VintageRally.com

March 2002     

Proposed SCCA Historic Class Regulations with changes

SCCA Performance Rally

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ARTICLE 12

Historic PerformanceRally Class Regulations

Principles

12.                                      HISTORIC PERFORMANCERALLY CLASS REGULATIONS

12.1.                                PRINCIPLES

The SCCA PerformanceRally Board has created these Historic Class Regulations to give club members ProRally and ClubRally license holders an avenue to engage in the active celebration of older vehicles in PerformanceRally competition.  The intent of these regulations is to preserve the period competition specifications and prevent the modifications of performance and behavior that could arise through the application of modern technology.  The spirit of these rules is to enable the fair, cost-efficient and safe competition of vehicles that are visually and mechanically consistent with period specifications. for competition use.

(Note – this is a new class for 2001; these rules are a starting point that will evolve to best fit the interests of the participants and the spirit of the class.  The class is currently confined to ClubRally competition.)

Eligible Cars

12.2.                                ELIGIBLE VEHICLES

12.2.A.                         SCCA Eligibility.  The Historic PerformanceRally Class is for four-wheeled two-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured before January 1, 1972.[1]  Eligible vehicles must be a production model built by a recognized manufacturer, but need not have been homologated.  Entries must produce proof of age and a shop manual for the vehicle upon request of an event official during each annual Historic Class Inspection.  A standard SCCA vehicle logbook per SCCA ProRally/ClubRally Rules Section 11 6.1 of the SCCA PerformanceRally Rules is required.

12.2.B.                         Any rally-prepared FIA Appendix K Eligibility.  Notwithstanding non-compliance with any provisions of Section 12.4 below, any entered vehicle car that conforms to FIA Appendix K up through period classification G is eligible for the SCCA ClubRally Historic Class.[2]  A competitor claiming eligibility based on Appendix K must produce valid FIA Historic Identity Papers for the car vehicle (as required by Appendix K) upon request of an event official during each annual Historic Class Inspection and are is required to have a standard SCCA vehicle logbook per Section 6.1 of the SCCA PerformanceRally Rules.

12.2.C.                         Safety Prescriptions

12.2.D.                        Canadian and Mexican Eligibility.  The Historic Rally Committee created pursuant to Section 12.5 below (the “HRC”) may permit, on a case by case basis, entry to vehicles campaigned by Canadian and Mexican citizens and residents who (1) hold valid C.A.R.S. or F.M.A.D. licenses, respectively, and otherwise comply with Section 2.1.A.2.(b), and (2) produce a valid vehicle logbook for the entered vehicle during a Historic Class Inspection conducted prior to the date of the entered event.  Canadian or Mexican competitors who wish to compete in SCCA events in the Historic Class must petition the HRC in writing for entry as an Historic Class vehicle at least 60 days prior to the date of the first event of a calendar year and must otherwise comply with all provisions of this Article 12.

12.3.                                INSPECTIONS

12.3.A.1.                   Annual Historic Class Inspections.  Eligible Historic Class vehicles must comply with SCCA ProRally/ClubRally Rules Section 10shall be inspected annually per Section 6.2 of the SCCA PerformanceRally Rules and such annual inspection shall also include verification of compliance with, or exemption by waiver from, each of the requirements of this Article 12.  Each Historic Class Inspection shall be conducted by a scrutineer designated by the HRC per Section 12.3.A.2 below.  The burden to show conformity with the requirements of this Article 12 shall be borne solely by the owner/competitor at each annual Historic Class Inspection.  All deviations from the requirements of this Article 12 shall be noted in the vehicle log book and, absent the existence of a waiver specifically addressing such non-compliance, the vehicle will not be allowed to compete in the Historic Class.  Appeals of adverse determinations by a scrutineer as to conformity with the requirements of this Article 12 during a Historic Class Inspection shall be appealable to the HRC in writing.

12.3.A.2.                   The HRC shall designate all scrutineers to conduct the Historic Class Inspections.  Prospective scrutineers shall be considered for such appointment based upon their experience or expertise in the operation, repair, maintenance and/or competition configuration of selected makes or models for which the proposed scrutineer seeks authorization to conduct annual Historic Class Inspections.  Any owner/competitor may request the HRC to designate a specific scrutineer to conduct Historic Class Inspections for one or more specified marques by written request to the HRC at least 45 days prior to an event in which the owner/competitor plans to enter such marque in the Historic Class.

12.3.A.3.                   In order to establish compliance with the provisions of this Article 12 for use in Historic Class Inspections or for any other purpose, an owner/competitor may utilize various source materials which shall, individually or collectively, be considered authoritative, definitive and conclusive absent reliable information to the contrary.  Such source materials may include, without limitation, factory manuals, period photographs, sales literature, written contemporary accounts, and publicly available historical literature as well as written affidavits of past owners, competitors and service crews who provide first-hand accounts of similar cars’ competition preparation prior to the end of the fifth year following the end of the model year of the inspected vehicle.

12.3.A.4.                   So long as an eligible Historic Class vehicle shall have passed its annual Historic Class Inspection, such vehicle’s compliance with this Article 12 may not be protested or contested by an event scrutineer during pre-event safety inspections per Section 6.3 of the SCCA PerformanceRally Rules.  Such inspections shall be strictly limited to the same criteria used on all other entries at such event.

12.3.A.5.                   All protests as to compliance with this Article 12 from other competitors shall be in writing delivered to the owner/competitor and the Series Scrutineer.

12.3.A.6.                   The Series Scrutineer shall be solely responsible for considering all protests concerning compliance with this Article 12 filed at, or within 10 days prior to, an event and shall be the sole arbiter of such protest.  Any inspections carried out by the Series Scrutineer pursuant to such protest shall be limited to the specific issues raised by the written protest.  Subject to the right of appeal set forth in Section 12.3.A.7 below, all determinations by the Series Scrutineer under this Section 12.3.A.6 shall be final and conclusive as to the parties involved.  If a vehicle is determined by the Series Scrutineer to have been altered after the last Historic Class Inspection in such a way as to render the vehicle no longer compliant with this Article 12, the Series Scrutineer may prevent the vehicle from entering further events until the vehicle is returned to compliance or the HRC has granted a waiver of such non-compliance.

12.3.A.7.                   Appeals of adverse determinations by the Series Scrutineer shall be in writing to the HRC who may uphold or reverse such determination and such decision by the HRC shall be unappealable.

12.3.B.                         Eligible Historic Class vehicles must comply with SCCA ProRally/ClubRally Rules Section 10 Event Inspections.  Eligible Historic Class vehicles must qualify under the applicable Group 5, Group 2 or Production class criteria set forth in Sections 10.2.D, 10.2.E and 10.2.F, respectively of the SCCA PerformanceRally Rules.  Eligible Historic Class vehicles must also comply with Article 6 (Scrutineering) of the SCCA PerformanceRally Rules in its entirety and must pass the same pre-event safety inspection as a modern rally vehicle to be acceptable for entry in SCCA ClubRally PerformanceRally events[3],[4] with the following exceptions:

12.3.B.1.                   (a) Windshield washers are not required per Section 10.1.C.  6.4.A.2.

12.3.B.2.                   Catalytic converters, if not an original component, are not required per Section 10.2.F.15.

12.3.B.3.                   Historic Class vehicles are not required to use unleaded fuel per Section 10.1.A.8.

Note that- compliance Compliance with SCCA ProRally/ClubRally PerformanceRally Rules Section Article 10 5 demands the use of current-specification safety equipment (e.g. 10.1.H rollcage; 10.1.I harness; 10.1.Q.3 extinguishers; 10.7,  §5.1 - helmets; 10.8,  §5.2 - driving suits, §5.3 - harnesses, §5.5 -seats, §5.6 - rollcages, §5.7 – fire extinguishers, and §5.8 - fuel containers).

Fuel, oil lines and brake lines and cables must be protected externally against any risk of deterioration (stones, corrosion, mechanical breakage, etc.) and internally against all risks of fire.  If the series production fitting is retained, no additional protection is necessary.  All fuel lines passing through the cockpit area must be of steel tube or metal braided hose and protected from potential mechanical damage.

Authorized

12.4.                                AUTHORIZED Modifications MODIFICATIONS

All modifications or additions to a car vehicle’s period specification are forbidden unless expressly authorized by these regulations, or by an official SCCA announcement, or by an official waiver concerning the specific car model or components, or imposed under issued by the section “Safety Prescriptions” above HRC pursuant to Section 12.4.P below.  The components of the car must retain their original function.

12.4.A.                         Chassis and Bodywork.  The floor plan, basic body shell and firewall must remain original but may be modified to accommodate alternate allowed components.  Exterior panels, including fenders, engine hood and trunk lid or hatchback must be visually similar to and of the same material as the original components.  Air scoops and cooling openings may be added with the prior consent of the HRC; provided that any such air scoops or cooling vents shall not substantially alter the original appearance of the vehicle.  Fenders must cover all four wheels.  The glass windshield and windshield pillars must remain original.  Cars must be fitted with bumpers to the period specification of the model.

12.4.B.                         Headlamps.  Originally-fitted headlamps must not be removed.  The fitting of up to six additional headlights is permitted.  Freedom is granted with regard to the The frontal glass, the reflector and the bulbs but High Intensity Discharge lamps bulb are not permitted unrestricted.  Retractable headlights must be as original, with the full mechanism in place.  All headlamps must be mounted below the bottom of the windscreen unless evidence is provided that shows period use of higher mountings.[5]

12.4.C.                         Reversing Lights.  The fitting of reversing lights is authorized permitted.

12.4.D.                        Engine.  The engine block and cylinder head(s) must be either (1) among those available in period from the manufacturer as a factory order for the entered vehicle or (2) of identical configuration to the original engine block or cylinder head for (A) later years of the same model as the entered vehicle or (B) different models of the same manufacturer for the entered vehicle.  Internal engine components and specifications (i.e., crankshaft, pistons, rods, bore, camshafts etc.) are unrestricted[6].[7]  Induction is free unrestricted but must be of the same type as the period specification for the vehicle (e.g., the number and type of carburetors may be altered).  Engine bushing materials are unrestricted.

12.4.D.1.                  Ignition System.  The number of plugs per cylinder and the ignition generating system (i.e., electronic, points/condenser/coil, magneto, etc.) must be of either (1) available from the same type manufacturer as originally equipped a factory order for the entered vehicle or (2) of identical configuration to the original ignition system for (A) later years of the same model as the entered vehicle or (B) different models of the same manufacturer for the entered vehicle.  The manufacturer and specific model of spark plugs, electronic ignitions, ignition coil, condenser and distributor and distributor contents are free unrestricted.  The addition of an electronic ignition system, when one was originally not offered by the manufacturer within five years of the end of the model year of the entered vehicle, is not permitted prohibited, except by waiver granted pursuant to Section 12.4.P.  The type and manufacturer of electric power generation (alternator or generator), starter motor and wiring is free unrestricted.  Electronic engine management systems are prohibited.

12.4.D.2.                  Fuel System.  If the stock fuel tank is used, it must remain in the stock location and be separated from the passenger compartment by a fireproof/leakproof metal; bulkhead.  Stock fuel tanks may be replaced by an SCCA approved fuel cell.[8]  Any fuel tank or cell that is exposed to the bottom of the vehicle must be fitted with a shield designated to prevent puncture or damage from stones and road debris.  Electrical pumps may be substituted for mechanical pumps and vice-versa.  Their number and locations may be changed.  Fuel pumps, fillers and filters must be isolated from the passenger compartment by a fireproof/leakproof metal bulkhead.

12.4.D.3.                  Cooling

12.4.D.4.                  Cooling system.  Any radiator is authorized but its stock position must not be changed.[9]System system.  Any radiator is authorized but its stock position must not be changed.[10]

12.4.D.5.                  Superchargers and Turbochargers.  Superchargers and Turbochargers.  Superchargers or turbochargers are not allowed prohibited unless originally equipped by the manufacture for the entered vehicle make, model and production year.  For permitted installations, boost is unrestricted.

12.4.D.6.                  Exhaust System.  Exhaust is free unrestricted but must exit aft of the front seats.[11].

12.4.D.7.                  Lines and Cables.  Fuel, oil lines and brake lines and cables must be protected externally against any risk of deterioration (stones, corrosion, mechanical breakage, etc.) and internally against all risks of fire.  If the series production fitting is retained, no additional protection is necessary.  All fuel lines passing through the cockpit area must be of steel tube or metal braided hose and protected from potential mechanical damage.

12.4.E.                         Transmission and Differential.  The transmission and differential must be either (1) among those available in period from the manufacturer as a factory order for the entered vehicle or (2) of identical configuration to the transmission and differential for (A) later years of the same model as the entered vehicle or (B) different models of the same manufacturer for the entered vehicle.  Gear ratios and types are unrestricted.  A limited slip differential of a type conforming to a period specification for that available on such model within five years of the end of the model year of the entered vehicle may be used.[12]

12.4.F.                          Suspension.  Suspension components must retain the stock same configuration (e.g., a solid rear axle using leaf springs may not be replaced with an independent rear suspension using coil springs) which was available from the manufacturer either (i) as a factory order for the entered vehicle or (ii) within five years from the end of the model year of the entered vehicle.  Suspension components may be reinforced for safety and reliability.  Suspension components and type may be updated and backdated, so long as the components were available prior to the end of the fifth year following the end of the model year of the entered vehicle eligibility cut-off date (given in Section 2.1 of these rules).  Mounting locations may be reinforced.  Suspension bushing materials are unrestricted.

12.4.F.1.                    Shock absorbers.  Make Any manufacturer is free permitted, but the number fitted and their principle and system of operation must be of the period a specification (telescopic or lever type, hydraulic, gas-filled hydraulic or friction operated) and available within five years from the operating systems must have been in use on automobiles in end of the period model year of the entered vehicle.  Shocks with a gas chamber additional to the original, whether outside or inside the damper body, are not acceptable prohibited.  Adjustable shock absorbers of the same type as the period specification ones are permitted.

12.4.F.2.                    Springs.  Original springs may be replaced with others on condition that their the type and number of replacement springs are identical to the period specification of the ones they replace.  The number of coils/leaves is free unrestricted.  Variable rate springs may be used only if this was available from the manufacturer either (i) as a period specification.  factory order for the entered vehicle or (ii) within five years from the end of the model year of the entered vehicle.

12.4.F.3.                    Supports.  Adjustable spring platforms and ride height are forbidden unless a period specification for that model, in which case only the original means of adjustment may be used.  The original supports must not be modified except for strengthening.

12.4.G.                        Anti-roll bar.  Fitting is authorized,  permitted on condition that it does not constitute an additional wheel location device.  The anti-roll bar must be adjustable and must be of one-piece construction from a solid bar.  Rose joints may be used if this doesare permitted so long as they do not affect the geometry of the suspension.

12.4.H.                        Brakes.  The original configuration must be retained (e.g. front discs, rear drums).  The braking system may be converted to dual circuit operation providing simultaneous operation on all four wheels.  A servo-assisted system may be fitted or disconnected.  A pressure-limiting device between the front and rear brakes may only be fitted or disconnected.  Any device allowing the balance of braking effort between front and rear wheels must not be operable by the driver or co-driver while in their seats. Brakes are unrestricted.  A mechanical handbrake is required, however, its position is free unrestricted.

12.4.I.                           Steering Column.  For safety reasons, one-piece steering columns may be replaced by columns having universal joints.  Substitute columns must come from a vehicle of equivalent or superior engine capacity to the car being modified.  Rubber joints may be replaced with metal.

12.4.J.                          Battery.  The type, location and capacity (ampere-hours) of the battery is free unrestricted.[13]

12.4.K.                        Undershield.  The addition of a protective device for the underside of the car is permitted.  A shield that prevents damage to a fuel tank or cell that is exposed to the bottom of the car is mandatory required.

12.4.L.                         Whee