Quote:
| Originally Posted by Douglas Chris
I have seen many sets of (car) racing regs during my career as a Club racer using standard production engines. This included writing some whilst being involved in running a championship for single seater cars. We have also had to deal with these types of issues.
Our definition of standard parts is those supplied by the original manufacturer for that type and model etc, with the stipulation that no material should be removed from or added to it. Evidence of machining or polishing would make the item illegal.
If "balancing" is to be allowed, then the regs state where the material can be removed from the parts. Most manufacturers provide bosses or other areas to be machined to allow balancing of rotating parts.
Although it is often argued that this means stripping is needed to police the regulations, in practice this isn't neccessarily the case. This type of regulation makes it quite clear what is allowed, so all competitors know where the line is, and stick to it. It is ambiguity that encourages people to devise rationales for border line mods, convincing themselves they are legal. Wholesale stripping isnt appropriate at our level, so cars are usually only subject to such a detailed check if other evidence indicated there may be a problem. The paddock is usually pretty good at smelling rats!
This approach may or may not be appropriate for DD, but I thought you might find it interesting.
PS I was riding with you on New Years Day on my wifes 750ss ie! |
Douglas,
A very sucinct and to the point post which speaks volumes for common sense, thank you.
The point about individuals "beleiving" that they can interpret the rules in a manner that supports their train of thought, is very pertinent.
Ultimately in any race series (cars, bikes or whatever) there is a need for a set of rules to which everyone can compete. There has to be an element of trust within the competitors that people will abide by them so that the playing field can be as level as possible.
Within DD there is a clear statement within the rules that:
EVERYTHING THAT IS NOT AUTHORISED AND PRESCRIBED IN THIS RULE BOOK IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN
Now I would say that this is a fairly unambiguous statement. We have encouraged, and most people seem happy with, the process that if any rider is not certain about an interpretation, then they should ask the Race Committee before proceeding and therefore get a ruling. This has in fact led to a number of instances where the rules have been amended and clarified to help all competitors.
In part the rules were originally written to try and prevent the ability for people to spend a lot of money on their engines and try and rien in costs.
One little joker sent me the following yesterday:
If balancing a crank is classed as not modifying it, will doing this little lot be OK.
I could do with a speedy decision as I am running out of time to get all this done especially as I'm also considering the 6-speed conversion with a dry clutch.
One of my con rods is slightly heavier than the other and both are heavier than the minimum weight quoted by the factory, I know what I would like to do is balance them so that the meet the factory minimum weight. After all the engine will be smoother and less likely to shake apart
Same as above goes for the new pistons
Also my rear cylinder head has a lower flow rate than the front cylinder head and I know someone elses flows more than that, so I think I'll get someone to alter them so they both match the higher flow rate of somebody elses engine, so long as I don't exceed the class bhp limit I should be OK
Just been comparing camshafts and found mine have a fraction less lift than my mates and are even different to each other, I'll have to get them ground to the factory tolerance that will give the best performance. I'm not modifying them as thats probably how some left the factory.
After checking the combustion chambers one is marginally smaller than the other so what I will do is match the other one to it, a quick skim will sufice after all its not really removing material as thats how it should have left the factory it just good practice to balance them out.
Just found out XXXXXXXXXX's flywheel weighs a tad less than mine but is still within factory tolerance, I'll have to adjust mine to suit.
Waiting in anticipation.
Luickily I paged down on the e-mail and read the "Gotcha" comment before I started a reply, nice wind up and yes I nearly fell for it!!!!!
There is a question in front of the RC now about clarifying section 1.6.21, to make it absolutely clear. Though I notice that "no modifications allowed" seems to already be in the rules for all of the above intended work.
Lord Mayors show
Well my poor little 98 struggled manfully to keep up with you guys after the finish and on the way back to Bob's. That it has about 4.5bhp (claimed) and had two of us on it might have had something to do with it. I must admit I had a great day out and cant wait for the 2010 event.
The photos of some of the head gear really made me laugh (sorry Graham). One thing I think we will do at the next one is try and ride up from Wimbledon rather than use the trailer as parking is a real problem in Wandsworth!