ABkC News June 2000

New Formula Libre class

Chairman Steve Chapman said ABkC member clubs must follow the ABkC class rules and not introduce local variations that prevent drivers racing the same equipment universally. Some club representatives stated they had difficulties with the current prices of ABkC tyre types. For 2001 it is intended to introduce a Formula 100 Libre class, so that all 100cc 2-strokes can race together at club level. This will require a single tyre choice for the class so the ABkC will hold a tyre importers meeting to discuss both the tyre pricing and invite tenders for the new class. The tyre choice should be announced in September. Any CIK homologated 100cc 2-stroke air-cooled or water-cooled equivalent will be eligible. Carbs will be 24mm as per current ICA regs. Weight will be 145kg. Clubs could also help keep costs down by introducing a Supplementary Regulation to allow only one set of slicks per meeting for all their classes.

Tyre Choices in ICA and 100C for 2001

Tests are still being conducted. An announcement will be made after the September Steering Group meeting.

Judicial

A new code of conduct for kart racing has been formulated. The full version will be available later but the majority is reproduced here.

1. Driving Standards and Signals – for drivers

a). The following regulations listed in section J of the Blue Book also apply to kart racing

J.15.4 During a race or practice a car (kart) alone on the track may use the full width of the track. However, as soon as it is caught up by a car (kart) which is either temporarily or constantly faster, the driver shall give the other vehicle the right of way by pulling to one side in order to allow for passing on the other side.

J.15.4.1 Curves, as well as the approach and exit zones thereof, may be negotiated by the drivers in any way they wish, within the limits of the track. Overtaking, may be done on either on the right or on the left.

J.15.4.2. Manoeuvres liable to hinder other drivers such as premature direction changes on the straight, crowding of cars (karts) towards the inside or the outside of the curve or any other abnormal change of direction, are strictly prohibited and will be subject to penalties ranging from a fine to exclusion from the race. The repetition of such driving, even involuntary, may result in exclusion.

b). Drivers are reminded that the flag signals are the only means of communication between the officials and the drivers and therefore it is essential that they are understood and obeyed.

c) Flag signals – as detailed in the ‘Blue Book’

2. The investigation of an incident – for Drivers

a) When a driving or a technical offence is reported and examined by the Clerk of Course, if any penalty is applied to a driver then the C of C must record that penalty on the driver's competition licence.

b) If you do not agree with the decision of the C of C you may then have a right of appeal to the Stewards of the meeting, this must be done within a specific time, in writing and accompanied by the appropriate fee.

c) Whether or not the C of C takes action you, the driver or entrant, have the right to Protest another competitor.

d) The C of C may only take action if he has a report from an official of the meeting. If a driver wishes to take an incident further the only route that he/she may take is to make a Protest by way of an official Protest form. The form should be available from the C of C or Competition Secretary. This protest must be complete with the protest fee within the specified time limits.

e) Drivers should be aware that should any of their team, family or other associated persons contravene the regulations then it is the driver who will be penalised.

f) Time limits as specified in O5. and O6 are appropriate if you wish to query a result, make a protest or appeal a decision. Drivers should be aware that results become final 30 minutes after posting, even if they are found to be incorrect.

g) In championship events drivers should be familiar with the severity of O.3.5 penalties for technical infringements. Check your Championship regulations!

It should also be noted that the Super 4 championship is trying out a new points system for recording penalties on licences. Feedback shows drivers like the new system.

Gearbox Class Regulations for 2001/2002

The draft proposals have had a wide circulation and the feedback from drivers, clubs and traders was noted. The following changes were agreed:

a) 250 classes will have only one weight, currently 200kg. Many drivers will then choose to run a rear wing, but if not the kart can be ballasted. Any slight changes in weights are dependent on the outcome of the survey which will be known by September.

b) 125 – the Open weight will not reduce before 2002, but the National weight may increase, depending on the survey results.

c) The proposal for a specified head volume in National 125 to make it possible for all to use premium unleaded fuel has been postponed. Many drivers prefer to purchase race fuel anyway, and it is still not clear when Super Unleaded will disappear from the pumps.

d) Any CIK homologated Formula C engine may be used in 125 Open from 2001.

e) Traders must apply by 1^st October latest to the MSA for new National 125 reed valve engine registrations. The price limit is to be £1850 plus VAT, including ignition but not necessarily with carb or exhaust. The engine must have separate registrations if a cassette gearbox is specified. Japanese engine registrations are permitted so long as supply at the price limit can be proved.

f) Engine registrations are also invited for 250 National. The tuning rules for all the classes have been tidied up, as will the rules for modifications to the external appearance.

g) CIK style bodywork, but with free style mounting, will be mandatory in the short circuit 125 classes from 2002, and in the Super 4 championship from 2001.

h) The minimum wheelbase for the 250 classes will be 106 cm from 2001.

i) Gear ratios will be ‘free’ in 250 National from 2001.

j) A new drawing showing how ‘skirts’ may be mounted on chassis is being prepared.

k) The chassis wording applicable to 125 Open will be changed from FMK to MSA.

MSA Changes

The MSA is bringing out a regulation that states tinted visors must not change the colour of flags. Some officials licence fees are to be waived, including ARKS Examiners and Clerks up to Nat B. A regulation to allow carbon fibre or Kevlar instrument panels will be introduced. A report on the running of the Junior Gearbox class will be put to Council with a request to allow novice licensees. Honda Cadet tyres will change to SL3, the same as Comer Cadet, from 2001. Calls for new chassis registrations in Cadet and TKM have been made.

CIK Classes

The planned phasing in of 4-stroke classes, reduction of power and speed for Junior and Cadet European classes, and the revised World Championship for Super A has been well documented elsewhere. Revised CIK bodywork might be made to include radiator fitment.

Fire Extinguishers

From 2001 it will most likely be mandatory for drivers to have a fire extinguisher to BSEN3 standard with a 55B rating. The type B means use for flammable liquids, and the 55 refers to the capacity. The actual extinguish-ant is not specified with this new regulation. Clubs should get the Environmental Scrutineer to do spot checks in the paddock for compliance.

Club Membership and Insurance

Twenty-eight clubs have now joined for 2000, plus the BKIA. Welcome to new clubs Rotax Owners, St. Athans and Whilton Mill, all now fully paid up. The ABkC has now taken out its own Public Liability insurance.

Formula Junior Rotax UK

An amended issue of the regulations is enclosed. Please ensure copies are passed on to your scrutineers. The number plate is to change to red, with white numbers. A revised crankcase for the engine will be incorporated into the latest fiche, and be an option for the class.

Inter Nations and O Plates

Team managers will be selecting drivers to represent their countries at the Inter Nations, to be held at Nutts Corner on 10^th September. If a trial at Rowrah using floodlights is successful, the 100cc O Plate on 29^th October could be televised. The ABkC Junior Rotax UK ‘O’ Plate entry will be £55 for the Rotax Festival at Clay Pigeon on 1^st October.

Transponder Systems

HS Sports have now issued an easy payment system, with a down payment and the rest payable monthly over two years. They have also reduced the price of the transponder kit. Details from HSS. Several more clubs have now ordered the system, including Whilton Mill, Fulbeck, Rissington and Forest Edge. Could all clubs please return the enclosed questionnaire as soon as possible.

Amendments to Gold Book regulations

Some clubs clearly have not passed the amendments distributed with the February newsletter to their scrutineers and have been using out of date class weight limits. The amendments were reproduced in the last MSA Club News and are also in the new edition of Scrutineers News. Tal-Ko announced an amendment to introduce a new black coloured backplate design for the TKM airbox.

Track Licences

Apparently some clubs have not carried out track modifications required by the MSA. If ABkC officials can help in any way with this process, please contact the secretary or chairman. It is also suggested that clubs carry out regular risk assessments and formally write down their findings. The MSA will be giving advice on this matter soon. At some clubs the ambulance operators take an injured driver directly to hospital, but this risks losing the ambulance cover so the preferred option is for them to call a county ambulance and do a transfer, unless of course the injury is life-threatening.

Back to ABkC Site Index
ABkC website maintained by Graham Smith

| Visit UK Karting |

http://www.karting.co.uk/ABkC/