General Rules

  • When you arrive at MSR Houston proceed to the track office and check in. If for some reason we are not available, you may proceed to your garage or the paddock area. Under no circumstance are you or your guest allowed on the track or in the pits until the proper insurance and guest forms are signed. No exceptions!!
  • All members and guests must sign in at the front office upon arrival. It is important to be aware of the track direction, current conditions and session information for that day. This is for your safety and is a requirement.
  • No one is to enter the track without permission of MSR personnel. If necessary on high use days, we will group vehicles by type and driving experience. We will make every effort to put you in a group with which you are comfortable. Please check for session groupings when you check in at the office. They will be posted at the waiver desk. Remember that all groupings are subject to change. Make sure you know the direction of traffic for the day.
  • No one has to access the track when the track is closed.
  • Individual guests are allowed 4 visits per year. The host member must be present for guests to have access to facility.
  • All garage space is rented to MSR Houston members only. We have limited garage space and it remains full.
  • Please remember that the Paddock Speed Limit is 10 mph. No hooning allowed, this is a family experience for our guests and safety is our number one priority. Only licensed drivers may drive motorized pit vehicles (golf carts, scooters, minibikes, etc.).
  • Members will be charged a flat rate of $100 for Test and Tune days prior to a race weekend. This is because we have special services on those days such as Ambulances, Wreckers, and Corner workers.
  • Trailers left at the facility will be charged $100/month and must be parked off of the Skid Pad, unless special permission is given.
  • After-hours access must be coordinated with Michael Mills: 832-683-7041 or michael [at] msrhouston.com
  • All new drivers must go through an MSR orientation class. Once you are out on the track, take the first couple of laps SLOWLY to warm up the tires and vehicle systems. This will also allow you to remember where the track goes and settle yourself.
  • THIS IS NOT A RACE! Take time to find braking points, entry points, apex points and exit points for each and every turn. Also pay close attention to the amount of grip the surface of the track is affording on the day. If you are having difficulty on track, ask for evaluation and/or assistance.
  • Be safe and have Fun.

Car Safety Rules

MSR is committed to providing the safest track experience possible. Safety protocols, safety equipment, training and member rules have been implemented to enhance our level of safety.

The following rules for cars are in place and will be strictly enforced:

  • New members are required to take a mandatory orientation class and cleared to be solo on track.
  • Members are limited to 3 guests per day, without prior authorization from Management.
  • Members MUST accompany their guests on track- Applicable for guests new to the track (3 track days or less). Any guest observed being on track without member will result in a black flag for member and guest.
  • Only members are allowed to have drivers present in the car while on track.
  • Helmets are to be worn by anyone present in a car while on track, must be fastened before entering hot pit, and must stay on until back into the paddock area.
  • On track instruction is limited to MSR approved instructors ONLY. Any member or guest not on the MSR approved instructor list who is observed providing on track instruction will be banned.
  • All members and guests need to check in the front office and with safety, before proceeding into the track, to be aware of track conditions, track direction, schedule for the day, and/or any other relevant safety information.
  • While under Yellow Flag, all drivers will slow pace full course and when approaching incident slow even more to allow for safety of driver or safety crew while out of vehicles.
  • Black Flags will be shown to any driver displaying unsafe practices. This includes but is not limited to incorrect pit in/pit out procedure, unsafe passing or passing in no zone passing zones, erratic lines, runoffs, not following flags, and any other unsafe practice at the discretion of safety/race control.
  • Members are allowed one black flag per day. 2 black flags results in member loss of track privileges for the day. Guest black flags count toward the hosting member. 2 black flags for a guest result in loss of track privileges for guest and member for the day.
  • Crashes- Any driver who crashes and spills oil or fuel onto the track that results in surface damage can/will be charged for cleanup and track repair costs. Guest crashes are subject to loss of track privileges for guest and hosting member for the day.
  • Any damage to MSR property including but not limited to track signs, garages, and racing or paddock surface, can result in member being charged for repair or replacement.

Motorcycle Safety Rules

MSR is committed to providing the safest track experience possible. Safety protocols, safety equipment, training and member rules have been implemented to enhance our level of safety.

The following rules for motorcycles are in place and will be strictly enforced:

  • Members are limited to 2 guests per day.
    • a. Exception: Guest CMRA license holders or RideSmart Experienced Level or higher (Limit 4)
  • Members MUST accompany their guests on track.
    • a. Exception: Guest CMRA license holders or RideSmart Experienced Level or higher
  • Guests must wear MSR/BMS Jerseys, available in the front office.
  • Any guest observed riding alone and not safely following the race line will result in black flag for guest AND member.
  • Crashes- Guest crashes are subject to loss of track privileges for guest and hosting member for the day.
  • New members are required to take a mandatory orientation class. The course is roughly 2hrs and includes classroom instruction and 2 sessions of on track instruction.
  • On track instruction is limited to MSR approved instructors. Any member or guest not on the approved instructor list who is observed providing on track instruction will be black flagged.
  • Black Flags will be shown to any rider displaying unsafe practices. This includes but is not limited to incorrect pit in/pit out procedure, unsafe passing, erratic lines, unsafe riding, runoffs, and any other unsafe practice at the discretion of safety/race control.
  • Members are allowed one black flag per day. 2 Black flags results in member loss of track privileges for the day.
  • Guest black flags count toward the hosting member. 2 black flags for a guest result in loss of track privileges for guest and member for the day.
  • Airbag Vests- Airbag vests are available in the front office for daily use as a courtesy from MSR and Bittinger Motorsports. Usage requires a signed release of liability form.
  • Busy members days will be staffed with 1 or 2 control riders. Control riders will wear MSR Jerseys and carry the same authority as safety/race control. All hand signals from a control rider MUST be followed.
  • Members and guests are STRONGLY encouraged to install case savers. Any rider who crashes and spills oil or fuel onto the track that results in surface damage can/will be charged for cleanup and track repair costs.

Off-course excursions/spins:

  • In the event that a driver loses control and is in jeopardy of leaving the track surface, drive straight off the track, slowing until regaining control, then drive cautiously back on to the track. If visibility is impaired, wait until conditions improve.
  • Two wheels off: slow until you gain control, and then cautiously return to the track surface. Forcing the vehicle back on to the track at speed could result in loss of control and possibly spinning into oncoming traffic.
  • Four wheels off: same as above, except that the driver is required to return to the hot pits for a vehicle inspection. Upon completion of inspection and subsequent repairs for damage, you may return to the track.
  • Loss of control causing a spin on the track surface: regain control of the vehicle and continue, being aware of other vehicles on the track.
  • If your vehicle becomes disabled, pull off to the closest point away from the track and REMAIN INSIDE YOUR VEHICLE. The only reason you should get out or off your vehicle is if it is on FIRE!
  • Two off-course excursions and/or spins on the track, in any session, will be cause for you being black flagged. Return to the hot pit and speak to the grid marshal. Three spins means the end of your session.

Drivers

  • Members in good standing may drive on the track, provided that they have completed the MSR orientation course and have had a solo check ride by an MSR instructor.
  • Member’s guests that desire to drive on the course must meet the same requirements as the member. Members are responsible for any fees incurred by their guests. The number of guest drivers is limited by membership type. Member must be present in order for his or her guest to be able to drive. Guest must complete a guest driver registration from each time they come out. This form requires the member’s signature each time as well. Each guest is limited to four track days per calendar year.
  • Access to the track is granted by the grid marshal. The grid marshal also reserves the right to prohibit access to the track if the marshal deems that a driver’s experience level, vehicle worthiness, or attitude is a safety risk.
  • Drivers are required to have Snell approved helmet: SA90 or later for cars, M90 or later for motorcycles, as well as SFI rated fire suit or leathers for the motorcyclist.
  • We recommend that a current medical profile be on file for each driver with MSR. Any member with special medical needs must advise the track of those needs.
  • Each driver is responsible for learning the names and locations of all corners on the track, as this will be a means for giving instructions to the driver.

Equipment

  • Each vehicle must be inspected by you or your mechanic before going on the track. If your mechanic does it, we want you there to observe. This will serve many purposes, all of which make for a safer day at the track. The inspection bay is located adjacent to the main office.
  • All vehicles must be maintained at a high level due to the stresses which they are subjected to. Please be familiar with our vehicle’s required pressures and fluid levels so that it may maximize your enjoyment of the vehicle’s high performance profile. MSR reserves the right to require additional inspections as deemed necessary for the enjoyment and safety of others.
  • All open cars, including convertibles, must have a roll bar, except for touring laps.
  • A multi-point safety harness is strongly recommended in all vehicles.
  • A fire extinguisher, securely mounted, is also recommended in all vehicles.
  • All vehicles must have a tow hook or strap.

On Track Communication

Standard racing flags will be displayed at the start/finish line.

  • Green flag – Track is clear
  • Yellow flag – Caution, no passing allowed prior to incident
  • Red flag – Danger, proceed to the pits on your next lap using extreme caution when continuing around the track.
  • Black flag – If pointed at YOU, you are the only offender, make your way to pit road at a reduced speed.
  • Checkered flag – Session is over, make your one cool down lap and pit in.
  • The safety light system is the green, yellow, and red system; we are all familiar with on the street. So pay attention to the lights as well as the flags. It is meant to be used as another check system for the safety of all.

Passing

  • Passing is only allowed on the three main straights. Unless otherwise instructed.
  • All passes must be completed prior to turn in at the next corner.
  • Drivers being overtaken are to remain on their normal line. It is the overtaking driver’s responsibility to make a safe, clean pass.
  • If a driver notices a vehicle in their mirror for several turns, please allow that driver to pass at the next available passing straight. Blocking will be cause for a visit to the grid marshal.
  • If you notice a driver is not paying attention to their mirrors, make your way to the grid marshal and warn them about the negligent driver.

Video Recording

  • Drones are not allowed on property unless covered by a commercial policy equal to our general policy and it must include all property and events connected with the event. The event organizer must provide a valid  FAA license and a Certificate of Insurance (COI) naming MSR International with aircraft inclusion.

We sincerely hope that all of you understand that these rules are to ensure that our members experience is special and safe. As always if you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us.

GO SATISFY YOUR NEED FOR SPEED!!!!!

PLEASE BE SAFE AND COURTEOUS TO EVERYONE