2013 Sydney Dirt Track Championship

[firko]

The City of Penrith Motorcycle Club has announced the following big series for 2013.

2013 Sydney Dirt Track Championship
Series Classes and Machine Eligibility
Senior
1/ Pro Lite - (Up to and including 125cc 2 stroke and up to 250cc 4 stroke, Non Slider Frame)
2/ Pro 450 - (Up to and including 250cc 2 stroke and up to 450cc 4 stroke, Non Slider Frame)
3/ Pro Unlimited (Any capacity, Any Frame solo)
4/ Formula 1 Sidecars (Sidecars up to 1100cc)
5/ Formula 2 Sidecars (Sidecars up to 550cc)
6/ Sliders (Slider Frame only, any capacity)
7/ Evolution 125cc/Pre 1970 (Up to 125cc, Any air cooled, drum brakes, non-link suspension and Pre 1970, Non Slider Frame)
8/ Evolution 250 (Up to 250cc any air cooled, drum brakes, non-link suspension, Non Slider Frame)
9/ Evolution Unlimited (Any capacity, any air cooled, drum brakes, non-link suspension, Non Slider Frame)
10/ Ladies (Any capacity, Any Frame)
11/ 40 Plus (Over 40 years of age at the 1st of January 2013, any capacity, any frame solo)
12/ Pre 1990 Thumpers (Any Capacity, Any Frame, Pre 1990 4 stroke solo)
13/ Pre 1990 Unlimited (Any Capacity, Pre 1990, Non Slider Frame solo)
14/ Stroker Unlimited (Any capacity, Any Frame, 2 Stroke solo)
Junior
15/ Junior 65 (up to 65cc 2 stroke and up to 80cc 4 stroke)
16/ Junior 85 (up to 85cc 2 stroke and up to 150cc 4 stroke)
17/ Junior Slider (Any Slider Frame)
18/ Junior Lite (up to 125cc 2 stroke and up to 250cc 4 stroke)
19/ Nippers (Non Competitive Demonstration)

Series Rules
The 2013 Sydney Dirt Track Championship Series will be held at Nepean Raceway on March 24th, June 16th and
September 15th.
City of Penrith Motorcycle Club is the Series Promoter.
 Minimum Licence requirements are a current Motorcycling Australia Senior or Junior Club Licence. One Event
Licences are acceptable and can be purchased by way of pre entry.
Pre entry/nomination is mandatory.
Entry fees are payable at sign-on on Race day.
A minimum of six (6) solo and four (4) sidecar entries to constitute a class (At the discretion of the Promoter).
All classes are subject to confirmation by the Promoter after pre entry closing date.
All competitor entries are accepted at the discretion of the Promoter.
Competitors are permitted to change or substitute machinery after the commencement of racing only after
consultation with, and approval from  the Clerk of Course .
Starting positions for all races except Finals and Consolations will be pre-determined.
Limited entries (grid positions) are available in each class at each race meeting.
Available grid positions will be filled on a “first in first served basis”. 
Competitors must nominate a minimum of four (4) classes in order of preference to allow the Promoter to satisfy   where possible the competitors preferred classes.








Available Grid Positions in each class are as follows:

 
Pro Lite, Pro 450, Pro Unlimited, Evolution 250,
Evolution Unlimited, Stroker Unlimited, Pre 90 Unlimited, 40 Plus   24 Grid Positions Per Class       
Sliders, Pre 1990 Thumpers, Evolution 125/Pre 1970, Ladies, Junior 65, Junior 85, Junior Sliders, Junior Lite   12 Starting Positions Per Class      
Formula 1 Sidecar,
Formula 2 Sidecar   6 Starting Positions Per Class   

Entry Fees and Conditions
Senior solo competitors receive entry into two (2) classes at the cost of $70 and can utilize the same or two (2)
different machines in these classes. Additional classes will be at the additional cost of $10 per class.

Sidecar competitors receive entry into the applicable class or classes for the cost of $80. Sidecar competitors (rider
and passenger) can enter one (1) solo class on appropriate machinery at an additional cost of $20 with additional
solo classes at the cost of $10 per class.

Junior competitors receive entry into one (1) classes at the cost of $40 and can enter age appropriate additional
classes on appropriate machinery at the additional cost of $10 per class.

Series Points Scoring System
All races in all classes will be scored as per the following point system;

 
Place   Points   Place   Points      
1   25   13   12      
2   23   14   11      
3   22   15   10      
4   21   16   9      
5   20   17   8      
6   19   18   7      
7   18   19   6      
8   17   20   5      
9   16   21   4      
10   15   22   3      
11   14   23   2      
12   13   24   1   

All points scored by each competitor to accumulate over each Series Round to determine overall 2013 Sydney
Dirt Track Championship Series winners.
Qualification for Finals in the applicable classes (Pro Lite, Pro 450, Pro Unlimited, Evolution 250, Stroker, Pre 90      Unlimited, Evolution Unlimited and 40 Plus) as follows; Top point scoring half of the field after all Heats qualify for
the Finals, the remaining half of the field go through to the Consolation Race.
If a tie on points occurs for any position during a Race meeting the tying competitor who has the higher finishing      position in the final race of the meeting will be awarded that position.
If a tie on points occurs for any position after the accumulation of points over the Series the tying competitor who
has the greatest number of higher places over the Series will be awarded the position.

Race Day Schedule
 
Event# - Round 1 Races
1/ Pro 450 Heat 1
2/ Pro 450 Heat 2

3/ Evolution 250 Heat 1
4/ Evolution 250 Heat 2

5/ Junior 65 Race 1

6/ Formula 2 Sidecars Race 1

7/ Stroker Heat 1
8/ Stroker Heat 2

9/ Sliders Race 1

10/ Junior 85 Race 1

11/ Evolution 125/Pre 1970 Race 1

12/ Junior Sliders Race 1

13/ Ladies Race 1

14/ Pre 90 Unlimited Heat 1
15/ Pre 90 Unlimited Heat 2

16/ Formula 1 Sidecar Race 1

17/ Evolution Unlimited Heat 1
18/ Evolution Unlimited Heat 2

19/ Junior Lite Race 1

20/ Pro Unlimited Heat 1
21/ Pro Unlimited Heat 2

22/ Junior 65 Race 2

23/ Formula 2 Sidecars Race 2

24/ Pro Lite Heat 1
25/ Pro Lite Heat 2

26/ Junior 85 Race 2

27/ 40 Plus Heat 1
28/ 40 Plus Heat 2

29/ Formula 1 Sidecar Race 2

30/ Junior Lite Race 2

31/ Pre 90 Thumpers Race 1

32/ Junior Sliders Race 2   Event# - Round 2
33/ Pro 450 Heat 3
34/ Pro 450 Heat 4

35/ Evolution 250 Heat 3
36/ Evolution 250 Heat 4

37/ Junior 65 Race 3

38/ Formula 2 Sidecars Race 3

39/ Stroker Heat 3
40/ Stroker Heat 4

41/ Sliders Race 2

42/ Junior 85 Race 3

43/ Evolution 125/Pre 1970 Race 2

44/ Junior Sliders Race 3

45/ Ladies Race 2

46/ Pre 90 Unlimited Heat 3
47/ Pre 90 Unlimited Heat 4

48/ Formula 1 Sidecar Race 3

49/ Evolution Unlimited Heat 3
50/ Evolution Unlimited Heat 4

51/ Junior Lite Race 3

52/ Pro Unlimited Heat 3
53/ Pro Unlimited Heat 4

54/ Junior 65 Race 4

55/ Formula 2 Sidecars Race 4

56/ Pro Lite Heat 3
57/ Pro Lite Heat 4

58/ Junior 85 Race 4

59/ 40 Plus Heat 3
60/ 40 Plus Heat 4

61/ Formula 1 Sidecar Race 4

62/ Junior Lite Race 4

63/ Pre 90 Thumpers Race 2

64/ Junior Sliders Race 4   Event# Round 3/Consolations/Finals
63/ Pro 450 Consolation
64/ Pro 450 Final

65/ Evolution 250 Consolation
66/ Evolution 250 Final

67/ Junior 65 Race 5

68/ Formula 2 Sidecars Race 5

69/ Stroker Consolation
70/ Stroker Final

71/ Sliders Race 3

72/ Junior 85 Race 5

73/ Evolution 125/Pre 1970 Race 3

74/ Junior Sliders Race 5

75/ Ladies  Race 3

76/ Pre 90 Unlimited Consolation
77/ Pre 90 Unlimited Final

78/ Formula 1 Sidecar Race 5

79/ Evolution Unlimited Consolation
80/ Evolution Unlimited Final

81/ Junior Lite Race 5

82/ Pro Unlimited Consolation
83/ Pro Unlimited Final

84/ Junior 65 Race 6

85/ Formula 2 Sidecar Race 6

86/ Pro Lite Consolation
87/ Pro Lite Final

88/ Junior 85 Race 6

89/ 40 Plus Consolation
90/ 40 Plus Final

91/ Formula 1 Sidecar Race 6

92/ Junior Lite Race 6

93/ Pre 90 Thumpers Race 3

94/Junior Sliders Race 6    

[Graeme M]

This is an exciting development and shows that dirt track is definitely on the comeback trail. I reckon this series should be very successful.

[pancho]

 Thanks to Roy and the rest of the committee looks like a great series coming up!

cheers pancho.

[Montynut]

Maybe a good option to tie in for 2014 or even this year with the Pre65 series ran by Heaven VMX.

A NSW Pre65 Dirt Bike Series - 3 MX/grass track events & 2 or 3 Pre65 Dirt Track events? Would it be a goer?

Maybe let this excellent DT series settle in for 2013 and if the Heaven Pre65s series is successful maybe look at something for 2014? Could be a great thing and doesn't need extra or additional meetings.

Just food for thought

[firko]

I wish Penrith all the best with it, I reckon it'll be a great event. I'd like to see pre 75/78 chucked into the mix but understand that moderns are the main focus. I'd also be a happier spectator if I didn't have to sit through races for Nippers and Junior 65's. Their inclusion was the one thing that almost spoiled the Troy Bayliss Classic for me. I'd rather see veteran races than demo laps for bloody nippers but I'll probably get boo'd off the stage for even suggesting it.

[SON]

Where is the Twins Classes?

[jimg1au]

just been going through the new penrith format and i could realy do some damage to myself
2 bikes 1969 montesa 250 and  long track 500 slider
8 rides per round x3 = 24 races for the day
its als first in best dressed as the most popular classes eg pro light pro450 pro unlim evo250 evo unlim pre90 unl 40plus only 24 grid positions for these races
ie if you dont pre enter early you wont get a spot.some classes only got 12 grids
24 grids =2 heats 12 grids =1 heat
dont pre enter dont turn up and expect to ride you wont
this should be good as they want to get through 94 races in a day
should be fun
slidie pit bitch were are you. hope you remember how to start a slider as it can enter 4 races per round
jim
454

[Curly3]

Pit bitch my arse, you're gunna be knackered Jimbo.
At first glance the changes look good to me but I'm sure there'll someone to complain, aint gunna be me cause I ant riding this year.

[Paul552]

I wish Penrith all the best with it, I reckon it'll be a great event. I'd like to see pre 75/78 chucked into the mix but understand that moderns are the main focus. I'd also be a happier spectator if I didn't have to sit through races for Nippers and Junior 65's. Their inclusion was the one thing that almost spoiled the Troy Bayliss Classic for me. I'd rather see veteran races than demo laps for bloody nippers but I'll probably get boo'd off the stage for even suggesting it.

Re the nippers and juniors given they are not so exciting that is for sure but if you want to grow this great sport doesn't it start at grass roots junior level ?

[number 87]

Hi all, it has been a while since i have had much to say . . . . a rarity some would say.

I hope all in the "old bike community" are well and that 2013 has started better than an old Maico (I just know i'll get a fork leg across the back of the head behind the Nepean shitters for that!!)

I would like to share and expand on the thought and reasoning behind the "New" classes, format and rules for 2013.

First some background.

After floating a truck load of concepts since 2010 to improve both Dirt Track and Nepean Raceway's profile with media coverage, commercial support (sponsorship) and at the same time not forgeting the importance of financial viability for the organising Club or Clubs AND the fact that riders need to enjoy racing and get value for money, I joined the Nepean District Motorsport Club commitee in 2012 in order to attemp to get these concepts "out of the gate and across the line" until about mid 2012 when i got sick and tired of the inaction, in-fighting, very selective communication, shit-canning of ANYTHING different and progressive and somewhat of a totalitarian mentality)  

With the support of a few other motivated Penrith members some of these concepts morphed into the 2012 Sydney West Series and whilst certainly not anywhere near perfect certainly a stepping stone. This year we (City of Penrith) are attempting to take further steps to solidify Dirt Track as not only a brilliant branch of motorcycle racing from a the competitors and Club point of view but also one to be taken seriously by the Motorcycle Industry, the Media (both motorcycle and general) and the general public.

Now on to "New" classes, format and rules for 2013.

After substantial (F@#K%&G HOURS and HOURS WORTH) analysis of the class entries in the 2012 series it was evident that only 3 class consistantly had 2 to 3 grids of riders the remainder were generally under subscribed (less than 12) and plenty had less than half a grid. Add to this the fact that it was difficult and rare for the Club to get though the full program this analysis showed the classes needed some consolidation and serious tweaking. Another major issue for the Club has been delays or a slow start to the Race day given the processing of "on the day" entries.

These are the major problems to solve, mandatory pre-entry will go a long way to achieving this as without pre-entry the Race Secretary never or rarely knew what entries he or she had to deal with until after 9.30 on Race day, tweaking the classes will also make a huge difference. My target was to ensure that as a worst case senario an entry with only one motorcycle will get as a minimum, 6 races.

I think we have achieved this. . . following are a few examples.

Example - A Slider frame motorcycle is eligible for - Slider (3 races), Pro Unlimited (3 races) and if the rider is over 40 years old - 40 plus (3 races), as well as the Pre 1990 Thumpers (3 races), if the bike fit the age requirements. Not to mention the Stroker class (3 races) if it has a 2 stroke engine fitted.

Another example and to maybe answer the question from SON at the same timeWhere is the twins class? - There is not a Twins class as by the above mentioned analysis based on historical entries there has never been anywhere near enough entries to make a viable class but you can enter it in the following - Pro Unlimited, Pre 1990 Thumpers if it fits the age requirements and is a 4 stroke, Evolution Unlimited if it is air cooled, has drum brakes, non link suspension and it is NOT in a slider frame, Pre 1990 Unlimited if it is old enough and 40 Plus if you are old enough . . . . . . .

Yet another example regarding Pre 75 and Pre 78 - (By the way Firko I hope you are well and the health demons have pissed right off) Penrith "Club days" in recent years (at least as far back as 2008, my memory doesn't work past this point - too many fork legs to the back of the head!) have run capacity based "Classic" classes based around Evo Rules.
Soooooo in 2013 at the Sydney Dirt Track Championship meetings. . . If a motorcycle is air cooled, has drum brakes and non link suspension and is not a slider type frame it can enter the Evolution Classes irrespective if it was buit in 1980 something, 1977, 1974, 1956 or if Captain Cook wheeled it off the Endovour in 1770!

Just a note on capacities please note that the Class eligibility states "Up to"  for all class. So an air cooled, drum braked, non link suspension 125cc bike is eligible for Evolution 125/Per 1970, Evolution 250 and Evolution Unlimited as well as rider age and engine type class if appropriate.

ETC ETC ETC - I hope this is helping explain eligibility . . . . .  

There is a page missing from the original document on Firko's original post. This page outlines a race schedule that sheds further light on the Race Day events.

You will also note some changes to the name of some classes ie what used to be call Junior Sidecars will be called Formula 2 Sidecars . . . . . This is for reasons a/ far more marketable to potential sponsors or media and b/ in the case of the old Junior Sidecar class it differentiates from the "kids" classes.

This race series is, at the end of the day 3 "re-badged" club days run by volunteers under interclub permits (saves silly MA licence upgrade costs) and the atmosphere of track will remain laid back, fun and great value but there is absolutley no reason why we can't also have slick, organised, structured and promotable Race meetings that mean a more that 3 club days.

As Dick Mann said "anyone with 50 bucks and a good attitude can race" This ethos will apply!! On the note of cost the entry per race meeting has remained the same as 2012 even though the Nepean Raceway commitee has raised the track hire substantially and no longer preps the track for hiring Clubs. The extra $5 dollars for entry is so that competitors no longer pay at the gate, it is the same $5, its just that Nepean Race way now have the clubs collect the admission cost.    

I could go on and on and on but it is late and my Wife and the cats have the shits, I simply wanted to shed light on some of the why's and maybe to alliviate some phone calls and miss-interpretaion, wispers and pisses and moans.

A lot of time has has been invested by the City of Penrith Club commitee to attempt to create a structure that will work for all. So if there are any questions please keep them nice, post away and i will respond.

Cheers all and keep the rubber end down no matter what you race or where you race it.

Number 87  

[SON]

Number 87
Firstly let me say how much I like the word "IF" !
For it starts one of my favorite sayings " IF he could see the Forest not just the Trees".
Last night I spent a few hours at the MA Dirt Track Commissioners place going through my excitement for the sport following the success of the Troy meeting, I was there for 6 hours following an inspection of the improvements to Barleigh Ranch on the way up, I left at 7pm missing the main action to drive to Kurri to watch a couple of Dirt Track kids I have helped try and win some Australian Speedway Titles.
I did see enough to know that Mick was going to give it to them and that Tom Edwards, the kid that won the 65s and Mick helps out would love his day in the SUN.
Congratulations MAX CROKER Perfect score in the U16 350s at Kurri another Australian Speedway Champion out of Junior Dirttrack !
To me the best thing about the Troy meeting was the number of junior Dirttrackers that returned to the sport to give a little back to where they started and have a s#!t load of fun doing it !
the second best thing was the number of spectators that were there, Troy used his Star Power to get them there, it is now the responsibility of DIRTTRACK PROMOTERS to offer up events to keep them coming back.
.
Dirttrack will always be here, it is the cheapest form of racing, where skill will always shine through, but it pi$$es me off that it gets virtually no assistance from the powers that be,
Be that MA, the Chiefs of the Motorcycle Distributors, or the Accessory Distributors.
I know because I have spoken to them about this on a regular basis,
I spent 15 minutes talking to the Marketing Manager of Harley about sponsoring the Big Twins only to be told  they have no budget, he really had not listened because I had already told him I did not really want his money but I would take some if he had any,
I wanted his "Clients".
It really stopped him in his tracks,
Any one who has been to an AMA Flattrack Mile will know what I mean, the events are full of Harley, not Metric,
TO FIX DIRTRACK YOU NEED TO PUT SOME MONEY INTO IT !!!
TO DO THAT YOU NEED SPECTATORS !!!!
Paying to get in
Paying at the Canteen.
AND SPONSORS PAYING TO GET ACCESS TO YOUR SPECTATORS.
The MORE Spectators you get the more successful your event will be,
In fact at almost every motorcycle event I go to I count the crowd literally, I usually judge the events success on its ability to get people to it.
.
Back to Harley, they are the number one selling Road Motorcycle yet their riders are virtually ignored by the racing promoters, target them and your event will be successful.
What do you know about Harley riders? Generally they like their motorcycles noisy, with some rumble !
Give them what they want ! Noisy Motorcycles with some Rumble ! GIVE THEM THE TWINS and THEY WILL COME !!!!!!!
Think outside the square because more of your customers live there !

[SON]

Last time I saw BIG TWINS in SYDNEY was at Bankstown, that was a little while ago.
Include the OLD SCHOOL and BIG TWINS into your SERIES I will get you the SPONSORS !!!
And 500 Extra SPECTATORS !!!

[micks]

montynut why not test the water at the charity weekend 1st weekend in august.

[number 87]

Bayliss IS a legend in my mind, due to his willingness to leverage off his "Star Power" and give back to domestic motorcycle racing (one of the very few) . . . . I dearly hope that he has not been and never will be "touched up" . . . .

#87

[firko]

Has anyone ever thought to approach Deus ex Machina regarding sponsorship for dirt track? Their whole schtick revolves around old school dirt track as you can clearly see by a trip to their HQ or a browse of the websites. Like Son's attitude to Harley it's probably not going to get past the first cup of coffee if you're after big wads of cash but if you tell them you want their "brands involvement" by having bikes on display and even setting up a Pop Up Deus ex Machina Coffee and clothing shop in the spectator area. The initial involvement might not be huge but over time I reckon it'd be beneficial to the sport and Deus. http://deuscustoms.com/