Abingdon preparations

[catswhiskers]

OK guys,

For the newcomers amongst us, what do we need to take part in the Abingdon Sprint and Rally? Such things as club memberships (which clubs are options?) RAC Comp. licences, MSA clothing, paddock places? etc.
I read somewhere recently that when applying for a comp. licence, unless you could prove you have held a licence previously, you have to take an ARDS test. I have found one of my previous National Rally licences out but it was from 1985. (yes we did have rallying in them days. Real rallying at that :D ) Would that be acceptable?
Any input appreciated as I want to be prepared.( to make a fool of myself ) ;)

Thanks in anticipation.
Mick

[Swamprat33]

Hi Mick, you don't need to take an 'ARDS' to sprint at Abingdon.

You need to apply for a 'non-race' national B or speed license.
You should not need a medical either.

You can join Sutton and Cheam car club at the same time you pay to compete at Abingdon. That should cover the legal side of things.

You will need to get the car through noise and scrutineering and that shallott :D

Cheers

Tim

[rutthenut]

The Sprint only requires a 'non-race' license, but the Rally would need a bit more...

ARDS is for circuit racing (Association of Racing Driver Schools or summat).
BARS is for rallying (not Association of Rally Schools, or ARS) from what I recall.

If you have an older license, I think that means you don't need to go through the 'new driver' instruction and qualification for the same type of competition. That saves you time and money.

Safety rules pretty straightforward for Sprint cars. More involved for rally cars, of course.

Overalls and crash helmet of suitable spec will be needed for both types of event.

Also need to keep a check on rules for safety harnesses - many events may now require these to be FIA-legal. But road-legal seat belts will do for a Sprint if needed.

One thing to be sure to remember - make up a splitter for the front of the car when doing the Sprint. There's always some entertainment in the paddock each year when watching people make these up from various scraps of wood, cardboard or metal.

(yep, I've been there too in the past when I left mine at home once)

Regards,
J.R.

[chris.richard]

I just got my national B rally licence through no problem. My last licence was 1988. There's abit on the form that asks when you last had one. I presume they check their archives or something.

[SUSIT]

Chris
are you going to enter the rally and sprint this year?

[catswhiskers]

One thing to be sure to remember - make up a splitter for the front of the car when doing the Sprint. There's always some entertainment in the paddock each year when watching people make these up from various scraps of wood, cardboard or metal.

Regards,
J.R.

Good point John, I have to admit I dont think I'd have thought of that. ;)

Mick

[chris.richard]

Chris
are you going to enter the rally and sprint this year?

As things stand, I don't think I'm going to make the weekend this year - Amanda is away and there'll be some childcare to be done! :( :(

[Sando]

The Sprint only requires a 'non-race' license, but the Rally would need a bit more...


Hi Mick it was me who mentioned this to you, I was meaning for Navigating as well. It costs a couple of quid more for the National B Stage Rally Licence. You should be to get this with your previous experience without going through a BARS test, just quote the old National Stage licence number and last year you held it on your application. This will then cover you to do the sprint, or any planned navigating at National B level. I think mine was 92 and got it through ok.

On the car side, another one the Scrutes look for is some Yellow tape marking your battery earth connection. Also I'm sure they are, but solid seat mountings with no flex will also be checked for. Check the belt situation when you get your Blue book about the FIA belts, I think this may only apply to Rallies though? not sure as mine hasn't come through yet.

I would also recommend a fire extinguisher (hand held at least) and a battery cut off switch too :) As a road car in Sprints these are only a recommendation but pretty sensible. :eek:

.......and another quick thought, take a couple of pounds for a helmet sticker when you go to Scrutineering too!

cheers
Rob

[catswhiskers]

On the car side, another one the Scrutes look for is some Yellow tape marking your battery earth connection.

I would also recommend a fire extinguisher (hand held at least) and a battery cut off switch too :)

cheers
Rob

Hi Rob,
Already have those items covered thanks. :D Think I should get the licence application sorted without delay though.

Thanks everyone for your input. Looking forward to it. :rolleyes:

Mick

[carlsberg]

Interested, what dates are the sprint and the rally please.

regards

chris

[Sando]

Hi Chris
10th and 11th June. Would be great to see some other cars competing. Sounds like there will be one or two more this year. :)
When you see the entry regs come out, send them back by return, both sprint and rally are very popular events and fill up fast.

See the home page for futher details or send STRATOS a PM / email.

cheers
Rob

[rutthenut]

Interested, what dates are the sprint and the rally please


10th and 11th June respectively - see here for more details
http://www.stratossupersite.com/StratosMotorsportWeekend2006.htm

Regards,