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    1. 150 Miles (ACTIVATION)

    2. 200 Miles

    3. 260 Miles

    4. 350-370 Miles

    5. 400-420 Miles (OPTIONAL) IRON PIGEON RACE

    ​

    Race Series: Four races with Average Speed competition:

  • View Map

    Loft and Stations

  • Limited to 3,000 spots to ensure every bird receives the highest level of care, training, and management, fostering a competitive environment where only the best thrive.

    Exclusive Entry

    • Bird Entry Period: February 1st - May 1st

    • Replacement Birds: Until May 15th

    • Training: 

      • Loft/Trap Training: June​

      • Road Training: July

      • A 90 mile toss and a 120 mile toss will be done before the 150 mile race.

    • Light System: A light system is used to prepare the birds for competition. This process takes 5 months to complete, making it crucial for participants to send their birds as early as possible to ensure they benefit fully from the system.

    • Perch Fees: 

      • $100 each for 4 or more​

      • $150 each for 3 or less

    • Activations:​

      • $450 each​

    • Perch fee reservations are refundable before February 1st.

    • Perch fees are non-refundable after February 1st.

    • Activations are non-refundable.

      • We'll hand-scan each bird before the first training toss after the activation race. ​

    ​

    For more information visit our Refund Policy Page​

  • Birds without paid entry will be sold and will become the property of the buyer. Activation fees are due immediately after the Activation Race.

    • IRS Compliance: Any winnings of $600 or more require a completed W-9 form.

    • Economic Adjustment: 15% of activation fees will be allocated to race expenses to account for current inflation.

    • Age Requirement: Participants must be 18 years or older to enter.

    • All Races will remain open for 48 hours after release. If no birds clock within the time frame, prizes will be split among actual birds sent to that race.

    • All race prizes will be distributed within 30 days of the final event. Winners of $600 or more must submit a completed W-9 form. For syndicates, one designated member must submit the W-9 on behalf of the group.

    • All birds will be vaccinated for PMV and undergo comprehensive health treatments, including protocols for coccidiosis, canker, and internal and external parasites, prior to being accepted into the racing loft.

    • Training & Vaccinations:

      • PMV-Rotovirous

      • POX vaccinations.

      • 9th & 10th flights pulled and regrown for competitiveness.

    • Management: Equal care, feeding, and medication for all birds.

    • Light System: Used for handling and bird management.

  • For the Final Race Only: Prizes will be awarded based on the First Drop, followed by Clocking Order for all subsequent birds. The First Drop is defined as the first group of birds arriving together, with an 18-bird limit, and all birds on this drop will share the allocated prize equally.

    ​

    • If any bird(s) in the First Drop fail to trap but remain present until another bird arrives, they will still be considered part of the First Drop.

    • If additional birds arrive and mix with unclocked birds from the First Drop, those birds will be placed in the order they clock.

    • Prizes beyond the First Drop will be distributed strictly by Clocking Order.

     

    This ensures fairness while maintaining recognition for exceptional performance.

    • If you are part of a syndicate, it is your responsibility to coordinate and submit a single payment. Multiple payments from individual breeders within the syndicate will not be accepted. Please collaborate and ensure one consolidated payment is made.

    • The Martinez Classic will begin shipping birds back after all races have concluded, including the optional 400-mile race. Birds will be shipped to the registered name and address listed on Wincompanion. It is the breeder's responsibility to ensure their Wincompanion account information is accurate and up to date. The Martinez Classic is not responsible for birds shipped to incorrect addresses due to outdated or inaccurate account details.

    • ​Special shipping requests will not be accommodated under any circumstances. All birds will be shipped exclusively to the address listed in Wincompanion.

    • Shipping Fees: A maximum of 2 birds can be shipped per box at a cost of $75 per box. Each bird will be shipped in a brand-new Horizon box (dimensions: 18” x 8” x 12”). For shipments exceeding 2 birds, additional boxes must be purchased based on the total number of birds.

    • Martinez Classic will hand-scan all birds prior to shipping for the first training toss after the Activation Race and for all four official main races, verifying electronic chips and ensuring the wellness of each bird. Additionally, all basketings and races will be livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube for full transparency and engagement.

    • All birds must be vaccinated for PMV at least 14 days before arriving at the loft.

    • The BENZING LIVE clocking system will be utilized alongside Wincompanion to provide live, real-time race results.

    • No birds with Pox will be placed in the racing loft and will be returned at breeder’s expense.

    • Breeders must complete the Activation Payment within 5 days of the Activation Race. Birds with unpaid activation fees will be sold, and the breeder will forfeit all rights to the bird(s) and any associated prize money.

    • After the race series concludes, breeders have 30 days to request the return of their pigeon(s). Any pigeons not claimed within this timeframe will become the property of Martinez Classic.

    • All entered birds are required to compete in the entire race series. The only exceptions are birds deemed unfit to continue by the Martinez Classic staff due to illness or injury. No other reasons for removal will be accepted.

    • Breeders retain full ownership of all birds they activate once the season concludes.

    • All non-activated birds will become the property of Martinez Classic and will be sold or removed from the race.

    • The entry fee is $450 per bird and is due immediately following the 150-mile Activation Race. Breeders are required to activate all birds on their team, as partial activations are not allowed. This is an "All or Nothing" activation policy.

    • Perch fees must either be prepaid or accompany the bird(s) upon arrival. If perch fees are not received with the bird(s), they will be marked as "Pending Perch Fees," with the breeder's name listed under the bird's name. If the perch fees remain unpaid for more than 7 days, these birds will be listed For Sale under the name "Martinez Classic - For Sale". No exceptions.

    • If a bird eligible for the First Drop fails to clock due to a clock or chip malfunction, the loft manager will verify its eligibility along with all other birds in the drop. Once confirmed, the bird will be placed last within the First Drop order.

    • Martinez Classic assumes no responsibility for lost birds under any circumstances, including but not limited to injury, illness, loft fly-offs, failure to return from training tosses or races, shipping issues, government regulations, natural disasters, or theft. All birds will be equally cared for and managed to ensure fairness.

    • We welcome international breeders who use personalized bands from their federations. To ensure fairness, and being aware that fake AU, IF, PH and FMC bands can also be used, our rule focuses on age: pigeons with molted 3rd flight won’t be accepted, regardless of the band type. This approach balances fairness and inclusivity for all participants.

    • Martinez Classic reserves the right to make all final decisions.

    • Martinez Classic reserves the right to deny participation to any breeder or attendee who fails to comply with the established rules or exhibits negative behavior that disrupts the integrity, fairness, or harmony of the event.

    • Martinez Classic will hand-scan all birds prior to shipping for the first training toss after the Activation Race and for all four official main races. During this process, the electronic chips will be verified, and the birds' wellness will be thoroughly checked.

    • Visitors are welcome by appointment only. To schedule a visit, please call or text Martinez Classic at (844) 410-6444

2026 Rules

  • 1. Event Overview

  • The Martinez Classic OLR 2026 is a 7-race young bird series

  • Birds will be trained, conditioned, and raced from progressive distances

  • All pigeons compete from the same loft under identical conditions

  • 2. Entry & Reservation

  • Each entry requires a perch reservation fee

  • The reservation fee secures space only and does not activate a pigeon

  • Perch fees are non-refundable

  • Entries are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis

  • The organizer reserves the right to limit total entries

  • 3. Activation Policy

  • Birds must be activated to be eligible for sponsorships and other awards.

  • Activation is due after the second race (130 mile race)

  • Only activated birds can get sponsored

  • Activation fees are non-refundable

  • Unactivated birds will become property of Martinez Classic and may be sold to others

  • 4. Ownership & Transfers

  • Birds remain the property of the breeder unless activations are not paid in full before the 3rd race in the series

  • Optional race activations do not transfer ownership unless the original owner approves

  • If a pigeon is sold:

  • Ownership must be updated before the final race

  • Sponsorship winnings belong to the registered owner at the time of the race

  • The Martinez Classic does not assume ownership of any pigeon unless clearly stated in writing

  • 5. Shipping & Arrival

  • All birds must arrive within the official shipping window (February-April)

  • Birds must be:

  • Healthy

  • Fully weaned

  • Free of visible illness or parasites

  • Any bird arriving sick or weak may be:

  • Treated

  • Removed from competition if necessary

  • Shipping costs are the responsibility of the breeder.

  • 6. Health, Care & Training

  • All birds receive:

  • High-quality feed

  • Clean water

  • Vitamins and supplements as needed

  • Professional loft management

  • Vaccinations

  • Training tosses are conducted based on:

  • Weather conditions

  • Bird readiness

  • 7. Race Series Format (2026)

  • Race 1 – 100 miles

  • Race 2 – 130 miles (Activation Race)

  • Race 3 – 165 miles

  • Race 4 – 220 miles

  • Race 5 – 290 miles

  • Race 6 – 300 miles

  • Race 7 – 350+ miles (Final Race)

  • Distances may vary slightly due to safe release locations. If tailwinds are forecasted we may add 10-20 miles or postpone the race.

  • 8. Timing & Results

  • All races will be timed using:

  • Benzing Live clock systems

  • Wincompanion

  • Official results posted by the organization are final

  • Any protest must be submitted in writing within 24 hours of posted results

  • 9. Sponsorships

  • The organizer reserves the right to:

  • Delay sponsorships if verification is required

  • Withhold sponsorship winnings in cases of proven rule violations

  • 11. Force Majeure

  • The Martinez Classic is not responsible for delays, cancellations, or losses caused by:

  • Acts of God

  • Extreme weather

  • Fire, flood, or natural disaster

  • Government restrictions

  • Transport interruptions

  • 12. Liability Disclaimer

  • By participating, all breeders agree that:

  • The Martinez Classic is not responsible for injury, death, or loss of pigeons

  • Participation is at the breeder’s sole risk

  • No guarantees of race survival or performance are expressed or implied

  • 13. Media & Promotion Rights

  • By entering, participants grant permission for:

  • Photos

  • Videos

  • Race footage

  • Promotional use on websites and social media

  • No compensation is required for media use.

  • 14. Refund Policy

  • Reservation fees: Non-refundable

  • Activation fees: Non-refundable

  • Shipping fees: Non-refundable

  • No refunds due to:

  • Bird loss

  • Weather cancellation

  • Trainer decisions

  • Race cancellations for safety

  • 15. Rule Amendments & Updates

  • To ensure fairness, safety, and the protection of all participants, the organizer reserves the right to modify, update, or clarify these rules at any time, with or without prior notice.

  • Any rule changes will be made in good faith and solely for the purpose of:

  • Protecting participants

  • Preserving race integrity

  • Improving safety

  • Ensuring legal compliance

  • All updates will be published on the official Martinez Classic OLR website and will take effect immediately once posted.

  • Continued participation in the event after any update constitutes acceptance of the revised rules.

  • 16. Agreement to Terms

  • By submitting a reservation or activation payment, you confirm that:

  • ✅ You have read all rules

  • ✅ You understand all conditions

  • ✅ You accept full responsibility for your participation

  • ✅ You waive liability against the organizer

  • 17. Nature of Services (Stripe Requirement)

  • All fees paid to the Martinez Classic OLR are for event services only, including but not limited to:

  • Perch reservation

  • Loft care

  • Feeding, training, and conditioning

  • Race participation administration

  • Data processing and result publication

  • No payment represents a purchase of a guarantee, outcome, placement, prize, or performance result.

  • 18. No Guarantee of Performance or Survival

  • By participating, all entrants acknowledge and agree:

  • Pigeon survival is not guaranteed

  • Performance is not guaranteed

  • Sponsorships are not guaranteed

  • Weather, predators, illness, accidents, or training risks may cause loss at any time

  • Participation is entirely at the breeder’s own risk.

  • 19. Stripe-Safe Refund & Chargeback Policy

  • All payments made through Stripe or any other processor are subject to the following:

  • All reservation fees are final and non-refundable

  • All activation fees are final and non-refundable

  • All service fees are final and non-refundable

  • Shipping fees are non-refundable

  • No refunds will be issued for:

  • Bird loss

  • Weather delays

  • Training losses

  • Race cancellation for safety

  • Disqualification

  • Breeder withdrawal

  • By submitting payment, the participant waives all chargeback rights related to service fulfillment once services have begun.

  • 20. Digital Service Delivery Confirmation (Stripe Protection)

  • By submitting payment, the participant confirms that:

  • ✅ They are purchasing event services

  • ✅ Services begin immediately upon processing

  • ✅ They waive any right to dispute based on “non-delivery” once services have started

  • ✅ Digital confirmation of services constitutes fulfillment

  • 21. Event Cancellation & Modification Protection

  • In the event that a race must be postponed, shortened, rerouted, or canceled due to:

  • Weather

  • Safety concerns

  • Government restriction

  • Transport issues

  • Force majeure

  • The organizer is not obligated to issue refunds, and the event will be considered fulfilled based on services already rendered.

  • 22. Rule Change Authority

  • To protect participants, ensure fairness, and maintain event integrity, the organizer reserves the right to update these rules at any time.

  • Changes may be made for:

  • Safety improvements

  • Legal compliance

  • Operational clarity

  • Competitive fairness

  • All updates take effect immediately once published. Continued participation constitutes acceptance.

  • 23. Final Stripe-Safe Legal Acknowledgment

  • By submitting any payment, the participant confirms:

  • ✅ They understand this is a service-based competition

  • ✅ They accept all financial risks involved

  • ✅ They understand no guaranteed outcome exists

  • ✅ They agree to the non-refund and non-chargeback policy

  • ✅ They accept the organizer’s final authority on disputes

  • All payments are for event services only. No guarantees of performance, survival, placement, or prize winnings are expressed or implied. All fees are non-refundable. Participation is at the sole risk of the entrant. Rules subject to change at any time to protect participants and preserve race integrity.

  • 24. Elite Program Qualification

  • For every three (3) pigeons entered by a breeder, one (1) pigeon qualifies for the Elite Program

  • Breeders entering fewer than three (3) pigeons do not qualify

  • Qualification is based strictly on total birds submitted

  • The Elite Program is open to all breeders worldwide who meet the qualification requirement

  • 25. Elite Activation Fee

  • The Elite Program activation fee is $500 per Elite-qualified pigeon

  • All Elite activation fees are:

  • Non-refundable

  • Non-transferable

  • Activation confirms participation in:

  • Elite sponsorship

  • Elite pigeon auction eligibility

  • 26. Elite Pigeon Selection Requirement

  • The breeder must officially select their Elite pigeon(s) before submitting Elite activation payment

  • Once Elite activation is processed:

  • The pigeon designation is final

  • No substitutions are permitted

  • Failure to select before payment may result in automatic forfeiture of Elite eligibility

  • 27. Elite Sponsorship

  • The Elite Program begins with a minimum $45,000 sponsorship

  • Sponsorship funds are awarded based solely on results from the 350+ mile Final Race

  • Sponsorship placements and distribution will be published separately prior to the final race

  • Elite Program Auction Eligibility

  • All pigeons entered into the Elite Program are pre-approved for auction eligibility.

  • Elite pigeons will be auctioned if they meet either of the following performance criteria:

  • 🥇 Arrive in the First Drop of the Final Race

  • 🏅 Place in the Top 10 Ace Pigeons of the Series

  • Auction participation is automatic and mandatory for pigeons meeting the above criteria.

  • 28. Elite Auction Revenue Distribution

  • All proceeds generated from Elite Program auctions will be distributed as follows:

  • 50% — Breeder

  • 35% — Martinez Classic OLR

  • 15% — Auction Platform Fees

  • All auction payouts are processed after:

  • Final identity verification

  • Ownership confirmation

  • Completion of buyer payment processing

  • 29. Stripe-Safe Nature of Elite Program Payments

  • All Elite activation fees are collected strictly as event participation and promotional service fees, including:

  • Sponsorship prize participation

  • Elite status administration

  • Auction listing services

  • Promotional and advertising services

  • No Elite activation payment represents:

  • A guaranteed sponsorship payout

  • A guaranteed auction placement

  • A guaranteed race result

  • A guaranteed prize

  • 30. Elite Program Refund & Chargeback Policy

  • All Elite Program activation fees are final and non-refundable

  • No refunds will be issued for:

  • Pigeon loss

  • Failure to qualify for auction

  • Disqualification

  • Withdrawal

  • Race cancellation for safety

  • By submitting Elite activation payment, the breeder waives chargeback rights once services have begun

  • 31. Elite Program Modification & Protection Clause

  • To protect participants and preserve competitive integrity, the organizer reserves the right to:

  • Modify Elite prize distribution if required

  • Adjust sponsorship formats if necessary

  • Clarify Elite auction procedures

  • Any updates will be published officially and take effect immediately upon posting.

  • 32. Elite Program Final Acknowledgment

  • By activating an Elite Program pigeon, the breeder confirms:

  • ✅ They understand Elite qualification rules

  • ✅ They understand sponsorships are not guaranteed payouts

  • ✅ They agree to mandatory auction participation if qualified

  • ✅ They accept the non-refundable nature of Elite activation fees

  • ✅ They accept all race, auction, and market risks

  • Elite Program activations are for promotional and participation services only. Sponsorships, auction placement, and performance outcomes are not guaranteed. All Elite payments are final and non-refundable. Rules subject to change at any time to protect participants and preserve competitive integrity.

  • 33. Standard Race Clocking Rules (Races 1–6)

  • All preliminary races (Races 1–6) are scored strictly by:

  • ✅ Electronic clocking order

  • Placement is determined by:

  • Arrival time

  • Speed (YPM)

  • No sponsorship pooling applies to preliminary races

  • All preliminary race results are final once posted

  • 34. Final Race Exception – Sponsorship-Based Ranking

  • The Final Championship Race (350+ miles) is treated differently:

  • Sponsorship placements are determined by First Drop arrival groups, not individual clocking order alone

  • This rule exists to:

  • ✅ Protect fairness

  • ✅ Prevent split-second technical advantages

  • ✅ Reward true group performance

  • 35. First Drop Definition – 60-Second Rule

  • For the Final Race only, a First Drop is defined as:

  •  

    Any pigeon that arrives within 60 seconds of the first pigeon’s arrival time.

  • All pigeons clocked within this 60-second window are considered part of the same First Drop

  • The First Drop is treated as a group performance

  • 36. First Drop Maximum Limit – 15 Bird Cap

  • The maximum number of pigeons allowed to qualify for First Drop sponsorships is 15 birds

  • If more than 15 pigeons arrive within the First Drop window:

  • ✅ Only the first 15 pigeons recorded within the 60-second window qualify

  • Any pigeons clocking after the first 15 will:

  • ❌ Not qualify for First Drop sponsorships

  • ✅ Still qualify for official race timing and placement

  • 37. Final Race Sponsorship Division Rules (Examples for Clarity)

  • These examples are provided for absolute transparency:

  • Example 1 – 20 Pigeons Arrive Together

  • 20 pigeons arrive within 60 seconds

  • First Drop sponsorship limit is 15

  • ✅ Only the first 15 pigeons officially recorded qualify

  • ❌ Remaining 5 do not qualify for First Drop sponsorships

  • Example 2 – 10 Pigeons Arrive, 5 Keep Flying

  • 10 pigeons arrive together

  • 5 continue flying past the loft and do not commit within 60 seconds

  • ✅ Only the 5 pigeons that actually commit within 60 seconds qualify

  • ❌ The remaining 5 are not considered First Drop

  • Example 3 – 1 Pigeon Alone, Then 10 Follow Within 60 Seconds

  • 1 pigeon arrives first

  • 10 more arrive within the next 60 seconds

  • ✅ All 11 qualify as First Drop

  • Example 4 – 5 Arrive, Then 5 More Within 60 Seconds

  • 5 pigeons arrive first

  • 5 more arrive within 60 seconds

  • ✅ All 10 qualify as First Drop

  • Example 5 – 5 Arrive, Then 10 More Within 60 Seconds

  • Total of 15 pigeons arrive inside the same 60-second window

  • ✅ All 15 qualify as First Drop

  • ❌ Any pigeons after the 15th are excluded from First Drop sponsorships

  • 38. Final Race Sponsorship

  • If more than one pigeon qualifies for First Drop:

  • ✅ The Final Race Grand Sponsorship will be divided equally among all qualified First Drop pigeons

  • No individual pigeon is guaranteed:

  • ❌ A full sponsorship payout

  • ❌ Exclusive placement

  • Final determination is based solely on:

  • Clock verification

  • Video confirmation when available

  • Official posted results

  • 39. Authority & Dispute Protection (Stripe-Safe)

  • All final race:

  • Clocking results

  • Drop determinations

  • Sponsorship divisions

  • Are final and not subject to appeal

  • By participating, all breeders:

  • ✅ Waive disputes regarding group placement

  • ✅ Accept the First Drop method

  • ✅ Accept the 15-bird sponsorship limit

  • ✅ Accept equal sponsorship division

  • Final Race sponsorships are based on group First Drop performance using a 60-second qualification window and a 15-bird maximum limit. Sponsorship shares are divided equally among qualified birds. No guaranteed placement, payout, or exclusive sponsorship is expressed or implied. All race determinations are final.

  • 40. No Pooling, Wagering or Gambling

  • No pooling, side betting, wagering, or any form of gambling is allowed on Martinez Classic OLR property or through our channels.

  • The Martinez Classic OLR is a competition and service event only, not a gambling or gaming operation.

  • 41. Health & Vaccination Requirements

  • All birds must be vaccinated for PMV (Paramyxovirus) at least 14 days before arriving at the loft.

  • Birds arriving without appropriate vaccination or showing signs of illness may be refused, quarantined, or removed from competition at the discretion of the loft manager.

  • 42. Bird Acceptance Window

  • Birds and any allowed replacements will be accepted from February 1st through June 1st.

  • No birds will be accepted after June 1st.

  • Any birds arriving outside of this window may be refused or returned at the breeder’s expense.

  • 43. Entry Form Requirement

  • When sending birds, breeders must print and complete the official Entry Form available on the website.

  • The completed Entry Form must travel with the birds inside the shipping box.

  • Birds received without a completed Entry Form may be delayed, misassigned, or refused entry.

  • 44. Perch Fee Policy & Pending Status

  • Perch fees must accompany the birds upon arrival, or be prepaid before shipping.

  • If perch fees are not received with the birds, those birds will be placed in a “Pending Perch Fees” status:

  • The birds will be listed in our system with the breeder’s name under the bird’s name.

  • If perch fees are not received within 7 days of the birds’ arrival:

  • These birds will be placed on the “For Sale – Martinez Classic OLR” list.

  • No exceptions.

  • 45. Entry Fees for Birds That Do Not Reach Activation

  • If entry fees were paid for a bird and that bird does not make it to the activation race (130 miles):

  • No cash refunds will be issued for birds that fail to reach the activation race.

  • Credits are non-transferable unless approved by the organizer.

  • 46. Banding & Federation Requirements

  • All birds must be banded with a 2024 seamless band recognized by a national organization (e.g., AU, IF, CU, etc.).

  • Birds banded with fake, unrecognized, or fraudulent federations will be disqualified and removed from the race.

  • Any attempt to alter, tamper with, or misrepresent a band will result in immediate disqualification.

  • 47. Activation & Non-Activated Birds

  • All non-activated birds will become the property of Martinez Classic OLR after the activation deadline and will be:

  • Removed from the race, and

  • Managed at the sole discretion of Martinez Classic (including potential sale, retention, or rehoming).

  • This serves as a clear ownership transfer condition for non-activated birds.

  • 48. Mandatory Participation in the Full Race Series

  • All entered birds are expected to compete in the entire race series, from the first scheduled race through the final race.

  • The only birds removed from the race series will be those that:

  • The Martinez Classic OLR staff determine are no longer capable of continuing due to illness or injury.

  • No birds will be removed from the series for strategic, financial, or personal reasons once the series has begun, except at the organizer’s discretion.

  • 49. Post-Season Ownership (Non-Elite Birds)

  • Breeders retain ownership of all activated birds outside of the Elite Program after the season is over, subject to:

  • The claim deadlines and

  • Return shipping rules listed in these regulations.

  • Elite Program birds are subject to the Elite auction and ownership rules specified in the Elite Program section.

  • 50. Clock or Chip Malfunction – Drop Eligibility

  • If a bird is on an eligible drop but does not clock due to a clock or chip malfunction:

  • The loft manager will visually verify that the bird was on the same drop as the other arriving pigeons.

  • After verification, this bird will be placed last in the drop order for that group.

  • This rule applies only when there is clear staff verification of the bird’s presence on the drop.

  • 51. Tax Reporting & W-9 Requirement (USA)

  • A Tax Identification Number (TIN) recognized by the IRS (W-9 form) is required before any sponsorship or payment totaling $600 or more is released.

  • Such awards will be reported as required by IRS regulations.

  • Breeders must:

  • Submit a completed W-9, and

  • Clearly specify their Loft Name on the form.

  • No W-9 = No payment and no deductions from winnings for shipping or other services.

  • 52. Post-Final Race Bird Claim Deadline

  • After the Final Race, breeders who want their birds back must claim their birds within 15 days of the Final Race date.

  • To claim birds, breeders must:

  • Send an email to info@martinezrace.com, and

  • Clearly specify their Loft Name.

  • Birds not claimed within 15 days will become the property of Martinez Classic OLR and will be managed at the loft’s discretion.

  • 53. Return Shipping & Deductions from Winnings

  • Return shipping fees must be paid within 15 days of the Final Race.

  • If the breeder has winnings on account and has provided a valid W-9, shipping costs may be:

  • Deducted from winnings, with the balance then paid out.

  • If:

  • No W-9 is received, or

  • Winnings are insufficient to cover shipping,

  • The breeder must pay shipping directly.

  • No W-9 means no payment will be issued and no deductions from winnings can be made.
     

  • 54. Nature of the Iron Pigeon Challenge

  • The Iron Pigeon Challenge is an average-speed competition

  • It is based on middle-distance races only

  • It rewards:

  • ✅ Consistency

  • ✅ Endurance

  • ✅ Speed across multiple races

  • It is separate from the regular race series and Elite Program

  • 55. Optional Participation

  • The Iron Pigeon Challenge is 100% optional

  • Only activated Iron Pigeon birds are eligible for:

  • Iron Pigeon sponsorships

  • Iron Pigeon recognition and awards

  • Birds not activated for this program:

  • ❌ Are not eligible for Iron Pigeon sponsorships

  • ✅ Still compete normally in the regular race series

  • 56. Iron Pigeon Activation Timing & Fee

  • Iron Pigeon activation becomes available after the 165-mile race

  • The activation fee is $100 per pigeon

  • This fee is:

  • Non-refundable

  • Non-transferable

  • Only birds that successfully return from the 165-mile race are eligible for Iron Pigeon activation

  • Iron Pigeon Sponsorship

  • Iron Pigeon sponsorships will start at:

  • 🏆 $45,000 minimum

  • Sponsorship distribution structure will be:

  • Published separately prior to payout

  • Based strictly on average speed results

  • All sponsorships advertised by Martinez Classic OLR — including but not limited to:

  • Final Race Sponsorships

  • Elite Program Sponsorships

  • Iron Pigeon Challenge Sponsorships

  • are based on a projected total of 2,000 activated pigeons.
     

  • 57. Perch Fees, Activation Fees & Sponsorships

  • 57.1 Definitions

  • 57.1.1 Perch Fee
    A Perch Fee is a non-refundable housing and care fee charged per pigeon for participation in the Martinez Classic One Loft Race (“Event”).

  • 57.1.2 Activation Fee
    An Activation Fee is a non-refundable participation and eligibility fee required to activate a pigeon for official competition eligibility in the Event.

  • 57.1.3 Sponsorship
    A Sponsorship is a voluntary contribution provided by individuals, businesses, or the Event organizer to support Event operations, optional prize programs, and promotional initiatives.
     

  • 57.2 Perch Fees – Purpose and Use

  • 57.2.1 Perch Fees are charged solely to cover operational costs associated with housing and caring for pigeons entered into the Event, including but not limited to loft housing, feeding, supplements, training, transportation, maintenance, labor, administration, and compliance costs.

  • 57.2.2 Perch Fees:
    a) Do not constitute prize money
    b) Are not pooled or redistributed as payouts
    c) Do not guarantee any winnings
    d) Are not wagers, bets, or gambling consideration

  • 57.2.3 Payment of a Perch Fee grants the right for a pigeon to be housed and cared for by the Event organizer and does not guarantee activation or payout eligibility.
     

  • 57.3 Activation Fees – Purpose and Use

  • 57.3.1 Activation Fees are required for a pigeon to be eligible to be officially clocked, ranked, and compete for main race payouts only.

  • 57.3.2 Activation Fees:
    a) Do not fund sponsorship programs
    b) Do not fund optional prize programs
    c) Are not pooled as prize money
    d) Are not wagers, bets, or gambling consideration

  • 57.3.3 Payment of an Activation Fee does not require or imply participation in any optional or sponsored programs.
     

  • 57.4 Sponsorships – Purpose and Use

  • 57.4.1 Sponsorships are independent of Perch Fees and Activation Fees and are not mandatory for participation in the Event.

  • 57.4.2 Sponsorship funds may be allocated, at the discretion of the Event organizer, to:
    a) Optional prize programs (including but not limited to Elite Program, Iron Pigeon Challenge, Speed Averages)
    b) Additional incentives or awards
    c) Event promotion, marketing, and operational enhancements

  • 57.4.3 Participation in any sponsorship-funded program is voluntary, and non-participation does not affect eligibility for main race payouts.
     

  • 57.5 No Gambling or Lottery

  • 57.5.1 The Event is a skill-based competitive sporting event.

  • 57.5.2 The Event shall not be construed as a lottery, gambling operation, or wagering system.

  • 57.5.3 No fee paid to the Event constitutes a bet, stake, or wager, and no payout is guaranteed.

     

  • 57.6 Organizer Discretion & Transparency

  • 57.6.1 The Event organizer reserves the right to allocate sponsorship funds as disclosed in Event materials and to modify optional programs prior to activation deadlines.

  • 57.6.2 All payout structures, sponsorship programs, and eligibility requirements will be disclosed prior to race activation.
     

  • 57.7 Participant Acknowledgment

  • 57.7.1 By entering pigeons into the Event, participants acknowledge and agree that:
    a) Perch Fees and Activation Fees are service and participation fees only
    b) Sponsorships are voluntary and separate from mandatory fees
    c) No guaranteed returns exist
    d) The Event is not gambling in any form

Experience the Thrill of the Finish Line

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