British Rallycross 2011

[AlamakiRX]

Originally Posted by A20 YBP

We have just been informed today that the Super National cars are to be no more than 10 years old from from original manufacturer date, as per Hot Hatch category. As the regs for this division are not out yet, with just over a month to round 1, we now do not know if our car will be eligible as it was built using last years Super Mod regs for this year!

WOW.......

Thats crazy, only 33 days before the start of the season!!

This wipes out Dixon's Astra, Chicken's Golf, Coney's Nova, along with all other Nova's, Older Corsa's, MK3/4/5 Escorts, Older BMW's!!

What about the Tigra?? 206?? Mk 2 Clio?? Audi TT? 306??

And what happens when the championship goes to Ireland and there are older Nova's and 205's racing...... and the Volvo 240's wont be able to race either!!

This could wipe out 90% of the grid and leave cars worthless!!

Supercars:
Procter and Scott are doing a FULL ERC as a 2 car team, Langley is building a new MK7 Fiesta but wont be out until mid year. This leaves Doran, Godfrey, Binks, Hill, Watson, McCann, Horton and Grant. Mundy will probably do a few, not sure Manning will now that there is No Pembrey meeting!

With a possible 10 supercars, the 10 year rule depleting the SuperNational grids, 6/8 BMW Mini's, 4/6 Junior Swifts, 10/12 RX150's, 4/6 Hot Hatches, 12/15 Senior Swifts..... things might be a little thin on the ground with no BTRDA at some meetings!

[A20 YBP]

We are awaiting conformation of the Tech Regs so will hopefully find out soon, but if that is the case, it will deplete the Super National grid somewhat unless there are a few new cars being built to suit.

[rich_cooper]

Will that mean all the supernats older than 10yrs old might go BTRDA ?

Will be intresting to see what is going to happen. Supercars look a small field again!

[AlamakiRX]

Originally Posted by rich_cooper

Will that mean all the supernats older than 10yrs old might go BTRDA ?

Will be intresting to see what is going to happen. Supercars look a small field again!

Even without the regs it is pretty common knowledge within RX that this is the case and the 10 yr rule (on the model being used in RX from original manufacturer date) will apply from this season to SuperNational and Hot Hatch.

It will leave SuperNats NO other option but to race in the BTRDA champs, could help booster numbers here!

[chasing cars]

This is getting ridiculous. I dont mind the idea of ensuring newer machinery in rallycross but where is the forward planning? Big changes like this should be announced at least 6 months before they come into effect if not a whole season.
Personally i prefered watching the BTRDA modifieds last season, because of their mix of cars, entry sizes and standard of racing. To me this is better than a few big budget cars that break very easily and are rarely seen at all events. Beginning to wish I lived nearer Blyton!

[MiniMadness]

Interesting news about the Super Nats. Where will all the cars go ? As suggested probably the BTRDA/MDA so at least it will bolster their fields hopefully.

But isn't this chopping off the hand that feeds you. Hmmmm......

[AndyS]

A push towards Super 1600 and Super Touring maybe? Super National is one of the most exciting classes and one where age of the vehicles doesn't really matter, look at Scandinavia.

[Chessmsport]

Originally Posted by chasing cars

This is getting ridiculous.

Calm down, the 2 BRC events at Lydden are supported by either the Belgians or BTRDA so you will get to see a large variety of cars.

With the 10 year rule it will make the BRC look much more proffesional, just seems a bit odd that you can still use a 6R4 or RS200 in Supercars!!! It seems to be moving towards Euro classes. Orignally the Rallycross Open started with the intention of having modern cars with the Euro classes but fell by the wayside as there weren't enough cars around at the the time and 'lesser' classes had to be catered for to make up numbers. Time will tell if enough cars support the BRC.

It seems British rallycross has a structure now CDMC for people moving up from Autocross, BTRDA/MDA for Clubman and BRC for the more proffesional/teams drivers.The only downside is for Southern based 'clubmans' drivers having to travel to Blyton to race.

[mivec]

Every country needs an "everthing goes" non-ERC class.
Supernational in Scandinavia, Supermods in the UK, Division 3 in Belgium/Holland...
Entry's are great and the racing is very nice to see.

A tiny Volvo 240 looks better then a shabby "new" car.

[stuart107]

So does the 10 year rule run from date of last manufacture of your actual bodyshell? Or date of last manufacture of the model? Where does the engine come into the rule?

I have to agree, leaving it so close to the start of the new season to announce it is not great (putting it mildly!). Perhaps there should be a years grace on big rule changes like this?

Lets hope the regs are available soon... Maybe they will provide some clarification.

[RICKY_BOBBY]

this is all getting very confusing. new organisations coming in and some fairly severe rule changes weeks before the start of the season seems a bit crazy. for people who have spent all winter preparing their cars and schedule for the year to be now told its all change seems a bit unfair. i think if the powers at be were to confirm or dispell these changes rather than competitors relying on forum speculation it would perhaps be a bit more encouraging but still a bit late in my opinion. Consider this- someone in for example an mk2 mr2 promising a sponsor they were competing in the british championship with tv coverage etc all season to be now told that this is not the case seems a bit unfair on all parties involved in my opinon

[Chessmsport]

Originally Posted by stuart107

Lets hope the regs are available soon... Maybe they will provide some clarification.

Well here they are.....

5.3.1.e All cars must be externally recognisable
as a Series Production Car since 31 December
2001, as defined in MSA Nomenclature and
Definitions (2011 MSA Blue Book, Section B on page 62).

But you can run a Xsara, 306, 6R4 or RS200 in Supercars struggle to see the logic.......

[MiniMadness]

Originally Posted by Chessmsport

Well here they are.....

But you can run a Xsara, 306, 6R4 or RS200 in Supercars struggle to see the logic.......

The plot thickens, but a very good point.

Originally Posted by stuart107

I have to agree, leaving it so close to the start of the new season to announce it is not great (putting it mildly!). Perhaps there should be a years grace on big rule changes like this?

Stuart you still running that little supercharger ?

[stuart107]

Originally Posted by MiniMadness

Stuart you still running that little supercharger ?

Yes and I was planning to contest the full BRC....... looks like my plans have just changed!

[stuart107]

Originally Posted by RICKY_BOBBY

Consider this- someone in for example an mk2 mr2 (or a Peugeot 306!) promising a sponsor they were competing in the british championship with tv coverage etc all season to be now told that this is not the case seems a bit unfair on all parties involved in my opinon

Looks like you've hit the nail on the head for me

[A20 YBP]

Stuart, you and me both. We were also doing same in BM. Now to sort out a plan B?

[Hickey]

I always try to defend rallycross as usually they have the best interests at heart, but this is an absolutely ridiculous decision and at an unacceptable time. Agree with the comment above suggesting a grace period.

I love seeing new cars as much as the next guy, but the modified category has always embraced the old, weird, inventive racer and I don't want to lose those cars. The BTRDA isn't an option as they don't run every event and in March, we will have 5 or 6 shiny new cars mixing it with a bunch of Belgian Volvos that are older than I am.

I hope they come to their senses and change their mind.

[stuart107]

Originally Posted by A20 YBP

Stuart, you and me both. We were also doing same in BM. Now to sort out a plan B?

Gary, I was relying on the TV coverage for my sponsorship, so I now need to go back with some explanations for my sponsors. I need to find out if BTRDA are getting any TV this year? Anyone know?

[Chessmsport]

Originally Posted by stuart107

Yes and I was planning to contest the full BRC....... looks like my plans have just changed!

Run in Supercars and with your driving and the cars reliability bet you would finish the year in the top 5.......

[Hickey1]

As a spectator of the BRC for many years, I have always loved the variety of cars found within the Supermodified category. I don't really see the need to ever upgrade them to newer machines.

[stuart107]

Originally Posted by Hickey

I love seeing new cars as much as the next guy, but the modified category has always embraced the old, weird, inventive racer and I don't want to lose those cars.

Firstly, less of the weird!!

I do agree though, that apart from people that can throw lots of money at new cars, the rest of us rely on using our ingenuity to try and compete and getting a car to any sort of competitive level takes a lot of time & effort.


Actually, less of the old as well!!

[stuart107]

Originally Posted by Chessmsport

Run in Supercars and with your driving and the cars reliability bet you would finish the year in the top 5.......

Thanks, thats a nice comment! But, I was really looking forward to Super National this year. We had more power coming and a different gearbox! Ahhh well!

[mivec]

Where can we read those rules?

They say, i was told, i heard....
It's better if we read the rules first.

[Chessmsport]

Originally Posted by mivec

Where can we read those rules?

They say, i was told, i heard....
It's better if we read the rules first.

Here

[Hickey]

Originally Posted by stuart107

Firstly, less of the weird!!

Actually, less of the old as well!!

Ha! I meant the cars are old and sometimes weird, but guess that applies to the drivers too!