Notes on 2014 regulation changes
Posted: Sat Dec 28, 2013 11:49 am
Guys,
Let me explain the logic behind the regulation changes I've implemented for 2014.
Classes
My first and main objective is to reintroduce a range of performance amongst the classes. During 2013 we saw the lap times in all but the IROC classes get quicker and quicker. We saw the gap between our slowest (non-IROC) classes and our fastest classes get smaller and smaller. In effect, all these classes were starting to get more and more similar in speed and the cars were getting similar to drive. I felt that we should do something to slow some classes for the sake of variety in our racing. To this end, I introduced the new minimum ground clearance requirement. As a compromise in the stock classes, I allowed for the use of any tyres, as long as they fit the standard rims.
In Historic Saloon, I changed the wording for the motors to the same as Vintage Sports. This has no effect on performance, it was just a matter of consistency in the wording.
I left Slot.It Challenge as is since the components are tightly limited to Slot.It parts. I also left our fast classes - F1, American Muscle, GT and LMP - as is without any change. Group 5 Sports Cars is already controlled by the Magnet Marshal requirement.
General requirements for all classes
I added requirements for the driver compartment to keep the appearance of the cars a bit more realistic. This has no performance impact.
Also for realism and to a lesser extent performance, I clarified the type of tyres that can be used and made it a requirement that all four tyres touch and roll on the track surface (after all we aren't racing models of motor cycles or dragsters doing wheelies). In the interest of keeping the track surface free of unwanted foreign matter, I now require that tyre adhesion additives/softeners be completely wiped off tyres before placing cars on they track.
Finally, all weights or magnets added to the undersides of cars and loosened body screws must now must be covered with tape, for good reason.
General Competition Regulations
The gridding of cars was changed to reflect what is standard for any type of racing - if a car does not qualify for a grid position it must start at the back. After the first race cars qualify for their start position based on their previous race finishing position, so changing a car means starting at the back.
Likewise, in real racing races are not stopped to facilitate repairs to a malfunctioning car, so we will no longer stop races for this reason.
IROC cars are supposed to be standard and as equal as possible, so it is not right to take them away from "parc ferme" to do any tuning whatsoever.
That's it. You can leave your comments/suggestions below.
Gordon
Let me explain the logic behind the regulation changes I've implemented for 2014.
Classes
My first and main objective is to reintroduce a range of performance amongst the classes. During 2013 we saw the lap times in all but the IROC classes get quicker and quicker. We saw the gap between our slowest (non-IROC) classes and our fastest classes get smaller and smaller. In effect, all these classes were starting to get more and more similar in speed and the cars were getting similar to drive. I felt that we should do something to slow some classes for the sake of variety in our racing. To this end, I introduced the new minimum ground clearance requirement. As a compromise in the stock classes, I allowed for the use of any tyres, as long as they fit the standard rims.
In Historic Saloon, I changed the wording for the motors to the same as Vintage Sports. This has no effect on performance, it was just a matter of consistency in the wording.
I left Slot.It Challenge as is since the components are tightly limited to Slot.It parts. I also left our fast classes - F1, American Muscle, GT and LMP - as is without any change. Group 5 Sports Cars is already controlled by the Magnet Marshal requirement.
General requirements for all classes
I added requirements for the driver compartment to keep the appearance of the cars a bit more realistic. This has no performance impact.
Also for realism and to a lesser extent performance, I clarified the type of tyres that can be used and made it a requirement that all four tyres touch and roll on the track surface (after all we aren't racing models of motor cycles or dragsters doing wheelies). In the interest of keeping the track surface free of unwanted foreign matter, I now require that tyre adhesion additives/softeners be completely wiped off tyres before placing cars on they track.
Finally, all weights or magnets added to the undersides of cars and loosened body screws must now must be covered with tape, for good reason.
General Competition Regulations
The gridding of cars was changed to reflect what is standard for any type of racing - if a car does not qualify for a grid position it must start at the back. After the first race cars qualify for their start position based on their previous race finishing position, so changing a car means starting at the back.
Likewise, in real racing races are not stopped to facilitate repairs to a malfunctioning car, so we will no longer stop races for this reason.
IROC cars are supposed to be standard and as equal as possible, so it is not right to take them away from "parc ferme" to do any tuning whatsoever.
That's it. You can leave your comments/suggestions below.
Gordon
