GT40 Race

[Scott Turner]

My mechanic called Joe Teplitz up at the Pittsburg race/track to confirm what we need for the practice and GT40 race. Noting seemed to state clearly what the car needs for the GT40 race and track time. They are clear on the vintage racing what they required. He said ALL cars must have full tech, including for the GT40 race only. That includes a FULL roll cage, certified fuel cell etc. I believe that may come as a surprise for many of us. Please confirm and make clear for all of us whom have prepaid for the GT40 track time and race what will be required. I will reach out myself to a few folks and see if we can get a written clarification.

Scott t

 

[BenL]

For all out racing, that makes sense.

But I assume that's not a requirement for parade laps or providing rides.

 

[JP Verweij]

That includes a FULL roll cage...

Scott t

Not many GT40's have a roll cage in Historic racing.

 

[Howard Jones]

So will replicas be allowed to participate in the on-track sessions or the race? It seems like a lot of effort to drag a car across the entire country to park it in a parking lot and stand around drinking coffee. I wouldn't have wanted to participate in a wheel-to-wheel (race) but I would have liked to participate in a few open track sessions if I had signed up. At this point, I'm kinda glad I didn't do that.

I know of a LOT of replicas that don't have fuel cells. If fact I can't think of any that do. And as far as certified roll cages go, SCCA or otherwise, I would think that there are VERY few of those.

This is going to be a bust IMHO if there are only a handful of historic real GT40s on the track and everybody else is watching the fun because they get there and don't pass tech.

Just a thought but it might be a VERY good idea to publish any tech requirements and then refund track reservations if asked.

 

[Rick Muck- Mark IV]

So will replicas be allowed to participate in the on-track sessions or the race? It seems like a lot of effort to drag a car across the entire country to park it in a parking lot and stand around drinking coffee. I wouldn't have wanted to participate in a wheel-to-wheel (race) but I would have liked to participate in a few open track sessions if I had signed up. At this point, I'm kinda glad I didn't do that.

I know of a LOT of replicas that don't have fuel cells. If fact I can't think of any that do. And as far as certified roll cages go, SCCA or otherwise, I would think that there are VERY few of those.

This is going to be a bust IMHO if there are only a handful of historic real GT40s on the track and everybody else is watching the fun because they get there and don't pass tech.

Just a thought but it might be a VERY good idea to publish any tech requirements and then refund track reservations if asked.

The Saturday 'open track" event requires tech but NOT cells and cage. For the PVGP "Ground Pounder" these are required. The "All GT Race" is a subset of the PVGP "GP" class, so the race rules apply. See details, entries, etc. here: https://pvgp.org/racers/

Yes, replicas can participate in the Touring laps and the "open laps".

Rules & Regulations – PVGP Historics At Pitt Race | PVGP

Each competitor’s responsibility is to understand and comply with all Rules and Regulations that apply to their car. Non-compliance may result in exclusion or

pvgp.org

 

[Jean-Marc]

The qualification of the car to be allowed to race is driven by the "annexe J" of the FIA rules :

https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/253_2024.pdf

You may check you car point by point, if one is not conformed, you are out. You shall ask to the local representant of the FIA probably SCCA is USA to check your car and give you a pass.
The is valid everywhere in the world. From what I know, some Gelsco or Superformance are racing in Europ.
But this is in not qualifying you for an historic car race.

 

[Scott Turner]

I will reach out to some folks and see if I can get some waiver for the GT40 only race as these cars were made with no roll cage initially and the roof structure was made the way it was to be strong. I have not chatted with them up there, but many racing bodies over here do not require roll cages for GT40 cars, they all require fuel cells. The Pittsburg cite also indicates they have the right for some waivers on some things...that makes it even less clear. There is a full tech sheet you can print off for everything they tech.

 

[Ron McCall]

I believe that VRG is that sanctioning body that is handling tech for the race event. Their website has clear rules that must be followed to participate in the wheel to wheel segment. The open track group will only need basic safety equipment and a current helmet.

Ron

 

[Scott Turner]

I know your correct about the Grand Prix race. Safety is always the focus and will have a very clear answer for everyone as soon as I have personal contact with folks, not just me team mechanic etc.

 

[Randy V]

As a former SCCA Tech Inspector, I can tell you that I would never pass a car, regardless of the owner’s insistence (waiver request or otherwise), to compete in a wheel-to-wheel event, unless it had all the *required* gear and construction for the given class.
It’s not just the lives of the drivers, but the workers, rescue teams and spectators that are to be considered.
The fact that the GT was not constructed originally with the required equipment of today is totally irrelevant.
The cars have evolved over the years and part of that evolution is the survivability of a serious shunt.
Waving a dismissing hand in the air in regard to one’s own personal safety is only a very small part of the big picture.
Now - if the rules are modified for either no passing or contract passing - there’s a different story as the 10-10ths competition is not in play.. This is what many track day events are modeled after - and yes there are contractual personal safety and damage waivers that would need to be signed and witnessed.
I wish I could be at the event as it sounds like a wonderful time for all. Hopefully all will return to their homes afteward with many stories and memories of a safe and spectacular event.

 

[Jim Acquilano]

I have done SCCA and SVRA tech and I think part of the confusion is over GT40 reunion track time and being in the GT40 Race or the Ground Pounnders race. Track time would be treated similar to running in a track day event and would not require the full safety requirements of a race car regarding roll cages and fuel cells. Whereas competing in the GT40 race or Ground Pounders races would require the full array of safety requirements that an approved race car would require. Replicas are allowed in vintage racing as long as they conform to the period correctness (with minor allowances such as fiberglass instead of aluminum/steel body panels) of the car as it was raced. I race an SPF 289 FIA in vintage racing, for it to be allowed it had to have the correct frame, suspension, Girling brakes, differential, engine, transmission, etc. as the originals. I was given a pass on the fiberglass body only.

 

[Randy Folsom]

Seems like a lot of opinions are being thrown about on what might be required. It would be a lot easier if the organizers would simply post links to the reverent regs for each event where those interested can find them. Along with all the waiver forms etc. I would be seriously pissed if I hauled a car there to run in an event only to find out it’s not leaving the parking lot.

 

[steveh88]

The qualification of the car to be allowed to race is driven by the "annexe J" of the FIA rules :

https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/253_2024.pdf

You may check you car point by point, if one is not conformed, you are out. You shall ask to the local representant of the FIA probably SCCA is USA to check your car and give you a pass.
The is valid everywhere in the world. From what I know, some Gelsco or Superformance are racing in Europ.
But this is in not qualifying you for an historic car race.

There are a lot of Gelscoe & Superformance cars running in Europe. I raced at the Spa 6 hours , 5 years ago & there were 18 Gt40's in the race, 120+ cars on the grid. I think 3 GT40's crashed out. I don't think that the FIA insists on a roll cage, but fuel cells (up to date) fire extinguisher systems,seat belts are all subject to tech control

 

[Scott Turner]

I did not mean to create some controversy but wanted folks that have expended and will expend substantial funds and time to get there to have a heads up. We are working on getting some clarity. Possibly I misread the two separate cites, the grand prix and GT40 Reunion ones. I knew the ground pounder grand prix was all in for full tech and they have their forms on their web cite. The GT40 Reunion one had confused me into thinking it would be treated more like a track day for the GT40 race only and not require a license, not require full tech.

Scott t