The following was posted in NASA NorCal a few years ago as a "refresher" and to set the "new norm" there. They continue to use it today as a guide and part of their entry packages for every event. Rather than try and reinvent the wheel, I figured I would borrow an existing document which is used elsewhere. Other than XXXing out the region specific data, it is the exact document currently used in NorCal.
I think Clifton will back me up when I say that the majority of these items can carry directly over to present day and our region going forward.
This is likely going to be a 12 Step Process, so I suggest you get a buddy to help you get thru the tough times. :wink:
-=- Todd Covini
Texas AI & CMC Series Director
++++++++++++++++++++
5/2/2003
To: Northern California Region Drivers
Dear NASA Racer,
I have constructed this special document as a reminder of some of the rules and to convey some new information, as well as establish what is expected of you. Please read this carefully. Your attention to these issues is very important.
It is expected that everyone reading this will take these matters seriously and help bring the program to a higher level, where it should be. The following may, at some points, sound a bit harsh, however this letter is very important to ensure safer and more smoothly run events. This is serious business; so do not be offended by anything in this attachment. There are some issues that we need to address, and some things that need to be changed.
Thank you,
Jerry Kunzman
NorCal Regional Director
cc: David Lang, Race Director
PROCEDURES, REMINDERS, AND NEW POLICIES.
This document is not meant to replace the rules listed in the NASA Club Codes and Regulations (CCR), nor any addendums.
In miscellaneous order:
1) Refund Policy: NASA has a very liberal refund policy for their racers. You may get a refund for any event you miss, providing that you notify the regional office within five days after the event. There is a reason for this rule. In order to make the most out of track time AND be able to get you a schedule in advance, it is IMPERATIVE that you sign up several weeks in advance. Remember, you can always get a refund. This applies to race entries only, not HPDE.
2) Online Entry: Please use the online entry system. You MUST login first before you do anything! Always remember your login name and password. DO NOT create a new account. If you are receiving this letter, you already have an account created. Creating a new one will cause you to lose historical information and you may end up paying for another membership. If you need help call:
3) Registration: If you are pre-registered (that means prior to the event), you do not have to go to Registration. However, you should stop by Registration to pick up a current copy of the schedule, even if you were emailed one. Always remember to register before going on track. If we catch you on track before you have registered for that event, YOU WILL BE BANNED FROM NASA!!!
4) Vehicle Logbooks: EVERYONE must have a tech inspector sign their Race Vehicle Logbook at EVERY event, BEFORE going on track. This is very serious. Failure to follow this rule will result in a minimum fine of $50. No more excuses and no more warnings! Can’t find an inspector? Find the Race Director or another top official.
5) Annual Inspection: Every car must get an annual inspection done before the first race of the season (for that car). Here is a list of tech shops: XXXXXXXXXXXXX You may also possibly have it done at the track. You must call for an appointment. We will try to get you an appointment, but do not wait until the last minute! Going on track without a current annual inspection will likely result in EXCLUSION from the remainder of that event. Other penalties may apply as well.
6) Tech Inspection Form: You MUST completely fill out the Race Car Tech inspection form and sign it, for EACH event. This must be done BEFORE going on track. Keep the form with your logbook. This is for your own protection. The form provides a valuable checklist, and by signing it, you are stating that you have personally checked these items, and you are taking responsibility for them.
7) Rookie and Provisional License Holders:
a. Give your driver’s logbook to the Race Director at the start of each event and collect it back at the end of each event. This is YOUR responsibility. The Race Director will not likely sign off your logbook for any race that you run without having given him / her the logbook first.
b. Remember that you are on probation for the first four races. Any contacts, spins, etc. at any time on course, where you are deemed at fault may cause the Race Director to refuse to sign off on that race, and other penalties may apply. In other words, keep a low profile, and stay out of trouble!
c. Read the CCR with regards to your rookie identification marks. Failure to properly display these marks while on track as ANY TIME will result in penalties.
d. Remember that part of EARNING your racing license is following the rules. If you can’t follow some simple rules and stay out of trouble, then you may find yourself back in the HPDE Licensing School for reevaluation.
8) Pre-Grid: Check for a posting of the pre-grid diagram. One can be found at: XXXXXXXXXXXX or ask a grid-marshal for a copy. Walk over and look at the grid ahead of time. Learn the driving pattern.
9) Gridding: Check the grid posting for your grid space NUMBER. This is usually posted outside of T&S. Park your car in the proper space. Remember, your driver’s side (left) front wheel goes next to the number (if on a cone). If the numbers are flat on the ground or marked on the ground, you may park over them. Do not run over cones with numbers, or the plastic number hats. You will be charged if you damage our equipment.
10) Body Contact: All “body contact” MUST be reported immediately following the race. Report contact to the Impound Steward and file a Body Contact Report form with the Race Director. Read the rules in the CCR about contact. There are occasions when actual contact is not considered “contact.” Other than those cases, ALL contact MUST be reported. Even if you are not at fault yet fail to file a report, you will be penalized. Contact in racing can happen, however at NASA, we do not take it lightly.
11) FIA Seat Ruling: As of this writing, NASA is making an exception to the seatback brace rule in certain cases in which the driver’s seat is homologated (certified) to FIA standards 8855-1999, and installed in accordance with those standards referenced there within as FIA Article 253, sub-Article 16.
This is a very tricky code. NASA cannot recommend whether you should chose to follow that code, however, should you choose to follow that code AND choose not to use a seatback brace, then nothing less than STRICT compliance with that code and standards is acceptable.
Furthermore, 100% compliance with the aforementioned standards is the sole responsibility of the driver. NASA has no way to enforce the strict letter of that code. We are allowing this, because SCCA has amended their rules to allow this. We do not want to force a driver to make a choice, as switching seat configuration back and forth is impractical.
There will be more published on this subject, but for now, you must either follow the CCR or you may forego the seatback brace providing that you conform to the aforementioned criteria in this section. This rule (or exception) does not prohibit NASA inspectors from stopping a competitor from racing, should their seat mount, or any other safety equipment be deemed obviously unsafe. Conversely, remember that just because an inspector allows you onto the track, does not imply that your car is safe. Your safety is ultimately YOUR responsibility.
12) Transponders: You must have an AMB transponder. You can purchase one at registration. Whenever you register you MUST include your transponder number. If you are using a paper form to enter and there is no place for a Transponder Number, then write it on the top of the form. DO NOT trade with your friends! You are responsible for being properly timed and scored. You screw it up, you can yell at yourself!
13) Driver’s Meeting: There is almost always a mandatory driver’s meeting on the schedule. “Mandatory” means that you have no choice but to attend, if you plan on racing that day.
14) Group Leaders: A “group” is defined as the set of cars, regardless of classes that share the track. Each group MUST elect a “group leader.” In some cases, two group leaders might be fine. For example a run group may consist of Legends, BG, RSR, SM, and GTI. Perhaps the Legends may have a group leader, and the other groups may elect a different group leader. It really doesn’t matter, because the intent is to create an effective flow of communication. After each session (practice, qualifying, racing) each group leader should report to Control (or send someone to Control) to see the Race Director. The Race Director will provide them with valuable information and / or infractions. The group leaders will be responsible for hunting down violators if necessary, and dissemination of information. This is critical to the success of the racing program. This is mandatory. Each group may choose a leader (which can be different each weekend), or the Race Director will choose someone. Please help make NASA the best place to race by volunteering a small part of your time, and helping affect this vital communication link.
15) Passing Under Yellow: This infraction is unacceptable and 99% of the time inexcusable. Racers MUST pay attention to the flags. You can expect full enforcement of penalties. There is a rule that states that all racers must give a wave of acknowledgement to each flagger on the cool-down lap. There are several reasons for this. But, one main reason is to force you to get used to the flag station locations. This will help you avoid missing flags!
