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ChampCar sponsor Lifeline Fire USA helped us put together a series of videos about their fire systems and fire systems in general. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9H2L9PBtH7S5lIz_yk0vyl9_edAy-PPd
Q. Does the tank have to be mounted transversely? A. Really, any position is OK so long as the bottle is horizontal and mounted to a flat surface in the car. Angled and or vertical means the dip tube can't pick up the last remnants in the bottle and will prevent the system from deploying the entire amount, making it less effective. Q. The ChampCar rules state one nozzle is all that is needed in the cockpit and engine. A. I w...
As of January 1st, 2020 all fire suppression systems must be SFI or FIA certified and inspected every two years. This involves emptying the bottle and refilling it with the proper suppression material to manufacturer specs. Upon completion, a new foil decal is placed on the bottle stating it has been refilled and the date at which service was completed. A current list of SFI and FIA compliant systems can be found here: https:/...
Service Due Date and Recertificationhttps://augustamotorsports.biz/choosing-a-racing-fire-system/ SFI and FIA both require the bottles to be recertified every 2 years. The recertification must be performed by the manufacturer or their authorized representative. This can take a few days (plus travel time back and forth). It is important to plan for this downtime and to incorporate it into your racing schedule. Bottles that ar...
Q:Reading the BCCR has revealed the following point adders:• Distributor, non-OE, or aftermarket ignition system: 20 pts• Ignition coil(s), aftermarket: 10 pts Does “Distributor, non-OE , or aftermarket ignition system” include coil(s), if any?Would the Coils have to be considered separately from the “ignition system” mentioned above?Does qty 8 coils count as “Ignition coil(s), aftermarket” and therefore only 10pts or are they...
8.2. PIT STOPS AND FUELING OF VEHICLES 8.2.1. NO FUEL JUGS OR CREW MEMBERS ARE ALLOWED ON OR OVER THE WALL UNTIL THE CAR HAS COME TO A FULL AND COMPLETE STOP. 8.2.2. The fueling process starts when the gas cap is removed or whenever any fuel jugs are over the pit wall and ends when the gas cap is replaced and all fuel cans, catch cans, and drip pans are back over the pit wall. During this time, NO OTHER WORK IS ALLOWED ON THE CAR. 8.2.2.1. Fire bottle operator must be in place before gas cap is removed. 8.2.3. During fueling, any team member over the wall must wear a driver’s suit possessing a valid FIA and/or SFI certification. If using a single-layer SFI 3.2/A1 or 3.2/A3 suit, the team member must wear fire-retardant SFI- or FIA-certified undergarments. HOWEVER, any suit determined by ChampCar to be worn, frayed, torn, or have holes, grease/oil stains, or other conditions that reduce o...
Q.Is there a limit to how much foam and tape can be used for zero points?A.Foam - Only fire rated foam may be used to seal bulkheads and areas against fluid or vapor intrusion for no point add. If used to shape or support aero or body parts it will be figured at + sq ft plastic material points.Note : only fire rated foam should be used on a race car.Tape - Rule states fasteners, duct tape, ect can be used to attach. Making som...
3.9. ONBOARD FIRE EXTINGUISHER 3.9.1. ALL CHAMPCAR COMPETITION VEHICLES MUST HAVE A SELF-CONTAINED PUSH-BUTTON OR PULL-HANDLE FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM INSTALLED. 3.9.1.1. Fire suppression systems must have SFI or FIA certification. 3.9.1.2. Minimum 5 LB or 2 Liter bottle capacity –ABF/AFFF/FE-36/NOVEC 1230 – Rechargeable systems are highly advised. 3.9.1.3. Minimum two (2) extinguisher nozzles, one (1) pointed centrally towards the top and center of the engine, and one (1) located in the driver’s seating area and must be directed and have an unobstructed path to the driver’s body. 3.9.1.4. Onboard Fire Suppression Systems shall be inspected for recertification at least every two years after the original certification date or as specified by the certifying manufacturer. A new conformance label marked with the inspection date shall be used when a unit is deemed acceptable for continued serv...
Q.I'm am in the middle of a 1993 Miata build for the 2020 season and need clarification on the rear firewall. I understand all holes in the rear firewall must be covered with metal and sealed with fire retardant foam or fire retardant RTV. If I were to make a one-piece aluminum firewall to replace the existing steel firewall for simplicity of sealing, and future fuel cell installation, would this be considered a safety item or...
Q:Since power steering systems are open under the BCCR 4.7.2. Fixed Point Value List assignment of "Power Steering components - 0 pts" Would the larger pulley be considered part of the power steering system and as well a power steering component and therefore free of points penalty? A: 2/20/2024Power steering pulleys are considered part of the power steering system, and as such, are no longer points.Ray FranckChampCar Tech Ins...
3.12. FIRE RETARDANT CLOTHING 3.12.1. Condition 3.12.1.1. Any clothing that is worn, frayed, torn, has holes, grease/oil stains, or any other conditions that reduce or negate the item’s designed effectiveness shall NOT be used during a ChampCar event. 3.12.2. Suit and Undergarments 3.12.2.1. An FIA and/or SFI-certified racing suit is required. 3.12.2.2. All driver suits possessing a valid FIA and/or SFI certification shall be allowed, regardless of the date of certification or manufacture. 3.12.2.3. If using a single-layer SFI 3.2/A1 or 3.2/A3 suit, the driver must also wear fire-retardant SFI- or FIA-certified undergarments. Multilayer suits rated SFI 3.2/A5 or higher are highly recommended and may be worn without undergarments. 3.12.3. Gloves, Socks, and Shoes 3.12.3.1. Fire-retardant FIA and/or SFI-certified gloves, socks, and shoes are required. 3.12.3.2. All gloves, socks, and shoes...
Posted to Forum.ChampCar.Org 1/15/2020 Great thread. I love that people are engaged and reading - which makes this a great opportunity to educate and discuss some of the misconceptions or possibly outdated information. As adoption of fire systems is spreading quickly across road racing and the racing community in general, the information really isn't out there, and technology is changing - certainly, at the higher levels the...
Q.I would like to confirm the point value of 0 of Non OEM fuel Filters. According to rule 4.7.2. "Items that are point free: All fuel-system components (Excludes the fuel tank/fuel cell)" I would assume that Fuel filters would fall under this, making any Fuel filters OEM or NON OEM 0 Points.A.You are correct. Fuel filters are 0 points. Verified 7-9-24 by Tech
Q:We have an MS3 Pro PnP ECU. We had to install a 36-2 timing wheel to replace the OEM 4 tooth timing wheel. The reason for the timing wheel is that it increases resolution over the OEM wheel and allows the ECU to better see what the engine is doing. We are viewing the timing wheel as part of the ECU system. This would indicate no penalty points.What view does CC take on a non-OEM timing wheel?A:ECU & sensors are free so the t...
Q.as per Rule 4.5.3: "Engine swaps include stock long block, stock exhaust manifolds, stock induction system, motor mounts, starter, ECU, wiring, and transmission adapters."If one were to fabricate the engine mounts and transmission adapter as opposed to buying these items off the shelf, what would be the equivalent dollar value associated with each? Would it simply be the cost of the raw materials required? A.Yes, it would be...
Q.Lets say that I wanted to swap from a N/A engine to a Factory Turbo engine such as a "ford Ecoboost engine" How would this be valued? Would it just be using the swap calculator and does the swap include the Intercooler and such for the Turbo application? A.The first step is to confirm that the engine you are swaping to is used in a vehicle already listed on the VPI List.You will be able to use the complete engine and turbo c...
Removed for 2022 due to BCCR change Camshaft -– AftermarketNon-OE, or reground or reprofiled OE camshaft, (Includes Springs, Lifters, Pushrods): 50 pts per engine Q. Per 2020 BCC: "Camshaft or valve train, non-OE: 50 pts per engine" * Does this rule mean non-OE camshaft AND rockers is 50 points per engine? A. The "camshaft or valve train" rule is defined by the word "or" here. So your cam swap is 50 points and that includes...
Q. Nissan 280z 1977Hi, this is Rod, team captain for the Flyin' Hawaiians & 2 White Guys Car #82. We damaged our motor at Auto Club in November and I've replaced the motor with another L28. This motor has different casting numbers on it. I can tell from those numbers that this motor is from a 1980 280zx. I'm just using the block and head. Do I now have to claim a motor swap? A.The difference between the 1977 L28 engine and the...
Q:ChampCar 2023 BCCR-9.10.4.1 "Stock fuel tanks in stock locations OR approved fuel cells are the only fuel sources allowed for competition". The wording of this rule reads as "cells" (plural) being acceptable. Detailed ruling - 9.10.5 (Fuel Cells) does not specify an allowable total number of fuel cells.Please review and provide approval/feedback on the scenario below. Car A has the stock fuel tank mounted behind the driver /...
Q.In regards to Rule 4.5.3:"Engine swaps include stock long block, stock exhaust manifolds, stock induction system, motor mounts, starter, ECU, wiring, and transmission adapters"This rule makes no mention of the oil pan. Question 1: How many points is it to run an aftermarket oil pan that aids in the packaging of the swapped engine?Question 2: How many points is it to fabricate an oil pan that aids in the packaging of the swap...
Q.I am currently working to build a BMW 328ci (E46). In this process, I am starting with a 2003 325ci and swapping the necessary components to make it equivalent to the 2000 328ci.Regarding the traction control systems, 2003 325 was produced with the DSCIII MK60 unit, while the 328 was produced with either the MK20 EI ASC (1999) or DSC III MK20 (2000).Is it permissible to retain the 2003 325ci traction control unit for no poin...
5.2. TECHNICAL INSPECTION 5.2.1. ChampCar Digital Tech inspection forms should be completed using the ChampCar website prior to entering the tech line. 5.2.2. Technical Inspections shall be done annually, and upon approval, a car will be issued a ChampCar Annual Inspection decal for that calendar year. 5.2.2.1. Cars with a valid ChampCar Annual Inspection decal need NOT return for inspection UNLESS ANY OF THE FOLLOWING HAVE OCCURRED: 5.2.2.1.1. The inspection decal has expired. 5.2.2.1.2. The vehicle has undergone ANY major component exchange, swap, or replacement as a byproduct of an upgrade, repair, and/or modification. 5.2.2.1.3. The vehicle has realized the upgrade, exchange, replacement and/or modification of any safety item, including but not limited to kill switch, seat belts or harness, seat and/or installation, roll-cage or attachment mounts, fire extinguisher system, window or...
3.10. DRIVER’S HELMET 3.10.1. An undamaged full-face helmet, displaying Snell Type SA2015, SA2020, SA2025, or FIA certification is required. Note: Snell Type M helmets (motorcycle) or other non-SA helmets are not rated for fire resistance and are not allowed. 3.10.2. All helmets expire 11 years after the date of certification. 3.10.3. Helmets showing any sign of abuse or accident damage shall not be used during a ChampCar event. 3.10.4. Any driver with a helmet found with an altered or counterfeit Snell sticker shall be banned from that event. 3.10.5. Sharing helmets between team members is very highly discouraged.
7.3. STOPPING ON COURSE 7.3.1. If a driver is forced to stop his or her car on the course, he or she shall make every effort to place the car in such position that it will not be a danger or obstruction to other competitors, course workers or themselves. 7.3.2. Drivers stopping on course shall stay in their car with their seat belts firmly engaged and helmet in place until they are instructed by a corner worker or other race official to leave their car, UNLESS THE CAR IS ON FIRE.
8.1. PIT AND/OR PADDOCK AREA 8.1.1. Unless otherwise noted in the Supplemental Rules, all fueling must be done on pit road. 8.1.2. While in the pits, each team entered in the event is REQUIRED to have ready a minimum of one (1) each: 8.1.2.1. Ten (10) pound dry chemical or 3kg NOVEC fire extinguisher having a minimum UL 60 BC or ABC rating. 8.1.2.2. Ten (10) pound bag of grease sweep, kitty litter or other absorbent for oil leaks and/or fuel spillage in their fuel storage area. (Having a broom is a good idea, too!) 8.1.2.3. A suitable gasoline and/or liquid catch pan must be used during refueling in an appropriate position to catch any spilled fuel. All fueling / gasoline catch pans MUST be manufactured of metal or sturdy, chemical resistant plastic, maintain a minimum 3” depth, hold a minimum of 1-gallon (4-quarts) of liquid. Catch pans should be larger than 12” square or 12” in diamete...
9.17. ENGINE FIREWALL 9.17.1. Openings or holes in the engine firewall under 2” diameter must be closed and sealed with a metal plate or OE-type grommets. Fireproof expanded foam fire block should be used around the roll bar through openings in any fuel areas or engine bay areas. Openings larger than 2” diameter must be closed and sealed with a metal plate that is bolted, welded, or riveted in place.
4.7. OTHER EQUIPMENT THAT DOES NOT COUNT TOWARD THE TOTAL POINT VALUE 4.7.1. Teams may replace any worn, broken, ventilated, impaled, defective, or bent beyond all recognition parts on their car without affecting their total points, so long as it’s an OE or OE equivalent part for that car’s specific model. 4.7.1.1. Teams may repair/replace rusted/fatigued/ damaged portions of the chassis with similar-thickness metal or OE-approved repair components/methods. Repairs must maintain some likeness to the original body lines of the chassis. 4.7.1.2. Teams may remove parts or portions of parts from their car without incurring points. 4.7.1.3. STOCK engine rebuilds are permitted. “Stock” is defined as the published specifications and technical measurements provided by the manufacturer. Manufacturer overbore rebuilds are permitted. 4.7.2. Items that are point-free: Air intake components ahead of...
9.13. EXHAUST 9.13.1. A professionally installed, quality exhaust system WITH MUFFLER is required. 9.13.2. Exhaust systems must be designed, routed, and maintained to avoid the proximity of fuel tank(s) and/or fuel system components and/or driver compartments. 9.13.3. Exhaust system shall not terminate in front of the main roll-cage hoop. 9.13.4. Exhaust system must include at least two professional-quality flexible exhaust hangers behind the collector. All exhaust joints must be properly slip-jointed, properly bolted, or welded. 9.13.5. All teams must maintain their exhaust in good condition throughout the event.
1.7. REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS SYSTEM 1.7.1. ChampCar will recognize four (4) Regional Championships. Events count toward the region in which they are held: 1.7.1.1. South Region: Road Atlanta, Daytona International Speedway, Sebring (Summer), Sebring (Fall), Atlanta Motorsports Park (AMP) 1.7.1.2. Texas Region: G2 Motorsports Park, Harris Hill (Spring), Harris Hill (Fall), Ozarks International Raceway, Circuit of the Americas (COTA) 1.7.1.3. East Region: Dominion Raceway, Watkins Glen International, Lime Rock Park, Virginia International Raceway (VIR), Pocono Raceway 1.7.1.4. Midwest Region: Gingerman Raceway, Autobahn Country Club, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Road America, Ozarks International Raceway 1.7.2. Eligibility Requirements A team must enter a minimum of three (3) event weekends within a single region with the same car to qualify for that region’s championship. 1.7.3. Race...
3.11. NECK RESTRAINT SYSTEM 3.11.1. An undamaged FIA and/or SFI-approved racing neck restraint system is mandatory. 3.11.2. SFI-approved neck restraint systems must display a valid SFI conformance sticker. Devices must be recertified every 5 years per SFI 38.1 3.11.3. FIA-approved neck restraint systems must display a valid FIA conformance sticker. FIA devices do not require recertification; however, FIA guidance per Standard 8858-2010 must be followed.
1.6. NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS SYSTEM 1.6.1. One point per finishing position will be awarded to all competing teams. For example, 1 point for 1st, 2 points for 2nd, 3 points for 3rd, etc. 1.6.2. Points will be calculated based on the top two (2) finishes for each team. All other finishes will be dropped.
3.4. RACING HARNESSES 3.4.1. All drivers in ChampCar-sanctioned events shall utilize a five-, six-, or seven-point restraint harness system. A five-point harness is considered a minimum restraint system. Six- or seven-point systems are highly recommended. Harnesses may utilize 2” or 3” shoulder belts. PLEASE NOTE THAT NECK RESTRAINT SYSTEMS ARE AVAILABLE FOR 2” AND 3” BELTS, AND YOU MUST MATCH YOUR NECK RESTRAINT TO YOUR HARNESS. 3.4.2. All driver restraint systems shall meet SFI or FIA specifications. The certification indicated by an SFI label or FIA label must be present. SFI Harnesses must display an in-date conformance label. FIA harnesses expire on December 31st of the expiration year tag sewn into the harness. The latest expiration may be used for harnesses with both FIA and SFI certification labels. Any attempt to modify the date(s) on any belt is grounds for immediate team disqu...
4.2. VEHICLE PERFORMANCE INDEX 4.2.1. The Vehicle Performance Index (VPI) is the assessed value (by ChampCar) of the Performance of the ChampCar competition vehicle. The VPI for the most common ChampCar Endurance Series vehicles can be found at https://champcar.org/web/register/vpi.php 4.2.1.1. All models must be standard factory offerings. Special, custom, or limited editions are not included (Unless identified as such in the VPI). 4.2.1.2. Factory supercharged or turbocharged vehicles must add 100 points to the listed value (Unless already identified as such in the VPI). 4.2.2. If the make/model/year of a vehicle that you have an interest in racing is NOT listed, contact ChampCar through the Tech Desk system https://champcar.org/tech. New vehicles may be raced upon approval through the Tech Desk. New vehicles may be temporarily placed in EC pending a review of VPI value until an approp...
4.3. FIXED POINTS 4.3.1. Non-stock Component Values: ChampCar has assigned a FIXED POINT VALUE that will be applied to MOST non-stock and/or performance components. 4.3.2. Fixed Point Value List: ABS, Non-OE, from a vehicle on VPI list: 25 pts Aerodynamic Devices (See Appendix 1 – Aerodynamic Anatomy for more info) o Spoiler / Wing / Splitter / Diffuser / Aero Pan / Air Dam / Side Skirts: 10 pts/ea. Any added aero component outside of the defined components will be charged points based on the square feet of material Alternator, non-OE and not from VPI List: 10 pts Adjustable Cam Gear(s): 5 pts single, 10 pts multiple Automatic Transmissions with 4 speeds (gears) or less, -75 points With 5 speeds, -50 points With 6 speeds, -25 points With 7+ speeds, no discount. An automatic transmission will still be defined as being coupled to the engine through a torque converter. Twin-clutch type tran...
4.5. ENGINE SWAP 4.5.1.Use the Swap Vehicle Performance Index Calculator at https://champcar.org/web/register/vpiswap.php to determine your vehicle’s total swapped value. The starting VPI of your vehicle when swapped may differ from the VPI of your un-swapped vehicle as listed in the VPI Index. This allows for substantially similar cars to be grouped together with the same starting value once the stock engine has been removed (I.E. All E30s start from 450 points) 4.5.2. The web page provides an automated calculator. The raw swap formula is: IF [16 - (SPV / (HP + hpAdd) ) > 0 ] THEN [ 0.032 * (16 - (SPV / (HP + hpAdd))) ^6] + 50 ELSE + 50 4.5.2.1. “SPV” refers to the ChampCar Swap Performance Value of that make and model, as determined by ChampCar. 4.5.2.2. “HP” is the stock horsepower of the original engine. 4.5.2.3. “hpAdd” is the amount of extra horsepower being added to the car, not t...
5.4. POST-RACE IMPOUND AND INSPECTION 5.4.1. At the conclusion of every ChampCar Race, the top five (5) finishing vehicles, overall, and class winners, shall be impounded for a period not less than 30 minutes and not more than 90 minutes. 5.4.2. During the impound period, the top five (5) finishing vehicles and class winners impounded must: 5.4.2.1. Raise and place the car on four (4) jack stands, a minimum of 12” from the ground or floor level. 5.4.2.2. Remove all four (4) wheels and tires. 5.4.2.3. Open the hood and trunk. 5.4.3. ChampCar will make the cars Tech Sheet and Swap Sheet available for review. 5.4.4. ChampCar competitors and teams are welcome to “review” impounded vehicles. “REVIEW” does NOT mean touch or crawl under a competitor’s car however, you may request a ChampCar official to look at an item for you. 5.4.5. During the impound period, the Event Director or Tech Chief m...
9.10. FUEL SYSTEMS 9.10.1. Zero Tolerance for Fuel Leaks. You will have only one chance to repair any fuel leak. If a ChampCar staff member detects a second instance of leakage, regardless of cause, your car will be removed from the race. No exceptions. 9.10.2. Total fuel capacity, including all fillers and overflows, shall not exceed the OEM-stated fuel capacity for the make/model plus two (2) gallons. This applies to cars equipped with OE fuel tanks and to cars with approved fuel cells. 9.10.2.1. ChampCar may verify total fuel capacity via the drain and fill method. The fuel tank is completely drained and then refilled with known amounts until fuel escapes the fill port. 9.10.2.2. ChampCar competition vehicles with less than 13 gallons of OEM fuel capacity can upgrade to 15 gallons of fuel capacity (via a fuel cell installation) 9.10.3. Surge tanks are limited to 2-liter (.53-gallon) c...
9.15. COCKPIT & FLAGTONICS 9.15.1. All loose items in the cockpit must be removed or secured. 9.15.2.Flagtronics FT200 Installation Flagtronics FT200 units MUST be securely mounted to a rigid structure The GPS antenna requires a clear line of sight to the sky Teams are responsible for ensuring that the FT200 firmware is up to date The FT200 battery must be charged for 24 hours before the event to ensure proper operation during the race Teams are responsible for ensuring the FT200 has an adequate 12v 2-amp power source, and that the FT200 stays on during a pit stop, utilizing the battery built into the cable The FT200 USB cable must be in an accessible spot in case any updates need to be applied Teams are responsible for entering the FT200 unit serial number into the registration system when registering the car for a race 9.15.3.Flagtronics FT200 Location The FT200 must be mounted to the...
9.19. COOL SUITS AND DRINKING SYSTEMS 9.19.1. Cool suits and drinking systems are allowed in all vehicles. Water tank and/or ice storage container mounts shall be safe and secure. No leakage of any kind is allowed throughout the system. ChampCar will Black Flag your car for any liquid leakage because we won’t know if it’s cool suit water or gasoline. Driver connections should be quick disconnects or breakaways. 9.19.2. Cool suit coolers will be secured to the chassis using a minimum of a 1” ratcheting-type tiedown strap.
Sound Limits at tracks like Laguna Seca, Atlanta Motorsports Park, and NCM Motorsports Park have strict noise limits. Here is an article posted on the ChampCar website in the fall of 2019.The Laguna Seca event is quickly approaching! From an article, a few years ago, it seems like the focus is up the hill towards turn 6.photo courtesy of South Bay Riders. 1. You MUST have a QUIET CAR! You will be kicked out of the event after...
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