Matters of Eligibility November 2002 Committee Ruling on Concentric carburettors, JAP 84S engines and electronic aids.

Historic F3 500 cc Cars Eligibility and Originality Standards Issue No. 001. November 2001

A Simple Explanation of the National Unsupercharged Formula April 1947

500 Owners Association General Club Rules

Unless modified by the Organising Club’s Standing or Supplementary Regulations, the following regulations shall apply:-

1. All cars shall form up in grid order in the designated Assembly Area. All race start countdowns should have a minimum elapsed period of 3 minutes from the time all cars are assembled to the time that cars are released from the Assembly Area. The minimum countdown sequence will be:

·          3 minutes to release - visible and audible warning, engines may be started.

·          1 minute to release - visible and audible warning, engines must be started.

·          30 seconds to release - visible and audible warning.

·           Release - visible and audible warning.

3. The use of tyre heating/heat retention devices, tyre treatments and compounds is prohibited.

4. Any driver who is unable to proceed from the Assembly Area unaided within 30 seconds of the majority of  drivers is required to indicate their situation as per MSA regulations J13.10.2.and may, at the discretion of the Assembly Area marshals, start the race from the pit lane after the last car to take the start from the grid has passed the start line or pit exit lane whichever is the later.

5. The distance between the Assembly Area and the Starting Grid shall be the minimum practical for the circuit and shall be less than one complete lap unless:

In the opinion of the Clerk of the Course, one lap is the minimum safe practical distance from the Assembly Area to the Grid.

Or

In the opinion of the Clerk of the Course, a material change of weather or track conditions requires a complete lap for drivers to familiarise themselves with the conditions.

The Clerk of the Course shall notify competitors at the earliest opportunity, either in writing prior to commencement of the race meeting or by a drivers briefing.

6. The leading driver shall be responsible for maintaining pace from the Assembly Area to the Grid and shall endeavour to maintain a speed such that any driver, leaving the Assembly Area in good time shall have reasonable opportunity to form up in the correct grid position.

7. All drivers shall form and maintain a correct grid order. Any excessive weaving to warm-up tyres - using more than 50% of the track width - and falling back in order to accelerate and practice starts is prohibited.

7. A five second board will be used to indicate that the grid is complete. The red lights will be switched on five seconds after the board is withdrawn; the extinguishing of the red lights is the signal to start the race. In the event of any starting lights failure, the starter will revert to the use of the Union Flag.

8. In the event of a failed start or any incident which causes the race to be stopped, the Clerk of the Course shall, through the marshals either:

Direct drivers to the Assembly Area for re commencement of the entire Start Procedure.

Or

Direct drivers to re form on the Grid. In this event, mechanics and other authorised personnel may be permitted access to the grid and may assist with re starting cars.

Research has shown that some large bore 4 stud engines were used in period by speedway teams on an experimental basis. However feedback from the FIA indicates that these are not considered to be proper 84S engines, there is no evidence of their use in cars, and the information does not justify claims that the JAP 84S engine is a period engine. There is no doubt that the AMAL Mk1 Concentric carburettor was introduced in 1962. feedback from the FIA indicates that a concession would not be granted for use of this instrument. On the above basis the Committee has decided it is not appropriate to encourage members to apply for FIA papers for cars with either 84S engines or Concentric carburettors. Of course such cars still have dispensation for events only requiring compliance with the 500 Owners’ Association Standards, which is probably all hillclimbs and the majority of circuit races. They are strictly only ineligible for FIA events.

A further issue was the use of electronic aid in magnetos. On reflection the Committee have decided that such devices are not necessary or desirable and will not be permitted.

The above means that there is no need to amend the Eligibility and Originality Standards that were approved by members at the last AGM and these remain as they are.

The 500 Owners’ Association actively encourages high standards of originality in the restoration and use of cars built to the 500cc Formula between January 1947 and December 1960, so that cars are raced to true period specification and fair competition is maintained between cars from similar times in the 14 year life span of the Formula. There is a particular concern to protect cars of historic significance. This is consistent with the aims of the FIA. regulations under which Historic Cars may be used for competition under rules that preserve the specification of their period and prevent modifications of performance and behaviour, in particular arising through modern technology.  Historic competition is a discipline in which one of the essential ingredients is a devotion to the cars and their history.

The Registration scheme aims to discourage the construction of ineligible cars, and the unreasonable modification of original cars. It involves a Registration Document which accompanies the car, and which records important details about the specification and history of the car as agreed by the Committee at the time of registration. Subsequent changes to the specification will require re-registration. Departures from the Standards shall be declared and endorsed by the Committee. Cars which are the subject of major rebuild may be subject to inspection and documented history of the car must be provided. The Registration Document is important to event organisers and potential purchasers as confirmation of authenticity. As a guide to Originality cars are categorised in three groups reflecting milestones in development during the period. Additionally the groups facilitate the operation of an equalization formula for competition purposes.

THE STANDARDS

1.Cars shall comply with the requirements of the FIA. Sporting and Technical Regulations for historic Cars Competing in International Speed Events, Appendix K to the International Sporting Code, Section 13, for Cars in Period E.

2. Interpretation of Appendix K for 500cc Cars:

2.1 Chassis frame shall be to original design and dimensions but may employ local stiffening. New stressed members must not be added unless a period specification. The points to which suspension elements are attached must not differ from period specification. Identification marks must not be removed.

2.2 Suspension shall be as originally constructed. Adjustability and Rose type joints are not permitted unless there is clear evidence of use on the individual car before December 1960.

2.3 Steering shall be of original type e.g. steering box or rack and pinion.

2.4 Braking system shall be as originally constructed e.g. drum or disc of the same size.

2.5 Wheels shall be as originally fitted to the car. If the original wheels are unobtainable then another type may be fitted at the discretion of the Committee. In such cases the wheels nominated must be of period style and the same diameter as original. An increase of rim width of up to one inch is allowed.

2.6 Tyres shall be from the Dunlop Vintage range having 204 compound and R5 or older type tread pattern. Cars which competed during the 1998 season fitted with Dunlop L profile tyres in 204 compound are permitted to use these tyres until they require replacement.

2.7 Bodywork shall be of the original profile and of the same material, normally aluminium. Bodies must be complete and fitted when the car is competing. In exceptional cases alternative material may be used at the discretion of the Committee.

2.8 Engines: The types shall be those used in cars in the period that the cars were raced i.e. pre-31^st December 1960, and shall be to the manufacturers’ period specification. Bore and stoke shall be to the manufacturers’ period specification. Cylinder Heads shall be to period specification except that period Twin Spark Plug and Robin Jackson conversions may be used, and it is permitted to remove material to adjust compression ratio and blend ports. Crankshafts, con-rods, pistons and bearings may be of different dimensions to period specification within the limits of the crankcase, provided the same material type is retained. It is permitted to update engines by incorporating modifications provided these are of a type proven to have been employed before 31^st December 1960. In these cases the designated year of manufacture of the engine shall be the year of manufacture of the latest modification.

2.9 Replica and Factory Engines Produced Post Period listed below (Appendix A) may be used.

2.9.1 Summerfield “Standard Specification” Manx Norton of 86 and 86mm bore and stroke (Note the Summerfield “Higher Performance” 86 and 92mm bore engines are not permitted).

2.9.2 C&R Engines Ltd Manx Norton of 76.6 x 100mm bore and stroke.

2.9.3 Molnar “Standard Specification” Manx Norton of 86 and 86mm bore and stroke. (See Appendix A for complete specifications.) Except for crankshafts, con-rods, pistons and bearings, components of Replica and Factory Engines produced post period shall be interchangeable with those of the Original engines on which they are based.

2.10 Fuel System: Alternative carburettors from the same or earlier period may be used but only if the alternatives are of the same number and general type as those originally fitted. Maximum carburettor choke diameter shall be: single carburettor 35mm, twin carburettor 30mm. Fuel injection may be used on an individual car that used it in the period and only the original system may be used. Fuel tanks shall be contained within the body profile, unless the tanks were external before 31st December 1960

2.11 Exhaust system: Exhaust pipes shall be of constant diameter from the cylinder head to the silencer or period type megaphone.

2.12 Ignition system: Magneto or coil and contact breaker ignition are all free choice. Electronic systems are not permitted.

2.13 Fuel and Fuel Additives: Only pump fuel or methanol may be used. When using methanol, the addition of 10% by volume of Acetone is allowed.

2.14 The gearbox shall be those used in cars in the period the cars were raced. The number of ratios shall be as the original, but the ratios themselves are of free choice.

2.15 Clutches shall be either solid disc or cork insert friction plate design of a type used before 31^st December 1960.

2.16 Transmission: The original method and style of transmitting power from engine to gearbox and from gearbox to axle shall be retained, i.e. toothed belt drives are not allowed.

2.17 Supercharging is not allowed.

2.18 Safety Modifications for safety reasons are permitted at the discretion of the Committee.

2.19 Carbon Fibre, Kevlar and Titanium are not permitted in any part of the car or its engine

3. Departures from specification. Dispensations are given for certain non-compliances from period specification which have been accepted practice in competition. These dispensations are applicable to events requiring compliance with 500 Owners’ Association Standards. They are not applicable to events requiring compliance with FIA. Regulations.

3.1 Replica and Factory Engines Produced Post Period. Cars which competed during the 2000 season fitted with engines not complying with Section 2.9 above are permitted to use these engines until December 2002. 3.2 J.A.P. 84S and other specific non-period engines which have been used in cars since 31st December 1960, are permitted at the discretion of the Committee.

3.3 Amal Mk1 Concentric Carburettors are permitted.

3.4 Cars fitted with Dunlop Historic tyres of L or M section in 484 compound are permitted to use these tyres until they require replacement.

4. Registration. To be eligible for competition, cars shall be registered with the 500 Owners’ Association Committee confirming compliance with the Standards. Registration is obtained by presentation of a completed Registration Document to the Committee. The Registration Document is consistent with the FIA. Historic Vehicle Identity Form and will confirm authenticity when applying for FIA. accreditation. Cars already having FIA. accreditation may obtain registration by presentation of a copy of the FIA. Identity form.

5. A guide to originality is given in Appendix B. Cars are divided into 3 groups reflecting milestones in development in the period. Components are similarly classified indicating which components are appropriate for which car. It is not mandatory to conform exactly, but this is encouraged in the interests of originality. Additionally the groups may be used to facilitate the operation of an equalisation formula for competition purposes.

6. General. The onus is on the driver to ensure that his car complies in every respect with the Standards. Cars must comply with the relevant R.A.C. regulations. Drivers are reminded of the importance of good presentation. Engines leaking oil and body work in poor condition reflect badly on the 500 Owners’ Association and Historic Racing in general. All matters concerning compliance with these Standards shall be referred to the Committee of the Association, in writing, for a ruling to be made.

7. Spirit of the Regulations. Notwithstanding the above, cars deemed not in the spirit of the 500 Owners’ Association or the FIA. may have the registration withdrawn by the 500 Owners’ Association Committee.

1. Summerfield Standard Specification “Short Stroke” Manx Norton

Bore 86mm Stroke 85.6 mm Combustion chamber - Hemispherical. Inlet valve 1.92 inch dia. Exhaust valve 1.72 inch dia. Valve angle 64 degrees included angle Inlet cam 15822 Exhaust cam M5914 Tappet Dia 0.875 inch Contact radius 1.0 inch Valve timing IVO 67 IVC 98 EVO 85 EVC 64 (0.005inch clearance) Valve springs shall be of period specification hairpin type Con-rod length 6.7 inch (eye to eye) Crankshaft con-rod and bearing construction is free.

2. C & R Engines Ltd “Long Stroke” Manx Norton.

Bore 79.6mm Stroke 100mm Combustion chamber Hemispherical Inlet valve 1.915 inch dia Exhaust valve 1.735 inch dia Valve angle 77 degrees included angle Inlet cam M59 Exhaust cam M59 Tappet Dia 0.75 inch Contact radius 1.0 inch Valve timing IVO 60 IVC 67 EVO 85 EVC 45 (0.004inch clearance) Valve springs shall be of period specification hairpin type Con-rod length 7.5 inch Crankshaft con-rod and bearing construction free.

3. Molnar Standard Specification “Short Stroke” Manx Norton

Bore 86mm Stroke 85.8mm Combustion chamber - Hemispherical. Inlet valve 1.92 inch dia. Exhaust valve 1.72 inch dia. Valve angle 64 degrees included angle Inlet cam 15822 Exhaust cam M5914 Tappet Dia 0.875 inch Contact radius 1.0 inch Valve timing IVO 48 EVC 34 (0.045 inch clearance) Con-rod length 6.7 inch (eye to eye) Valve springs shall be of period specification hairpin type Crankshaft con-rod and bearing construction is free.

Cooper Mk 1, 1947,1 Cooper Mk 2, 1949, 1Cooper Mk 3, 1949,1 Cooper Mk 4, 1950, 1, Cooper Mk 5, 1951, 2 Cooper Mk 6, 1952, 2 Cooper Mk 7, 1953, 2 Cooper Mk 8, 1954, 3 Cooper Mk 9, 1955, 3 Cooper Mk 10, 1956, 3 Cooper Mk 11, 1957, 3 Cooper Mk 12, 1958, 3Kieft Alloy ladder chassis, 1949, 1 Kieft CK51-CK53, swing axle, 1951, 2, JBS Mk 1, 1951, 2 JBS Mk 2, 1952, 2, JBS De-Dion, Joe Potts Leaf Spring, 1950, 1 Joe Potts Coil Spring, 2, Joe Potts De-Dion, 2 Arnott Mk 1, 2, Arnott Mk 2, 2, Emeryson 1949, 1, Iota 1947,1, Martin Swing Axle, 1953, 2, Martin De-Dion, 1955, 3, Erskine Staride Mk 1, 1952, 2, Erskine Staride Mk 2, 1952, 2, Staride Mk 3, 1953, 2, Mackson 2

Norton International S/C Pre-Featherbed 79x100 1947-52 1-3, Norton International S/C Featherbed 79x100 1953-58 2-3, Norton Manx S/C Pre-Featherbed 79x100 1947-50 1-3, Norton Manx T/C Pre-Featherbed 79x100 1947-50 1-3, Norton Manx T/C Featherbed 79x100 1951-53 2-3, Norton Manx 86x86 1954-57 3, Norton Manx T/C Lighthouse 86x86 1958-60 3, Summerfield Standard Spec Norton 86x86 Current 3, Molnar Standard Spec Norton 86x86 Current 3, C & R Engines Norton 79x100 Current 2-3, JAP Speedway 4-Stud 80x99 Pre-War 1-3, JAP Speedway 5-Stud Long 80x99 1946-48 1-3, JAP Speedway 5-Stud Short 80x99 1946-48 1-3, JAP Speedway 4-Stud 80x99 1949-67 1-3, JAP Roadrace Mk 1 80x99 1950-51 1-3, JAP Roadrace 4 Stud Type 6/7 80x99 1952-54 1-3, JAP V-Twin, JAP 84S 84-93 1974 – Not original, BSA Gold Star 1-3, BSA A7 Twin 1-3, Norton ES2/Model 18 1-3, Rudge 4-Valve 1-3, Triumph Pre-Unit 8 Stud 1-3, Vincent Comet 1-3

Gearboxes

Norton Upright (Dolls Head & ES2) 1947-52 1-3, Norton Featherbed (Laid down) 1950-55 2-3, Norton AMC (AJS/Matchless) 1956-60 3, Norton AMC Commando 3, AJS 7R (Pre AMC) 1947-56 2-3, Norton Hume 2-3

BTH Magneto (Dirt Track) 1947-60 1-3, Lucas Magneto 1-3

Amal 127/128 Track (Needle less) 1947-60 1-3, Amal RN 1947-60 1-3, Amal TT 1947-59 1-3, Amal GP 1952-60 2-3, Amal Monoblock 1954-60 3, Dellorto SS1/SS2 3, Amal Concentric 1965 – Not original

1.1 Cars will be single seater racing cars as defined in the RAC MSA Blue Book and must comply with all relevant MSA General, Technical and Safety Regulations for Sprint and Hillclimb vehicles which are in force at the time an event takes place. In the event of a conflict, the MSA Regulations take precedence over any specific regulations of the 500 Owners Association outlined below.

1.2 Fuel used shall comply with current MSA Regulations.

1.3 Jurisdiction and Interpretation:- In matters relating to the application of 1.1 above, the jurisdiction of the appropriate MSA officials and/or MSA committee is absolute. In all other matters relating to the eligibility of vehicles, the decision of the Committee of the 500 Owners Association shall prevail, subject to ratification, if challenged, at a Special General Meeting or at the Annual General Meeting of the 500 Owners Association, as provided for in the Constitution of the Association.

2 Technical Regulations Specific to the 500 Owners Association

2.1 Cars shall be powered by engines not exceeding 500cc swept volume if two stroke, not exceeding 600cc swept volume if four stroke. Engines and gearboxes shall be of motorcycle origin. Rotary engines, e.g. "Wankel" and related designs are not eligible.

2.2 Cars shall have a minimum wheelbase of 72 inches (1829mm) and shall of substantial symmetrical appearance about the longitudinal centre line when viewed from above. Any minor asymmetry due to the disposition of ancillary components, e.g. batteries, radiators etc. shall be permitted at the discretion of the committee.

2.3 Cars shall have a spring and damper suspension at each corner.

2.4 Cars shall be fitted with wheels of a minimum nominal rim diameter of 10 inches (254mm) and tyres with a minimum overall diameter when inflated to normal running pressure, of 18.5 inches (470mm).

2.5 Any car deemed by the committee to be outside the spirit of the regulations notwithstanding compliance with the letter of the regulations shall not be eligible.

1.      Title

The name of the club shall be “The 500 Owners Association Ltd.” hereafter referred to as the club.

2.      Objects

i) To further the interests of people owning 500cc cars and 500cc type cars with engines of other capacities.

ii) To provide members with technical advice and help.

iii) To promote the uses of 500cc and modern 600cc four stroke cars in hill climbs and other events.

iv) To provide assistance to people interested in 500cc cars.

3.      Membership

Man and women over 16 years of age shall be eligible for membership.

4.      Management

The authority and responsibility for the transaction of the business of the club shall be the committee.

5.      Election of Officers

The Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary, Membership Secretary and other elected members of the committee shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting. The committee shall have the power to co-opt other members.

6.      Committee

The committee should not consist of less than four members. Three members of the committee shall form a quorum.

7.      Meeting of the Committee

The committee shall meet whenever summoned by the secretary but in any case no less than twice a year.

8.      Duties of the Secretary

The Secretary shall attend in person or by deputy at all meetings of the club and keep a proper record of all such meetings.

9.      Banking

The Treasurer shall bank all monies of the club in the name of the club and no disbursements shall be made there from except in accordance with the form or forms authorised by the committee.

10.  Election of Members

Membership of the club shall be open to all those interested in 500cc and 500cc type cars but will be subject to the discretion of the committee. Membership of the club will only be for the period of the current subscription.

11.  Subscription

The subscription will be revised at each Annual general Meeting and put to an open vote. Club badges and other regalia items sold to members at prices laid down by the committee.

12.  Payment of subscriptions

Subscriptions become payable on 1^st January of each year.

13.  Non payment of subscriptions

Any members of the club who has not paid his subscription within four clear months of the date on which it was due shall be notified by the Secretary or Treasurer and one months later any member who has failed to pay his subscription may, unless sufficient reason be shown to the Committee, be taken off the Register of Members forthwith.

14.  New Members

No new member shall be entitled to any privileges of membership until after payment of his first subscription.

15.  Resignation

Any member ceasing, voluntarily or otherwise to be a member shall thereafter cease to have any claim upon the property of the club or to enjoy any of the privileges of membership but he or she shall remain liable for the payment of any debts due to the club from him or her.

16. Honorary Members

The committee may elect as honorary members any persons who have been distinguished in promoting the cause of motoring in general and of 500cc cars in particular.

17.  Expulsion of members

The committee may expel a members from the club if they, by a 2,3 majority deem it.

18.  Annual General Meeting

The annual General Meeting of the club shall be held in the month of November, December or January each year and shall:

i)        Receive from the committee a statement of accounts.

ii)       Receive from the committee a report of the club’s activities.

iii)     Elect the committee and Officers.

iv)     Decide on any resolution submitted to the meeting.

19.  Special General Meeting

A special General Meeting may be convened by the discretion of the committee on the request of the Secretary. Twelve members shall form a quorum at such a meeting.

20.  Voting

All members of the club shall have one vote.

21.  Alteration of Rules

Any alteration may be made to these rules by the committee and will then be presented to the next Annual General Meeting for ratification.

22.  Events

All motor competitions promoted by the club shall be held under the general competition rules of the RAC MSA and in accordance with any requirements of the RAC MSA.

Any member convicted of an offence arising out of his being in charge of a motor vehicle in any club event or club business shall be liable to expulsion from the club under Rule 17.

23.  Dissolution

The club may be dissolved by a Special General Meeting convened by direction of the committee or on the requisition of the majority of members. If the club is dissolved, the committee will liquidate the affairs of the club and dispose of any surplus assets at their discretion.

24.  Awards

All awards given by the club as challenge trophies shall remain the property of the club and shall be returned to the club upon demand of the Secretary.

25. Eligibility for Awards

Any awards given by the club will be to club members driving cars that comply with current eligibility rules.