These rules are in addition to, and not in derogation of the rules of common sense and exigencies that might arise at the scene.  These simple rules in no way constitute the entire scope of how the event will be run, and the organisers reserve the right to implement rules on the scene as needed, refer to the NASA CCR for advice, or invoke and enforce a summary judgement based on circumstances that exist at the time.

 

Conduct:  Participants are expected to conduct themselves according to the highest standards of sportsmanship, particularly in their relationship with other drivers and officials, and in a manner that will not reflect adversely on the reputation of the group.  Failure to do so will result in penalties, up to and including expulsion from the event.

 

Drivers are required to operate their vehicles within the rules that will be given at the event, and within the limits of their automobiles and the pavement.  Overly aggressive driving, risky passing manoeuvres, off-course excursions, or discourteous driving will result in penalties.

 

Passengers:  Passengers on the track are allowed only with the knowledge and permission of the organisers.  The ability to take a passenger on track is a revocable privilege, not a right.  It is expected that instructors and solo advanced students will be the only people approved to take passengers.

 

Alcohol and other drugs:  Consumption is prohibited during the track’s operating hours.  Consumption otherwise is permitted, being mindful of the rule of conduct, common sense and local laws.

 

On-Course Rules:  On-Course Rules, including passing signals and the use of flags, will be emailed to the participants.  Copies will also be available at the event.

 

Basic Safety:  The understanding and conformance to these regulations is the driver’s responsibility.  These regulations do not guarantee or imply that injuries or death will not occur.  If there are any questions or problems with these regulations, it is the reader’s responsibility to contact the organisers with any questions well ahead of the event.

 

Participants must:

q       Be at least 18 years old or accompanied by a legal Guardian.

q       Hold a current valid state drivers license

q       Have the use of an automobile that meets technical requirements

q       Have proper safety equipment as defined in the rules

q       Fully pay all applicable fees

q       Have knowledge of the rules and agree to abide by them

q       Submit a signed waiver and tech inspection form before driving in the event

 

Required Equipment:  All participants will utilise equipment that meets or exceeds these minimum requirements, while driving on the track:

 

  1. A proper fitting helmet that meets snell rated  SA 95 or M 95 or newer standards.  A neck brace is highly recommended but not required.
  2. The driver and any passenger must utilise modern stock seatbelts in very good condition, or an approved restraint system.  Harnesses are not allowed without approved rollover protection, and harnesses must be of a pre-approved design including an antisubmarine belt.
  3. Non-synthetic fabric clothing (i.e. Cotton), including long trousers, socks and a long-sleeved shirt.
  4. Shoes must be closed and of a flexible solid leather or imitation leather construction.
  5. Gloves and helmet liner (balaclava) are recommended, but not required.

 

 

 

Every automobile driven at the event will meet or exceed these requirements.

 

Appearance:  All vehicles must be in generally good condition and appearance.  Excessive body damage is not allowed, and there should never be the appearance of a danger that something will fall off the car or otherwise pose a hazard.  The vehicle must meet the 50/50 rule, which means the vehicle must look undamaged and straight at fifty miles per hour from fifty feet.

 

Wheels and Tyres:  The general condition of the tire and wheel assembly must be good.  There should be no cracks or other damage to the wheels.  No cords, bubbles, or other visible damage to the tyre.  All lug nuts must be present and tightly hold the tire and wheel assembly to the car’s hub.  Wheel bearings must be tight.  Any wheel covers, hub caps or trim rings must be removed.

 

Windows:  Front windows must be rolled down on both the driver and passenger side.  This facilitates safety and signals.

 

Steering and Suspension:  The steering and suspension should be checked for general condition.  There should be very little play in the suspension and the steering.

 

Engine Compartment:  There should be no fluid leaks from the engine.  A radiator overflow should be present and working.  Oil breathers should return the oil to the engine or a catch can.  All hoses should be in good condition.

 

The cleanup of spilled fluids is very expensive, and it’s possible the track will actually want the offending driver to pay for cleanup, especially in the event of a catastrophic motor failure that spills the entire sump on the track over several turns.

 

The throttle must have a definite, positive return to idle.

 

Please make sure your car is in good condition!

 

Brakes:  The brakes should be in good working condition and must be able to stop the vehicle in a safe distance and in a controlled manner.  Brake pads should be at 50% wear or better.  The pedal pressure should be firm.  Fluid level will be correct and the brake lines will be in good condition.

 

Roll Bars/Cages:  Roll bars are advised for the event, but not required.  (In the event a non-ITR participates in the event, this rule will be reviewed.)  Any roll bar must be able to withstand the compression forces involved in the supporting the full weight of the car in extremely adverse circumstances.  All cars with roll bars and roll cages must meet the NASA CCR requirements, must be mounted correctly according to the NASA CCR, and all roll bars and roll cages must be adequately padded with the correct material.

 

Seatbelts and Harnesses:  Seatbelts must be in new or perfect condition.  No damage may be present, and they must be factory configuration.  Any harness system must be of an approved design, and can be used only in conjunction with approved rollover protection.  Driver and passenger should have the identical restraint system.

 

Battery:  The battery must be securely fastened using at least two bolts, and there must be no chance of the battery coming lose in adverse situations.  A non-conductive material must cover the positive terminal.  Any battery located inside the driver’s compartment must be approved ahead of time.

 

Gas Caps:  All vehicles must have gasoline caps that will ensure that fuel will not spill out of the tank under hard driving.

 

Exposed Wires:  There should be no exposed wires inside the car that might interfere with the safe operation of the vehicle.

 

Seats:  All seats must be securely fastened to the structure of the car.  Driver and passenger seats should be of the same configuration, preferably exactly the same.  Non-stock seats should be FIA certified.

 

Loose Objects:  All loose objects must be removed from the car.  Floor mats, loose tools, and anything else that might be a risk must be removed.

 

Car Numbers:  Car numbers of an approved design will be supplied at the track.

 

Mirrors:  If the factory mirrors have been altered or removed, the configuration must be approved ahead of time.

 

Camera Mounts:  Camera mounts are allowed but must be approved by the instructors or organisers.  A bar that mounts at the rear shoulder harness attachment points is ideal.  A camera mount should not be close to either the driver or passenger, and it must hold the camera so securely that it will not come loose during adverse conditions.

 

Lights:  Non-factory lights that will be used on the track should be approved ahead of time.  Headlights and brake lights must work correctly.

 

 

 

Basic Flags:

 

Green:  Session has begun

 

Yellow – Standing:  Slow down.  Danger ahead.  No passing until the next flag station that does not display the yellow flag.

 

Yellow – Waving:  Slow down.  Great danger.  No passing until the next flag station that does not display the yellow flag.   A pace car may enter the track.

 

Black – Furled/Pointed:  You have transgressed in some fashion.  Come into the pit for a discussion of the infraction or issue.  A furled/pointed black flag is used in an attempt to single out a car so that many cars don’t come in by mistake.

 

Black – Standing:  If you see it, it’s for you.  Come into the pit for a discussion.  This might be used if a furled/pointed flag has not done the trick.  A standing black flag at all stations calls the entire field into the pits.

 

Chequered:  Chequered flag means the session is finished.  Complete your lap, gradually slowing down to cool the car off, and come into the pits.

 

Red Flag:  There is an emergency on the track.  Come to a quick, safe stop immediately, on the side of the track but on the pavement.  Stop in view of a flag station so you know what’s going on.  Once the emergency is resolved, a standing black flag will be displayed to signal the field to traverse the track to the pits.

 

Blue Flag with Diagonal Stripe:  There is a faster car behind you.  You need to signal him to pass when it’s safe.  If you keep ignoring blue flags, you will be black flagged.

 

Yellow and Red Striped Flag:  There is debris or fluid on the track.  Slow down and watch out.

 

White Flag:  Although this flag has another meaning in racing circumstances, in an HPDE it means that a slow moving vehicle has entered the track and you need to be aware of it and keep your eyes open for it.  The slow moving vehicle will usually be a tow vehicle on the way to an extraction, but it could also be a lighted emergency vehicle.

 

A note about the Pace Car:  The pace car will be a lighted vehicle that starts every session.  Because we will be sending people out as soon as possible, it’s very important that you follow the pace car at the same speed the pace car has set.  There is no passing or driving at speed until (1)the pace car has pulled into the pits and (2)you see the checkered flag waved.

 

 

Passing Signals:

 

We will have different passing zones for the different experience levels, and this will be explained at the event.

 

The car being passed is the car that stays on line.  The passing car will move offline to pass.

 

Once the faster car has moved offline to pass and is no longer behind the slower car, the slower car should facilitate the pass by lifting slightly, provided it is safe to do so.

 

To signal that someone should pass on the left, the driver points with his index finger and whole arm straight out to the left, out the window.

 

To signal that someone should pass on the right, the driver sticks his whole arm out the window and uses his index finger and hand to clearly point over the roof of his vehicle to the right.

 

To signal that you are entering the pits, a driver should extend his left arm out at a 90-degree angle upwards, with a clenched fist.

 

Hand signals not described here or at the event could be construed as unsportsmanlike behaviour.

 

 

 

Here’s some suggestions on helpful items you may want to bring along:

 

Plastic tarp to cover your stuff (in case of rain or dust clouds)

Drinking water

Handcleaner

Car cleaning stuff (paper towel, Windex, instant detailer, etc.)

Air tank or compressor

Tire pressure gauge

Tools

Torque wrench

Duct or racer's tape

Extra engine oil

Extra car keys

Fuses

Spare fan belt

Lounge chair

Work gloves

Flashlight

Event paperwork

 

Get a good night’s sleep the night before!  No excessive drinking!  It will be a long, stressful day, and rested students are safer students.