Pickerington, OH (1/5/2007) - Quiet wins! That's the finding of a two-year experiment by the ATVA and motocross promoters who put sound limits on Pro racing machines. The experiment showed that winners use quiet pipes.

All of the top winning Pro racers used exhaust systems that tested at 99 decibels or less. For the 2007 race season, amateurs will also have to meet the 99-decibel sound limit, under the just-released ATVA 2007 Supplemental Rules.

Some people mistakenly believe that loud pipes mean more power. Untrue, and the race results show that.

We have to face the facts. Tracks all across the country, including some of our National tracks, are being threatened with possible lawsuits because of excessive sound. The reality is, if we want to continue to race we have to work to minimize the sound of the racing machines.

For 2007, all amateur and Pro-Am entries will be tested for sound. If your ATV exhaust tests over 99 decibels, try re-packing your silencer. Companies have also developed exhaust inserts and end caps that sell for less than $50 that make a big reduction in sound.

When all else fails, buy a new exhaust system. The referee at the races will have the option to issue warnings or impose fines on riders of machines who don't pass the sound test. As a last resort, the referee can disqualify the rider.

There are other changes for the 2007 Amateur and Pro-Am motocross season in the Supplemental Rules as well, although the biggest news for 2007 for ATV Motocross racing is that the Pro class is now a part of AMA Pro Racing. Those racers will now follow the AMA Pro ATV Motocross Championship rule book, which will be posted soon.

Under the Supplemental Rules for Amateur and Pro-Am motocross racers, several classes have changed: the Women’s class is now a Pro-Am class, and the 265 classes have changed to 450. Two-strokes are still welcome in this new 450 class, as well as in all the age classes.

Also, last year's Four-stroke Stock Production class has changed to Production Limited. The list of items that can be changed has been expanded to allow riders to personalize their machines a little more, without raising the cost of racing. This should encourage many more new racers to give the Nationals a try.

Since there are more racers over 30 wanting to race, the Veteran 30+ class now offers A and B/C levels.

Also in the Supplemental Rules, the fuel regulation has changed to allow almost any fuel out there, as long as it is petroleum based (51%).

Also new for 2007, we will offer two CVT, belt-drive-only classes: 90cc CVT and 70cc CVT. In another change for the youth classes, there is no downsizing of engines allowed to meet any of the class limits.

Finally, last years Pro-Am Unlimited class won't be offered for 2007.

For a copy of the 2007 ATVA National MX Series Supplemental Rules, click here (PDF, 53k). Fighting for your Rights

All Terrain Vehicle Association
P.O. Box 800
Pickerington, OH 43147-0800