H.P.M.A. INC.

HIGH PLAINS MOTOCROSS ASSOCIATION

PRESIDENT’S LETTER: From Pat Clifton-February 2008

Once again we are getting ready for another great year in the H.P.M.A. series, with a good schedule of races planned for the upcoming season. The Board and other members of the circuit would like to thank all the clubs, promoters, riders, and supporting families for making the 2007 season a great success. Thanks also to Riverton for becoming part of the circuit and for being Track of the Year in their first year. Cody was represented at the January Race Scheduling Meeting and has joined the circuit for the 2008 season. Their races are somewhat tentative and contingent on approval of special use permits. The 2008 Race Schedule is enclosed in this mailing. Please check the website www.HPMAinc.com or the Hot Line for current information because often time’s weather or other circumstances necessitate changes.

We do have some new rule changes to pass along that will be strictly enforced for the 2008 season. As you may all know, we are trying to get closer to N.M.A. rules and classes. This is going to take some time, but we will eventually make it. There are other changes also that should make the days go faster and smoother for the tracks, and promote safety for our riders.

A.    Early membership dues will remain the same at $40, but late dues were increased to $60. We did this to encourage more early registrations. As we all know the H.P.M.A is getting larger and this will make it easier for the officers to get organized before the start of the season. I strongly urge everyone to get this done as soon as possible to keep the first race rush to a minimum. It is also important that the forms be filled out legibly. Some forms have been very difficult to read making entering information into computer difficult.

B.    The riders meeting in the 2008 season will be held before practice at 7:30 a.m. sharp. Practice will follow right after the meeting and races right after the practice. At the riders meeting we can bring attention to any possible trouble spots in the track or any blind areas that may be there. As we know some kids still think practice is a race, and if they haven’t walked the track, it could possibly cause some issues (over shooting jumps, muddy spots, etc.). This change will also allow our day to get started a little sooner by not having to run around to find flaggers who think there is a break. This should help keep everyone focused for the day.

C.    The race organizers need their tracks ready with everything in place for the day. I recommend that the EMT’s be there a half hour before the riders meeting and be in place before practice. An adequate number of flaggers should be on duty before the riders meeting starts, and a backup plan available for extra help in case flaggers cannot continue. The H.P.M.A. board is always willing to lend a hand, but we also have things to do at these events. We need to do what we can to make sure everyone is on time and these events go as smoothly as possible.

D.    Intermissions have been set at 30 minutes with anything longer than one hour being unacceptable. Track promoters need to adhere to this time limit and not take extensive intermissions. Track personnel doing track prep and watering must be left alone to do their work without interference. The guys know their track the best. Everyone likes to leave the day at a reasonable time so let’s please keep intermission short. If the board feels intermission is running long we will get the second half started

E.     Score keepers cannot be disturbed while they are on duty. Only track officials will be allowed in the crow’s nest or scoring areas. To resolve an issue, find the referee, track official or myself to have it discussed and resolved.

F.     Pets need to be on a leash at these events at all times. If a pet is causing any issues the race officials will call animal control. NO EXCEPTIONS!

G.   As we all know the 2007 season was the last year that big wheel would be allowed in the 85 class. Just to remind everyone this was voted on at the end of the 2006 season at the riders meeting, and stated in the rule book last year. Wheel sizes are limited to a maximum front rim of 17”, a maximum rear of 14”, and a maximum engine displacement of 85cc.

NO EXCEPTIONS. Track officials will be enforcing this rule strongly.

H.    We will still have a 150 class this year. These bikes are legal as super minis and the age limit is 16. The N.M.A. has made a class for these bikes, and since we are trying to get closer to their rules, we feel obligated to offer this class. In order to have the class, however, there has to be enough bikes participating.

I.      Pee Wee A/B/C age limit has changed from ages 4 - 8 to ages 4 - 9. The 65 A/B/C age limit has also changed from ages 6 - 12 to ages 6 - 11. These changes were made so we can stick with N.M.A guidelines. Also remember the riders are either on the big track or little track, not both.

J.      A 65 rider who is ready to moved up to the 85 class, will be allowed to ride 85C first. This is a big jump for the smaller riders, so for safety reasons they can start at the lowest skill level. In comparison, an 85 rider moving up can only drop one class on the bigger bikes.

K.    Track evaluation forms will be used at every race this season to five people an opportunity to make suggestions for improvement. The forms will be handed out randomly and are to be turned in afterwards. This is your organization.

L.     Obstacles on the tracks deemed to be unsafe by track officials must be repaired or removed. This is for the safety of the riders.

I would like to wish everyone a safe and fun season for 2008. We have some great tracks, a good schedule of races, and great people in our circuit. We look forward to having each one of you participating again this year. If there are any questions, you can email me at pclifton785@yahoo.com or give me a call at 307-321-2954.

            Thank you,