Sprint Rules

the Sprint Rulebook

The full 2024 NWMM Sprint Racing rulebook can be downloaded in PDF form here:

2024 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!

Rule changes for 2024 are summarized on the Rule changes for 2024 page.

Sprint Classes

NorthWest Mini Moto separates sprint classes into three different categories: technical, non-technical, and MotoAmerica Mini Cup. 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. MotoAmerica Mini Cup classes are determined by MotoAmerica Mini Cup regulations and score MotoAmerica Mini Cup points but are not NWMM championship classes.

Technical classes

Non-technical classes

MotoAmerica Mini Cup 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 (Novice), age (Junior), or skill (Clubman). 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.

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:

        ◦ The frame and rear subframe must be OEM with no modifications except to affix required components or remove the side stand.

        ◦ Front fairing stay and bodywork modifications are free.

        ◦ Control, footpeg, and handlebar modifications are free.

        ◦ Forks must be stock-appearing. Fork internals are free.

        ◦ Airbox/intake modifications are free.

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

        ◦ Brake modifications are free.

        ◦ Ignition and EFI modifications are free.

        ◦ Engine modifications are free with the following exceptions: 

            ▪ The OEM bore and stroke must be maintained.

            ▪ The cylinder head must be stock-appearing.

    d) 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: 80cc

        ◦ 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 be the same as the OEM frame for that model; no bespoke racing frames. Frame modifications for safety or race preparation are OK.

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

3.3.3 Formula Middleweight

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 75cc 

        ◦ 4-stroke  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: 230cc

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

        ◦ 4-stroke water-cooled: 150cc

        ◦ 2-stroke air-cooled: 125cc

        ◦ 2-stroke water-cooled: 105cc

3.3.5 250/400 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.

    • 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.

    • Motorcycles not within the definition of "Open Mini" may not be models sold OEM as street-legal in the USA. This includes OEM dual sport motorcycles. If the same model motorcycle was also sold as off-road-only, with an identical frame and engine, the motorcycle will be considered off-road-only.

    • 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 (ex: DRZ-400S)

            ▪ All air-cooled engines (ex: XR400).

3.3.6 Lightweight Superbike

The Lightweight Superbike class is for sportbikes and GP-framed motorcycles with any modifications that fit within the class displacement limits. Motards are not permitted in this class. Due to insurance restrictions, the Lightweight Superbike class may not be run at all events.

    a) Engine displacement limits:

        ◦ Two stroke water cooled: 250cc

        ◦ Two-stroke air cooled: 350cc

        ◦ Four-stroke water cooled: 400cc

        ◦ Four-stroke air cooled: 550cc

3.3.7 Open

The Open class is for any motorcycles that either:

    1. Meet the Open Mini class requirements.

    2. Meet the definition of “Supermoto” as described in Section 3.2.1 Definitions of the rulebook, and have a single-cylinder engine that is under 650cc displacement.

    3. Motorcycles not within the definition of "Open Mini" may not be models sold OEM as street-legal in the USA. This includes OEM dual sport motorcycles. If the same model motorcycle was also sold as off-road-only, with an identical frame and engine, the motorcycle will be considered off-road-only.

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

    • Novice

    • Clubman

3.4.1 Junior

Special class for riders under the age of 17 on any minibike. Junior riders are not allowed to ride Lightweight bikes in the Junior class.

3.4.2 Novice

Novice is for riders who are new to track riding and racing, or who are uncomfortable in other classes due to higher speeds. Any motorcycle that is legal in a technical class is legal to ride in Novice. Novice riders are encouraged to move out of this class as soon as they feel ready, or they will be moved up at the discretion of Race Direction.

3.4.3 Clubman

Class for intermediate riders on any motorcycle that is legal in the Open class. Riders that lap below the minimum lap time for a given track and configuration in any session of the weekend (not just the Clubman session), as determined by Race Direction, will be disqualified from Clubman at the next event but not the current one at the discretion of Race Direction. Riders may be allowed to continue in Clubman for the remainder of the season at their request and the discretion of Race Direction. The cutoff lap time for the day will be posted at registration. The following lap times are suggested as guidance:

Mac Track Clockwise - under 0:48

Mac Track Counter-Clockwise – under 0:49.

TCKC - TBD

This class will run an additional GP race that will count towards championship points.

mOTOaMERICA mINI cUP cLASSES

3.5 MotoAmerica Mini Cup classes

The following MotoAmerica Mini Cup classes will be offered at every NWMM sprint race this year:

    • Street GP (ages 14-up)

    • GP 160 (ages 10-14)

    • GP 190 (ages 12-16)

    • Stock 50 (age 6-8)

    • Stock 110 (age 8-12)

    • Stock 125 (age 12-17)

All MotoAmerica Mini Cup classes will be scored separately from NWMM classes. Motorcycles must meet MotoAmerica Mini Cup technical regulations in order to qualify and earn points in these classes.

Riders must meet all MotoAmerica Mini Cup rider qualifications, including being an AMA member. Requirements will be tracked by NWMM and results submitted to MotoAmerica per charter and sanctioning requirements. See the MotoAmerica Mini Cup website (TBD) for full details.

MotoAmerica qualifying classes will be given two races per day at all rounds if minimum attendance requirements are met. This section will be updated as the MotoAmerica Mini Cup rules are finalized.