2008 RULES (Printable PDF Format)
VARA RULE BOOK
PART ONE
DRIVER HANDBOOK
Emphasis must be placed on the word CLUB. VARA is a club operated by volunteers, guided by members, and has no purpose beyond the enjoyment of Vintage Racing. VARA has adopted the following philosophy for racing:
The primary objective of the sport of Vintage and Historic Automobile Racing is to promote the preservation of these cars in a racing format that emphasizes safety. Our goal is to provide a format for friendly wheel-to-wheel competition, with the vehicles prepared faithfully to their era. Driving well is important, winning is not. Safety is very important and skillful driving is a major contribution to safety. All racing is dangerous and only the proper attitude of the driver and the careful preparation of cars will diminish the danger and enhance our appreciation of this sport.
The intent
of these rules is the proper and honest preparation of your car and the
safe conduct of events.
Section B: Conduct of events
Section C: Procedures and Driver Conduct
Section D: Genral Rules
Section E: Points
Section F: Criteria for Disciplinary Action and Penalties
Section G: License Requirements
Section
H: Vehicle Appearance, Safety and Tech
Section I: Car Classification
Section J: Supplemental Rules
Section K: C-Sports Racer Rules
Section L: World Sports Racer Rules
Section M: Formula Ford, Club Ford, Vintage Formula Vee
SECTION
A: DRIVER SAFETY AND LICENSING
These regulations should be regarded as minimum requirements.
It is recommended that safety upgrades be made when and/or where possible.
A.1 MEDICALS
A medical examination report must be on file with VARA (forms will be supplied
upon request). The VARA membership card, when issued, includes the medical
expiration date. Our current requirement is that this examination be biannual,
but an annual exam is strongly recommended. Current medical cards issued
by other recognized racing organizations, such as SCCA, FIA, VMC, and HMSA,
are also acceptable. Additional medical
testing and/or reports may be required if requested by BOD or Chief Steward.
A.2 DRIVERS' CLOTHING
DRIVERS' CLOTHING SHALL CONSIST OF
THE FOLLOWING:
DRIVING SUIT:
Drivers shall wear a clean, one-piece, racing type driver suit, made of
Nomex, PBI, or equivalent fire resistant material. If the suit is not constructed
of two or more layers of fire protective material, suitable fire protective
underwear must also be worn.
HELMET:
Recognized racing type "Full Face” safety helmet intended for automotive
racing use is required, rated by the Snell Foundation as SA95 or NEWER.
Helmet must be full face! As of 11/1/2006
all helmets must be SA2000 or newer.
EYE PROTECTION:
Face shields must be worn in all race cars, open or closed. Regular glasses
or sunglasses are not sufficient eye protection, but may be worn with face
shields.
A balaclava (head sock), made of Nomex or PBI, is required for all drivers
with facial hair or hair long enough to come out below the helmet. They
are strongly recommended for all drivers.
SOCKS:
Nomex, PBI, or equivalent fire protective socks are required.
SHOES:
Approved racing shoes, at least ankle high, are required.
GLOVES:
Approved racing gloves are required. Gauntlet type are strongly recommended.
A.3 ARM RESTRAINTS
Arm restraints are required for all participants in all open cars and any
enclosed car not equipped with a window net.
A.4 WINDOW NETS
Enclosed cars may use Window nets attached to the roll cage or car body/frame
(not attached to the door) in lieu of arm restraints.
A.5 NECK BRACES
Neck braces with Nomex or other fire resistant covering are not required.
SFI approved Head and neck restraints are strongly recommended.
A.6 LICENSE AND SCHOOL
REQUIREMENTS
Unlicensed drivers are required to successfully complete the requirements
of the rookie 3-6-9 guidelines as posted.
Upon completion of the 3-6-9 requirements, a driver will receive
a certificate of qualification for full competition licensing status. A
VARA competition license will subsequently be issued by the office of the
General Manager.
VARA recognizes other vintage racing organizations'
licenses in determining a driver's qualification. With the recommendation
of the Chief Driving Instructor, a certificate of qualification for full
competition license may be issued to an incoming driver without the necessity
of meeting all of the requirements of the 3-6-9 guidelines.
Competitors in the F1, F2,F5000,FA,FSV,FB and SSB,
SR2000, and WSR Sports Racing classes are required to have an additional
F/A endorsement on their license as specified in Article IV of the 3-6-9
requirements.
Rookie 3-6-9 guidelines are listed in Section R. These can also be found on-line.
PLEASE
SEE ROOKIE 3-6-9 GUIDELINES AND REQUIRMENTS (Click link) (PDF Format)
B.1 RACE CHAIRMAN
The VARA Board of Directors will appoint a Race Chairman for each event,
who will be responsible for the overall organization of the event, including
the format, schedule, appointment of event officials, etc. Each event will
be conducted under VARA rules. Any supplemental rules for the event must
have prior approval of the VARA Board.
B.2 CHIEF STEWARD
The Race/Chief Steward shall be appointed by the Board of Directors and
take direction from the BOD. Race/Chief
Steward shall have the following responsibilities and authority:
1.
The Chief Steward shall have control over the following
individuals and functions:
·
race control
·
timing and scoring
·
pre-grid and re-entry
·
flag marshals/corner workers
·
starter
·
black flag station
·
emergency crews (fire, rescue, ambulance and tow)
·
security/safety
·
pace car
·
other person(s) involved in "on-track" duties
2. Check track for condition and
approve that track is safe for racing.
Check presence of safety vehicles and that ambulance(s) is in the
correct track location(s).
3. Check with timing and scoring,
all corner worker stations, pre-grid, starter, pace car, re-entry person,
black flag station and tech chief to make sure that they are ready and in
stand-by for start of racing.
4. Give pace car instructions
as needed.
5. Check all radio communications
with all event officials and stations.
6. Review practice results and
approve race grids.
7. Have sole authority to declare
a "red flag" situation and stop a practice or race. Red flags
shall only be used when an extremely dangerous situation exists.
8. Have sole authority to disqualify
a competitor at the race event for an incident and/or rules violation.
9. Have sole authority to black
flag drivers for misconduct during a session.
10. Have sole authority to disqualify
results.
11. To conduct drivers meetings.
12. Stay in contact with the VARA
Board Members and Race Chairman for the event and at the end of each day,
review the day’s events with the VARA Board members, Race Chairman and other
needed officials.
13. The Chief Steward shall at
all times treat persons under his or her control and authority with respect
and courtesy and apply his or her authority in a fair and even manner.
14. The Chief Steward shall control
and have authority over all race related activities at race events.
B.5 INCIDENT REPORTING
The Chief Steward and the Licensing Chair shall insure that Race Control,
flag marshals, and corner workers are provided with VARA’s requirements
for reporting incidents, AND that these individuals are aware of VARA’s
racing rules regarding incidents and passing as embodied in this rule book
for the purpose of reporting incidents.
The suspension and/or probation of any driver may
be reported to the Vintage Motorsports Council.
B.8 MULTIPLE DRIVERS
Two drivers may be entered in separate races with one car, each paying a
separate entry fee.
B.9 WAIVER OF LIABILITY
All persons entering the controlled area of the race event must sign a Waiver
Form.
Children of participants are welcome, but they are
not allowed on the track, the hot pits, or pregrid. Each Minor must be listed
on the Waiver Form and be signed for by a parent or guardian.
SECTION
C: PROCEDURES and DRIVER CONDUCT
C.1 DRIVER CONDUCT
Every entrant, driver, crew member, and participant at a VARA event shall
conduct themselves according to the highest standards of behavior and sportsmanship,
particularly in relation with other competitors, club officials, and workers
at the event. The driver/entrant will be responsible for conduct prejudicial
to the reputation of VARA and the Sport of Vintage Racing by driver, entrant,
crew member, guests, and/or participant. Any driver brought in under Black
Flag conditions for rule infractions may be subject to suspension from further
racing during the weekend. If an entrant is eliminated or removed from an
event for any cause, VARA is not required to refund the entry fee.
C.2 DRIVERS MEETINGS
All drivers must attend any called or scheduled Drivers Meetings. Failure to attend may result in a penalty or
disqualification.
C.3 STARTS
Race starts shall be rolling starts, with the pace set by the pole sitter
after having been released by the pace car. Pole sitter is responsible for
setting a pace that allows the field to maintain good order. This pace speed
should be 40 to 50 mph. As the pole
sitter approaches the start/finish line, the starter, if satisfied that
the field has a semblance of the correct order, will give the green flag.
Grid positions must be maintained until the race start. The race starts
when the green flag is dropped. There will be no overtaking or racing until
the green flag is given. If the starter is not satisfied with the order
of the field, one or more additional pace laps will be run. Any driver who
jumps the start or causes a no start will be black flagged at the starters
and stewards discretion.
The pole position for qualifying and flag races is
determined by driver performance from the previous session(s). For qualifying
races position is determined by fastest lap time in the qualifying session.
For flag races position is determined by finishing position in the
qualifying race. It is the prerogative of the pole winner to
choose either the right or left starting position. However, the default position is the one which
places the pole sitter on the inside line of the first turn. Should the pole sitter choose the outside position,
the change will only affect the front row. All remaining car will lineup with odd number
grid positions on the inside and even number grid positions on the outside.
In the case of cars missing from the grid cars shall
move forward (not diagonally) to fill the empty spaces. For example-- If
the car assigned position #8 on the grid is a no show, then during the pace
lap the car in position # 10 would fill this space and the car in position
#12 would move to position #10 and so on.
Do not lag behind as the pace car forms up the field.
C.4 FOUR OFF RULE (As
of 06/30/2007)
Each driver/participant will be allowed one 4 off/or spin per session without a track penalty applied. This rule does not apply to any class of rookie or drivers with probationary status.
First incident – (after second 4 off/spin in same session or race) Participant must report to Black Flag immediately and will be directed into the paddock. Participant will not be allowed to continue in that session or race.
Second incident – (same day- after second 4 off/spin) Participant must report to black flag immediately. Participant will not be allowed to rejoin session and MUST see the chief steward before being allowed back on the track, and 5 points will be deducted
Third Incident - (Same event - after second 4 off/spin) Participant must report to Black Flag immediately. Participant must report to the chief steward and may be disqualified from the remainder of the event.
Altough 2 offs are not specifically penalized, multiple 2 offs may receive a furled black flag. As with any furled black flag notification, continued unacceptable behavior will result in a visit to Black Flag.
On track spins and 4-offs are considered equal for purposes of this rule.
It is the responsibility of the overtaking driver
to pass in a safe manner on an area of the racing surface deemed prudent
by the standards of the Association and the Chief Steward. The overtaken driver has the responsibility
to be aware that he or she is being overtaken and shall not impede the overtaking
car. The overtaken car shall not
block. If any driver appears to be
blocking and or “pinching” another car seeking to pass or gain advantage
on the racing surface, they shall be black flagged and / or penalized.
C.6 GRID
All competitors must be in their grid positions prior
to the five (5) minute signal; if not, they must start from the back. Push
starts are only allowed prior to the three (3) minute signal. If any vehicle
fails to start, it may be push started after the entire grid has moved out
onto the track. Drivers who for any
reason could not enter the track in their qualifying position may not improve
their position by moving up during the pace lap.
Paddock and pit speeds-- the paddock speed is
always 5 mph. Hot pit speed is 2nd gear.
C.7 CONTACT
IF CONTACT
OCCURS, ALL ENTRANTS INVOLVED MUST IMMEDIATELY REPORT TO BLACK FLAG.
DRIVERS MAY RESUME RACING AT THE DESCRETION OF THE CHIEF STEWARD DEPENDING
ON THE SEVERITY AND INITIAL FAULT ASSESSMENT.
C.8 FLAGS
GREEN FLAG - is shown at the start / finish line for all timed track sessions,
both race and practice, to signify the beginning of the session. There is no passing allowed at any point on
the track prior to the display of the green flag.
RED FLAG – is shown primarily for when on track circumstances
have created a major course blockage or the need for immediate critical
medical response. During a red flag condition, the red flag will be shown
at all flag stations, including the incident site, which will be showing
the combination of a waving yellow flag and a red flag. NO PASSING IS
ALLOWED. Slow down and stop your vehicle in close proximity to the very
first approached, manned flag station, stopping in a position so that you
can observe the worker for hand signals. If stopping near the incident site,
stop at least 50 yards prior to the incident to allow access for emergency
workers. Use your mirrors and hand signals in order to stop safely at the
side of the track, near a manned flag station as previously described. As
soon as the incident is under control, the corner workers will direct you
how to proceed. Proceed, , as directed by the flag station officials, at
pace lap speed around the course carefully and enter the hot pit lane, without
crossing the S/F line. You will receive additional instruction by course
officials as information is made available to them by the Chief Steward.
All drivers are to remain in their race cars with all safety gear fully
fastened, including helmet, gloves, head restraint devices and safety harness,
unless otherwise directed by race officials.
The session or race may, or may not, be re-started. If a race is to be continued, the grid will
be formed based on the last lap completed.
BLACK FLAG AT ALL STATIONS – is shown to stop the session for the protection
of on track emergency personnel and course workers. NO PASSING IS ALLOWED.
A standing black flag will be displayed at all corners, including the incident
site, which will also be displaying additional flag(s) required for the
incident. Use your mirrors and hand signals, slow down safely to a pace
lap speed and proceed directly into the hot pit lane, stopping prior to
the S/F line in a single line to await further instructions. You will receive
additional instruction by course officials as information is made available
to them by the Chief Steward. All drivers are to remain in their race cars
with all safety gear fully fastened, including helmet, gloves, head restraint
devices and safety harness, unless otherwise directed by race officials. The session, or race, may or may not be re-started.
If a race is to be continued, the grid will be formed based on the
last lap completed.
WAVING YELLOW FLAG - means that the course is partially blocked or an incident has
occurred in a direct impact area, slow down and prepare to take immediate
evasive action. Noticeable slowing
is required. You are under the control
of the yellow flag until you can clearly see the next turn station, and
no yellow flag is being displayed. Drivers are advised to you a waving hand
to indicate to drivers behind of the reduced speed situation.
No passing!
STANDING YELLOW FLAG - means
be alert, something has occurred beyond the flag station which may require
evasive movement. No passing allowed.
Slowing until past the incident is strongly recommended. A standing yellow may precede a waving yellow
at the next station. You are under
control of the yellow flag until you can clearly see the next flag station,
and no yellow flag is being displayed.
DOUBLE YELLOW FLAG - at all stations means the entire course is under yellow flag.
No passing allowed. Drivers are advised that the pace car will be
on track to control the field. The
start/finish tower may display a "pace" sign. Drivers must form up single file behind the
pace car. It is every drivers responsibility to proceed
quickly to the pace car. The purpose
of the pace car is to gather up the field to allow the safety crews to clear
the incident. By this time drivers
should have identified the incident location.
Use extreme caution near the incident but do not delay in passing
the area. If the pace car is out
toward the end of a race, we will make every effort to restart and allow
at least 2 green flag laps. Restart
- when the pace car will turn off it's emergency lights and pull off track
onto pit lane indicating that the starter will restart the race. Also, often the starter will hold up one finger
to indicate one last pace lap before a restart. Racing begins when the starter displays the
green flag. There is no passing until
the green flag is displayed
YELLOW FLAG WITH RED STRIPES - this is an advisory flag. It
indicates debris on the racing surface. It could be oil, water, dirt, rocks, auto parts,
etc. This flag will be displayed
for 2 laps only. When withdrawn,
it does not mean the condition has been cleared but rather, it is now considered
part of the accepted racing surface. Should
this flag be displayed in the same location after being withdrawn, it indicates
there is a new form of debris in the same or similar location
BLACK FLAG - a standing black flag
means "driver error" come into the Black Flag station in the pits
for a consultation. The standing
black flag, (may be waved to show extreme concern), will normally be displayed
at both start/finish and at another station on the course with the competitors
car number also displayed. If black
flagged you must come to the pits at the first opportunity to avoid additional
penalties.
BLACK FLAG WITH
FURLED BLACK FLAG - furled black means "driver error" and is an indication
to the driver to alter their driving attitude. As a driver, you should already know what you
have done wrong. This is a one time warning. Continued errors will result
in a BLACK FLAG to the driver.
WHITE FLAG - this flag is advisory. This
flag is displayed at start/finish to denote the last lap of a race.
Passing is not prohibited. The white flag is sometimes displayed
during warm up and cool down laps. Under these circumstances, during warm
up and cool down laps, passing is prohibited.
The white flag may also be displayed at corner stations if there is a vehicle
(or vehicles) on the track at non-racing speed. This could be a slow moving race car or emergency
equipment.
WHITE FLAG WITH A RED STRIPE OR CROSS - this is an advisory flag. The white and red flag means there is a vehicle
(or vehicles) on the track at non-racing speed. This could be a slow moving race car or emergency
equipment. Should a driver approach
emergency equipment on track they will be advised by emergency personnel
on how and where to proceed. This flag may also be displayed at start/finish
to denote that emergency vehicles are on the course.
BLUE FLAG -The blue flag, also know as the "passing
flag", is an advisory flag. The blue flag may be for you or for another car
in your vicinity. If you have been
running in a pack with very close lap speeds and you receive a blue flag,
it means that a faster car is approaching, use your mirrors. If you are about to be lapped, you are considered
a back marker. You will be shown
the blue flag to notify you that faster car(s) are approaching. As a back marker, you have not earned the right to race the leaders.
Doing so may be considered a form of blocking and you could be black
flagged. Maintain your speed and the proper driving line
and use hands signals to point by the leaders as they approach.
CHECKERED FLAG - indicates end of session
or race. Continue around the course
on a "cool down" lap at reduced speed and enter the pits.
C.9 STOPPING ON COURSE
IF YOU HAVE A MECHANICAL PROBLEM AND CANNOT RETURN
TO THE PIT, RAISE YOUR ARM TO SIGNAL THAT YOU ARE SLOWING. PULL OFF
COURSE IN A SAFE MANNER, AND GET AS FAR AWAY FROM THE RACE COURSE AS POSSIBLE.
DO NOT STOP ON THE RACING SURFACE, IT IS VERY UNSAFE AND CAN CAUSE A MAJOR
INCIDENT. STAY IN YOUR CAR, BELTED AND WITH HELMET AND GLOVES ON,
UNLESS THERE IS A FIRE OR YOU ARE INSTRUCTED TO LEAVE THE VEHICLE BY COURSE PERSONNEL.
ABSOLUTLY NO REPAIRS SHOULD BE ATTEMPTED WHILE STOPPED ON COURSE DURING A SESSION.
D.1 ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
and/or CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
During any event, the consumption and/or the use of alcohol or controlled
substances by any competitor or official in the paddock or any part of the
race course under the control of VARA is forbidden.
D.2 BICYCLES, ROLLERBLADES
and MOTORIZED VEHICLES
Children under age 16 are not allowed on bicycles, etc. Bicycle helmets
are required for minors under 16 years old when riding as a passenger on
any bicycle or motorized scooter of any type. A Motorized vehicle (of any
kind) may only be operated by individuals with a state issued driver’s license.
No one is allowed on rollerblades, skateboards or similar devices in the
pit or paddock area. Parents are responsible for conduct of minor children.
D.3 PETS
All pets within the controlled area of the race event must either be confined
or on a leash. No pets allowed in the grid area. Note: Some tracks no longer allow pets. Please check before bringing your pet.
D.4 FUEL
No fuel additives that increase engine power are allowed.
D.5 MINOR DRIVERS
Driver/Participants under 18 years of age must be signed for and accompanied
by parent or guardian. In no case
will drivers be accepted under the age of 16 years.
D.6 MINORS
Children of participants are welcome, but they are not allowed on the track,
the hot pits, or pre-grid.
D.7 CLOSED (COLD) TRACK
When the final race of the day is completed the track shall be considered
CLOSED until the Chief Steward declares the track open the following day.
No motorized vehicles of any kind are allowed on the CLOSED track unless specifically authorized by the Chief Steward and supervised by the Chief Steward. Failure to abide by this rule may result in suspension. Participants are responsible for their crew, guests and minors.
Class Championship:
(1) point per lap will be awarded for each lap completed
as posted in the official race results for each class. Lap points shall
be awarded for Saturday Qualifying Race and Sunday Flag Race. No points
shall be awarded for practice sessions.
Cars/Drivers running down a class, for whatever reason,
shall be awarded lap points but not finishing points.
A driver may win a championship only if participating
in the correct class.
1 to 10 additional points will be awarded for finishing
position of the first 10 cars in a class. 10 points for first place, 9 points for second
place and so on. If less than 10
cars start then the first place car is awarded 1 point for each car starting.
Therefore if 3 cars start winner would receive 3 points.
Second place would receive 2 points and so on.
1 Point awarded for the fastest lap in the Sunday
Flag Race
Cars must be classified as running at finish to receive
finishing points. This includes Enduros.
NO points for spectator races such as
No double points races.
Tie Breakers:
Participation, then finishing position.
Negative Points:
No penalty for first 4 off in session. Second 4 off in same session will be assessed
4 penalty points. Third off in same
session – Must immediately go to Black Flag and retire from session. Passing under a yellow flag will be assessed
2 penalty points.
Negative points may be assessed by the Chief Steward
for conduct and as discipline as per section P of this rule book..
The
overall Points champion will be calculated utilizing the following points
system and applied to all the class champions.
You must first win a class before you can be eligible for overall
points champion.
Points
System applied only to Class Champions for the Overall Champion Title as
follows:
3 Points
awarded for winning a race provided there are at least 3 cars in the class
Example: if there
are only two cars in the class the max. number of points awarded for the
win will be 2 points etc.
2 points
for 2nd place
1 point
for 3rd place
The
class champion with the most number of points wins the overall title.
If there
is a tie: the tie breaker is determined
by the one with the most number of wins, then seconds etc. If it is still even, then both would be honored
as overall champions.
The Chief Steward and the Chief Driving Instructor shall administer the
following guidelines as required by circumstances involving competitors,
their crew and/or their guests. The
specified penalty assessments in the following document are stated in
terms of maximum penalties for incidents as they are described. Also taken into consideration in the administration
of penalties shall be a driver’s current status, racing history and attitude.
Drivers to whom penalties are assessed under the disciplinary process
are entitled to an appeal hearing before the Board of Directors unless
otherwise stated within this document. Decisions made by the Board of Directors evolving
out of the driver appeal process shall be binding.
Special races and challenges
will be subject to all of the following penalties.
Maximum penalty assessment:
Definition of violation: Single
car incidents that result in minor damage to the car
Maximum penalty assessment:
Definition of violation: Multi car incidents that
result in damage or
1.
Vehicle to vehicle contact to the extent that all
race cars involved are safely able to report to Black Flag under their
own power. For those race cars depositing parts or fluids on the racing
surface, see Class 4 Penalty Assessment.
2.
Single car Off course excursion resulting in major
tire, wheel, chassis and/or body damage.
3.
Vehicle contact with permanent and temporary track
fixture(s); cones, tire barriers, curbing, ‘K’ rail, Armco.
4.
Aggressive actions by a driver resulting in the aforementioned
conditions to competitor’s race car(s) while not incurring damage to his
or her race car.
5.
6.
Verbal and / or non verbal displays of unsportsmanlike
conduct deemed abusive to fellow competitors and crew, track Officials,
Safety crew or any other event attendees.
Minimum penalty assessment:
1.
Disqualification for remainder of event.
2.
Deduction of competition points.
3.
Required corner or black flag duties.
4.
Minimum
1 Race Suspension.
5.
Up to six race probation.
6.
Refer to Class 5 infractions; maximum penalty assessment.
Multi car incidents caused by over aggressive driving.
1.
Vehicle to vehicle contact to the extent that all
race cars involved are disabled on or about the racing surface.
2.
Vehicle contact with permanent and temporary track
fixture(s); cones, tire barriers, curbing, ‘K’ rail, Armco, disabling
the race car on or about the racing surface.
3.
Aggressive actions by a driver resulting in the aforementioned
conditions to competitor’s race car(s) while not incurring damage to his
or her race car.
4.
Any incident on track incurring injury to a driver
or his/her competitors as a result of aggressive driving or negligence
while competing.
5.
Any driver determined to have violated Class 1, Class
2, or Class 3 penalties while currently competing under probationary status.
Maximum penalty assessment:
1.
Disqualification for remainder of event.
2.
Deduction of competition points.
3.
Required corner or black flag duties.
4.
Up to nine race probation.
5.
3 to 6 race suspension.
6.
Refer to class 5 Infractions, maximum penalty assessment.
1.
Physical abuse of fellow competitors and crew, track
Officials, Safety crew or any other event attendee.