Thats a lame rule. I was not aware of it and rocked my name on my leathers all season this year. Its so when I pass the white plates they think it was an expert? Haha. Wont be an issue next season but I think its silly.
I might could see names required for endurance teams. I can not see it being disallowed due to skill level. Is not the rider also a sponsor of their riding program?
You'll have to email WERA and file a petition if you don't want penalized for next year. I mean I know you went all out and changed your signature, would suck to start off 2019 on the wrong foot.
If you ran your name this year as a novice and are bumping to expert you can try to file the petition but they'll probably make you change your leathers to reflect the change of status.
I see. Is this something they will inform me of? I crashed at GNF anyways and most likely need a new set of leathers anyways.
If you can find where it details the naming requirements for leathers in the rulebook, you'll have your answer.