//Expo 5 Rules &
Regulations
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
organizers reserve the right to implement rules on the
scene as needed, refer to the NASA CCR for advice, or
invoke and enforce a summary judgment based on circumstances
that exist at the time.
For any questions related to the Rules
& Regulations below, please contact
Lance Honer, Safety Steward, at expo5.rules@kickyfast.com.
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 maneuvers, 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 organizers. 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 tracks 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 drivers 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 readers responsibility
to contact the organizers with any questions well ahead
of the event.
Participants Must:
- Be at least 18 years
old or accompanied by a legal Guardian.
- Hold a current valid
state drivers license
- Have the use of an
automobile that meets technical requirements
- Have proper safety
equipment as defined in the rules
- Fully pay all applicable
fees
- Have knowledge of the
rules and agree to abide by them
- Submit a signed waiver
and tech inspection form before driving in the event
Required Equipment:
All participants will utilize equipment that meets or
exceeds these minimum requirements, while driving on the
track:
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.
The driver and any passenger must utilize 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.
- Non-synthetic fabric clothing
(i.e. Cotton), including long trousers, socks and
a long-sleeved shirt.
- Shoes must be closed and of
a flexible solid leather or imitation leather construction.
- 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.
Noise Levels:
There are no noise restrictions at MAM.
(Updated 1/10/05)
Wheels and Tires:
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 tire. All lug nuts must be present and tightly
hold the tire and wheel assembly to the cars hub.
Wheel bearings must be tight. Any wheel covers, hubcaps
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
its 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.
- Convertibles -
Although highly recommended a roll bar/cage is
not required. Any convertible without a roll bar/cage
will NOT be permitted to use R compounds or racing
slicks. All convertibles must pass the 'broomstick'
test. This means a long stick must be able to
sit between the seat roll-hoop and windshield
without making contact with the head of either
driver or passenger/instructor. All instructors
reserve the right to refuse instruction for any
convertible without a roll bar or cage. Convertible
tops must be down at all times while on track.
(Updated 1/10/05)
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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 drivers 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 organizers. 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 dont come in by mistake.
Black Standing: If
you see it, its 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.
Checkered: Checkered
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
whats 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 its 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, its 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.
- You should clearly indicate a separate point by
for each car you are allowing to pass. To do this
give a point by to the car behind you, bring your
arm back into the car and give another point by for
the next car. (Updated
1/10/05)
- Although it is of the discretion of the car being
passed to offer a point by it is of the discretion
of the passing car to accept the point by. Always
be aware the passing car has the right to refuse the
point by and will usually indicate that to you so
watch your rear view mirror. (Updated
1/10/05)
Hand signals not
described here or at the event are considered unsportsmanlike
behavior.
Heres suggestions on helpful
items you may want to bring along:
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Plastic tarp to cover your stuff
(in case of rain or dust clouds)
Drinking water
Hand-cleaner
Car cleaning stuff (paper towel, Windex, instant
detailer, etc.)
Air tank or compressor
Tire pressure gauge
Tools
Torque wrench
Duct or racer's tape
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Extra engine oil
Extra car keys
Fuses
Spare belts
Lounge chair
Work gloves
Flashlight
Event paperwork
Extra brake pads (front)
Spare parts can be a good idea...
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Get a good nights sleep the night
before!
No excessive drinking!
It will be a long, stressful
day, and rested students are safer students.
For any questions related to the Rules
& Regulations below, please contact
Lance Honer, Safety Steward, at expo5.rules@kickyfast.com.
Thank you for your support.
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