RULES GOVERNING THE EUROPEAN RACING CLASSICS (ERC) RACE SERIES

 

1. SERIES NAME AND STATUS

1.1 The race series is known as the European Racing Classics, abbreviated to ERC. The Series operates as an unincorporated club, consisting of the Convenor, the Committee and the invited and registered entrants in each season.

1.2 The Series is an invitation classic and thoroughbred race series for drivers of European saloon, sports and GT cars, manufactured both before and after 1978 and approved by the Convenor.

1.3 These Rules govern the operation of the Series. They are intended to apply in conjunction with the Supplementary Regulations issued for race meetings at which the Series participates, and the applicable provisions of the MotorSport Manual issued by Motorsport New Zealand Incorporated.

2. INTERPRETATION

2.1 In these Articles, the following expressions shall have the meanings set out:

“Series” means the ERC Series which comprises the AES and Arrow Wheels classes

“Convenor” is the official responsible for governing the Series, whose role is specified in the Appendix to these Rules

“Committee” comprises the Convenor and anyone he appoints to assist with the Series operation

“Major Sponsor” is Arrow Wheels, a manufacturer and repairer of alloy wheels

“MSNZ” means MotorSport New Zealand Incorporated

“handicap races” are races in which a Series handicapper allocates a delay to the cars starting after the slowest car, with the express intention that all cars should theoretically cross the finishing line at the same time

“CoD” is a certificate of description issued by MSNZ.

3. OBJECTS

3.1 The Series aims to provide opportunities for friendly competition for the owners of European classic and thoroughbred vehicles, especially accommodating pre-1978 vehicles but extending to others that can race compatibly with them, using handicap races that are designed to provide an opportunity for every competitor to win and to minimise the incentives to modify competing vehicles. The Series aims to produce enjoyable, sporting and structured competition, with no clear winner before racing commences. It adopts points scoring structures and race formats likely to produce random race winners and to reward regular attendees rather than the fastest cars, in order to encourage participation and support. It aims to provide a place for a wide variety of European classic and thoroughbred cars of all ages to compete, whether or not they comply strictly with MSNZ historic and classic standards, with a strong emphasis on sporting behaviour and driving standards and with the philosophy that the enjoyment of involvement is more highly regarded than winning races.

4. ELIGIBILITY

4.1 Entry to the Series is strictly by invitation extended by the Convenor. Invitations may be extended to the drivers of any classic and thoroughbred cars considered to be appropriate for inclusion in the Series, even if they fall outside the general eligibility guidance for the Series by virtue of age or country of origin and outside the MSNZ standards for historic and classic cars.

4.2 In deciding whether to issue an invitation, the Convenor will have regard to the following matters regarding the vehicle:

(a) The series historic core has been pre-1978 European saloon cars and GTs, running limited period modifications (essentially Schedule T&C, Group 1 & 2 cars). While CoDs are not mandatory, cars holding a current CoD are regarded as particularly desirable.

(b) Departures from strict originality are tolerated, especially to reduce cost and to keep cars regularly competing, but cars with non-period performance modifications are less desirable.

(c) Later European cars of any age may be accepted into the Series, in the interests of grid size and variety, if they are considered suitable (in looks and performance) to compete with the core period cars. It is not intended that they be the fastest cars on the grid and their desirability is diminished by the presence of modern technology (forced induction, electronic driver aids, sequential gearboxes).

(d) Japanese cars, other than older Datsun Zs, are generally not regarded as suitable.

(e) Replicas are acceptable if the car is built to the correct specifications for a specific model.

(f) Period production kit cars (eg De Joux, Mini Marcos, Mini Jem) are acceptable.

(g) Small Clubmans style cars and sports-racing cars (such as Lotus 7, Caterham, Westfield, Lotus 11 replicas) are not normally regarded as suitable, but may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.

(h) Cars are generally allowed the level of modification permitted for pre-1978 cars in Schedule T&C.

(i) Cars should ideally be fully trimmed, apart from carpets and headlining. A dashboard, front passenger seat and covered door and side panels are generally required.

(j) Cars modified to a greater extent than allowed by Schedule T&C for pre-1978 cars (Groups 1 & 2) are generally less desirable, and the extent of departure may affect their acceptability. Non-period modifications such as the use of Kevlar and sequential gearboxes adversely affect acceptability.

(k) Likely lap times should generally be compatible with the existing grids (currently no faster than 1.10 nor slower than 1.30 at Hampton Downs National circuit).

(l) Decisions will be influenced by size and variety of current and expected grids.

4.3 The Convenor will also have regard to the past driving experience and reputation of the driver in deciding whether to issue an invitation.

4.4 Drivers must notify the Convenor of any changes to their vehicles that may affect their suitability or performance in handicap races.

4.5 If required, all Series entrants must submit their cars for inspection by the Convenor or an inspector appointed by the Convenor.

4.6 The other Series vehicle requirements or recommendations are as follows:

(a) Cars and driver equipment must meet all applicable MSNZ safety standards.

(b) Log books are required for all cars, and CoDs are recommended.

(c) Cars should ideally be fully trimmed, with the exception of front carpets and head-linings (which may be removed).

(d) A front passenger seat, full dashboard and covered door and side trim panels should be fitted.

(e) Retention of the rear seat is generally desirable, but not required if the car is fitted with a safety cage.

(f) Slick tyres are not permitted. All competing cars must be fitted with Road tyres or Treaded tyres (as defined by the MSNZ MotorSport Manual).

(g) As a handicap series, whenever a race is declared wet, a front rain light in addition to the mandatory rear rain light under MSNZ Schedule A, is required to aid visibility.

(h) As a sponsored series, the Major Sponsor decals issued to drivers must be displayed on their cars.

(i) Arrow Wheels class drivers are encouraged to use their headlights.

(j) As a handicap Series, the fitting of rear view mirrors on both sides of each car is recommended.

4.7 Decisions to offer invitations, accept or reject or revoke registrations, including by reason of assessment of car or driver suitability or consistency with these Rules and the objects of the Series, are matters for the discretion of the Convenor.

5. SERIES REGISTRATION

5.1 New applications for entry by invitation to the Series must be made by the driver submitting the Series Entry Application Form to the Convenor through the website or by email and, following acceptance, paying the required fee by internet bank transfer.

5.2 Following receipt, the Convenor must consider the application. The Convenor may seek further information about the car or driver and may consult with the Committee, other Series members and vehicle experts before making a decision. Once the required information is to hand, the Convenor must decide whether to accept the application. The decision of the Convenor shall be final.

5.3 In the case of drivers who participated during the previous season, payment of the annual season entry fee only is required. Submission of a new registration form is not necessary unless there have been changes to the details of either the car or the driver, in which case the new details must be provided.

5.4 The Series entry fee for a season is $60 (GST not payable) for new registrations and $50 for renewals by past members. Bank details are shown on the Series website and on emails sent by the Convenor.

5.5 The Convenor will allocate to each car/driver combination a unique and permanent Series competition number, and all Series records and handicaps will be indexed to that number. Permanent numbers may be requested on the Series Entry Form. Preference for competition number allocation will be given to the previous season’s participants although, if a year passes without an allocated Series number being used for Series registration, the number may be made available to another registered Series entrant. The Convenor may also have regard to whether a requested number has been allocated in other compatible race series, such as the Trofeo Series and the Pirelli Porsche Series.

5.6 Although the Series entry fee is intended to entitle one driver to enter one class only using one car, drivers may register an alternative car in the same or other class. If the driver transfers or is transferred by the Convenor from one class to the other, points earned in the season will be transferred and no extra entry fee will be required.

5.7 Acceptance of race entries, acceptance of entries in a particular grid, preparation of the race programme, allocation of race numbers and refunds are ultimately controlled by the race organiser, not the Series.

5.8 By entering the Series, all entrants/drivers thereby agree to comply with these Rules, any Convenor rulings and any applicable Supplementary Regulations and the spirit of the Series.

6. SERIES CLASS STRUCTURE

6.1 The Series is split into two classes, according to lap times.

6.2 The slower of the two classes is known as the AES/TradeZone class.

6.3 The faster class is known as the Arrow Wheels class.

6.4 The Series usually races in a combined grid under the name Arrow Wheels ERC Series.

7. SERIES EVENT STRUCTURE

7.1 The Series calendar shall normally comprise 6 or 7 rounds (with points from the best 5 rounds to count). The Series will publish a calendar before the start of each season. If any changes are made to the Series calendar during a season, an amended calendar will be published and registered competitors given notice by email.

7.2 Entry to race meetings at which rounds of the Series are held must be in accordance with the requirements of the race organiser. The submission of race entries, including their accuracy, is each Series driver’s responsibility.

7.3 At any race meeting where the number of entries exceeds the maximum allowed for a grid, selection for the grid may be on the basis of the earliest date of race meeting entry, at the organiser’s discretion. If the opinion of the Convenor is sought, the recommendation will normally give priority to those who have shown regular support for the Series, and those who are not registered to race in any other series.

7.4 Where possible, each round will consist of a scratch race that will not count for points and two handicap races that will count for points. At meetings at which the Series has more than 3 races, the Convenor will advise, before racing commences, which of the handicap races will count for points.

7.5 The Convenor may, in his discretion, admit to the Series grid at any meeting, on a race invitational basis only and on such conditions as he sees fit to impose, a car that is not entered in the Series. The purpose of the discretion is to assist race organisers to place entered cars in suitable grids, to assist assessment of the suitability of a potential new series member and to enhance the enjoyment of Series competitors by expanding the Series grids at a meeting. Race invitations will be issued on the basis that they take priority for entry behind registered Series entrants.

7.6 If non-Series cars are admitted by race invitation to the grid in any Series race, although the declared result remains a matter for the meeting officials, those cars will be excluded for the purposes of Series points allocation.

8. POINTS

8.1 Points will be allocated to registered Series entrants for the first points scoring handicap race on the following basis:

First Overall 60 points

Second 59 points

Third 58 points and so on down to last place

8.2 Points will be allocated to registered Series entrants for the second points scoring race of a meeting on the following basis:

First overall 100 points

Second 98 points and so on to the last series entrant in the race.

8.3 Whichever late season Series round is declared by the Convenor to be the “final” round will carry double points for both races.

8.4 The awarding of points according to placings are to be determined by the Convenor, primarily by reference to the results declared by the Clerk of the Course, but subject to the following departures:

(a) Entrants to the meeting who fail to finish a Series race will be awarded position points on the basis of the number of laps they completed; when two or more competitors retire on the same lap, they will receive the same points.

(b) The placings of non-Series cars admitted by race invitation to the grid in any Series race shall be ignored for the allocation of points.

(c) No points will be allocated to a driver who suffers a Series penalty in the form of exclusion from scoring points.

(d) Entrants to the meeting who complete documentation, but fail to start a points race or races at that meeting, will be awarded 5 fewer points than the lowest points scoring starter.

(e) Drivers who actively assist the race organisers or act as series liaison on the day will be awarded points equal to the last placed points scoring starter in the driver’s normal class.

(f) In the event of a meeting being abandoned after the first Series handicap race but before the second Series handicap race, the points shall be calculated using the same finishing order as the first handicap race, subject to the exception that cars that failed to finish the first race through major accident or major mechanical failure, will be assumed not to have started the second race and will therefore receive non-starter points. In addition, points for race one and two will be the same (i.e. 60 points for a win).

(g) The Convenor may also adjust the allocation of points to reflect Series penalties (as provided for in Section 9), including for starting errors, and to correct errors by the Clerk of the Course or other meeting officials.

(h) The Convenor may decide not to allocate points to a registered Series competitor who fails to display the class major Sponsor decals at an event.

8.5 Points may be earned by a driver in whatever eligible car the driver chooses, and the driver may change or substitute cars at any time provided that the Series Convenor or his representative at the meeting is informed. If the substitution is made after the commencement of practice, grouping or handicap times will be adjusted accordingly.

8.6 Only the best five sets of meeting points scored in a season by a Series entrant will count towards the Series competition.

9. PENALTIES

9.1 Breaches of the MSNZ rules and the Supplementary Regulations will be dealt with by the MSNZ officials. The Series will have regard, in the allocation of points, to decisions of MSNZ officials which affect inclusion or otherwise in the official results. This section deals with matters internal to the Series, including enforcement of the Series rules and preservation of the Series culture.

9.2 Drivers are responsible for ensuring that they know and adhere to their published grid positions or handicap speed groups. Drivers who jump the flag drop, fail to stop on roll up or leave the grid early or late may have points allocated as if they had finished 20 seconds later.

9.3 Drivers who commit racing infringements which are likely to affect results, such as passing under yellow flags, may also have either points deducted or time deducted (with points re-calculated accordingly).

9.4 The Convenor or his representative at the meeting or the official starter will be deemed JUDGE OF FACT for starting or racing infringements resulting in Series points penalties.

9.5 The Convenor will otherwise be responsible for ensuring that Series competitors adhere to the objects of the Series, obey Series rules and conduct themselves appropriately. The Convenor may investigate and deal with any such concerns (whether they arise from his own observation or complaints by other drivers or observers), including over-driving, excessively aggressive driving, blocking, unsportsmanlike conduct and failing to show courtesy to other drivers and others on or off the track.

9.6 All panel damage suffered in the course of a Series race must be reported by all drivers involved to the Convenor or his representative at the meeting.

9.7 If the Convenor decides to investigate any matter, he must give notice of the concern to the driver and invite an initial response. The Convenor’s investigation must have regard to any initial response, to reports from other competitors or spectators and to any photographic images or video footage available. If the Convenor considers that his investigation gives rise to the possibility of a disciplinary consequence, he must give notice to the driver of his provisional view and the material on which it is based and allow the driver the opportunity to respond.

9.8 After allowing the driver a reasonable opportunity to respond, the Convenor may take whatever disciplinary action he thinks fit. The possible actions include issuing a written warning or admonishment, deduction of Series points, suspension from the Series for a period or exclusion from the Series by withdrawal of the invitation to compete. In the light of the Series objects, conduct of real concern is more likely to result in suspension or exclusion than in loss of points. In reaching a decision, the Convenor must have regard to the seriousness of the conduct, the response of the driver and the prior record of the driver.

9.9 The Convenor will rule on any matters not specifically covered by the published Articles and reserves the right to deduct or allocate points as appropriate and these decisions will not be subject to any appeal to any higher authority.

10. PRIZE MONEY & TROPHIES

10.1 Unless specifically allocated by a sponsor, no prize money will be paid by the Series.

10.2 Using the allocated points as outlined in Section 9, the following awards may be presented annually:

(a) The Convenor’s Trophy (replacing the KEITH MADGWICK MEMORIAL TROPHY) will be presented annually “for consistent racing in a sportsmanlike manner and showing the correct demeanor on and off the track” as determined by the Convenor.

(b) An annual Class trophy will be awarded to each overall class winner, based on the highest points scored for 5 rounds. The trophy for the AES class is now named the Stephen Harris Memorial Trophy in memory of the former owner of AES who died April 2016.

(c) A trophy will be awarded for Top Modern Classic for post 1990 cars.

(d) A trophy will be awarded for the Top Saloon.

(e) The Jim Chrystall Memorial Trophy (formerly the BMC Series Trophy) will be awarded to the driver of the BMC 4 cylinder car with the highest points.

(f) Provided that a sufficient number have competed, trophies will be awarded to the driver who scores the most points in a vehicle from the following countries:

(i) Top British car

(ii) Top Italian car

(iii) Top French car

(iv) Top German car

(g) Provided that a sufficient number have competed, trophies will be awarded to the driver who scores the most points in a vehicle from the following marques:

(i) Top Triumph

(ii) Top Jaguar

(iii) Top Datsun Z

(iv) Top Alfa Romeo

(v) Top Ford

(vi) Top Porsche

(vii) Top BMW

10.3 No driver will be awarded more than one trophy. Non-marque trophies will be awarded in the order set out above and, in any case where the winner of a non-marque trophy would qualify for a second trophy, that trophy will be awarded to the next placed qualifying driver.

10.4 Additional trophies or awards may be made at the discretion of the Convenor who may confer with major sponsors or race organisers.

10.5 All trophies are the property of the Series and must be returned in a good clean condition on or before the Awards Dinner.

10.6 Trophy winners are responsible for getting their trophies engraved.

— Rules as at August 2024

Appendix

ERC Officers

Series Convenor – CHRIS BROWNE

Responsible for all administrative matters including race calendar, Series registrations, calculating and recording points and will be Judge of Fact for Driver Eligibility, Handicap Calculations and points scored;

Will act as Series Co-ordinator at race meetings, inputting lap times, preparing and confirming handicap grid sheets, deciding starting procedures and liasing with meeting officials and will be Judge of Fact when acting as starter, Series Co-ordinator or Driver’s representative;

Also responsible for Series financial records, receipts and payments, organisation of the annual awards dinner and allocation of all awards.

Assistant Series Co-ordinator – CLIVE TAYLOR

Responsible for inputting lap times and producing grid sheets, for confirmation by the Convenor, if present. If the Convenor is not present, the grid sheets prepared by the Assistant Series Co-ordinator will be final.

At each round the Series will be represented by the Convenor or by a Series representative appointed by the Convenor, who may be a non-competing driver who is familiar with the structure of the series.