How to read the Blue Book & where to get it.

[Nick Algar - Competition Secretary]

There has been a recent discussion on the boardroom that reminded me that it was worth explaining to everyone which sections of the blue book they need to read. 

 

Where do you get it - download a copy from here http://www.msauk.org/site/cms/contentviewarticle.asp?article=1176

 

Firstly you should actually look through all the general sections, there is important information that you need to know.

 

For safety look at section 151-189 Common Regulations for Competitors (Safety) (K) and read what is written and then refer to the diagrams.

 

For regs on vehicles, look initially at Section 142-150 Common Regulations for Competitors (Vehicles) (J) then look at the specific section that you will be competing in ie 321-332 Specific Regulations for Sprints, Hill Climbs and Drag Racing (S) You will need to ensure you comply with both. But your specific discipline rules overide the common rules. ie S can allow something not allowed in J.

 

Also please don't assume that as something is not specifically mentioned that you can do whatever modifications you like. The MSA tends to operate the other way round. ie You are only allowed to modify something if it is specifically allowed in the regs. Also whilst competing you may well see cars that don;t comply, that again doesn't mean that it's allowed,just that the competitor has been getting away with it !!!

[Paul Morcom]

The MSA Blue Book can be a bit difficult to understand so if you need help just post your question on here and it will be swiftly answered.

 

Don't be shy; we all started with no knowledge at all!

[XTR2Turbo]

I'll start ... why is the book blue / called the blue book ?

[greenandmean]

I may be shot down in flames but I seem to recall The Blue Book is so named because it originally had a blue cover, no other more tecnical reason.

[stephenh]

Still is blue!

[Bispers]

I was travelling to work on the bus last year and two people were saying how they had no interest in cars. I found this amusing as I was reading the Blue Book at the time, before marshalling the startline for the Great Western Sprint at Castle Combe.

Good thing I did too as I then knew the position when a competitor stalled, having broken the start line timing beam, but not having crossed the start line with his rear wheels.

While the Blue Book is somewhat daunting it does tell you everything you need to know ( combined with the Supplementary Regs for the event you've entered). I'd encourage any competitor to be familiar with the general sections and those that apply to the discipline you're competing in.

[Mitchfc]

Hi everyone,

                       I'm glad someone started this tread as I do have a couple of questions......

Page numbers and reference codes from the latest 2017 Blue book;

Page 344 - Engines - 10.3.3 - Must be provided with means of starting which does not involve push starting except in the case of force majeure, unless period defined.

I'm taking this one as basically meaning no bump starting but as I have a push button start instead of a key type ignition I'm hoping it doesn't mean that this is not allowed?

The other one that I'm not 100% on is the FHR (HANS Device) will this be a requirement for next season in the roadgoing specialist production class?

Thanks in advance for any assistance 

Mitch

[Terry Everall]

The staring by key or button is up to you and bump starts may be allowed if starter fails but often Marshalls do not do it

Hans devices are now worn by many Speed Series competitors. Tell us which class you might run in if you intend joining the Speed Series and we can check the Hans situation for you

 

 

[Mitchfc]

Hi Terry, 

              I'm competing in the Cornish speed series they call the road going specialist production class 'B3' I would like to compete in the WSCC series in the future but we have a 4 & a 2 year old so need to keep it local until they get a bit older. Is it the case that different series have slightly different rules or does everyone have to adhere to the Blue book? 

 I did spend a bit of time looking at the HANS devices and after seeing the with and with-out difference from slo-mo vids on youtube it looks like a no brainer anyway regardless of the blue book. I was considering the simpson one as it looks the least intrusive but they don't come cheap but nor does a new neck 

[John Williams (Panda) - Joint Manchester AO]

if you are road going you do not need Hans; I'm investigating it for myself but I also need to swap the seats as I have the standard westfield sport seats.

if you are doing the Cornish speed championship then you are under the msa so we have the same rules; the only difference might be class structure and points system.

You can do both and get a T shirt from us.... the blyon weekend is well worth the journey promise!!!

 

[Mitchfc]

Thanks John,

                       I might make the trip mate, although competing in the whole series isn't an option at present the odd event could be a possibility for sure!

How much would it cost to do the Blyton event and is it a weekend or just one day?

[Terry Everall]

Blyton is a Friday track day if you want and then a separate Sprint on the Saturday and a sprint on a different layout on the Sunday. Camping is free and children friendly, toilets, shower, cafe and a ;to of Westfields.

The Speed Series mini championship is best 5 events from 6.

[Bispers]

The 2017 Blue Book has recently been put online here

 https://www.msauk.org/assets/bluebook2017completevlow-res.pdf

[harrypotter]

Is there an updated way to get to this blue book?

[Richard (OldStager)]

Unless things have changed you usually get this when you apply for a licence, however you can read the 2021 edition here

https://www.motorsportuk.org/resource-centre/?#