D:\Cars\ERC
general\ARTICL0b.doc
ARTICLES GOVERNING
THE ERC RACE SERIES 2011/2012
PREAMBLE
The
ERC COMMITTEE, acting under the auspices of the Historic Racing Club, hereby
declares the following Articles to be those governing an Invitation Classic
Race series for drivers of European Sports, GT and Saloon cars, manufactured
before 1977 and/or with the approval of the ERC committee. The series will be split into two
classes/race grids, according to lap times, and with an overall speed bar.
The
organising committee may also extend an invitation to drivers of other classic
cars they deem to be appropriate, even if they fall outside the general
eligibility rules for the series and also outside the traditional or MSNZ
classes for classic cars, including those with classic engine transplants.
The
Slower of the two groups will be sponsored by AES/TradeZone and races will be
known as the ERC AES/TradeZone/Arrow Wheels Series.
The
Faster class will be sponsored by Arrow Wheels and races will be known as the Arrow
Wheels/AES/TradeZone Series.
Where
grids have to be combined, they will be known as the AES/TradeZone/Arrow
Wheels Series.
These
Articles are to be read in conjunction with the standard Supplementary
Regulations set out in the National Sporting Code issued by MOTORSPORT NZ and
in conjunction with the supplementary regulations issued by the inviting clubs
and any Technical Rules as listed in these Articles.
1 INTERPRETATION
In these Articles,
the following expressions shall have the meanings set out:
"Series"
means the either or both ERC, AES/TRADEZONE and/or ARROW WHEELS classes as
above;
"the
Supplementary Regulations" means so far as they are applicable to the
Series, MOTORSPORT NZ's Supplementary Regulations applicable to all motor
racing together with all updates and amendments issued by MOTORSPORT NZ from
time to time and at any time;
"the main committee" is the ERC organising committee,
acting under the auspices of the Historic Racing Club, listed in these Articles
as "Series Personnel". In the
event of just the convenor, the term “committee’’ shall still apply and other
interested parties will be co-opted as required.
"ERC" is
"European Racing Classics" a non structured group of enthusiasts and
is not a formal club as such.
"the major Sponsors" for the current season are Auckland Engineering Supplies, part of the TradeZone group and Arrow Wheels.
"the Inviting Clubs" means the MOTORSPORT NZ affiliated
car clubs inviting the Series to their Race Meetings, organised under permits
issued by MOTORSPORT NZ at which rounds of the Series are held;
“MOTORSPORT NZ” or
“MSNZ” means Motorsport New Zealand Incorporated.
“handicap
races” are where the series handicapper allocates a delay to the cars starting
after the slowest car, with the express intention that all cars should
theoretically cross the finishing line at the same time.
“CoD” is a
certificate of description as issued by MSNZ.
“Classic Trial” is
a form of motorsport activity based on the driver’s ability to lap at a chosen
pace, and deemed to be an introduction to track driving, but at a speed
somewhat slower than for even the slower race group. Based on Pukekohe, this would be for drivers
lapping at times over 1:20.
“Retro Classic” is
deemed to be a pre 1977 European Classic bodyshell but with a pre 1977 classic
engine, not necessarily from the same model range or manufacturer, but still
European. Retro Classics have to be
fully road registered and with a current WoF, at every race meeting. Note: Retro Classics are NOT specifically recognised
by MSNZ, though there is a classification for “Period Specials”, nor are they
accepted by some Classic organising clubs.
2 OBJECTS
To coordinate and
administer a series for CLASSIC BRITISH & EUROPEAN SPORTS, GT & SALOON
CARS AND OTHER INVITED CLASSICS, AND A LIMITED NUMBER OF RETRO CLASSICS, which
is above all enjoyable, sporting, and structured and maintained in such a way,
that there is no clear winner of the series before racing has even commenced. This is achieved by adopting points scoring
structures and race formats, which are likely to produce random race winners;
rewarding regular attenders, rather than emphasising
the faster cars and also awards points for participation and support. Speed bars and groupings are set so as to
minimise the speed differentials and also to encourage the introduction into
racing, of Classic cars deemed too fast for Classic Trials, but too slow for
classes catering for open or heavily modified cars. Numbers of identical saloon cars may be
limited, so as to maintain as much variety as possible.
3 ELIGIBILITY
3.1. All drivers must be current registered and
paid up members of the series.
3.2. Marques eligible include all classic British
and European cars but at the committee’s discretion, other countries’ marques
or models may be included on a case by case basis.
3.2.1. Replicas are permitted if the car is
built to a specific plan concerning a specific model or theme - for example,
Cooper ‘S’, Broadspeed GT, Lotus Cortina, Brabham Viva, Sebring MG, Capri Perana, TR7 V8, etc.
3.2.2.
BMC /Leyland based production kit cars are eligible on
application to the committee, including De Joux, Mini
Marcos, Mini Jem etc, provided the bodyshell and mechanicals are period.
3.2.3.
The committee reserves the right to seek advice from
specialist one make clubs regarding applications outside their current
expertise or knowledge.
3.2.4.
Sports racing cars & replicas such as Jaguar C
& D type, AC Cobra, etc, will normally be permitted but can be considered
by the committee on an individual basis but must be constructed to a high
quality standard and be powered by an appropriate period engine.
3.2.5.
Previously, Datsun 240Zs
were accepted as there was not other option for them
to race. There is now a series for Japanes Classics
so no further Japanese cars will be accepted.
Previous entrants with a continuouis history
within the seriesmay still run.
3.2.6.
The committee at its discretion may also invite a
maximum of 5 (five) Retro Classics per season, with the proviso that no more than
15% of paid up existing series drivers object in writing, given 10 day’s notice
and full details. The decision of those
drivers is final, but those turned down are not barred from reapplying the
following season.
3.3. The
Committee has the power to offer invitations, accept or reject or revoke
registrations on the basis of either car or driver suitability and a driver's
adherence to both the published rules and the spirit and aims of Classic &
Thoroughbred competition as stated in current or previous New Zealand
Motorsport Manuals, or any other factor at the Committee's discretion.
3.4. Small Clubmans style cars or sports-racing
cars such as Lotus 7, Caterham, Westfield, Lotus 11
replicas etc., are normally excluded from the series, as there are options for
those vehicles to race elsewhere.
3.5. Cars with a Pukekohe lap time in the dry
quicker than 1 minute 05 seconds are also ineligible, with the proviso that if
they can be driven, mechanically modified, have tyres changed or in other ways
have the optimum performance reduced, or, are driven so as not to beat the
speed bar, they may be accepted at the committee's discretion, and subject to
such restrictions and penalties as agreed by the committee. The committee may
in future adopt a speed bar based on Hampton Downs.
3.6. Where an application for registration is
rejected, the Committee's decision has to be unanimous and no reason need be
given publicly.
3.7. Cars must comply with Appendix K Schedule T
& C within the current Motorsport Manual, or they will be scrutineered to
Schedule A.
3.8. All entrants &
drivers agree to submit their cars for inspection by any approved Series
Technical Officer at any time and to notify the Technical Officer and/or the
convenor of any change(s) made since initial registration likely to affect
eligibility. Although period
modifications are preferred, the committee recognises that safety related
components and electronic ignition may be fitted, to aid reliability and
safety.
3.9. A CoD is not
currently mandatory for series entry, but Series entrants are expected to have
cars to a CoD standard. Where no CoD
exists for a car, scrutineering will be to Schedule A rather than AA and race
organisers have the right to limit drivers to Series races only.
3.10. At any race meeting
where the number of entries exceeds the normal maximum allowed for a grid, up to
20% extra may practice and unless the Clerk of the Course allows a
dispensation, the overflow for racing will be normally be moved to the other
race group according to lap times. If
there is still an overflow, selection may be on the basis of date of race
meeting entry at the organiser’s discretion.
If this data is not available, and the opinion of the series committee
is sought, entry will normally be on the basis of priority to those who have
already shown regular support for the series, or those who are not registrered in any other series.
3.11. The committee at
its discretion, may limit total series numbers
registered in any one season if grids are regularly oversubscribed.
4 SERIES STRUCTURE
4.1 The series shall normally comprise a
maximum of 7 Rounds (with scores from the best five rounds to count) if any
round is unable to be held, a substitute may be arranged, with competitors
given due notice. Registered Competitors
will only be advised of date changes via email:
DATES 2011/2012
|
ERC Rounds are numbered. Best 5
rounds to count. Last round, double points |
|||
|
1 |
Sep 24/25th Icebreaker |
HRC |
Hampton Downs |
|
2 |
Nov 27th |
ACC |
Pukekohe |
|
Oct 8th Spring Classic – (Bathhurst weekend) Saturday |
TACCOC |
Pukekohe |
|
|
3 |
Dec 11th Summer Classic |
TACCOC |
Hampton Downs |
|
4 |
Jan 14/15th Tasman Revival Series |
HRC |
Taupo |
|
5 |
Mar 3/4th Tasman Revival Series (Date changed) |
HRC |
Hampton Downs |
|
6 |
Mar 17/18th Legends of Speed |
HRC |
Pukekohe |
|
7 |
Apr 1st Series Finals |
ERC/MONZA Ltd |
Hampton Downs |
4.2. The Committee reserves the right in
conjunction with Motorsport NZ to either cancel or amend any rounds of the
series due to force majeure without
affecting in any way its power to award any title.
4.3. Where possible,
each round at a one day meeting will include a minimum of two handicap or other
agreed format races.
4.4 At a two day meeting, the first race will be
a scratch race which will not count for points; the second may or may not be a points race depending on the full weekend’s programme. Any further races on day one will not count
for points unless advised otherwise.
4.5 The format for the
second day will be that the first series race will normally be a points handicap.
4.6 The second race on day 2 will also be a points handicap depending on 4.4 above. Additional races on either day may be mixed
by the organisers at their discretion but will not count for points.
4.7 If non-Series cars
are included in any race the non series cars will be excluded only for the
purposes of points calculations. The
winners of such races will be totally at the discretion of the organising club.
4.8 If series races are
to be on just one day of a two day meeting, this will normally be circulated by
the series committee by email to all registered drivers once the official
programme has been published.
5 SERIES PERSONNEL
At each round the
Series will be represented by a Senior committee
member or designated official, which may be a non-competing driver, familiar
with the structure of the series:
Main Committee:
a) Series Co-ordinator/Convenor – Senior
Committee Member
RAY GREEN
PO BOX 34-469 BIRKENHEAD NORTH SHORE CITY 0746
ph (09) 418-2937 Fax
(09) 418 51 81
who is responsible
for: all administrative matters
including receiving Series registrations, publishing points and will be Judge Of Fact for Driver Eligibility,
Handicap Calculations and points scored;
Financial records, receipts and payments, annual awards dinner and
allocation of all awards.
b)
Series Advisor and Race day Liaison Officer – Senior
Committee member
who is responsible for non technical or technical
eligibility:
who is Judge Of Fact when acting as starter,
Co-ordinator or Driver's representative;
confirming
grid positions and starting procedures;
Liason with Clerk of the Course, Stewards,
Scrutineers etc
Clerical Assistance either:
c) Race Day Clerical input
DONNA CARGILL
Who is responsible
for inputting lap times and producing grid sheets, which must first be checked
by a Senior Committee member for Handicap times. If no Senior Committee member is available,
then these grid sheets will be issued as is.
Or
d) Race Day Clerical input
CLIVE TAYLOR
Who is responsible
for inputting lap times and producing grid sheets, which must first be checked
by a Senior Committee member for Handicap times. If no Senior Committee member is available,
then these grid sheets will be issued as is.
6 SERIES REGISTRATION
6.1 Initial entry for the Series is to be
made by the driver completing the Series Entry Form on the website (OR VIA
EMAIL IF NO FORM IS AVAILABLE) and submitting it to the cordinator
and either completing an internet bank transfer (preferred) or posting the
appropriate fee. The application will be
processed by the Main Committee and all drivers are reminded that this is an
invitation series. Where no details have changed from the previous season,
payment only is required, no registration form required unless car or contact
details have changed.
6.2 Points can only be gained by registered
Series competitors who are required to display sponsor decals at each event.
6.2.1
Points will be earned by the driver in whatever
eligible car the driver chooses, and the driver may change or substitute cars
at any time provided that the series co-ordinator or his representative is
informed.
6.2.2
If the substitution is made after the commencement of
practice, grouping or handicap times will be adjusted accordingly.
6.2.3
Each car/driver combination will be allocated a
different series number, as all records, handicaps and web pages will be
indexed by that number.
6.3
Initial Series Entry fee for 2011/2012 is $60 (GST not
payable), for new registrations.
Renewals will be $50. Cheques should be made payable to ERC (plus 50c) and crossed,
AC Payee only, but direct bank credit is preferred.
6.3.1
Drivers pay one entry fee and may enter one series
only with each car, but if the driver transfers or is transferred by the
committee from one class to the other, points will be transferrable and no
extra fee is required.
6.3.2
A driver may
drive different cars in Arrow Wheels and AES/TradeZone
classes, but the series organisers cannot alter the race programme to allow
time for driver/car changes and cannot accept any responsibility if drivers are
too late for acceptance onto the dummy grid.
6.4 Permanent numbers may be requested on the
series Entry Form and will be allocated in order of receipt. Preference will be given to last year’s
participants and permanent numbers may be issued in conjunction with other road
race Series, including Alfa Trofeo. If a driver does not register for the series
for 1 year, the number is deemed to be available to any registered
entrant. Numbers are allocated to
specific car/driver combinations as per 6.2.3 as above.
6.5 As
most events are run by Inviting Clubs, the Committee can take no responsibility
for either acceptance of entries or of allocation of race numbers. A list will be supplied to Inviting Clubs of
Names, Cars and requested numbers and email addresses. Drivers are requested to check the
availability of chosen numbers before attempting to register.
6.6 By entering for the Series all
entrants/drivers thereby agree to comply with these Articles, Organising
Committee rulings and the Supplementary regulations and the spirit of the
series.
6.7 Entry to race meetings at which rounds of
the Series are held are to be made on the Motorsport Entry on line website http://www.motorsportentry.com/
or on such forms as issed by the organising club.
7 POINTS
7.1 Points will be allocated for the first
points scoring race on the following basis.
(Points were revised for 2006/07 to better reward drivers who enter
large grids and to encourage drivers to enter in the second race:
First Overall 60 points
Second 59 points and so on to
the last series entrant in the race.
7.2 Points for the second handicap or other
race format deemed to be the second points scoring race of a meeting for series
competitors will be allocated points on the following basis:
First
overall 100 points
Second 98 points and so on to
the last series entrant in the race.
7.2.1 Entrants who fail to finish a race will be
awarded position points on the basis of the number of laps they completed. Where two or more competitors retire on the
same lap, points will be shared.
7.2.2
Entrants who complete documentation, but fail to start
a race or races at that meeting, will be awarded 5 points less than the lowest
points scoring starter.
7.2.3
Drivers who actively assist either the race organisers
or act as series liason on the day will be awarded
points equal to the last placed points scoring starter, according to the
driver’s normal class.
7.3
The final qualifying meeting of the season will carry
double points for both races.
7.4
Only the best five meeting points will count.
7.5
In the event of a meeting being abandoned after series
race one but before series race two, then the finishing order will be deemed to
be the same, with the exception that cars that failed to finish race one
through major accident or major mechanical failure, will be assumed to have not
started race two and therefore will attract minimum points as per 7.2.2
above. Points for race one and two will
be the same ie 60 points for the win.
7.6
Where a race is declared before the full distance,
either through a miscount or red flag, or the safety car is deployed, the following
system will be applied.
7.6.1 The official
time will be taken for the completed laps, and the drivers’ best recorded lap
time for that race, will be applied for all uncompleted laps or laps under
safety car conditions. The resulting
times will be set in ascending order to identify the potential winner. * Whilst this is not perfect, it is a
better reflection of the likely result than declaring the actual finishing
order.
7.6.2 Cars failing
to finish through mechanical or other failure will be not have
the additional theoretical laps added.
8 PENALTIES
8.1. Speed bars for each
circuit are currently set based on past Pukekohe history only.
8.1.1
Pukekohe speed bar will be 1 minute 5 seconds in dry
conditions.
8.1.2
The committee reserves the right to adjust speed bars
up or down as required at the end of each season.
8.1.3
The Pukekohe speed bar is deemed to be indicative of
speeds at other circuits, therefore no other bars will apply, but Hampton Downs
is deemed to be 10 seconds slower on the intermediate circuit, but the layout
of the track is such that speed differential and a lower terminal top speed is
not considered an issue.
8.1.
There will be a penalty for breaking the published
speed bar during a race by more than 0.5 seconds.
8.1.1. The chief
timekeeper will be the JUDGE OF FACT
regarding published times, notwithstanding obvious errors.
8.1.2. The penalty for a
first breach will be by adding 20 seconds to the driver’s race time.
8.1.3. The penalty for a
second offence will be 30 seconds followed by a written warning that should a third
breach occur, the series Committee may at their sole discretion rescind a
driver’s series’ registration.
8.2. Driving infringements will be the
responsibility of the Organising Club and the final results as published by the
club will normally be the basis on
which the points are calculated.
Protests regarding finishing positions and/or published lap times are to
be made to the organising club and a copy sent to the co-ordinator.
8.2. The series
co-ordinator will be the final arbiter on recalculated finishing positions
where issued or published handicaps are not adhered to by grid marshals or
other track officials.
8.3. The series
co-ordinator may issue written warnings to, or the committee may exclude from
the series, any competitor in breach of proven unsporting behaviour either
towards officials or other competitors, on and off the track, on the basis of
written reports from other committee members; or published penalties awarded by
the Clerk of the Course or race stewards; and is subject to the unanimous decision
of the committee. All penalties awarded
by the Clerk of the Course will also mean appropriate points deductions for
example - overtaking under yellow flag conditions and therefore gaining
place(s).
8.4. Drivers have the
responsibility for ensuring their start times, speed groups, handicap and start
positions are known before gridding and are correct and adhered to. Drivers leaving the grid early or late
without good reason will be penalised 20 points for a jumped or delay that
affects other drivers. The SERIES
LIAISON OFFICER or a deputising series official or the official starter will be
deemed JUDGE OF FACT for starting infringements.
8.5. Examples of "over driving"
reported to the Clerk of the Course by track officials may render the driver
liable to penalties as per 8.3.
8.6. The Organising Committee will rule
on any matters not specifically covered by the published Articles and reserves
the right to deduct or allocate points as appropriate and these decisions will
not be subject to any appeal to any higher authority.
9 PRIZE MONEY & TROPHIES
9.1. Unless specifically detailed by a sponsor, no
prize money will be paid by the Series Committee.
9.2. In the event of the committee purchasing a
grid and making a profit, some part of that profit may be returned to series
entrants to subsidise their entry.
9.3. An Annual trophy will be awarded to each overall
class winner, based on the highest points scored for 5 rounds.
9.4. A
trophy will be awarded to the top Saloon.
9.5. The Jim Chrystall
Memorial Trophy (formerly the BMC Series Trophy) will be awarded to the BMC 4
cylinder car with the highest points total.
9.5. The Convenor’s
Trophy (replacing the KEITH MADGWICK MEMORIAL TROPHY) will be presented Annually "for consistent racing in a sportsmanlike
manner and showing the correct demeanour of the track" as determined by
the convenor.
9.6. There will be a
trophy awarded to Top Italian Car – donated by the Italian Car Centre
9.7. There will be a
trophy awarded to TOP MG by TOPS4JAZZ
9.8. There will be a
trophy awarded to TOP TRIUMPH by TOPS4JAZZ
9.9. There will be a
trophy awarded to TOP JAGUAR by TOPS4JAZZ
9.10. There may be a trophy awarded to TOP DATSUN Z by
TOPS4JAZZ provided 2 or more participants
9.11. There will be a
trophy awarded to TOP FORD by John Tomlin
9.12. There will be a
trophy awarded to TOP PORSCHE by Jason Nicoll
9.13. There will be a
trophy awarded to TOP BMW by Steve Sutherland
9.14. No driver will be
awarded more than one major trophy.
Trophies will be deemed to be in the order as above and where a driver
qualifies for a second trophy, it will be awarded to
the next placed driver in that section or series.
9.15. Additional trophies
or awards may be made at the discretion of the Series Committee and Sponsors or
race organisers.
9.16. All Trophies are
the property of the ERC Series and must be returned in a good clean condition
on or before the Awards Dinner.
9.17. Trophy winners are
responsible for getting their trophies engraved.
10. VARIOUS
10.1. Log books are
required for all cars, and CoDs are strongly
recommended.
10.2. MSNZ’s Historic
Commission is currently reviewing the eligibility rules for T & C
(Thoroughbred & Classic) and a depending on the final update, a ruling will
be made as to whether or not this series is 100% T & C comnpliant
in the future.
10.3. Cars are to be
trimmed with the exception of front carpets which may be removed and also headlinings.
10.4. A front passenger
seat is mandatory as are covered door and side trim panels.
10.5. Some semblance of a
rear seat is normally mandatory in T & C saloon cars, but due to the
complexities of modern roll cages, this requirement may be waived provided the
car is fully road registered or the seat pan is covered in some way. An exemption is automatically granted if the
car is a Targa car, requiring a full roll cage.
Entrants are warned that foam is highly toxic when on fire and it may
not be possible to extinguish it.
10.6. Entrants are
reminded that cars must be to WoF standard and running on DOT rated road tyres.
Drivers are cautioned that as the series
gains in popularity, this rule will be more rigidly enforced and drivers are
particularly cautioned as to the road legal tyre tread regulations.
10.7. Modern technology
such as engine manjagement systems are frowned upon
but the organiser can onlt reiterate that this series
is only based on track performance.
10.8. The substitution of
chrome bumpers for fibreglass bympers is allowed.
10.9. Kevlar or carbon
fibre, as moderm materials, should not be used.
10.10. Drivers are
reminded that due to the close racing within the series, in adverse weather
conditions, front lights in addition to mandatory rear lights are requested,
to aid visibility.
10.11. As a sponsored
series, entrants are requested to support Auckland Engineering Supplies –part
of the TradeZone group, and Arrow Wheels whenever
possible and must display stickers as issued.
Ray Green 1997- 2011 Printed
4/10/2011 211_01_articl_25a