2017 CAMS NSW Superprints Championship

[guss]

When I checked my tyres at SS Rd1, I didn't notice the "only'. A quick internet search shows you're right. Damn...

"Race Tyres means and includes: -
(a) Racing slicks and/or
(b) any tyre marked "for racing use only”, or words to that effect and/or
(c) any tyre where the manufacturer has stated in writing that: -
(i) it is suitable for racing use only and/or
(ii) it is suitable for use on the race track only and/or
(iii) it is not suitable for use on a public road or highway."

[Luke]

That's why I am using the word recommended as the word in question.
This is why I hated English at school, there are too many ways to interpret a few words. And then the teacher would give you a bad mark if they didn't like the way you understood it.
Now Maths, that's great stuff, right or wrong.

I believe it is still worth questioning their judgement, since if you don't ask, nothing will change at all.

[Nuddy]

That's why I am using the word recommended as the word in question.
This is why I hated English at school, there are too many ways to interpret a few words. And then the teacher would give you a bad mark if they didn't like the way you understood it.
Now Maths, that's great stuff, right or wrong.

I believe it is still worth questioning their judgement, since if you don't ask, nothing will change at all.

I was an engineer and I went to uni to do a medical science degree. On a physiology assignment the lecturer commented "you need to learn to write an essay".
I replied "no I don't, I know how to write a report". Essays are ambiguous. Good reports are unambiguous. We also had a disagreement over the meaning of 'delay'.

IMO "Recommended for competition events only" could be interpreted to mean "If you use these on your daily drive you will be disappointed with the wear rate".

Also not all competition events are racing. These tyres may be perfect for tarmac rallying on public roads, or even for fuel economy competition events.
If they meant racing they would surely say so.
For clarity and fairness the only way is to specify each make and model of treaded tyre that is NOT permitted and any individual tyre that has been allowed should continue to be allowed until it is worn out.

[Nuddy]

Ah OK, now we're getting to the nub of the matter ...

In my experience with stock NA6 and NB8A 10AE, there is roughly a second between each step in tyre choice, give or take a few tenths.

LSD vs open diff? I'm guessing but possibly around half a second. It affects your ability to get out of slow corners where you're prone to spinning the inside wheel. Yes, even on stock power. There are two slow corners at Wakefield (8 and 10).

Try calling Gordon Leven Motorsport Tyres at Emu Plains and ask about used A050s in 195/50R15 or 205/50R15. They often have stacks of them and at around $50 each, they're unbelievably good value. You should get a half a season out of a set. They are brilliant R-specs.

To get your times down quickly, forget about stock or clubman classes, as that will take you too long. You need a faster car. Fit a Torsen LSD, lowered springs and stiffer swaybar. Headers and exhaust would help too, but not essential. With R-specs, that's all you need to have a cheap car capable of consistently lapping Wakefield in under 1:16. Once it's set up right, it will be a much easier car to drive on the track compared to stock.

OK I will start off stock for the hillclimb on 30th April then probably change brake pads and tyres for Wakefield on 15th May and look for a Torsen.
I knew Gordon Leven in the 1970s when we both ran Datsun 1600s.
Should i stick with standard wheels or go wider?

Well the waffling is over. I am still waiting for the roll bar but was too impatient so I have started without it. Sparco seat, Racelid + Simpson hybrid, lap/sash belt.
Also a 4.3 Torsen V2 became available so I went for it. using half worn road tyres.
1st event was the CSCA supersprint on Sunday at SMSP North Circuit.
I was grouped with : Porsche 924 GT, BMW, MGB, Triumph Stag, Falcon XR6, another MGB, Datsun Sunny, Fiesta XR4, Jag XJ6, Mini JC Works, MGF, Renault Megane R26, Cortina Mk1.
I chose to start last in the group for my first ever lap at SMSP. I'm guessing my first timed lap would have been about 1:40 and I got down to 1:35.something in the first session. Lapped by the Porsche and the BMW.
Session 2 I accidentally started in front of the Fiesta and found I was quicker down the straight but he was quicker through the corners. Also I caught but did not overtake the Mini. Down to 1:33.something. Finding the rev limiter (7200rpm) in 4th 3/4 way down the main straight. Too nervous to go to 5th (5 speed).
Session 3 I found myself in overtaking the Fiesta on the main straight and he was catching me under brakes into turn 2. Stayed in front through the rest, just and pulled away again on the straight. Caught and passed the Mini. Lap time down to 1:32.something.
Session 4 I overtook the fiesta again on the straight , and the Mini, through a corner. Getting braver at the end of the straight, briefly into 5th. Keeping ahead of the Fiesta through the corners until I overdid it and slid off onto the grass exiting turn 2. Re-joined after 4 cars got past. Best lap was 1:29.282
Session 5 I started last and held back on the warm up so I wouldn't catch the Fiesta on the main straight, intending to follow his line through the corners and be smoother. Changing up at 6000rpm and staying in 5th gear through turn 1. Mini went home after session 4. I nearly caught the Cortina. Best lap on session 5 was 1:30.something.

I'm very happy with the Torsen, definitly feel I would be slower without it. I think a 4.1 final drive would be better on this circuit as I would have stayed in 4th gear at the end of the straight and through turn 1. However on circuits with a shorter main straight I think the 4.3 will be good. I can see big improvements coming with better tyres but these are very predictable.

Hope to get the roll bar before the track day on the 23rd. Tyres and brakes are still good.

[greenMachine]

Phone call from NSWRRC today.

Places are still available for Rd3, on SMP North circuit on 18 June. Usually places for non-registrants are in short supply, so this is an opportunity for anyone who would like to put a toe into the water, perhaps thinking about registering for the Series next year. You need a CAMS L2S (or better), and be a member of a CAMS affiliated car club. Entry is via the CAMS event entry here.

[greenMachine]

Rd3 was held in clear and sunny conditions, but with a cool breeze. Fortunately the forecast rain did not eventuate (last year's North circuit round was VERY wet!).

That cool breeze kept track temps down, and that may have been a contributor to the carnage that seemed to reign, there being more red flags than I think I have ever seen before at a Supersprint. As far as I know nobody was hurt, other than in their wallets, but it did slow down the first part of the day.

Our lead has been trimmed back by ARDC, but we have held on and that is the main thing! Now to steady the ship, and keep the lead through Rd4 and beyond. Speaking of which, Rd4 entries are open (hint)!!

We had 18 competitors doing the heavy lifting yesterday, led by three new record holders (Scott, David and Matt) with other Class winners being Bryan, Tony W and Gus - six Class wins from 18 starters, that is an excellent strike rate, especially on a circuit that we generally don't like - maybe a re-evaluation of that is needed?!. I also should note that Bryan's and Tony K's old Class records remain intact for another year!

See you at SMP GP for Rd4 on 16 July!!

[Luke]

When I checked my tyres at SS Rd1, I didn't notice the "only'. A quick internet search shows you're right. Damn...

"Race Tyres means and includes: -
(a) Racing slicks and/or
(b) any tyre marked "for racing use only”, or words to that effect and/or
(c) any tyre where the manufacturer has stated in writing that: -
(i) it is suitable for racing use only and/or
(ii) it is suitable for use on the race track only and/or
(iii) it is not suitable for use on a public road or highway."

Well its officially confirmed.
Yesterday at Round 3 they made the official announcement.
We cannot use NT01's in road registered class' as they deem the tyre to be a "Racing" tyre.
So that definitely means Type 1 and 2.
Type 1 Rule
"8.2 Only Road Tyres are permitted to be used. Tyre sizes must adhere to manufacturers’ original specifications in respect to width and aspect ratio or as close thereto as commercially available."
Type 2 Rule
"8.1 Only Road Tyres are permitted to be used. Tyre sizes with respect to width and aspect ratio are free."

Type 6 Time attack I'm not sure. They told me before this issue came up that I could move to Type 6 if I kept using NT01's. To me the rules are confusing for this class regarding tyres.
Type 6
"1.5 Not with standing any requirement to the contrary contained in the Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge Technical Regulations for all Vehicles, Road Tyres are permitted."
So does that mean you can ignore the Time Attack rules and not use the designated Yokohama tyres?
Plain simple English please or does anyone here know how to translate that.
It doesn't exactly say race tyres are banned or make it obvious that only road tyres can be used like Type 1 and 2.

[Nuddy]

My interpretation of the above is:
This is not the Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge, it is the Time Attack Class in the NSW Supersprint Championship. Thus you are not obliged to use Yokohama tyres as Yokohama are not contributing to these events.
To say "road tyres may be used" to me implies that the default position is race tyres, slicks. If you want to use a road tyre you may do so.

[greenMachine]

I have put the question to the Eligibility Officer.

As soon as I hear something, I will pass it on. In the meantime, for the TA classes I would caution against spending on new tyres until we have clarification.

FWIW, my interpretation of the Tech Regs is that AO50s are permitted, and any tyre on 'the road tyre list' is permitted. Whether the Nitto is permitted, nothing in the regs suggests that it is. Common sense suggests that if the Yokie R-spec is permitted other R-specs would/should/could be allowed too, but as we all know, there is nothing common about common sense .

Stay tuned.

[Luke]

Already sent an email yesterday and just got the response now.

To keep it short and simple, in Type 6 Time Attack you have to use "Road" tyres.
That means tyres on the CAMs production tyre list and all other "Road" tyres.
So no Nitto NT01's allowed in Type 6.

There are only 2 Types in the series where you can use "Race" tyres.
Type 5 & Type 7. But not 7A. That means NT01's can only be used in these 2 Types.
Neither of those Types look road registered MX-5 friendly.


And below is the long answer I have been supplied with including the answer to the question of Nitto NT01's being declared race tyres.

The Nitto NT01 hasn’t been “declared” a race tyre by the Panel as the manufacturer has always designated it as such.
 
The Panel wanted to confirm this and see it for themselves before issuing its notice about these tyres.
 
The only Types that can use Race Tyres are Type 5 and Type 7.
 
Race Tyres are not permitted in Type 6.
 
The WTAC Rules upon which our Tech Regs are based restrict entrants to a control brand of road tyre. The clause 1.5 that you are having difficulty with states that this doesn’t apply in our Type 6 and “Road Tyres” (refer to the definition) can be used  thereby giving competitors a much wider choice that if competing in WTAC. In the Tech Regs, any word in bold & italic have been defined in the definitions section earlier in the regs as stated at the bottom of Page 11.
 
The definition of Race Tyres on page 10 of the Tech Regs is below:

“Race Tyres means and includes:
(a)          Racing slicks and/or
(b)          any tyre marked "for racing use only”, or words to that effect and/or
(c)           any tyre where the manufacturer has stated in writing that:
(i)            it is suitable for racing use only and/or
(ii)           it is suitable for use on the race track only and/or
(iii)          it is not suitable for use on a public road or highway.”
 
Please also note that the following is included in the definition of Road Tyres on Page 11 of the Tech Regs:
 
“Race Tyres are specifically excluded from this definition of Road Tyres.”
 
Finally, the Tech Regs only state what is allowed in each Class or Type, if it is not stated as allowed in the Tech Regs, it isn’t allowed.
 

Interesting way to interpret the regs.
If it aint in there you can't have it.


Well I think the next thing to do is contact Nitto.
Apparently they have been asked and given the forms in the past to get the NT01 put onto the CAMS Production car tyre list.
I'm sure there would be some sort of fee they would need to pay as well.
I gather the more people that ask them to do something about it, the more likely they will.
They are only doing themselves a disservice by not getting the CAMs approval for them.

[Guran]

What a crock. If the Nittos are road legal according to RMS then they should be considered a road tyre for supersprint classes. Had anyone thought to get an official ruling from RMS? Then take that to the Supersprint panel.

[Nuddy]

What a crock. If the Nittos are road legal according to RMS then they should be considered a road tyre for supersprint classes. Had anyone thought to get an official ruling from RMS? Then take that to the Supersprint panel.

I agree. RMS has the say on what is legal on our roads. Their decision should be binding on the panel.

[greenMachine]

Well, here we are staring down the barrel at the last round, SMP GP on 15 October. How the year has flown ...

The Club has been quite successful, with multiple Class winners. We go into the last round with a small lead in the Club Championship, but the last round will be decisive - who will come out on top? ARDC are within striking range, will we have enough in the tank to hold on? The prize for us is not just a Club Championship, but being the first Club to win four in succession.

The call for entries has gone out to registrants, as we need all the entries we can get. The Club Championship is about participation, and last year the points scored by our registrants who only did one round were greater than our winning margin! Everyone makes a valuable contribution to our success in the Club Championship!

Hopefully we can pull it off again this year, my fingers are crossed, my entry is in, and the car is loaded on the trailer, ready to rock and roll!

[greenMachine]

And we did it!! The fourpeat has been achieved!

Not only did we as a Club hold the lead we took into this round, we eked it out another 9 points to 261! Congratulations to our six Class winners – Michael (1B), Tony (2A), Scott (4A), David (4B), Ralph (6A), and Matt (7A). They were ably supported by second places from Jason (2A), Jamie (4A) and Jon (4B).

Top scorer this year was David in 4B with another ‘possible’ 175. Other 2017 Class winners were Bryan (1B), Jason (2A), Gus (2B), Scott (4A), Phil (6A) and Matt (7A).

A total of 35 Club registrants scored points this year, each and every one making a contribution to the Club’s record-breaking success.

When the tech regs were rejigged for this year, many of us wondered about whether our successes to that point had come to an end. But 2017 has proved a triumph for us, thanks to the resilience and consistency of our competitors.

In congratulating ourselves, we remember that the four-peat was built on each of the preceding years, and the congratulations go to the Club pointscorers from 2014, 2015 and 2016 equally with those of 2017 – all 63 Club competitors have made this success possible.

Over the four years Luke has been our top scorer, the only one to top 600 points! Congratulations Luke! A further four got into the 500s – Bryan (560), Russ (557), me (553) and Ralph (500).

Top scorers by year were David L (2014, 169), Phil D (2015, 158), Chris W (2016, 175) and David J (2017, 175), well done to each of you. It should be noted that Chris and David each scored the maximum – seven class wins in seven rounds!

Thanks to EVERY pointscorer, you have contributed to our results in a meaningful way. The strength of our Club is the depth of our competitors, and whether you did only one round, or been there for every round every year, you are part of our success, and the reason for our success!

Thanks for your participation and contribution.

[PeterB]

Congratulations, well done all.

Great report Ed, thanks for all your enthusiasm over the year co-ordinating the troops.