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VINTAGE CAR RALLY ASSOCIATION
EVENT REGULATIONS
Welcome to The Vintage Car Rally Association, herein referred to as VCRA. These
regulations pertain to both the “National”(generally a five day event) and “Regional”
(generally a three day event) races . The events are time / controlled speed rallies, not a top
speed race. You will be scored on the accuracy with which you follow the instructions. The
instructions will tell you what direction to go, where to turn, what speeds to maintain and
when to change speed. The instructions are not designed to “trick” you into taking a wrong
turn or driving a wrong speed. Accuracy of your speedometer, your vehicles performance notes
and ability of the team to execute the instructions correctly to stay on time are the keys to
success in this kind of event.
The regulations set forth are meant to be simple and fair for all competitors. Since there are
many variables in rules interpretation, VCRA retains the right to approve or disapprove any
entry or modification request.
I. Entry / Requirements
a. All entrants must submit a completed application form accompanied by proof of insurance
(each vehicle must carry a minimum of $250,000/$50,000/$100,000 limits of liability, or
$500,000 combined single limit of liability),a copy of their valid drivers license, proof of
ownership( or release from owner) and total entry fee (or partial payment if approved by
VCRA) to be eligible.
b. Entry fees, class designations (if applicable) and any other specific event information will be
posted in each of the official event programs, entry forms and published materials.
c. No one under the age of 18 years of age may participate without a properly executed minors
release on file.
d. All entrants, crew members, contestants, workers, event officials and any and all persons
connected in any way with the event must sign an Indemnification Agreement , Release and
Agreement Not To Sue prior to the start of the event.
e. Any entry may be rejected without stated cause. If the entry is rejected, the entry fee or
deposit will be refunded. All entries are required to pass a technical inspection prior to final
acceptance.
f. Once the entry is accepted, any refunds are at the discretion of the VCRA committee.
Neither inability to complete the event, once officially started, nor disqualification is cause for
refund of entry fees.
2. Crews – Competition / Support
a. Each competing vehicle is allowed a crew of two persons (generally described as a navigator
and a driver).
b. All occupants of a competing vehicle must display VCRA identification badges / tags during
competition.
c. A penalty of 10 seconds will be added to each stage score of a competing vehicle for each
additional occupant(s) age 13 years or older present in the vehicle anytime during that days
competition. This would not apply to VCRA officials, approved VIP persons or approved media
person(s).
d. Each entry is allowed one support vehicle as part of the entry fee. During any stage of
competition, a competing vehicle must not receive any service, assistance or communication
from anyone associated with any support crew, family members or friends. In addition, no
support vehicle is allowed near any of the competing vehicles.
e. During any stage, a competing vehicle may receive assistance or service from other
competitors and/or from businesses and individuals not connected with the event in any way.
3.Signage – Official / Sponsor
a. All vehicles entered are required to display the official VCRA Logo / car number decal on
the front door or space nearest to that location .
b. Any sponsor signage, advertising or promotional materials used on competing vehicles and
support vehicles must not conflict with any official sponsors and/or products of the event.
c. All sponsor signage must be in good taste and is regulated in size and location by the
sponsorship agreements.
d. Official event sponsor signage takes precedence over the competitor’s sponsor signage.
e. In case the event travels to a different overnight venue, and support vehicles are allowed to
accompany, the support vehicles will be issued travel and parking location instructions prior to
that days stage start.
4. Vehicles
a. Vehicles manufactured in 1948 and prior as originally produced and/or modified in its year
of manufacturer are eligible for entry. Some events may allow vehicles up to year model 1953
to compete and this will be specified in the event entry form.
b. Custom, one-off, limited production, historic (and re-creations of same with documentation)
may be allowed providing the vehicle is constructed as per its era, using materials and
procedures of that era.
c. Fiberglass bodies and /or components are not allowed.
d. Vehicles must be in roadworthy condition and present a good appearance.
e. All vehicles must have the equipment required for lawful operation in their state.
f. All mechanical components must be of the same make, model and year as originally
produced by the manufacturer unless otherwise noted in these regulations.
g. In addition to the legally required equipment, each vehicle must have:
1. Electrical lighting legally acceptable for night driving
2. Two working stop and tail lights
3. Electric turn signals-front and rear
4. Lap seat belts for both driver and passenger
5. One operational fire extinguisher, dry chemical, at least 2 ½ pounds A/B/C
h. Optional equipment suggested:
1. One first aid kit
2. One tow rope
3. Emergency flares
5. Vehicle Modifications
Any modification should be done in good taste and not detract from the original appearance of
the vehicle.
A. Engines
1. An engine of vintage other than the original may be used if it is considered as a factory
replacement (example- 1937 Ford 21 stud engine block in a 1932 through 1937 model Ford)
with original type head(s) and manifold(s) used).
2. Any internal engine modification may be performed to improve durability and/or
performance.
3. Any type oil filtering, cooling and/or pressurizing system is permitted.
4. High performance “speed” equipment such as cylinder head(s) and multi-carb intake
manifold(s) are permissible if they were available during the period of manufacturer of the car
and accepted by VCRA technical committee.
5. Any carburetor(s) manufactured and used on vehicles 1948 and prior are acceptable.
6. Magneto, point-coil and/or electronic ignition systems are permitted. No computer controlled
ignition devises are permitted.
7. Electrical charging systems (6 or 12 volt) to include generators / alternators and battery may
be added.
8. The addition of an electrical self starter is permitted.
9. Electric fuel pump(s) and pressure regulator(s) are permitted.
10. Auxiliary water pump(s) and/or radiators may be utilized if they are remotely mounted and
hidden from view where possible in order to not detract from the original appearance of the
vehicle.
11. Electric fan(s) are permissible if located under the hood.
12. Header(s) and/or dual exhaust pipes and cutouts are permissible.
13. Pressurized radiator and overflow tanks are permissible.
B. Transmission / Clutch
1. Transmission must be the “original type” and year model and may be modified internally to
improve performance and reliability.
2. Any type friction clutch/flywheel assembly is permitted.
3. Any add-on overdrive unit is permitted as well as the necessary drive shaft, U-joint and
frame alterations needed to properly install.
C. Brakes / Shocks
1. Conversion from mechanical to hydraulic operated brake systems are allowed (and
encouraged) as well as power assist units. Disc brakes not allowed unless original equipment.
2. Modifications to axle(s), front and rear, required to convert to hydraulic systems are allowed
as long as the appearance of the axle(s) resemble the original.
3. The addition of hydraulic shock absorbers, both front and rear, are recommended and
acceptable.
4. Conversion from two wheel brakes to four wheel brakes are permitted and encouraged.
D. Rear Axle / Differential
1. The rear axle housing shall be as original OR a replacement that has the appearance and
function as close to the original assembly as possible. (replacements must be cleared by VCRA
technical committee)
2. Any gear ratio is allowed.
E. Wheels / Tires
1. If wheels other than stock are used they must be of the era of the vehicle in appearance and
function and be within two inches in diameter of the original.
2. Bias ply tires OR tube type radial ply tires, where available, with an original or nostalgia
look will be permitted with NO penalty.
F. Miscellaneous
1. Any steering gear that appears in likeness to the original, mounts in the same location and
performs the same function in a like manner is acceptable.
2. Fuel tank capacity may be increased utilizing new, larger volume tanks, and/or auxiliary
tank(s) mounted under the car or in the trunk area, properly vented and secured.
3. Windshield wipers, either vacuum or electric, are recommended if not originally equipped.
6. Rally Equipment
A. The following is the equipment allowed in each competing vehicle during competition:
1. Pens, pencils, scratch pads, brackets and attachments to organize the instructions and clock.
2. Vehicle and speedometer performance notes.
3. Race tables, instructions and maps furnished by VCRA.
4. One mechanical or quartz- crystal analog time-of-day clock which may have one each hour,
minute and second hand. It must not be electronically connected to the vehicle and must not
have stopwatch, compensating, calculating, or split action functions of any kind. The maximum
diameter is 9 inches.
5. Temporary marks are allowed on the clock face during competition.
6. Driver and navigator may each wear one analog wrist watch without stop watch functions.
7. One digital or analog stopwatch with split-action, time-of-day, date and alarm functions are
allowed.
8. One analog mechanical or electronic speedometer that is approved by VCRA with a face
diameter of no more than 4 inches. Calibration divisions must read no closer than one MPH
increments. Electronic speedometers must have only one magnetic pick-up unit installed
during competition. Mechanical speedometers may have one in-line correction box installed.
Original speedometers must be covered during competition, or if used, have the odometer
function removed or blocked. Tachometers are not allowed. If originally equipped, they must
be blocked from view during competition..
9. One intercom system that will allow only driver/navigator communication.
10. One analog tire pressure gauge, one analog compass, one analog thermometer and one
analog altimeter are permitted in the vehicle.
11. One cell phone that must only be used in case of emergency. Use outside of this is not
considered to be in the spirit of the event.
B. The following is the equipment prohibited in a competing vehicle during competition:
1. Any maps, charts, instructions, notes or course materials from prior VCRA events are
prohibited
2. Any electronic device that has calculating, timing, measuring, digital clock, digital display or
communication capabilities, other than a cell phone, is not allowed.
3. Prohibited equipment may not be stored anywhere in the competing vehicle.
7. Checkpoints – Timing / Observation
A. Timing checkpoints (TC) may be located anywhere along the race route on either side of
the road. The TC will be identified by a Green Day-Glo TC sign. Do not stop at a TC. Your
time will be recorded as your front wheels cross the timing line, the previous leg ends and the
next leg begins. You should, if possible, record the time you pass a TC in case of a TC
malfunction. If you are not timed due to a TC malfunction, you will be asked to supply the
checkpoint time you recorded. If you cannot supply the time you will be scored with a
composite time to the subsequent checkpoint. If this was the last checkpoint of the day you
will be assigned a composite score based on the average of your previous scores. That
particular leg will not be discarded due to a timing error that you could have remedied, except
for your failure to record your time.
A vehicle must not stop or travel at less that 5 MPH within sight of a TC or a penalty will be
accessed.
B. Observation checkpoints may be anywhere along the race route on either side of the road.
The Observation Checkpoint (OC) is identified by a Red Day-Glo OC sign. You must stop at
an OC and have your instructions endorsed. There are several reasons for an OC, but
primarily they are for collection of time delay requests, emergency instructions, rules
compliance enforcement, lunch stops and finish gates or any other purpose deemed
appropriate by VCRA.
C. Checkpoints will remain open for thirty minutes after the last car is scheduled to arrive. If
you arrive after that time you will receive a penalty as described in the scoring section.. After
the last checkpoint there is a published transit time to the finish. If you arrive more than
thirty minutes after that time you will be scored as a DNF.
8. Timing
A. Official time is referenced to radio station WWV available by radio or telephone
303-499-7111
B. The time zone you begin a stage in will be the time used for scoring through the
complete stage.
C. Times recorded at TC will be to the nearest hundredth of a second.
9. Scoring
A. Each team will receive a score based on each second their leg time differs from the
computed perfect time for that leg.
B. If a leg is discarded from scoring for unforeseen reasons (road closings, accidents, etc) then
all penalties incurred during that leg are dropped from the scoring total. No legs will be
discarded solely because of weather conditions, unless it forces road closure by authorities or is
otherwise discarded at the determination of the scoring committee.
C. After the completion of each stage, each team’s score is totaled and multiplied by the “Age
Factor” and rounded off to the nearest one hundredth of a second. The lowest score is
determined the winner for that stage.
D. In case of a tie, the older vehicle wins. If a tie still exists, and the cars are the same year
model, the car with the lower score before the “Age Factor” wins the tie. If a tie still exists,
the scores for each leg are compared. The team winning the greater number of legs is declared
the winner.
E. Stage scores are declared final 30 minutes after being posted unless there is a scoring
problem or scoring resolution request pending. Once scores are final, prizes may be awarded
and no further changes will be made.
F. Event scores will be declared final one hour after being posted.
G. Age Factor for scoring purposes are as follows:
1958 1.000 1943 0.850 1928 0.700 1913 0.550
1957 0.990 1942 0.840 1927 0.690 1912 0.540
1956 0.980 1941 0.830 1926 0.680 1911 0.530
1955 0.970 1940 0.820 1925 0.670 1910 0.520
1954 0.960 1939 0.810 1924 0.660 1909 0.510
1953 0.950 1938 0.800 1923 0.650 1908 0.500
1952 0.940 1937 0.790 1922 0.640 1907 0.490
1951 0.930 1936 0.780 1921 0.630 1906 0.480
1950 0.920 1935 0.770 1920 0.620 1905 0.470
1949 0.910 1934 0.760 1919 0.610 1904 0.460
1948 0.900 1933 0.750 1918 0.600 1903 0.450
1947 0.890 1932 0.740 1917 0.590 1902 0.440
1946 0.880 1931 0.730 1916 0.580 1901 0.430
1945 0.870 1930 0.720 1915 0.570
1944 0.860 1929 0.710 1914 0.560
Any vehicle that is entered as STOCK AS PRODUCED, and inspected and passed as such by
VCRA Tech Inspection, will be given an additional .080 factor. The ONLY acceptable changes
to the otherwise “stock as produced” vehicle will be: May use any “internal” engine
modification. Must have or add Stop / Tail Lights and Front/ Rear Turn Signals - Headlights to
be legal under State Law. May have windshield wipers added as safety equipment. May utilize
any style overdrive unit (factory or after market) providing that it was available as a Factory
or Dealer installed option for that make and model automobile and can be documented as
such. No other changes or modifications will be allowed for this FACTOR ALLOWANCE
10. Penalties
A .Each second early or late at a TC ( to nearest .001)
1. Maximum late penalty
2. Maximum early penalty
B. Missing a TC, except the last TC of a stage
C. Missing the final TC of a stage
D. Missing an OC, except the final stage
E. Missing the final OC of a stage
F. Stopping or traveling slower than 5 MPH in site of TC
G. Support crew violation(s)
H. Failure to stop at a stop sign
I. A vehicle that is carried on any trailer for any part of a stage
J. Any vehicle which is towed or pushed by another vehicle on
any part of a stage except to start, return to road, or leave a
dangerous situation
K. Teams that receive a DNF for missing a final TC or OC but still
finishing the stage under their own power will be scored
L. Teams that fail to start a stage will be scored
M. If a contestant is cited by any law enforcement agency for driving while intoxicated or
under the influence or dangerous or reckless driving, that team will be DISQUALIFIED and
not be eligible for any prizes or awards. If a competing vehicle or support crew vehicle is
involved in an accident at any time during the event, the entrant must report this to race
headquarters at the first opportunity.
11. Course Operations
A. A VCRA team will precede the race route each day prior to the start to insure that the
course is clear and correct and TCs are in place and accurately located. It will also post any
emergency signs that are needed.
B. A sweep vehicle will follow the race route to assist disabled vehicles and verify checkpoint
closings.
12. Time Allowance Requests
A. If you are delayed on the route by circumstances beyond your control (accidents, train
crossings, etc) you may request a time delay using the forms provided each day with your
course instructions. Your request must include a description of the circumstance causing the
delay, the location, the leg and instruction numbers on which the delay occurred. Mechanical
or personal failures are not grounds for a time allowance request.
B. If you are delayed, you are expected to attempt to make up the lost time IF the conditions
are safe to do so.
C. The time allowance request must be made in 10 second increments not to exceed 29
minutes 30 seconds.
D. Requests are to be handed in at the first observation checkpoint after the delay occurs,
BEFORE you receive a score sheet. No request will be accepted if it is not handed in at the
first OC opportunity.
E. All time allowance requests will be reviewed and may or may not be allowed.
13. Course Instructions
A. The instructions used by VCRA are Tulip diagrams. A Tulip is a visual picture taken from
overhead that depicts your vehicle as a large black dot, always at the bottom, and the direction
of travel indicated by the bold line ending in an arrowhead. If and when signs are available
they will be depicted using a sign locator symbol, either on the left side of the road, the right
side of the road or overhead (center).
B. The instructions consist of five (5) columns:
1. The first column contains the instruction numbers which run consecutively through the
last instruction of the day. The instructions are to be executed in order and one instruction
must be completed before the next instruction is executed. An instruction is completed when
the last speed change specified has been completed. If there is no speed change indicated, then
the instruction is completed when the sign or intersection has been passed.
2. The second column is labeled “A” and, if used, contains the sign at which the
instruction is to be executed. After completing the previous instruction, the first sign that
matches the sign depicted in column A is used to execute this instruction. Every attempt will
be made to duplicate the sign or the principal text of the sign for ease of identifying at road
speeds.
3. The third column is labeled “B” and always contains a Tulip. It will also contain a sign
locator with the location of the sign depicted in column “A”. If there is no sign in column “A”
then the Tulip must be at an intersection and the instruction is executed at the intersection. If
the direction of travel is indicated as straight through the intersection, the instruction is
executed at the intersection. If the direction of travel indicates a turn, the instruction is
executed at the apex, or center, of the turn.
4. The fourth column is labeled “C” and is the command function for speeds and timing. A
clear reference point will be given for each speed change. If there is a sign referenced, the
speed change will be executed at the sign. If there is no sign referenced, the speed change will
be executed at the center of the intersection or at the apex of the corner. Speeds are indicated
by CAS xx MPH (Change Average Speed or Continue Average Speed at xx miles per hour) If
speeds are preceded by a time, continue at the previously assigned speed for the specified
time, then change to the new assigned speed. There may be multiple CAS commands
separated by times in a single instruction. Time of day starts and restarts are referenced as
Hour, Minutes, Seconds (example 8h30m00s). Interval times for speedometer calibrations,
transits, pauses, timed speed changes, etc are designated either by hour, minute, second
(example 1h30m30s) or minute, second (example 1m30s). In addition to time, an approximate
distance in miles may be provided in a transit instruction to aid in your calculation of speed for
the transit.
5. The fifth column is labeled “D” and has additional information to assist you in following
the course. It may have information such as “Comes Quick”, “Look Sharp”, “First Paved
Road” or other helpful information.
C .The race route uses the Main Road Rule (MRR) for proceeding through intersections that
are not covered by the active instruction (the instruction you are presently working on). The
principle of the MRR is to continue on the road you are on by observing the painted center
stripe or edge line road markings or curve warning signs to stay on course. Normally the rally
will not include unpaved roads, dead ends, no outlets or private drives. There are occasions
when you may be instructed to turn onto one of these for a specific purpose (lunch stop or
other venue). The instructions will be specific as there is never an intention to “trick” the
competitor.
D. Emergency signs may be placed on the rally route in cases such as a missing or incorrect
sign, road construction, traffic or unsafe conditions. The signs will be Day-Glo Yellow
(example will be shown at registration) and will have the letters VCRA and other information
such as:
1. The instruction number, the instruction to be executed at that point
2. An arrow indicating the direction to follow
3. The letter “I” meaning to ignore the sign
4. “End Leg” The leg has been canceled. It may contain information as to where
(instruction number) and what time a restart will begin. Continue on course until you reach
that point or observe a time-of-day restart or end of timed portion sign.
E. Free zones are a portion of the course where no checkpoints will be encountered, and may
be designated in the course instructions. There will be an automatic two minute Free Zone at
the beginning of each timed portion of the rally
F. At the beginning of each stage there will be an assigned “Tire Warm-up” segment and an
assigned ”Speedometer Calibration” segment. During the Speedometer Calibration Run there
will be two times in column “C” boxes stated to the nearest 1/10 of a second. The first time
will be the interval time between signs and the second time will be the cumulative time to that
point. By comparing your times to the official time, you will be able to determine your
speedometer error for correction.
14. Eligibility for Awards / Prizes
A. In order to be eligible for any cash awards or prizes of any kind, the competing vehicle
must (1) pass all technical inspections (2) Start stage one (3) finish the final stage (4) not be
disqualified.
B. Each event official entry form will stipulate the class designations, prizes, awards, points
and other important information concerning that event.
C. National event(s) ( any event of five days or more in duration) will have three divisions:
Gold Cup: The following persons are required to compete in the Gold Cup division:
(1) Any person on a team that has finished in the top ten positions in a final championship run
or has finished in the top ten cumulative score in VCRA events or any other like rally event.
(2) Any person who has finished in the top three positions for “Stage Winners” three or more
times in VCRA events or any other like rally event.
Silver Cup: The following persons are required to compete in the Silver Cup division:
(1) Any person who is not required to compete in the Gold Cup division may compete in this
division
Tin Cup: This division is designated for high school or other qualified youth groups subject to
the following:
(1) Driver(s) must be at least 18 years old and less than 25 years old OR an adult member of
the team who would not be required to compete in theGold Cup division.
(2) Navigator(s) must be a member of the youth group and be less than 25 years of age.
(3) Tin Cup competitors are eligible only for Tin Cup awards as posted.
D. The scoring procedure for all events will be based on the cumulative score format. National
events will have a separate purse / awards for each class. Regional events will have a one purse
/ awards pool for all entries electing to ‘Run For Prizes” in lieu of “Time Only” entries.
15. Executive Committee
The staff of VCRA will do everything possible to make our events both an enjoyable and error
free experience. However, there may be occasions where a question or problem will arise. The
staff will attempt to answer questions and resolve any problems as quickly as possible. If you
believe there is a scoring error, you will need to submit your request for review in writing to
race headquarters no later than thirty minutes after your receive your time slip. Scoring
review requests for timing discrepancies of 3 seconds or less will not be considered.
The decisions of the executive committee, the technical committee and the time allowance
committee are conclusive, final and binding on all parties, and are not subject to appeal.
16. Summary
We here at VCRA wish to make your rally experience a pleasant and enjoyable one. Keep in
mind that there are certain things you can do to assure this. A good understanding of the
performance of your vehicle will certainly make things easier. Preparation, practice and
perseverance are keys to a successful rally adventure. Then, during the event, the four S’s
will assure success:
Safety is our prime concern and we hope it will be yours too. You will be asked during the
course of the event to make abrupt changes in speed and direction. Those around you, not in
the rally, will not be expecting these changes, so please signal your intentions well in advance.
Start on Time or you will end up accumulating minutes of penalty points. Make sure your
clock is set correctly and always double check yourself when reading the time.
Stay On Course or again it will cost you in minutes worth of penalty points. Always be
aware of the instruction you are working on as well as the next instruction. Communication
between the driver and navigator is crucial to staying on course.
Stay On Time means traveling at the correct speeds and knowing how to make up lost time at
stops and turns. Always check to assure you are on the assigned speed.
The entire staff at VCRA wishes you well and thanks you for attending our events and helping
us in the fight against autism. We welcome your comments or questions and we can be
reached at the following:
VCRA 62001 E 327 Road Grove, Oklahoma 74344
918-786-1950 www.vintagecarrally.com
| CLICK BUTTON FOR PRINTABLE FORM |
RULES AND REGULATIONS
1 Sec
2 Min
5 Min
3 Min
DNF
3 Min
DNF
3 Min
Minimum 5Min
Maximum DNF
DNF
DNF
DNF
FNS
DNS