Observed Section Trials Formula
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OBSERVED SECTION TRIALS This section describes the constructional requirements for cars taking part in what is described as Observed Section Trials. These events were introduced to Australia from England in 1950 by the late John Pryce and have since been conducted regularly by the Austin 7 Club Inc. whose Competitions Committee has developed the specifications for the cars involved. Observed Section trials are intended to be strictly amateur status and involve the cars traversing marked sections (the number depending only on the time available) of muddy or slippery surfaces or tortuous, steep, or otherwise difficult terrain. The purpose of each competitor is to traverse the whole of each section non-stop from a standing start, without departing from the marked course or hitting any of the markers en route. Sections, which may vary on length from 25m to 100m or more, are each divided into 10 parts, each marked by opposite pairs of pegs or markers. Points are awarded for the number of such pairs passed by the leading edge of a front wheel before the non-driven wheels both cease rotating. Pegs need not be at uniform intervals along the section - the distance apart determined solely by the estimated degree of difficulty; however they must always be widely enough spaced in each pair for it to be possible for cars to pass between without touching them. The competition must not be a speed event, and must not be timed, nor shall the highest speed attained be in any way a determinant of the competition: infact, high speed is usually penalised by hitting markers, colliding with obstacles or leaving the course. The purpose is to maintain traction and maneuverability under difficult conditions. Prior to constructing or modifying an OST Car, please check with the Austin 7 Competition Committee Representative to ensure specifications are relevant or in a state of imminent change. The OST Committee would be most happy to provide assistance with the interpretation and explanation of these specifications, or on any area of car construction. |
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OBSERVED SECTION TRIALS FORMULA 1. GENERAL This formula describes the constructional requirements for cars taking part in Observed Section Trials. Supplementary Regulations for individual events may be added to or subtract from these requirements to meet special cases, but such alterations shall be kept to an absolute minimum. This Formula shall remain in force for the duration of the year of issue without alteration and will be reviewed annually in the final quarter of each year. Any amendments will be announced by 1st January, and the Formula as amended shall then remain in force for the ensuing calendar year. Any car constructed to this Formula shall be deemed to comply for three years after a change has been made to this Formula, except where change has been made for reasons of safety. 2. ENTRIES (i) Each automobile competing in an Observed Section Trial shall carry a crew of two persons, including the driver. (ii) The entrant and the driver shall hold a CAMS Level 2NS licence as a minimum. Only cars complying with the following description will be eligible to compete: A four stroke reciprocating engine with a maximum engine capacity of 1600cc running on commercial fuel. Turbocharging or supercharging is not permitted. Rotary engines are not permitted. A wheelbase not less than 1900mm for cars with an engine capacity of up to 850cc and 2030mm for cars with an engine capacity between 851 and 1600cc. (refer Figure 1). Two wheel drive only An operable reverse gear An open body must be fitted with seats for at least the driver and passenger. Hard tops are not permitted. Minimum width front 1145mm, minimum width rear 1270mm, each measured outside of tyre to outside of tyre at axle centre height (refer Figure 2). Competing cars shall be one of only two types: Front Engined Cars: The engine must be located so that the centre of the foremost spark plug orifice is not more than one fifth of the actual wheelbase to the line rear of a line connecting the centres of the front wheel hubs (refer figure 3). Rear Engined Cars: Free engine placement provided the cockpit is located entirely between the axle centre lines and forward of the foremost point of the engine. (i.) General : Each car must be: (a) Of sound construction and mechanical condition, have no temporary parts, and be maintained in good condition. (b) Fitted with four wheels only. Duplication of wheels is not permitted. Two driving wheels only are allowed and a differential gear in full and free operation must be fitted between them. Limited slip differentials are not permitted. Steering shall be by the front wheels only, controlled by a steering wheel. (c) Fitted with a body of adequate strength and workmanship, providing a compartment for the driver and passenger effectively isolated from the engine by a bulkhead suitable and sufficient, in the case of fire, to inhibit the passage of flame. This compartment must be fitted with rigidly supported floor, cases or covers of solid material separating it from transmission shafts and joints, brakes, road wheels and their attachments and linkages to protect the occupants. (d) On both front and rear engine cars, be fitted with a cover of metal or solid non flammable material, covering and surrounding the engine and fixed by a strap or other fastenings of adequate strength and efficiency (refer figure 6). (e) On front-engined cars the bodywork, together with all external equipment, on front engine cars shall not overhang the rear axle centre line by more than one third of the wheelbase measured horizontally from a line connecting the centres of the rear hubs. (f) On rear engine cars, the bodywork shall not extend rearwards more than 75mm. behind the rearmost part of the actual engine or gearbox or gear change mechanism (refer figures 4a & 4b). All coolant pipes passing from the front to rear of the car or vice versa, whether inside the cockpit or outside the car, must be protected from accidental contact by driver, passenger and any person outside the car. Cars must be equipped with securely attached fixed seats within the cockpit, capable of seating the driver and one adult passenger, and adequate for the purpose of retaining them within the vehicle. The rearmost portion of these seats shall not extend to the rear beyond a line connecting the centre of the rear hubs. The seat cushion (that part on which the occupant sits) shall, when uncompressed be not less than 150mm below the top edge of the body side or door, adjacent to that seat. Other seats of any kind may be fitted, but only the passengers seat, beside the driver, shall be occupied during competition. A hand hold for each passenger's hands shall be provided within the confines of the car. As required by Schedule I of the CAMS manual, a lap type safety harness shall be fitted for each occupant as a minimum. Safety harnesses must be properly mounted and are subject to scrutineers' approval. Each car must be fitted with effective brakes on at least two wheels. Brakes must remain operative throughout the event. Independent braking systems are permitted on the driving wheels. The operating handles for the braking system must be totally within the confines of the cockpit. (The intention of the above is to prevent contact between the drivers hand and obstacles outside the vehicle). Each car must be fitted at the rear with effective mudguards of solid material which must be securely attached and completely cover the tyre width and one third of the circumference of the wheel. The rear extremities must not be higher from the ground than a horizontal line passing through the centres of the wheel hubs (refer Figure 5). Front mudguards are optional. Each car must be fitted with an exhaust system and effective mufflers, so that hot parts are protected from accidental contact (refer Figure 7). Exhaust systems must be arranged so that exhaust gasses will exit vertically up or down. Noise emission should not exceed 92dB(A) at 3,500 rpm when measured 500mm from and at an angle of 45° to the exhaust outlet. Each car must be fitted with an effective means of starting, other than via the transmission, i.e. A starter motor or crank handle (which shall remain operable during the event). Each car must be free of ballast in any form. Each car must be equipped with an adequate non-metallic tow rope of at least 7m in length with a minimum diameter of 17mm. Whilst competing it shall be attached to the front of the vehicle, using a hook. A towing eye shall be provided front and rear marked in a contracting colour and mounted no higher than the tops of the adjacent wheels. (xi) Competition Number Clips: Each car must be fitted with an effective spring clip fixed to the rollbar so that the competition number is visible above the rollbar from the front and rear. Each car must be fitted with an easily accessible ignition switch marked to show "Off "and "On" positions. Each car's battery must be securely fixed and covered to prevent spillage of the contents. Each car must be fitted with a roll over protection structure (ROPS), the main hoop of which shall consist of mild steel tubing of circular cross section, with minimum dimensions of 44.45mm OD x 2.5mm wall thickness (1.75" x 12 gauge), with longitudinal bracing of minimum 25mm OD x 1.6 mm (1" x 16 gauge). Other material may be used provided it and its dimensions conform to a CAMS Schedule J Type 2 rollbar. The ROPS when viewed in rear elevation, must cover the full width of the shoulders and be at least level with the tops of the heads of both occupants when normally seated. Fuel vent pipe must exit to the atmosphere at a level lower than the bottom of the fuel tank. The fuel tank cap must seal the tank. All fuel lines must be securely clipped with worm drive type clamps on all joints or connections. Pressure spring clips are not acceptable. Each car must be fitted with pneumatic tyres on all wheels conforming with the following: (a) The maximum rim section shall be 5 inches. (b) Tyres must be in good servicable condition and have no modification of the manufacturer's tread pattern or any other part of the tyre. (c) Except as provided in sub-paragraph (f) below, each front and rear wheel must be fitted with one tyre only, inflated to not less than 84 kpa (12 psi). (d) Tyres must not be fitted with any form of non-skid attachments, studs or chains etc. (e) The maximum overall width of tyres when the above conditions are fulfilled shall be 165 mm unladen. (f) Tyres of maximum 175 section, on front engine cars as defined by this Formula, may be inflated to less than 84kpa (12 psi). Tyres may be secured to rims provided that no extra traction is proved by such devices. (g) The fitment of one supplementary tyre is permitted within each road tyre, provided any such supplementary tyre has a conventional road pattern tread and does not act as an aid to traction. (h) On front-engined cars only, the fitment of one supplementary tyre is permitted within each road tyre, provided any such supplementary tyre has a conventional road pattern tread and does not act as an aid to traction. (i)Tyres fitted to the driving wheels must be of standard bitumen road type tread pattern and be available locally. (j) Undriven wheels may be fitted with road tyres of Wintertread, Mud and Snow and similar tread patterns. Off-road tyres for cars and motor cycles and agricultural tread patterns are prohibited. (k) All tyres must be approved in writing by the Observed Section trials Sub-Committee and this approval should be obtained in writing before tyres are purchased. Tyres approved by the OST Sub-Committee shall remain approved for a period of three years from the date of initial approval, or of annual re-approval. (l) Tyres approved by the OST Committee for use in events from May 2012. List of Tyres Click here Notes: 1. Additional tyres will be added to the list a minimum of 30 days after the new tyre is approved by the OST committee. This is to allow a reasonable time for all competitors to evaluate the new tyre. 2. The intention is to include all tyres currently in use. If you have a tyre that is not on the list, please contact the OST Committee before the end of the 2009 season. a) Each car may carry the name, occupation and telephone number of the driver and the name of the passenger, displayed on the sides of the car in characters no more than 100mm high. b) Each car may carry a name, providing that it does not advertise a sponsor, product or service. c) Each car may carry signs or stickers of a motoring nature. Organisations or individuals wishing to offer support or sponsorship for this sport are invited to contact the OST Sub-Committee and request approval. For further information regarding formula or coming events please contact any of the OST Committee: Each car must be fitted with a securely-mounted fire extinguisher complying with Schedule H Section 3 and 4 of the CAMS manual of Motor Sport. STANDING SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS - OST 1. Announcement The Austin 7 Club Incorporated, hereinafter referred to as the Club, will conduct an Observed Section Trial under the International Sporting Code of the FIA Car Formula of the Club, these Standing Supplementary Regulations (SSR), and the Additional Supplementary Regulations (ASR), of the event. 2. Vehicles Eligible All vehicles must comply with the current Observed Section trials Car Formula of the Club, unless the ASR otherwise provides. 3. Entries All entries must be submitted on the official entry form and must be lodged with the secretary of the meeting not later than the closing date specified in the ASR. Entry fees will be listed in the ASR. The promoter reserves the right to refuse any entry without giving a reason, in accordance with NCR 69 4. Scrutiny of Cars Scrutiny of cars for safety and compliance with these regulations is mandatory and will take place as specified in the ASR following pre season scrutineering, a new log book will be issued to each vehicle owner. The log book must be presented to the scrutineer at each trial before entry can be accepted. 5. The Course The course shall consist of a number of Observed Sections, separated by varying amounts of road and/or track. Where necessary, maps and /or directions will be provided, but the onus remains on the competitors to report on time to the Observed Sections start in their correct order. Observed Sections must be traversed non-stop from a standing start and within the indicated area which shall be clearly indicated and marked by "Observed Start" and "Finish" signs and, where necessary, by direction signs, flags, tape, rope and pegs. Each competitor will have a clear run and may inspect the course on foot before attempting it. A car shall be deemed to have "failed" if the un-driven wheels cease to revolve in a forward direction in relation to the section, or when the car is deemed to have left the section, or when any part of the car comes into contact with any flag, sign, tape, rope, stake or other course marker. A car departs from the intended course when the entire vehicle crosses the intended line joining successive flags, pegs or other markers. Cars may not receive outside assistance whilst attempting a section unless they have already failed. 6. Running Details a) All drivers and cars must report to the start not later than thirty minutes before the start time specified in the ASR. Points will be deducted for lateness at the rate of one point per minute to a maximum of ten points. b) Each section will close when the last available competitor has completed the section and any car which has not reported ready to run at that start will be deemed to have omitted the section. Competitors may request the Director to keep a section open so that he may complete that section. Directors may grant this request if in their opinion, the competitor has good reason to make this request, and that it will not seriously interrupt the running of the event or other competitors. c) Competitors will be permitted five minutes to inspect a section prior to attempting it and must be ready to proceed to the "Observed Start" in the correct running order when called to do so by the official. Contravention of this rule will result in a penalty of 5 points. 7. Scoring a) Scoring will be as judged by the appointed officials only. b) Except for the two time penalties specified in section 6, which will be judged by the Directors, all scoring shall take place at Observed Sections, and shall be points gained. c) Each section shall have a score of ten points and will be divided into equal increments. Numbered pegs will be used and the score gained shall be the number of the highest numbered pegs passed before failing. d) The leading edge of the foremost front wheel shall be deemed to be the point reached by the car when it fails. e) To gain maximum points in each section, the whole car must pass between and beyond the finishing flags. Placing in the event will be determined on the aggregate of points scored in all sections, less any penalties as specified. The minimum age for a driver shall be 16 years and passenger 14 years. All drivers and passengers must be members of the Austin 7 Club Incorporated or specifically invited CAMS affiliated clubs. A drivers must use, throughout the event, the car in which they start. They must carry the necessary licenses, which may be inspected. The one passenger must normally be seated whilst attempting a section. Bouncing is permitted only within the confines of the car seating compartment (see Para 5 in the Formula). During bouncing, the weight distribution of the body must be transmitted to the seat cushion by the bouncer's posterior. Removal of seat belts and standing is forbidden. 9. Starting The order of starting will be determined by ballot. The ASR will provide for alterations in the running order during the event. 10. Deletion of Sections Any section or sections may be deleted from the course at the discretion of the Director, or CAMS Stewards. 11. Officials The Director, Secretary and all nominated Officials shall be Judges of Fact and shall judge competitors compliance with these regulations. 12. Trophies Trophies will be awarded as specified in the ASR. 13. Protests All protests must be made in accordance with the NCR part XII. 14. Notes for Directors and Competitors Discretion in favour of the competitor should be exercised, when the un-driven wheels cease to revolve momentarily, or when some part of the car or driven wheels are overcoming an obstacle. However, rolling back must always be regarded as "failing". It is confirmed that the competing car "fails" when any part of the car comes into contact with (touches in any part/way) any course marker. It is strongly recommended that an adequate number of officials be appointed, to judge this over an entire section. These officials should be briefed in the presence of the competitors, and they should be particularly instructed that a marker displaced by flung mud or by the yielding of soft ground must not be judged as being hit. It is most important that the judge notes carefully the position of the leading front wheel at the point of failure, as cars often roll back somewhat after failing. The score must be calculated from the furthermost point reached, not necessarily where it finally comes to rest. GEOFF TAYLOR TROPHY This is the Season Aggregate Trophy awarded to the competitor which accrues the most number of points over the trialing season. All OST Trial Events will be included in the point score with the best 9 OST events to be counted. Scores will be: 1 point for starting an OST event 1 point for finishing an OST event 15 Points for 1st place 14 points for second place 13 points for third place etc. Ties During a Trial: In the event of a tie of points in a trial, all tied competitors will be equally awarded the position tied for and the associated allocation of points as in the above formula. The next highest point scorer to the tied competitors will be awarded the next highest place minus the number of preceding tied competitors. Eg. 3 tied for 2nd place would give the next point scorer 5h position and the associated allocation of points as in the above formula. Presentation of the Trophy will be at the Austin Seven Club's Annual Presentation Evening at the conclusion of the season. |
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