Rule Changes for 2004.....

[devilmaster]

Rabb noticed the new rule that allows the number 14 to be used again.

So I went looking through the rule book for any new rules that might crop up. (I'm bored. what can I say.... :p) Anyways, if you download the rule book here (http://www.champcarworldseries.com/FanResources/Downloads.asp) , the areas of the rule book that have a black vertical line on the right hand side of the page, are changes. Since transferring it here doesn't match, I will highlight the new language in bold.

So anyways, this might take a couple posts, but i'm going to highlight some changes...


6.21.1. It is the responsibility of the driver of the lead race car to allow the
pace car to safely enter the pits. The lead car shall maintain a steady speed
as it approaches the start line. Drivers are to respect the position of the other
drivers around them, not encroach on their position until the green flag has
been displayed and they have crossed the starting line. After the starter has
displayed the green flag to signify the start of the race, the polesitting race car
must be the first race car across the starting line. In the event that the
polesitting race car has dropped out of the formation for the start, the next
highest subsequent car in the grid order must be the first car across the
starting line. The determination of the order and formation of the field will be
made solely by the Starter at the time the starting signal is displayed. A black
flag penalty or other penalties pursuant to Chapter 10 may be assessed to
any driver that passes the race cars that are assigned to grid positions in the
same line (column) ahead of that driver. The decision of the Officials as to
whether a driver improperly advanced positions prior to crossing the starting
line at the start of the race is not subject to protest or appeal.


6.20. PARADE AND PACE LAPS.
Once the race cars have been properly positioned on the track, they must
remain in such a position until crossing the starting line at the completion of the
parade and pace laps. All race cars must maintain a consistent speed and must
stay in relative proximity to the pace car and the competitors in the row ahead.
Gaps must be avoided. Once the pace car lights are out, tire scrubbing is not
permitted.

It'll be interesting to see if they enforce these rules to ensure clean starts. Also means rolling starts.(I thought they were going to go to standing starts...)


6.22.5. Race Car Contact with Personnel. During the race, any contact
between a race car and any person in the pit lane will result in a mandatory
minimum fine of $1000.00. Injuries resulting from such contact will be subject
to additional penalties pursuant to Chapter 10 at the discretion of the
Officials. The Safety Team member in attendance at the incident will make
the determination of injury. Decisions by the Safety Team and the Officials in
this regard are not subject to protest or appeal.

New rule. If someone pulls a fuel hose apart and starts a pit fire, this could get expensive....

More comin....
Steve

[devilmaster]

6.22.15. Required Pit Stops. Two or three pit stops under green flag
conditions are mandatory. The number of mandatory stops will be determined
based on the scheduled race distance and will be published in a pre-event
bulletin. All mandatory green flag pit stops must be completed prior to the
conclusion of a specified number of laps which will also be published in the
same pre-event bulletin. In the event of a shortened race, this lap number
may be adjusted and announced by radio to the competitors.

6.22.15A. Following a yellow flag condition, a competitor must take the
green flag on the race track before making a pit stop that fulfills the
requirements of a mandatory green flag pit stop.

6.22.15B. Failure to complete the required number of mandatory green flag
pit stops by the specified leader lap number will result in a minimum of a
one lap penalty assessed at the conclusion of the race. Additional penalties
pursuant to Chapter 10 may be assessed. Decisions of the stewards in this
regard are not subject to protest or appeal.

This one will get the most scrutiny by everyone, of course. I don't know if it will be better, but i've always been dead set against mandatory pit stops. The race in Detroit that Moore won when both PacWest cars ran out of fuel on the last lap wasn't a boring fuel conservation race.


6.22.18. Speed Limit Violation During Race. The penalty for a speed limit
violation during the race is a black flag drive-through penalty.

I live the drive through, better than a stop and go....


6.23.5. In the event of a restart within the final ten laps of the race, all lapped
cars shall be repositioned to the rear of all lead lap cars prior to the restart.
There will be no differentiation between race cars one lap down and race cars
multiple laps down for purposes of repositioning the field.

New rule. I'll save my comments on that.

more comin....
Steve

[rosawendel]

it's not a new rule (i don't think), and it makes perfect sense; it's just funny to see:

8.6.7. Dentures. All drivers shall remove all dentures before driving a race
car.
:D :gomer: :D

[devilmaster]

6.24.4. The pace car will be positioned directly in front of the race car which
is in the lead on the track surface. Should the race car which is in the lead on
the track surface enter the pit lane or leave the racing surface, the pace car
will be positioned directly in front of the next competitor remaining on the race
track, regardless of race position. If any race car that could assume the lead
reenters the race track ahead of the pace car, that race car will be
repositioned directly behind the pace car.

Sometimes, the problem with the black line in a rule book is understanding where the new language starts. This rule is one of those times. I assume that the bold is where the rule book has changed. I might be wrong.


6.24.5. As soon as the pace car is dispatched from its designated location, it
is the responsibility of each driver to slow down and follow the pace car
unless directed by the Officials to do otherwise. Drivers at racing speed that
cannot safely slow to fall in behind the pace car may pass the pace car in the
process of slowing to a speed that will allow the pace car to overtake. The
primary function of the pace car is to control and direct the field. The
placement of the pace car by the Officials is not subject to protest or appeal.

Fair rule I guess....


6.24.8. Whenever possible, the competitors will be given a one (1) lap
notification that the pace car will be removed from the racing surface prior to
the restart. At a prescribed location, the flashing light on the pace car will be
turned off and the pace car will accelerate away from the field. At road
course events, double yellow flags at flag stations will be withdrawn when the
pace car light is turned off.

I take this to read that, in the odd chance that the track becomes safe, and the pace car has passed the point of no return(so to speak) they will go around again...


6.25. BLOCKING. A driver altering their racing line based on the actions of
pursuing competitors, or using an abnormal racing line to inhibit or prevent
passing will be considered blocking. Blocking will result in a black flag or other
penalty pursuant to Chapter 10. Judgmental decisions in this regard are not
subject to protest or appeal.

Judgement call. I guess that throws the one move ok, 2 moves not, into question now.... Technically, they could black flag ya with one move to block.

more comin....
Steve

[devilmaster]

6.26. TRAFFIC. Any lapped or about to be lapped driver failing to yield to an
approaching competitor will be presented with double blue flags by the Starter
as ordered by the Race Director. A number board will be displayed identifying
the race car receiving the double blue flags. Failure to immediately give way
will result in a black flag or other penalty pursuant to Chapter 10 of the Champ
Car Rule Book. Judgmental decisions in this regard are not subject to protest
or appeal.

The double blue flags rule is new.(6.13.4, earlier in the book) Only shown at the flag stand. I read it to be a 'last warning' kinda thing.


6.27. AVOIDABLE CONTACT. Any driver who, in the opinion of the Stewards,
initiates avoidable contact which results in the interruption of the another
competitors lap time or track position will be subject to a minimum of a black
flag drive-through penalty. Should the contact result in the immediate retirement
of the other competitor, a black flag stop and hold penalty will be assessed.
Additional loss of points penalties may be assessed at the conclusion of the
race. Decisions by the Stewards in this regard are not subject to protest or
appeal.

Another judgement call. It would have been interesting to see this rule handed down on Moreno last year at Surfers as he tried to bonzai past someone and took tag, tracy and fernandez out.


6.31.1. Distance or Shortened. A race is officially over when the lead race
car has completed the scheduled distance or when the checkered flag is
displayed, whichever happens first. In the case of extreme conditions, or in
the interest of safety, the Race Director may declare a race officially over.
Decisions made by the Race Director in this regard are not subject to protest
or appeal.

hmmm.... surfers? ;)


7.5.1. Champ Car and Champ Car World Series are the names that all series
participants must refer in all verbal references, visual or written mention of the
Series and its activities.

Just thought i'd throw that in.... :D

more comin....
Steve

[devilmaster]

9.6.3 Electronic Sensors. All sensors must be declared to Champ Car prior to
each event. Sensors not explicitly mentioned above must still be declared and
approved by the Technical Director. Any entrant failing to adhere to this rule will
be disqualified or penalized.

9.6.3A. The following chassis sensors are allowed:
Any chassis temperature
Any chassis pressure (single tap only)
Four wheel speeds
Any driver controllable positions
Any strain gauge load sensors
Any angular rate sensor
Any gyro
One external three axis accelerometer
Global Positioning Systems (GPS) sensors
Wheel position and wheel force (not to be used as to measure ride height
(relative to road surface) directly)

9.6.3B. The following chassis sensors are not allowed:
No laser or ultrasonic ride height sensors
No optical speed sensors
No half shaft or gearbox input shaft torque sensors
No multi-tap pressure sensors
No pitot sensor

9.6.3C. Engine Sensors. Only the approved Cosworth engine sensors and
engine wiring looms are permitted. No additional engine sensors are allowed
without the approval of the Technical Director.

For your perusal....

More comin.....
Steve

[devilmaster]

9.4.4E.1a. Super Speedway Events: Handford Mkl Device – 33.50 inch
minimum, 34.00 inch maximum to the endplate as measured
perpendicular to the chassis reference plane. The device shall be
mounted in a standardized manner such that proscribed areas around
the wing are devoid of body work, suspension or other devices, which
could otherwise be shaped to negate the intended effect of the device.
Deflectors or other devices fitted to contravene these specifications will
not be permitted pursuant to 9.4.6L.3. herein. Any change to the normal
engine cover and associated body work used by an entrant at short oval
and road course events that could enhance the performance of the
Handford MkI is not allowed.

Its a new rule....Just in case of a super speedway, I guess.


8.6.3. Earpiece Accelerometers. Effective with the Milwaukee race event
on June 3, 2004, earpiece accelerometers supplied by Champ Car must be
worn by all drivers during all on track phases of all events.

New safety initiative? If it is, :thumbup:


11.2.2. Each protest shall be accompanied by a protest fee of five thousand
dollars ($5,000) of which four thousand dollars ($4000) shall be returned to
the protesting party if the protest is ultimately sustained.

More Comin....
Steve

[devilmaster]

13.3.5. 2003 Atlantic Driver Test Days. Each full season Champ Car team
entrant will receive two (2) additional test days to be used exclusively with
eligible Atlantic drivers as outlined below. These test days must be used
between November 30, 2003 and the first Champ Car race event of the 2004
Champ Car season. Such tests are not provided for in a team's tire allocation.
Therefore, tires supplied for this purpose must be arranged by the team with
the tire manufacturer. Entrants are limited to 12 dry type tires per day.

13.3.5A. Eligible drivers are the top ten points earnings drivers in the 2003
Champ Car Atlantic Championship. Should a driver in the top ten already
have a Champ Cap team contract for the 2004 season, an alternate from
the 11th thru 15th points positions will be nominated.

13.3.5B. The additional test days may not be used by the Champ Car
teams currently signed 2004 driver.

13.3.5C. Each eligible Atlantic driver is limited to a total of 4 Champ Car
tests days.

13.3.5D. Teams that have tested an Atlantic driver under this provision will
not be allowed an evaluation day for that same driver at any time.

13.3.5E. Teams that use an evaluation day for an eligible Atlantic driver
and subsequently wish to use the additional test days for that driver, the
evaluation day will be counted as one of the additional two days.

Good to see for Atlantics....


6.11. DATA DISTRIBUTION AND TELEMETRY DATA COLLECTION.
Throughout the event, timing and scoring information will be distributed to the
pit lane and other areas of the event facility as an IP data stream and in video
form. Telemetry data from the teams will be collected over the Champ Car IP
network.

6.11.1. Pit Lane IP Network. Champ Car will provide a secure network
infrastructure to each team pit box.

6.11.2. Data Distribution. A data stream will be distributed to each pit for
team use. Champ Car Timing and Scoring will supply the software necessary
to use the data stream. The pit stand LAN must make a connection to the
Champ Car pit lane network through a Champ Car supplied firewall/router
using a team supplied standard CAT 5 network cable.

6.11.3. Computer Specifications. The minimum specifications for the
computers connected to the data stream are as follows:
Pentium 1 GHz or better
128 MB RAM
300 MB of available hard drive space
800 x 600 or greater monitor resolution
Windows 2000 or later
Network Adapter with a RJ-45 connector
CD-ROM

6.11.4. Telemetry Data Collection Throughout the event a subset of the real
time telemetry data from each race car must be made available to Champ
Car. The required channels are RPM, speed, gear, throttle, front brake
pressure, steering angle, longitudinal acceleration, lateral acceleration, lap
number, lap time and lap distance. A PC on the team’s pit stand must run the
telemetry data collection software provided by Champ Car. A connection to
the Champ Car pit lane network is required pursuant to 6.11.2.

All new, for you computer geeks ;)

More Comin....
Steve

[devilmaster]

6.13.2. Blue Flag. The blue flag with diagonal yellow stripe indicates that an
approaching race car is attempting to overtake and the race car being
signaled should give consideration to the overtaking competitor. Any driver
who fails to use his mirrors to acknowledge the presence of other competitors
or who fails to yield to lapping competitors may be penalized pursuant to
Chapter 10.

6.13.3. Double Blue Flags. A lapped or about to be lapped driver failing to
give way to approaching competitors shall be shown two blue flags from the
Starter as ordered directly from the Race Director. Any driver failing to give
way following display of the double blue flags will be penalized pursuant to
Chapter 10.


6.13.5. Red Flag. The red flag indicates a complete stoppage of the race,
practice or qualifying session due to some unsafe condition. All timing shall
cease upon the official command from race control for the display of the red
flag. A red flag will be waved by the starter when it has been decided to stop
any session or race and instruction has been given by race control.
Simultaneously, each corner station will also wave a red flag. Upon display of
the red flag during practice, all drivers must immediately and cautiously
proceed, if possible, to their assigned pit and stop. Upon display of the red
flag during the race, all drivers must immediately and cautiously proceed to
an area designated by the Race Director and stop. Passing is not allowed in
either case. During the race the designated area is to be considered a “parc
ferme” and as such, a secure area. All allowable procedures are outlined in
“Champ Car Red Flag Procedures” available at all events and from the
Officials. If a race car is taken from the parc ferme to its assigned pit during a
red flag period, penalties pursuant to Chapter 10 will be assessed to that
competitor upon the restart of the race.


6.13.7B. At road course events a white flag will be displayed from flag
stations to indicate a race car not at racing speed on the racing surface. A
waving white flag indicates an emergency service vehicle or a very slow
moving race car. Caution must be exercised when passing such vehicles.


6.17.2C. Shortcutting.

6.17.2C.1. During qualifying sessions, a time will not be given for any lap
in which the driver shortcuts the course.

6.17.2C.2. Event specific instructions that pertain to or define shortcutting
the course may be issued as conditions warrant.


6.17.2D. Spare Car. Under all circumstances when a spare car is used by
an entrant, the entrant’s primary car will lose all qualifying times. A spare
car will start the race at the back of the grid if it does not participate in a
qualifying session.


6.17.4F. The fastest qualifier from each session will be guaranteed a front
row starting position and one championship point. The fastest overall time
will determine the polesitter. All remaining starting positions will be
determined using a driver’s best single lap time obtained during either
qualification session.

Don't know why that rule is listed as new.... Seems to be the same....

Well, that seems to be about it.... have Fun reading! :D
Steve

[DjDrOmusic]

Steve, you really have a lot of time on your hands, don't you? ;) :D

[Turn7]

Elected officials....geeez! :gomer: :p

[devilmaster]

I needed something to do while pi$$ed off parents called me all day.....

http://www.canada.com/windsor/story.asp?id=35378119-83EC-4CF6-9C44-DD3CB3BB313B

Steve

[Turn7]

As they would say down here....

"You in a heap a trouble boy."