General Description of a MiniMoto Miniature road race motorcycle, no higher than an adults knee. Originally from Japan, then perfected by the Italians, now mass produced by the Chinese. The name MiniMoto or Pocket Bike has been used for some years now in Europe and the UK, world champion Valentino Rossi started motorcycle racing on such a machine, today many youngsters have emerged from this sport as top level racers with a promising future ahead of them.
Purpose of the society This club is solely for the enjoyment of MiniMoto Racing and the advancement of the sport, for our junior members as they learn the skills of road racing, to our more senior members that race for enjoyment, at a lower over all cost than full size road race bikes. As an affordable motor sport that can involve the entire family, we promote this sport as social, affordable and fun.
Annual General Meetings The committee shall arrange an AGM to discuss policies and any changes, general running of the club with organising events, purchases and day to day running discusssed in a closed area of the clubs forum.
Clubs Assets A full list of all club assets is kept up to date for all committee members to view in the closed area of the clubs forum.
Age of members At 5 years old a child is physically big enough to control a MiniMoto, the parent has the say to their childs ability to control the motorcycle, if a committee member feels the child is in danger they may stop the race-practice or stop an individual. Age does not seem to matter, people get addicted to the sport and just want to ride. All the same, 5 to 14 years of age are separated into a Junior Class for safety.
Classification of a MiniMoto All bikes must be in a safe operating condition, this is at the riders discretion. Mini or Midi sized bikes are of legal size. Wheel base should be no more than 750mm, with an over all height of no more than (a B1, will check heights). Must have fixed or no suspension. Fixed foot pegs, no folding foot pegs and must be of nylon outer construction to help minimize track damage. Nylon-Plastic handle bar ends must be fitted for the same reason. Slider blocks of suitable size near front and rear axles are optional. Cable or hydraulic braking systems(minimoto type only) – front and rear. No dangerous protruding parts such as brackets or stands of any kind. Must have pull cord style starting system. No batteries are to be used on any MiniMoto, magneto style ignitions only. Rim size is to be no greater than seven inches in diameter. Fixed gearing, no multiple gear systems or step less drives. Only centrifugal clutches may be used, no hand or foot operated clutch systems of any kind. No glycol based coolants are permitted in water cooled bikes on any track, coolant may be available from sign on area or most karting shops. Maximum engine displacement of 50cc (Apart from Open class where max 52cc). Operational kill switch mounted to either handle bar. Exhaust systems must have a functional muffler to keep the MiniMoto noise to an acceptable level as per the hosting clubs noise levels.
Fuel Engine fuel must consist of gasoline, defined as a petroleum fuel. Additives for lubrication, knock suppression, or octane improvement are permitted. Use of anything other than a petroleum fuel is prohibited. This includes all methanol and all other alcohol based fuels.
Fire extinguishers A minimum of two fire extinguishers of 4kg in size shall be present at a meeting, one at the pit entrance and another on the infield, placement and instructions for use shall be in the riders briefing.
Definition of a Standard MiniMoto Standard – means that engine internally is stock standard, exhaust, ignition and carburetor must also be standard.
Cost Bikes start at around $250-NZ incl gst, making this an affordable motorsport, families can afford more than one bike, friends are invited to a day at the race track, the sport begins to grow.
Club Membership Fees for 2009 (Jan to Dec) Adult membership $40 Child membership $20 Family membership $80 (immediate family members only) Download a membership form from the download page.
Race Numbers Numbers must be displayed at the front of the bike and at the rear sides. They should be black numbers on a white background and as large as possible.
Race Number Reqistration Club members have the option of registering their race number membership number for $5- per year, this number may not be used by any other rider. Download a number registration form from the download page. Contact the Secretary -email- for further info.
A family riding one bike has one number but members are A and B A family with more than one bike can each register a different race number.
Race Tracks Being such a small bike speeds are much slower, juniors reach around 60kph, too slow for the likes of Pukekohe or Taupo, karting tracks are the answer, these are built for slower speeds with tighter corners and shorter straights. As guests at these clubs, systems have to be put in place for the safety of all involved and to form good relationships with the kart clubs involved.
Riders Equipment Approved helmets must be worn by all riders. Full face road helmets are preferred; motocross helmets must have chin guards and motocross goggles, full face helmets must have visor closed or just open while on the track. Leather gloves, juniors may use motocross gloves as smaller sizes are hard to find. Knee and elbow pads of good quality. Footwear to cover ankles. Heavy clothing to give minimum protection in a fall, must not be loose fitting. No exposed skin or light weight clothing such as T shirts. Any long hair must be tied inside riders helmet. Points of impact from a fall from a MiniMoto are head, shoulders, back, elbows, forearms, hands, hips, knees, ankles and feet, all these points need to be protected. Elastic Skate Board pads are not suitable as on impact they slide around the knee or elbow to expose the rider to injury. Mountain Bike knee and shoulder pads/armour are permissible. This is the minimum requirement for a junior rider; other classes require higher standards of safety equipment.
MiniMoto Scrutineering Class is decided by the scrutineer not the rider, and must have track protection i.e. handle bar ends, nylon foot pegs, numbers, stands removed.
Race starts The pit gate controller will wait for all bikes to be off the track from a previous race before opening the pit gate for riders to warm up one or two laps (decided prior to racing start and mentioned in riders briefing). The starter will be standing just in front of the start line holding an open red flag for all riders to stop. The starter changes flags to the green and returns centre track with the "helmet check/5 second" sign. Once the starter is comfortable with the grid the "Helmet Check" sign is shown and a visual check is also done by the starter. The "5 Second" sign is shown to the riders, the starter walks to the side of the track and lifts the green flag. If all is well the green flag is quickly lowered to start the race. Bike must be on starting grid before race to be eligible for series points.
Race length Race length is determined by track length, riders are informed of race length at riders briefing.
Race finish As the leading rider passes the finish line to begin the last lap a white flag is lifted and held for the riders to see, a black and white chequered flag is held/waved to indicate the end of the race.
Leaving the track Each rider must maintain racing direction to the tracks exit point. Each rider MUST signal that they are leaving the track but raising arm and moving to exit side of track.
Pit entry from race track A 400x400mm sandwich board will be placed at the last point the rider is allowed to ride the bike, the sign has a red octagon with the word stop in white letters
Rider and MiniMoto Classes Click on Class to view regulations.
Indemnities When required by a hosting club, forms shall be completed and signed by each rider in a legible manner at the beginning of an event, copies made and originals given to the hosting club.
Race Day Sign On Forms This document has an indemnity on it that must be signed by all riders or a guardian for riders under eighteens years of age. Download Race Entry form from download page.
Riders Briefing Participation in riders briefing is compulsory to all with no exceptions.
Pit area behaviour No riding in any pit or car park areas at any time, all riders shall be reminded of this rule at each riders briefing at the start of each race day, no further warnings shall be given and any offending rider may be disqualified from the days event and no points given for that round.
Track behaviour Competitors are responsible for their own conduct as well as the conduct of any person associated with them, such as mechanic, parent and or Team Owner. Most officials have volunteered their services for the smooth, efficient and fair conduct of a meeting. Avoid arguing with an official. If you disagree with a ruling, quietly check with the official on how the decision was reached. Control your temper. Verbal & physical abuse of officials or other competitors, and deliberately distracting or provoking others is not acceptable or permissible behaviour. Treat all competitors as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take advantage of another participant. Avoid the use of coarse or derogatory language. Compete within your skill levels. Only try to extend these skills when there is no likelihood of danger to others, and personal risk is controlled. When leaving the track, always lift left hand to indicate your intention to take the exit and move safely to the outside of the track. In the case of a break down or fall, remove the MiniMoto and yourself off to the side of the track or a place of relative safety. Racing advice: Don't worry about riders behind you, just don't hit the rider in front of you.
Parents Encourage children to participate, if they are interested. Do not force any child who is not willing to participate. Focus on the child’s efforts and performance rather than the overall outcome of the event. Assist the child to set realistic goals based on his or her ability. Teach children that an honest effort is as important as victory, so that the results of each heat are accepted without undue disappointment. Encourage children to follow the rules and any official’s decision. Never ridicule or scold a child for making a mistake during a competition. Positive comments are motivational. Remember children are involved in Minimoto racing for their enjoyment, not yours. Children learn best by example. Applaud good performance by all competitors. Respect an official’s decision. If you disagree with an official, raise the issue through the appropriate channels. Do not question the official’s judgment/honesty in public. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities. Recognise the importance and value of the volunteers. They give their time to provide recreational activities for your children and deserve your support. Demonstrate appropriate social behaviour by not using foul or derogatory language. At no time during the minimoto event is alcohol or any drugs permitted to be consumed by any competitor, team affiliates, visitors or parent.
Emergency Cleanup Kits Any spills must be made known to an organizer at the event or a committee member. In the event of a chemical or liquid spill on the track or in the pit area, each flag marshal will have a container of NZ Natural Zeolite, also a bottle of liquid chemical clean up in a bucket, all flag marshals are given instructions of correct use and disposal at riders briefing, a sweep is to be made of the track surface after each race to check for spills, any spills will be fully documented and all actions noted, copies shall be supplied to the hosting club.
First Aid All events shall have a certified first aid officer present for the duration of the event, this person or persons shall be motioned at the riders briefing. Large events may have a St Johns Officer present. Any rider with a condition that may endanger themselves or others should make the condition known to the first aid officer and or a committee member, a condition of club membership is that any relevant medical conditions need to be known.
Flags Green - start race. Red - stop race. Blue - faster riders approaching, hold lines and allow faster riders to pass safely. Yellow open but held still - accident or fallen rider, no passing. Yellow open and waved - slow down, accident or fallen rider, no passing. Black open but held still - warning. Black open and waved - danger, leave the track at next available point. White - last lap. Checkered - end of race, continue past checkered flag, indicate (by raising hand) and take track exit. Flag marshals are to be on all designated points before track gates are opened.
Rubbish After an event a team shall be formed to cover all the grounds to remove any rubbish left, if the hosting club requires bins to be emptied then bags will be used and all rubbish removed from the clubs premises.
Track Surface Inspection Track surface shall be inspected on foot for any damage, inspections shall be made at the beginning and the end of each event, all damage noted will be documented before and after an event, copies shall be supplied to hosting club on request. If documents are not made then a verbal agreement between committee members of each club will be made.
Alcohol All alcohol consumption is banned during the days racing, the committee shall act appropriately to such an infringement, after the event has finished it is the discretion of the hosting club to allow alcohol in the pit area or in hosting clubs grounds.
Camping Some riders and families travel long distances to attend events and may request to erect a tent or stay overnight in the hosting club grounds, this is only allowed with the permission of the hosting club.
Teams Race This class to consist of 3 riders (one to be a child). Must run the same specifications as in Junior A & B and Womens Daytona Standard classes. Laps will be determined by riders on race day. A fun way to end the day.
System and Practice changes Systems and practices may change as per requirements of the hosting club or venue also as they club grows in numbers and changes are needed, any changes must be discussed agreed upon by the committee members and notification given to members by way of the public forum and notification at the next event. All positions held within the committee have equal voting rights, voting is done in a closed area on the forum or at an event.
