JRDC 2009 Technical Regulations

Posted on 03 April 2009

JAMAICA RACE DRIVERS CLUB

Table of Contents

Part 22 Mandatory Requirements for all Vehicles
Part 23 Principles of Classification
Part 24 Improved Production
Part 25 Modified Production
Part 26 Thundersport
Appendix A  Diagrams

22 Mandatory Requirements for all Vehicles

a)    The responsibility to ensure that the vehicle and driver’s equipment complies with the Regulations and is safe rests solely and at all times with the entrant and driver. The inspection of a vehicle is not a guarantee of the vehicle’s safety.

b)     All articles or equipment, which if left loose could present a hazard to the driver, shall be properly secured or removed prior to competition.

c)All cars must be fitted with a body of adequate strength and construction which will provide a compartment for the driver to be effectively isolated from the engine, gearbox, transmission, drive shafts, battery, fuel, oil, road wheels and suspension. There shall be a protective bulkhead between the engine, gas/oil tank(s), battery, and the driver’s/passenger’s compartment, suitable and sufficient to prevent the passage of flame in the case of a fire. An exception will be made for vehicles fitted with a properly installed FIA approved fuel cell, which contains fire protection inherent in its design. However, they will be subject to the following requirements;

i) Vehicles fitted with fuel tanks not supplied as standard equipment by the manufacturer shall be vented to outside of the vehicle. The vent or vent hose shall have a one-way check valve to stop the
flow of fuel to the outside of the fuel tank. If the filler hole is situated inside the car, it must be separated from the cockpit by liquid-tight protection. FIA approved fuel cells (FT3, FT3.5 & FT5) are strongly recommended for all cars.

d)     To complete the weight of the car by the use of one or several ballast(s), they shall be strong and of unitary blocks, fixed by means of tools with the possibility to fix seals, placed on the floor of the cockpit.

e)Roll cages (also referred to as Safety Cages) of approved specification, suitably padded to protect the head and limbs of the driver with six (6) anchoring points are required for all cars (Mild Steel or other approved material – Minimum 25mm Outside diameter, 3mm gauge. Galvanized materials are disallowed. It is strongly recommended that all competing cars comply with FIA roll cage specifications.)

i)A roll cage is structural framework made up of a main roll bar and a front roll-bar (or of two lateral roll-bars), their connecting members, one diagonal member, backstays and mounting points. (For example, see drawings 253-3 and 253-4).
ii)     Safety cage must be designed and made so that, when correctly installed, they substantially reduce body-shell deformation and so reduce the risk of injury to occupants.
iii)     The essential features of safety cages are sound construction, designed to suit the particular vehicle, adequate mountings and a close fit to the body-shell.
iv)     Tubes must not carry fluids.
v)     The safety cage must not unduly impede the entry or exit of the driver and co-driver.
vi)     Members may intrude into the occupant’s space in passing through the dashboard and front side-trim, as well as through the rear side-trim and rear seats.
vii)     The rear seat may be folded down.
viii)     Longitudinally, the safety cage must be entirely contained between the mounting points of the front and rear suspension elements carrying the vertical loads (springs and shock absorbers).
ix)     Supplementary reinforcements exceeding these limits are authorized between the safety cage and the anchorage points of the rear anti-roll bars on the body-shell.
x)     A diagonal member is compulsory. Their location must be in accordance with drawings 253-3 to 253-5 and they must be straight, not curved. The attachment points of the diagonal members must be so located that they cannot cause injuries. They may be made removable but must be in place during events For examples of different ways of fitting the compulsory diagonal member see drawings 253-3 to 253-5. The combination of several members is permitted according to drawings 253-3 and 253-5. The fitting of a second diagonal member, according to drawing 253-4, is recommended.
xi)     One or more door-bars (for side protection) longitudinal members must be
fitted at the drivers’ side of the vehicle (see drawings 253-7, 253-8, 253-12
xii)In the case of door-bars in the form of an “X” (cross-struts), it is recommended that the lower attachment points of the cross-struts be fixed directly onto the longitudinal member and that at least one part of the “X” be a single-piece bar.

xiii)     Mounting of roll-cages to the body-shell: Minimum mountings are:
- 1 for each leg of the main or lateral roll bar.
- 1 for each of the front roll bar.
- 1 for each backstay.
xiv) Diagonal members: At least one diagonal member must be fitted.

f)     Roll Cages for Formula and Prototype Cars
All cars must have at least two (2) roll over structures. The first roll over structure must be in front of the steering wheel, not more than 10 inches forward of the steering wheel rim, and at least as high as the top of the steering wheel rim.

The second roll over structure must not be less than 20 inches behind the first. It must be high enough for a line extending from the top of the front structure to the top of the rear struc­ture to pass over the driver’s helmet when he is seated normally in the car with his helmet on and the seat belt fastened. This second structure behind the seat must be symmetrical about the lengthwise centerline of the car and comply with the following dimensions: The top of the roll bar must be at least two (2) inches (5cm) above the driver’s helmet when the driver is seated in a normal driving position.

g)     Safety Belts are mandatory for all cars. A safety harness must be used in its homologation configuration without any modifications or removal of parts, and in conformity with the manufacturer’s instructions. The required minimum is a five (5)-point harness with 3-inch lap for all occupants. The recommended geometrical locations of the anchorage points are shown in drawing N° 253-42.
In the downwards direction, the shoulder straps must be directed towards the rear and must be installed in such a way that they do not make an angle of more than 45° to the horizontal from the upper rim of the backrest, although it is recommended that this angle should not exceed 10°.
The maximum angles in relation to the centerline of the seat are 20° divergent or convergent.
Anchorage points creating a higher angle to the horizontal must not be used unless the seat meets the requirements of the FIA standard.
In that case, the shoulder straps of 5-point safety harnesses may be installed on the rear seat lap strap anchorage points originally mounted by the car manufacturer.
A safety harness must not be installed on a seat having no head restraint or having a backrest with integrated head restraint (no opening between backrest and head restraint).
The lap and crotch straps should pass not over the sides of the seat but through the seat, in order to wrap and hold the pelvic region over the greatest possible surface.
The lap straps must fit tightly in the bend between the pelvic crest and the upper thigh. Under no conditions must they be worn over the region of the abdomen.
Holes may be made in the series seat. Care must be taken that the straps cannot be damaged through chafing against sharp edges.
The shoulder straps may also be fixed to the safety roll cage or to a reinforcement bar by means of a loop, and may also be fixed to the top anchorage points of the rear belts, or be fixed or leaning on a transversal reinforcement welded to the backstays of the roll-bar.

h)     Driver’s seat shall be securely fixed and shall be of sound construction.

i)     All vehicles excluding single-seater type cars shall have a driver’s window net, which shall comply with the following;
1) Be of the ribbon type and cover 70% of the driver’s window area.
2) The net shall be permanently attached to the lower edge of the window.
3) The upper attachment shall be of a quick release type.
4) Window Nets are not required if vehicles have driver side window in the up
position.

j)         At least one (1) fire extinguisher is mandatory. Dry chemical type must have a
minimum capacity of at least 1 kg. Halon type at least 18 oz.

k)        All exhaust shall vent to the outside and away from the body of the car. Exhaust noise shall not exceed 103 db at 10ft measured at a 45 degree angle to the actual point of exit. This shall be measured at 1400 rpm for Improved Production IP27/33/37/45  and at 6500 rpm for Modified Production (MP) and Thundersport classes.

l)         The battery shall be securely mounted and insulated.

m)       All vehicles with open type sump breather shall vent into a catch tank with a minimum capacity equivalent to 60% of the engine cc rating. The catch tank shall either be translucent or have a translucent type window.

n)        All vehicles shall be fitted with mirrors that provide driver visibility to the rear of both sides of the vehicle.

o)         All vehicles shall be fitted with a front and a rear-towing eye. The towing eye shall be clearly visible and painted, or the location indicated in, yellow, red or orange.

p)        All vehicles with the exception of formula cars shall be fitted with two operating red brake lights. Formula cars shall have a red light on the rear clearly visible and shall be illuminated in instances of rain.

q)        Brakes shall be pedal operated working directly on each wheel and in perfect working order.

r)        Suspension and steering shall be of suitable design and be of proper working
order. Spherical rod ends shall be retained either by the design of the mounting
bracket or by a captive washer.

s)         Hoods shall have two independent fasteners of adequate strength, which simultaneously secure the panel closed.

t)          All vehicles shall have a master circuit breaker, which will cut all electrical power and shall be mounted, in a position easily accessible from outside the vehicle. It shall be clearly marked by the official international marking, a red spark in a white edged blue triangle.

u)        All vehicles shall have an onboard starter, which must be able to start the vehicle at the beginning of the race.

v)         Driver’s equipment (garments and helmets) shall comply with the FIA
regulations for circuit racing. These are as follows:
Helmets: FIA 8860-2004, SNELL SA2000, SFI 31.1A or 31.2A, BS6658-type AF/R.
Clothing: Overalls as well as gloves, long underwear, a balaclava, socks and shoes homologated to the FIA 8856-2000 or FIA 1986* standard.
End of validity of the FIA 1986 standard for overalls, long underwear, balaclavas, socks and shoes : 31.12.2004. End of validity of the FIA 1986 standard for gloves : 31.12.2005.

w)       The use of Nitrous Oxide (N2O) is forbidden in all groups and classes. Only air may be mixed with the fuel as an oxidant. Racing gasoline, gasoline, methanol, gasohol, diesel, ethanol, natural gas and propane are permitted. Nitro methane is prohibited.

x)         Nut, bolts, fasteners, fuses, circuit breakers, gaskets, hoses, bearings, seals, return springs and fittings are free.

y)         Lubricants and Fluids are free unless stated otherwise in class regulations or ASR’s.

z)Identification marks: Each vehicle shall carry identification numbers, class letters, or other marks required by the ASR’s. Numbers shall be placed on the front and both sides of the vehicle in a legible position. All vehicles shall carry numbers at least eight inches high with a one and a half to two inch stroke (8″ H x 1 1/2″-2″ Stroke). All numbers shall have a sharply contrasting background and the distance between two numbers shall be at least as wide as the stroke of the numbers.

Class Designations shall be placarded as follows:

Improved Production Classes:  The letters IP followed by the class number.

Modified Production Classes:  The Letters MP followed by the class number.

Thundersport Class:           The Letters TS.

These markings must be placed on both front doors.

Principles of Classification

If these Regulations do not specifically state modifications may be made or specific variations to OEM specifications are permitted, then no additional modifications or variations are permitted. This will be a major factor in the settling of any disputes arising from questions of eligibility. If a car is found not to comply with the technical regulations, it shall be no defense to claim that no performance advantage was obtained.

a)    Cars shall be divided into three (3) groups:
Improved Production Bracket (IP27/33/37/45)
Modified Production (MP 1, 2 & 3 )
Thundersport

b)     In case of forced induction, the nominal cylinder-capacity will be multiplied by 1.7 for petrol engines, by 1.5 for diesel engines and by 1.35 for rotary engines, and the car will pass into the class corresponding to the fictive volume thus obtained.

d)In order to determine the classification of a car using an engine of the NSU Wankel patents (Rotary Engines), the manufacturers claimed cylinder displacement should be increased by a factor of 2. If the same engine also employs a system of forced induction, then the 1.35 factor shall also apply. For example a Mazda 13B engine rated at 1308 cc would be classified as 2,616 cc (1308 x 2). If the same engine was turbo charged then the displacement would be 3,531.6 cc (1308 x 2 x 1.35). For further reference, the Mazda 20B claimed displacement is 1,962cc, classified as displacing 3,924cc. Cars entering Modified Production Class 2 utilizing Peripheral Port Induction shall add an additional 100lbs to their minimum weight.

e)Improved & Modified Production classes are for vehicles which are generally available for sale to the general public for normal road use.  Modified Production  must qualify as a legal five passenger vehicle minimum in their OEM specification. Vehicles that meet the requirements of MP with the exception of the minimum passenger requirements shall be classified in Class 3 of that group.

f)The following chart will establish wheel widths and weights for the classes listed.

i) Improved Production (IP27/33/37/45)

No Minimum Weight

ii) Modified Production (MP 1, 2,3)
Engine Capacity     Max. Wheel Width     lbs/cc
MP1    Up to 1800cc             11.0          0.81
MP2    1801cc to 3000cc         11.0         0.81
MP3    over 3000cc & sports cars    13.0         0.70

For MP3 and TS, turbocharged two-wheel-drive (2WD) cars may subtract 100lbs from their calculated weight. i.e. a turbocharged 2000cc 2WD MP3 car may weigh 2400lbs ((2000 x 1.7 x .70) + (120 driver weight)– 100). A turbocharged 2WD TS car may weigh 2310lbs ((2000 x 1/7 x .65) + (120 driver weight)– 100))

NOTE: Modified Production Cars in Classes 1 and 2 that are constructed from tubular metal, will be classified in the next higher class. I.E. a MP1 car with a 1200cc  engine would be classified as an MP2  car, but would use the minimum weight for a 1200cc car.

A tubular chassis is defined as one in which the O.E.M. floor pan extending rearward from the firewall, has been replaced with tubular metal.
.
iii) Thundersport
Engine Capacity     Max. Wheel Width     lbs/cc
Unlimited             14.0”         0.65

g)  The onus is on the competitor to have the vehicle at the legal weight at all times during an event. The legal weight shall be in accordance with the technical regulations for the car as qualified or raced with the driver on board. When called upon to have a vehicle weighed, the following shall apply:
1)Cars shall be weighed under the supervision of the Technical Inspector or his
designate on the official scale for the event.
2)   The car shall be presented with its gas tank(s) as close to empty as possible.
3)All articles which are not an integral part of the vehicle and its equipment
shall be removed.
4)   To complete the weight of the car by ballast, they shall be strong and of unitary blocks, fixed by means of tools with the possibility to fix seals, placed on the floor of the cockpit.
5)For the purpose of arriving at ‘weight’ the weight ratios in the technical
regulations shall include an additional 120 pounds. (Thus the weight for an
MP1 car shall be the cc X 0.81 + 120 lbs. with the driver on- board).

24 Improved Production

a)     The Spirit of the Rule
The purpose of the Improved Production category shall be to provide a category
of racing cars for competitors who desire to compete in series-produced
automobiles generally available for purchase by the public, and who
additionally desire to improve the performance of these cars within specific and
uniform preparation limitations. The Improved Production category is intended
for cars which are street legal with the exception of exhaust noise. The spirit of
the rule shall be respected.

b)          Cars entering the Improved Production Bracket Classes must meet the mandatory
safety requirements outlined above , with the exception of IP 45, for which no
roll cage is required but is strongly recommended. Requirements for driver
qualifications for IP45 must be  outlined in the event ASRs.

c)         This group is divided into four classes, namely IP27, IP33, IP37 and IP 45.
Racing within this Group is based on the target-time bracket racing concept, with
the class name indicating the lower index for each class.

d)         All cars entered in this Group must use either D.O.T. or EEC approved tires of
any dimension.

e)    Turbocharged cars are not required to run restrictors.

f)    All vehicles must retain the O.E.M dashboard. This may be modified, for the
installation of additional gauges, and mounting of the roll cage.

g)        All vehicles must retain the O.E.M. headlights. These must be taped or
covered eliminate the possibility of breakage in a collision.

h)       Cars entered in IP27, 33, 37 are required to have a minimum of one (1) seat
only.

25 Modified Production

a) Engine and transmission/gearbox shall not be moved more than six (6) inches from the
original location.

b) The overall structure of the car around which are assembled the mechanical components and the bodywork including any structural part of the said structure (i.e. the chassis) may be modified or constructed with tubular steel.

c) The exhaust system is free.

d) The Brake and Clutch are free, but the use of carbon brake discs is prohibited.

e) Active Differentials and Traction Control systems are permitted.

f) Active suspension systems are not permitted.

g) Ignition system is free.

h) Cooling system is free.

i) Engines are free. (i.e. Nissan engine in a Mazda car). Modifications are free.

j) Oil cooler(s) shall be mounted within the perimeter of the bodywork and are not visible from above.

k) Fuel system is free providing that fuel lines shall be of the aviation type lines if the fuel tank is not OEM.

l) Lubricants and Fluids are free.

m) Bodywork, Exterior, is free with the following restrictions:
The profile of the vehicle when viewed from the side of the automobile is not
dramatically changed with the exception of the front and rear air spoilers. All windows and glasses may be replaced with Perspex, Lexan or similar transparent material.

n) Spoilers and air dams and side skirts are free.

o) Air ducting is free for the passage of air only and shall not alter the profile of the bodywork when viewed from above.

p) No part of the car must touch the ground when all the tires on one side are deflated. This test shall be carried out on a flat surface under race conditions (driver on board).

q) Electrical System
i) The make and capacity of the battery cables are free. The battery shall be securely mounted and insulated.
ii) All vehicles shall have an onboard starter, which must be able to start the vehicle at the beginning of the race.

r) Wheels and Tires are as per the chart of wheel / weight specifications for Modified Production however racing slicks and alloy wheels are permitted.

26 Thundersport

a) Engine, Ignition, Fuel, Cooling, and Lubrication: are free, however all radiators and oil
cooler(s) shall be mounted within the perimeter of the bodywork and are not visible
from above.

b) The bodywork shall enclose the complete road wheel when viewed from above.

c) No active suspension allowed.

d) Active Differentials and Traction Control are allowed.

e) No carbon brake discs are allowed.

f) The make and capacity of the battery cables are free.

g) The battery shall be securely mounted and insulated.

h) All vehicles shall have an onboard starter, which must be able to start the vehicle at the beginning of the race.

i) Wheels and Tires are as per the chart of wheel / weight specifications for
Thundersport class; however racing slicks and alloy wheels are permitted.

APPENDIX A

Diagrams

This post was written by:

Dmitri Dawkins - who has written 61 posts on Race Jamaica.


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