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Group C/GTP Racing Sporting Code and Regulations

Version 10A - 2004
Ctte 16.10.04

  For rules on the sponsorship of cars please scroll to the bottom of the page
  Sporting Code
  1. 1. This is an invitation formula and open to all Group C, GTP and IMSA specification cars running from 1983-1990. Cars from 1991-1993 will be considered, if of an appropriate specification. Any other cars would be by invitation only with the exception of the new generation type cars such as the Peugeot 905, Jaguar XJR14, Nissan P35 and Lola 92/10.
Ctte 16.10.04
    The club reserves the right to add further interesting cars of a similar period at its discretion & modify/amend the sporting code as it thinks fit.
  2. In order for a car to be eligible, it must be raced in the same configuration as it was raced at a point in time in period, to include engine, aero package, power train and weight. If a car has had its engine configuration changed in period, that car will be permitted to run only after being approved by the club.
    Where certain Spice C2 cars have been fitted with 3.8L engines these should have been changed back to 3.5L for the 2005 season but, on a temporary basis only, may run in the C1 class in 2005, at the discretion of the club.
Ctte 16.10.04
  3. Suspension data acquisition systems are permitted only in cars where it was originally fitted. No real time systems are permitted. Where old defunct engine management systems are inoperable it is permissible to upgrade the system to a modern version like Stack, Motec or similar.
  4. Braking systems are to be as the particular car raced in period.
  5. Wheel diameters are free.
  6. Aero package be as raced (post 1988 280mm high under shapes etc).
  7. Fuel is restricted to commercially available products. Unocal racing fuel or similar is also acceptable. No special brews or Toluene octane enhancers can be used.
  8. Tyres are restricted to Dunlop, Goodyear and Avon products only.
  9. All cars racing for the first time with the club must be pre- approved prior to entering an event. Full details of the cars history and specification, together with photographs should be sent to the club for approval.
  Ask before you buy so you are not disappointed
  The decision of whether a car is eligible to compete and in what class is solely at the discretion of the club and the decision is final.
   
  Licence Criteria
  Drivers should hold a minimum of a European National A licence issued by a recognised ASN to compete and should work towards upgrading to an International C licence as soon as possible.
  Not withstanding the licence criteria, drivers will have to demonstrate enough circuit racing experience to be deemed capable.
    1. Any driver who competed in Group C/GTP races in 2003 will be automatically included.
    2. All new applicants must supply a detailed resume of prior experience together with details of any competition licences held in the last three years. The club reserves the right to accept or deny applications without reason.
       
  Safety
  To comply with the standard technical regulations and with any FIA regulations that are applicable the following safety standards must be observed.
    1. Fully operational fire systems of at least 5Kg capacity and to the current AAAF standards.
    2. Seat belts must conform to the current FIA standards and must be not more than five years old or have suffered a heavy loading due to an accident.
    3. If a race is held in the rain then all cars must have fully functioning headlights and a designated rain light. Brake lights are optional.
    4. Full face crash helmets should be worn preferably with visor down. Open faced helmets are discouraged. All other fire protection must be to the current FIA standards.
    5. Fuel cells older than five years must be replaced or recertified by the manufacturer and be of the correct size as fitted to the car in period (C1/100 Litres, C2/80 Litres). GTP cars may be required to comply with the100/80 litre limit by the introduction of plastic volume reduction balls inserted into the fuel tanks, if the tanks are oversize.
       
  Crack Testing and X-raying of components.
  Section 'A' - BEST PRACTICE
  Teams and competitors are expected to be aware of the potential age related component failure and subsequently endeavour to maintain their cars to the highest possible standards by carrying out detailed component inspection at regular intervals throughout the competition life of the car.
  The FIA have decided to lay down minimum standards for all historic cars (post 1966) and, notwithstanding significant objection to many issues, they have made the following document law without reference to the sport itself. Unfortunately the regulation is poorly worded and therefore the onus is upon each team to ensure they do their utmost to have sufficient proof that the car is being maintained to the highest standard.
  The club views that it is the team /competitors responsibility to ensure that they maintain their cars to this standard as an absolute minimum and if called upon, will have in their possession enough documentary proof to satisfy any scrutineer or official at any time. It is the express wish of the club that the maintenance of each car is significantly higher than this.
  The club reserves the right to withdraw at any time its "invitation" should it feel that any car is not being prepared to the highest standard notwithstanding the minimum requirements laid out by the FIA.
  The club has decided that it is an impossible task to "police" any crack testing regime or be responsible for any liability in this respect.
   
  Section 'B' - FIA CONDITION TESTING
    1. The following items must be checked for structural integrity and corrosion by a non-destructive test:
     
  • Tubular suspension wishbones
  • Light alloy suspension parts
  • Steering columns
  • Light alloy wheels
  • Aluminium alloy tubular chassis
    2. All of the above components must be tested and certified using a method appropriate to the material and type of construction of the component in question. Each component must be clearly identified and be indelibly etched or marked.
    3. The certificate will be valid for a period of 5 years from the date of testing.
    4. It is strongly recommended that similar inspections should be carried out on components that are vital to the integrity of the car but which may not be contained in the list above.
    5. The tests must be carried out according to the following standards: BSI; DIN; ISO; ASTME
     
  • Penetration Flaw Detection: BS 6443 and BSM 39; DIN 54152; ISO 3452
  • Magnetic Particle Flaw Detection: BSM 34; ASTME 709
  • X-Ray Flaw Detection: BS 6072 and BSM 35; DIN 54111-1; ISO 557
    6. Categories concerned by this standard:
     
  • TGP Cars
  • Cars of Groups 6 to 8 from 1966 to 1971
  • Cars of Groups 5 to 9 from 1975 onwards
  • Cars of Groups 6 to 8 from 1976 to 1981
  • Cars of Groups C to E from 1982 onwards.
  Racing Conduct
  Competitors are expected to race in a safe and considerate manner, any competitor who drives in a dangerous or overly aggressive manner without showing consideration for his fellow competitors will be penalized. As an invitation formula we reserve the right to withdraw an invitation should the need arise. The Club's decision will be final.
  All "professional" drivers will have to be approved. The club wishes to see the owner as the driver or a nominated driver who has sympathy with the car and its history. All non owner drivers must be approved by the club.
   
  Race format
  Normally races will be of between 30 & 45 minutes duration & be rolling starts.
  Where there are TWO races (or more) per weekend, these will be deemed to be independent of each other, unless specifically stated otherwise in the race regulations issued at the time.
  This allows two drivers sharing a car, who have practiced separately, to take part in their own race with their own timed grid position. In the end this is at the discretion of the race circuit organiser, who has to administer the qualifying times process.
  Where a long distance race of between one hour & three hours occurs there will be at least one mandatory pit stop of a minimum of four minutes duration at which time the driver may be changed, fuel added and the car serviced. Any alternative to the minimum stopping period for non-refuellers will be the subject of specific race regulations published and agreed before the event.
   
  Refuelling / Servicing
  Only four people can work on the car at one time and the driver must be out of the car whilst the car is being refuelled. One additional person will act solely as fireman & have a suitable fire extinguisher to hand (this can be the driver).
  All pit crew involved in refuelling will wear fireproof overalls including balaclavas, crash helmets with either visors down or goggles on. Gloves will be worn together with non plastic footwear. Failure to comply will cause the car in question to be immediately disqualified. For any servicing of the car, which does not involve fuel being added, the crew may remove helmets, balaclavas and goggles. If the car is in for both fuel and tyres (etc) then the fuel must be added first. Thereafter helmets can be removed.
  The use of FIA approved refuelling dump bottles with associated connectors is acceptable. Please check all this equipment before use at the circuit.
   
  Class Structure (Under review at AGM 25/02/2005)
  The formula will be divided into five separate classes:

GTP/1 Group C and IMSA cars 1988 - 1993*
GTP/2 Group C and IMSA cars 1985 - 1987**
GTP/3 Group C2 and Camel Lights cars 1988-1993
GTP/4 Early Group C cars - prior to 1985 and Group C2 and Camel Lights cars 1983 - 1987
GTP/5 Invitation Class - Interesting sports cars, probably from a similar period, approved by the club (eg Harrier, Prosport etc)
  * To include all Porsche 962/956 water cooled, single turbo or twin turbo cars
  **To include all Porsche 962/956 single turbo cars with original Porsche twin calliper wheel brakes and 16" wheels (see note 5 of the Sporting Code).
   
  Awards
  Trophies will be supplied by the race organiser or the Club and will be presented in accordance with the following 'rules'.
  A trophy for each race for 1st, 2nd and 3rd overall.
Class winners for each race (excluding Class 1).
1st in class up to 3 race starters.
2nd in class where 4 or more cars start.
3rd in class where 7 or more cars start.
   
  Hold Harmless / Waiver
  The club acts as coordinators for these events. Drivers and entrants confirm that the driver has the required competence and health for this activity and acknowledge those risks, which are inherent therein, and that the best practises are being employed in the preparation of their vehicles. Neither the Club nor any of its committee or agents shall be under any liability whatsoever to the entrant, driver or team personnel for any loss damage or harm howsoever caused.
  Important NOTE: All competitors will be required to read and sign a simple one page document at signing on at every meeting. This will state: "I have read and understood the Group C/GTP Racing Sporting Code - V10A, including Licence Criteria, Safety, Crack Testing and X-raying of Components - Sections A and B, Racing Conduct, Race Format and Refuelling Services and agree to the Hold Harmless / Waiver statement".

  Regulations
  Safety Car
  A Safety Car may be used to control or neutralise a race in the event of an incident. At the restart, a car may not overtake until it has crossed the start line.
  Starting Procedure - see next section for 'quick start' option
  1. The start will be a 2 x 2 rolling start behind a Pace Car.
  2. The race start countdown will have a minimum elapsed period of 10 minutes from the time all cars are released from the Pit Lane to the start of the Pace Lap
  3. Cars will leave the pits to cover a reconnaissance lap. They must compulsorily use the Pit Lane, adhering to the Pit Lane Speed Limit, between each of the laps and may under no circumstances cross the grid.
4. The countdown procedure (minutes to the start of the Pace Lap) will be as follows:
 
12 minutes   Pit Exit opens in 2 minutes. Audible warning.
10 minutes   Pit Exit opened. Audible warning.
7 minutes   Pit Exit closes in 2 minutes. Audible warning.
5 minutes   Pit Exit closed. Audible warning & 5 minute board shown at start line.
3 minutes   Clear grid of non team personnel and equipment.
Audible warning & 3 minute board shown at start line.
2 minutes   Audible warning & 2 minute board shown at start line.
1 minute   Start engines. Clear grid completely.
Audible warning & 1 minute board shown at start line.
30 seconds   Audible warning & 30 second board shown at start line. Pace Car starts its own Pace Lap. Start of Pace Lap is imminent.
Green Flag   Start of Pace Lap.
  5. After the Green Flag has been waved to signal the start of the Pace Lap, cars will proceed on a lap of the circuit, maintaining their grid position and, once the Pace Car has been caught, matching the speed set by the Pace Car, which should be 70 to 90 kph.
  6. Any driver on the grid unable to start the Pace Lap shall indicate his predicament by raising an arm vertically and, any driver unable to maintain his grid position on the Pace Lap to the extent that ALL other cars are ahead of them, except those in the same predicament, may complete the Pace Lap but must remain BEHIND the last row of the grid.
  7. Excessive weaving, using more than 50% of the track width, and falling back in order to accelerate and practice starts is prohibited and may result in a retrospective time penalty.
  8. The Pace Car will pull of into the Pit Lane at the end of the Pace Lap.
  9. The cars will continue on their own, in 2 x 2 line astern formation, with the pole position car controlling the field and maintaining the speed set by the Pace Car until the start of the race.
  10. As the cars approach the start line the red light will be illuminated.
11. A Judge of Fact will monitor the speed of the car in pole position. Any deviation from the prescribed speed or breaking of formation before the start may result in a retrospective time penalty.
  12. The race will start when the green light is given.
  13. Any cars not exiting the Pit Lane prior to the closure of the Pit Exit, or removed from the grid after the 5 minute stage, or driven into the pits on the Pace Lap, will be held in the Pit Lane and may start the race after the last car to take the start from the grid has passed the Pit Lane Exit.
14. Aborted Start
 
a) If the start is aborted prior to the Pace Car pulling off, the Pace Car will lead the field around the circuit for an additional lap and a new start will be attempted. The race will not start until the Pace Car pulls off the circuit and the signal to start is given. At the discretion of the Clerk of the Course, the race duration may be reduced accordingly.
b) If the start is aborted after the Pace Car has pulled off the circuit, the signal to start will not be given, the start lights will remain red, and the red flag will be displayed at the start/finish line and subsequently at all marshals posts.
When this signal is given, all cars should exercise extreme caution and return slowly around the circuit to reform in their original grid positions. The race start procedure will then be repeated from the 2 minute board. At the discretion of the Clerk of the Course, the race duration may be reduced accordingly.
c) In the event of a failure of the red or green starting lights, the Starter will abort the start. The race start procedure will then be repeated from the 2 minute board and, if necessary, the race may be restarted using a National Flag once all competitors have been informed of the changed procedure. At the discretion of the Clerk of the Course, the race duration may be reduced accordingly.
  Quick Start Option
Amendment to Sporting Code (first used in start procedures in 2006)
Changes to the standard start procedures when there is no open pitlane
In order to make the rolling start as simple and time efficient as possible, we have run these new procedures at Brands Hatch, Nurburgring, Spa and Silverstone in 2006, which have proved to be very successful, particularly in view of the very high ambient and track temperatures experienced at all those tracks.
30 minutes before the race the cars should be ready to move into the pitlane AND 20 minutes before the race, the cars are lined up in the pit lane in qualifying order, as set by the driver who is starting the car. 10 minutes before the race the drivers should get into the cars.
At an appropriate time to suit the length of the track (maybe 6-8 minutes before the race - to be decided by YOU), the cars are released onto the circuit for their warm-up lap which brings them to the start/finish line, where the pace car is waiting.
Everyone keeps their engine going and this quick procedure means that no cars are sitting on the grid overheating.
The procedure is that the lead car slows the pack of cars down, as they approach the start/finish line, in order to get all the cars together and to avoid any delays. The lead cars are now stopped on the grid and, as soon as the last car stops, and the marshal waves their flag at the back of the grid, the starter will show a 10 or 15 second board and a green flag will be waved as the pace cars moves off.
The lead car follows the pace car and when and if the steward is happy with the formation, the pace car drives off the circuit at an agreed point and the lead car controls the pace at a steady 80 - 90 kph until the lights go GREEN on the start finish line, at which point the race starts but no one may overtake until they have passed the start finish line.
  Two Drivers for Two Independent Races
This is where two drivers share a car BUT not in one race. They each drive the car in one race only (e.g. Race one and Race two). This option is only taken up by a few drivers, if at all.
  Two Independent Races
  We normally run two independent races on each weekend. For safety reasons the grid is taken from the qualifying times and there is NO relationship between the two races (i.e. the finishing positions on the 1st race do NOT effect the grid for the 2nd race).
The cars with two drivers must inform the clerk of the course's office, which driver is running in the 1st race at least one hour before the race. That driver's qualifying time provides his grid position.
  Qualifying
  The grid will be determined by the times set in official qualifying. Cars which qualify out of session shall be placed (in order from fastest to slowest), behind the slowest car in official qualifying.
  Different Drivers For Race 1 and Race 2
Where a second driver is entered for Race 2, the Entrant will comply with the following:
 
a) The driver's identification will be indicated by the use of coloured Velcro strips affixed beside each start number. The coloured Velcro strips will be supplied by the organiser.
b) The Entrant must advise the organiser, before the start of competition, which of his drivers will be indicated by which coloured Velcro strip and which of his drivers will start each race.
  Timekeepers should note the start numbers of all cars affected to enable them to attribute times to the correct driver and thus produce accurate grid sheets.

  Sponsorship - General Rules and Notes
  Everyone will appreciate that this is an historic racing 'series' and, whilst we understand that some current sponsorship is helpful, this should not detract from the correct appearance of the cars.
  Sponsorship helping you to race is great but please bear in mind that we do require the car to be run in period livery (i.e. with paintwork and sponsor logos that were on the car when it raced in the 1980/90s).
  However, you can use the windscreen banner panel for a sponsor's name and a limited space on either size of the car, a maximum of 0.3m x 0.3m, of whatever shape, that does not interfere with the original livery. Again, very small logos, that do not compromise the original design, may be placed on the rear wing end-plates and perhaps a pair on the nose of the car.
  The above is very, very important and the 'officers' of the club will monitor it and be the ultimate judges of what is and what is not acceptable. If you are not sure what you can do, PLEASE ASK.
  The other way that a driver or owner can 'use' sponsorship is to apply to the club for an item or service that is not on the car. We will consider having a sponsor's banner in/outside the Club Marquee, where this is designed/produced by the club or is made in total agreement with the club, assuming there is a substantial financial benefit to the club. We want to avoid a 'hotch-potch' that make us look unprofessional.
  Bear in mind that a sponsor of an individual car will not have the same publicity options within the club as someone who wants to sponsor the season's racing, where it benefits every member!
  The most obvious and visible non-car related sponsorship is for the club's racing trophies. This involves us having the trophies made in the right number and appropriate size for each race, to avoid waste. It also results in the sponsor having a name banner on the first page of the web site.
  Please see current example at www.groupc-gtpracing.com
  Please contact Jim Graham at the club with your ideas and for any guidance
+44 (0) 1926 43 58 43 or email at contact@groupc-gtpracing.com
 
 
 
 
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