Race Calendar 2019
Our race calendar for 2019 is now confirmed, and I can now confirm that it is the same as the draft calendar recently published on the website.
Autosport Show 10th to 14th January
As mentioned in our ‘Happy New Year’ posting on the alfaracer website we will be displaying a car (Andrew Fulcher’s distinctive 147) on the BRSCC stand. ARCA will have representatives on the stand for each of the 4 days of the show to promote our Championship. Please come along to chat with us, ask questions or tell us about your racing plans for the coming season. We’d love to see you there!
Championship Regulations 2019
The revised Championship Regulations for 2019 have now been approved by the BRSCC and Motorsport UK and will be published on the alfaracer website very shortly – perhaps even by the time you read this. Although there have been many changes, some have simply been in the form of updates to make some of the references more contemporary or clarification of points of detail. There have been few changes to the Modified and Twin Spark Cup classes but more detailed ones to the Power Trophy section (see below). Some other particular points to note are:
- We have dispensed with the points for class pole positions for the second race of a double header as they are determined by the finishing order in Race 1 rather than as a result of a qualifying session.
- Where a competitor has been disqualified from a race he/she may not count it as a dropped score. We were going to introduce this ourselves but in any case it has been introduced this by the BRSCC for a range of Championships.
- Where there are fewer than 4 Modified and Power Trophy cars all cars will start together on the lights but the 3-row gap between them and the Twin Spark class cars will be maintained, as operated at Rockingham last season. I am optimistic that this situation will not arise as the number of entries should not drop this low!
- The BRSCC has introduced more detailed Regulations relating to Parc Ferme and the use of social media.
Power Trophy Class
We are expecting the number of Power Trophy cars to increase next year. It seems that most cars, if not all, those that raced in the class last year will be returning and I know of at least 6 new cars that are being prepared currently. Let’s hope they all translate into regular entries! The issue of how to maintain a level playing field has occupied much thinking amongst the ARCA Panel and the Regulations bear witness to this in terms of how we manage the increasingly varied approaches and models being presented. It is therefore very important for all Power Trophy drivers and preparers to read the class Regulations very carefully.
Key points to note are:
- All Power Trophy cars must have completed a dyno test at one of our two approved Dyno operators before being permitted to race in the class. The testers are the same ones approved last year (see contact details in the Regulations) and once again they will be in touch with each other to ensure the tests are carried out in exactly the same sequence and on exactly the same equipment. Those cars which have not been tested would have to compete in the Modified class.
- Before the dyno test drivers/entrants must inform both me and the dyno provider of the make and model of ECU they will be using. This is partly to ensure that the Dyno provider is adequately prepared for the test and partly to help ARCA and our eligibility scrutineer to check and confirm that the same make and model of ECU is being used unaltered at race meetings.
- For turbocharged cars, the same applies regarding advance notice of the model and size of turbocharger being used.
- The maximum power to weight ratio for turbocharged cars will be 175 BHP per 1000 kg for both diesel and petrol engined models, not just diesels.
- ARCA reserves the right to move a car into the Modified class if it is clearly substantially quicker than the other cars in the class.
- Once the power output of a car has been established, ARCA will calculate the minimum weight that the car must achieve. Where ballast is required this must of course be safely installed to ensure that the handling of the car is not rendered unsafe.
Given the range of technologies now available to enhance car performance it is vitally important that all concerned understand, respect and abide by the letter and spirit of the Regulations. An exciting season is in prospect!