From Section 5 of the Rules PDF. Please note that these are provided as a convenience; the PDF rulebook is considered authoritative in the event of a discrepancy.

Rider and crew safety rules

5.1 Insurance

NorthWest Mini Moto does NOT provide medical insurance. Each rider and pit crew member must have their own personal medical insurance policy.

5.2 Protective gear for riders

It is the responsibility of the rider to wear adequate safety equipment for competing in a motorcycle race. Technical inspectors and race direction may remove a rider from competition at any time due to insufficient safety equipment. Riders will not be allowed on the track without all required protective gear. Riders will not be allowed on the track, or will be black flagged, for improperly fit or worn protective equipment.

For the safety of riders and spectators, any costumes or similar non-functional/”for fun” attire must be approved by the technical inspector before being worn on the track. 

The following kinds of protection are required for riders:

    • Helmet

    • Eye protection

    • Gloves

    • Boots

    • Spine protection

    • Abrasion protection

IMPORTANT: All protective sliders (knee, toe, elbow) must be non-metallic and non-sparking.

5.2.1 Helmet

Helmets must be full-face (no flip-up chinbars) and certified by the manufacturer, with sticker affixed, to meet SNELL M2010 or newer Snell standard, BSI 6658-A, ECE 22.05, ECE 22.06, or FIM FRHPhe standards. No significant scratches or evidence of impact allowed. DOT-only helmets are permitted if manufactured within five years of the race date (as verified by manufacturer decals or receipts) and are from a major manufacturer as recognized by the tech inspector. Helmets for Junior riders will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis if non-compliant.

5.2.2 Eye protection

Shatter-resistant eye protection is required at all times (ANSI z87 or better are recommended); either goggles, safety glasses or a face shield. Riders are not permitted to ride with a raised face shield unless eye protection is worn underneath.

5.2.3 Gloves

Protective leather or heavy-duty textile gloves that are designed for asphalt riding are required. Cloth gloves or thin-palmed MX gloves are not permitted.

5.2.4 Boots

Heavy boots that provide ankle support and extend past the bottom cuff of the pants. MX, Supermoto, or road racing boots are recommended, leather work boots that cover the ankle are acceptable.

5.2.5 Body armor and spine protection

Spine protection designed for motorcycle use is required. A hard clamshell-style back protector is preferred, but CE-rated foam back pads may be allowed if deemed large enough. CE Level 2 or equivalent armor is required at the knees, elbows, and shoulders.

5.2.6 Abrasion protection

Full-coverage abrasion protection for the body, including:

    • Abrasion-resistant pants, either leather or synthetic. Textile motocross pants are allowed with knee armor and leather abrasion patches on a case-by-case basis.

    • Abrasion-resistant jacket or upper body covering. Jerseys or sweatshirts alone are not sufficient; full-coverage armor (chest, spine, shoulders, elbows) must be worn underneath.

    • Two-piece synthetic riding suits are allowed.

    • Race leathers, either one-piece or two-piece zip-together leathers, are strongly encouraged.

    • Significant gaps in body coverage will not be allowed, and no skin or lightweight material should be visible below the rider’s neck or above the wrists and ankles.

    • Riders will not be permitted to ride with unzipped abrasion protection.

5.2.7 Protective gear for pit crew members and staff

IMPORTANT: Red clothing is prohibited for any staff, volunteers, or crew who will be on the track outside of the pits during the race.

Any person working on the racetrack when it has been declared hot or active, including the pits, must wear the following:

    • Shirt

    • Long pants

    • Close-toed shoes

Any persons on the track outside of hot pit must wear a high-visibility safety vest, issued or approved by either the race director, pit boss, or clerk of the course.

5.3 Riders under age 18

Riders under the age of 18 must be certified safe to race by NorthWest Mini Moto or a NorthWest Mini Moto partner organization. Racers may present a racing license with another organization as evidence of track experience, or they can go through an individual rider check-out with with NorthWest Mini Moto or a partner organization. Check-outs will be available at any practice day where NorthWest Mini Moto officials are present.

Racers under 18 must also have a minor release form signed by a parent or guardian at the first race attended in order to participate.

Riders younger than 6 are not permitted to race in an endurance event, although they may be allowed practice time at the discretion of race officials. Riders younger than 6 are allowed to participate in sprint races and practice days.