July Newsletter                                                                           7/2008

available in .pdf format - July Newsletter

 

2009 Schedule                                                                          6/2008

May Newsletter                                                                           5/22/2008

ECR Review


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Prez Sez                                                                                      4/20/2008

Prez Sez:

We’ve had a great start to the 08 season. 141 entries at the Feb School/Races included a very able student group. The students performed flawlessly throughout the weekend. They showed awareness of the vintage spirit all weekend. Hallet was down 6 entries to 98, but the weather was beautiful and the dedication of the Mike Stephens Victory Circle was well received. If you missed Hallet, you missed some great racing and a great party.

I want to give a special thanks to John Furlow and Greg Reynolds for chairing two fantastic events.  We were featured in Texas Southern Living, a regional magazine in the March issue. There were lots of great pictures and a great write-up. Italian TV also taped 5 hours for a TV show much like Top Gear. We are supposed to get a copy but haven’t seen it yet. 

We think we have solved the timing problems from February. It turns out the decoder randomly dropped cars. Reb had to reconstruct the Sunday races car by car, lap by lap. It took him close to 60 hours to do it. Saturday was lost all together. For those of you that showed patience, THANKYOU. Timing and Scoring is a thankless job. If it goes well no one knows, if it jumps off the tracks, everyone knows.

The next Board of Directors meeting is May 10. It will be held at the Best Western Motel in Temple, TX.  (That’s central to all the directors). Once again, there will be a 30 minute time slot for member input. We won’t take action on your comments but they will become action items for the next meeting. If you would like to address the board, or just see what goes on at our meetings, come on down. 

Eagles Canyon is just around the corner. It is a driver’s track for those that missed the December race. As Maytag said, “It’s Hallett on steroids.” It is very technical with 70 feet of elevation changes multiple times. The flat parts are in the grid and paddock.  We plan on having the big rigs park in the lower paddock to avoid the congestion of December. Fuel is available and there is a snack bar that serves a mean lunch. Friday will be test and tune, with races Sat and Sunday. Eagles Canyon is 12miles north of Decatur TX on HWY 51. The storms took down the sign so be alert for the track entrance.

A word on safety: We race for the enjoyment of driving vintage cars, not for the glory. You have a lot to lose, including the respect of your fellow drivers. A successful weekend can be noted if you put you car back on the trailer in the same condition you took it off. Let’s reverse the trend and have an incident free weekend.

Jeff Wilt has set up our logo at Panda Embroidery. You can go to their website www.pandasportswear.com and order knit shirts and jackets. You pay when you order.  John Furlow has hats and decals. Look him up at ECR if you want decals for your tow vehicle or race car. It’s a good way to advertise your hobby. 

The vintage racing community lost a good friend and competitor with the passing of John Roper on April 3, 2008. John most recently ran an MGB with CVAR, but had raced many different cars for many years. He was best know recently for racing a TR-8 in the SOWDIV.

At one time John was flat towing a Frog-eye. As he went down the road he kept hearing an engine trying to start. He pulled over and the Sprite was trying to jump in gear! Some of us have laughed at that story regardless of how many times we heard it.

See you at ECR-- George

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Authenticity Report -    from Jan. 2008 BoD Meeting

January 2008 BoD Meeting - Authenticity Report

-    An overall Authenticity Program has been initiated that will reward the most authentic closed wheel and open          wheel car at the end of the 2008 season.  This program is not associated with the current championship. 

            Charlie Jones will head up this new committee. Current members are Bruce Revennaugh, Dan Haynes,
            Don Gwynne, Michael Jenniges and Howard Pace.  If you would like to be part of this effort please
            contact  Charlie at:  cjones@forumoilfield.com 

            The Committee is to have a rough outline for submittal to the BoD at the next meeting.

The BoD has authorized funding for two trophies

 
-    We had one petition for rule change in 2007 from G-1, which was unsuccessful but did bring to light
      problems associated with the process. 

Seth Higgins has been given the task of consulting with the other GReps and modifying the petition process.

A preliminary report to the BoD is scheduled for the next Board meeting.

If you want to be part of that process or have ideas you wish to share, please contact Seth at:  SHiggins@advaoptical.com.

-   The car weights are currently posted on the web-site with last year’s championship scores.  If you weighed
     last year, and we have your weight recorded, you need not weigh again in 2008 unless you want to verify
     your weight.

            It was reaffirmed at the BoD meeting that any closed wheel car can run under the GCR’s dating from
            1967 to 1972, but no cherry picking from different GCR’s is allowed.

For 2008 there will be weight enforcement.  In order to receive the full 3 bonus authenticity points in the “Mechanical” category, your car must be within 5% of your required weight.  If your car is not within the 5%, your maximum possible award will be 1 point, in the “Mechanical” category.

            No car will be turned away in 2008 for being under weight.

Some of the earlier GCR’s are more generous in the minimum weight.  The GReps will use the 1972 version unless you provide the earlier GCR and additional weight documentation.

For G-1 Sedans the minimum weights are as follow:  1967 GCR; 2700 lbs dry weight or as per Homologation papers.  1968 GCR; 2800 lb dry weight. 1969 GCR; 2900 lbs dry weight.  1970-72 GCR; 3200 lbs wet weight.  CVAR will use 6 lbs/gallon for fuel to adjust your weight.  (you tell us gallons of fuel in the tank when weighing)  Production cars are as per the PCS.

For G-1, you determine the GCR you want to run under based on how your car is built.  CVAR will use the performance items of your car to set a minimum GCR year.  As an example, A-Sedans first used rear disc brakes in 1968, using them would mean you are at least running to the 1968 GCR.  The 302 motors in Fords were first used in 1968.  The Lincoln brakes were produced in 1969.  Dry sumps were in 1972 and would require a 3200 lb minimum weight.  Remember, no cherry picking of performance items from different GCR’s.  Performance items are considered to be 1) Motor; 2) Drive train/Suspension; 3) Brakes; 4) Tires/Wheels; 5) Weight.

-     Cars constructed with uni-bodies from post 1972 (or 1974 for FIA) closed wheel cars has been limited to
       “within model series or chassis series” with a maximum date of 1990. 

Cars that are not completely back dated will not be awarded full bonus authenticity points in the “Body” category.

It up to the entrant to prove that the later uni-bodies contain no significant structural enhancements.  If at later date, it is discovered this to be an error, the log book may be with drawn.

CVAR is not going to check VIN numbers, if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck….it’s a duck, until proven otherwise.

Cars belonging to CVAR members that do not have a CVAR log book and are not legal to run under CVAR rules are not allowed to compete in the race weekend.  The are however allowed during Fridays testing and tuning providing they pass the standard CVAR tech.

All cars must have a log book to be allowed on track on race days.  The only exception is for Student cars, which may operate under the novice permit.  Drivers of cars on track without log books are subject to disciplinary action by the Chief Steward.

All cars must pass CVAR tech before being allowed on track.  Drivers of cars on track without tech inspection are subject to disciplinary action by the Chief Steward.

All cars for 2008 must have an up to date Declaration form on file with the appropriate GRep.  New forms for 2008 are posted on line.  The Chief Steward considers falsifying this document to be a serious offence.  If you are caught falsifying this document your license will be suspended for a minimum of 6 months.

-    As per the January BoD meeting the only Board  approved G-1 exceptions to the GCR are the following:

1) The allowance of 302 cubic inch motors in Shelby GT-350’s, 289 Cobra’s, and Tigers.

2) Roller rockers for AS; AP, and BP classes.

Not approved by the BoD  within the G-1 petition are the following:

1) Multi-disc clutches in Production cars.  These must be removed as per the previous 2007 memo to G-1.  The removal date will be extended to the summer break of this year.  Any Production car with a multi-disc clutch will have a maximum “Mechanical” authenticity point award of 1- point.

2) Lincoln brakes on Shelby GT-350’s.  The GCR does not allow updating a production car beyond the car’s PCS page.  The Lincoln brakes, while true Ford production items, are in fact a larger diameter rotor, and larger caliper than the PCS specifies.  The BoD did agree that so long as the rotor is the correct diameter and the correct caliper is in the correct location, after market rotors and hats are allowed in the AS, AP and BP classes.  G-1 cars which do not meet these rules have 12 months to remove/correct this item.  No reduction in authenticity scoring will be taken at this time, since G-1 felt these brakes were approved by CVAR.

3) Modified upper and lower control arms are not allowed by the GCR.  The wording differs slightly for Production and Sedan classes.  Reinforcing is allowed, but changing the angle of the upper ball joint by cutting and welding is not allowed under the GCR.  The addition of heim joints to the lower control arm is also not allowed.  G-1 cars which do not meet these rules have 12 months to remove/correct this item.  No reduction in authenticity scoring will be taken at this time, since G-1 felt these control arms were approved by CVAR.

The GCR does not specify a limit on tire size; hence the G-1 adopted limit is invalid.  The only limit is the wording of the GCR.  The BoD did mandate a 60 series height to width ratio in G-1.  (Treaded Vintage Hoosier, or current treaded Goodyear Blue Streaks are acceptable).  The later Hoosier radial DOT slicks are not acceptable in any Sedan or Production class.

-    BoD approved clarifications to the GCR as they apply to G-1 are as follows:

The limit of 310 cubic inches for AS and BP Shelby’s was acceptable to the BoD.  This is based on a stock stroke and +0.060” over bore.

The allowance of Ford 351 Windsor (big plug) heads in place of Ford 289 heads is acceptable to the BoD.  We have on file a current listing of approved GM heads.

The allowance of aftermarket block and internal components of the engine is acceptable to the BoD, so long as the blocks are dimensionally the same with respect to bore spacing, cam center, etc, and are of the same basic material as OEM.   Internal components must be of the same basic material as OEM.

The BoD clarified the GCR wording as it applies to Production Cars in Section 2;2.2;D;25 and Sedans Section 6;6.A.4;F;1, to mean more than one engine oil cooler is allowed.

-   Herb Hilton will make the Authenticity Chairman aware of any non-CVAR entrant who enters a CVAR
     event. This info will be passed to the appropriate GRep for screening of the driver and car.  The GRep is
     responsible for making sure the entrant “plays nice” with the rest of the Group.  If the entrant is not CVAR
     material, he may be banned at the GReps discretion.

-   It was brought up at the BoD meeting that some cars do not have all lenses taped.  The decision was to
    strictly enforce this rule. 

-   We have seen stock harmonic balancers come apart and cause a major oil down.  CVAR recommends all
     cars run an SFI approved balancer. 

-   CVAR will revisit the Caterham issue in the future.  Please make you opinions known to your GReps or BoD
     members, before the May 10, 2008 BoD meeting. 

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Safety Summary 2007 -    posted 1/31/2008

 

The CVAR Safety Committee wants to sincerely thank each and every driver for an outstanding year.

    
            To bring better consistency to our Safety Program last year CVAR initiated a revised comprehensive Safety Program where we established a proactive approach to Safety. Vintage Racing and CVAR in particular consider any Car-to-Car contact incident a “felony” and a “Black Flag” event a “misdemeanor.” The Safety Committee does not want to use the “shotgun” approach where an entire group is punished for the actions of one or two individuals; therefore we began to track those drivers who were “Black Flagged” for any reason other than mechanical issue. The reasoning being “Black Flag Events” indicate a lack of control and/or a “non-vintage” attitude that can (and does) lead to Car-to-Car contact.

Almost everybody who races will, on a rare occasion, slide off the track or spin; however if certain drivers have an “Event” once, twice or three times each weekend over several weekends then that driver has either a car issue and/or a driver issue. It is obvious these individual are more likely to be involved in or cause a Car-to-Car Incident.

Last January no one knew what the data would reveal. No one knew how many times individual drivers were “Black Flagged.” The results were very surprising and remarkably good. Remember, mechanical problems and “offs to avoid” are not counted in these statistics.

            The data revealed the VAST MAJORITY of us drive with the “Vintage Spirit.” Overall we had one “Black Flag” event per 18-car race. [Based on the following: total of 829 cars entered in 7 race weekends: six times on the track and 9 laps per time on the track: a total of 44,766 “car laps” (one car driving one lap). We experienced a total of 264 “Black Flag Events” for the year, this equates to one event per 166 “car laps” which translates to 18 cars driving 9 laps each.] 

Congratulations to all of us.

            When the “Black Flag” data is broken down to the individual, the “Black Flags” flew 9 times for

2 drivers, 8 times for I driver, 6 times for 1 driver, 5 times for 4 drivers and 4 times for 4 drivers. Thirteen drivers accounted for 72 (28%) of the “Black Flag” events — and some of those drivers did not drive every weekend. The worse offenders have been informed of their substandard performance and all agreed to improve their driving. The rest of us have three or less “Black Flag Events” for 7 races.

            For 2008 we have simplified the chart that details the action your Safety Committee will take to chronic non-contact offenders. We will track “Black Flagged” events over a moving window of 12 months. We will begin to warn drivers with 5 or more “Black Flag Events” after the April Hallett Race. If drivers continue to accrue “Black Flag Events,” penalties will be imposed beginning in February 2009. This long lead period will give everyone time to evaluate and adjust, if necessary, their driving.

The Revised Safety Program

            Here is the Revised Table taken from the revised CVAR Safety Program:  Section 2, Table 1, #2. Continuing Non-Contact Event — NOTE: The objective of this tracking program is to assist drivers in detecting and correcting the reason(s) they are having problems. Drivers who are unable to control their driving will not be allowed to participate in CVAR events.

 

Number of Black Flag Events per Tracking Period	Penalty
One through Four	No action
Five	Warning Letter, Introduction to Group Mentor, Placement in Driver Identification Program
Eight	Internal Probation for Three Race weekends, Placement of Novice “X” on car
Ten	Internal Suspension for One Race Weekend

 

So word to the wise: if you visit the pits you won‘t win the race —  and you might not even finish.

 

Contact Events were too many — One is too many

“Touching is a felony”

            Unfortunately we had several Car-to-Car Contact Incidents and some significant Single Car Contact Incidents. Drivers have been put on the trailer, placed on internal probation or VMC probation. While we may be somewhat understanding of Non-Contact Events, your Safety Committee becomes very stern and harsh when cars touch. We will take into account extenuating circumstances and track conditions, but           if you are the driver at fault in a contact incident expect, at the very least, to be sent home.

            Believe it or not, we had one driver (who was sent home) punt a slower car off the track. When questioned he said, “Some tapping and touching is simply a part of racing:” Maybe touching is okay in NASCAR or SCCA, but not in CVAR. Our Objective clearly states: “Vintage Racing does not tolerate deliberate contact or a “win at any cost” attitude. Vintage drivers compete in a spirited but controlled manner giving their fellow drivers room to race.” If the Safety Committee believes deliberate touching is occurring during a race those drivers do not have the Vintage Racing Spirit and will be put on the trailer, placed on probation or possibly suspended from racing. Your fellow vintage driver does not want to be hit. Remember, you are in control of your racing future; just as our Objective states; “ … each driver holds the key to his or her ultimate success within CVAR. You are in charge of your own racing future.”

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Below are summary tables for “Black Flag Events.”

Table 1: Cars Entered per Group: Example Gp I had 25 cars entered at TWS in Feb 07  

	Feb 07	Mar 07	May 07	Sep 07	Oct 07	Nov 07	Dec 07	Year Total /
Group	TWS	Hallett	TMSR	TWS	Hallett	TWS	ECR	Avg Wk End
1	25	11	21	27	11	24	25	144 / 21
2	22	21	21	16	20	15	16	131 / 19
3	16	15	12	16	19	15	10	103 / 15
4	11	12	10	13	9	13	16	84 / 12
6	22	23	20	23	42	18	22	170 / 24
7	29	22	30	32	25	32	27	197 / 28
TOTAL	125	104	114	127	126	117	116	829 / 118

 

Table 2: Black Flag Events:  Example Feb 07, Gp 1 had 10 Black Flag Events

NOTE: This table does NOT represent the number of drivers with a Black Flag Event as some drivers go off more than once a weekend.

	Feb 07	Mar 07	May 07	Sep 07	Oct 07	Nov 07	Dec 07	Year Total
Group	TWS	Hallett	TMSR	TWS	Hallett	TWS	ECR	Avg Wk End
1	10	2	11	5	15	8	6	57 / 8
2	2	3	5	Zero	6	5	6	27 / 4
3	6	3	3	5	14	2	6	39 / 6
4	Zero	5	4	Zero	3	4	4	20 / 3
6	8	7	10	7	21	4	13	70 / 10
7	8	6	7	3	10	3	14	51 / 7
TOTAL	34	26	26	20	69	26	49	264 / 38

 

Table 3: Number of Drivers with 4 or more Events:

NOTE: GROUPS 2 & 4 had Zero drivers with a total of 4 or more events over 7 Race Weekends  – EXCELLENT RECORD - CONGRATULATIONS !!!!!!

# of Events à	4	5 Warning Letter	6	7	8 Penalty	9 Penalty	10 or more Suspension	Total # of Driver with 4 or more Events
Group
1