A new season has already started and we have some new rules that impact all of us.

You need to read your new rule book when received from QMA. The 2008 short sheet and rule book are on QMA.ORG so you can read them now.

One rule that has changed is the ignition timing on the Honda 120 engines. The maximum firing position has been changed from 26deg. btdc to 20deg btdc.To make this change you have to install an offset key, purchased through QMA or put the new style flywheel on your older Honda engine.

After you do either one of these modifications you MUST CHECK THE IGNITION TIMING. DO NOT ASSUME THAT BY DOING ONE OF THE APPROVED MODIFICATIONS THAT YOUR TIMING IS LEGAL. According to some engine builders some engines are not at or below the maximum of 20deg. btdc after these modifications are done without some extra work. I f you do not have a dial indicator, degree wheel and a timing light you cannot do this yourself, you need to have someone do this that has the proper tools and knowledge do this for you.

All region 5 Tech personel have agreed to the following to help this situation.

If your 120 engine is teched and the timing is more than the 20deg maximum btdc but not over 21deg btdc you will not be DQ'd. You will be put on a list that will be sent to all reg. 5 tech personel. At the next race you attend in reg. 5 your engine will be teched and the timing will be required to be at the maximum of 20deg. btdc, if the timing is more than this you will be DQ'd and issued a 30 day suspension.

Each driver in a Honda 120 class is allowed this courtesy only one time. This is only going to be done until Monday May 12 2008. After this date when tech'd you will be required to be a maximum of 20deg.btdc.

Another rule change is the number that will be used to detect any tire treatment on tires at asphalt tracks. The number is 80ppm, if your tire reads above this number you will be DQ'd from the event. There is nothing in the rule book about testing tires on dirt tracks, so at this time we will not be using the tire tester at dirt track events.

If you have any questions about these or any other items in the rule book contact me. Good luck to all of the drivers this season.