Bold items identify pending rules or rule changes.

Transcription

1 Bold items identify pending rules or rule changes. AUTOSPORTS NORTHWEST AUTOCROSS STANDARDS 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Purpose The purpose of this code is to provide requirements and information pertinent to the conduct of safe autocrosses in the ASNW Championship Series. 1.2 Definitions AUTOCROSS An autocross is an all-forward-motion run for time on a clearly defined and adequately marked course. 1.3 Designation of Administrative Authority All ASNW sanctioned Championship Series autocrosses shall be administered according to the Standards stated herein. All vehicles completing in a Championship sanctioned autocross shall be classified and runs scored according to ASNW Standards Championship AUTOCROSS Series Administrator The ASNW Championship AUTOCROSS Series will be administered by Autosports Northwest. 1.4 Statement of Intent It is the intention of the AUTOCROSS Committee to promote the best competition in all groups and classes. All classifications and reclassifications of vehicles by the committee will discourage reclassifications for the purpose of competitors avoiding competition Final Authority for Interpretation In all interpretations of the Standards, the AUTOCROSS Committee decision will take precedence over other interpretations.

2 1.5 Amendments This code may be amended by proposing the amendment to the AUTOCROSS Committee, who after study, will reject or incorporate it into the Standards on the basis of a two third s majority committee vote. The committee will hold a general meeting to determine the feelings of the competitors on such matters. Although this code is normally changed once a year before the beginning of the competition season, it may be changed at any time at the discretion of the AUTOCROSS Committee. A THOROUGH UNDERSTANDING OF THESE STANDARS IS EXPECTED OF ALL COMPETITORS. EACH COMPETITOR WILL BE EXPECTED TO HAVE A COPY OF THE STANDARDS IN THEIR POSSESSION AT EACH CHAMPIONSHIP AUTOCROSS TECH INSPECTION. 2.0 COMMITTEE ADMINISTRATION The ASNW AUTOCROSS Championship Series events will be administered by the autocross committee. 2.1 Event Steward Appointment At least two members of the AUTOCROSS Committee will observe the event conduct and represent the AUTOCROSS Committee at the event. The stewards are responsible on the day of the event for the duties numerated in 3.1, 3.2, 4.1, Conduct and Disciplinary Hearing At a hearing, the AUTOCROSS Committee may discipline or ban a driver from ASNW Championship events. When such action is proposed, the driver will be notified in writing in advance of the time and place of the hearing and present a defense of his actions, including testimony of witnesses and submission of the evidence. 2.3 Distribution of Results After a Championship AUTOCROSS, the complete results of the event, including decisions of the protest committee, must be mailed to all contestants. A complete set of results shall be mailed to the AUTOCROSS Committee Chairman for the permanent record of the committee. 2.4 Annual and Event Scoring and Awards

3 2.4.1 Eligibility Only individual competition members of ASNW shall be eligible for annual awards. Eligibility will be based on membership before the beginning of the next to last championship autocross of the series. A minimum of 50% of the total series events is required for series award eligibility. In the case of an odd number of events, the total will be rounded up Number of Events There will be a minimum of five (5) autocrosses in the ASNW Championship Series Fast Time of Day Points FTD points will be awarded using the performance Index formula as follows: Points = Best time in Group x 100 (Rounded to 2 decimal places) Competitors time *Stock class for FTD shall be based on PAX time Season FTD Points and Awards Season awards will be given to the driver with the most FTD points in Stock/Production and Improved/Modified (refer to 14.0). Competitors final points will be determined by total FTD points minus their lowest event score Event Class Points and Awards Competitors finishing at least one timed run in an event will be awarded class points according to the following chart:

4 NUMBER OF FINISHERS Place (cont.) Class Points In the event of a dead heat, both drivers shall receive duplicate points and trophies. (Example: tie for 1 st place; both drivers receive 1 st place points and trophies, with next fastest finisher receiving third place points and trophy). Points may be awarded to only one car per driver per class. Points for non-finishers will be as follows: passed tech, but did not start one point; passed tech and started, but completed no timed runs 2 points. If entry has been refunded, no points will be awarded Season Class Awards Annual class awards will be given to the first place winner in each class based upon points received for the best placement of each driver in 75% of the events of the series. Additional awards will be given if the number of season participants equals or exceeds the suggested level below. Participants shall be defined as those competitors who have finished at least 50% of the season events. If a non-member occupies an award position, the next qualified ASNW member will be eligible for the award. Odd number of events shall be rounded up.

5 In the event of a tie, the competitor with the most 1 st place finishes will be declared the winner. If a tie still exists, comparisons of finishing places for 2 nd, 3 rd, etc. will be made under the same format until a winner is determined. If a tie still exists, total FTD points will determine the winner Awards Presentation Place Participants ASNW Championship AUTOCROSS awards shall be presented at the annual ASNW Banquet Multiple Awards An individual need not drive the same car, nor enter the same class during the season to be eligible to receive annual ASNW Championship AUTOCROSS Awards. Points cannot be transferred between classes toward annual awards Multiple Class Eligibility Only one official entry per driver per class per autocross will be eligible for class points. One driver may not run the same car in more than one class at one event. 3.0 EVENT CONDUCT 3.1 Responsibility Authority to Discipline participants The Event Sheriff has the authority to discipline any participant who exhibits dangerous or unsportsmanlike conduct Drinking and Drugs Any person considered by the Sheriff to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs before or during an event shall be disqualified, and shall forfeit entry fee, FTD and Class Points to date.

6 3.1.3 Timing Primary Timing Requirements It is required that automatic timing be used at all Championship Events. This timing equipment should have an accuracy of 0.01 send over a 10 minute period, and be repeatable after a six hour operation period. Sufficient batteries and spare parts should be available to provide reliable operation of the electronic timing. This timing equipment must be automatically started and stopped by the competing car Back Up Timing To backup the electronic timing equipment, two hand held digital stop watches shall be available of such accuracy that each hand held watch shall not differ from the electronic timing by more than one second in 10 minutes. In the event of an electronic timer failure (regardless of cause), the hand held watches will be used. The two watches will be operated by separate individuals. The times measured by the hand held watches will all be recorded and the correct time will be the average of the two watches. In this event the times taken by electronic hand timing, will be rounded off to the nearest 0.01 second Timing Accessibility The operation of timing equipment must be open for scrutiny by the Event Stewards. The timing equipment shall be off limits to everyone except the operators and the ASNW Stewards SCORING Timing Penalties Two seconds shall be charged for each pylon knocked down or moved out of its marker box. Ten (10) seconds shall be charged for each gate missed. Additional penalties may be assessed, as stated in the additional information from event officials Did Not Finish A single run shall be scored DNF only when a contestant does not complete his run, or intentionally or unintentionally eliminates a portion or portions of the course. 3.2 SAFETY

7 3.2.1 Course Safety All courses must be designed so that bad judgment or loss of control will not put the car into a dangerous situation. Unobstructed spin out areas or escape should be provided of a size proportionate to the highest speed attainable. Course safety for autocrosses shall be the same as that is required for races, as much as possible. The course shall be designed so that all hazards are a minimum of twenty five (25) feet from the edge of the course and an additional distance relative to the speed attainable except as specifically preempted by the Autocross Committee Competitor Safety Seat Belts Seat belt use is required by all drivers and passengers Safety Helmets Approved safety helmets must be worn by all competitors while on the course. Passengers in any vehicle during any run must wear a safety helmet. Some helmets area available at the trailer SCCA, ISCC, or SEMA approved rollbars are required in all open cars and convertibles, and are recommended for all other cars. Convertible tops and removable hard tops to not qualify a vehicle as a closed car nor as rollover protection under this standard. Open cars and convertibles with built-in factory rollover protection must present verification of D.O.T. or M.O.T. approved rollover protection at tech inspection Windows, Window Nets, Arm Restraints Vehicles with side door windows must have driver s side door window fully raised during all runs. If a passenger also occupies the vehicle during a run, the passenger s door window must also be fully raised. Vehicles with driver side window nets may leave driver s window glass in down position, but must have window net fully up and in place during all runs. If a passenger also occupies such a vehicle during a run, the passenger s side window must be fully raised. A passenger side window net may be substituted for passenger door window glass in vehicles of appropriate classifications.

8 ICSCC, SCCA IMSA, SEMA or Autocross Committee approved arm restrains must be worn by drivers and passenger of roadsters, convertibles and other open cockpit vehicles which have no door windows or window nets. Arm restraints must be worn in targa or t-top vehicles with roof panels removed or soft topped vehicles whether the top is up or down Technical Inspection Competitors will be checked immediately prior to running for safety helmets on, seat belts tightened, windows up and car hubcaps and/or beauty rings removed Spectator Control All persons except those authorized shall be at least twenty-five (25) feet from the course and an additional distance from corners relative to the speed attainable Course Access A safe path to enter and leave the course and the event shall be provided Enforcement and Staffing Adequate personnel shall be provided to enforce rules and Fire Extinguishers A minimum of three (3) fire extinguishers (each 10 lbs. or equivalent rated for gasoline and electrical fires) must be readily available at the course. One must be located at the start/finish Emergency Aid Personnel must be available at all time that the knowledge of the location of medical and police aid Paddock Safety No person under the age of sixteen (16) may operate a wheeled vehicle of any kind on the premises where an autocross is being held. This includes bicycles, roller skates, skateboard, remote controlled cars, etc.

9 3.3 Entry Requirements Release of Liability All event entrants and spectators must sign a waiver releasing the site, ASNW, the Autocross Committee and their officers from any liability Entry Forms All event participants shall fully complete and sign and official entry form for each entry at each event. Participants will be held accountable to the event Chairman and the Autocross Committee for presenting true and accurate information on each entry form Driver s License Each competitor must have a current and valid driver s license and must present it upon request Standards Each entrant should have a copy of the official ASNW Autocross Standards. Copies shall be available at each ASNW Championship Autocross. A copy of the standards shall also be kept available for participant review at registration for each ASNW Championship Autocross event. It is the responsibility of the competitors to be familiar with the Autocross Standards and be in compliance with and abide by these regulations. 3.4 COMPETITOR LIMITATIONS Preruns Any person, other than an Autocross Committee member, that drives or runs the course of any Championship Autocross series event prior to competition in any wheeled vehicle will not be eligible to receive Championship points for that event One (1) official entry per driver shall be required for each classification Class Run Sequence *************************AM/PM RUNGOUP******************************

10 3.4.4 Equal Opportunity All competitors shall have equal chance to win. There shall be no gimmicks wherein luck shall be a factor in winning Car Occupants Only one person per car per run will be allowed for trophy runs. 3.5 Course Layout Course Definition Standard roadway pylons will be used. A mark will be made on the course around the base of each pylon. Pylon positions will be inspected periodically during the event and always after a cone is suspected of being hit. Nothing shall be used as a course marker which could either be injurious or tend to put the car out of control Gate Width Minimum gate width shall be established at twelve (12) feet, measured inside the pylon bases. Three (3) cone gates, when used, shall be established at twelve (12) feet measured at the cone bases. A minimum of twenty (20) feet radius and a forty (40) foot minimum straight away shall be used on 180 degree turns. Thirty five (35) feet minimum distance between slalom cones shall be observed Course Map An official course map shall be posted at the event and accessible to all competitors. This map shall show the locations of all cones, pregrid, start and stop lines, braking areas, timing equipment and hazards. The names of the Event Stewards must appear on the map. 3.6 Competition Procedures Start Location Cars shall be position on a specific reference line in order that all drivers get the same starting point Identification

11 Each car shall be identified during it s run by a car number and class affixed to the car and located in a position readily seen by the starter Instructions Each competitor must be informed of the start and finish line location, course path, run procedure and special provisions or penalties before permitted to run Run Duration It is recommended that the minimum time to complete on (1) run of the course be fifty five (55) seconds. Each entrant shall be allowed at least two (2) timed runs through the course. All runs will be timed and it is highly recommended that each entrant be allowed three (3) runs through the course Red Flag Policy Obvious complete loss of control or inability to negotiate the course which could cause a safety hazard will result in immediate red flagging. Common sense is a good guide when deciding to allow a car or a person to either run or continue to run. In an autocross, the basic rule is: If there is a question, they should not continue Restarts If a restart is necessary, due to safety or timing issues, the car shall be red flagged and it is to stop and then proceed slowly using the course only if no there route is available. Anyone ignoring two (2) red flags shall be disqualified for that event. Reruns counting for points must be allowed if the contestant did not receive a fair run. No other reruns will be allowed (Runs which end due to flat tires, vehicle mechanical problems, etc.) Tire Scrubbing From the time of tech inspection to the end of the event, no car shall be driven in a manner that is reckless, dangerous or for the purpose of tire warming at the site of an autocross or away from the location. 3.7 Results Distribution of Results

12 The complete results of the event, including decisions of the protest committee, must be made available to all contestants. A complete set of results shall be mailed to the Autocross Committee Chairman for the permanent record of the Committee Contents of Results The results shall designate the event, sponsoring club, date and place. The results shall list by class and position in class (in order of best time) the driver s name, number, car make and model, class, club affiliation, and run times and penalties. The results shall also include the decision on all protest. 4.0 PROTESTS AND APPEALS 4.1 Protest Format All protests must be written stating the driver s name and number, car make and model. The protest shall cite the section of the Standards violated, the specific protest including a recount of events prompting the protest and the action desired. Protest may be filed only by drivers in the protested car class, or by the event Stewards. Any costs incurred by protested party in successfully defending a protest shall be paid by the protester. These costs will include compensation for time involved at the average local shop rates. The rate will take into consideration prevailing shop rates, but not be equal to maximum shop rates. The cost of any gaskets or small parts required for assembly shall be paid by the protester Protest Submittal A contestant may submit a written protest to the Event Stewards. All protests shall be filed within thirty (30) minutes after the last trophy run of the event. All questions about protests will be directed only to ASNW Event Stewards Protest Committee The Protest Committee will consist of three or more Autocross Committee members Protest Committee Action

13 All actions of the Protest Committee must be kept on record, one copy of which shall be provided to the Autocross Committee. The decisions reached on protests shall be included with the results sent to contestants Penalties If a vehicle is found to be illegal, either through protest or race official inspection, for the class in which it has competed, and incorrect information was given in it s event Entry & Registration From in order to gain an advantage in competition, the penalty shall be: Disqualification and loss of Class and FTD points from the event where the violation was protested or discovered, AND loss of Class and FTD points from the previous event. Neither of these two events shall count toward a competitor s year end event total. Example: A competitor participates in seven (7) events. Sanctions under this standard exclude two (2) events for any points. Total year end qualifying events is five (5). Under standard 2.4.5, one event is dropped. Competitor receives points for four (4) events. 4.2 Disciplinary Hearings Drinking or Drugs Any driver considered by the event Chairman to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol or any person attending with him or her at an event, so considered, will be cause for disqualification of the driver, forfeiture of entry fee, and forfeiture of Championship points earned at that event. Further penalties may be levied by the Autocross Committee upon review of the incident. The participant may appeal the Steward s decision to the Autocross Committee at a Disciplinary Hearing Unsportsmanlike Conduct Any driver who drives unsafely at or near the event location or displays unsportsmanlike conduct shall be disqualified. The participant has the right to appeal to the Autocross Committee at a Disciplinary hearing Conduct of Disciplinary Hearing A Disciplinary Hearing will take place within twenty five (25) days. The competitor will be notified within forty eight (48) hours of said hearing. At the hearing, the Autocross Committee may discipline or ban a driver from ASNW Championship events. When such action is proposed, the driver will be notified in writing in advance of the time and place of the hearing on the proposed action. The driver will have

14 the right to appear at the hearing and present a defense of his actions, including testimony of witnesses and submission of other evidence. 5.0 TECHNICAL INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS All cars must pass the technical inspection requirements. The Tech Form shall be signed by each competitor after inspection. 5.1 Engine Compartment Checklist A. No oil, water or fuel leaks B. Fan belts in good condition and tight enough to operate water pump, fan (if fitted) and alternator C. Battery secured D. Wiring in god condition E. Throttle springs safe and functioning properly F. No excessive grease accumulation G. Exhaust system leak free and in good condition 5.2 Suspension Checklist A. Shock absorbers in serviceable condition B. Wheel bearings tight C. All lug nuts, knock offs, studs and bolts must be present and tight D. Steering gear tight E. Single plate wheel spacer only may be used. The depth of the threads engaged on the studs must be equal to the diameter of the stud or bolt 5.3 Wheel and Tire Checklist A. A tire is considered illegal when it has a tread depth of less than 2/32 inch measured in two major tread groves at three locations equally spaced around the circumference of the tire, or for those tires with tread wear indicators, a tire shall be considered

15 illegal if it is worn to the point where the tread wear indicators contact the road surface in any two major tread groves at three locations equally spaced around the circumference of the tire. Racing recaps in new condition and racing slicks are exempt from this rule. Snow tires are acceptable if they meet these standards, but studded tires are not allowed. Recaps on D.O.T approved casings are allowed B. Wire wheels shall have no more than two adjacent and three total loose spokes C. Disc wheels shall show no evidence of cracking D. Hubcaps and wheel trim must be removed. E. Cars equipped with tubeless tires, except those rated as racing tubeless by the manufacturer, shall maintain tire pressure of thirty (30) lbs in all four tires, or thirty two (32) if the car weight is over 2500 lbs F. Wheels with reverse center sections that cannot have the welds easily inspected will not be allowed G. The reversing of normal wheel centers is not permitted 5.4 Interior Checklist (includes luggage compartment) A. All loose objects shall be removed B. Two inch minimum seat belts with metal to metal buckles shall be required. The passenger belt and seat back shall be secured when practical C. All vehicles must have a firewall between the engine and the cockpit. Foot box, floor pan, and side panels shall be constructed to prevent intrusion of debris into cockpit 5.5 Miscellaneous A. If fuel filler is prone to leakage, the filler neck shall be plugged if it is a safety hazard 5.6 Restrictions

16 The following cars* and any other swing axel car** must have some type of camber limiting device, or negative rear wheel camber when the car is unladed and the rear wheel sway bar is fitted. VW Beetle with swing axel rear suspension (all pre 1969 except 1968 automatic); Fiat 500, 600, 850 coupe, 850 spyder, Renault 4 CV, Dauphine R-8, R-10, NSU 1000, 1200 sedans, Pre 1974 Triumph Spitfire (swing axel rear susp.) *Other cars may be added if found necessary during the competition season. ** Swing axel rear suspension is defined as having not more than one universal type joint per axel. 6.0 GENERAL STANDARDS 6.1 General Production Requirements Vehicles must satisfy production requirements for the appropriate class defined in later paragraphs, unless the vehicle has been specifically assigned or limited to particular classes by the Autocross Committee, in which case noted requirements would not necessarily apply. So called Foreign models, or cars not normally sold in the U.S., or cars utilizing components of these models which were not normally available in equivalent American versions, will be allowed to compete for championship points only if that car has been reviewed by the Autocross Committee and specifically classified. This may be accomplished on site by the Event Stewards, if necessary. Homologation papers will be accepted as evidence for compliance with stock conditions Replacement or Rebuilding Components The replacement or rebuilding of any standard components of the vehicle for reason of normal wear or accidental damage is allowable, as long as the replacement part or component is the same as the original or O.E.M Updating/Backdating Replacement parts or components may be updated or backdated to incorporate improvements or revisions made by the manufacturer in

17 later or earlier versions of the same basic model, subject to the following restrictions: A. The replacement part or component must be (or have been) available as factory installed equipment on other versions of the same basic model or be available as a factory option B. The updated/backdated component from a later/earier version of the same basic model may be used only if the later/earlier version also competes in the same class as the vehicle to which the component is being added. If one basic model is modified to the extent it is made indistinguishable (discounting items of ornamental trim) from other basic models, the car should only be allowed to run as if it were the latter model C. A basic model is defined as all cars of the same marquee that is listed as one entry in the car classifications, Section 15.2 and Mufflers All cars will be dealt with on an individual basis as to excessive noise. A maximum noise level 103 decibels at fifty (50) feet must be met by all cars Superchargers and turbochargers Engines with superchargers or turbochargers are considered to have 1.4 times their displacement and will automatically move to the next higher classification unless otherwise specifically classified Fuel Rules for the type of fuel used in Stock, Street Touring, Street Prepared and Prepared classes shall conform to SCCA Fuel rules (currently section 3.6 of the SCCA Solo Rules). Nitro Methane is explicitly banned Nitrous Oxide Nitrous Oxide is allowed in Street Competition, Modified and Open categories. The tank must be mounted securely and lines must be routed in a safe manner and must not leak. 7.0 STOCK SCCA Solo II rules will be used for classification of Stock vehicles.

18 8.0 STREET PREPARED SCCA Solo II rules will be used for classification of Street Prepared vehicles. 9.0 PREPARED SCCA Solo II rules will be used for classification of Prepared vehicles STREET Competition *The Street Competition rules are currently under review* Street Competition class cars will be those production based vehicles which do not meet Stock, Street Prepared or Prepared standards. In addition, Street Competition vehicles must: A. Have an engine of the same manufacturer as the vehicle. B. Have an engine with the same number of cylinders as any engine originally available in that model vehicle. C. Vehicle shall maintain original firewall in stock location. Engine may not project past firewall. Engine shall remain in original engine compartment. D. Vehicle must compete on D.O.T or M.O.T approved street tires subject to rule MODIFIED Modified class will consist of those production cars which do not meet the Stock, Street Prepared, Prepared or Street Competition preparation standards OPEN Open cars include dune buggies, specials, go-carts and formula cars (FV, FSV, FF, FA, FC, etc.). Specials must be constructed specifically for automotive components and must have hydraulically actuated brakes on all four suspended wheels.

19 13.0 UNSPRUNG VEHICLES AND MOTORCYCLES Go karts and motorcycles are prohibited FOUR WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES Four wheel drive pickups and utility vehicles will be classified and run at the discretion of the Autocross Committee 15.0 ALTERNATIVE FUEL CARS No fuel type restrictions shall apply to the alternative fuel classes excepting that: A. The event Stewart may ban a fuel for safety considerations B. No fuel may contain more than 10% gasoline or diesel fuel. C. No fuel tank, or tanks, may have more than one atmosphere internal pressure.