General Rules for Iowa Model Auto Racers (I.M.A.R.) 2025 Rules for Building and Construction
OVERALL GOVERNING RULE: IF THE RULES DO NOT SAY YOU CAN MODIFY SOMETHING, YOU CAN’T!
All cars must be of 1/32 scale. Cars must be stock RTR, meaning the car comes as a unit with body, chassis,gears,tires,axles,interior,motor,etc. No modifications allowed except as permitted by general and/or class rules.
When a car becomes available that seems to upset the competitive balance of a class, the club may legislate equalizing modifications to, or exclusion of, the car. Any club member may nominate an unequal brand or model and the rules marshals will decide the outcome of the car. e.g. SCX Pro model cars are only allowed in Modified Sports Prototype class
All tires, except foam, can be used, except where specified by class rules.
Cars shall have all 4 tires touching the track and the wheels and axles must be of original equipment or stock replacement. Solid heat treated steel axles may replace stub or any axles in all classes .
Tires must fit under the car completely when viewed from above or be in the stock position.
All cars must have numbers in three places.
All cars must have interiors and drivers similar to RTR manufacturer. If car came with full interior, then it must race with one. In MSP (only), interior may be trimmed to provide clearance, accommodate motor and/or magnet upgrades as allowed, but still must be present and covering the inside of the car to the same degree as from the manufacturer. All cars must retain the “glass” as provided by manufacturer.
Painting and detailing are encouraged and allowed in all classes.
Weight may be added in any amount and in any manner but must be dead weight. Weight added must be inside/topside of chassis and chassis cannot be modified in any way to accommodate the adding of weight.
Replacement parts must be stock replacement or equivalent parts unless otherwise approved by Rules Marshalls. Cars w deficient components may request variance to repair or replace parts from Marshalls.
Allowing guide flag and guide flag holder, replacement for all classes(any adapter mount must be flush with chassis) guide depth of .25” deep MAX.
Allow any body screws, braid, lead wire
Allowing body and pod clearance-ing in all classes.(.76mm is allowed , this is a credit card thickness)
Allow removal of digital plug harnesses in all cars ferrules and extra capacitors.
Rules meetings for IMAR can only happen at the yearly IMAR rule meeting hosted before the first race of a new season , Rules are locked in for the season unless an emergency is need in which case rules marshals will make changes and announce to all members why and what changed and why.
Going forward, keep all new classes to brand-specific cars
Rules changes from the previous season will be highlighted in red
All stock classes should run wheel inserts
Allowable tuning procedures.
Any motor break-in regimen. Tire truing and sanding. Components both mechanical and cosmetic may be glued. Guide shoes may be trimmed. Axle spacers may be added to regulate width. Any lubes and cleaners may be applied anywhere but must not be allowed to get on the track.
Resin and hard-shell plastic bodies (e.g. model kits) may be used so long as they are approximately the same weight as the original and cover the chassis to same degree as if from factory. Original interior type must be maintained as defined above. Determination of tires and wheels will follow the manufacture of the original/donor chassis if stock wheels, and tires are required by class rules. Chassis so re-bodied must be from a car that is legal in the class where the re-bodied car will be raced.
Chassis must be all plastic, including pods (unless specified or allowed by class rules)
Non-metallic tape allowed on the bottom of the car to be used as a tuning aid, and/or to retain body screws or chassis screws.
Interiors on re-bodied cars may be modified to allow for clearance as necessary. Only the minimum amount of material is to be removed.
Clarifications:
NOTE ON TECH INSPECTIONS:
During the 2025 race season the Marshalls will conduct regular (every points race) technical inspections of cars. The Marshalls will typically inspect one class per race meeting, and all cars racing in that class must be inspected. If a class is selected for tech, drivers may only race the cars inspected that day.
Rule marshals will select a non marshal to inspect their cars to the same level of scrutiny as the rest of the cars on that day following their lead.
Rules for Club Procedure 2025
1. The person that is operating the lap counting /timing device and master power switch shall be the Race Marshall.
2. A driver may borrow a car from another driver. This must be done before the first race of the class in which the borrowed car will be used begins.
3. A driver racing a car manufactured with low quality or poor components may request an exemption, or special case from Marshalls to modify their car to bring it to same relative level as others in class.
4. A challenge by a Driver on the basis of legality is allowed. Cars may be inspected by the Rules Marshalls when a protest is lodged or at any time at their discretion.
5. Cars found to be in violation of the rules will not be allowed to participate until inspected and approved by the Rules Marshall. If a car scored points and was found after race to be in violation of rules, points will be taken away for that race and redistributed as if that car had not participated.
6. Race Lengths – track owner decision
7. Race lengths may change due to track used for a particular race session and number of participants but will be decided prior to the start of racing for a given class.
8. Each driver is allowed 2 de-slots per race in all classes. Upon the 3rd de-slot they are out of the race.
9. If a car de-slots at the start of a race, it does not count as an “out”.
If a single car deslots it will be placed back on the track where it comes to rest unless in doing so the car gains a position.
10. If a car, by de-slotting, causes another car(s) to de-slot, all cars shall be replaced at the point they became de-slotted, however, the car causing the de-slotting of subsequent cars must be replaced physically behind the cars it de-slotted. In the event of a deslot, a driver is required to turn off the track power using the lane’s power switch as promptly as possible. The Race Marshall may also initiate a power off situation.
11. The use of any substance to gain traction on tires or tracks is prohibited. Specifically, the use of STP Oil Treatment or other “goop” substances is allowed only with track owner permission.
Tires may be cleaned with lighter fluid, Tiger’s Milk or other similar substances designed to clean tires…not to make them sticky and goop up the track.
Note: Oil of Wintergreen is not allowed
12. Points will be awarded to drivers on a 10-0 basis as follows:
First – 10; Second – 9; Third – 8; Fourth – 7; Fifth – 6; Sixth – 5; Seventh – 4; Eighth – 3; Ninth – 2; Tenth – 1; Eleventh – 0
13. Track owner determines whether heat races or rotation is used. Track owner also determines how many, and which, which classes will be raced.
14. Race format will be determined by track owner with a notice on which cars will be run prior to race.
15. Each Driver is allowed two, 2-minute pit stops for mechanical reasons during a race meeting. When a Driver calls for his/her pit stop, the Race Marshall shall keep track of this time. The race shall stop for the duration of the pit stop and the Race Marshall will then restart the race at the end of the pit stop in accordance with normal starting procedures. Other drivers may not work on their cars during a pit stop called by another driver without also taking their own pit stop. One braid adjustment stop is allowed per driver per race and shall not count as a pit stop.
Other drivers in the race may not practice during another persons “pit stop” once the race marshal has called cars to the starting grid.
16. A driver may not change cars once his heat race begins.
17. Each IMAR racing season will start in January and end in December of each year.
18. The Rules Marshalls shall be a committee of three elected by a majority of members present at the first race of the season or at the annual rules meeting. They will resolve all questions of rules and procedures. The ruling of the Rules Marshalls shall be final. Any rule changes after the season starts will be implemented by the 3 marshals and all members will be notified of the changes.
2025 season marshals are Jim Fair, Greg and Terry
19. Any issue needing a vote by the club members shall be done based on a simple majority of the members present at the time of the vote.
20. At the track owner’s request, a time curfew may be imposed.
OVERALLGOVERNING RULE - IFTHE RULES DO NOT SAY
YOU CAN MODIFY SOMETHING, YOU CAN’T!
General Rules for Iowa Model Auto Racers (I.M.A.R.) 2024 Rules for Building and Construction
OVERALLGOVERNING RULE: IFTHE RULES DO NOT SAY YOU CAN MODIFY SOMETHING, YOU CAN’T!
All cars must be of 1/32 scale. Cars must be stock RTR, meaning car comes as a unit with body, chassis, gears, tires, axles, interior, motor, etc. No modifications allowed except as permitted by general and/or class rules.
When a car becomes available that seems to upset the competitive balance of a class, the club may legislate equalizing modifications to, or exclusion of, the car. Any club member may nominate an unequal brand or model and the rules marshals will decide the outcome of the car.
e.g. SCX Pro model cars are only allowed in Modified Sports Prototype class
All tires, except foam, can be used, except where specified by class rules.
Cars should have all 4 tires touching the track and the wheels and axles must be of original equipment or stock replacement. Solid front axles may replace stub axles in all classes.
Tires must fit under the car completely when viewed from above or be in the stock position.
All cars must have numbers in three places.
All cars must have interiors and drivers similar to RTR manufacturer. If car came with full interior, then it must race with one. In MSP (only), interior may be trimmed to provide clearance, accommodate motor and/or magnet upgrades as allowed, but still must be present and covering the inside of the car to the same degree as from the manufacturer. All cars must retain the “glass” as provided by manufacturer.
Painting and detailing are encouraged and allowed in all classes.
Weight may be added in any amount and in any manner but must be dead weight. Weight added must be inside/topside of chassis and chassis cannot be modified in any way to accommodate the adding of weight.
Replacement parts must be stock replacement or equivalent parts unless otherwise approved by Rules Marshalls. Cars w deficient components may request variance to repair or replace parts from Marshalls.
Chassis must be all plastic, including pods. Duplicate rule #21
Allowing guide flag and guide flag holder, replacement for all classes(any adapter mount must be flush with chassis) guide depth of .25” deep MAX.
Allow any body screws, braid, lead wire
Allowing body and pod clearance-ing in all classes.(.76mm is allowed , this is a credit card thickness)
Allow removal of digital plug harnesses in all cars ferrules and extra capacitors.
Rules meetings for IMAR can only happen at the yearly IMAR rule meeting hosted before the first race of a new season , Rules are locked in for the season unless an emergency is need in which case rules marshals will make changes and announce to all members why and what changed and why.
Going forward, keep all new classes to brand-specific cars
Rules changes from the previous season will be highlighted in red
Allowable tuning procedures.
Any motor break-in regimen. Tire truing and sanding. Components both mechanical and cosmetic may be glued. Guide shoes may be trimmed. Axle spacers may be added to regulate width. Any lubes and cleaners may be applied anywhere but must not be allowed to get on the track.
Resin and hard-shell plastic bodies (e.g. model kits) may be used so long as they are approximately the same weight as the original and cover the chassis to same degree as if from factory. Original interior type must be maintained as defined above. Determination of tires and wheels will follow the manufacture of the original/donor chassis if stock wheels, and tires are required by class rules. Chassis so re-bodied must be from a car that is legal in the class where the re-bodied car will be raced.
Chassis must be all plastic, including pods (unless specified or allowed by class rules)
Non-metallic tape allowed on the bottom of the car to be used as a tuning aid, and/or to retain body screws or chassis screws.
Interiors on re-bodied cars may be modified to allow for clearance as necessary. Only the minimum amount of material is to be removed.
Clarifications:
NOTE ON TECH INSPECTIONS:
During the 2024 race season the Marshalls will conduct regular (every points race) technical inspections of cars. The Marshalls will typically inspect one class per race meeting, and all cars racing in that class must be inspected. If a class is selected for tech, drivers may only race the cars inspected that day.
Cars of that class must be presented to the Marshalls for inspection between 12:00 noon and the start of racing at 1:00 pm.
Cars will be presented with their bodies removed, so all components can be inspected.
Cars significantly out of compliance may be corrected before racing or removed from competition for the day – drivers’ choice.
Challenges by individual drivers will be settled by the rules marshall(s) present that day.
Rules for Club Procedure 2024
1. The person that is operating the lap counting /timing device and master power switch shall be the Race Marshall.
2. A driver may borrow a car from another driver. This must be done before the first race of the class in which the borrowed car will be used begins.
3. A driver racing a car manufactured with low quality or poor components may request an exemption, or special case from Marshalls to modify their car to bring it to same relative level as others in class.
4. There is no pre-race tech, but A challenge by a Driver on the basis of legality is allowed. Cars may be inspected by the Rules Marshalls when a protest is lodged or at any time at their discretion.
5. Cars found to be in violation of the rules will not be allowed to participate until inspected and approved by the Rules Marshall. If a car scored points and was found after race to be in violation of rules, points will be taken away for that race and redistributed as if that car had not participated.
6. Race Lengths – track owner decision
7. Race lengths may change due to track used for a particular race session and number of participants but will be decided prior to the start of racing for a given class.
8. Each driver is allowed 2 de-slots per race in all classes. Upon the 3rd de-slot they are out of the race.
9. If a car de-slots at the start of a race, it does not count as an “out”.
If a single car deslots it will be placed back on the track where it comes to rest unless in doing so the car gains a position.
10. If a car, by de-slotting, causes another car(s) to de-slot, all cars shall be replaced at the point they became de-slotted, however, the car causing the de-slotting of subsequent cars must be replaced physically behind the cars it de-slotted. In the event of a deslot, a driver is required to turn off the track power using the lane’s power switch as promptly as possible. The Race Marshall may also initiate a power off situation.
11. The use of any substance to gain traction on tires or tracks is prohibited. Specifically, the use of STP Oil Treatment or other “goop” substances is allowed only with track owner permission.
Tires may be cleaned with lighter fluid, Tiger’s Milk or other similar substances designed to clean tires…not to make them sticky and goop up the track.
Note: Oil of Wintergreen is not allowed
12. Points will be awarded to drivers on a 10-0 basis as follows:
First – 10; Second – 9; Third – 8; Fourth – 7; Fifth – 6; Sixth – 5; Seventh – 4; Eighth – 3; Ninth – 2; Tenth – 1; Eleventh – 0
13. Track owner determines whether heat races or rotation is used. Track owner also determines how many, and which, which classes will be raced.
14. Race format will be determined by track owner with a notice on which cars will be run prior to race.
15. Each Driver is allowed two, 2-minute pit stops for mechanical reasons during a race meeting. When a Driver calls for his/her pit stop, the Race Marshall shall keep track of this time. The race shall stop for the duration of the pit stop and the Race Marshall will then restart the race at the end of the pit stop in accordance with normal starting procedures. Other drivers may not work on their cars during a pit stop called by another driver without also taking their own pit stop. One braid adjustment stop is allowed per driver per race and shall not count as a pit stop.
Other drivers in the race may not practice during another persons “pit stop” once the race marshal has called cars to the starting grid.
16. A driver may not change cars once his heat race begins.
17. Each IMAR racing season will start in January and end in December of each year.
18. The Rules Marshalls shall be a committee of three elected by a majority of members present at the first race of the season. They will resolve all questions of rules and procedures. The ruling of the Rules Marshalls shall be final. Any rule changes after the season starts will be implemented by the 3 marshals and all members will be notified of the changes.
2024 season marshals are Jim Good, Russ Bramer and Matt Stone
19. Any issue needing a vote by the club members shall be done based on a simple majority of the members present at the time of the vote.
20. At the track owner’s request, a time curfew may be imposed.
OVERALLGOVERNING RULE - IFTHE RULES DO NOT SAY
YOU CAN MODIFY SOMETHING, YOU CAN’T!
OVERALLGOVERNING RULE: IFTHE RULES DO NOT SAY YOU CAN MODIFY SOMETHING, YOU CAN’T!
All cars must be of 1/32 scale. Cars must be stock RTR, meaning car comes as a unit with body, chassis, gears, tires, axles, interior, motor, etc. No modifications allowed except as permitted by general and/or class rules.
When a car becomes available that seems to upset the competitive balance of a class, the club may legislate equalizing modifications to, or exclusion of, the car. Any club member may nominate an unequal brand or model and the rules marshals will decide the outcome of the car.
e.g. SCX Pro model cars are only allowed in Modified Sports Prototype class
All tires, except foam, can be used, except where specified by class rules.
Cars should have all 4 tires touching the track and the wheels and axles must be of original equipment or stock replacement. Solid front axles may replace stub axles in all classes.
Tires must fit under the car completely when viewed from above or be in the stock position.
All cars must have numbers in three places.
All cars must have interiors and drivers similar to RTR manufacturer. If car came with full interior, then it must race with one. In MSP (only), interior may be trimmed to provide clearance, accommodate motor and/or magnet upgrades as allowed, but still must be present and covering the inside of the car to the same degree as from the manufacturer. All cars must retain the “glass” as provided by manufacturer.
Painting and detailing are encouraged and allowed in all classes.
Weight may be added in any amount and in any manner but must be dead weight. Weight added must be inside/topside of chassis and chassis cannot be modified in any way to accommodate the adding of weight.
Replacement parts must be stock replacement or equivalent parts unless otherwise approved by Rules Marshalls. Cars w deficient components may request variance to repair or replace parts from Marshalls.
Chassis must be all plastic, including pods.
Allowing guide flag and guide flag holder, replacement for all classes(any adapter mount must be flush with chassis) guide depth of .25” deep MAX.
Allow any body screws, braid, lead wire
Allowing body and pod clearance-ing in all classes.(.76mm is allowed , this is a credit card thickness)
Allow removal of digital plug harnesses in all cars ferrules and extra capacitors.
Rules meetings for IMAR can only happen at the yearly IMAR rule meeting hosted before the first race of a new season , Rules are locked in for the season unless an emergency is need in which case rules marshals will make changes and announce to all members why and what changed and why.
Rules changes from the previous season will be highlighted in red
Allowable tuning procedures.
-Any motor break-in regimen. Tire truing and sanding. Components both mechanical and cosmetic may be glued. Guide shoes may be trimmed. Axle spacers may be added to regulate width. Any lubes and cleaners may be applied anywhere but must not be allowed to get on the track.
Resin and hard-shell plastic bodies (e.g. model kits) may be used so long as they are approximately the same weight as the original and cover the chassis to same degree as if from factory. Original interior type must be maintained as defined above. Determination of tires and wheels will follow the manufacture of the original/donor chassis if stock wheels, and tires are required by class rules. Chassis so re-bodied must be from a car that is legal in the class where the re-bodied car will be raced.
Chassis must be all plastic, including pods (unless specified or allowed by class rules)
Tape is not allowed on the underside of chassis only to retain body screws or chassis screws.
Interiors on re-bodied cars may be modified to allow for clearance as necessary. Only the minimum amount of material is to be removed.
Clarifications:
Rules for Club Procedure 2023
1. The person that is operating the lap counting /timing device and master power switch shall be the Race Marshall.
2. A driver may borrow a car from another driver. This must be done before the first race of the class in which the borrowed car will be used begins.
3. A driver racing a car manufactured with low quality or poor components may request an exemption, or special case from Marshalls to modify their car to bring it to same relative level as others in class.
4. There is no pre-race tech, but a challenge by a Driver on the basis of legality is allowed. Cars may be inspected by the Rules Marshalls when a protest is lodged or at any time at their discretion.
5. Cars found to be in violation of the rules will not be allowed to participate until inspected and approved by the Rules Marshall. If a car scored points and was found after race to be in violation of rules, points will be taken away for that race and redistributed as if that car had not participated.
6. Race Lengths – track owner decision
7. Race lengths may change due to track used for a particular race session and number of participants but will be decided prior to the start of racing for a given class.
8. Each driver is allowed 2 de-slots per race in all classes. Upon the 3rd de-slot they are out of the race.
9. If a car de-slots at the start of a race, it does not count as an “out”.If a single car deslots it will be placed back on the track where it comes to rest unless in doing so the car gains a position.
10. If a car, by de-slotting, causes another car(s) to de-slot, all cars shall be replaced at the point they became de-slotted, however, the car causing the de-slotting of subsequent cars must be replaced physically behind the cars it de-slotted. In the event of a deslot, a driver is required to turn off the track power using the lane’s power switch as promptly as possible. The Race Marshall may also initiate a power off situation.
11. The use of any substance to gain traction on tires or tracks is prohibited. Specifically, the use of STP Oil Treatment or other “goop” substances is allowed only with track owner permission.
Tires may be cleaned with lighter fluid, Tiger’s Milk or other similar substances designed to clean tires…not to make them sticky and goop up the track.
Note: Oil of Wintergreen is not allowed
12. Points will be awarded to drivers on a 10-0 basis as follows:
First – 10; Second – 9; Third – 8; Fourth – 7; Fifth – 6; Sixth – 5; Seventh – 4; Eighth – 3; Ninth – 2; Tenth – 1; Eleventh – 0
13. Track owner determines whether heat races or rotation is used. Track owner also determines how many, and which, which classes will be raced.
14. Race format will be determined by track owner with a notice on which cars will be run prior to race.
15. Each Driver is allowed two, 2-minute pit stops for mechanical reasons during a race meeting. When a Driver calls for his/her pit stop, the Race Marshall shall keep track of this time. The race shall stop for the duration of the pit stop and the Race Marshall will then restart the race at the end of the pit stop in accordance with normal starting procedures. Other drivers may not work on their cars during a pit stop called by another driver without also taking their own pit stop. One braid adjustment stop is allowed per driver per race and shall not count as a pit stop.
Other drivers in the race may not practice during another persons “pit stop” once the race marshal has called cars to the starting grid.
16. A driver may not change cars once his heat race begins.
17. Each IMAR racing season will start in January and end in December of each year.
18. The Rules Marshalls shall be a committee of three elected by a majority of members present at the first race of the season. They will resolve all questions of rules and procedures. The ruling of the Rules Marshalls shall be final. Any rule changes after the season starts will be implemented by the 3 marshals and all members will be notifed of the changes.
2023 season marshals are Jim Good, Russ and Jim Fair
19. Any issue needing a vote by the club members shall be done based on a simple majority of the members present at the time of the vote.
20. At the track owner’s request, a time curfew may be imposed.
OVERALLGOVERNING RULE - IFTHE RULES DO NOT SAY
YOU CAN MODIFY SOMETHING, YOU CAN’T!