RIDERS EVERYTHING A RACER NEEDS
The rider manual.
Every class, every fee, all 55 rules, and how race day actually runs. Written so you can find answers with gloves on.
Basics
First race? Start here. Three things before you load the truck: an AMA card, a pit pass for everyone who walks in with you, and a transponder, rented at the track or your own. Sign up online before Wednesday 10 PM CST and you skip the price bump. Then work down the manual.
A · AMA membership
AMA Membership
ALL racers are required to have an active AMA Membership.
B · Pit passes + parking
Pit Passes
Pit Passes are required for all racers, family, friends, or support crew.
C · Timing & scoring
MyLaps Transponders
MyLaps Transponders are required for all competitors. Rent one for $20 per bike or use your own.
D · Pricing
The Wednesday Bump
Prices for registration increase after 10 p.m. CST the Wednesday night before the event.
ONLINE REGISTRATION CLOSES 9:00 AM RACE DAY · NO EXCEPTIONS
Classes offered
These are the typical classes we offer. Some markets will have different offerings — check the pre-registration page for the specific classes available for your event.
50cc ×4
- 50CC 4-6
- 50CC 7-8
- 50CC OPEN
- 50CC E BIKE 4-8
65cc ×3
- 65CC 7-9
- 65CC 10-11
- 65CC OPEN
85cc ×4
- 85CC 9-12
- 85CC 12-15
- 85CC OPEN (9-12)
- SUPER MINI 12-15
250cc ×3
- 250 D (BEGINNER)
- 250 C (NOVICE)
- 250 B (INTERMEDIATE)
450cc ×3
- 450 D (BEGINNER)
- 450 C (NOVICE)
- 450 B (INTERMEDIATE)
Outlaw ×2
- BEGINNER OPEN
- AMATEUR OPEN
Pro ×2
- 250 PRO
- OPEN PRO
Pit Bike ×1
- PIT BIKE OPEN
Vet ×2
- VET OVER 30
- VET OVER 40
AMA rules
The complete rulebook — all 55 numbered rules exactly as published, grouped so you can scan them. Source numbering is preserved; nothing is paraphrased away.
R01–06 Age, classes & points 6 rules
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R 01
AMA Youth age rule: On Jan 1 will determine their age for the remainder of the year. A rider may move to the next year higher age class in the youth division only if they will be eligible to do so at any time during the year and they meet the age requirements for the races they will be competing in the new class. Once a rider moves to the next higher age class in AMA or NON-AMA competition they may not move back to the lower age class. Points earned in the lower age class won’t transfer to the higher age class.
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R 02
You must have proof that a rider rode in a higher class. Note: A lower class had to have been offered at that event as an option.
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R 03
All classes are modified classes except 50cc. 50cc are STOCK classes.
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R 04
Officials are not responsible for locating riders before their event.
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R 05
A rider must be on the starting Line & complete one Lap under their own power. They Must Cross the finish Line and take the checkered flag to receive last place finishing points.
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R 06
IF YOU ENTER AN EVENT AND DO NOT QUALIFY FOR THE MAIN IT STILL COUNTS TOWARDS YOUR REQUIRED # OF RACES FOR END OF YEAR AWARDS.
R07–16 Starts, the gate & stoppages 10 rules
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R 07
If a rider leaves the course for ANY reason they must reenter the track at the safest possible point nearest their point of exit. But not at a point where they improve their position or to avoid being passed/ to save position. Race officials will determine cutting the course going around a jump or obstacle. Penalty is 5 finishing spots. This infraction will be judged on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.
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R 08
If a moto must be stopped because of a rider or riders obstructing the progress and safety of the moto that rider or riders will not be allowed to restart the moto unless allowed by the race official.
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R 09
In the event of a rider jumping the starting device and deemed gaining an advantage, before the starting gate is released, either by running through the gate or going over top of the gate, the rider shall be penalized. The riders front tire must be no further than 12 inches back from the gate.
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R 10
MAIN EVENT GATE PICK PROCEDURE: All races (amateur or Pro) that have a division race, the first gate pick goes to the division that has the fastest elapsed time. This means that when the first person crosses the transponder line that elapsed time starts and ends when the first person crosses the transponder line to take the checkered flag.
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R 11
PICKING YOUR GATE: If you are not in staging when gate picks start for your race, you will get last gate pick. If you are having bike problems, send someone to pick and hold your gate for you. You must line up straight (square) with the start gates. No starting at an angle. All open gates must be filled before you can stack behind on second row. When starting on second row you must be directly behind the person in front of you. NO SPLITTING OF GATES BETWEEN RIDERS ON SECOND ROW. (There is a safety factor in this)
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R 12
Jumped gate rule: Race director will either red flag race with the racer starting in back row or dock the racer 4 spots at the end of the race.
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R 13
There will be NO restarts unless in the opinion of the race official that continuing the race will endanger the riders.
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R 14
A malfunction of the starting gate will be the race OFFICIALS’ decision.
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R 15
If for any reason the race must be stopped it will be considered complete if the leading rider has completed over 50% of the laps. EXAMPLE: 3 LAPS COMPLETED IN A 5 LAP RACE.
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R 16
Lapped riders must move over or be black flagged.
R17–26 Eligibility & conduct 10 rules
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R 17
Vet Classes: Age is determined as of event date.
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R 18
Riders who have been issued an AMA Pro Motocross or AMA Pro Supercross license or an FIM MXGP license, and earned a professional point are not eligible for any "B", "C", or "Sportsman" CLASS, I.E., College (18-24), Vet 25, Vet 30, or Vet 40 class. Vet racers cannot compete in both Pro and Vet classes.
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R 19
If a competitor’s primary bike has catastrophic FAILURE, they can ask the AMA referee to approve a replacement bike for the day or weekends event.
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R 20
If a competitor’s primary bike has catastrophic failure they can ask the AMA referee to approve a replacement bike for the day or weekends event. Source duplicate of rule 19 — retained pending client confirmation (see README).
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R 21
The white flag is a courtesy flag. It is not necessary to display the white flag at the beginning of the final lap.
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R 22
If during riders meeting it is stated that motos will be 5 laps and for some reason the race is not stopped until 6 or more laps are completed. The race will be considered over at the end of the 5th lap. Scorekeepers lap sheets will determine moto finish.
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R 23
Any verbal harassment or physical abuse of officials will be grounds for permanent disqualification.
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R 24
No alcoholic beverages or illegal substances will be allowed on the track or pit area. Riders should not use any of the ABOVE-MENTIONED substances before or during an event as long as they remain in competition. Any rider that is impaired will not be allowed to compete.
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R 25
A rider is responsible for the actions of their Pit Crew. Infractions by riders Pit crew or associated spectators will be grounds for penalties against that rider.
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R 26
AMA membership required.
R27–35 Bikes, plates & pit rules 9 rules
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R 27
250F classes include the 250, 125 two strokes, a 250, 125 two strokes can run either 250F or 450F class 250F’s can run both 250F and 450F class. 14 YEARS OLD IS MINIMUM AGE FOR 250 CC 4 STROKE OR 2 STROKE. 16 YEARS OLD IS MINIMUM AGE FOR 450CC 4 Stroke.
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R 28
Pit Bike must be 12" Rear tire, 150cc or less, no oem race bikes.
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R 29
Don't start your motorcycles in the building or indoors pit. Warm them up outside. The only place your machine should be running is on the track or when the race director instructs you to start your engine.
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R 30
Late entries will be allowed even after qualifying. Until gate is filled -1st come first served. These riders will take any remaining last gate after the qualified riders take their gate in a Main event. They will fill the LCQ if they get there in time to make the LCQ.
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R 31
Officials will not move someone up just because they are fast.
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R 32
MINI Riders: you cannot run both age classes, you must pick one age class.
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R 33
50cc beginner class: BIKES ALLOWED: 50CC E BIKES, HONDA XR 50, HONDA CRF 50, KTM MINI ADVENTURE, KTM SX MINI, SUZUKI JR50, YAMAHA TTR 50, YAMAHA PW50, COBRA P3, COBRA PW3, COBRA G1, MINI E BIKE IN POWER POSITION 4 AND LOWERED SEAT POSITION. 10 inch front wheel, 50CC BEG RIDERS CAN RACE 50 4-6 CLASS AS SECOND CLASS.
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R 34
50cc Air cooled: E-2 bikes allowed.
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R 35
All motorcycles must have large, clear number plates with a min of 6" numbers on both sides and front in order to be scored.
R36–45 Wheels, minis & skill levels 10 rules
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R 36
65cc have a max wheel size of 14” and a min 12”. Must function through multiple speed gear box.
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R 37
GIRLS (9-13) (65CC-150CC) (MAX WHEEL SIZE - 16" REAR AND 19" FRONT)
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R 38
85 BEGINNER normally means one year racing or less. Big wheels and CRF 150's are allowed.
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R 39
85cc 7-11 any skill level allowed. Small wheels only.
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R 40
85cc 12-15 any skill level allowed. Small and big wheels allowed.
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R 41
85 Open small wheel and big wheel is the 2nd class for all 85cc age class bikes.
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R 42
SUPER MINI INCLUDES SMALL WHEEL AND BIG WHEELS/85CC-112CC 2-STROKE/100CC-150CC 4-STROKE (AGES 12-15) NO BEGINNERS
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R 43
Beginner class normally means you have been riding 1 year or less. If you win 3 races within series you may be moved up. Past years champions will be moved up.
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R 44
No late practice, one practice per class. We will not be responsible for locating riders for the event. NO BEGINNERS.
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R 45
Protest of age or rider ability must have proof from local tracks score sheets or print outs.
R46–53 Flags, scoring & officials 8 rules
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R 46
Flagging is done in sections. Amateurs - No doubling or passing in yellow sections. White flag is courtesy flag only, it may or may not be waved. Checkered flag signifies the finish of race regardless of laps. Red flag stops race and race is started over. Blue/Yellow flag is for lapped riders to move over out of the way. Pro riders can double in yellow sections. Pro riders do race and jump under YELLOW; pro riders do not jump or pass under red cross flag. No improving position under yellow FLAG. Penalty is a minimum one position up to one lap per infraction.
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R 47
Gate pick is determined by random computer draw for heats. Your heat finish will determine your main gate pick order.
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R 48
All riders in all classes must wear helmet, goggles and motorcycle boots.
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R 49
Track officials reserve the right to make all final decisions.
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R 50
We suggest using a smokeless oil. Excessive smoking will get you disqualified. Tuning or warming up of bikes/quads must be done outside.
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R 51
If a rider is found to of entered in a class that is beyond his/her level of riding ability officials reserve the right to ask that rider to move down in classification to a class that better suits their ability.
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R 52
It takes at least three bikes to make a class. If any class has less than four entries officials will safely combine the class with another class and run them together but score them separately.
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R 53
#1 Plates are reserved for prior years champions.
R54 Competition apparel 5 standards
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R 54
Competition Apparel:
- 54.1It is the sole responsibility of the rider to select a helmet and apparel, which will provide appropriate protection. hoosier Arenacross Tour LLC does not endorse or certify any manufacturers or products. The rider must rely on his own judgment in the selection of any helmet and apparel for durability and safety.
- 54.2A rider must wear a helmet at all times. Helmets must be of the full-face or full-coverage type. All riders must utilize a shatterproof face shield or shatterproof goggles. The helmet must conform to one of the following recognized standards and have a label affixed certifying its APPROVAL: • Snell M 2005 or DOT FMVSS 218
- 54.3It is recommended that all competitors display the following information on the base of his/her helmet: name, drug allergies and blood type.
- 54.4Protective pants made of durable material must be worn in all competition.
- 54.5Boots must be worn in all competitions. They must be at least eight inches high with laces, buckles or zippers, or specially designed and constructed for leg and foot protection.
R55 Making the main — LCQ format 1 rule
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R 55
There is a possibility that not everyone will make it to the mains. We cannot make that determination until we build our track and know the number of gates we can build. Please make sure you check the Heat Race Order which will be posted near the pit pass sales area. This order will tell you how many racers we are taking from the heats to the main for your class and will tell you if your class needs an LCQ (last chance qualifier)and if so, how many racers we are taking from the LCQ to the mains.
NO RULES MATCH THAT SCAN — TRY A SHORTER TERM.
Protest rules
- All protests must be made in writing to an AMA official.
- It is the duty and responsibility of the rider to determine the class in which he or she belongs. Whatever class you race outdoors is your class indoors. Example: C class outdoors = Novice in Arena motocross.
- Protest must be made by competition.
- Must have proof rider is racing out of class.
- No one except the riders officially entered may ride or practice on the course during the event.
$100
Age protests
$100
On track violations
$100
Classes eligibility
$150
Tear down
$50
Per protested item
Arenacross Officials will retain all fees regardless of outcome.
Pricing
Two deadlines decide what you pay. We strongly encourage all racers to register early to receive discounted Early Bird pricing, avoid late fees, and ensure a smooth check-in process on race weekend.
Amateur
$50 EARLY BIRD
$65 after 10 p.m. CST the Wednesday night before the event.
Pro
$65 EARLY BIRD
$80 after 10 p.m. CST the Wednesday night before the event.
Transponder rental
$20 PER BIKE
MyLaps transponders are required for scoring — rent one or race your own.
Deadline 1 · The price bump
WED · 10:00 PM CST
Prices for registration increase after 10 p.m. CST the Wednesday night before the event.
Deadline 2 · The hard close
RACE DAY · 9:00 AM
Online registration closes at 9:00 AM on Race Day. No exceptions.
All ThrottleCross race registrations are completed online only.
Registration
Online only. Early beats late.
Online only All ThrottleCross race registrations are completed online only.
Hard close Online registration closes at 9:00 AM on Race Day. No exceptions.
Price bump Prices for registration increase after 10 p.m. CST the Wednesday night before the event.
Transponders
Timing & scoring
MyLaps, mandatory
MyLaps Transponders are required for all competitors. Rent one for $20 per bike or use your own.
Be scoreable
Plates readable
All motorcycles must have large, clear number plates with a min of 6" numbers on both sides and front in order to be scored. Rule 35
Race day schedule
The shape of a ThrottleCross race day, from our published schedule: gates → check-in → practice → heats → pro practice → mains.
▸ TYPICAL TEMPLATE · SUBJECT TO CHANGE PER EVENT
Race day — typical
Gates → heats → mains
- 8:30 AMArena, registration and pit gate open
- 9:30 AMRegistration closes for amateurs
- 10:00 AMMandatory rider's meeting (by staging)
- 10:15 AMPractice begins
- 12:45 PMStaging for qualifying (heats)
- 1:00 PMQualifying races (heats)
- 3:30 PMPro registration closes
- 4:00 PMPro practice
- 4:30 PMMain race for classes with fewer than 6 racers (unless we combine)
- 6:30 PMStaging for main races
- 7:00 PMMain races (+ Pro heats then mains)
Main race order will be posted after heat races near registration office.
All race orders are subject to change. Check near the registration office before heats and before mains.
Additional info you should know
Trophies. Please pick up your trophy 20 minutes after the completion of your main race. You can pick up your trophy at the registration office at most venues.
Payouts. PRIZES, AWARDS, AND TROPHIES ARE PAID OUT EACH NIGHT AFTER THE MAIN EVENT; AWARDS WILL NOT BE MAILED OUT. EACH DAY IS SEPARATE AND INDEPENDENT EVENT, WITH SEPARATE PRACTICE, RACES, AWARDS AND PAYOUTS.
Tight schedule. We run a tight schedule, and your racer must stay informed of the schedule as the day progresses. We may alter the Main race order schedule slightly. You must check with the registration office for the schedule changes. They will be posted on the wall just outside the office.
Staging. All classes need to be staged 3 races in advance. If all racers follow the rules, no one will miss their race. Even if we adjust the main order slightly (for example to combine small classes) if you are staged like you are supposed to be, there won’t be any issues. We will not refund money for any racer missing their heat or main.
Number changes. If you need to change your number, report the change to the registration office immediately!
Check the heat order — twice. One thing is very important to check, is the heat racer order. It is posted at the registration office and it lists all the racers in their appropriate class(es). Obviously, mistakes can be made, and it is imperative that you check this order to make sure you are listed in the correct class with the correct bike #. Errors need to be reported to the office immediately. If you don’t follow this procedure and you show up at the gate for heats and you aren’t listed in your class, it will cause delays for everyone. This is important to do again after you complete your heat race. Go back to the registration office and check the results. You may think you got 3rd, but we may have you listed as last place. If errors aren’t reported in a timely manner (immediately after your heat) then you may show up at your main and not allowed to compete. It is difficult to research and correct a problem once the mains have begun. Please follow this simple procedure and the day will run smoothly.
Same name, same number. Please sign in with the same name and number for each race. For example: Do not sign in as Andrew one race and Andy the next. The computer will recognize two different racers. Once you race the first time with a chosen number, that is your number for the series.
Pro’s
- 250 PRO
- 450 PRO
Pro racing runs on its own clock inside race day — on the typical template, pro registration closes at 3:30 PM, pro practice runs at 4:00 PM, and pro heats then mains close the night from 7:00 PM (typical — subject to change per event).
License holders, know your lane: riders issued an AMA Pro Motocross, AMA Pro Supercross, or FIM MXGP license who have earned a professional point are not eligible for "B", "C", or "Sportsman" classes, and Vet racers cannot compete in both Pro and Vet classes — rule 18. Pro flagging differs in yellow sections — rule 46.