The 2015 regulations are now live

[4ster]

I haven’t received my chain of office yet but I am now acting as Comp Sec for 2015 and have pleasure in announcing the publishing of the regulations. Thank you for your patience.

As you are all aware, the original intention was to use the simplified regs compiled in early 2014 but it didn’t quite work out that way. Matthew created a structured series of posts inviting comments – and he certainly got them!

There were many valid points raised and it became obvious that a rethink was required, which duly happened via a forum of experienced people - primarily made up of current and ex management team members. All of whom have competed in the 7 Club Championship.

From that point on it’s a long story and I have tried to summarise the working brief and changes agreed, below.

In essence, the outcome is that the simplification went too far too quickly and, although we would like to continue in that direction, we have decided to go back to the 2014 regs as the basis for 2015.

However, there are additions and changes, all based on comments made on BC and the experience of forum members – with the stated aims of retaining existing competitors, attracting new ones and make the competition fair and enjoyable for all. It is also worth mentioning that all competitors who participated in 2014 are eligible to compete in the same class in 2015.

We know that everyone won’t be satisfied with the outcome, that’s inevitable, but we believe that we have reached the best compromise to ensure that the Championship continues to thrive in 2015.

Looking to 2016. It may seem a long way off but I need to start to think about a way of continuing the simplification process whilst retaining the ethos of the current regulations. I will be asking a lot of questions of you all in the New Year.

Finally, you will see that the posted regs are still described as a “draft”. This is because have yet to be submitted to the MSA and there are, almost certainly, some (hopefully small) errors. So, if you spot any, please let me know.

But that isn’t an invitation for another round of debate on the content – TM please note!

Have a great Christmas everyone.

Paul.

The summary of changes are below and the Regs are here

 

Summary of regulation changes 2014 to 2015

1.6.3 Championship and Trophy Scoring

Edward Lewis Cup

This will be decided from the best 5 results out of the qualifying rounds by ranking the percentage positive improvement achieved, calculated from the competitors best timed run on each event against their previous personal best at the same venue and in the same class (from and including 2007 onwards). At each event, the driver with the highest percentage score with be given 10 points, the driver with the second highest score will be given 9 points all the way down to 1 point for 10th place positive score.   The cup winner will be the one with the highest score out of all competitors. Class champions will be calculated similarly and entered into the Hall of Fame although no cup is awarded.

3.2 Categories and Classes

Where there is a reference to a maximum power limit in the regulations, a tolerance is to be allowed to provide for variability in rolling road readings. 

Note: The eligibility scrutineer will have the final say on the eligibility of each car for a particular class.  The eligibility scrutineer has the right to move any car to the class in which he believes it best fits the technical specification and spirit of the regulations below.

Class 1

This is a class for standard cars and the reference maximum power limit is 125bhp.

Reference to sealed K series engines and Caterham Graduate Championship has been removed.

Note: All existing cars that competed during 2014 remain eligible to compete in the class

Classes 2 & 3

This is a class for standard cars and the reference maximum power limit is 150bhp (unless otherwise stated).

Note: All existing cars that competed during 2014 remain eligible to compete in the class

Class 4

The power limit remains at 190bhp and flatshift is no longer permitted.

Cars powered by non-car derived engines up to 1049cc are allowed in this class – specifically the Honda Fireblade.

Note: All existing cars that competed during 2014 remain eligible to compete in the class and it is expected that any R300 cars will also be entered here. However, it is recognised that they will be at a power disadvantage and the intention is to introduce a special “R300 Cup” to cover this anomaly. Details to be decided.

Class 5

The power limit has increased to 263bhp to allow the Duratec R500 to enter.

Note: All existing cars that competed during 2014 remain eligible to compete in the class

Class 6

Any Lotus or Caterham 7 with forced induction is now eligible to enter this class to allow for the 620R.

Note: All existing cars that competed during 2014 remain eligible to compete in the class

Class 7

No change

Note: All existing cars that competed during 2014 remain eligible to compete in the class

3.3 General Technical Requirements

Cars with a daytime only MOT will not be accepted in classes 1 to 6. 

Class 6 now accommodates cars with forced induction.

All competitors will be provided with two championship decals and these must be fitted to all competing cars.

The restriction on the fitment of three way dampers has been removed in classes 1, 2 and 3.

Any reference to tyre warming no longer appears in our regulations and we will comply with the rules stated in the MSA Blue Book.

 

4.6 Spirit of The Championship

Added to reinforce the ethos of our Club competition.

 

Other issues

Number of runs - no change

Problems on competition days - If there is a protest or incident involving an L7 competitor at any event, the driver concerned should initially consult with the Comp Sec or their nominated deputy - prior to speaking with the Clerk of the Course.  This will ensure consistency and reduce the risk of bad feeling. 

Bearing in mind the above, it is the intention of the Comp Sec to attend as many events as possible but there will be occasions when he can’t be present. To ensure that competitors get maximum support, I intend to appoint at least one deputy.

 

Information relating to the decision making forum that compiled the 2015 regulations

Guidelines:

The following guidance notes were used as the basis of the discussions within the forum.

What is the objective of the review?

To ensure the regs still meet the requirements detailed in the MSA Blue Book
To ensure the class regulations are fair and provide for close competition
To ensure as many club members have the opportunity to compete

What to consider before making any changes?

What is the impact to a competitor in terms of eligibility and cost?
Why do we feel a change is required and what will be achieved?
What evidence is available to justify a change?
Remember that it is not possible to define a set of regulations that will suit all models
Any change should not lead to a reduction in the number of competitors

Participants:

Matthew Willoughby, Michael Calvert, Shaun Elwell, Gill Elwell, Rob Jacobs, Mark Durrant, Simon Rogers, Chris Bramall and Paul Forster.

 

[robmar]

thanks to all for there hardwork on the above...

[Simon.Rogers]

  

Pauls words and scripting are already light years from my own.  I think you will go places Paul 

[OliW]

Yes, thanks everyone for your work on the regs.  See you in the New Year.

[Cookie Monster]

Paul

Thanks for the clarity & completing what must have been a challenging task; thx too to your panel of experts.

I look forward to hearing more about the "R300 cup"

 

Happy Christmas & see you all at Goodwood in April!

 

Phil.

[david nelson]

To all

 

thank you for your hard work. No need for TM to put in an apperance.

[Comp Scorer]

Glad everyone has found agreement with the new reg's , don't forget if anyone, especially those looking to join the championship for the first time, feel free to ask, there's no such thing as a daft question.