2019 Speed Series Regulations

[Roz]

Just to point out as Steve is MOT QC tester, there is only one type of MOT now,  it is a test on the day only regarding the cars roadworthiness, you can present a car with no headlights or indicators as long as they have been disconnected or permanently taped over.  This would be an advisory note only on your MOT certificate but you would have a 'Full' MOT showing your car is roadworthy.

The MOT only states that a seat most be secure and safety belts fitted, it does not mention comfort!

[Terry Everall]

Roz. Thanks for you post about MOT

I have checked with a member of the MOT UK COUNCIL.who informed me that there has not been any change to the MOT test. A Daytime only MOT can vibe obtained for a car if it does not have headlights or indicators but there will be an advisory note stating it is a Daytime only MOT and not a full MOT.

[Roz]

Please see link to MOT trade magazine 2009 stating that daylight MOT are a myth, also there were extensive changes to MOT's in May 2018.   As per UKGOV site. www.transportoffice.gov.uk/crt/repository/MoT%20-%20Issue%2042%20-%20Jan%202009.pdf

Quote

 

If you want to go down the road of MOT failures how many of the cars post 1993 race without catalytic converters?

[John Williams (Panda) - Joint Manchester AO]

post #1 now updated to v3

[Terry Everall]

2019 Regulations –Comments

After consultation I am  posting this on behalf of the SSOT in an attempt to clarify certain issues that have been raised. 

Firstly, I must state that members of the SSOT have done their best to draft the 2019 Regs in a way that minimised changes, was fair to everyone and clarified certain comments and questions that arose during the 2018 season. As we are predominantly a one make championship we have 8 classes of car which are often constructed using a wide range of parts and are often DIY builds so nothing is standard. We have a class structure that has evolved to accommodate groups of cars which might have similar power and technical specification. Clearly this is not an exact science but over the years it has been done in a fair way and is regarded as one of the best championships to take part in. It is the intention to make competition fair and give everyone a chance of success. 

We interpret the requirements of the Motorsport UK Blue Book as well as the words that explain our own Regss in the best way we can in order to promote a level playing field for all.  (initial SVA/IVA and even MOTs are subject to interpretation ) 

The issue of Daylight only MOTs and Seats was discussed at length by several competitors last year as was the type of prizes that drivers would appreciate. 

Continuing the awarding of expensive cut glass trophies was considered to warrant review and it was decided to award less expensive trophies along with cash prizes. These have been distributed in the way we feel is fairest and includes Novices and the Mini Sprint .  We have considered the money awards and revised them slightly but it will reviewed next year. Many people we have spoken to are in favour of this approach which is similar to the LDMC awards ( several of our  competitors are also members of LDMC)

Daylight only MOTs gave people the opportunity to have a lighter and slightly more aerodynamic profile (without headlamps etc). which could be regarded as an unfair advantage.

The issue of seats has caused the biggest head scratching over the last two years. As a friendly club we have not formally inspected the cars to ensure compliance with our Regs and the Motorsport UK Blue Book. In addition some scrutineers have asked about passenger seats even when our cars were running in Mod Prods and did not require a passenger seat. We have clarified this situation for competitors in classes C, D, E, and F who use list 1C tyres where we state that the fitting of a Passenger seat is optional. 

Our main concern is with classes A and B which are really entry level classes where cars are more likely to be standard road use cars with syncro gearboxes and no driver aids. As a result we have specified what we think is a reasonable requirement for a road going car rather than a full blown sprint or hillclimb car which has been modified and has trick suspension etc. Driver and passenger seats must be fitted in our championship.

 

A few typing errors have been amended.

 

So, in summary, these are the rules for 2019 and we have done our best to improve our competition to the benefit of everyone who takes part. We have admitted that we are not perfect but we spend hours on your behalf trying to do what the majority want in an unbiased manner. 

We do not intend to make any changes from this basic concept as we think it is correct.

 

[graham frankland]

As some of you know I have always attempted to promote "level playing field" and sensible regs for the Speed Series

I have the following observations on the proposed 2019 Regs

1) Passenger Seats

As it appears that there is no defined requirement for passenger seats either for the MOT or specified in the Blue Book I propose that NO passenger side seat or seat belts should be allowed in Classes A B C D (Level Playing Field, no interpretation and no further discussion required)

2) Daylight MOT

As I don't think there are many competing Westfields with out lights I agree that for classes ABCD the no Daylight MOT rule should stand.

3) Cash Prizes and Standard of Trophies

To me the quality of the trophies underlines the quality of the championship!

Lower quality trophies will only IMHO detract from the quality of the  Speed Series

The payment of cash prizes has to me somewhat of a "tacky" feel about it particularly when the proposed distribution of the prize money is looked at it more detail!

I don't think the "Expert" cash amounts will provide a great incentive for additional drivers to come to the Speed Series in preference to other competitions!

I feel the amounts proposed for the Novice and Ladies championship could in fact be a dis-incentive when compared with the Expert awards!

I agree wholeheartedly with Adam Read that we need to make all potential and existing entrants feel important and wanted by using all available monies however generated to help towards attracting and developing the skills and knowledge of as many SS entrants as possible.

Graham 

[Swampy]

The point is there is no such thing as a Daytime MOT,  the advisory purely says lights not fitted no where on the MOT does it say daytime only, to clarify the regs you should say lights must fitted and then add whether they should work on not.  

[Terry Everall]

We want fitted lights and them all to work so there is no advisory notice to cover " Daytime running only" (as its known in the trade and is more commonly used for motorbikes).

Cars in classes C, D, E and F which are classed as Road Based but are running list 1C tyres should be capable of passing an MOT . This is a no change situation from 2017/2018 seasons.

[Marto303]

With regard to changes in regs for this year I can clearly see the reasoning behind the passenger seat rule for A/B though I’m not sure I see the point, after all undo 4 nuts before a sprint and most roadgoing cars could lose the passenger seat and 10kg for no cost ! 

MOT’s I’m with Roz, only one mot available and that’s a Full MOT with advisory notes if head lights /seats not there ! If you want to make head lights / seats compulsory in A/B write it in the regs don’t rely on MOT standards. 

My biggest problem is with the timing, releasing draft regs 10 weeks before start of the season with unexpected changes is bound to cause problems.  Surely it would make more sense to notify competitors now of up coming changes for next season and give everyone time to adjust. 

M

[Terry Everall]

For clarification  the Regs will specify that a Full MOT will be required which does not include any advisory regarding missing lights. The Regs already state that a drivers seat and passenger seat is required whilst competing for classes A and B as well as any other cars running list 1A or 1B tyres.

[S2T]

As a first time (potential) entrant to the series may I seek clarification on rule 3.2.4. If I were entering Class F with a standard 1300cc Busa and am using 1b tyres then I must fit a passenger seat? Seems a strange ruling given a comparable vehicle with 1c tyres (quicker) doesnt have to have a passenger seat, how can that be a level playing field within Class F?

Maybe I am missing something?

Or could I choose to enter as modified specialist but use 1b tyres

I wont mention the strange class structure whereby a 1300cc busa producing 193bhp is in the same class as a 300bhp ecoboost/duratec etc

[Swampy]

9 minutes ago, Marto303 said:

With regard to changes in regs for this year I can clearly see the reasoning behind the passenger seat rule for A/B though I’m not sure I see the point, after all undo 4 nuts before a sprint and most roadgoing cars could lose the passenger seat and 10kg for no cost ! 

MOT’s I’m with Roz, only one mot available and that’s a Full MOT with advisory notes if head lights /seats not there ! If you want to make head lights / seats compulsory in A/B write it in the regs don’t rely on MOT standards. 

My biggest problem is with the timing, releasing draft regs 10 weeks before start of the season with unexpected changes is bound to cause problems.  Surely it would make more sense to notify competitors now of up coming changes for next season and give everyone time to adjust. 

M

1 years notice would be great, I do not care if the cars have to pink and fluffy as long as we get a year to change them!  I wonder how many will be entering this year, as numbers were down 17 last year.  

My MOT does not say Daytime running anywhere on it, so as per the reg's IF I was entering the championship would my car be legal?  As it does not say in the regs that lights are required?  I have carried MOT's for the last 30 years and have never put 'daytime only' as it does not exist, in the trade or otherwise.  

 

[Terry Everall]

In an ideal world 12 months notice would be good but it is not workable . The issue of no lights being fitted as well as questionable passenger seats came up mid early to mid season and therefore we were not able to sort it until now. We have now clarified that lights are required. As you are aware if the MOT has an advisory comment on it about the car not having headlamps /indicators it is commonly referred to as a Daylime MOT. 

[Terry Everall]

It would be interesting to know people's thoughts on the continued use of list 1C tyres in our championship.This was done as people has existing tyres etc and did not want to reduce their times by using list 1A or 1B in road going classes. This is certainly an issue that is not easy to resolve with our current system of Target Times when records were set on list 1C tyres in classes C, D,,E and F

[woodman]

Why are some so against having lights in A/B?

Also I thought you had to have lights to run in 'Roadgoing' ( 2a, B1 etc) on the day , ?