BRCA Large scale off-road section rules 2012
The following are the aims and rules of the British Radio Car Association large scale off-road section.
Aims
To provide as uniform as possible, a format for large scale off road RC cars, to be able to compete with one another on an open National basis. The intention is to encompass all commercially available large scale cars, yet still encourage invention and innovation by allowing “one off” home constructed cars and modification of kit products.
Racing Classes
For 2012 there will be two race classes, buggy and outlaw. The buggy class has two national championships, 2 wheel drive & 4 wheel drive for vehicles which conform to their respective technical specifications and have separate heats and finals. A junior championship will be run for those under 16 in both championships.
The outlaw class welcomes any vehicle which does not conform to the 2 or 4 wheel drive buggy technical specifications but complies with the BRCA model vehicle scope of not exceeding 1 meter in length, 20kg in weight or a maximum of 30cc engine capacity in its own championship. If there are less than 8 outlaw class vehicles to run their own heats and finals they will be combined with the 4 wheel drive buggies with separate championship points scored. There is no junior championship within the outlaw class.
All race classes shall be respectful of the generic BRCA LSOR construction rules and in particular the 2 and 4 wheel drive buggy class technical specifications for the buggy class.
Driver Classification
There will be 2 classifications for drivers in 2012 either a National driver or a Junior (those under 16 at the start of the race season) with both competing for the national championship in 2, 4 wheel drive and outlaw.
Championships
Within the 2 wheel drive championship there will be an additional regional championship. The 8 round 2 wheel drive championship will contain 4 rounds designated as Northern meetings and 4 that are categorised as Southern meetings. The national champion titles will be awarded based upon 5 point scoring rounds from the 8 round national series and the regional titles will be awarded based upon 3 points scoring rounds from the drivers nominated regional series. Drivers are permitted to enter one regional series only. Count back rules (Non scoring rounds) apply for tied positions.
Construction
Bumpers with a min of 100mm max 220mm will be mandatory at the front and optional at the rear. The manufacturers Kill Switch must be made easy to both access and operate, access provided if necessary, by cutting a hole in the bodywork. A Standard Cut-out switch marker (available from the scrutineer if needed) to be affixed to the body shell within 1 inch of the location of the switch. All cars will be tested to see if their kill switch works on the start line & if not the car will not be allowed to run in that heat or final. The Exhaust system to be mounted such that the Manifold does not protrude further forward than the front window post and the system must run as close to the body as possible. Stingers must not be mounted transversely (across) the underside of the rear wing. Forward routed exhaust systems must not
protrude from any forward facing part of the body shell. Cars with uncovered exhausts must have shields in place covering the exposed hot areas. Un-silenced or “open” exhausts will not be allowed regardless of location.
The following specific rules apply for section use:
Engine rules
The engine must be air cooled single cylinder 2 or 4 stroke piston engine. Only petrol that is available from any UK petrol station may be used, no Avgas or specialist racing fuels allowed. The only additive allowed is 2 stroke oil. The following are not allowed: performance enhancing gases such as Nitrous Oxide, Fuel Injection, Boost bottles, Turbo or Super Chargers, Electronic Ignition systems which run off separate battery packs. Engines may be modified internally. Heat sink heads may be used together with long reach plugs. Alternative ignition systems may be used providing they are not battery fed. All engines must be fitted with either a suppresser type plug or suppressed plug cap.
Exhaust Systems
Any exhaust fitted shall comply with noise guidelines laid down by the host club or BRCA\MSA guidelines which ever is the lower. In practical terms no driver will be allowed to run with a car making enough noise so as to cause problems for the club on whose circuit the event is being run. Kit Standard exhausts are usually sufficient. Open exhausts or pipes are not allowed. The scrutineer will check for excessive noise.
Two wheel drive buggy class
Max of 26cc engines will be permitted. Maximum size for fuel tanks 700cc with a 10% discretion The maximum width of any part of the car, measured with the chassis pushed fully to the ground, will be 480mm. The maximum length of car from front bumper to rear of wing is 820mm. Height max 360mm fully compressed Weight min 8000grams.
4 Wheel drive buggy class
The four wheel drive buggies may use up to 30cc engines. A maximum permitted size off 900mm x 550mm. Other restrictions will be relaxed. Remember safety is paramount. The Scrutineer’s decision will be final.
Transponders
Transponders to be fitted in such a way as to keep them as free from damage as possible. Preferably inside the car as close to the ground as possible, as horizontal as possible, and away from any potential heat source. It is also recommended that they are not mounted directly above alloy or carbon fibre surfaces.
Radio Systems
All radio frequencies must be either 40 or 27 MHz, Am or Fm, or 2.4 GHz. If a driver books in on 2.4 GHz and has a problem then it is on the onus of the driver to arrange with Race Control to change to a 40 or 27 Mhz. crystal. Under these circumstances a driver cannot request a delay in order to change crystal. The driver must ensure that they have sufficient crystals so as not to clash with any other driver placed either above or below them.
Drivers on 40 and 27 MHz
All drivers will be required to have available not less than 2 and preferably 3 frequencies (per car) and to be prepared to change to the frequency stipulated by the computer. i.e. drivers entering two cars will need a minimum of 4 frequencies available.
Frequency changes can be requested on the day, (to cure interference etc), but the heats will not be regenerated and the onus will be on the individual to consult with the race director about the change, to avoid a frequency clash.
Note Drivers should note that the computer, in generating the heats, tries to avoid the same two crystals being used in adjacent heats which are obviously beneficial.
No changes to be made without the consent of the race director.
Telemetry
It is not allowed to use any electronic parts for “Traction Control & Breaking Control (ABS)” which can control the power of the transmission by means of a feedback system.
It is not allowed to use any form of telemetry with active transmission. Sensors are only allowed for the purpose of passive data recording and not for adjusting the performance of the car whilst in motion. The reading of the data must be done with equipment, inside or mounted on the driver’s radio. No external devices (i.e. in the pit/handheld by the mechanics) are allowed. The systems are not allowed to log the data.
SPECIAL NOTE
Carbon fibre, There are to be no exposed carbon fibre i.e. body, wings, carbon fibre or any GRP (glass reinforced plastics) these materials may only be used under the body shell. Wings must not be made from metal. Tyre additives are aloud but must not be added in the pit lane area. Scruntineering will be on a random basis, with a Size box, being provided to allow drivers to check their vehicle dimensions. Any driver or Marshal can ask for a particular car to be checked, if there are grounds for suspecting its conformity to the rules.
