Introduction

The following regulations apply to all Class 1 and Class 2 Challenge cars. Cars that are found not to comply with these regulations will not be permitted to compete in Class 1 or Class 2 and will be moved to class 3 or 4.

All class 1 and 2 competitors must carry a passenger to ensure fair play for both senior and junior drivers. All passengers must be aged 18 or over and be wearing the appropriate racewear.

Competitors may also be penalised with regards to championship points if their engine/transmission is found to be illegal in respect of these regulations, It is therefore in the interest of all Class 1 and 2 competitors to familiarise  themselves with these regulations and ensure that their car complies fully with all sections. If any car is found to be in breach of these regulations after initial scrutiny, the competitors will be excluded from the remainder of the event.

The Class 1 and 2 regulations have 2 main objectives. The first is to ensure a “Level Playing Field” for all competitors while keeping costs as low as possible without adversely affecting safety. The second objective consists of a few extra safety requirements to ensure additional safety for the class, considering the majority of its competitors will be novice and junior drivers. These regulations will apply to all cars, regardless of whether they are in class 1 or 2, to ensure that if a car changes hands it will be suitably compliant with all regulations. Since the beginning of 2017 we decided that, in the interests of keeping in touch with our objectives, a review of the regulations was required. The following regulations will contain changes that: – Reflect the exhausting supply of parts for the original Class 1 and 2 cars. – Update our current safety requirements. – Ensure that all cars are of similar standard of performance. – Uphold the Image and reputation of the class. We have modified the previous regulations in a way that we believe will benefit both existing and new members of class 1 and 2 equally with as little disruption to existing cars as possible while simplifying ‘new build’ cars production and general maintenance.

These regulations are still open to further modification and changes will be notified on our website and by other means. Anything not specifically listed as permitted must be assumed not permitted. It is the competitor’s responsibility to ensure that cars comply completely with these regulations, even if the car has not been built or maintained by them personally. During scrutiny, The Rallysport Association reserves the right to take action against any modification not specifically mentioned in these regulations, but that they believe would give the competitor an advantage. Anyone with questions should contact The Rallysport Association DIRECTLY if they require clarification to ensure they receive the correct advice regarding these regulations.

 Section 1.1 – Definitions In these regulations, you will see mentioned many times the words “standard” and “production”. These simply mean that the parts in question are to be the same as the ones the vehicle left the factory with, and more importantly, the permitted vehicle left the factory with. This may relate to the dimensions, finish, coating, material, number, quality, tightness, assembly procedures, weight, type, colour……. the list continues. In short, again, if in doubt, leave it alone, or give us a call! Words like “us” “our” and “we”, refer to The Rallysport Association, or someone acting officially on its behalf.

 Section 2 – Car Specification

2.1 – Body.

Cars must be a three or 4 door hatch back car. A Sunroof, if fitted, should be removed and replaced with a suitable blanking material. The body should be in good condition and bodywork repairs should be to a professional standard. No form of lightening of the actual body shell is permitted. All original equipment, with the exception of interior seats, carpets etc, must remain in place. An original specification laminated windscreen must be fitted and all other original window glass must remain fitted. It is permitted to seam weld the body shell and also to strengthen the body around suspension pick up points.

  2.2 – Engines

Engines must be in their standard production form for the vehicle model used with a maximum capacity of 1250cc

 Section 3 – Safety

 3.1- Roll Cage

Cars must be correctly fitted, as per the manufacturers’ instructions, with a 6 point FIA homologated and stamped roll cage. The cage must include door bars for driver and passenger. No drilling or modification of the roll cage is permitted. The homologation stamp must be visible or certificate of homologation available; homologation must be for the body type to which the cage is fitted. Modified or homemade roll cages are not permitted. Any questions regarding the correct fitment of the roll cage should be directed to the cage manufacturer.

 3.2 – Harness.

All cars must be fitted with an FIA approved Harness. They must be a complete units sourced from a recognised manufacturer and must be “valid” or “In Date”. Harnesses stamped with a “Date of Manufacture” are not permitted. All Harnesses must be in good condition and be fitted in accordance with the manufacturers instructions. Mounting points must be secure, and any body/chassis repairs within 30cm must be made to a professional standard.

 3.3 – Seats

All seats must be competition ‘bucket’ type, be in good condition and correctly and securely fitted as per manufacturer’s instructions. They must be sourced from a recognised manufacturer and be fitted with a headrest. No form of production car seat is permitted. Any body/chassis repairs within 30cm of seat mounting points must be made to a professional standard.

3.4 – Fire Safety

All cars must be fitted with an easily accessible fire extinguisher with a minimum 1 Litre capacity. The interior carpet must be removed to improve fire safety.

3.5 – General Vehicle Condition.

Scrutineers will inspect the cars general condition paying particular attention to body condition, suspension mounting points and other areas where weakness could cause a failure, and which therefore present issues relating to safety. It is however, your responsibility to ensure that your vehicle is maintained in an appropriate and safe condition at all times.

3.6 – Personal Protection Equipment

Please refer to The Rallysport Association general regulations regarding helmets, suits and all other safety related equipment/regulations. Class 1 and 2 cars must also comply with the RSA general regulations.

 3.7 – Exterior

The bonnet must be fitted with external bonnet pins and both of the original catches removed. The bonnet hinges may be removed if a total of 4 appropriately positioned bonnet pins are fitted. The original boot catch must also be disabled and replaced by either pins or spring type latches, which are easily operable from the exterior. Mud flaps must be fitted to the rear of all four wheels. Door mirrors must be in good working order. All doors must be able to be opened from both the inside and outside. A battery isolator should be fitted as close to the battery as possible and should operate from the vehicles exterior. Note that this must turn off the engine as well as isolating the battery, and that to achieve this some models will require isolator with an additional ignition switching circuit. Rear brake lights must be functional, and an additional rear window brake light is recommended. It is also recommended that direction indicators work.

3.8 – Battery

In addition to the isolator noted in section 3.7, the battery must be secured with an over-top strap and the terminals covered with a non conductive material. The battery must remain in its original condition and a standard production alternator must run at all times.

3.9 – Auxiliary Equipment

The front windscreen wipers must remain operational. The interior heater must also remain operational for windscreen de-misting purposes. Heated windscreens are not permitted. Rear screen wipers are not compulsory.

Section 4 – Modifications

4.1 – Body and Exterior

As mentioned in section 2.1, the body should be in sound condition. Seam welding is permitted as is strengthening around the suspension pick up points and other weak areas, though adjustment of the positions of pick up points is not permitted. Lightening of the body is not permitted in any form. The wheel arch exterior lip only may be modified to aid wheel clearance. All exterior panels should be securely fitted and in reasonable state of repair. A sump guard may be fitted to protect the sump, and this may also be used as a method of bracing/strengthening the body. In addition to this section, the safety requirements in section 3.7 must be effected.

4.2 – Interior

The original carpets and rear seats must be removed. Sound deadening and interior trim panels may be removed, however door panels, if removed, must be replaced with a suitable material. The original dash and wiring loom should remain intact. Extra instrumentation may be added to the original dash, such as ammeter, voltmeter, oil pressure, water temp etc. No form of launch control or shift light is permitted. Pedal faces are permitted, as are aftermarket gearknobs and steering wheels, however no modification of the gearshift is permitted. The steering lock may be removed and ignition/starting may be transferred to a switch panel. The area within reach of the driver and co-driver should be, as far as practicable, be free from sharp edges or protrusions that could cause injury to either.

4.3 – Wheels and Tyres

Any wheel rim of either 12, 13 or 14 inch diameter may be fitted, alloy or steel, up to a maximum of 6 inches wide. It is permissible to have a mixture of 13 and 14 inch rims front to back, but not side to side. Tyres must be road legal and be free from damage or defects. They must be “E” or “e” marked in accordance with EEC regulations relating to tyres for public highway use. Tyres marked “for rally use” or “not for road use” or “for racing purposes only” etc are not permitted. The only permitted tyres are the Toyo Proxes R888r or Yokohoma AO48 or AO50 in accordance with all other Junior 1000cc Championships throughout the UK and Ireland.

4.4 – Suspension System

Suspension mounting points are subject to extreme forces, and as such will be given particular attention during scrutiny. In particular, the front crossmember, strut towers, rear spring seats, and bottom arm mounting points must be in good, solid condition. Suspension units and springs can be replaced; however “coil-over” type suspension is not permitted. The standard fit anti-roll bars are optional. The rest of the suspension system must remain as standard. It is recommended to regularly check the tightness and condition of the lower ball joint pinch bolt, as this reduces the likelihood of failure.

4.5 – Steering System

The complete original steering system must be retained, with the exception of the steering wheel, which may be replaced with an aftermarket item. The steering components must be maintained in good condition. Power steering is only permitted where fitted as standard. Power steering, where fitted, may be disabled, but only in such a way that there is no adverse effect on the steering function. No form of “quick rack” is permitted.

4.6 – Braking System

The entire braking must be standard and of the type fitted to production models, as specified in section 2.1. It must be maintained in good working order. Aftermarket, ventilated or modified discs are not permitted. Braided brake hoses may be fitted and aftermarket brake pads may be used. It is acceptable to replace the original brake pipe with copper pipes where the original pipes require replacement, or if there is a desire to re-route the pipe for protection; provided these are fitted to the appropriate standard. A hydraulic handbrake is permitted. The standard handbrake lever may be modified so that the ratchet is disabled.

4.7 – Fuel System.

The fuel system must be maintained in good condition and free from leaks. The fuel cap seal must be in place and in good condition. Particular attention should be given to the fuel neck breather pipe on some models. A vehicle must not leak fuel onto the track surface. The original fuel tank must be retained; however a guard can be fitted if desired. If fuel pipes are re-routed inside the vehicle, stainless steel braided fuel hose must be used. On carburettor engines, an electric fuel pump may be fitted in place of the original mechanical pump. Engines fitted with fuel injection must retain the original injection system in its entirety, in completely standard production form. The injection system must be of the type fitted to the particular production model in question. The coolant temperature sensing circuit should not be tampered with in any way. No performance modifications are permitted with relation to the fuel delivery system. Octane booster of any form is not permitted. Carburettors may have the warm up device or “choke” disable or discarded.

 4.8 – Exhaust System

The standard exhaust systems including all silencers must be retained, and in reasonable condition. Cars will be noise tested and if it exceeds 105 DBA at any time during the event, it may face exclusion. Aftermarket exhausts or silencers are permitted. Cars fitted with a catalytic converter may have this removed. Note ..no modifications to the manifold are permitted.

4.9 – Electrical System

The entire production engine electrical system must be retained (ie starter, alternator, battery etc). Certain safety critical electrical components must also be retained (wash/wipe, brake lights, etc) as well as components where specific guidance exists (eg. ECU). It is advisable to retain the entire electrical system, including the fusing and distribution system.

4.10 – Engines.

Only the type used in the original production of the car may be fitted. The engine must remain totally in standard production form. Engine mountings may be uprated to performance items if desired.

4.10.1 – Induction

Only the standard production inlet manifolds are permitted and these must not be modified in any way.. The restrictions mentioned in section 4.7 apply here. An aftermarket air filter may be fitted if desired, and the standard airbox/ducting may be removed to facilitate its installation.

4.10.2 – Camshafts

The standard production camshaft for the particular engine must be retained, and must not be modified in any way. Care should be taken, as some aftermarket camshafts may exceed standard production specifications. The camshaft timing must not be modified in any way. Standard rockers for the particular engine type must be retained, and hydraulic lifters must remain standard and operational.

4.10.3 – Heads

Only the standard production heads for the original production engine may be used. No modification to heads, valves, or springs are permitted; however, permitted heads may be freely swapped between permitted engines. A maximum of 60thou may be skimmed off the head. Note that this is measured from the heads original standard height. Only a standard thickness head gasket is permitted. Performance head gaskets are not permitted.

4.10.4 – Engine Block and Associated Components

The engine block must remain as standard production form in its entirety. No modifications are permitted to the block or its associated components. A rebore is permitted to 0.5mm oversize. Pistons/rings must be of production standard for the specific engine type, and not modified in any way. The flywheel must remain standard for the particular engine type, and must not be modified or lightened in any way.

4.10.5 – Ignition System.

The unmodified original production ignition system for the particular car and model must be used.

4.10.6 – Engine Control Unit

The engine control unit must not be tampered with in any way, and it must be of the type fitted as production standard to the particular vehicle/engine. No form of electronic tuning, chipping or modification of the internal map is permitted. Aftermarket ECUs or programmable ECUs are also not permitted. Any type of device which interferes with any of the signals to or from the ECU is not permitted.

4.11 – Transmission

Transmissions must be completely production standard. The differential ratio and any form of limited slip differential if not fitted to the standard gearbox are not permitted. It is permissible to fit performance transmission mountings.

4.12 – Cooling System

The cooling system must remain in its entirety and as production standard. A switch may however be fitted to manually override the cooling fan. Oil coolers if not fitted as standard production specification are not permitted.