What is Sprinting?

Sprinting is racing against the clock held at race circuits and specialised sprint tracks (such as Honington and North Wead). Cars start singly and are timed by electronic equipment accurate to 100th of a second. Cars compete in classes relative to their design, engine capacity and any modifications. Classes start with standard saloon cars and go through to Formula 1 type cars. This allows you to compete against cars of equal standing, giving everyone the chance of winning their class, with a special award for the overall fastest time of the day (FTD).

What do I need to go Sprinting?

Sprinting is regulated by the Motor Sports Association (MSA) and in order to compete there are certain requirements which must be followed. Firstly, you need to join an MSA affiliated car club such as LoTRDC which for 2010 has a sprinting membership, you can then apply for an MSA Competition Licence. With that licence comes the MSA yearbook (The Blue Book) which contains a wealth of useful information. Mandatory safety requirements include the need for a Crash Helmet and Fire Resistant Overalls, both to minimum requirements.

The next stage is to get your car prepared to the minimum standards in order to pass scrutineering. At the beginning of every meeting, a scrutineer will check your car to ensure it complies with necessary safety regulations.

Obtaining an MSA license -

If you don’t already hold a race license you need to apply for a NON RACE NATIONAL B license by downloading this form, completing it and sending it to the MSA with your payment of £37. You probably won’t need a medical and there’s no test – just apply, affix a picture to your license – it’s that easy.

Application form – http://www.msauk.org/uploadedfiles/msa_forms/2010_Initial_Application_Form.pdf

Equipment required for sprinting -

Timing Strut – To enable your car to be timed it is mandatory to fit a Timing Strut to the front of the car. The strut must be mounted vertically so that it’s leading edge is the furthest forward point. It must be of solid material (ie metal or wood) and matt black. It must be 51mm wide, 254mm high with 200mm ground clearance. It must be in place when presenting the car for scrutineering. We will supply all LoTRDC sprinting members with a free strut that fits into the toeing eye on an Elise, If you don’t have an Elise unfortunately you will need to provide your own timing strut – this is simple task see Blue Book I67.

Crash Helmet – A crash helmet must be worn during competition and the following standards are accepted FIA 8860-2004, SNELL SA2005, SNELL SA2000, SFI Foundation 31.1A,31.2A , BS6658 Type A/FR.

Race Suit – Flame resistant overalls in Proban or Nomex are required. For MSA events, they must be manufactured to a standard BS 6249 part 1 index A or B (but not C), BSEN533 or pr EN533: 1995 INDEX 3, FIA 8856-2000, FIA 1986 Standard. These standards are clearly marked on the overalls. Although not yet mandatory, flame resistant gloves, socks, balaclavas and underwear are strongly recommended. You do not need a full blown car racing suit, although you should always buy the best suit you can afford suits are available from £60.

Entering an event -

Entry forms will be put on-line with payment options and details of where to post them to as soon as we have them. Having filled in the entry form and sent it off with the appropriate fee and assuming that your entry is accepted, you will normally receive final instructions on what you should be doing in the week prior to the event via email. The final instructions usually give details of all of the entries in class and number order, which enables you to have your numbers ready in time for the event. They also detail the timetable for the day, where you should park on arrival and when to arrive etc. LoTRDC will provide numbers for those accepted into the LoTRDC classes. We may also provide some sponsor decals that drivers will be required to display during the sprint, details will be given after the first event.

On the day -

On arrival park your car in the appropriate area and proceed to signing on with your appropriate documents (MSA Licence, Club card etc). After signing on you must then have your car passed by a scrutineer and preferably, walk the course prior to the first practice runs. It is advisable to arrive early to allow enough time for all these things. (Generally you should allow to get to the course between 1 and 2 hours before the first practice run )

You are now ready to compete and just have to wait for your practice runs to be called before proceeding to the start. It is important that you listen to and obey all marshals and officials on the day.

Depending on the event you will normally get the opportunity to have 2 timed practice runs followed by between 2 and 4 timed runs. The fasted timed run will count.

Once on the start line, it is up to you, so put your foot down and go for it!