2008 RULEBOOK

Rule Revisions : as of 07/03/08
(marked in red)

ORIENT EXPRESS PRO SPORTBIKE

SERIES: 8 event points series run at Rockingham Dragway and Maryland International Raceway.

DESIGNATION: All entrants must display, on both sides of the bike, the class designation PSB, preceded by rider number.

CLASS DESCRIPTION: Designed for production-based, street-legal sportbikes. Pro Sportbike is reserved for stock appearing motorcycles with limited engine and chassis modifications. In order to blend in the former racers competing in Heavy Hitters, wheelbase breaks are given to heavier riders. Also, additional incentives are now included for those desiring to compete with the latest production 1000cc sportbikes. To promote equitable competition despite a wide array of different rider weights, power adders, and displacements now existing in this class, no longer will all bikes compete under the same wheelbase and ground clearance rules.

FORMAT: Races will be a qualified 16-bike field. Qualifying and eliminations will be heads-up, run on a .400 pro tree, with all pro class rules in effect. Alternates will not be used unless a rider is disqualified by a race official. If a rider is broke, alternates will not be used. Alternates must have completed at least one legal qualifying attempt and pass the “weigh in” in order to be eligible for alternate status. All non-qualifiers will be allowed to compete in a second 16-bike qualified field. This will allow racers to compete with other competitors of similar performance.

FRAME: Factory OEM frames must be used, no aftermarket frames will be allowed. Small accessory or body mounting tabs, brackets, braces, mounts, gussets, etc. may be moved, modified, replaced, or removed. The steering neck may not be modified in any way. No altering of the rake, neck location, neck length, bearing race fitments, etc. are allowed. No modifications to main frame or engine cradle will be allowed, except as noted otherwise. On factory perimeter-style frames (including, but not limited to, Suzuki oil-cooled GSXR, water-cooled GSXR, Bandit, and Kawasaki ZRX), engine cradle tubes must remain intact and unmodified; i.e. no cutting, sectioning, splicing, relocating etc. allowed. "Engine cradle tubes" will be defined as the tubes, which connect to the steering neck, pass down the front and under the motor, back up behind the motor, and across the top of the motor, reconnecting to the steering neck and/or front downtubes. On factory spar-style frames (including most modern sportbikes), main frame spars must remain intact and unmodified. "Main frame spars" are defined as the large formed tubes, which connect the steering neck, engine mounts and swingarm pivot. Subframe and/or seat rails may be modified or replaced, but seat rails must remain at original height and location, in relation to main frame.

FRONT SUSPENSION: The use of any equipment designed to alter the rake is not allowed. This includes offset steering necks, steering neck bearing or races, triple clamps, etc. Aftermarket triple clamps are allowed, providing they have the same amount of offset for both the top and bottom clamp. Triple clamps must have a minimum of 1-inch forward offset, measured from the center of the steering stem to the centerline of the forks. Front axle may not be located behind the centerline of the forks. Rigid front forks not allowed, a minimum of 1” of front suspension travel recommended. Steering dampers recommended, and may be required in the future. No part of the front axle, axle nut, or axle spacers may be larger than 1.50 inches. No part of the axle or axle nut may protrude outside of the fork legs by more than .75 inches. Front-end lowering retention straps are permitted.

REAR SUSPENSION: No equipment that would allow the rider, mechanic, or any electrical or other system on the bike to decrease static ground clearance below the legal minimum is allowed. Any entrant equipped with any pneumatic, electric, hydraulic, or other mechanical device allowing adjustment of ride height or preload during the run, after the run, or during the post-race inspection must have the minimum required ground clearance with the device in its lowest ground clearance position or adjustment. No device designed to lock the suspension, or limit suspension travel before, during, or after the run is allowed. No device designed to lock the suspension in an extended position, or any other device either intended or capable of circumventing the minimum static ground clearance rule is allowed.

GROUND CLEARANCE: All components, including bodywork, must have a minimum of 2 inches of static ground clearance for nitrous entries, and 3 inches of static ground clearance for turbocharged entries. Static ground clearance measurements will be taken with the rider seated on bike, hands on handlebars, and feet forward with heels only contacting the ground.  (Dynamic Ground Clearance: Ground clearance during the run, or dynamic ground clearance, constantly changes due to tire flex/growth, suspension movement, chassis and swingarm flex, etc. Because of the many variables involved in actual ground clearance during the run, there is no reasonable method to measure this value. Static ground clearance, or ground clearance with the bike sitting stationary, is the only defined measure for ground clearance. However, in the interest of safety, any entrant observed by the MIROCK technical staff to have an unsafe amount of dynamic ground clearance may be required to alter their bike or setup, even if they pass the static ground clearance measurement. This may be done at any time during the event, and the manner or methods of these alterations will be determined on a case-by-case basis).

SWINGARMS: Swingarm-style rear suspension required, no fully welded tail-sections allowed. Any stock, modified stock, or aftermarket swingarms will be allowed. Swingarm pivot location must remain in original location. Pivot axle diameter may be enlarged. Bikes with working rear suspension are allowed any type suspension system, as long as it utilizes a conventional-style single front pivot. Bikes with solid rear suspension are allowed struts only to replace the factory shock(s). No other struts are allowed. Original style front pivot bolt or bolts must be used. Swingarm may not be welded to the frame in any manner. Chain guards are required on all entries.

BRAKES: Front and rear hydraulic brakes are required. All brake systems must be properly adjusted, and must be fully functional.

BODY: (Revised 5-7-08) Unless specifically listed in the following chart, all main body parts, including fairing, tank, and tailpiece must be OEM parts or cosmetic duplicates of the original parts for the year depicted by VIN number, and cannot be mixed between models. If any entrant has bodywork from another year model, they must have the complete set of matching bodywork, with the appropriate headlights and tail lights to match that bodywork, and may not mix parts from different year models. Size and dimension of body parts must be the same as original parts, except as noted. All bodywork and fuel tank must be mounted in original location. Scoops and air inlet openings may be filled in. Body parting seams may be relocated or removed.

The following groups of models may interchange complete bodywork sets between different year models of frames within their group:
Suzuki:
(Hayabusa Group: 1999-2008 Hayabusa)
(Early Oil-Cooled GSXR Group: 1986-87 GSXR 750 & 1986-88 GSXR 1100)
(Late Oil-Cooled GSXR Group: 1988-92 GSXR 750 & 1989-92 GSXR 1100)
(Water-Cooled GSXR Group: 1992-93 GSXR 600, 1993-95 GSXR 750, & 1993-98 GSXR 1100)
Kawasaki:
(ZX12 Group: 2000-2005 ZX12)
(ZX11 Group: 1988-1990 ZX10, 1990-93 ZX11C, & 1993-2001 ZX11D)
Note: Interchanging bodywork may only occur within each individual group, not between every model on the list.

FRONT FENDER: Front fenders are required for all entrants. Fender does not have to be an exact duplicate of original fender, but it must be of a style that suitably matches the bike and bodywork.

FAIRING: Aftermarket windscreens allowed. Lower portion of fairing may be trimmed for exhaust system clearance, or for increased ground clearance. Bottom of fairing may be closed in and/or extended rearward to create a sealed belly pan for oil retention. Engine air inlets or scoops may be added.  Bikes originally equipped with full front fairings may remove lower portion of front bodywork, but bodywork must still extend low enough to completely cover cylinder head.

TAILPIECE: Must maintain original size and shape, but may be extended rearward to cover rear tire. Seat may be integrated into tailpiece. No aerodynamic devices, such as wings, fairings, or air dams, may be used, unless originally equipped.

GAS TANKS: All gas tanks must be functional. Some combinations allow approved aftermarket tanks and some only allow factory tanks (see chart at bottom of rules). Factory gas tanks cannot be cosmetically altered, but the sump area may be modified. Aftermarket gas tanks cannot be modified in any way. The following is a list of part numbers for approved aftermarket gas tanks from Catalyst Racing: (99-00 Hayabusa #BULTK99)  (01-07 Hayabusa #BULTK01)  (08-09 Hayabusa #BULTK08)  (01-02 GSXR 1000 # GSXRLTK02)  (03-04 GSXR 1000 # GSXR1LTK03)  (05-06 GSXR 1000 # GSXR1LTK05)  (07-08 GSXR 1000 # GSXR1LTK07)  (04-07 ZX-10 #ZX10LTK04)

LIGHTS: Complete factory headlight system must be used and functional, including high and low beam lights. Lights must be mounted in the original location. Bikes with multiple headlight systems must use all the original lights. I.E. Early GSXR's must use both factory headlights. Any type taillight system may be used, and must be functional, including tail and brake lights. Taillights must be mounted in original location at rear of bodywork, but may be moved rearward if an extended tail panel is used. Lights must be on during all qualifying and elimination runs.

SEATS: All motorcycles must have a seat pan. The seat pan does not have to be original, but it must be mounted in the original location. Seat pans must be constructed in a manner that will sufficiently support the rider’s weight, and must not allow the rider to sit below the top of the frame rails or frame spars. Bikes with factory seats that were originally mounted to fuel tanks or other components other than seat rails may not have bottom of seat relocated lower than original factory location in relation to main frame. Seat pans may be welded directly to the frame or seat rails, as long as the frame or seat rails are not lowered.

ENGINE: Any engine originally used in a production motorcycle, may be used.  Factory cases must be used. Any internal engine modifications are allowed, unless otherwise noted.

CLUTCH: "Sliders" or other types of engine-driven centrifugal engagement clutches not allowed.

TRANSMISSIONS: All entrants must utilize an OEM-style shift drum, shift forks, and transmission. Shift drum must fit into unmodified OEM engine cases. Transmission components may be modified or replaced with aftermarket components of a similar design and function. “Automatic,” no-kill or override-shift style transmissions not allowed. No components may be used that are designed to allow the transmission to be simultaneously engaged in more than one gear. This includes, but is not exclusive to, windowed shift drums, split shift drums, split forks, split gears, split fork sliders rings, gear or fork detent and/or return springs, etc. Any entrant with any of these components is considered to have an automatic transmission, even if a fuel cut, ignition cut, or ignition retard is being utilized.

ENGINE SWAPS: Engine swaps of the same family are allowed. All engines within a given engine family must have the motor mounts and cam drive in same location, as well as have the same cylinder spacing (i.e., Katana, Bandit, and oil cooled GSXR motors can be interchanged. GSXR 750 motors may be swapped out for GSXR 1100 motors) No modifications can be made to the frame or the motor mount plates. Frame must be 100% stock, except as otherwise noted, and must use the stock unaltered motor mounts. All motor swaps must be direct bolt in only.

STARTING SYSTEMS: On-board starting systems required. No external starters, batteries, or boosters allowed. No push-starts.

CHARGING SYSTEMS: Electrical charging systems required. They must be functional and operational at all times during qualifying and eliminations. All components of lighting system must be on at all times during the run, including the burnout and shutdown. Multiple light systems must have all bulbs operating.

COOLING SYSTEM: Cooling system required. Any factory or aftermarket components may be used.

WHEELS: Aftermarket 16” and 17” wheels are permitted. Total weight of front wheel rotating assembly, including tire, rotors, and bearings cannot exceed 29lbs.

ELECTRICAL: Any ignition or electrical systems allowed, including nitrous progressives, boost controllers, fuel injection controllers, and data acquisition systems.

DATA ACQUISITION: No front wheel speed sensors or third wheel speed sensors allowed. Rear-wheel speed sensors, both directly measured and those derived from countershaft or other shaft speed sensors, may be used for information gathering only. Rear-wheel speed data may not be used to active or deactivate any electrical or mechanical devices. No devices, which measure performance, on-track location, the Christmas tree, or any other part of the track or timing system, are allowed. No traction control or wheelie control systems allowed. No type of electrical or measuring devices may be mounted to or activated by any part of the front or rear suspension.

KILL SWITCHES: Tether kill switches required on all entrants. Kill switch, when activated, must disable ignition, fuel pump(s) and nitrous system solenoids.

LAUNCH CONTROL: Stutter boxes, 2-steps, or other devices designed to allow full-throttle launches not allowed.

NORMALLY ASPIRATED: Entrants running normally aspirated combination may not have any nitrous-related components on the bike, even if they are deactivated. No nitrous may be contained on any bottles or tanks on the motorcycle.

NITROUS OXIDE: Entrants running nitrous oxide may use any type nitrous oxide system, but cannot be combined with any other type of power adder.

SUPERCHARGERS: Entrants running a supercharger may use engine-driven superchargers. Supercharged entrants are allowed one type of inlet air-cooling, either water injection or intercooling. Intercooling is limited to forced ambient air-to-air heat exchangers. The use of water or other liquids, ice, dry ice, or cryogenics as a form of intercooling is not allowed.

TURBOCHARGERS: Entrants running a turbocharger are limited to one turbocharger, with a maximum inlet housing diameter of 62.5mm. This measurement is to be taken at the point on the inlet housing where the leading edge of the compressor wheel meets the inlet housing. All air entering the turbo must pass through this opening. Turbochargers are allowed one type of inlet air-cooling, either water injection or intercooling. Intercooling is limited to forced ambient air-to-air heat exchangers. The use of water or other liquids, ice, dry ice, or cryogenics as a form of intercooling is not allowed. Entrants utilizing water injection may not have any compound other than water in their injection systems. Water tanks must be easily accessible to allow tech to test its contents.

TIRES: DOT-approved motorcycle tires required.

WHEELBASE: Maximum wheelbase measurements are absolute, no over tolerance allowed. Wheelbase will be measured with rider sitting on bike.

GENERAL SAFETY: All riders must have full leathers (zipped together leathers are recommended and may be mandatory in future). All riders must have a SNELL 95 or higher full-face helmet with shield, leathers gloves, and shoes above the ankle. All motorcycles and riders must pass IHRA safety inspection. Ballistic blankets are recommended but are not required.

NITROUS BOTTLES: Bottles must be fully enclosed within the bodywork or swingarm. Bottles may not be mounted to foot pegs or outside of swingarm.

BALLAST: All ballast must be securely mounted. Ballast is defined as any component attached to any part of the motorcycle, whose sole purpose is to add weight to the motorcycle. Any component, regardless of weight, which serves a structural or mechanical function, is not considered to be ballast. i.e.; As a general reference, if the component in question can be removed without affecting any mechanical functions of the motorcycle, or decreasing structural integrity of the motorcycle, it is considered ballast. If, however, removing a given component would cause a failure within some mechanical system (such as the wheel rolling or the brakes working) that component is considered to not be ballast. MIROCK does, however, reserve the right to deem any non-ballast component to be illegal, if its excessive weight creates a safety hazard. Front suspension components, including axles, wheels and brakes, may not be filled with any non-structural material, including lead. Tires may not be filled with any liquid or solid materials. No ballast may be mounted on the front brakes, front wheel, or the front suspension below the bottom triple clamp. No parts of the front suspension, mounted below the bottom triple clamp, including brakes, fender and mounts, or wheel/brake rotor assembly, may be remanufactured with the intent of adding weight to the front suspension. OEM or standard-available aftermarket parts are preferred. Custom-made parts should be of a similar size, material, and weight as the OEM parts they are replacing. MIROCK tech has the final decision on this matter.

BIKE & RIDER MINIMUM WEIGHT: No minimum weight for the class.

RIDER WEIGHT: All riders must attend the official weigh-in. The official weigh-in will occur 30 minutes after the last qualifying session (do not be late!). See the tech official for location of weigh-in. Riders will only be allowed to wear one pair of underwear, one pair of shorts, one short-sleeved shirt, and one pair of socks while being weighed in (Shoes, jewelry, hats, watches, etc. must be removed, and all pockets must be empty). Riders will be weighed in the order of final qualifying, and will not be given a second attempt to weigh-in if they are light. Any rider that fails to pass their minimum weight (even if your only one pound light) will be disqualified. Any rider that does not show up or is late for the weigh-in will be disqualified.  Any rider caught attempting to hide ballast on their person will be disqualified from the event and will face a one-year suspension from MIROCK.

RULE REVISIONS: In order to maintain a level playing field, MIROCK will monitor the performance numbers of the numerous combinations of rider weights and power adders found in this class. From time to time, it may be necessary to adjust the wheelbase, ground clearance and weights to help promote class parity. Racers should take this into consideration when constructing their bikes, and should allow room in their swingarms, bodywork, fenders, etc. for changes in wheelbase and ground clearance. Any rule revisions deemed necessary by MIROCK would be officially posted a minimum of 14 days prior to the event in which they become effective. The official rules effective for any event will be those posted on the MIROCK website on the day that event begins. Any rule revision deemed necessary for the reasons of safety may be made at any time, even after the start of an event, and may be made effective immediately.