Group C GTP Racing

       Regulations and Sporting Code - 2008 Season - v4

1. Invitation Series

This is an Invitation Series and entries are at the sole discretion of the organizers. Group C GTP Racing Ltd reserves the right to accept or decline any entry and to allocate its class.

The Series is open to all Group C, GTP and IMSA specification cars running from 1981-1990. Cars from 1991-1993 will be considered, if of pre 1991 chassis specification. All cars must be pre-approved, no car should be assumed as acceptable. The car must be presented and run its individual period specification including its engine capacity, horsepower and period livery. Third generation cars are not acceptable.

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 individual car may be permitted to run only after being approved. All cars must have proven period racing history.

Turbocharged cars may not be equipped with any device which allows the boost pressure to be adjusted or the electronic management system controlling the boost pressure to be altered by the driver or crew while the car is in motion.

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.

All chassis data acquisition systems fitted to cars must be made inoperable during the testing, qualifying and racing weekends.

Additionally only one wheel speed sensor is to be fitted to the front undriven wheel. No other wheel sensors are allowable.

Braking systems are to be as the particular car raced in period.

Wheel diameters are free.

Aero package to be as raced for year spec selected (e.g. post 1988 spec requires 280mm high under shapes etc).

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.

Tyre choice is free however only two sets of new tyres may be used each weekend per car. Goodyear radial tyres are not acceptable at Le Mans except in certain circumstances where Dunlop tyre sizes are not available. Avon tyres are acceptable for 16" rims.     

Tyre warmers or tyre heating tents are not permitted.

All cars racing for the first time must be pre- approved prior to entering the series. Full details of the cars history and specification, together with photographs should be sent to the Series Director for approval.

If in any doubt - 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 Series Director and the decision is final.

Drivers should hold a minimum of a European National A licence issued by a recognized ASN to compete and should work towards upgrading to an International C licence as soon as possible if they wish to compete at Le Mans this year.

Not withstanding the licence criteria, drivers will have to demonstrate enough circuit racing experience to be deemed capable.

Any driver who has already competed in Group C races will be automatically included.

All new applicants must supply a detailed resume of prior experience together with details of any competition licences held in the last three years. We reserve the right to accept or deny applications without giving reason.

2. Safety

To comply with the standard technical regulations and with any FIA regulations that are applicable the following safety standards must be observed.

Fully operational fire systems to the current FIA minimum standard for enclosed cars of either AAAF , Zero 2000 or preferably Zero 360 systems are permitted. The systems must not be plumbed into the original cars system and the kit must only be fitted as per the instructions supplied using the supplied hose and nozzles. Failure to comply will void the homologation of the unit.

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.

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.

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.

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 will 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.
Certificates must be available to a scrutineer upon request.

3. Crack Testing and X-raying of components.

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.

This is the team / competitors responsibility to ensure that they maintain their cars to the very highest standard. You must have in your possession enough documentary proof to satisfy any scrutineer or official at any time.

 We reserve the right to withdraw a car at any time and therefore our "invitation" should we feel that it is not being prepared to the highest standard.

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 however.

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

• Fabricated uprights

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 listed on the certificate but it is not necessary to mark the components. In the event of an accident an additional certificate will be required to cover the new component.

The certificate will be valid for a period of 1 year from the date of testing.

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.

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

4. 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.

This is not a contact sport and any collision on track will be treated seriously.

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 Series Director.

5. Race Format

Normally races will be of between 30 & 90 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 organizer, 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.

All cars must be on track during the last 10 minutes of the Enduro race.

All cars must start at all times without the aid of any physical assistance, bump starting or any kind of pushing will result in a drive through penalty

6. 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). Seat Belts must be done up whilst the car is in motion. The engine must be turned off at all stops prior to the car being serviced.

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, it will be checked by the scrutineers as well at each event.

A minimum of two 6KG hand held foam fire extinguishers is required per car.

7. Class Structure

The formula will be divided into four separate classes based on the cars presented configuration year which may not necessarily be the year of manufacture.

Group 1

Group C1 / GTP cars 1991-1993 twin wing 3G aero spec.      

                                                                                    

Group 2

Group C1 / GTP and C1 Atmo cars 1988-1990 aero spec.                                                                                                            

(to include all 956 962 and 962c cars with 17" + wheels)

C1 Atmo Spice 3.5L cars may only use proven period spec 3.5L DFRS engines

 

Group 3

                                                                                                                                                                                                         
Group C1/GTP cars 1982-1987 (to include 956 and 962 Porsche with 16" wheels)

Group  4                                                                                                                                                                                                  Group C Junior / Group C2 / IMSA Lights, all years.                                                                                                               

(DFV powered cars may only use proven period spec DFL units)

(turbo cars may be moved to class 3)                 

8. Points Sructure

TBA

9. 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 practices 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 Racing Series Regulations - 2008, including Licence Criteria, Safety, Crack Testing and X-raying of Components, Racing Conduct, Race Format and Refuelling Services and agree to the Hold Harmless / Waiver statement".

10. Starting 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

The start will be a 2 x 2 rolling start behind a Pace Car. 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 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.

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

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.

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.

 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.

The Pace Car will pull of into the Pit Lane at the end of the Pace Lap.

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.

As the cars approach the start line the red light will be illuminated.

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.

The race will start when the green light is given. You may not overtake until you have crossed the start finish line.

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.

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.

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.

11. Parc Ferme

This is an Invitation Series and we do not operate Parc Ferme, we do however reserve the right to secure any car in the series for inspection in the event of an accident, driver misconduct or technical infringement.

12. 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.

13. Sponsor Obligations

All cars and drivers accepted into the series are obligated to carry the Clubs logo and sponsorship at all times as follows.

a) Three times on the racing car, front and two sides in a prominent position.

b)  Wear the clubs clothing provided, with at least two team members wearing the series shirts or jackets in the pit lane each day during the official practice and race days.

c) Carry the Clubs logo and sponsors credentials on their racing transporters on at least two sides of the vehicle and rear.

14. Visual Image

All Race transporters are to be presented in the paddock in a clean condition, additionally the pits you operate from also require your attention to make sure they reflect the highest of standards.