Sprint Rules

Sprint Rulebook

The full 2023 NWMM Sprint Racing rulebook can be downloaded in PDF form here:

2023 NWMM Sprint Race Rulebook

This should be considered the final and authoritative copy of the NWMM Sprint Series rules. In the event of rule differences between the web page and the PDF rulebook, the PDF rulebook will supercede in all cases. PLEASE READ THE RULEBOOK!

Sprint Classes

NorthWest Mini Moto separates sprint classes into two different categories: technical and non-technical. Technical classes are based only on the technical specifications of the machine being entered. Non-technical classes are based on other factors such as rider experience, age, and skill.

Technical classes

Non-technical classes

Other classes may be added mid-season if there is sufficient demand, and classes with fewer than 3 riders may be combined with other classes during sprint races. Additional classes will depend on rider turnout and interest - please email NorthWest Mini Moto if you would like to propose a new class. NorthWest Mini Moto requires a minimum of 3 teams (for endurance) or 5 individual riders (for sprints) be entered to race in any new class, and new classes must be added before the first event of the year.

Junior riders will have a special “Junior” class with minimal restrictions; please see Section 3.5 Junior riders and classes in the rulebook for specifics.

What classes can I enter?

For technical classes, any class where your machine does not exceed the class displacement maximums or violate other rules. You may always "ride up" classes by entering a smaller-displacement motorcycle in a class that allows larger displacements, although race direction may disallow this in some cases where lap time differentials are too large.

For non-technical classes, riders are asked to self-assess and enter an appropriate class based on either their experience (Beginner Mini and Beginner Lightweight), age (Junior), or skill. Race direction will remove riders that are not in the appropriate class, or who break out of the class time bracket.

For all classes, please see the Sprint Schedule to make sure that you are not signed up for two classes in the same run group. A "run group" is a group of classes that qualify and race at the same time. We have tried to optimize the schedule to avoid conflicts, but conflicts are possible.

What are Bracket Classes?

Bracket classes are defined as classes for which a minimum and maximum lap time have been set. Riders must stay above the maximum lap time and below the minimum lap time during practice and qualifying to participate.

Bracket classes will not restrict participation based on machine type, only based on lap time.

In qualifying, riders who run under the minimum lap time will be disqualified from the race and not allowed to start. Riders who cannot complete at least one lap under the maximum lap time during qualifying will not be allowed to start the race.

In the race, riders who run under the minimum lap time will be black flagged and immediately disqualified. Riders who exceed the maximum lap time for more than 2 laps will be black flagged at the race director’s discretion but will not be disqualified.

No form of timing device other than the regulation Westhold transponder may be mounted on the motorcycle when running a bracket class. No watches, lap timers, etc. Any motorcycle found to have a lap timing device mounted during qualifying or racing will be disqualified.

Technical Classes

3.3.1 Street 125

    a) Motorcycle must have been sold as road-legal in the USA or Canada.

    b) Motorcycle curb weight as listed by the manufacturer must exceed 195lbs for all 4-stroke or liquid-cooled motorcycles.

    c) Modifications are restricted to the following. Rules apply to modifications; all OEM equipment is explicitly permitted:

        ◦ Forks must be stock-appearing.

        ◦ Airbox/intake modifications are permitted, including pod/foam filters.

        ◦ Removal of any part is permitted, unless required for safety.

        ◦ Brake shoes/pads and all fluids may be replaced with aftermarket.

        ◦ Ignition and EFI modifications are permitted.

        ◦ The following internal engine modifications are permitted:

            ▪ Aftermarket oil pump and oil passage drilling/cleanup

            ▪ Heavy-duty cam chain

            ▪ Heavy-duty clutch springs and plates. Basket must remain OEM.

    d) On air-cooled four-stroke two-valve or air-cooled two-stroke motorcycles, modified exhausts, camshafts, and pistons are permitted.

    e) On all motorcycles, aftermarket oil pumps and oil coolers are permitted. An aftermarket clutch cover may be used if required to install an oil cooler.

    f) Engine displacement limits:

        ◦ 4-stroke air cooled: 135cc

        ◦ 2-stroke air-cooled: 80cc

        ◦ 2-stroke water cooled: 50cc


3.3.2 Formula 125 + Scooter

Formula class for smaller-displacement minis with open chassis and engine modifications. This is for 125cc four-stroke motorcycles with disc brakes and smaller two-stroke motorcycles. All motorcycles legal for Street 125 are preemptively declared as legal for Formula 125 + Scooter.

Motorcycles

    a) Unlimited engine and chassis modifications except as noted.

    b) Engine displacement limits:

        ◦ 4-stroke air-cooled: 125cc

        ◦ 4-stroke water cooled: 75cc

        ◦ 2-stroke air-cooled: 70cc

        ◦ 2-stroke water cooled: 50cc

    c) All Street 125 motorcycles are legal for Formula 125 regardless of displacement limits.

Scooters

All scooters that meet the displacement and power limits. Scooters may also race in regular motorcycle classes if they meet the requirements for those classes. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis, contact race direction staff before the event to confirm machine legality. “Maxi” scooters, defined as scooters weighing over 275lbs, are prohibited from competition.

Three types of scooters, with different displacement limits, are recognized as legal in the Scooter class, each of which has different displacement limits and chassis or engine restrictions:

    a) Vintage air-cooled two-stroke:

        ◦ 225cc maximum displacement

        ◦ Stock-appearing engine cases

        ◦ Frame design must have been first sold prior to 1965. This includes Vespa smallframes, Vespa largeframes and Lambretta Series 1-4.

    b) Modern air-cooled two-stroke:

        ◦ 125cc maximum displacement

    c) Four stroke (any):

        ◦ 190cc maximum displacement

Restrictions for all scooters:

    d) Must use wheels 12” or smaller in diameter.

    e) Must use engine cases that match the original model frame – no motorcycle engine swaps.

    f) Cylinders and heads must be based on OEM scooter cylinders and heads – no motorcycle cylinder/head swaps.

    g) Frame must have been originally sold for street use; no bespoke racing frames.

Except for the restrictions as mentioned above, chassis and engine modifications are open.

3.3.3 Formula Middleweight Mini

Class for medium-displacement minis with open chassis and engine modifications. Motorcycles that would fit in this class include the YCF F150 SM, Ohvale 160, Kawasaki KX65, Honda CRF150F, Aprilia RS50 with a big bore kit, etc.

    • Unlimited chassis and engine modifications except as noted.

    • Engine displacement limits:

        ◦ 2 stroke air cooled: 100cc 

        ◦ 2 stroke water cooled

            ▪ Sportbike frame:     75cc 

            ▪ GP or motard frame:     72cc

        ◦ 4-stroke 4-valve air cooled: 160cc 

        ◦ 4-stroke 2-valve air cooled: 175cc 

        ◦ 4 stroke water cooled:     125cc 

        ◦ Displacement limits may be waived on a case-by-case basis for scooters and older machines. Contact race officials before race day to discuss exceptions.

3.3.4 Open Mini

This is the premier large-displacement class for the NWMM series.

    • Unlimited chassis and engine modifications except as noted.

    • Engine displacement limits:

        ◦ 4-stroke 2-valve air- or air-oil cooled: 212cc

        ◦ 4-stroke 4-valve air- or air-oil cooled: 190cc

        ◦ 4-stroke water-cooled: 150cc

        ◦ 2-stroke air-cooled: 125cc

        ◦ 2-stroke water-cooled, no powervalve: 105cc

        ◦ 2-stroke water-cooled with powervalve: 100cc      

3.3.5 250 GP

The 250 GP class is for 250cc and under Lightweight motorcycles with GP or Sportbike frames. Supermotos are not allowed in this class.

    • All motorcycles must meet the definition of “GP” or “Sportbike” as described in  Section 3.2.1 Definitions.

    • Unlimited chassis and engine modifications except as noted. 

    • Engine displacement limited to 250cc.

3.3.6 400 GP

The 400 GP class is for 400cc and under Lightweight motorcycles with GP or Sportbike frames Supermotos are not allowed in this class.

    • All motorcycles must meet the definition of “GP” or “Sportbike” as described in  Section 3.2.1 Definitions.

    • Unlimited chassis and engine modifications except as noted. 

    • Engine displacement limited to 400cc.

3.3.7 250/400 SM

The 250/400 SM class is for 400cc and under supermotos sold for street use and 250cc or under offroad-only supermotos. This class is intended for smaller-displacement supermotos and the DRZ-400SM.

    • All motorcycles must meet the definition of “Supermoto” as described in Section 3.2.1 Definitions. Sportbike and GP motorcycles are not permitted in this class.

    • Unlimited chassis and engine modifications except as noted.

    • Engine displacement limits:

        ◦ 250cc or less for water-cooled engines.

        ◦ 400cc or less for four-stroke water-cooled engines with 100% OEM rims and brakes (AKA: DRZ-400S) and all air-cooled engines. 

3.3.8 Open

The Open class is for any single- and twin-cylinder motorcycles under 700cc, with minimal restrictions. This class is intended for larger-displacement supermotos and multi-cylinder Sportbike or GP-framed motorcycles, but does not exclude minibikes.

    • Unlimited chassis and engine modifications except as noted.

    • Engine displacement limits:

        ◦ 700cc or less for four-stroke water-cooled single-cylinder engines.

        ◦ 550cc or less for four-stroke water-cooled twin-cylinder engines.

        ◦ 450cc or less for four-stroke water-cooled 3+ cylinder engines.

        ◦ 500cc or less for water-cooled two-stroke single-cylinder engines.

        ◦ 250cc or less for water-cooled two-stroke multi-cylinder engines.

        ◦ 650cc or less for air-cooled engines with any cylinder configuration.

    • Over-displacement engines with a cylinder disabled to meet displacement rules (aka “cripple triples”) are explicitly disallowed.

Non-Technical Classes

Non-technical classes are classes based on rider skill or attributes rather than the technical specifications of their motorcycle. 

These classes will run only if there are 3 or more entries in the class. Classes will be combined as needed.

Bracket classes are subjected to special rules, please see 8.2 Bracket race rules for complete details.

    • Junior

    • Beginner Mini (nothing larger than Middleweight Mini)

    • Beginner Lightweight

    • Bracket 50

    • Bracket 58

3.4.1 Junior

Special class for riders under the age of 16 on any minibike. Junior riders are not allowed to ride Lightweight bikes in the Junior class.

3.4.2 Beginner Mini

Beginner Mini is for riders who are new to track riding and racing, or who are uncomfortable in other classes due to higher speeds, and are riding mini bikes. Any mini motorcycle is legal to ride in Beginner Mini. Riders who are significantly faster than the rest of the field will be black flagged by race direction and given the opportunity to race in a regular class.

3.4.3 Beginner Lightweight

Beginner Lightweight is for riders who are new to track riding and racing, or who are uncomfortable in other classes due to higher speeds, and are riding lightweight bikes. Any mini or lightweight motorcycle is legal to ride in Beginner Lightweight. Riders who are significantly faster than the rest of the field will be black flagged by race direction and given the opportunity to race in a regular class.

3.4.4 Bracket 50

Bracket classes are laptime-restricted classes that require riders to remain above a minimum laptime, and in some cases below a maximum lap time. Riders lapping below the minimum lap time will be immediately disqualified; riders lapping above the maximum lap time may be black flagged at the race director’s discretion.

Bracket 50 minimum lap time: 50.00 seconds.

Bracket 50 maximum lap time: 57.99 seconds.

There are no restrictions on motorcycle type; both minis and lightweights may compete in Bracket 50.

No form of timekeeping device other than the regulation Westhold transponder may be mounted on the motorcycle when qualifying or racing in a bracket class. This includes lap timers, watches, etc.

3.4.5 Bracket 58

Bracket classes are laptime-restricted classes that require riders to remain above a minimum laptime, and in some cases below a maximum lap time.  Riders lapping below the minimum lap time will be immediately disqualified; riders lapping above the maximum lap time may be black flagged at the race director’s discretion.

Bracket 58 minimum lap time: 58.00 seconds.

Bracket 50 maximum lap time: 107.99 seconds.

There are no restrictions on motorcycle type; both minis and lightweights may compete in Bracket 58.

No form of timekeeping device other than the regulation Westhold transponder may be mounted on the motorcycle when qualifying or racing in a bracket class. This includes lap timers, watches, etc.

3.4.6 Women’s Open

Women-only class; any motorcycle legal in a championship class is legal in this class.

3.5 Junior riders and classes

Junior riders will be given a separate class to ride in depending on their age and experience. Junior riders who do not meet the skill requirements to ride regular sprint races safely will be restricted to the Junior race. Junior riders will be scored together, and will be given a championship if more than 5 riders enter for the year. Open class motorcycles are prohibited in the Junior class. Junior riders (under age 16) are permitted on endurance teams per Section 2.5. There is no Junior-specific endurance category.