VSRG e-News, May 2001

Entries for Laguna Seca have been arriving on a regular basis. We still have openings for this race and encourage anyone that would like to race this world famous track to send in your entry. We have petitioned HMSA for additional slots in our run group or possibly adding a second run group for VSRG members. Remember that the deadline for submitting your entry is August 10th. If you have not received and entry packet and would like one, please drop us an e-mail.

Road and Track Magazine plans to be around for our Laguna Seca weekend as they are preparing an article on the 2.5 cars. Many of you might recall that R & T did a cover story feature on the top Datsun, Alfa and BMW of the 2.5 Challenge back in the early 70's. All of the cars of that feature article are still around and racing (or soon will be) and the owners have committed to making their cars available for Road & Track to do a "30 years later" story. The article is scheduled for publication in the January 2002 issue.

Sport Compact Car Magazine's coverage of the first Magnaflow Vintage 2.5 race at Willow Springs should be on the newstands by mid-July(August issue). It has a good article on the series and another feature on Kevin McKee's Alfa.

Our Newest Sponsor, Classic Datsun Motorsports is really diving into the scene and putting together quite a list of vintage legal competition parts. One of their projects is to reproduce many of the BRE parts that are almost impossible to find these days. They are also working on a heat formed Lexan windshield for 510's (new windshields are NLA for the 510). We will be sending out a special update in the next few weeks to give you an idea of what goodies they will have available.

The 2002 Schedule is taking shape already and you might have noted that we have already put a 2002 Schedule heading on the web site. Our first confirmed event is the prestigious Pacific Northwest Historics with SOVREN.

This is a very large spectator event to be held the weekend of July 5-7, 2002 at Seattle International Raceway. The event raises money for the local Children's Hospital and VSRG has committed to raising a substantial donation as well. We will have donation boxes at all of our events held prior to this weekend and we are working with potential sponsors for additional donations. We ask that all members pitch in for this worthy cause as well as forwarding any ideas on raising additional funds.

Rule Interpretation. As we indicated in an earlier newsletter, we have formed a Rules Committee that will respond to all inquires regarding the rules. As questions are answered, the answers will be compiled for an on-line reference (or the rules will be updated) so that all members will have access to the answers. This newsletter will provide the first such answers.

3.A. These rules are intended to be a guideline to acceptable period correct modifications. For "period correct", the rules should be interpreted as what was available to all racers prior to 1973. Cars with modifications that are not period correct may incur weight penalties or be required to remove non-conforming modifications prior to competing. It is the responsibility of the owner/driver to provide documentary evidence to support specifications, modifications or additions to the car. Such evidence can include; pre-1973 factory specification sheets, option sheets or catalogs, the homologation papers for the make and model not to exceed FIA Group 2 specification as of 12/31/72 or pre-1973 SCCA recognition forms for the make and model. Other documentation, clearly dated prior to 1973, such as photos and articles from print media sources may also be considered by the VSRG rules committee which will be solely responsible for determining the weight and validity of such evidence.

Discussion: A common question regarding the use of performance components is "are the rules based upon what was actually run in the series versus what was available during the period"? The answer is; what was available to all racers and that otherwise conformed to the rules.

As often happens, we have found that some have focused on subtle wording of a particular rule(s) and lost sight of what the rules attempt to do and therefore have lost the focus and vintage spirit of the series. As with all rules, the early portion form the basis and the scope of the rules. In our case they also define the focus and spirit of the series are therefore are the foundation of our rules. All rules must be read within the context of rules 1 through 3, especially 3A.

6.E.12. Valves size is free and material is free except that titanium is specifically forbidden. The valve centerlines may not be altered. Upper valve spring retainers/keepers may be made from any material to include titanium.

Discussion: Titanium was not in use during the period and is therefore not allowed as a material for valves. Titanium retainers/keepers are viewed as a reliability issue rather than a performance modification (in some cases are the only types available) and therefore are allowed.

6.E.19. Any transmission may be used so long as it meets the following requirements:

a. The number, up to a maximum of 5 forward gears, and direction of gears shall be the same as factory original or as offered as a factory option for the make and model of the car prior to 1973.

b. Reverse gear must be retained and remain operational.

c. Sequential type transmissions are specifically forbidden.

d.. Attachment or inclusion and use of any form of electronic interface or device is specifically forbidden.

e. The transmission may not be relocated from original.

Discussion: We have noted an increasing number of transmission failures and a dwindling supply of replacements and parts for OEM type transmissions is beginning to impact the number of cars that can compete in the series. This interpretation has the effect of allowing more brands of transmissions to be used so long as they use the same number of forward gears (and reverse) as the OEM stock or option offering.

6.G.1. Carburetor(s) are free up to a maximum allowed throttle body bore size of 48mm for Weber and 50mm for Mikuni/Solex, provided they bolt without modification to original intake manifold as homologated for the make and model of the vehicle.

Discussion: Weber's were not available during the period in a 50mm size, only Mikuni/Solex.

Future Changes:

As a "heads up", the following rule will be changed for the 2002 season.

6.B.1. All cars must be equipped with standard size and shape bumpers mounted in the original position. Bumper material is free.

Contacting the Rules Committee:

If you have a question regarding the rules or the proper interpretation you should submit your question via e-mail to rules@bsedan.com . Questions will be forwarded to the committee members and we will provide a response a quickly as possible. We strongly suggest that your question provide the specific rule(s) you are concerned about as well as any details regarding parts/components that are to be considered. As questions are answered, the answers will be compiled for an on-line reference so that all members will have access to the answers. It is unlikely that the committee will have the time to consider questions on or just before race weekends so we encourage you to send your questions well in advance of a race.