ABkC News March 2003 Insurance: The ABkC has been
exploring ways and means of helping clubs to cover
liabilities outside of those covered by the MSA Permit.
The MSA’s brokers, Alexander Forbes, can help with a
public liability policy and clubs should contact them for
further information. (See P.281 of Blue Book for their
address). The ABkC has received a spurious claim
regarding an accident at a non-MSA race, held on a
circuit that one of our members uses. This has cost
us £1000 so far to refute through our solicitors fees,
although we are now insured against such claims. Tyre softeners: ABkC
officials have held discussions with the MSA on the
subject. Although some parties have advocated that
it be permitted, the stuff may be carcinogenic so no-one
seriously wants to go down that route. Work is
progressing on finding a reliable test. In the
meantime clubs are asked to ensure such use is banned
even on test days, and the ABkC is considering adding a
rule that anyone caught will be banned by all ABkC clubs
for a year. The MSA is accepting supplementary or
championship regulations that include measures for
impounding tyres, e.g. “ to impound tyres at any
time if the Clerk of the Course has reason to believe
that the tyres do not conform to the regulations.”
B.12.1.8 allows for testing at any time, and shore meters
may give a comparative indication, but the shore reading
cannot be relied upon as definitive. 125 Gearbox classes in 2004:
The Steering Group gave the go-ahead in principle for an
ICC type economy class, and a ‘125 Super’
class. Super 4 is to carry out a driver weight
survey to help determine the best weights for the new
classes which will supercede National 125 and 125 Open.
Detailed regulations are being drawn up. 100 National in 2004: Assuming the healthy grids continue in 100 National, the class will be retained in the Gold Book. The current Formula A engines will be down-graded and eligible for the class, assuming a new CIK engine homologation period. Only rotary valve engines will be permitted in 100 National. ICA and JICA: Strong rumours
suggest that new 2004 ICA and JICA engines will have to
be fitted with rev-limiters and JICA engines with
on-board starters. Cadet engines: The MSA have
chosen the Comer W.60 for its MSA British Cadet
Championship from 2004 onwards. Compatibility tests
are to be carried out on all the engines submitted for
the MSA class so they can be raced together at club
level. The MSA are reviewing the control of the
Honda Cadet engine, possibly in time for the start of the
Super Two Series. Restrictors are a possibility. Junior Pushers: The ABkC
opposed the MSA proposal to do away with Junior Pushers
but recognised the need for properly trained incident
marshals to help keep the track safe and clear, and keep
Juniors racing, even after a spin. The ABkC is
likely to help draw up guidelines for clubs S.R.’s
so they can deploy incident marshals in Cadet and junior
races who have had the proper training. 2003 CIK Bodywork: It is now unlikely that the new 2003 CIK bodywork will be permitted on national classes in 2003. Formula A, ICA and JICA will have the choice of using the new bodywork to the CIK regs, or the old bodywork. The CIK and MSA are reviewing the requirements for ‘rear protection systems’ for 2004. A complete review of the bodywork rules is planned for the 2005 regulations. The MSA has confirmed that it is still permitted to have tyres within the confines of the sidepods when running with wet tyres fitted, although CIK regulations suggest otherwise. Driver ages: Despite a
request from the ABkC, the MSA is not likely to change
the current ages for Junior Gearbox, or the age for
moving into the senior gearbox classes (16 minimum.) Penalty for missing out part of
the circuit: Clubs are urged to include in their
S.R.’s a suitable time or place penalty (up to one
lap?) for drivers who miss out part of the circuit.
The MSA is reviewing the regulations but any change to
the Blue Book could not happen until 2005. O Plates: The 100 National
ABkC O Plate meeting will be held alongside the TKM,
Formula A and ICA at Clay Pigeon on 26th
October. There will be a Rotax engine up for grabs
in each of the three Rotax O Plate classes at Shenington
on 29th June. The Junior Gearbox O Plate
is confirmed at Rissington’s Midland Champs on 7th
September, (which will now be televised), the other
gearbox classes are at Wigan on 28th
September. Cadets are at Whilton Mill on 17th
August, and JICA/4-stroke at Llandow, provisionally on 27th
July. Supplementary Regulations: Clubs
are reminded to have a statement that details on entrants
and drivers will be stored in a computer system for the
use of the club. They are also recommended to
remind competitors that when events are televised,
regulations regarding no tobacco advertising must be
adhered to. Rotax Regulations amendment: JAG have issued a clarification on Kart Race Yearbook regulation 3.4.1, 6.4.1 and 9.4.1.1 – “All plug caps must be as supplied by Rotax, plug caps as supplied by Rotax are black rubber marked NGK TB05EMA.” Please bring this to the attention of your scrutineers. Licence reciprocity: The FIA
are reviewing the regulations for foreign entrants in
national events for 2004 onwards but the MSA have assured
us the Ireland / British reciprocity agreement will
continue. Risk Assessments: It is
pleasing to see how many clubs have attended to the
advice given last year. Keep up the good work! Next Steering Group Meeting: 2nd
July If there are any comments or proposals for discussion please have them to the secretary, Graham Smith, email secretary@abkc.org.uk Back to ABkC Site Index | Visit UK Karting |
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