5th year Anniversary Special Announcement

Buddy Rider in addition to the tractor driver for 2012
Owosso Tractor Parts or the MBA reserves the right to ammend these rules at any time.

The Mackinac Bridge Authority has given approval of a rider (Buddy Rider) for the first time as long as the tractor seat and Buddy Rider  meet certain safety rules set forth by Owosso Tractor Parts and approved by the MBA. Just for this year (5th) event at this time. Further rider events will have to be approved after reviewing this year’s event.

Buddy Rider, Driver & Public Safety is utmost important. There are going to be strict guidelines and rules concerning the Buddy Rider seat. Rules for the Buddy Rider must be agreed to by the Buddy Rider, Driver and club President. (Disclaimer form available) coming soon)
 
1. All Buddy Rider seats are to be approved by Owosso Tractor Parts and your club President.
2. Seat Belts for the Buddy Rider must be installed securely and safely on the tractor. 
3. The seat belt must be worn by the Buddy Rider through the duration of the parade route/ride. 
4. Minimum of 4 photos of the seat mounted and
 bolted must be sent to Owosso Tractor Parts at bobscorner@owossotractorparts.com or mailed one month prior to the event for approval.
5. Absolutely no seat mounted on the drawbar in any way
6. All seats must be secured to the tractor beside the driver. No Buddy Rider will be, behind or in front of the driver. And the Buddy Rider must face forward.
7. All seats must have a secure and safe back support for the rider.
8. Even though some tractors have a seat for a rider from the factory,
 it will still have to be approved by Owosso Tractor Parts with a seat belt.
9. Seat must not be rusted out or welded up.  (I’m sure the rider would appreciate a cushion)
10. There can be absolutely no interference to the driver’s ability to drive the tractor across the Mackinac Bridge or the entire parade route safely. This means no interference what so ever with the tractor driver, tractor clutch, tractor brakes, tractor steering and the vision of the driver.  The driver must have full control of the tractor at all times.
11. Tractor must have fenders to protect the rider from the tractor tires.
12. Buddy Rider age must be at least 16 years or older to ride on the tractor.
13. Be a member of the respective participating club. Some clubs have family membership. Make sure your family member(s) are included on their club roster if this is so.
14. No riders on trailers or implements.
15. NO SWITCHING TRACTOR DRIVER WITH BUDDY RIDER ANYWHERE ON THE MACKINAC BRIDGE OR DURING THE ENTIRE PARADE ROUTE.
16. Failure to comply with these rules will bar the individual(s) from further Mackinac Bridge Antique Tractor Crossings.

These rules have been agreed on by the MBA and Owosso Tractor Parts to allow for a Buddy Rider this year.  They are for the safety of all involved and are to be taken seriously.

Sincerely
Robert Baumgras, www.owossotractorparts.com