QUARTER MIDGETS OF AMERICA

REGION 13
 

TAMPA BAY QUARTER MIDGET RACING ASSOCIATION

CLUB 52

 
Constitution & By-Laws

 

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

of the

Tampa Bay Quarter Midgets Racing Association

ARTICLE I

NAME AND OFFICE

Section 1. Name

Section 2. Principle Office

PAGE

2

ARTICLE II

PURPOSE AND POLICY

Section 1. Purpose

Section 2. Policy towards QMA

Section 3. Policy Local

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2

ARTICLE III

POWERS OF THE ASSOCIATION

Section 1. General

Section 2. Powers and Limits

PAGE

5

ARTICLE IV

MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Eligibility

Section 2. Classification of Membership

Section 3. Privileges and Responsibilities

PAGE

6

ARTICLE V

DUES AND FINANCES

Section 1. Annual Dues

PAGE

8

ARTICLE VI

OFFICERS OF THE ASSOCIATION

Section 1. Officers

Section 2. Duties

Section 3. Terms of Office

Section 4. Maximum Terms

PAGE

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ARTICLE VII

NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS

Section 1. Election Committee

Section 2. Nominations

Section 3. Elections

Section 4. Vacancies

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14

ARTICLE VIII

MEETINGS OF THE ASSOCIATION

Section 1. Meetings

PAGE

16

ARTICLE IX

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1. Members

Section 2. Powers and Duties

Section 3. Meetings

Section 4. Voice Vote

Section 5. Quorum

PAGE

17

ARTICLE X

COMMITTEES OF THE ASSOCIATION

Section 1. Standing Committees and their Function

PAGE

18

-A-

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

of the

Tampa Bay Quarter Midgets Racing Association

ARTICLE XI

RACING RULES AND PROCEDURES

Section 1. Racing Rules

PAGE

21

ARTICLE XII

DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

Section 1. Levels of Disciplinary Actions

Section 2. The Process will be:

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22

ARTICLE XIII

AMENDMENTS TO THE BY-LAWS

PAGE

23

ARTICLE XIV

RATIFICATION AND ESTABLISHMENT

PAGE

24

ADDENDUM

RACING RULES AND PROCEDURES

ATTACHED

-B-

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

of the

Tampa Bay Quarter Midgets Racing Association

PREAMBLE

We the members of Tampa Bay Quarter Midgets Racing Association in order to create a clean, safe, and healthy sport in which to teach, through example, a sense of fairness, generosity, responsibility and better sportsmanship to the younger generation, do ordain and establish this Constitution and By-Laws for the Tampa Bay Quarter Midgets Racing Association.

ARTICLE I

(Name and Office)

Section 1. Name
The name of the association shall be Tampa Bay Quarter Midgets Racing Association.
Section 2. Principle Office
The principle office of the association shall be in the county of Hillsborough, Florida, at a place designated by the Board of Directors (BOD).

ARTICLE II

(Purpose and Policy)

Section 1. Purpose
a. To develop a joint interest and understanding between child and parents working together.
b. To create and maintain a clean, safe, healthy sport which maybe enjoyed by the entire family.
c. To acquaint the younger generation with the handling of mechanical devices, coordination, alertness and the ability to handle motor driven vehicles.
d. To impress the younger generation with the idea of generosity, fairness, and a sense of responsibility without envy towards others.

 

 

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e.

To acquaint the younger generation with the thrill of competition and a sense of accomplishment in a well regulated sporting event.

f.

To teach better sportsmanship through examples set by parents.

g.

To expand and develop Quarter Midget Racing in the Tampa, Florida area.

Section 2.

Policy Toward QMA
The polices of the association shall be:

a.

To maintain alliances with and assist the Quarter Midgets of America (QMA) whose purpose is to develop, direct and promote the objective of associated clubs and their members on a national basis.

b.

To furnish representatives as requested by the Regional Director (RD) to be sent to the annual QMA Board of Directors meeting to assist recommendations, changes, or additions to QMA rules and assist in setting up ballots for the following year.

c.

To assure that all racing schedules have been coordinated with the R.D.

d.

To communicate for information and interpretation through the R.D.

e.

To assure that all members of the association have received the latest QMA Racing Rules and Specifications and are incorporating these specifications into their racing equipment.

 

 

 

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Section 3.

Policy Local
The polices of the association shall be:

a.

To assure that membership meetings are convened as required to properly and timely handle all regular and special matters important to the membership.

b.

To assure that all members of the association have received the Tampa Bay Quarter Midgets Racing Association Constitution and By-Laws to include Addendum A, Racing Rules and Procedures.

c.

To assure that uniform engine, car, racing and safety rules are adhered to by all members of the association.

d.

To maintain records of all business activities associated with the management of the association and have these records in available conditions at all times.

 

 

 

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ARTICLE III

(Powers of the Association)

Section 1. General
The Tampa Bay Quarter Midgets Racing Association shall have all the General Powers of a Non-Profit Association as provided by the code of Florida.
Section 2. Powers and Limits
a. The association shall conduct on such recreational and non-profiting enterprises associated with the association and its members.
b. The association shall have no right to engage in, and it will not engage in the business of selling, disposing or keeping any liquor or alcoholic beverage at or near the premises of the association for use by or consumption by its members or their guests. (See Article XII, Sections 1 and 2 – Disciplinary Actions).
c. No sale or lease of association property may be made without the authorization of the BOD. Such sales or leases, evidenced by writing, shall be signed by the President or Vice President and by the Secretary or Treasurer of the association.
d. Upon dissolution of the association, the property of the association shall be made available to similar or like institutions under the terms set by the majority vote of the active membership at the time. Also, the property may be distributed to one or more recognized charities or other non-profit organizations by a majority vote of the active membership at that time.

 

 

 

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ARTICLE IV

(Membership)

Section 1. Eligibility
Any family, man, and/or woman, with or without children, who interests are consistent with the purpose and objectives of the Tampa Bay Quarter Midgets Racing Association will be eligible for membership.
a. Application is made in writing. Forms are maintained by the Secretary and/or Treasurer.
b. Signing a statement indicating he/she has received, will read and adhere to the Tampa Bay Quarter Midgets Racing Association Constitution and By-Laws including the Racing Rules and Procedures.
c. Payment of membership dues and insurance premiums.
d. Drivers have completed the approved Tampa Bay Quarter Midgets Racing Association training course and/or has demonstrated to three members of the Novice Committee their driving ability and knowledge of the rules and procedures.

 

 

 

e. Proof of age is required (Birth Certificate) upon application for new membership, for each prospective driver.
Section 2. Classification of Membership
a. Active – Members whose dues and insurance premiums are paid in full.
b. For QMA membership classifications SEE QMA Rule Book, Article 2, Section 6.

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Section 3. Privileges and Responsibilities
a. All family memberships may have one vote per family on any motion of business before the membership.
b. At least one adult or handler must be present at a meeting in order to exercise the voting rights of that member family.
c. No business shall be deemed official or be binding on the members unless conducted at a meeting of the general membership, at either monthly or special meetings. A vote shall consist of more than 50% of the membership present.
d. Only QMA members may compete in Tampa Bay Quarter Midgets Racing Association and QMA sanctioned Quarter Midget events on any approved track and will be covered by their QMA insurance, according to the limits of the policy. All members shall be familiar with the rules and regulations of QMA and shall conduct themselves accordingly.

 

 

 

e. Anyone considered to be of undesirable character or an agitator against QMA or any QMA organization will be brought for a hearing before the RD and the BOD.
f. A member may be considered of undesirable character or an agitator when there has been three formal complaints from three different members, in writing concerning the character of the member. When the BOD has received three formal complaints or when the BOD considers a member to be undesirable, the President shall notify the member by certified mail that they will be brought before the BOD for a hearing. (SEE ARTICLE XII, Section 2)

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ARTICLE V

(Dues and Finances)

Section 1. Annual Dues
The following dues and fees will be paid in order to maintain an active membership.
a. QMA annual dues shall be $ 75.00 per family. A fee of $2.00 will be charged for replacing a QMA driver card. (Unless changed by QMA)
b. Tampa Bay Quarter Midgets Racing Association annual dues shall be determined at the September meeting.
c. All QMA and Tampa Bay Quarter Midgets Racing Association dues are payable by December 31st of each year. The use of the Tampa Bay Quarter Midgets Racing Association facilities will be discontinued until dues are paid in full. The club insurance does not cover anyone who has not paid annual dues.
d. There will be a $ 6.00 charge for a restrictor plate. (Red for novice, Blue for Jr. Honda)

 

 

e. New members entering the association before September 1st will pay full race season dues and fees. New members after September 1st will be counted for the following year.
f. All dues and fees other than pit fees will be paid directly to the association Treasurer, or their appointed representative.
g. The fiscal year for the association shall be from January 1st to December 31st.

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ARTICLE VI

(Officers of the Association)

Section 1. Officers
The elected officers of the association shall be a President, Vice President, Race Director, Secretary, Treasurer, Technical Director, Safety Director, Training Director, and a Publicity Director. The elected officers shall constitute the Board of Directors (BOD).
Section 2. Duties
The President shall:
a. Have the usual executive powers and supervision and management such as may pertain to the office of president, and such other powers and duties as are prescribed in the By-Laws and designated from time to time by the BOD.
b. Preside at all meetings of the association.
c. Call special meetings as provided for in the By-Laws, and others which he/she deems necessary. (SEE ARTICLE VIII – Meetings of the Associations, Section 1-b)
d. Be ex officio, the Chairman of the Board of Directors and a member of all committees except the Election Committee.

 

 

 

e. Appoint the chairman and members of such committees as are approved by the BOD or the general membership.
f. Represent the Tampa Bay Quarter Midgets Racing Association with other organizations and at public meetings and conferences, or designated an alternate.

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g. Advise the Regional Director of all race schedules.
h. The President will be on the account and shall be able to sign checks for the club.
i. Execute with the Secretary, all legal documents of the association and shall sign all obligatory instruments, contracts and notes by which the association shall become legally bound to third parties.
j. Appoint a member from the BOD to serve as a temporary Race Director for those events the Race Director is absent.

 

 

 

k. Shall see that all rules and regulations of the association and QMA are enforced.

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The Vice President shall:
a. In case of the absence or disability of the President, perform the duties of the President.
b. Serve as a member of any committee, except the Election Committee, when designated by the President.
The Race Director shall:
a. Govern the conduct of all races and make final decisions concerning the conduct of all races and protests of races as set forth in the QMA Rules and Regulations.
b. Be responsible for seeing that the flagman, center safety personnel and judges are present for all races.

 

 

c. Follow QMA Race Director Guidelines.
The Secretary shall:
a Keep the records of the association and books of account.
b. Issue notices of meetings and agendas as directed by the President.
c. Have the custody of all records such as minutes, by-laws, rules and regulations.
d. Issue all the necessary membership cards or other evidence of membership.

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e. Attests all signatures of the President to contracts, notes, and other obligatory instruments of the association as are authorized by the BOD.
f. Further perform all other duties normally and usually performed by and pertaining to the office of the Secretary.
The Treasurer shall:
a. Be bonded.
b. Collect all annual dues and other monies of the association.
c. Issue checks upon the association’s bank account.
d. Make disbursements as directed by the association or BOD.
e. With the approval of the BOD, make special arrangements with a recognized financial institution, or institutions regarding investments in securities and their safekeeping.
f. Be Chairman of the Finance Committee.
g. Be custodian of the tile deeds, business papers, and the bonds and other securities belonging to the association.
h. Keep regular books.
i. Render a detailed financial report at each scheduled meeting of the association.
j. Present a semi-annual financial audit to the general membership.

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k. Transfer financial records and accounts to successor no later than January 31st.
l. Perform all duties pertaining to the office of the Treasurer.
The Technical Director shall:
a. Be responsible for seeing that the QMA Rules and specifications concerning engines, cars, equipment and safety are adhered to.
b. Be Chairman of the Safety Committee.
The Safety Director shall:
a. Be responsible for seeing that all aspects of safety to include, but not limited to, QMA and Tampa Bay Quarter Midgets Racing Association rules, regulations and specifications are adhered to.
b. Be Chairman of the Safety Committee.
The Novice Director shall:
a. Assist in administering and overseeing the novice training program for novice drivers.
b. Will recommend and approve all driver moves from the novice class to a competitive class.
c. Will review driver performance, in the competitive class, during probationary period. Recommendation will be made to remain in competitive class or retreat to the novice class for more experience.
d. Be Chairman of the Novice Committee.

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The Publicity Director shall:
a. Be responsible for promotion of Tampa Bay Quarter Midgets Racing Association racing activities.
b. Handle publicity for the Tampa Bay Quarter Midgets Racing Association.
c. Be Chairman of the Publicity Committee.
d. Serve as Parliamentarian for the association.
Section 3. Terms of Office
a. Beginning of Terms – The term of each officer shall begin January 1st of each year.
b. Terms of Office – The officers shall serve for a term of one year, or until their successors are elected and take office.
Section 4. Maximum Terms
a. No member shall hold more than one office at any given time except when the office of Secretary and Treasurer are combined.

ARTICLE VII

(Nominations and Elections)

Section 1. Election Committee
a. Consist of three members appointed by the President. The BOD shall elect the Chairman of the Election Committee.
b. Be appointed at the August membership meeting of each year.

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Section 2. Nominations
a. The Chairman of the Election Committee shall nominate at least one member for each elected office at the September meeting. Prior consent of each member to serve shall have been obtained by the Election Committee.
b. Additional nominations may be made from the floor provided consent of the person has been obtained. The consent must be in writing if the member is absent.
Section 3. Elections
a. The BOD shall be elected by a majority vote. The voting shall be conducted by the Election Committee and shall consist of a written ballot mailed to each club member by November 1st of each year. The ballot is to include voting and mail back instructions for the voting member to mail back or hand in their ballot in person. The dead line for ballots to be received by mail or in person shall be November 15th. The Committee will announce elected officers at the last race of the year.
b. Each member family shall be entitled to two votes (one for each of two adult family members) for each office and a majority of the votes cast shall be necessary for election.

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Section 4. Vacancies
a. All vacancies in office, excluding the Presidency, shall be filled for the unexpired term by a member elected by a majority vote of the general membership present. Members must be notified of a special meeting.
b. A vacancy in the office of President shall be filled by Vice President. The vacancy thus created shall be filled in accordance with Section 4.a. of this ARTICLE.

ARTICLE VIII

(Meetings of the Association)

Section 1. Meetings
a. Regular Meetings of the association will be held monthly, at a place designated by the President.
b. Special Meetings of the association may be called by the President at any time. Upon the written request of any three members of the BOD or any six active members of the association the President shall call a special meeting of the association.
c. In the interim between meetings the President may take a written vote of the membership on any question submitted to the BOD without calling a meeting provided that each member of the BOD and at least two-thirds of the active members shall have an opportunity to vote on the question submitted. A written vote on any question so submitted shall be counted and shall have the same effect as if cast at a regular meeting of the association.

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ARTICLE IX

(The Board of Directors)

Section 1. Members
a. The BOD shall consist of the elected officers of the association.
b. The President shall be the Chairman of the Board.
Section 2. Powers and Duties
a. The Board shall have general supervision over the association and legal affairs of the association in conformity with the by-laws, and actions of the general membership.
b. Adopt rule to govern its own proceedings.
c. Appoint an Audit Committee by December 31st to audit the Treasurer’s records which will consist of the outgoing and incoming Treasurer and the auditor to be completed by January 31st.
d. Make reports on its work and actions to members at the regular meetings.
e. Shall receive membership applications and process in accordance with provisions of these by-laws.
Section 3. Meetings
a. The BOD shall meet at least once before each regular meeting of the association at the call of the President, and at other times at the written request of any three members of the board.
b. Minuets of these meetings will be distributed to the membership at the next general meeting.

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Section 4. Voice Vote
a. In the interim between meetings the President may poll the BOD on any question submitted for consideration provided ALL members of the board shall have the opportunity to vote upon the question submitted. By name vote responses will be provided according to Article IX. 3. a.
Section 5. Quorum
a. The quorum of a meeting of the BOD shall be a majority of the members.

ARTICLE X

(Committees of the Association)

Section 1. Standing Committees and their Function
There shall be the following committees as needed and approved by the BOD. The head of each committee shall report to a BOD member.
a. The Rules, Regulations and By-Laws Committee shall receive, review and report in writing all proposed rule changes and amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws at the regular meeting of the association.
b. The Points and Trophy Committee shall keep a running total of all points for each child racing and give a copy to all members showing points and standings as established by said committee. This committee will also coordinate for all awards.
c. The Maintenance Committee shall perform all preventative maintenance to the property of the association and will keep track and related fixtures in a good state of repair. Will supervise the construction of all additional fixtures.

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d. The Scoring / Log Book Committee shall be responsible for making sure all novice drivers receive a log book when signing in for a race. The committee shall be responsible for making entries in the logbook such as qualifying times, main or semi-event, start and finish position in the race. After graduation, the log book shall have written on it the date of graduation. The scoring committee shall furnish all scorers, callers and lap counters at each race. Will furnish each member with the QMA Scoring Manual and up-dates to the manual as received by the club. Shall assist with all paperwork for QMA Sanctioned Race Events. The committee will be responsible only to the Race Director and Novice Director.

e. The Entertainment Committee shall establish and carry out the entertainment activities of the association.
f. The Pit Steward Committee shall be responsible for the line up of all races. The maintenance of refueling stations at all QMA sanctioned events, keeping cars in assigned pits and will be responsible for qualifying of all cars.

g. The Flagman Committee shall be responsible for training and providing flagmen for all races. Will be responsible only to the Race Director.

h. The Judging Committee shall be responsible for teaching what chopping, charging, racing room, flagrant violations and what reasons for disqualifications are. They shall be responsible to know all QMA and TBQMRA Rules. The committee will be responsible to the Race Director.

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i. The Election Committee will be appointed at the August membership meeting and shall be responsible to solicit nominations for elected officers of the association. The committee will create, mail, and count ballots. (SEE Article VII for further details)
j. The Finance Committee will advise the BOD about the financial status of the club. They will research possible purchases that the club may make.

k. The Technical Committee shall be responsible for assisting during technical inspections at all TBQMRA races. This committee will recommend to the BOD any technical rule related to the TBQMRA Racing Rules and Procedures.
l. The Safety Committee shall oversee the safety inspections at all TBQMRA races. This committee will recommend to the BOD any safety related changes to the TBQMRA Racing Rules and Procedures.

m. The Training Committee shall oversee the Novice Training and any other training within the TBQMRA. This committee will recommend to the BOD any training related items to the TBQMRA Racing Rules and Procedures.
n. The Publicity Committee shall be responsible to promote Quarter Midget racing in the Tampa Bay area. They will also solicit sponsorships to ensure that the association can provide awards at each race and for each point series.

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o. The Audit Committee shall be responsible for auditing the books at the end of each year and then passing them on to the elected Treasurer. The Audit Committee will be selected after the annual election and will take possession of the financial records by December 15th. Once the records are determined to be in order they will pass them on to the elected treasurer. The records should be approved and passed on/before January 15th. The committee will provide a report of their findings to the new BOD at the first board meeting of the new year. The members of the audit committee will NOT be members of the finance committee.

ARTICLE XI

(Racing Rules and Procedures)

Section 1. Racing Rules
a. The Tampa Bay Quarter Midgets Racing Association Board of Directors will establish Racing Rules and Procedures in an Addendum to this Constitution.
b. The Racing Rules and Procedures will in no way lessen the effects of the Official Quarter Midget’s Of America’s Rules.
c. The Racing Rules and Procedures Addendum can be changed by a majority vote of ALL BOD members. Any rule changes will take effect immediately with the attempted notification of all club members. The Addendum is to be used as a working tool to ensure fairness amongst all competitors.

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ARTICLE XII

(Disciplinary Action)

Section 1. Levels of Disciplinary Actions
a. Suspension
b. Removal from membership
Section 2. The Process will be:
The BOD will review/ investigate the incident and if deemed appropriate, and will call for a hearing before the BOD.
a. The President shall notify the member by certified mail that they will be brought before the BOD for a hearing.
b. The BOD may elect not to present the case to membership. If this is the case, the board meeting minutes will reflect such action. The member may elect that it is heard before the membership. But if they elect that it be heard by the BOD and not the membership they may not reverse their decision once the BOD hears the case.
c. If the case is to be presented to the membership, the Board will call for a meeting of members, present the details of the violation along with a recommendation for disciplinary action.
d. A two-thirds majority vote of the members in attendance as required to enforce any level of disciplinary action. All voting members involved in the incident will be excluded from the process.
The rules contained in "Roberts Rules of Order" shall govern the association in all assistances in which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these By-Laws.

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ARTICLE XIII

(Amendments to the By-Laws)

All proposals for amendments shall be presented to the Chairman of the Rules, Regulations and By-Laws Committee at least four weeks before the meeting of the association at which the adoption is to be considered. The Committee Chairman shall report the proposed amendment in writing, assuring that the Secretary receives a copy. The By-Laws may be amended by a two-thirds majority of the active members voting. Every amendment to the By-Laws of the association shall be numbered, dated and attached to this document under ARTICLE XIV Ratification and Establishment. Every amendment to the By-Laws shall become effective and binding on all members at the time of adoption.

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ARTICLE XIV

(Ratification and Establishment)

The Ratification of this Constitution and By-Laws shall be accomplished in the same manner and by the same procedure as that outlined in ARTICLE XIII Amendments.
These rules and By-laws shall be the only rules governing the Tampa Bay Quarter Midgets Racing Association and will be ratified at a general meeting of the membership.

 

 

Date Ratified by the membership _____________________________

Title

Name

Signature

Term

President   _____________________________

20__

Vice President   _____________________________

20__

Race

Director

  _____________________________

20__

Secretary   _____________________________

20__

Treasurer   _____________________________

20__

Technical Director   _____________________________

20__

Safety

Director

  _____________________________

20__

Novice Director   _____________________________

20__

Publicity Director   _____________________________

20__

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Racing Rules & Procedures

RACING RULES AND PROCEDURES

of the

Tampa Bay Quarter Midgets Racing Association

ARTICLE I

GENERAL

Section 1. Driver Awards

Section 2. Racing Schedule

Section 3. Pit Fees

Section 4. Conflict between QMA and TBQMRA Rules

Section 5. Injuries

Section 6. Racing Conditions of the Track

Section 7. Car Numbers

PAGE

2

ARTICLE II

CAR OPERATION

Section 1. Safety Check of Cars

Section 2. Legality Protests

Section 3. Limitations of Technical Director

Section 4. Ambassador Racing Specific Directives

PAGE

4

ARTICLE III

QUALIFYING

Section 1. Times on the Track and On the Clock

Section 2. TBQMRA Track Records

Section 3. Two Drivers Qualifying the Same Car

Section 4. Driver Racing Position

PAGE

6

ARTICLE IV

RACING

Section 1. Determining Racing Position

Section 2. Controlled Practice

Section 3. Warm up period

Section 4. Pole Car Responsibility

Section 5. Flagman Responsibilities

Section 6. Judges Responsibilities

Section 7. Final Position / End of Race

Section 8. Protests

Section 9. Out of Specification Car / Engine

Section 10. Loss of Driver Points

PAGE

7

ARTICLE V

JUDGING

PAGE

10

ARTICLE VI

SCORING

PAGE

10