Your first Speed event

[Kender]

Disclaimer:
All information in sections 3 and 4 of this document is summarised from the “New Zealand MotorSport Manual No.33, Book One”, Schedule A, pages 119 – 158.

This document is aimed at someone taking part in their first Pursuit Sprint event at Ruapuna, in their road legal car. As such, only the most basic information relevant to this person has been included. Further clarification on any matter relating to vehicle or driver safety should be sought from the complete Schedule A rules on MotorSport New Zealand’s website:
http://www.motorsport.org.nz/Pdf/M33%20App2%20SchA.pdf

Index:
1. Walkthrough the start of a typical Canterbury Car Club speed event
2. General requirements
3. General requirements explained
4. The Logbook
5. General recommended maintenance

1. Walkthrough the start of a typical Canterbury Car Club speed event

· Turn up at Ruapuna (Hasketts Rd) between 0830 and 0930.
· Head to the Wigram Room under the control tower to fill out entry forms.
· Move next door to the Competitor Relations Officer’s room (CRO) to hand in forms and pay entry fee. Payable by cash, eftpos or credit card. Here, you’ll need to present your Car club membership card, race license and logbook (if you have one). See below for definitions of club memberships and licences
· Your car will need to be audited if you don’t have a logbook. Empty your car in the pits, and take your car to garage number 30 for auditing. The car must be presented to the auditor in the condition that it will be raced in i.e. all tools out of the boot, race tyres fitted, back seat removed if you wish to do so etc. The auditor will also want to see your helmet and overalls. Your car will be checked for compliance with Schedule A. See below for very basic description of Schedule A.
· The auditor will issue an audit sticker once you’ve successfully passed the audit check.
· You’re now free to roam the pits, check out the other cars and talk the talk until drivers’ briefing at 1015 outside the Wigram Room. Here, you’ll meet the Clerk of the Course who will explain the format for the rest of the day. There will be an additional driver’s briefing immediately afterwards for first time competitors.


2. General Requirements:
Car Club membership card (track)
Clubsport licence or better
Overalls, Helmet, Extinguisher,
Car to Schedule A requirements,

3. General Requirements Explained
3.1. Car Club Membership:
You must be a full financial member of a Motorsport NZ (MSNZ) Affiliated club.
This must be obtained prior to event date. Canterbury Car Club does NOT do day memberships.

3.2. Race License:
You must be a full financial member of a Motorsport NZ (MSNZ) Affiliated club to be able to apply for a race license.

Clubsport license or higher required for Speed event.
Just download the form http://www.motorsport.org.nz/Pdf/A001.pdf
from MSNZ’s website. There’s no tests, just get a current car club official to recommend you, and send your money to MSNZ in Wellington.

National Race license or higher required for Club Race Day.
For this you’ll need to visit a license examiner to sit an eyesight, and rules test before sending the application off the MSNZ.
Licenses must be obtained from MSNZ prior to event date. Canterbury Car Club does NOT do day licenses.


3.3. Protective Clothing:
Vehicle occupants shall wear:
(a) Overalls, either;
(i) Multi-layer one piece design – of an approved type, or
(ii) Single layer, one-piece design – (worn in combination with heat resistant underwear), with close-fitting front, cuffs and ankles, manufactured in approved fire-retardant materials. Underwear must be heat-resistant, wrist to neck to ankles, and of woollen or other approved materials, or
(iii) Clean protective one-piece, with close-fitting front, cuffs and ankles and manufactured only in fire retardant or self-extinguishing materials.
Notes:
Pure cotton is deemed to be self-extinguishing for the purpose of this rule.
(b) Footwear – suitable footwear that provides complete coverage of both feet
(c) Socks – wool or other fire-retardant material, and

Non-approved clothing: No apparel of flammable material (e.g., nylon or similar synthetics) may be worn. Two-piece overalls are not approved.

Recommendations: It is strongly recommended that all vehicle occupants wear:
• Gloves – of approved fire-resistant materials
• Balaclava – in fire resistant material
• Helmet bib – in fire resistant material
• Neck brace – in fire resistant material

3.4. Protective Helmets:
MotorSport NZ recommends the use of full-face helmets complete with visors.
Requirements: Protective helmets shall;
(a) Comply with a current approved standard,
(b) Be a good fit on the wearer so they are secure when worn,
(c) Be in good condition, and
(d) Not be modified, except as specifically permitted by the helmet manufacturer.
Approved Standards:
Snell Foundation Inc;
Snell SA 2005
Snell SA 2000
Snell SA 95
M95
M2000
M2005
SFI Foundation Inc;
SFI Spec 31.1A (open face design), or SFI spec 31.2A (closed face design)
SFI Spec 31.1 (open face design), or SFI spec 31.2 (closed face design)
British Standards Institute;
BS6658-85 type A/FR (red label), including all amendments.
BS6658-85 type A (blue label) including all amendments
European Standard (R22);
‘E’ Mark, 02, 03, 04 or 05 series.
Note: A production number, e.g. 05,12345, will immediately follow these identification numbers.
Australian Standard;
AS 1698
Inspection:
A Scrutineer or Technical Officer may check helmets at any time during an Event. Where there is doubt about the helmet’s fitness, the Chief Scrutineer or Technical Officer may impound the helmet for the duration of the Event.

Recommendations:
Helmets should be replaced at least every seven years.

3.5. Fire extinguishers:
Important Notes:
BCF extinguishers are no longer accepted under this safety schedule.
Approved types:
Dry powder (BE or ABE) of at least 0.9kg, or
Foam (AFFF) type stored pressure extinguishers of at least 1.0kg compliant to one of the following standards shall be fitted:
New Zealand Standard
NZ 4503 including updates, and/or
Australian Standard
AS 1841
Service requirements:
All approved extinguishers with pressure gauges shall:
(i) Be subject to periodic inspection by the competitor to ensure contents pressure and approximate weight requirements are met, and
(ii) Every five years (from date of manufacture) the units shall be subject to service audit by a recognised Fire Protection Company who will label the unit, detailing the company’s name, contact, and service date.
All approved extinguishers without a pressure gauge shall be subject to annual service audit by a recognised Fire Protection Company who will label the unit, detailing the company’s name, contact, and service date.
Mounting:
Extinguishers shall be installed in accordance with the following:
(a) A retaining system incorporating quick release metal fastenings/straps, or material of equivalent strength (ie Kevlar), secured to the structure of the vehicle by a minimum of two 6mm bolts with panel washers and locknuts.
(b) Hand held extinguishers shall be positioned within easy reach of the occupant/s while normally seated.

3.6. Car to Schedule A Requirements:
Safety Harness:
Vehicle occupants shall wear safety harnesses. A factory fitted seatbelt is sufficient in a road car without a rollcage.

Seating:
(1)All occupant seats shall be securely attached to the vehicle chassis or bodyshell.
(2)A roll cage is mandatory when carrying a passenger in Speed Events

Wheels:
(1) The complete wheel assembly shall be housed within the bodywork.
(2) All road wheels, including spares and the fastening systems, shall be in good condition, free from cracking or other structural defects.

Tyres:
(1) All tyres shall be;
(a) Appropriately speed rated for the vehicle, and
(b) Fitted to wheel rims that are dimensionally suitable for the tyre.
Note: Space saver tyres are deemed to be unsuitable for competition purposes.

Battery:
All batteries shall be securely mounted and have the live terminal adequately covered.

Braking System:
The service brakes shall:
(a) Provide consistent braking action to all road wheels, and
(b) Have no components that are defective, loose, excessively worn or damaged in a way that could affect braking performance, and
(c) Have no creep or spongy feel to the pedal, no fluid leaks, and
(d) Have clean hydraulic fluid.

Steering and Suspension Systems:
The steering system shall:
(a) Provide a smooth steering action without tightness, roughness or excessive movement, and
(b) Have no components that are loose, excessively worn, or damaged in a way that could affect the directional control of the vehicle.

Body:
(1) Chassis/Bodyshell: All components or parts of either the chassis or bodyshell shall;
(a) Be free of cracking, and
(b) Be free of excessive corrosion, and
(c) Prevent the entry of exhaust gases into the cockpit, and
(d) Have any repairs carried out to a professional standard.
(2) Exterior Appearance:
The bodywork shall be neatly designed, complete and finished without temporary or makeshift elements.
(3) Panels and Engine Covers: shall comply with the following;
All panels shall be:
(i) Securely fastened, and
(ii) Free from damage, and
(iii) Have an even coat of finishing paint.

4. The Logbook:
The following vehicles shall have a valid MotorSport NZ Logbook:
(b) All Purpose Built and Dedicated Motorsport Vehicles, and
(c) All vehicles requiring a MotorSport NZ/LVVTA Authority card.
“Purpose built vehicle” means a vehicle that;
(a) Has roll protection fitted, that is not a standard fitting on all production examples of the vehicle, or
(b) The construction of which prevents its use on public roads; and
“Dedicated Motorsport Vehicle” means a vehicle that has been constructed or modified solely for use in motor sport competitions

The basic rule of thumb is: if the car’s been deregistered, or doesn’t have current WOF and reg, it needs a log book.

5. General Recommended Maintenance:
Before the event make sure:
· your car is running on the best oil that you can afford or your car can handle.
· your cooling system contains the correct mixture of water/anti-freeze, not rusty water.
· to bleed your brakes using a DOT4 brake fluid with a high boiling point. NEVER use a silicone brake fluid. Read the great article from 0800 RaceBrakes for an explanation. http://www.racebrakes.co.nz/pdf/brake_upgrade.pdf
· you either have race pads or decent road pads fitted. I’ve found that Lucas TRW road pads from Repco can withstand a full race day without fading in a small saloon.

After the event:
· Check your tyres are still road legal.
· Check all fluid levels
· Bleed brakes again.
· Change brake pads if you’ve overheated your road pads to the point of destruction.

[Chickenman]

Thanks so much for this dude.


Vote Sticky.

[JT]

Done.

I've also added a couple of things like car must have roll cage to carry and passenger and +ve battery terminal to be insulated.

Anymore key points from the manual and Kender or I can update the first post.

[Bling]

Pefect Kender, exactly what I was aiming at creating

The following would be helpful too from the other thread if it can be added and this thread edited/deleted

Most common mistakes I see with people new to competition, who haven't read the rulebook are:

1) Polycotton overalls (melty melty)
2) Cotton overalls without the side slit pockets that run through the overalls sewn shut (got roasted nuts?)
3) Antique crash helmets (your head is worth how much?)
4) Batteries not tied down (arc welding a hobby?)
5) No dirty big washers on the underside of the fire extinguisher mount (1kg extinguisher + 40g crash = 6mm head bolts pulling through floor)
6) Plastic brackets on fire extinguishers (really, seriously, exactly how stupid are you, is your brother also your grandfather?)
7) Sharp bits on the inside of the car (rollover + arms waving + sharp bits = lacerations mmmmkay?)

[Logan]

Good Effort!

We should snazzy it up with some pics and get it printed and hand it out at meets and events etc.

I must say its pretty cool to see so much interest in track days, sprints etc in the SI area, with the top 4 topics of late being track related!

Good stuff, look forward to seeing you all out there...

[Leon]

Good job

[Kender]

The following would be helpful too from the other thread if it can be added and this thread edited/deleted

Most common mistakes I see with people new to competition, who haven't read the rulebook are: ...

I'm reluctant to include these common mistakes in my original post for 2 reasons:
1)they don't fall into the category of how to prepare for a motorsport event. If you follow the guidelines, you'll naturally avoid all of these pitfalls.
2) the longer the document, the less people are likely to read the whole thing, and the document's already quite lengthy. To prove my point - if people weren't opposed to quite a bit of reading, they'd just read the whole motorsport manual

[Kahlua]

Seating:

(2)A roll cage is mandatory when carrying a passenger in Speed Events

Top effort Kender, good idea to make something up like this instead of having to read the whole of Schedule A (which a lot of people tell people to do if they want to race (anywhere), and its not the most exciting read.. (and after sitting my CoC Clubsport license, we are supposed to, so trust me)..

Only thing I'd clarify is that you need a full rollcage to carry passengers, not just a half roll cage. (Nothing worse than bringing a mate or 2 whos geared up to go for a blat in the passenger seat to find out they can't because of how big your cage is - and this covers not just Speed Events, but Hillclimbs, Autocrosses etc)



(Again, good to see your MR2 complete those last races last Sunday, you were putting in some good times there )

[chch34]

Someone said reverse bonnet vents are nonconformant, is this the case? And a car must have a front bumper, yea?

My bumper sits about 2 inches off the tarmac, and i've been known to come off the track before!

[Kender]

A reverse facing bonnet vent is okay provided that it's baffled (ie any fluids escaping are prevented from spraying over the windscreen and scalding the driver).

Your front bumper needs to be securely attached at the start of the day. However if it comes off during the day as a result of hitting a ripple stip, that's a different matter You won't be told to go away and fix it to carry on, but you'll have to reattach it before the next event.

[chch34]

Cool thanks, ill work it out

Adam

[frost]

5) No dirty big washers on the underside of the fire extinguisher mount (1kg extinguisher + 40g crash = 6mm head bolts pulling through floor)

so how is it supposed to be mounted?
i just got the extinguisher today
surely a washer on the under side of the floor is not going to rip through, yes no?

[fangsport]

5) No dirty big washers on the underside of the fire extinguisher mount (1kg extinguisher + 40g crash = 6mm head bolts pulling through floor)

so how is it supposed to be mounted?
i just got the extinguisher today
surely a washer on the under side of the floor is not going to rip through, yes no?

lack of washers is a common fault. the nut on a 6mm bolt is not sufficient to stop an extinguisher from being ripped out of floor.
a penny washer under each nut will suffice.

[matt dunn]

so how is it supposed to be mounted?
i just got the extinguisher today
surely a washer on the under side of the floor is not going to rip through, yes no?

That was a list of things not to do, not a list of thing to do,

so not having the washers is a no no.

[frost]

so how is it supposed to be mounted?
i just got the extinguisher today
surely a washer on the under side of the floor is not going to rip through, yes no?

That was a list of things not to do, not a list of thing to do,

so not having the washers is a no no.

im so thick, didn't think about the other items on the list as it was a search result. thanks

[JT]

After 5+ years of thinking of going racing would be good fun I bought a car and joined up to the Canterbury Car Club.

Sitting my licence tonight and hoping to get out for the Pursuit sprints on the 14th. Anyone else heading out?

[fangsport]

good stuff JT

where you been hiding ?

[crispy'86]

Good move JT,