Rules & Regulations

Vehicle Requirements from the current MotorSport Manual

Please note these are a guide and regulations change regularly so please consult the MotorSport Manual.

B:        Vehicle Requirements:

4.3       Safety Harnesses and Window Nets:

(1)      Safety Harness Requirements: Vehicle occupants competing in all events except Motorkhanas and Sporting Trials shall wear safety harnesses as specified in Chart A4.3.1. Championship and Sanctioned Series Class Schedules may impose additional requirements.

(2)      Safety Harness Standards: All safety harnesses shall be approved to a recognised standard/specification as detailed in Chart A4.3.1 and shall be labelled according to the standard as detailed in Drawing A4.3.2. In particular, the age/validity requirement of the SFI standards as detailed in Chart A4.3.1 & Drawing A4.3.2 shall be respected.  Safety harnesses bearing an FIA standard may be used up to five years after the date stated on the label providing the Safety Harness shows no signs of damage or wear.  The extension of the Safety Harness validity detailed above is subject to the competitor inspecting the Safety Harness and replacement of worn or damaged harness as required prior to any competition.  The safety harness shall be deemed to have expired if the expiry date of the harness is no longer legible. 

All Safety Harnesses used in Championship events shall respect the FIA five year validly period.

(3)      Safety Harness Condition and Care: The correct installation and use of a safety harness is paramount to its continued performance and reliability. The condition shall be monitored on a regular basis with particular attention paid to:

·                The webbing in respect of cuts, fraying, discolouring and hardness of the material.

·                The hardware in respect of general damage, corrosion and mechanical defects.

·                Where a harness has been subjected to a severe crash loading it shall be replaced. Where appropriate a Scrutineer shall notate the vehicle logbook detailing that the harness be replaced.

·                When not in use harnesses should be kept in a dry and dark environment.

(4)      Safety Harness Installation: All safety harnesses shall be installed as per the manufacturers’ instructions and shall only be fitted to their correct application and in their correct configuration and may not be modified. (For example, harnesses specifically designed for single-seater cars shall only be fitted to this type of car). When purchasing new safety harnesses ensure that the mounting hardware is appropriate to the mounting provisions of the vehicle. Care must be taken to ensure the webbing cannot be damaged through chaffing against the seat or any sharp edges.

(a)      Shoulder straps shall be of equal length and when worn should make an angle between +10° and -10° to the horizontal, although up to a maximum of ‑45° is accepted (refer Diagram 4.3.3). The straps should rest on the wearers’ shoulders and not on the top of the seat or the harness holes in the seat. Excessively long shoulder straps should be avoided.

(b)      Lap and crotch straps shall be worn over the hip joint region and under no circumstances shall they be worn over the region of the abdomen. The straps should pass through or above the side of the seat and should be anchored directly down or rearward of this position.

(5)      Anchorages: If installation on the vehicles existing anchorage points is impractical, new anchorage points may be created, in which case the following shall apply;

(a)      For each new anchorage point created on the bodyshell, a steel reinforcement plate of at least 64 mm x 64 mm x 3 mm or equivalent in area with radiused corners, chamfered edges, that follows the panel surface with the attachment hole centrally located, shall be used, and

(b)      Shoulder straps may be anchored directly to the roll protection by;

(i)       Eyebolts in combination with inserts (Refer drawing 253-53), or

(ii)      Eyebolts affixed to a flange consisting of a minimum 4 mm thick steel plate, wrapped a minimum of 30% around and welded to a transverse bar (the flange shall not be reliant on a ‘butt weld’ type fixing), or

(iii)     Looping the straps around a transversal bar in combination with a guide to prevent sideways movement.

Additionally the straps may lean on an appropriately positioned transversal bar to enable the installation angles to be achieved (Refer drawing 4.3.3), and

(c)      Where a HANS® system is worn the shoulder straps shall slope downwards (0 to 20 degrees – ideally 20 degrees) from the uppermost point of contact with the HANS® belt bearing surface to the anchorage point on the vehicle. (Refer drawing 4.3.3), and

(d)      Each anchorage point shall be capable of withstanding a force of at least 12.5 kN, applied in the direction of the installed harness strap. Where two straps share the same anchorage point the force considered must be equal to the sum of the required loads, i.e.25 kN.

(e)      Harnesses specifically manufactured for single seater applications shall comply fully with the manufacturers installation and anchorage specifications.

(6)      Window Nets: In races, safety window nets are strongly recommended where doors/windows are modified in any way.

Where fitted safety nets shall close the window aperture to the centre of the steering wheel, and have the following characteristics:

·                Minimum width of the strips: 19 mm,

·                Minimum size of the meshes: 25 x 25 mm,

·                Maximum size of the meshes: 60 x 60 mm, and

·                Shall incorporate a ‘quick release’ system operable from both inside as well as outside the vehicle.

Additionally, window nets approved to an internationally recognised standard that differ solely in the mesh sizing (to that detailed above), are accepted.

4.4       Roll Protection:

(1)      Roll Protection homologation by MotorSport NZ is mandatory. All vehicles fitted with roll protection shall have a MotorSport NZ approval certificate contained within the vehicle’s logbook.

Application details are available from the MotorSport office.

All safety cages intended for International competition, constructed after 01-01-03, may be homologated by MotorSport NZ provided compliance with the specific conditions of FIA Appendix J – 253 are met.

Notes:

1.       Modifications to or Alterations of a homologated roll protection structure shall invalidate the homologation.

2.       Guidance should be sought from the MotorSport Office before proceeding with any alterations.

(2)      Requirements: Roll Protection shall be installed, as a minimum requirement, according to the Roll Protection requirement chart that is detailed in Part Two of this Schedule (Refer chart A4.4.1).

(3)      Design criteria and features: The primary function of Roll Protection is to achieve substantial reduction in bodyshell deformation and hence reduce the risk of serious injury during competition.

The ability of a Roll Protection structure to provide protection is dependent upon the quality of design and construction. A secondary benefit from the installation of Roll Protection is improved chassis rigidity.

The following essential design and construction features shall be incorporated:

(a)      Longitudinally, the structure must be entirely contained within the confines of the front and rear axle centre lines, and

(b)      The structure must be as close fitting to the interior profile of the bodyshell as practical, and include adequate mounting points, and

(c)      Members of the structure must not unduly impede the entry or exit, or access to, the occupant/s of the vehicle, and

(d)      The structure must be designed to suit the particular vehicle application.

(4)      Material specification and selection: The minimum specifications for members used in roll protection construction are defined in the Roll Protection Material Specification chart contained in Part Two of this Schedule (Refer chart A4.4.3).

Note: Only steel may be used.

In selecting material attention must be paid to obtaining good elongation properties and adequate weldability. The tubing must be bent by a cold working process and the centre-line bend radius must be at least 3 times that of the tube diameter.

If the tubing is ovalised during bending, the ratio of minor to major diameter must be 0.9 or greater.

Note: When using heat-treated or high carbon steels the manufacturer’s instructions must be followed implicitly. Poor fabrication techniques may result in a decrease in overall strength (caused by brittle heat-affected zones) or inadequate ductility.

(5)      Construction Criteria:

(a)      Main, front and lateral rollbars: These frames or hoops must be constructed from one piece of material with a smooth and even appearance, without ovalisation in excess of the specified limits, ripples or cracks.

The vertical part of the main rollbar must be as straight and as close as possible to the interior profile of the bodyshell.

The front leg of a front rollbar or lateral rollbar must be straight or must follow the windscreen pillar and have only one bend in its lower vertical part. Where a main rollbar forms the rear legs of a lateral rollbar (Refer drawing 253-4), the connection to the lateral rollbar shall be at roof level.

(b)      Diagonal members: At least one diagonal member shall be fitted in accordance with (Refer drawings 253-3 to 253-5) and shall be straight.

The combination of several members is permitted. The attachment points of the diagonal member(s) must be located so that injury cannot occur. They may be made removable but shall be in place during competition.

The lower end of the diagonal shall join the main rollbar or backstay not further than 100mm from the bodyshell mounting.

The upper end shall join the main rollbar not further than 100mm from the junction of the backstay joint, or join the backstay not more than 100mm from its junction with the main rollbar.

Diagonal members fixed to the bodyshell shall respect the mounting criteria for the backstays (Refer drawing 253-5).

(c)      Side intrusion bars: One or more longitudinal members may be fitted at each side of the vehicle (Refer drawings 253-7, 253-8, 253-12, 253-17). They may be made removable. The side protection shall be as high as possible, but its upper attachment points must not be higher than half the total height of the door measured from its base. If these upper attachment points are located in front of or behind the door opening, this height limitation is also valid for the corresponding intersection of the strut and the door opening. In the case of intrusion bars in the form of an “X” (cross-struts), it is recommended that the lower attachment points of the cross-struts be fixed directly to the footing or reinforcement plate.

(d)      Optional reinforcing members: Each type of reinforcement (Refer drawings 253-6 to 253-17, 253-17A and 253-17C) may be used separately or in combination. They shall be either, welded in position or installed by means of demountable joints.

(e)      Transverse reinforcing members: The fitting of two transverse members (Refer drawing 253-7) is permitted. The transverse member fixed to the front rollbar must not encroach upon the space reserved for the occupant/s. It must be positioned as high as possible, provided its lower edge is not higher than the bottom of the screen aperture.

(f)       Roof reinforcement: Reinforcing the upper part of the rollcage by adding members (Refer drawings 253-9 and 253-9A) is permitted.

(g)      Reinforcement of bends and junctions: It is permitted to reinforce the junction of the main rollbar or the front rollbar with the longitudinal members, as well as the top rear mounting of the lateral rollbars and the junction between the main rollbar and the backstays. (Refer drawings 253-10 and 253-16) The ends of these reinforcing tubes must not be more than half way down or along the members to which they are attached, (except as in drawing 253-17B). A reinforcement member may be added on each side of the front rollbar between the upper corner of the windscreen and the base of this rollbar.

As of 31/12/2005 all new roll protection homologation shall comply with the following:

In frontal projection, reinforcement of bends and junctions of the upper corners of the front rollcage must be only visible through the area of the windscreen described by drawing 253-17E.

The presence of the rollcage in the door aperture must comply with the following criteria (Refer drawing 253-17D).

·                Dimension A must be a minimum of 300 mm

·                Dimension B must be a maximum of 250 mm

·                Dimension C must be a maximum of 300 mm

·                Dimension E must not be more than half the height of the door aperture (H).

(h)      Removable members: Should removable members be incorporated into the design, the demountable joints used shall be of an approved type and specification. (Refer drawings 253-27 to 253-36) All fasteners must be of ISO standard 8.8 or greater.

Note: Hinge type joints (Refer drawings 253-30, 253-33 and 253-36) shall not be used in the principal structure. Their use is solely for attaching members to the rollbars.

(6)      Mounting to the Bodyshell:

(a)      The minimum requirements are as follows:

(i)       One mounting point for each leg of the main, front or lateral rollbar/s, and

(ii)      One mounting point for each backstay.

(b)      Main, front and lateral rollbars: These must incorporate a reinforcement plate of 3 mm minimum thickness, be at least 120 cm2 in area and be welded to the bodyshell.

If a mounting foot is also used, each foot must be attached by at least three bolts, or be welded to the reinforcement plate. The mounting foot shall be 3mm minimum thickness, and shall be smaller than the reinforcement plate to which it is affixed. (Refer drawings 253-18 to 253-24)

All fasteners shall be self-locking, of M8/ISO 8.8 standard or greater.

(c)      Backstays: Shall be attached as near as possible to the roofline and to the top outer bends of the main rollbar on both sides of the vehicle.

They must make an angle of at least 30° with the vertical, run rearwards and be straight and as close as possible to the interior side-panels of the bodyshell.

The mounting of each backstay to the bodyshell shall include a reinforcement plate of 3 mm minimum thickness, be at least 60 cm2 in area and be welded to the bodyshell.

If a mounting foot is also used, each foot shall be attached by at least two bolts, or be welded to the reinforcement plate. The mounting foot shall be 3 mm minimum thickness, and shall be smaller than the reinforcement plate.

All fasteners shall be self-locking, of M8/ISO 8.8 standard or greater. A single bolt in double shear is permitted, provided it is of adequate section and strength and a bush is welded into the backstay (Refer drawing 253-26).

Note: Additional fasteners may be used, or the structure may be fully welded to the bodyshell.

(7)      Protective padding: Padding shall cover all members of the roll protection that intrude anywhere into the shaded zone detailed in the Rollcage padding requirement drawing contained in Part Two of this Schedule (Refer drawing 8.2.3A).

Additionally, it shall be fitted where the occupants bodies could come into contact with the safety cage.

The padding used shall be non-flammable, high density, energy absorbing, closed cell foam with a minimum wall thickness facing the occupants of 15mm.

It shall be removable so that inspection of the roll protection is possible. For international events the padding shall comply with FIA standard 8857-2001.

(8)      Open vehicles: The height of the main rollbar shall be at least 50 mm above the top of the helmet of the normally seated occupant.

(9)      Lightened doors: In all vehicles fitted with lightened doors the door adjacent to the driver and passenger shall have side intrusion bar/s fitted to the roll protection.

A lightened door is defined as a door that has been modified in any way that affects its overall weight, including; removal of panelling, substitution of panelling, alteration or deletion of window regulators.

Intrusion bars must not unduly impede the entry or exit of the occupants.

(10)    Fluids: No fluids may pass through any tubing forming part of the roll protection.

(11)    Guidance on welding: All welding shall be of the highest possible quality with full heat penetration, preferably using a gas-shielded arc. Although good external appearance of a weld does not necessarily guarantee its quality, poor appearance is never a sign of good workmanship. Grinding welds, to alter the appearance, is not permitted.

(12)    Alternative design (Free Concept): Roll protection design that varies, in anyway, from the specifications of this Schedule shall be classified as ‘Free Concept’.

Constructors are recommended to submit details of their own design, prior to construction, to MotorSport NZ for consideration.

All the design variations must be identified; in particular the quality of steel, the dimensions of tubes, the optional reinforcing members, and the mounting details. Construction of an alternative design shall also require certification by a qualified engineer, representing the constructor. The design must be shown to withstand the following stress minima, in any combination, applied on top of the structure:

·                1.5 W* lateral;

·                5.5 W* fore and aft;

·                7.5 W* vertical.      
(W* = weight of the car + 150 kg).

The submission must be made on the appropriate homologation application form, contain drawings and photos of the entire design, and include the certification from a qualified engineer.

Note: Roll protection constructed and approved to an alternative design must not be modified in any way without any modification being approved by MotorSport NZ.

4.5       Seating: Occupant seats are defined by type as an original seat, or replacement seat, or competition seat. The following requirements apply:

(1)      All occupant seats shall:

(a)      Be securely attached to the vehicle chassis or bodyshell, and

(b)      Adequately support the occupant(s) in competition use.

(c)      Have attachments to the chassis or bodyshell that comply with the following:

(i)       Seat mounting plates shall have a minimum thickness of 3mm for steel or 5mm for aluminium, and

(ii)      The seat sub frame/mounting plates shall be attached to the bodyshell at a minimum of 4 locations as close to their corner points as possible, using:

·                The vehicle manufacturer’s original seat anchorage points, and/or

·                Fabricated anchorage points consisting of bolts, at least M8 mm/ISO 8.8, and steel reinforcement plates that:

–        Are at least 2mm thick,

–        Have an area of not less than 40cm2 (64 x 64mm),

–        Follow the contours of the floor, and

–        Have radiused corners and chamfered edges.

Note: The reinforcement plates should be different sizes. (Refer drawing 4.5.2)

(d)      Adjustable seat rails (runners) may be used on the proviso that a locking method is operable on both rails.

Application – Replacement and Competition seats, albeit a dual locking mechanism is highly recommended for Original seats.

(2)      Replacement seats: All replacement seats shall:

(a)      Comply with the requirements of article (1) above, and

(b)      Incorporate a head restraint, and

(c)      Have no provision for mechanical adjustment of the rake of the seat back rest, except where it can be proven that the seat complies with an internationally recognised safety standard.

Note: Head restraints are mandatory on all replacement seats when used in conjunction with a safety harness. They are strongly recommended for all vehicles.

(3)      Competition seats: All competition seats shall comply with the requirements of articles (1) and (2) above excepting that no provision for mechanical adjustment of the rake is permitted.

4.6       Fire extinguishers:

(1)      Requirements: A manual (hand-held) or a mounted (plumbed-in) extinguisher shall be fitted in accordance with the Extinguisher Requirements Chart A4.6.1 as detailed in Part Two of this Schedule.

(2)      Approved types: Dry powder or Foam type stored pressure extinguishers compliant to one of the following standards are approved:

·                New Zealand Standard

NZ 4503 including updates, and/or

·                Australian Standard

AS 1841

(3)      Service requirements:

(a)      All approved extinguishers with pressure gauges shall:

(i)       Be subject to periodic inspection by the competitor to ensure contents pressure and approximate weight requirements are met, and

(ii)      Every five years (from date of manufacture) the units shall be subject to service audit by a recognised Fire Protection Company who will label the unit, detailing the company’s name, contact, and service date.

(b)      All approved extinguishers without a pressure gauge shall be subject to annual service audit by a recognised Fire Protection Company who will label the unit, detailing the company’s name, contact, and service date.

(4)      Mounting: Extinguishers shall be installed in accordance with the following:

(a)      A retaining system incorporating quick release metal fastenings/straps, or material of equivalent strength (ie Kevlar), secured to the structure of the vehicle by a minimum of two 6mm bolts with panel washers and locknuts.

(b)      Hand held extinguishers shall be positioned within easy reach of the occupant/s while normally seated (not mandatory for single seaters);

(c)      Plumbed-in systems shall have the triggering device accessible/operable by the occupant/s whilst normally seated.

4.7       Wheels:

(1)      On all Saloon, Sports and GT vehicles the complete wheel assembly shall be housed within the bodywork. This means the upper part of the wheel including tyre, located vertically over the wheel hub centre must be covered by the bodywork when measured vertically.

(2)      Condition: All road wheels, including spares and the fastening systems, shall be in good condition, free from cracking or other structural defects.

(3)      Modification limitations: The following limitations apply;

(a)      Steel wheels may not be modified from the original specification of the manufacturer.

(b)      Aluminium alloy and magnesium alloy wheels may only be modified in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

(4)      Wheel spacers: If wheel spacers are fitted, they must comply with the following;

(a)      Are manufactured in one piece with a maximum thickness of 25mm, and

(b)      The diameter shall be not less than the mating hub diameter.

(5)      Wheel Embellishers: All wheel embellishers shall be removed.

4.8     Tyres:

(1)      All tyres shall be;

(a)      Appropriately speed rated for the vehicle, and

(b)      Fitted to wheel rims that are dimensionally suitable for the tyre.

Note: Space saver tyres are deemed to be unsuitable for competition purposes.

(2)      All Treaded/ Wet tyres shall;

(a)      Have a minimum tread groove depth of 1.5mm across at least three quarters of the width and around the entire circumference of the tyres road contact surface, unless otherwise specified in the vehicle class regulations approved by MotorSport NZ, and

(b)      Only have grooves added;

(i)      As permitted by the tyre manufacturer, and

(ii)     That do not extend further into the tyre than the original tread groove depth.

Note: Manufacturers tread depth indicators shall be used to define the minimum tread depth.

(c)      Have no studs fitted.

(d)      Tyres may have additional hand cut grooves provided that the groove depth does not exceed that of the moulded grooves. Hand cut grooves shall not be considered when calculating the tread groove area.

(3)      All Slick tyres shall;

(a)      Be restricted to Events held on permanent circuits, or Events where they are specifically permitted in the Event supplementary regulations which have been approved by MotorSport NZ and

(b)      Only have grooves added;

(i)      As permitted by the tyre manufacturer, and

(ii)     That do not extend further into the tyre than the original tread depth.

Note: The Clerk of the Course may prohibit the use of slick tyres if conditions are deemed inappropriate (refer Book Two Sch. Z).

4.9       Braking System:

(1)      Condition: The service brakes shall:

(a)      Provide consistent braking action to all road wheels, and

(b)      Have no components that are defective, loose, excessively worn or damaged in a way that could affect braking performance, and

(c)      Have no creep or spongy feel to the pedal, no fluid leaks, and

(d)      Have clean hydraulic fluid.

(2)      Service Brakes: shall also comply with the following;

(a)      Rigid brake lines shall be constructed of steel tubing, and

(b)      Flexible brake lines shall comply with the manufacturers original specification or have;

(i)       A minimum burst pressure of 70 bar (1000psi) or higher according to the operating pressure, and

(ii)      A minimum operating temperature of 232°C, and

(iii)     Threaded connectors at each end.

Note: Hoses shall be approved to a LTNZ recognised standard when fitted to road registered vehicles.

(c)      All brake lines must be of adequate length and correctly installed so that contact against other components will not occur.

(d)      Dual circuit braking systems shall be arranged so that in the event of any failure in one part of the system, braking remains on at least two wheels.

(e)      Brake balance adjusters where fitted shall not restrict the braking effort on each axle to less than 25% of the total braking effort.

(3)      Handbrake: An efficient hand brake shall be fitted to vehicles with a single circuit service brake system.

4.10      Steering and Suspension Systems:

(1)      Condition: The steering system shall:

(a)      Provide a smooth steering action without tightness, roughness or excessive movement, and

(b)      Have no components that are loose, excessively worn, or damaged in a way that could affect the directional control of the vehicle.

(2)      Main components affected include: steering rack/box, hubs, kingpins/ball joints, bearings, bushes, linkages, springs and dampers.

(3)      Repairs or Modifications: to any part of the steering/suspension system that involves welding or heating shall have a suitable metallurgical certificate.

(4)      Steering wheel: Solid wood rimmed steering wheels shall not be used.

Note: This does not preclude a steering wheel of sandwich construction where there is a metal rim, as an integral part of the spokes, covered with a wooden overlay.

(5)      Steering column locks: These shall be removed from, or completely disabled in all vehicles that are not registered for use on public roads.

This is recommended for all events.

4.11      Fuel Tank and Fillers:

(1)      Fuel tanks, Swirl Pots, Filters, Fillers and Pumps: shall be isolated so that in the case of any leakage or spillage the fuel cannot pass into the cockpit.

Note: For vehicles fitted with fuel cells (bladder tanks) MotorSport NZ recommends competitors to inspect at least annually the bladder for chafing and or deterioration of the outer surface. A five year life (from the date of manufacture) will be applied to these tanks as of 01/08/06.

(2)      Fuel Tank Vents: Vents should be designed to avoid spillage if the vehicle becomes inverted.

(3)      Fuel tank capacity: is limited to a maximum of 120 Litres unless the vehicle manufacturers original tank was of greater capacity. In such cases the onus rests with the competitor to provide evidence to support the fitment of a larger capacity tank.

Note: Total tank capacity shall include any swirl pots, filters or any additional tanks.

(4)      All vehicles except Single seaters and Sports racing cars: shall have fuel tanks or approved fuel cells and fillers that comply with the following;

(a)      Are original equipment as fitted to the vehicle; or,

(b)      Are to a standard specified in the vehicle class schedule, or

(c)      To a standard recognised by the FIA and/or MotorSport NZ.

(5)      Single seaters and Sports racing cars: shall have fuel tanks and fillers that comply with the following;

(a)      Are to a standard specified in the vehicle class schedule, or

(b)      To a standard recognised by the FIA and/or MotorSport NZ.

(6)      Fuel fillers: shall comply with the following;

(a)      Have a secure cap(s) that will prevent spillage from fuel surge, and

(b)      Be fitted on the outside of the bodyshell unless;

(i)       They are specifically designed for interior use, and

(ii) Have a drained spillage collar around the neck of the inlet pipe(s).