2004 Official Three Quarter Midget Racing League (TQMRL) Rules

 

DISCLAIMER

The rules and/or regulations set forth herein are designed to provide safe, competitive and affordable racing events and therefore encourage the growth of TQ Midget Racing.

 

No express or implied warranty of safety shall result from publications of, or compliance with these rules and/or regulations. They are intended as a guide and are in no way a guarantee against injury or death to a participant, spectator or official.

 

The Race Director of the host track shall be empowered to permit minor deviation from any of the specifications herein or impose any further restrictions that do not alter the minimum acceptable requirements. No expressed or implied warranty of safety shall result from such alterations of specs. Any interpretation or deviation of these rules is left to the discretion of the officials. Their decision is final.

 

Competitors in the TQMRL shall adhere to the race procedures, competition rules, conduct rules and penalties as outlined by the officials of the host track.

 

In the best interest of the growth of TQ Midget racing and due to the nature of these cars, the following competition rules are strongly suggested.

 

  1. The race starts and ends at the Start-Finish line. Racers are not allowed to gain position(s) while not racing. This applies to Restarts as well as the Start of the race. The meaning of GREEN flag is that the race will start once the leader crosses the Start-Finish line. There will be no passing before the leader crosses the Start-Finish line on both initial starts and restarts.

 

  1. The same tires that are used in qualifying must be used to start the feature event. If, because of a flat, a different tire must be used, it must have the same amount of wear as the tire it is replacing.

 

3.     Numbers must be displayed on the car body and wing, legibly and in CONTRASTING colors. Numbers must be a minimum of 8 inches in overall height of each numeral and 1 1/2 inches in width of the line describing each numeral. There must be at least one number on the tail of the car, and where feasible, two. There must be at least one number on the nose or hood of the car. Numbers must also be placed on each side panel and the top panel of the wing, and the number on the top panel must be a minimum of 18 inches in overall height. If a non-wing event is scheduled, each car will display a white panel attached to the roll cage in the upper rear grandstand side corner displaying the car number in black.

 

Car and Engine Specifications

ENGINES:

Up to 750cc two or four cycle engines. No part of the engine or its accessories may extend beyond the nurfing bars.

MOTORCYCLE ENGINES:
Since shifting is not allowed during the race, all shifting handles shall be mounted on the left side of the roll cage in plain view of the officials.


 

FOUR CYCLE:

Up to and including year 1995: Run what you brung up to 771cc
1996 to Date : Only OEM factory stock equipment, it will be the responsibility of the owner to present a service manual for the particular engine and nothing will be attached to the engine that is not included in the manual with the exception of exhaust pipes, air boxes and other necessities required to be functionally mounted in a TQ Midget. Original factory supplied fuel system and ignition system must be used whether carbureted or fuel injected on the particular model. While not a requirement for racing, engines must be capable of running on pump fuel ( for example - 94 octane Sunoco ). Displacement may not exceed 750cc under any circumstances. Note that the service manual shall be used to inspect external components and pump fuel to inspect internals. Oil coolers are not allowed unless they are original equipment.

TWO CYCLE:

Up to and including year 1995: Run what you brung up to 600cc
1996 to Date: Four cycle rules apply with the exception that in order to save money cylinder cleanup is permitted provided the displacement does not exceed 750cc.

SNOWMOBILE ENGINES ETC.:
All engines must be equipped with electric starter and some kind of clutch. All these engines are assumed to be two cycle.

Up to 625cc: Run what you brung.
Over 625cc: OEM only. See four cycle rules with the exception that oil injection may be removed (for increased reliability) and cylinder cleanup is allowed (to save money) not to exceed 750cc.

CHASSIS and CAR SPECIFICATIONS:
The roll cage of all new chassis are to be made of 1-1/8 x 0.093 or 1-1/4 x 083 chrome-molibdinum tubing and will follow NJ state rules for head clearance etc.

 

NO PART OF THE DRIVER’S BODY MAY EXTEND OUTSIDE OF THE ROLL CAGE.

 

The wheelbase may not be less than 54 inches nor more than 66 inches. The tread width may not be less than 36 inches nor more than 44 inches, measured center to center of tires.

 

WEIGHTS:

For all TQ Midgets, car and driver left side weight may not exceed 61%. No exceptions.
CAR AND DRIVER COMBINED TOTAL WEIGHTS AT END OF RACE:

Motorcycle engines:
600 four cycle: minimum total weight : 800 lbs; maximum left side weight: 480 lbs or 60%
Up to 600 two cycle: minimum total weight : 800 lbs; maximum left side weight: 480 lbs or 60%
750/771 four cycle: minimum total weight : 850 lbs; maximum left side weight: 510 lbs or 60%

Snowmobile etc.:
Up to 550cc: minimum total weight : 750 lbs; maximum left side weight: 450 lbs or 60%
Up to 625cc: minimum total weight : 800 lbs; maximum left side weight: 480 lbs or 60%
Over 625cc: minimum total weight : 850 lbs; maximum left side weight: 510 lbs or 60%

Any engine can be placed in any chassis configuration provided the car meets State Safety Rules.

 

WHEELS & TIRES:

Only 13 inch wheels, up to 10 inches wide, will be used. Currently, there are as many as four different tire manufacturers offering 13 inches slick tires at competitive prices for these safe wheels. Any tire, up to 10 inches wide, may be used.

GEAR RATIO:

Open to any combination or changes. Gearboxes or quick change rears are optional. Locked rear ends only.

 

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

 

1.     All cars must have a tail that extends beyond the rear wheels.

 

2.     Removable steering wheels with padded hubs are required.

 

3.     Mufflers are mandatory. Exhaust pipes must point outward from the car and shall not be directed toward the ground, tire, or fuel tank. All cars must be equipped with adequate mufflers and conform to the decibel standards, as determined by state and local laws.

 

4.     All cars must have suitable front and rear bumpers. The rear bumper shall be strong enough and so placed that it permits the use of a push truck.

 

5.     Cars using a radiator must have an adequate catch tank.

 

6.     The steering gear and all steering linkages must be of good workmanship and must pass inspection of the officials. No brazing will be permitted on any drag link, pitman arm or steering gear.

 

7.     All cars should have an underpan extending from the rear of the seat to the front of the chassis. All radiators and reservoirs mounted under the front hood must be shielded from the driver.

 

8.     All cars must be equipped with an approved safety harness that must be securely attached to the frame of the car. The safety belts must be dated and be no older than two (2) years.

 

9.     All cars must have an ignition switch or cut-off button located in an accessible place and clearly marked, "on" and "off."

 

10.  All cars must be equipped with a fuel shut-off valve between the gas tank and the engine. This must be within easy reach of the driver and safety crew while the car is under power. Shut-off valve may be between driver’s legs, but then there must also be a shut-off valve on the right outside of car with a minimum of a 3" diameter circle painted in a bright CONTRASTING color around the valve.

 

11.  Racing gasoline or pump fuel only. All other types of fuels are prohibited. All additives including castor oil or so called upper cylinder lubricants are prohibited. The only exception is that 2-strokes may add lubricating oil to gasoline.

 

12.  All cars must have four-wheel hydraulically operated brakes. A single disc brake is acceptable on the rear.

 

13.  All cars must be self-starting with a clutch and be able to pull away under its own power.

 

14.  WINGS: While the use of a wing is not a requirement, if a wing is used then the size of the wings may not exceed 11 sq/ft. Left side panel= maximum 24" high, 49" long. Right side panel= maximum 18" high, 49" long. Car numbers must be displayed on top and each side panel of the wing.

 

15.  All wings are to be fixed, non-cockpit adjustable, with no pneumatics, hydraulics, springs or levers as to allow adjustment by driver. All wings must have a quick release device to permit quick exit by the driver. All wings, wing mounts, and releases must be approved in inspection.

 

16.  No nose wings are permitted.

 

17.  The use of mirrors or reflective devices for rearward visibility is prohibited. Use of radios is prohibited.

 

18.  All cars must pass inspection at track for safety and appearance.

 

19.  Full-face helmets must be worn at all times while on the track operating a car. Helmets must be lined with Nomex, or a Nomex hood must be worn underneath.

 

20.  Uniforms must be of one-piece design, lined with Nomex. Drivers must also wear Nomex underwear.

 

21.  The use of approved arm restraints is required.

 

Points System

POINTS DISTRIBUTION:

1.     Track points: determined by track

 

2.     League points: Points system will be based on a maximum of 50 points earned for a first place finish for driver and car owner. Second place awards 48 points and each following position will be reduced by 2 points per position. Extra distance races will offer double points.