Here are few of commonly asked questions and answers that may help you before you sign up for Junior Series racing. Southeastern Enduro & Trial Riders Association (Setra) ask that you be supportive and understand the needs of all our younger riders. It is very important our youth enjoy the sport and compete in a safe and supportive environment.
Q. What are the junior classes for the 2011 race season?
A. Pee Wee 4-6 50CC
Super Pee Wee 7-9 50CC
Mini 7-11 <65cc 2 stroke or 110cc 4 stroke
Junior Mini <85cc 2 stroke or 125cc 4 stroke
Intermediate Mini 12-13 <112cc 2 stroke or 150cc 4 stroke
Senior Mini 14-15 <112cc 2 stroke or 150cc 4 stroke
Beginner Women’s class <112cc 2 stroke or 150cc 4 stroke
- The cutoff birthday is Dec 31st. It is your responsibility to make sure you are riding the correct class. Your points will not transfer so pay close attention to this when competing for year end awards.
Q. Are the kids' races normally done by elapsed time or number of laps?
A. The junior races can be run either by elapsed time or laps. This decision is the promoters. Setra would prefer that the promoters run by elapsed time based upon the leader of the race. Please remember for the safety of the youth riders’ a race may be cut short due to extreme weather conditions. Most of the races will be run this way due to the scheduling of later events on race day. It will be announced at the riders meeting the day of the race at the start.
- Typically the Pee Wee class leader will run around 45min and the remaining junior classes including the women’s class will run around 1hr and 15min.
Q. What is typical for the length of a kids' race in miles?
A. Dependent on the promoter and how fast the lead rider is doing laps. An average Pee Wee lap is 1 and ¾ miles. The other classes should expect 5 mile plus laps.
Q. Are there any restrictions on pitting/getting gas?
A. No, however there are restrictions on the area’s which you may pit. The scoring area is 100% off limits!! The safety of our score keepers, riders and equipment is of the up most importance. Promoters are highly encouraged to have designated pit areas with safety equipment. If the promoter does not have such an area, you are welcome to pit anywhere along track side.
Q. Will the starts be dead engine starts?
A. Pee wee classes will be live (engine running) starts; older classes (separate race) will all be dead (engine not running) starts. (Normally)
Q. Are there usually sweep riders or club members around the trail to help the kids?
A. YES absolutely. Also promoters are very conscious of any hazards on the course and have them manned to offer assistance. IE creek crossing, hills, rock gardens etc.
Q. Is it permissible for someone (parent) to follow along?
A. No. There may be a time you would be asked by a promoter to fill in for a missing sweeper or club member but that would be very seldom. The sweep riders are on the course to offer assistance to all and continue to the next rider who may need help.
Q. Will you be using transponders?
A. Transponders are used in our races which have electronic scoring. The transponder is attached to the rider’s chest protector in a HORIZONTAL position via zip ties or another securing method. It is very important for the transponder not to be touching metal for it to function properly. If there is a problem with your transponder, back up scoring (back up books) are kept as the race proceeds, so do not pull out of the race if your transponder is missing or lost.
- Transponders maybe be purchased or rented the day of each race at the sign up area.
- Note that some enduro clubs without hare scramble elect to promote the junior series. These races are typically scored by hand, however you are encouraged to have your transponder anytime you are racing.
Q. Will they need any numbers on the bike?
A. Highly encouraged to have your rider number on your bike by the 2nd race. Front number plate and both sides, white backgrounds with black numbers.
Q. What is the start time for the races?
A. Check the race fliers on the schedule page. The promoter sets the start time for the events. However, most Pee wee races start at 9:00 and remaining classes as close to 10:00 as possible. Start times at enduro venues will not follow this pattern.
Q. All of the races are at HS except a few enduros. Will that race be on Saturday instead of Sunday? What time?
A. Yes. Check race flier for times.
Q. How many races are needed to qualify for year end awards?
A. This year to qualify for year end awards you will need a score in 60% of the races that where scheduled for the year. From time to time races have to be cancelled for various reasons. Always keep this in mind when competing for year end.
Q. How many year end awards will be given out?
A. No less than 5 places will be given out as long as the racer qualifies with at least 60% of scored runs for that year.
Q. How many places will be awarded at each race?
A. No set rule. The promoter has choice of the number of awards. Promoters are encouraged to remember that these are children and reward accordingly. Takes a big hearted child to do what our juniors do.
Q. What do you need to get started racing?
A. You will need all the proper safety gear. You must ride with no less than a helmet, boots and gloves. Chest protection is optional only if you want to ride with your transponder in your mouth !! You must be a current Setra (or one day) and AMA (American motorcyclist association) member. Remember that if you are a one day Setra member your score will NOT be counted toward year end. You can trophy at the race, but your score is not counted.
Q. When do you sign up for the races?
A. Again check each race flier. It’s full of information including directions to each event. Some junior sign ups start on the day before the race in the afternoon or early the day of the race. Remember that you can sign up on line and avoid the lines. Just pay the entry, show proof of membership and go get dressed!! Bring the print out with you after you are pre-registered. All instructions can be found the web-site. If you are unable to attend after being pre-registered it will not count for or against you. Save the time and pre-register!!
Q. Can you camp out the night before the race?
A. Yes, you can tent camp or bring your RV. Camping is encouraged. At most races there will be no camping charge. However, some races are held where there are full hooks available; expect to pay the campground fee at these races. Please be considerate with generators.
- PIT RIDING IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED! YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR MINORS ACTIONS.
Q. What would be some important things I need to bring to the race?
A. Don’t forget your motorcycle!! Joking…Bring anything that you may take on a summer beach trip, a snow skiing trip, or a trip on a African safari. You will need it all at some point. Lots of kids bring their bicycles.
Q. What kind of parental consent is needed for my child to race?
A. If you are not the legal guardian, you will need a notarized letter from the legal guardian allowing for the participation of the minor in the race. (Every race, not one race) Grandparents, Uncles, Cousins, brothers are not considered legal guardians unless you have been appointed.
Q. Could it affect the class a rider is in if he rides a big wheel 85 or small wheel?
A . Setra has based our classes on the CC size of the motorcycle. An 85 with larger wheels will be considered the same as an 85 with smaller wheels. Younger riders are eligible to ride in a higher age class. Children grow at different rates, therefore a 10 year old could ride in the 12 year old class as long as the motorcycle is of the proper CC’s . At no time will the larger CC bike be able to compete in the smaller CC class.
Please contact me at ron.joye@norfolkwire if this outline does not answer your questions. I’m sure as we all go through the race season we all will have more. I will do my best to get them answered as quickly as possible. Until then ride fast and take chances.
Ron Joye