastic spur gear is allowed.

27L Qualifying
Qualifying is one sixty (60) second round on standard race power of 14.3 volts. After qualifying times expires, the cars will be impounded until the race begins. There is 1 minute of warn-up time before the race begins.

All Main Race Format
1. May change motors during qualifying and the race and switch back (A-B-A)
2. All racers will be seeded into the Mains, according to qualifying times as equally as possible, A, B, C, D Main format.
3. Racer with the largest lap total is the winner, regardless of which Main they race in.
4. Marshaling will go as follows, A Main racers will marshal the first race and all other racers will marshal the Main following theirs’s.

22. USRA Box Stock
This class is open to any competitor, regardless of driver racking or classification.
This class will be raced under the Expert/Pro rules
Motor
Setup
1. Must use a commercially available C can and end bell meeting the specifications on pgs. 67-69 of the 2016 USRA rules.
2. Must retail for a price, equal to or less than the maximum as listed on pg. 66 of the 2016 USRA rules
3. Components may be interchanged between different manufactures.
4. Motors may be blueprinted including gluing, shimming and honing.
5. May install a bearing in only the can and can be glued or soldered in place.
6. May alter the bushing/bearing holes in the can and end bell for alignment purposes.
7. Must use commercially available magnets meeting the specifications on pgs. 68 of the 2016 USRA rules.
8. Timing may be adjusted.
9. May use shunt wires
10. May use any brush spring and spring tension may be adjusted.

Armature
1. Must be commercially available and be produced by a USRA approved manufacturer.
2. Must meet armature specifications on pg. 70 of the 2016 USRA rules
3. Must retail for a price, equal to or less than the maximum as listed on pg. 66 of the 2016 USRA rules
4. Must be tagged with at least the number “12”. If the motor throws the tag during the race that is OK, as long as the tag was inspected during Tech.

Chassis
1. May use any USRA approved Box Stock chassis, as listed on pgs. 60 & 61 of the 2016 USRA rules.
2. Must retail for a price, equal to or less than the maximum as listed on pg. 66 of the 2016 USRA rules
3. Koford chassis 530 K, L, M and N are prohibited for the 2016 season.
4. Chassis must be available in assembled form.
5. Chassis kits are allowed as long as they are assembled identically to the approved chassis.
6. No modifications are allowed to the chassis.
7. May re-solder chassis on pre- assembled chassis, as long as it remains identical to the approved chassis.
8. May only reposition front wheel mounts.
9. Front body mounts must be rigidly attached, rear body mounts may be floating, but the mounts must remain in the original position. Steel pin tubes may be used.
10. May solder or glue axle bushings in place.
11. A lead wire retainer may be added.
12. Static bracing, consisting of straight piano wire, may be added to solder joints only. The wire may not be bent at any angle so as to constitute a brace. The wire may not be soldered to anything other than the component it is parallel to.
13. A motor support tube or wire may be added behind the motor. It cannot exceed 1.5” in total length and the motor must be soldered to it or it will be considered an illegal chassis brace.
14. The minimum weight, at all times, as qualified or raced will at least 72 grams.
A. On a steel chassis, brass and laed may be used for weight.
B. Weights must be solid, rigidly attached and not used as a brace.
C. All weight may only be attached to the front of the chassis and/or any existing weight pans. Weight may not be attached to the center or side rails
D. Weights may extend no more than 1” back from the center of the guide hole.
E. Brass weights may be soldered to the bottom of the chassis, but they must retain the 1/16 of an inch clearance from the track surface.
F. No modifying or bracing of the chassis will be considered to be legal weight.

Body
May use any commercially available wing car style body, must comply with sections 7 & 8 of the TSRA General Technical Rules.

Axle, Tires and Gears
1. No restriction on tires/wheels, except must comply with the Wheels section in the TSRA General Technical Rules.
2. May use any solid axle (3/32 inch minimum diameter) retailing for no more than $ 9.99.
3. May be flatted
4. May only use axle bushings, NO bearings allowed.
5. Any pitch plastic spur gear is allowed, no restriction on gear ratio.

23. Group 7
Motor
No restrictions on motor or number of motors that may be used for the 2016 season.

Chassis
No restrictions, except must comply with the Clearance section in the TSRA General Technical Rules.

Body
May use any commercially available wing car style body, must comply with sections 7 & 8 of the TSRA General Technical Rules.

Axle, Tires and Gears
1. No restriction, except must comply with the Wheels section in the TSRA General Technical Rules.
2. May use any axle, 3/32 inch minimum diameter.
3. Any pitch plastic spur gear is allowed.

[CARSHouston]

Now posted is the completed addition of the 2016 TSRA rules. These are a complete rewrite of the rules, read them and if you think something is wrong or needs to be changed or reworded, send your comments to P.A.