Response to May 2012 Speedway Commission Minutes

Speedway Motorcycle Club of WA (SMCWA) would like to offer the following comments regarding the proposals for rule changes submitted by the club for consideration and other items.

Firstly, SMCWA were disappointed in the minutes of the meeting, which did not allow sufficient information to be conveyed either outlining the rule change proposal or giving any detail regarding any rationale on why the proposals were not supported. This makes it difficult for the reader of the minutes to understand any detail and therefore comment either regards supporting any proposal or in understanding the Commission’s view on why an item is not supported. Detailed, accurate minutes are essential in ensuring stakeholders are consulted.

Secondly, bearing in mind the brevity of the Commission minutes, it appears that little consideration was given to the detail of any of the proposals. The SMCWA proposals were well researched consulting widely with riders, parents and clubs around the country and overseas with many proposals based on the success of programs being conducted by the club. Our responses, which are intended to be circulated, aim to provide further detail on why they should be supported.

ABOUT SMCWA

Based at Pinjar Park, 30 km North of the Perth CBD, the club has grown from a very low base after losing its track in 2006 with 2 months notice at Bibra Lake. From a low of less than a dozen members and nowhere in the metro area to compete and nowhere in WA for juniors to ride, the club has grown to 190 members, with 92 competitive. In addition we have built a 142 m junior track arguably one of the best in Australia, which is currently being utilised for senior competition. A senior facility has been planned adjacent, which is awaiting council approval. Despite not having a full senior track the club has managed to promote events attracting some of the biggest names in international speedway.

Riding membership comprises around 20 peewees, 16 junior solos, 30 500cc Solos, 12 250 Solos, 14 Sidecars.

The club conducts 2 meetings per month from October thru April, and has weekly training and a successful coaching program.

Members of the club are active in developing speedway, with 6 coaches, regular come and try days, pro-active recruitment policies and with 2 members having written the MA Junior Coaching Manual.

COMMISSION MINUTES

SW663
SMCWA Proposal: 13.2.8 – Describe more specifically the existing categories and add additional categories that are linked to the proposed changes to 19.8 (SW665).

Upon further consideration, to provide even greater detail, we have revised our proposed changes to now read as follows:

SPEEDWAY SOLO & SIDECAR

500cc Solo Individual

500cc Solo Pairs

500cc Under 21 Solo Individual

500cc Under 21 Solo Pairs

250cc Senior Solo Individual (Short Track)

250cc Senior Solo Pairs (Short Track)

250cc Masters Solo Individual (Short Track)

250cc Masters Solo Pairs (Short Track)

1045cc Sidecar

 

SMCWA Rationale: The changes are necessary to better describe the existing categories and accommodate the proposed changes to 19.8 (SW665). This change will bring speedway more in line with all other discipline that describe their categories in detail.

Commission response: Commission do not agree with the adding of 250cc Short Track Senior & Masters & 250cc Short Track Senior & Masters to the GCR’s

Commission rationale: Not all states have a venue for Short Track Speedway Racing other than on Junior Speedway Tracks and this is considered not to be safe at all Junior Venues.

SMCWA comment and further information: Commission appeared to not have read the detailed rationale provided to support the proposed changes to 19.8 (SW665). The rationale has been provided again under SW665 for the Commissions detailed consideration. The view of the Commission that not all states have venues that will support the 250 metre track size limit, whether true or not, is not a valid rationale for rejecting the creation of the Division. If that rationale was used relevant to the creation of the existing Division, none would exist today as all Division grew from humble begins. They grew because they were given life and therefore an opportunity to do so.

 

Action: Introduce rule changes as proposed as amended.

 

SW664
SMCWA Proposal: 13.2.9 -Describe (as per our originally submission) more specifically the existing categories and add additional categories that are linked to the proposed changes to 19.8 (SW665), 19.9.0.3 (SW667), 19.7 (SW668), 19.9.0.4 (SW669), 19.4 (SW670) and 19.2.4 (SW671).

SMCWA Rationale: The changes are necessary to better describe the existing categories and accommodate/support the proposed changes to 19.8 (SW665), 19.9.0.3 (SW667), 19.7 (SW668), 19.9.0.4 (SW669), 19.4 (SW670) and 19.2.4 (SW671).

Commission response: Commission do not agree with addition of extra classes for Australian Championships

Commission also agree to phase out 350 cc Solo’s January 1.1.2014 as a Australian Championship Class

Commission rationale: Australian Championships are for Speedway Slider machines only and purpose built Sidecars

There is a World Championship for 250cc Solo Class

SMCWA comment and further information: The Commission appears to not have read properly the proposal for change to 19.7 (SW668), 19.8 (SW665), 19.9.0.3 (SW667), 19.9.0.4 (SW669), 19.4 (SW670) or 19.2.4 (SW671). The Commission appears not to have considered the rationale at all as a pathway to encourage new riders to speedway. See more info in further comment below. There has been no comment by the Commission to change the age group for Australian titles for the 250cc classes to include the GCR allowable age of 13 years. Pathways need to be included from 50cc. The Commission appears to have failed to recognise this class as the base class to building numbers. See further SMCWA comment below.

Action: Change age groups for the 250 classes to 13 to align with the MoMS and include the additional junior age group classes.

 

SW665
SMCWA Proposal: To add a new category of Solo Speedway called ‘250cc Short Track Solo Speedway’, whilst maintaining the existing ‘250cc Solo Intermediate Speedway’ category.

SMCWA Rationale:  The current rules are vague and therefore do not offer any direction for the ‘250cc Intermediate Speedway’ , hence the general lack of take up in the Division other than in WA where a direction, and supporting rules, have been adopted. The proposed new rules provide clarity and direction which is in line with the intent of this Division.

SMCWA supports the Commission’s decision to maintain the ‘250cc Solo Intermediate Speedway’ category, maintaining a degree of vagueness and allowing it to be run at a State Level. This will ensure that there is a category that provides a degree of flexibility for different bike configurations to be developed and used, and the opportunity for new category to be created, as is the case for the new 250cc Solo Short Track Division being proposed.

The ‘250cc Solo Short Track Division’ needs to be set apart from the general ‘250cc Solo Intermediate Division, to ensure that integrity of the new Short Track Division can be maintained in respect of the bikes, engines and the overall concept.

We see that the new ‘250cc Solo Short Track Speedway’ Division can be introduced as a completely separate Division with the MoMS or be incorporate under the ‘250cc Solo Intermediate Speedway’ section as a sub-class adopting the proposed rules to ensure that integrity of the Division is achieved in the same way as the other Divisions like 500cc Solos and Sidecars. If the later approach is taken, the Division does need to be given Australian Championship status as opposed to just being State Level only to ensure its ongoing growth. SMCWA would prefer that the 250cc Solo Short Track Division be incorporated into the MoMS as a Division separate from the ‘250cc Solo Intermediate Speedway’ Division reduces potential confusion between the Division.    

SMCWA is promoting the 250cc Short Track Speedway Division in three classes being Juniors (13-U16 years), Seniors (16 and over) and Masters (over 40 years). It has generated significant interest to the extent that the Division now runs as part of our regular race program each meeting. We expect by the end of the 2011/12 season we will have 12 competitors. This was starting from a zero base at the beginning of the season.

The key to the success of the Short Track Speedway Division in WA, particularly amongst the old riders, is that it offers a lower cost, lower maintenance and lower risk alternative to the traditional 500cc Solo Division, yet offers all the same rider enjoyment.

For Juniors, the 250cc Short Track Division provides a low cost, safe and effective transition for riders moving from the existing 125cc Junior Solo Division to 500cc Senior Solo Division, which complements the existing 250/350cc Solo Speedway Division rather being in competition with it. It allows Junior Speedway organisations to introduce another dimension of racing into their Clubs/Associations and on their race tracks which will deliver may benefits, including more stable and potentially higher membership, and therefore improved financial sustainability. It offers the opportunity for fathers (and perhaps mothers) and sons and/or daughters to participate in the sport of Solo Speedway as part of a common Club/Association, at a common venue, and at the same race meeting which is something that many other disciplines of motorcycle racing, other forms of motorsport and sports in general, have always enjoyed.

For Seniors, it provides an effective transition into the sport of speedway. From speaking to many perspective senior riders, we have found that many of those individuals wanting to start riding 500cc Solo Speedway that have not had the benefit of learning the craft through participation in Juniors Solo Speedway, find it a very daunting task to climb aboard of 500cc Solo Speedway machine on a full size track, and for that reason, many don’t. For those that do, many do not successfully navigate the learning curve as the impact of injury, and the cost of maintaining and repairing machinery, becomes too much. The Short Track Speedway Division provides an alternative path to learning the fundamentals of solo speedway riding without the high risk of injury, and without the relatively high cost.

The 250cc Masters class (40 yrs and over) provides the opportunity for more mature aged riders, either new, existing or from the past, to commence, continue or re-engage in the sport solo speedway in a way that provides them with the enjoyment of solo speedway racing, again with significantly reduced risk of injury and substantially less cost and effort. This has been the class that has seen the greatest level of interest.

It has been proven in WA that this Division of Solo Speedway fills a previously unmet need, is creating new interest in our sport, adding to the strength and depth of riders in the sport and strengthening our Association.

This Division is entirely consistence with what the majority of motorcycle racing disciplines have done to add dimension to their aspect of the motorcycle racing.

 

Commission response: The Commission Recommend 19.8 to Read.

19.8 250cc Intermediate Class

19.8.0.1 This Class is for State Level Competition only.

19.8.1 Engines
19.8.1.1

4 Stroke Single Cylinder engine up to 250cc

19.8.1.2
If the engine is fitted with a gear box, the gear shift lever must be removed and the machine must remain in 1 gear during racing

19.8.2 Safety Apparel
19.8.2.1
As per GCR’s 19.2, 19.1.3, 19.1.4, 19.1.5, 19.1.6

19.2 Frames and Parts

As per 19.2 in GCR’s

Commission rationale: This allows 250cc Intermediate Class to be used at Speedway Events.

SMCWA comment and further information: It appears that our intentions behind the proposed rule changes were not clearly articulate within our original proposal. It is true that the current rules are vague and therefore do not offer any direction for the ‘250cc Intermediate Speedway’ Division, which we feel has contributed to the general lack of take up other than in WA where a direction, and supporting rules, have been adopted.

SMCWA supports the Commission’s decision to maintain the ‘250cc Solo Intermediate Speedway’ Division, maintaining a degree of vagueness and allowing it to be run at a State Level only. This will ensure that there is a category that provides a degree of flexibility for different bike configurations to be developed and used, and the opportunity for new category to be created, as is the case for the new 250cc Solo Short Track Division being proposed.

The ‘250cc Solo Short Track Division’ needs to be set apart from the general ‘250cc Solo Intermediate Division, to ensure that integrity of the new Short Track Division can be maintained in respect of the bikes, engines and the overall concept.

We see that the new ‘250cc Solo Short Track Speedway’ Division can be introduced as a completely separate Division with the MoMS or be incorporate under the ‘250cc Solo Intermediate Speedway’ section as a sub-class adopting the proposed rules to ensure that integrity of the Division is achieved in the same way as the other Divisions like 500cc Solos and Sidecars. If the later approach is taken, the Division does need to be given Australian Championship status as opposed to just being State Level only to ensure its ongoing growth. SMCWA would prefer that the 250cc Solo Short Track Division be incorporated into the MoMS as a Division separate from the ‘250cc Solo Intermediate Speedway’ Division reduces potential confusion between the Division.   

The view of the Commission within SW663 that not all states have venues that will support the 250 metre track size limit, whether true or not, is not a valid rationale for rejecting the creation of the Division. If that rationale was used relevant to the creation of the existing Division, none would exist today as all Division grew from humble begins. They grew because they were given life and therefore an opportunity to do so.

 

Action: Introduce rule changes as proposed, as amended.

 

SW666
SMCWA Proposal: 19.9.0.2 - Junior riders only must be assessed by an accredited coach prior to competition.

SMCWA Rationale: Linked to proposed rule change to 19.9.0.3 (SW667), the change would remove the requirement for Senior riders to be assessed by an accredited coach prior to competition thus creating consistency with the existing rules relating to 500cc Solo Speedway competition.

Commission response: Commission recommend 19.9.0.2 to read Junior/ Senior Riders must be assessed by an MA accredited coach prior to competition

Commission rationale: Not only Junior riders to be assessed but also first time Senior riders must be assessed for capability on a Speedway machine.

SMCWA comment and further information: Wording as proposed by Commission means that all 250/350cc Solo Speedway Division riders, Senior and Junior, must be assessed by an accredited coach. Existing rules do not require coaching or assessment of 500cc Solo Speedway Division riders, nor does such a requirement exist for any senior division/class of any discipline.  SMCWA proposal was meant to ensure juniors were assessed only.

Action: Introduce rule changes as proposed.

 

SW667
SMCWA Proposal: 19.9.0.3 – Delete existing rule. Opens up the Division to Senior competitors.

SMCWA Rationale: This opens up the Division to senior competitors. The classes for Juniors which will also apply to this Division is covered in Rule 19.7 as per proposed amendments.

Commission response: Commission recommend 19.9.0.3 to Read.
ADD  to existing 19.9.0.3
19.9.03 1)
Junior riders can practice on a 250cc from age 12years 9 months on a 350cc  13 years 9 months
There is nothing stopping Senior riders from riding 250cc or 350cc machines at present. No Juniors to be on the track with seniors

Commission rationale: No rationale provided.

SMCWA comment and further information: Minutes have incorrectly quoted ‘no rule change’ when SMCWA have recommended deletion. The wording for the rule provided by the Commission does not relate in any way to the proposal by SMCWA. The intention was to remove junior specific wording to ensure it was clear this class is open to senior riders. Current rules do not allow seniors and juniors to be on a track together, this part is redundant. Current rules already allow juniors to be coached on a machine for which they will be eligible 3 months prior to their birthday. For consistency this should NOT be ‘practice’, it needs to be coaching by an accredited coach (and does not require repeating as a speedway rule).

Action: Delete rule as proposed, this will achieve the same outcome as the Commission without adding unnecessary wordage into the MoMS.

SW668
SMCWA Proposal: 19.7 - Change the table of classes to incorporate  the PeeWee 50cc non-competitive and 50cc competitive classes, 250cc Solo Short Track Speedway class, split age groups classes relevant to the new proposed 150cc engine capacity limit and address inconsistency with 13.2.9 (see 13.2.9 - SW664).

SMCWA Rationale: If speedway is to grow there needs to be a defined pathway from 4 years through to senior. Classes need to be defined within the sport and not just allowed to 'happen' ad-hoc around the country. An ad-hoc approach will and does produce ad-hoc results. MX and Dirt track (the most successful of the disciplines) have 16 and 13 classes respectively from 7 yrs through to 15 years and for every capacity size (plus 50cc non-competitive). Riders and parents need to see this pathway, and clubs have got to know there are these classes to offer. SMCWA is catering to this philosophy and it is paying dividends. SMCWA DO NOT accept the argument that there are not enough riders to make these classes, but do accept that without an effort from clubs to recruit riders it will be a challenge especially in the early days. 40 riders at the national titles was commendable, however SMCWA would like to see 240 riders nominate for a national title across the 5 solo and 2 sidecar classes. Speedway will grow if we start thinking outside the square, attack the problem from the elite end as well as the grass roots, offer choice (of which there is limited at present) and learn from the other successful disciplines. If we stick to doing the same thing then it is no surprise we get the same result. Rider numbers WILL NOT increase without some change. These changes won't cost anything but do provide the structure for a future.

 

Commission response: Already Discussed in SW644 (As per SW664 - Commission do not recommend the addition of new speedway classes)

Commission rationale: No rationale provided. (As per SW664 - Commission recommend that speedway should only be for traditional speedway machines).

SMCWA comment and further information: The Commission appears to not have read properly the proposal for change to 19.7 (SW668), 19.8 (SW665), 19.9.0.3 (SW667), 19.9.0.4 (SW669), 19.4 (SW670) or 19.2.4 (SW671). The Commission appears not to have considered the rationale at all as a pathway to encourage new riders to speedway. See more info in further comment below. There has been no comment by the Commission to change the age group for Australian titles for the 250cc classes to include the GCR allowable age of 13 years. Pathways need to included from 50cc. The Commission appears to have failed to recognise this class as the base class to building numbers.

Action: Introduce rule changes as proposed.

 

SW669
SMCWA Proposal: 19.9.0.4 - The 350cc machines will no longer be eligible for junior competition from 1 January 2014.

SMCWA Rationale: This puts a sunset clause into the rules to allow for the phasing out as has been the intention. A 2014 phase out will ensure that riders committed to the 350 are not disadvantaged as riders 14 this year will be 16 in 2014.

Commission response: Already Discussed in SW664 (As per SW664 - Commission also agree to phase out 350 cc Solo’s January 1.1.2014 as a Australian Championship Class

Commission rationale: No rationale required.

SMCWA comment and further information: SMCWA agree and further recommend that the eligible age to ride a 350cc be raised to 15 for 2013, and for the class to be deleted in 2014, as recommended. This will avoid or reduce the incentive for riders to invest in 350cc machines and encourage 250cc machines. Further, the age eligibility for the 250cc machine at Australian Championship level needs to align with the eligible age to ride (13) – currently reads 14 (proposed changes to 13.2.9 (SW664).

Action: Add phase out requirements to age eligibility, with final phase out in 2014 (phase out information needs to be in rule book).

 

SW670

SMCWA Proposal: 19.4 – Allow for an engine capacity up to 150cc and simplify the rules for modifications.

 

Following further consideration of the original proposed rule changes, it was discovered that we failed to include reference to the 4 stroke engine restriction.

The proposed rules changes are:

19.4 ENGINES - JUNIOR SPEEDWAY

19.4.1 125/150cc Solo

19.4.1.1 - If the engine is fitted with a gearbox, the gearshift lever must be removed and the machine must remain in 1 gear while racing.

19.4.1.2 - The engine capacity must not exceed 150cc.

19.4.1.3 - Engines must be single cylinder, 4 stroke, be of a mass produced type and remain OEM.

19.4.1.4 - The following may be modified:

            a) Any type of ignition system may be used.

            b) Any type of carburettor up to 32mm may be used

            c) Cylinder head may be ported

            d) Camshaft bearing journals may be bored and bearings replaced with either     roller or bronze bearings

            e) Replacement parts equivalent to OEM may be fitted

            f) The gearbox, if fitted, may be modified or removed to limit the engine to one gear.

 

SMCWA Rationale: The existing rules have been in place for over 30 years. The 125cc motors of the Honda variety for which these rules were based, are getting harder to locate as are parts. The intent of the original rules were to allow an affordable entry into junior speedway, unfortunately there are many thousands of dollars spent taking advantage of the modifiable elements of tuning the old Honda engines. Engine tuners specialising in these engines are becoming less common place. The adoption of the proposed new rules needs to be complemented by new class rules that will allow for the retention and utilisation of the existing 125cc engines.

Used in the older age group classes, the 150cc engines will allow for at least similar horsepower to that produced by the heavily modified 125cc engines, but be more reliably and attract less maintenance. 150cc engines are reasonably available at reasonable prices compared to the modified 125cc engines. Over time a natural progression will see the 125cc motors only used in the younger aged classes, beginners, and club level racers.

Capacity tolerances (see 12.4.5.1 - SW673) have been moved to 12.4.5.1 and retain the 1% tolerance for engines up to 125cc to allow for rebuilds. Up to 150cc has no tolerance to encourage strict OEM. The use of OEM equivalent parts has been allowed for common sense as has replacing cam bearing journals. Exhaust valves and camshafts must remain to what is available OEM, which combined with the limit of a 32mm carburettor will limit cheating.

Removing the limit on the compression ratio will ensure that engines can perform as designed and keep the re-building of engines affordable, currently engines are being de-tuned to 9.7:1 there is a considerable cost in this process. There is evidence these tolerances are being avoided.

There will always be those that will go to any lengths to take advantage of the rules to make their kids 'go faster'. Simplifying the rules will make it easier to police and remove some of the incentive, thereby keeping the competition free for riders to compete on their own merits, not the depth of their parent’s wallet.

Commission response: Already Discussed in SW664

Commission rationale: No rationale provided.

SMCWA comment and further information: This does not appear to be dealt with, at least if it has, no rationale has been provided in minutes. The Honda 40 year old motors cannot last forever, and the current rules make it difficult to introduce more modern motors. The 150 motor would only be used in the 9 – u16 class. This age and motor size pairing aligns with MX and Dirt Track.

Action: Introduce rule changes as proposed as amended.

SW671
SMCWA Proposal: 19.2.4 – The proposed rule changes allows for larger diameter wheels to be used in the 9 – U16 age group classes, and clears up an anomaly with exhaust mounting.

Following further consideration of the original proposed rule changes, the following amended rule changes are proposed:

19.2.4.2 - Rear rim diameter must not exceed 17” (432mm) for the 7 – U9 and 9 – U12 Classes or 18” (457mm) for the 12 – U16 Class.

19.2.4.4 – Front rim diameter must not exceed 19’ (482mm) for the 7 – U9 and 9 – U12 Classes or 21” (532mm) for the 12 – U16 Class.

19.2.4.6 Exhaust mounts

a) The exhaust must have at least 3 mounts to the motorcycle, with 1 mount attached to the silencer

b) A steel cable of at least 3mm diameter must be attached within the first third of the silencer and fixed to the frame.

SMCWA Rationale: The current wheel sizes limit larger junior riders. The option of a larger diameter wheel will ensure older and larger juniors are retained in the sport by ensuring, as much as possible, the machines are sized appropriately, whilst at the same time ensuring that the differential between wheel sizes being using by riders in the same class are kept within acceptable tolerances for safety. Larger Juniors attempting to ride bikes that are too small gives rise to control issues and represents a significant safety issue for the rider and their fellow competitors.

It is a safety issue that the silencer has a safety cable to ensure the silencer is retained with the bike should it come adrift. The addition of this rule closes a loophole.

Commission response: The Commission recommend rule 19.2.4 Junior Speedway does not change except for the addition to rule 19.2.4.6 Exhaust mounts

a)      The exhaust must have at least 3 Mounts to the motorcycle.

 

Add b) The silencer must be attached to the frame with at least 1 clip. A second moveable coupling must be fitted from the first third of the silencer to the frame with a steel cable of at least 3mm or strong steel spring.

Commission rationale: Commission believe allowing the larger wheels will be a safety issue, with riders above the age of 9 years using 2 different size wheels in races.

Commission also believe small riders trying to use the 19” Back Wheel is a safety issue.

SMCWA comment and further information:  In the interests of ensuring consistency between senior and junior bikes it is recommended that the exhaust mounting rule be as per the 500cc wording in the MoMS, or better still move some or all of the exhaust rules out of the 500cc section and into the General section, this will avoid repeating rules and unnecessarily padding out the MoMS.

SMCWA disagrees with the Commission’s safety assessment in respect of the use of different wheel diameters by riders in the same race. SMCWA believe there is a far greater safety risk associated with forcing larger riders to ride bikes with wheel diameters that are too small relative to their size as it produces significant handling and control issues. Allowing a maximum of 21” front rim diameter and a 18” rear rim diameter provides additional height in the bike without producing a too great height differential with those bikes using 19” front rim diameters and 17” rear rim diameters. This represents a good compromise that is fair for all, and maintains safety.

Action: As proposed, replicate 500cc exhaust ruling or move 500cc rule to General. Allow a maximum of 19” front rim diameter and 17” rear rim diameter for the 7 – U9 and 9 – U12 classes and a maximum of 21” front rim diameter and 18” rear rim diameter for the 9 – U16 class.

SW672

SMCWA Proposal: 19.7 (New Rule) – Ensure clarity in respect of machines and eligibility for the 50cc Solo class.

SMCWA Rationale: The 50cc competitive class is one of the most important classes in junior speedway as it is the primary feeder class for junior solo classes. These rules keep the machines standard with the exception of some modifications which make them more suitable for speedway, yet retain the ability for the rider to use them at other events. Having the class included in the speedway chapter clearly indicates to riders that there are options to motocross and makes it clear to clubs that they can cater to this class and promote it to the wider riding community. This approach at SMCWA has resulted in over 20 50cc riders participating with riders now graduating to junior solos as they reach 8 and 9 years of age. It is also important to include this class as a national championship class.

Commission response: Already Discussed in SW644 (As per SW664 - Commission do not recommend the addition of new speedway classes)

Commission rationale: No rationale provided. (As per SW664 - Commission recommend that speedway should only be for traditional speedway machines).

SMCWA comment and further information: SMCWA believe this response to be short sighted. One only has to look at the success of junior MX and dirt track that have a clear pathway from 4 years to senior. Replicate a clear pathway from National to state to club level. This is the same model that all the successful sports use. The more progressives sports gets kids in at as early an age as possible. Once they are involved with a sport, no matter football, cricket or MX or speedway, parents tend to want to stick to it, particularly if the kids are enjoying it. It’s who gets in first. If you don’t get kids into speedway until they are 9 or 10 you have to wrestle them away from MX, DT or football. This is pretty basic sports development stuff. If speedway wants to move into the 20^th century and then the 21^st century then the blinkers need to be taken off, dare to do something that might break with tradition. SMCWA is using this initiative to good effect, but it needs reinforcing with rules and national championships. What is the worst thing that could happen? A few extra kids or a few hundred kids on speedway tracks turning into junior solo riders, then senior riders. The current numbers of junior speedway riders is disappointingly low.

Action: Introduce new rule as proposed, and add to national championship as per proposed changes to 13.2.9 (SW664). Recommend to states and clubs to introduce state and club championships.

SW673
SMCWA Proposal: 12.4.5.1 – Allow 1% capacity tolerance for 125cc engines and 0% tolerance for 150cc engines, and place engine tolerances into a single location with the MoMS.

Following further consideration of the original proposed rule changes, the following amended rule changes are proposed:

125cc 4 Stroke (Speedway) – 1%

150cc 4 Stroke (Speedway) – 0%

SMCWA Rationale: Clarifies the engine capacity tolerances between the 125cc engine and the proposed 150cc engine and aligns the location for capacity tolerances with the MoMS.
Commission response: Already discussed in SW 664

Commission rationale: No rationale provided.

SMCWA comment and further information: Has not been addressed. Even if 150cc capacity increase is not approved, this does put 125cc tolerances into a single logical place with the MoMS.

Action: Add engine capacity tolerances to table as per above.

SW674
SMCWA Proposal: 19.11.4 Remove the requirement for log books

SMCWA Rationale: Without being able to be provided for a rationale from L4 officials downwards it appears that the use of log books is a quaint exercise to retain old practices that are unnecessary and are an un-needed expense.

Commission response: Commission recommend NO change to 19.11.4

It is suggested by the Commission all SCB’s check if scrutineering is being carried out correctly.

Commission rationale: Log books do work when used correctly in all sections in Speedway.

SMCWA comment and further information: The Commission have missed the point, if scrutineering is being carried out, which it is at all events run by the SMCWA and other event attended by its members, the log book is redundant unless someone can come up with a rationale on why it should be retained. SMCWA believes this is a liability issue if faults are recorded in a book and the rider is allowed to participate. If the book just records faults, even though they are rectified prior to competition, then the book serves no practical useful purpose. All other motorcycle disciplines manage without a logbook, why is it more difficult for speedway? As yet, despite requesting information on why from senior speedway officials, no one can tell the SMCWA why log books are still required other than as a quaint throwback to the way things used to be.

Action: Delete rule as proposed or offer a logical explanation. Seek advice from our legal and insurance advisors on legal liability on recording faults and allowing participation with said identified faults.

SW680
Proposal: New Rule 19.2.6. 80cc class

Commission rationale: Commission believe this class will allow Riders to progress to the 80cc Gold Trophy meeting at FIM level

SMCWA comment and further information: SMCWA support the introduction of the 80cc class. The class needs to be reflected as a National and State Championship to attract an investment in new machinery, otherwise it will take years to get off the ground. Research shows there are at least 6 machines in Australia, all piloted by competent riders, it won’t take much to get a full field for a national event. Class requirements need further thought. New JCP rules will ensure competency tested prior to competing.

Action: Add to Categories for Australian Championship – Speedway 13.2.9. Consult with SMCWA and other clubs/individuals with experience with 80cc class and FIM technical rules for consistency.

SW681
Proposal: Mildura MCC awarded the 2013 U 16 Junior Solo, Teams and Sidecar Championships to be held 28^th, 29^th 30^th December 2012

250cc / 350cc Championship to held Kurri-Kurri Speedway 19^th January

Commission rationale: Victoria’s turn for Championship

This Championship was awarded to Kurri-Kurri again in 2013 because big percentages of Riders are from this area of NSW and Qld

SMCWA comment and further information: SMCWA support the awarding of the u16 to Mildura. We are extremely disappointed with the dates chosen for the u16 Championships as it shows a selfish disregard and disrespect for riders who need to come from WA and possibly Queensland. For those who need to drive, they will have to leave before Christmas. For those flying will require travelling in peak times which means higher cost and booking issues. Freight forwarding companies have a history of closing between Christmas and New Year, which makes delivery difficult and again expensive being a peak time. It might be an easy day trip for East Coast families, but it is a 3 or 4 day drive for us, plus we  miss Christmas (and New Year) with our families. While there may be many riders in the 250/350 class in NSW and QLD there are still riders from WA that will need to travel twice to the east coast. If the Commission is wanting to make a National Championship, not an East Coast Championship it needs to be shared around and consideration for all riders. Perhaps NSW and Qld riders can contribute to the cost of WA riders as this decision seems to be aimed at financially supporting this group. The Commission needs to support development, not hinder it by keeping events on the East Coast. Kurri Kurri has had its turn.

Action: Move the Mildura u16 date to 19 January and the u21 and 250/350 championship to Mildura on 26^th. This will minimise travel for all as many juniors will be there for both.

SW660
Proposal: While the proposal is unclear from the Proposed Action column in the minutes, it can be assumed that it is to recommend adding two cylinder engines to a maximum capacity of 1200cc

Rationale: Unclear from the minutes.

Commission Response: Commission do not approve adding
                                    B) Two cylinder engines must not exceed 1200cc

Commission Rationale: Capacity of Sidecar engines is 1045cc.

SMCWA comment and further information: SMCWA support the introduction of two cylinder engines to the capacity of 1200cc. This will make 2 cylinder bikes competitive with 4 cylinder machines and