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ROUGH GUIDE TO SPEED HILLCLIMBING AND SPRINTING Hillclimbing and sprinting is regulated by the Motor Sports Association (MSA) and in order to compete in these events there are certain requirements which must be followed. Firstly, you need to join an MSA affiliated car club (preferably MCMRC!!), you can then apply for an MSA Competition Licence. With that licence comes the MSA yearbook (The Blue Book) along with very useful information. Mandatory safety requirements include the need for a Crash Helmet and Fire Resistant Overalls, both to minimum requirements. The next stage is to get your car prepared to the minimum standards in order to pass scrutineering. At the beginning of every meeting, a scrutineer will check your car to ensure it complies with necessary safety regulations. In the following pages we will endeavour to provide the information you need to prepare yourself and your car for a Hillclimb or Sprint Meeting. THIS
ROUGH GUIDE IS MERELY DESIGNED AS A GUIDELINE ONLY AND MUST BE USED IN
CONJUNCTION WITH THE CURRENT MSA YEARBOOK.
To enable you car to be timed it is mandatory to fit a Timing Strut (Beam Breaker) to the front of the car. The
Beam Breaker must be mounted vertically, on the front of the car, so that
it's leading edge is the furthest forward point. It must be of solid material
(ie metal or wood) and matt black. It must be 51mm wide, 254mm high with
200mm ground clearance. Other Beam Breaker information is in the Blue Book (MSA Yearbook) SILENCING All vehicles must be silenced in accordance with the MSA Blue Book. Noise tests may take place so if you have a very noisy car, it is important to know how noisy it is. (MCMRC can assist should you think this may be a problem.)
It
would be impossible for us to list every detail necessary to get your
car through scrutineering, we shall, however, list the main points, which
will help you to prepare your car to the necessary standards. All cars competing in Hillclimbs or Sprints must have a valid MSA Log Book, unless the car is currently licenced for use on the public highway and competing in the event in a road legal condition. This can be obtained on the day from the Scrutineer, but he will require photographs showing the side elevation of the car which will be attached inside the log book. (The cost is approx £25.00 for the scrutineer to produce this log book) See MSA Blue Book reference. The scrutineer will also be checking for other points such as:
Driver's seat securely fixed Greater technical specification is given in sections E and L of the Blue Book
A crash helmet must be worn during competition and the following standards are accepted by the FIA, CIK and the MSA (Year 2002) The helmet must bear one of the following standards: MSA events only - BS 6658-85A (Type B is not acceptable) The 'Gold' stickers are not valid after 1.1.2001. Helmets currently approved and which will be valid after that date will require a new (Blue) sticker. The are available from issuing scrutineers.
The helmet must be a good fit and in good condition with no damage to
the shell or securing straps. (See Regulation 10 in the MSA Year Book
- which The helmet must carry the current MSA approval sticker which, is the helmet conforms to all of the above, is available at a nominal cost from an MSA scrutineer.
Clean flame resistant overalls are required to FIA Standard. For MSA events, they may manufactured to a standard BS 6249 part 1 index A or B, but not C, BSEN 533 or PREN533: 1993 INDEX 3. These standards are clearly marked on the overalls. Although not yet mandatory, flame resistant gloves, socks, balaclavas and underwear are strongly recommended. Helmet, overalls, Goggles (or a visor) must be worn at all times while driving an open race car. Other safety data applies in closed vehicles.
An MSA Licence must be obtained in order to compete in Hillclimbs and Sprints.
Having already joined an MSA affiliated Car Club (hopefully MCMRC!), you can obtain a licence application form from the address below or by downloading off the Web on www.msauk.org
The Motor Sports Association Ltd., The are basically two types of licence applicable to hilclimbing and sprinting: National B Non Race This will allow you to enter most hillclimbs and sprints with the exception of the higher grade National A events. Approx cost: £28.50 Speed National A This allows you to enter all types of hillclimbs and sprints but cannot be applied for straight away. You must upgrade from a National B and this can only come about by experience and competing on the track. Approx cost: £45.00 Note: For a driver to compete in a Racing or Sports Libre car manufactured after 31/12/1960 of more than 2000cc (or 1428cc if forced induction) he must hold a National A Speed or Race Licence. Once
again, when you receive your licence, you will get a copy of the MSA Yearbook
(Blue Book), which gives the technical specifications for every type of
British Motorsport.
Having filled in the entry form and sent it off with the appropriate fee and assuming that your entry is accepted, you will normally receive final instructions on what you should be doing in the week prior to the event. The final instructions usually give details of all of the entries in class and number order, which enables you to have your numbers ready in time for the event. They also detail the timetable for the day, where you should park on arrival and when to arrive etc.
On arrival park your car in the appropriate area and proceed to the signing on hut with your appropriate documents (MSA Licence, Club card etc). After signing on you must then have your car passed by a scrutineer and preferably, walk the course prior to the first practice runs. It is advisable to arrive early to allow enough time for all these things. (Generally you should allow to get to the course between 1.5 and 2 hours before the first practice run ) You are now ready to compete and just have to wait for your practice runs to be called before proceeding to the start. It is important that you listen to and obey all marshals and officials on the day. Once on the start line, it is up to you, so put your foot down and go for it!!! Anyone attending a Mid Cheshire Motor Racing Club event for the first time need not feel worried. A simple request when you apply for your first event will ensure you have the personal attention of an experienced MCMRC member to guide you through the days proceedings when you arrive. Similarly, if you need assistance in understanding the complexities of the MSA year book to prepare your car for Hill climbing and sprinting, come along to The Lancaster Club in Woodford on the last Thursday in any month (See your MCMRC magazine for details) and someone will calm your worries. Remember, the sport is for enjoyment, so prepare to enjoy it! |