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March, 1986 SportsCar -
“Fastrack”: Racing Bulletin
Technical Order #2-86: Knee Protector
Allow knee protector under steering wheel. Either owner design (as long as it serves
no other purpose) or the Renault Kit.
Technical Order #3-86: Rear Upper Ball Joint Bracket
Use of the "R" bracket P/N 1380783(R) causes drive shaft damage and must be
replaced by bracket P/N 1380095 which is the identical bracket used on the front
suspension.
Technical Order #4-86: Rub Rail Fastening
Underbody sheet metal attaching rivets may be replaced with skid bolts to eliminate
problem of rivets being worn away.
Technical Order #5-86: Weight of Car
Minimum weight with driver 1580 lbs.
Technical Order #6-86: Specification tires
This class has a specification tire for front and rear. These tires may be used at
any tread depth. The use of full-tread tires for rain is permitted.
November, 1986 SportsCar
- “Fastrack”: Court of Appeals Report
Judgement of the Court of Appeals 86-18 -- SCCA and George D'Errico vs. SOM, September
11,1986
Prior Proceedings and Facts in Brief
At the Texas World Speedway National on August 17, 1986, Mr. D'Errico filed three protests
against three Sports Renault cars driven by Tom Allen, Steve Hixon, and John Roper.
Mr. D'Errico noticed at impound that all three cars had rerouted their fuel lines.
The Stewards of the Meeting, Jordan Fruehauf, Lon McKinstry, and E.B. Thompson, Chairman,
disallowed all three protests on the basis they were not filed in a timely manner, GCR
8.3.a. The Chief Steward, Nick Strine, then filed a Chief Steward's Request For
Action on the same violation as reported from impound by an Assistant Chief Steward, Bob
Gelles.
The Stewards of the Meeting ruled that the rerouting of the Sports Renault.t fuel lines
was not in violation of the GCR. Mr. D'Errico filed an appeal because the SOM did
not hear his protest.
The National Club Racing Department also filed an appeal, stating that because of the
restrictive nature of the rules, as written, are not open to interpretation -- also, to
establish the right of SCCA to enforce its own rules.
Findings of the Court
Mr. D'Errico stated in his his appeal that he was not aware that the fuel lines had been
relocated until they were exposed at impound. Although GCR Rule 8.3.a states that a
protest against the validity of an automobile shall be lodged no later than one hour
before the start of the competition, it also states that the Stewards of the Meeting may
extend this time limit in exceptional cases, and so on.
The Stewards of the Meeting based their ruling against the Chief Steward's Request for
Action on the fact that the Sports Renault Rule 3 states that hoses, fasteners, and so on
, are unrestricted. Also, the Stewards of the Meeting feel the rules are ambiguous
and can reasonably be interpreted to allow the vapor lock (the reason given for rerouting
the fuel line) fix.
Sports Renault Rule3 states in the first sentence that replacement parts for routine
maintenance must be official SCCA Sports Renault Parts. In the last sentence of
this rule it covers hoses fasteners, and so on, as being unrestricted. What this
means is that you do not have to use official SCCA Sports Renault parts in the routine
maintenance of hoses, fasteners, and so on. This in no way means that you can
relocate hoses, fasteners, and so on. Rule 12, Fuel Systems, states no modifications
allowed. The fuel lines area part of the fuel system. Moving them is a
violation.
Miscellany from 1986
Scott Lagasse wins Lucas Pro Challenge
Scott Lagasse wins the Runoffs
Neil Tilbor finishes 5th in points in Lucas Pro Challenge
Scott Harrington finishes first in CenDiv with 54 National points.
Beau Martin was 5th in CenDiv with 40 points.
Mike Davies finishes first in SEDiv with 66 National points.
Robbie Buhl finishes 5th in NEDiv with 34 National points.
Barry Mumm buys Sports Renault # 420 in kit form from the CSR North-American Motorsports.
One of the last 5 RJS cars sold.
144 Sports Renaults sold in 1986, total to date:450 |
