TX4 Rulebook
Race Officials
Introduction
TX4 Cross Country Racing (referred to as TX4 hereinafter) is the owner and promoter of the TX4 Racing Series. Rules and regulations set forth herein are designed to establish minimum acceptable requirements and to provide for the orderly conduct of racing events. Effective January 1, 2022, these rules and regulations will govern all TX4 events. All TX4 members and racers willingly participating in these events are deemed to have read and agreed to comply with these rules and regulations.
General Rules
- 1Off road racing is a hazardous sport. With participation being voluntary, no entrant, pit crew member, or vehicle sponsor shall have any claim for damages, expenses, or lawsuits against the promoter, track operator, TX4, its officers, agents, or directors arising from vehicle damage, personal injury, death, or monetary loss. Entrants who voluntarily participate waive any such claim.
- 2The promoter or track operator may run any type of approved TX4 event.
- 3The director shall have the authority to penalize, disqualify, and/or suspend any entrant or crew member for the violation of these rules, including special rulings.
- 4TX4 may issue special rulings to account for conditions presented by the location of the race, the condition of the course, or any other circumstance.
- 5Supplementary regulations may be issued for each event as necessary to amend, suspend, or modify existing rules.
- 6TX4 assumes no responsibility for delays, postponements, and/or cancellations due to inclement weather, unsafe course conditions, or any other reason.
- 7TX4 members are not employees of TX4. Members assume all responsibility for charges, premiums, and taxes payable on any funds received through TX4 events.
- 8TX4 reserves the right to refuse and/or deny any entry application.
- 9Displacement modifications are legal by boring and stroking a motor to increase displacement within class guidelines. Boring down to decrease displacement is strictly prohibited.
- 10All ATV riders must have a working kill switch or tether cord kill switch.
- 11No rider is permitted to carry gasoline except within the machine's fuel tank.
- 12Safety equipment and machine eligibility are the sole responsibility of the rider.
- 13ATV riders must be 4 years of age or older as of the first day of the current event.
- 14DNF Definition: Racer must start the race and complete one lap through scoring. Points will be awarded to those who finish at least half of the class winner's lap count (e.g., if winner finishes 9 laps, 4 laps are required).
- 15No paddle tires allowed.
- 16By racing with or attending TX4 events, you agree to allow TX4 to use your name, likeness, and voice for promotional purposes. Your contact information may be used for marketing through TX4 contracted sponsors. You may opt out at any time by contacting TX4.
- 17ABSOLUTELY NO PIT RIDING ALLOWED AT ANY EVENT. See Pits section for details.
- 18TX4 reserves the right to uphold all policies and rules, written or otherwise.
- 19All TX4 policies will be at the discretion of the promoter, whether written or not.
Entrants
- 1Any entrant who fails to fully complete and sign required entry forms, waivers, and releases shall be disqualified and forfeit any prize money, points, and contingencies won at that event. Forms must be signed in person in front of TX4 entry personnel. Identification may be required.
- 2No entrant may enter racing areas until all releases and entry forms are signed. No person shall sign forms for anyone other than themselves. Photo ID may be required.
- 3Entry applications for persons under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign the release form. If a parent sends their child with a legal guardian, an TX4 minor release form must be used — must be notarized to be valid.
- 4Any entrant who competes on a vehicle they are not registered to ride shall forfeit all prize money, points, and contingencies won at that event. Such action may result in vehicle disqualification.
- 5TX4 reserves the right to change race vehicle numbers and/or background color designations.
- 6Only entrants listed on the official TX4 entry form may ride the vehicle for which they are registered.
- 7The rider must sign all entry forms, waivers, and releases in person during the registration period to be eligible for points, contingencies, purse, etc.
Event Course
- 1A marked course is the official route designated and marked with official TX4 markings. All vehicles must follow this route. Short coursing is not permitted and will result in penalties up to disqualification. Short coursing is defined as any deviation from the marked course resulting in a time or position advantage. TX4 is not responsible for markings that are damaged or removed. Riding backwards on the course is grounds for disqualification.
- 2The course may include trails, footpaths, roads, hills, motocross tracks, or any terrain negotiable by an ATV. The course will be open for inspection on Friday — walking or bicycle only. If a rider leaves the course for any reason, they must re-enter where they left or face penalties up to DSQ.
- 3Riding backwards on the course is grounds for immediate disciplinary action up to and including disqualification.
- 4Course markers include arrows and ribbon. When two arrows appear on both sides of the trail, you must travel between them. If a ribbon is displaced during competition, the original marked course must still be followed. Course marshals will circulate the track to repair markers as needed.
- 5In the event of a bottleneck blocking the track, you may find a way around off-course, but must return to the track as close to the departure point as possible. When the track clears, you must race the original course.
Rule Infractions & Penalties
The following legend of infraction penalties is a guideline used by TX4 in assessing penalties. This list is not exhaustive of all possible infractions.
- Race vehicle traveling in reverse direction on the course at any time: disciplinary action up to and including disqualification.
- Pit support vehicles traveling on the racecourse at any time: disciplinary action up to and including disqualification.
- Abusive (verbal or physical) conduct toward a race official: Disqualification, suspension, $500 fine, or any combination of the three.
- Short coursing: disciplinary action up to and including disqualification.
- ATV practice must begin at the designated starting line. Each racer must complete unclassified through the scoring chute. Transponder must be on vehicle during practice. Violation = disqualification from the weekend's events.
- Passing in the scoring chute: 2-position penalty.
- DSQs are non-droppable and will count towards championships.
- DSQ for a machine cc infraction = loss of all points from that class for the entire race season.
- Outside assistance is permitted as long as it does not impede other racers or the flow of race traffic.
- All riders must finish on the same bike/vehicle they started on. Changing vehicles during a race = DSQ.
Riders
- 1Only entrants listed on the official TX4 entry form may ride the vehicle for which they are registered.
- 2TX4 reserves the right to change race vehicle numbers and/or background color designations.
- 3The rider must sign all entry forms, waivers, and releases in person during the registration period to be eligible for points, contingencies, purse, etc.
Pits
- 1At all times, the rider assumes responsibility for the actions of their pit crew, support crews, and all associated personnel. All pitting must be done in the designated pit area. No rider is allowed to carry gasoline except inside their machine's gas tank.
- 2No vehicle shall be towed, pushed, pulled, or transported by a non-race-entered vehicle on the official course while an event is in progress. A race-entered vehicle or official TX4 vehicle may push/pull/tow to the nearest pit stop checkpoint. Only the vehicle occupant at time of breakdown may push the vehicle through the finish line.
- 3Any pit support vehicle running on or near the racecourse will result in the entrant being disqualified. Any pit vehicle running backwards on the racecourse will cause the race vehicle to be disqualified.
- 4All pits must have a UL approved 5-lb. ABC fire extinguisher, visible and easily accessible at all times. Racers without a quick-fill fuel system must dismount the vehicle when refueling.
- 5All young children and pets must be kept out of the pit area. Pets must be on a leash. Campfires must be kept out of the immediate pit area and may not be permitted due to local regulations.
- 6All entrants are responsible for cleaning the pit areas they use during the event.
- 7Hot Pits (Pro Main): A designated hot pit area may be established using chalk lines or hay bales to define a safe zone. Any full-stop servicing or crew personnel beyond the safe zone during servicing incurs a minimum 2-minute penalty and/or up to disqualification.
- 8Any pit crew members disregarding these rules will subject their rider to disciplinary action up to and including disqualification.
Competition & Safety Equipment
The regulations herein apply to all classes unless otherwise noted. Modifications or optional equipment are not permitted unless specifically stated in class requirements or safety regulations. Entrants must wear approved helmet, protective clothing, eye protection, and safety equipment when operating a vehicle on the race course at any time.
ATV Safety Equipment
- 1Helmets: Must be Snell Memorial Foundation approved with a Snell or D.O.T. sticker. Straps must have D-ring fasteners only — no snaps or Velcro. Interior and exterior must be free of defects. TX4 strongly recommends helmets specifically designed for racing.
- 2Protective Clothing: Required accessories include gloves, race pants, race jersey, and boots.
- 3Eye Protection: Shatter-resistant eye protection is required for all ATV entrants.
- 4Emergency Kill Switch: All ATVs must have a tether cord kill switch. Heel guards/floorboards are required. Nerf bars with nets are highly recommended.
UTV Personal Safety Gear
- 1Driver Suits: Fire retardant suits (one-piece or two-piece) are required, covering the neck to the ankles and wrists. If wearing a two-piece suit, the jacket and pants must overlap so no skin is exposed. Suits must have an SFI label.
- 2Head & Neck Restraints: Mandatory in all classes any time the vehicle is on the track. Must be certified by SFI or FIA. TX4 recommends the HANS system; a donut roll is also accepted.
- 3Head and neck restraints must be mounted, configured, maintained, and used per manufacturer's instructions.
- 4It is the driver's responsibility to ensure their restraint is correctly installed, maintained, and properly used.
UTV Required Vehicle Components
- 1Lockable side protection doors must be mounted to prevent opening during racing. A secondary locking mechanism is recommended for factory doors.
- 2Driver and passenger side nets or hand restraints are required when a passenger seat is present. Window nets must fill the entire opening with no more than 3" of access. All net mounts must be welded to the roll cage with a safety belt type latch. All RS1 vehicles must have window nets on both sides.
- 3Safety Harness: Minimum 4-point attachment required (5+ recommended). Camlock type belts are allowed. Two shoulder belts mandatory, securely attached behind the driver's seat. No push-button mechanisms allowed. Officials may reject harnesses that are dirty, frayed, oily, or otherwise unsafe.
- 4Roll Cage: Aftermarket racing roll cages are highly recommended. Must be constructed from mild steel, DOM, or chrome alloy ONLY — no titanium or exotic materials. Roof panels are highly recommended.
- 5All UTVs must have full body plastics on the vehicle.
- 6All vehicles must have a fire extinguisher and/or automatic fire extinguishing system with two nozzles — one facing the driver, one facing the engine. Must be readily accessible and mounted with a quick-release mechanism.
Race Vehicle Numbers
All vehicles must display the correct class background color and vehicle numbers in the proper locations. Incorrect numbers or background color will result in a penalty and/or disqualification. TX4 assumes no responsibility for scoring vehicles with unrecognizable numbers.
ATV Number Requirements
- Minimum 6" high with ½" stroke on the rear number plate
- Minimum 6" high on the front of the vehicle, plainly visible from the front
- Minimum 6" high on the rear of the chest protector or jersey
- All backgrounds must be solid color — no outlines or fading. No colors other than those specified for the class may be used on number plates.
UTV Number Requirements
- Number plates on both sides above rear tires with 5" tall numbers
- Front number at least 3" tall, visible from the front near the top of the cage
- Class plates required (available for purchase at registration) — one on front, one on rear
Drugs & Alcohol Policy
- 1Consuming intoxicating beverages in the pits, on the course, or surrounding areas is strictly forbidden for all racers prior to and during their events.
- 2The use of narcotics, stimulants, or depressants by any participant is strictly forbidden.
- 3Any racer showing evidence of being under the influence shall be subject to immediate disqualification, suspension from all future TX4 events, and must leave the premises immediately.
Disqualification
- 1Any entrant who makes a false statement on a contingency or entry form shall be disqualified, forfeit all prize money, points, and contingencies, and may be suspended for up to one year.
- 2Any entry application containing a falsified signature will result in disqualification, forfeiture of all prize money, points, and contingencies, and possible suspension for up to one year.
- 3Any disqualified entrant forfeits all rights to prize money, points, and contingencies and will not receive a refund of any portion of their entry fee.
- 4Any entrant, pit crew, or support crew observed traveling on the course in non-race-registered vehicles before the official race time limit ends may be subject to disqualification and/or suspension.
- 5Any entrant or support personnel who subject TX4 officials or other entrants to verbal threats and/or physical abuse will be brought before the director for possible disqualification, suspension, and/or referral to proper authorities.
- 6Deliberate vehicle contact will result in penalty, disqualification, and/or suspension at the director's discretion.
- 7Racing in a class with higher displacement than the legal limit for that class will result in total loss of points for the entire race season and placement on probation.
- 8If a racer is DSQed for a displacement violation, all points for that class will be forfeited for the entire season.
- 9DSQs are non-droppable and will count towards championship points.
-
10In the event of a vehicle breakdown on the course, only the following options are approved. Any deviation may result in disqualification:
Option A: The rider may walk to and from the nearest official TX4 pit stop to retrieve parts or equipment necessary to repair the vehicle. No other person may deliver equipment or parts to the vehicle.
Option B: Another race-entered vehicle may pick up equipment or parts (GAS NOT ALLOWED) at the designated pit stop and deliver them to the broken-down vehicle. The race vehicle must travel in the proper direction only. Any pit support vehicle delivering parts will subject the entrant to disqualification.
Annual Membership
Annual Membership: $40 | Weekend Pass: $10
Scoring
All scoring will be done with the RFID transponder system. The scoring chute will be marked with a yellow flag — all riders must slow to walking pace until exiting the chute. NO passing in the scoring chute. Transponders are available for purchase for $10.
For races with different time lengths, two checkered flags will be used. The shorter time uses a green-and-white checkered flag. The longer time uses the traditional black-and-white checkered. All other races finish with the black-and-white checkered flag.
Classes & Race Order
ATV Classes — Saturday
| Class | Description |
|---|---|
| Micro 50cc | 50cc machines |
| Micro Mod | 50cc based machines |
| Mini Stock | 90cc |
| Mini Mod | 90cc based machine |
| Class | Description |
|---|---|
| Women Beginner | No 450cc or larger machines |
| Youth 125 | 70–125cc 4-stroke, youth frame |
| Youth 250 | Up to 250cc 4-stroke production ATV / 2-stroke 90cc allowed / shifter 85cc allowed |
| Pit Quad | — |
| Class | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Expert | Double class — must also be entered in an afternoon expert class |
| Vintage / Vintage Expert | Engine must be production ATV available pre-2002 |
| Open C — Novice | — |
| Utility | 4x4 or racks or both. Machine cannot be considered a sport machine. |
| 40+ Amateur | Must be 40 or over during the calendar year of the season |
| Youth Open | Open machine, 17 and under |
| Blaster Class | 200cc 2-stroke / 350cc 4-stroke air cooled |
| ATC | Three-wheel machines |
| Women Open | — |
| Class | Description |
|---|---|
| Open A — Expert | — |
| Open B — Intermediate | — |
| 40+ Expert | Must be 40 or over during the calendar year of the season |
| Utility Expert | 4x4 or racks or both. Machine cannot be considered a sport machine. |
UTV Classes
| Class | Description |
|---|---|
| Modified | Unlimited modifications. Safety equipment required. |
| Limited | Exhaust, intake, suspension, and body mods allowed. Stock plastic must be retained. No internal engine work. |
| Stock | Entry level. Tires and exhaust only. Pump gas only. |
| Class | Description |
|---|---|
| Over 50 | Must be of age during calendar year |
| Sportsman | — |
| Sportsman Turbo | — |
| 800cc | Any production UTV under 800cc |
| Women | — |
| Class | Description |
|---|---|
| Expert | 90-minute race |
| Turbo | — |
| 1000 NA | — |
Points, Drops & Championship Requirements
TX4 points for year-end trophies and all TX4 generated payback will only be awarded to TX4 members.
- DSQs may not be dropped and will count towards national championships.
- DSQs for a machine cc infraction = loss of all points from that class for the entire race season.
- Rider must complete at least half the laps of the first-place finisher in their class to receive a finish.
Points Table
| Position | Points |
|---|---|
| 1st | 25 |
| 2nd | 22 |
| 3rd | 20 |
| 4th | 18 |
| 5th | 16 |
| 6th | 15 |
| 7th | 14 |
| 8th | 13 |
| 9th | 12 |
| 10th | 11 |
| 11th | 10 |
| 12th | 9 |
| 13th | 8 |
| 14th | 7 |
| 15th | 6 |
| 16th | 5 |
| 17th | 4 |
| 18th | 3 |
| 19th | 2 |
| 20th | 1 |
Dropped Rounds
- 1TX4 Amateur Championships are a "best of" series with two mandatory dropped rounds at the end of the year.
- 2Example: In an eleven-round series, the best nine results will count towards final standings.
- 3If a racer competes in only seven of an eleven-race series, all seven results count — the two drops are applied to the rounds where the rider did not appear.
- 4Five (5) appearance points will be given for dropped results, as long as the participant entered and earned a minimum of a DNF.
- 5DSQs are non-droppable.
End of Year Championship Requirements
- 1Must be a TX4 member to be eligible for an end-of-year trophy.
- 2Rider must complete the required number of rounds to qualify for an end-of-year championship trophy. Riders who do not meet the requirement will still be scored in the standings but will not be eligible for an award.
- 3Example: A rider who earned 3rd place but completed fewer than the
