Tuner GP @ Snetterton

I'm not interested in going but wondered if anyone can explain the legality of this to me. I thought all competitive circuit events required ARDS licence and MSA approval.

http://www.tunergp.co.uk/
The rules are simple and identical to last years' event - multiple laps of the Snetterton Circuit, best lap time wins. Vehicles are split into separate categories based on vehicle type, engine size and configuration is free within the vehicle type. All vehicles are fitted with transponders and each lap time is recorded; the fastest lap time on the day wins the class and the overall event.

The GP is run as 'qualifying' - normal track day rules on overtaking do not apply - however any car on car contact will result in both teams being excluded from the event and their times deleted.

All entrants vehicles must display a valid tax disk, be fully UK road legal (ie no slicks) although track specific tyres must be used they must display a valid E mark designating they are legal for UK roads.

Nitrous oxide is not allowed for the Tuner GP event and whilst professional drivers are encouraged ARDS qualification is not compulsory. All competitors are encouraged to where full safety equipment, helmets and long sleeved trousers and shirts are compulsory.

There's multiple cars on track so it's not run as a restricted sprint event and there's no requirement for any safety equipment.

Sounds VERY dodgy to me. I would be surprised if the insurance would cover them for 'competitive' driving, and I'm sure the MSA would not allow that to take place.

"long sleeved trousers" indeed :D

Is this basically a bunch of chavs in thier novas breaking into snet and thrashing aorund the track? ;)

It's advertised at the circuit I think, so I guess it's all legal, or they wouldn't be holding it...

Need to distinguish between "legal" and MSA acceptable.

Doubt if there is anything in the laws of the land to interfere with this. (Small query about some legislation which extends the "road laws" to private land "if the public has access" but I suspect that this can be covered.)

However, taking part in any "competition" not authorised (permitted or waived) by the MSA will render you liable to action under the MSA Regulations. Only effective sanction is to ban you from any MSA sanctioned event.

So if you are not involved in MSA events and don't reckon on being involved in the future - no problem. If that is not the case you need another identity. :cool:

Insurance is going to be a matter for the organisers/competitors. No law says you have to be insured for this sort of thing. See the signature. ;)

Anyway, I doubt MSV would allow something to take place without insurance protecting them. For the other (third party) risks, why do you think that the organisers could not find a broker willing to take them on?

No safety cover? Most trackdays have safety cover even if it is not to Blue Book spec., why not this one?

Regards

Jim

Is this basically a bunch of chavs in their novas breaking into snet and thrashing around the track? ;)If so - great. Keeps them off the roads round the rest of us and gives a chance for a little natural selection to take place without inconveniencing the rest of us.:rotate:

Regards

Jim

By 'legality' I meant in terms of MSA permits rather than something you can be arrested for.

I would expect the minimum of trackside safety coverage, the same as any other trackday, but there's no requirement for fireproofs, extinguisher, rollcage, etc. Bare in mind the winning car last year was doing 1m17s around Donington which is not exactly a slow time and for the most part these are professional drivers or even ARDS licence holders.

You say that the MSA could take action against any driver taking part, does that also apply to official, i.e. timekeepers or the circuit themselves?

I'm sure it all above board - it's the second year it's been run and MSV are obviously happy to advertise it. I'm curious what loophole exists in the MSA regs.

By 'legality' I meant in terms of MSA permits rather than something you can be arrested for.

I would expect the minimum of trackside safety coverage, the same as any other trackday, but there's no requirement for fireproofs, extinguisher, rollcage, etc. Bare in mind the winning car last year was doing 1m17s around Donington which is not exactly a slow time and for the most part these are professional drivers or even ARDS licence holders.

You say that the MSA could take action against any driver taking part, does that also apply to official, i.e. timekeepers or the circuit themselves?

I'm sure it all above board - it's the second year it's been run and MSV are obviously happy to advertise it. I'm curious what loophole exists in the MSA regs.Blue Book says:

B 15. Unauthorised Competitions
The organisation or holding within the territory of the MSA of any vehicle competition otherwise than in accordance with these Regulations shall render every person connected therewith or taking part therein, whether as promoters, organising committee, competitor, driver, official or otherwise, liable to the consequences and penalties provided by O 1.1.11.

O 1.1.11. Any person or body who shall
organise, advertise, enter for, drive in, officiate at, or in any manner whatsoever take part in, a competition, or championship, not organised in accordance in all respects with these Regulations or who shall become
disqualified or suspended by the governing body of any other sport recognised by the MSA shall be reported to an MSC Tribunal.

And an MSC tribunal can apply almost any penalty up to exclusion from the sport (which would apply internationally and in ACU or Speedway events).


Interestingly:
D 1.5.4. Should an unauthorised event [B 15,O1.1.11]
be held on any course, the licence may be revoked and the MSA may decline to issue any further licence.

Perhaps this event is taking place in some small secluded corner of the Regulations? :rotate:

Regards

Jim

Weren't non-MSA races run at Anglesey in the past? They got round the licence thing by adding a couple of chicanes I think.