Midwest RallyCross Championship

Rules and Points Schedule

 

The Midwest RallyCross Championship is a year-end points series, in which specific events from the participating regions are included as Series events.

 

The Series is open to all drivers; however, each driver must compete in Series events in at least two different regions, in order to score year-end points.

 

Drivers will be awarded points based on their finishing position within their class, by using the following points schedule:

 

1st in class              20-points

2nd in class             18-points

3rd in class             16-points

4th in class              14-points

5th in class              12-points

6th in class              10-points

7th in class              9-points

8th in class              8-points

9th in class              7-points

10th in class            6-points

11th in class            5-points

12th in class            4-points

13th in class            3-points

14th in class            2-points

15th in class            1-point

 

Anyone finishing below 15th place, or those drivers who either DNF an event, or are DSQ’d from an event will not receive points.

 

Year-end Championship trophies will be awarded to roughly 1/3 of the top drivers with the most accumulated points for the Series. In addition, there will be a trophy for the top driver in each class.

 

In the event of a tie for year-end points, the first tie-breaker will be the driver with the most 1st-place finishes in class, second tie-breaker will be the most 2nd-place finishes in class, third tie-breaker will be the most 3rd-place finishes in class, and the fourth tie-breaker will be the driver with the most Series events entered. If there is still a tie, the overall results from each Series events will be examined, and the driver with the highest overall finishes will win.

 

OFFICIAL RULES

1. STOCK CATAGORIES

Vehicles competing in Stock Class must be production-based, have a fixed-roof, and must have been produced with normal road touring equipment capable of being licensed for normal road use. Convertible vehicles must have a hard-top installed during competition. Except for modifications authorized below, Stock Class cars must be run as specified by the factory with only standard equipment as defined by these Rules. Any other modifications or equipment will place the car in one of the higher classes, as appropriate.

 

Alternate components which are normally expendable and considered replacement parts (e.g., engine and wheel bearings, seals, gaskets, etc.) may be used provided they are the same type and size as the standard parts and used in the same location.

 

1.1 Authorized Modifications

If a modification is not specifically authorized in this or previous sections of these Rules it is not allowed. It is not permitted to use illegal parts even if they have been set to stock specifications.

 

1.2 Bodywork

26326.             Accessories, gauges, indicators, lights and other appearance, comfort and convenience modifications which have no effect on performance and/or handling and do not materially reduce the weight of the car are permitted. This does not allow driver's seat substitutions. Delayed shutdown devices such as the "Turbo Timer", which perform no function while the car is in motion, are permitted. Short-shifters, shift knobs and other interior trim items are included in this list.

26327.             Hood straps or fasteners may be added.

26328.             Any fuel tank cap may be used.

26329.             Spare tires, tools and jacks may be removed.

26330.             A harness may be added to either or both of the front seats. Seats may not be cut to allow for the installation of alternate seat belts or harnesses. Passive restraint systems may not be removed. A horizontal "harness bar" may be used as part of the installation hardware for allowed driver restraints. It may serve no other purpose (e.g., structural enhancement).

26331.             Any item that can not be held permanently in place by factory installed fasteners may be removed.

26332.             Aftermarket body-kits are allowed, provided they do not replace any factory body panels with a lighter-weight alternative.

26333.             Strut tower bars/braces may be added.

26334.             Underbody and wheelwell protection devices, and associated mounts are free. These may serve no other purpose than the safety of the vehicle and bystanders. This provision specifically allows the addition of skidplates and mudflaps.

J.     Aftermarket pedal covers are allowed.

 

1.3 Tires

Any tire which is O.E.M. on a car eligible for Stock Class may be used. Non-O.E.M. tires must meet the following requirements to be eligible for use in Stock class:

 

26341.             Any DOT approved street tire, and any All-Season, or Snow tires which have lateral tread gaps(gaps which do not run the circumference of the tire)of one quarter inch(0.25”)or less, will be acceptable for Stock Class.

26342.             No Mud, Sand, or Rally tires are allowed in Stock Class.

 

1.4 Wheels

Any type wheel may be used provided it complies with the following: wheel diameter and with are free; however, the tread of the tire may not protrude past the fender by more than one inch.

 

Wheel spacers are permitted, provided the resultant combination complies with the track-width requirements of this section. Wheel studs lug nuts, and/or bolt length may be changed. .

 

1.5 Shock Absorbers

26356.             The make of shock absorber may be substituted providing that the number, type, (e.g., tube, lever, etc.) system of attachment and attachment points are not altered. Substituted shock absorbers may provide no more than two external damping adjustments. Remote reservoirs are permitted and holes may be drilled for bolts with which to mount the reservoirs, but bodywork may not be additionally cut or drilled to provide for the routing of lines or the positioning of the reservoirs. A hole may be added through the bodywork to route the line from the reservoir to the shock absorber body. Such holes may serve no other purpose.

26357.             The mounting hardware shall be the original type. To facilitate the installation of commonly available aftermarket shock absorbers, struts, or strut inserts whose shaft is larger than the center hole of an upper mount assembly, that hole may be enlarged by the minimum amount necessary to accommodate the shock shaft size, provided the following restrictions are met:
(1) the enlarged hole must remain concentric with that of the original configuration;
(2) the enlargement of the hole does not require modification of a bearing (as opposed to a washer, plate, or sleeve);
(3) neither the hole enlargement nor the location of the shock shaft changes any alignment parameter.
Bump stops installed externally and concentric with the shaft of a shock absorber may be drilled out to fit larger-diameter shock shafts. Bump Stops with similar characteristics to those of the original may be substituted for the purpose of installing aftermarket shock absorbers.

26358.             The use of any shock absorber bushing material, including metal, is permitted. This does not permit the use of an offset shock absorber bushing.

26359.             The interchange of gas and hydraulic shock absorbers is permitted. Electronically controlled shocks may not be used on vehicles not originally equipped with such units. Vehicles originally equipped with electronically controlled shocks may use non-electronically controlled alternatives subject to all requirements of  1.5.

26360.             Shock absorbers with adjustable spring perches which have been welded in the stock position on the shock absorber are permitted.

26361.             The dimensional characteristics of the shock and relative placement of the spring must remain as stock. If the spring perch on an aftermarket shock/strut is a small amount (e.g. 1/4") lower than the standard part, but the shock/strut otherwise complies with the requirements of this Section, a shim may be added to the spring perch to raise the spring base to the correct height. This shim must be permanently attached to the perch.

26362.             Suspension geometry and range of travel may not be altered. A suspension bump stop is considered to be performing the function of a spring. The distance to the initial point of contact with a bump stop may not be reduced, though the bump stop may be shortened for the purpose of installing aftermarket shock absorbers.

26363.             The bushing attaching the end of the strut to the body or frame on a strut type suspension is a suspension bushing, not a shock absorber bushing. Suspension bushings, including but not limited to those which carry the weight of the car and determine ride height, may not be replaced with bushings of a different material or dimension.

26364.             A hole may be added in an interior body panel to provide access to the adjustment mechanism on an allowed shock absorber. This hole may serve no other purpose.

26365.             The fully extended length must be within plus or minus one inch of the dimension of the standard part.

 

1.6 Brakes

26371.             The make and material of brake linings may be changed.

26372.             Substitution of clutch and brake hydraulic lines with solid metal or braided metal is allowed.

26373.             Alternate brake bleeder fittings such as "Speedbleeders" are permitted They may serve no other purpose.

 

1.7 Anti Roll (Sway) Bars

Front or Rear anti-roll (sway) bars:

1.     Substitution, addition or removal of any front or rear anti-roll bars is permitted.

2.     Substitution, addition or removal of anti-roll bars may serve no other purpose than that of an anti-roll bar.

3.     The use of any bushing material is permitted.

4.     No modification to the body, frame or other components to accommodate anti-roll bar addition or substitution is allowed, except for the drilling of holes for mounting bolts. Non-standard lateral members which connect between the brackets for the bar are not permitted.

 

1.8 Suspension

Standard, as defined herein, suspension springs must be used. They may not be cut, shortened or collapsed. Cars with swing axle suspension may be lowered sufficiently to achieve no more than two degrees of negative camber at rest, and may use a camber compensator.

Both the front and rear suspension may be adjusted through their designed range of adjustment by use of factory adjustment arrangements or by taking advantage of inherent manufacturing tolerances. However, no suspension part may be modified for the purpose of adjustment unless such modification is specifically authorized by the factory shop manual for non-competition purposes.

Replacement control arms for vehicles having integral bushing/arm assemblies must be standard factory parts. This encompasses both alignment and ride height parameters, if such adjustments are provided by the stock components and specified by the factory as normal methods of adjustment.

If authorized by the manufacturer, the use of shims, special bolts, removal of material to enlarge mounting holes, and similar methods are allowed and the resulting alignment settings are permitted even if outside the normal specification or range of specifications recommended by the manufacturer. If enlarging mounting holes is specifically authorized but no material removal limits are specified, material removal is restricted to the amount necessary to achieve the maximum factory alignment specification.

 

1.9 Electrical System

26401.             The make of spark plugs, points, ignition coil and high tension wires is unrestricted including spark plug wires having an in-line capacitor .

26402.             Ignition settings may not be adjusted outside factory specifications.

26403.             No changes are permitted to electronic engine management systems or their programming.

 

1.10 Engine and Drive Train

26416.             The engine air filter element may be removed or replaced, open-element filters – including Cold-Air intakes – are allowed; however, the intake system past the Throttle Body must remain stock.

26417.             Any part of the exhaust system beyond (downstream from) the header/manifold or catalytic converter, if so equipped, may be substituted. Stainless steel heat exchangers are permitted only if the physical dimensions and configuration remain unchanged. Modifications of any type, including additions to or removal of, the catalytic converters, thermal reactors, or any other pollution control devices in the exhaust system are not allowed and the system must be operable. Replacement catalytic converters must be OEM if the vehicle has not exceeded the 5-year/50,000 mile warranty period as mandated by the EPA. Converters must be of the same type and size and used in the same location as the original equipment converter(s). This does not allow for a high performance unit. If the vehicle has exceeded the 5 year/50,000 mile warranty period, replacement catalytic converters must be OEM-type. 

26418.             Silicone replacement coolant hoses, and vacuum lines are permitted as alternate components. This allowance does not permit silicone intercooler hoses.

26419.             A device for locking out reverse gear may be used.

26420.             Any oil or grease, including synthetic, is permitted.

 

 

1.11 Classing of Vehicles

A.      Vehicles will be divided by displacement, as well as number of driven wheels.

B.       The cutoff for displacement will be as follows: all naturally-aspirated piston engines of 2.4 liter displacement or smaller, all forced-induction piston engines of 1.9 liter displacement or smaller, and all naturally-aspirated rotary engines, will be classed together by drivetrain configuration. All engines above these displacement limits will be classed together by drivetrain.

C.       The resulting 4-Stock Classes will be as follows:

                       2U = 2-wheel drive vehicles at, or under, the displacement limits listed above.

                       2O = 2-wheel drive vehicles over the displacement limits listed above.

                       4U = 4-wheel, and All-wheel drive vehicles at, or under the displacement limits listed above.

                       4O = 4-wheel, and All-wheel drive vehicles above the displacement limits listed above.

 

D. Additionally, event organizers may choose to add one Truck/SUV Stock Class, if the number of eligible vehicles is 3-or more.

 

 

2. PRODUCTION CATAGORIES

 

2.1 Production Class

The Production Class is open to all vehicles which are prepared beyond the limit of Stock Class, yet fall within the following rules. Additionally, all Production Class Performance Rally cars with current logbooks are eligible.

 

Vehicles must be street-licensed, closed-body, four-wheeled models, which are available for retail sale(in minimum quantities of 1000 per-year)are legal. They must be standard models as sold, except for authorized changes. A “model” is a manufacturer’s specific designation(e.g., Dodge Shelby Charger, Dodge Omni GLH, Volkswagen Golf GTI, Ford Mustang SVO, Chevrolet Cavalier Z24), not a general vehicle type.

 

A.      No updating or backdating of cars, models, and/or components is allowed.

B.       Vehicles must have an adjusted displacement of no greater than 2650cc.

C.       The following multipliers will be used to determine adjusted displacement:

 

Rotary engines                     =              1.8

Turbo/Supercharged           =              1.7

Four-wheel/AWD                =              1.3

Pushrod                                 =              0.8

3-valves per-cylinder           =              1.1

4-valves per-cylinder           =              1.2

Diesel                                     =              0.8

Variable cam timing              =              1.1

 

For example, a 16-valve engine, with variable cam timing, would be limited to an actual displacement of 2007cc(1.2 x 1.1 x 2007cc = 2649cc-adjusted).

 

D.      A single engine oil cooler, and the necessary fitting may be added.

E.       Turbo, or supercharger boost is unlimited on cars which have a 32mm(or smaller)inlet restrictor, of at least 3mm width, installed within 50mm upstream of the rotating section of the pressurizing device(s). Any car without a restrictor is limited to stock boost levels.

F.       The exhaust is unrestricted, except the stock exhaust manifold(s) must be retained, the pipe(s)must exit behind the driver and external to the body, and a functioning catalytic converter must be retained or installed.

G.       The differential(s) may be replaced or modified. Limited-slip, or locked differentials are allowed.

H.      In addition to the Stock Class rules for shock absorbers(Section 1.5), the number of damping adjustments is unlimited, and their mounting points may be reinforced.

I.         Spring rate, length and size is free. Spring seats may be adjustable if the adjustable structural part is a part of the spring seat and is separated from the original suspension parts/bodywork(it may be removed).

J.        The reinforcement of the suspension and its anchorage points by the addition of material is allowed.

K.      Roll cages are allowed. It is strongly suggested that cages are constructed to at least the minimum standards as defined in Article 5.5 of the Performance Rally rulebook.

L.       Motor mounts are unrestricted so long as the stock location for the mounts, as well as the stock location for the engine and transmission, is not affected.

M.     Clutch lining material is free.

N.      The steering wheel is unrestricted.

O.      Cruise-control, and anti-theft systems may be removed. Air-conditioning systems may be removed, provided the heating system remains intact and is operational.

P.       Carpets and their associated padding may be removed.

Q.      The front seats may be replaced.

R.       The dashboard must remain stock; however, additional gauges, fuses and/or relays may be installed. The glovebox door, and any passive restraints, may be removed.

S.       The luggage boot may be adapted for better accommodation of the equipment carried.

T.       Fuel Cells, not to exceed the capacity of the stock fuel tank, or 15-gallons(whichever is greater), are allowed to replace the stock fuel tank. Fitting of such cells must conform to Article 5.8.B of the Performance Rally Rulebook. Rerouting of fuel line is allowed. Fuel lines, which run inside the passenger compartment, must be as prescribed in Article 5.8.B of the Performance Rally Rulebook.

 

2.2 PRODUCTION GT

The Production GT Class is open to all vehicles that fall within the rules of the Production Class, other than an adjusted displacement of 2651cc or greater. All Production GT Rally cars with current logbooks are also eligible. All allowances listed in Section 2.1 apply.

 

2.3 RALLY TRUCK

Performance Rally Trucks, which have a current logbook, will be allowed to compete in the Production Class as defined in the Performance Rally Rulebook. If there are enough Rally Trucks to warrant a separate class at a given event, organizers are free to do so. Any street Truck or SUV which are prepared beyond Stock Class limits, yet fall within the allowances of Production or Production GT Class, will follow the same displacement multiplier formula for determining class.

 

 

3. OPEN CATAGORIES

 

3.1 Open Class

Vehicles competing in the Open Class must be based on production vehicles; Non-production based vehicles, built from the ground up, are specifically prohibited. Innovation and modifications within the rules is encouraged. In addition to the allowances for the Stock and Production Classes, freedom is given to modify any component of the vehicle, providing that it is not otherwise restricted below.

 

A.        The engine is unrestricted, but must be derived(at least the engine block)from a product line offered by the manufacturer of the vehicle.

B.         Except for doors, bolt-on body pieces may be constructed of an alternate material. Roof vents may be added.

C.         The original windshield, A and B pillars must remain original. The floor pan and firewall must remain original; however, they may be modified only to the extent necessary to accommodate alternate components.

D.         Fenders may be modified to the extent necessary for tire clearance, flares may be added.

E.          The original side and rear window(s) may be replaced with a polycarbonate equivalent of equal or greater thickness than the original glass. The windshield must remain original.

F.          No electronic control, other than what was original equipment on the vehicle, are allowed for the following components: suspension, steering, breaking, gear change/clutch, front and rear differentials. Simple engine-cut during a mechanical gear change is allowed.

G.         The use of sequential gearchange mechanisms is not permitted. This rule is waived for vehicles with automatic transmissions.

 

3.2 Group 5 Class

Vehicles must be 2WD, naturally-aspirated, turbocharged, or supercharged models sold globally in minimum quantities of 1000. Drive configuration must remain as originally manufactured. The allowances and restrictions of section 3.1 apply.

 

3.3 Group 2 Class

Vehicles must be 2WD naturally-aspirated models sold globally in minimum quantities of 1000. Drive configuration must remain as originally manufactured.

A.     The engine is unrestricted, except for the following: no rotaries are allowed, no forced induction; must be derived(at least the engine block)from a product line offered by the manufacturer of the vehicle.

B.      The adjusted displacement must be no greater than 2400cc using the following multipliers:

4-valves per cylinder(or more)           =              1.2x

3-valves per cylinder                           =              1.1x

2-valves per cylinder                           =              1.0x

Pushrod                                                 =              0.8x

Diesel                                                     =              0.8x

 

               

 

 

 

 

4. CLASSING AND PROTEST PROCEDURES

 

4.1 Classing

Every effort will be made by the Tech inspector to class vehicles correctly; however, it is the responsibility of the competitor to disclose any and all vehicle modifications to the Tech inspector. After the initial technical inspection, the responsibility for policing incorrect classing is transferred to all competitors.

 

4.2 Protests

If a competitor has a complaint about another competitor whom they believe to be classed incorrectly, that competitor should contact the Event Chair.  The Event Chair may then discuss the matter with both competitors, the Tech inspector, Safety Steward, and/or anyone else the Event Chair deems relevant to the protest.  If the protest is upheld and timed runs have not begun, then the at fault competitor will be placed in the proper class.  If timed runs have begun, then the at-fault competitor will be re-scored in the correct class for the final event results

 

The decision of the Event chair will be final; however, if the competitor chooses not to compete in the correct class, that competitor will still be allowed his/her runs, but will not receive any official time or points for the event.

 

In addition, any competitor deemed to have displayed un-sportsmanship-like conduct, may be disqualified and asked to leave by the Event chair, if seen fit. In such case, that competitor will forfeit any and all recorded time, points and paid entry fee.

 

 

 

5. TIMING AND SCORING

 

Each competitor’s runs shall be timed in a fair and reasonable manner. Each pylon that is either knocked over, or displaced from their marked position during a run, will count as a 2-second penalty added to the total time for that run. Additionally, the Event chair may specify certain pylons(ie: near the start and/or finish)which result in a DNF for that run.

 

Before the start of competition, the Event chair shall announce a DNF Bogey-time. This Bogey-time will count as a competitor’s time for any runs that are either not completed, or which the competitor does not follow the course completely – including missing a gate, not completing a slalom, skipping one or more cones in a slalom, or passing through a gate in the wrong direction. Competitors are allowed to pass through a gate more than once.

 

The cumulative time for all of a competitors runs, minus that competitors slowest/worst run, will be used to determine finishing position in class.

 

6. RallyCross TECH INSPECTION AND SCRUTINEERING PROCEEDURES

 

6.1 Tech inspection

 

A.        Confirm that vehicle has a fixed-roof in place.(T-Tops are allowed, but must be installed).

      B.     Ensure all loose items, including driver’s-side floor mat, are removed from the interior and/or trunk.

C.      Check brake pedal for firmness.

D.      Check seatbelts and/or harnesses for function and attachment.

E.      If driver has his/her own helmet, it must have a SNELL- 90 or newer tag, with either an SA or SM rating.

F.      Check to ensure that all hubcaps/trim-rings/center-caps are either removed, or fastened into place.

G.      Check that all wheel lugs are in place, and that wheel has no noticeable wobble when pushed/pulled at the top.

H.      Ensure that the battery is securely fastened in place.

I.       Check for functioning throttle-return.

      J.      Check for any severe fluid leaks

 

 

6.2 Scrutineering/Classing

 

A.     Does the vehicle fall within the Stock Class allowances?

B.         Do the tires fall within the Stock Class allowances as well?

a.     If yes, follow Stock Class displacement formula to determine class.

b.     If no to #1, proceed to #3.

c.     If no to #2 only, use the Production/PGT displacement formula and class accordingly.

C.         Does the vehicle fall within the Production/PGT allowances?

d.     If yes, class accordingly.

e.     If no, proceed to #4.

D.         Use the Open/Group-2/Group-5 displacement and drivetrain formula to determine class.

 

 

6.3 Paperwork/Car Number

 

A.      If the car fails tech, ask driver to resolve the issue(s) and return to Tech.

B.       Once the car passes Tech, mark the driver’s entry card(s) as “Pass”.

C.       If driver has their own car number(s), ensure they are displayed clearly on the vehicle. Also write their number(s) with shoe-polish/window-chalk on the rear window of the vehicle.

D.      For 2-driver cars, be certain both numbers are visible on the rear window of the vehicle.

E.       Be certain the car number is written on the driver’s entry card.

F.       Gather all cards and pass along to the event chair.