2010 SERIES RULES & REGULATIONS

   These Rules come into immediate effect for the 2010 F400 Championship.   1.            GENERAL 1.1.             The aim of the Sportstar F400 Karting Challenge is to crown a champion at the end of the year. 1.2.             The Sportstar F400 Karting Challenge will be organised by Sportstar, as contracted by the F400 club for 2010. 1.3.             The Chassis's used, will be, only CIK homologated kart Chassis's, equipped with a Honda GX390 (Model QX/VX) 1.4.             The Club and Organiser reserves the right to use information about teams and drivers to promote the series and to liaise with series sponsors. 1.5.             All Publication Rights belong to the Club / Organiser and/or Series Sponsors. 1.6.             An annual registration fee of R550-00 will be charged for each team entering the Series. 1.6.1.              The registration may be paid in two instalments. The first (R300-00) instalment must be paid before the first race, with the second instalment (R250-00) paid before the second race. 1.6.2.              Failure to comply will result in the team being withdrawn from the Series. 1.6.3.              This is a fee to cover administration, promotion and set up costs for the Series. 1.               1.1.               1.2.               1.3.               1.4.               1.5.               1.6.             Event Regulations, Final Instructions and Entry Forms will be published via Electronic means. 1.6.1.              Any Entries and entry fees not received 5 days prior to the event, will attract a late entry fee of R200-00 1.6.2.              The Organiser has the right to cancel and or postpone the event? (For lack of entries) 1.7.             Event dates will be circulated at the start of the season, and the Organisers reserve the right to postpone, abandon or cancel any event or part thereof.  In the event of postponement, abandonment or cancellation, the competitor/entrant has no right to claim against the Promoters/Organisers in respect of any losses or damages that he/she may thereby incur. 1.8.             The event programme will be circulated with the Supplementary Regulations for each event. 1.9.             The Race/Event will be controlled by a Clerk of the Course, as appointed by the Organisers. 1.9.1.              The Clerk of the Course holds the right to penalise, and/or exclude competitors or teams.  These will be displayed on the Official Notice Board. 1.9.2.              He may also instruct karts to be checked for technical irregularities. 1.9.3.              The Clerk of the Course may appoint Judges of Fact where required. 1.10.          Every Team/ Competitor has the right to Protest. Race Directors will be appointed for each event. 1.11.          This Championship Series will be run under all the basic rules and regulations governing official motor sport events in South Africa.    1.12.          Where not specifically mentioned in these rules, Supplementary Regulations or Final Instructions for each event, it is deemed forbidden.   1.13.          Trophies will be awarded to the top three finishers. 1.14.          Points scoring will be as follows:             1^st       =       25             2^nd     =       20              3^rd      =       16             4^th      =       13             5^th      =       11             6^th      =       10             7^th      =       9             8^th      =       8             9^th      =       7             10^th    =       6             11^th    =       5             12^th    =       4             13^th    =       3             14^th    =       2             15^th    =       1 1.15.          Points toward the championship will be awarded according to the overall result for the event, which will calculated by scoring each heat separately to determine the results for the event. 1.16.          In the event of a tie on points for an event, the team with the highest finishing position in the final heat will be awarded the higher position for that event. 1.17.          In the event of a tie in the championship points the team with the highest finishing position in the final race will be awarded the higher position in the championship. 1.18.          A Bonus Points will be scored for Fastest Lap for the day. 1.19.          The lowest points scoring event during the season will be dropped.    
2.            ENTRANTS / COMPETITORS / TEAMS 2.1.             All Competitors, will sign a Drivers Code of Conduct. 2.2.             Each Team/Team Manager/Entrant will sign an acknowledgement, that the Rules and Regulations have been received and that all Drivers will sign the Code of Conduct. 2.3.             The appointed team manager is responsible for any action/s of any team member to the Organisers or Clerk of the Course. 2.4.             The F400 Championship Series is open to anyone who has reached the age of 15 years during 2010. 2.5.             A Junior Classes will be introduced; this year will cater for the younger generation and also as a feeder into both Series and to the mainstream Motorsport fraternity. 2.6.             It is the responsibility of each competitor to know the rules before the race and to act accordingly.  To approach the Clerk of the Course with any rule that is not clear, or with any problems encountered during an event. 2.7.             The Organiser holds the right not to accept an entry of teams/individuals that have a reputation of bad behaviour in order to protect other teams/competitors and Sponsors. 2.8.             It is the responsibility of each competitor and Team Manager to complete documentation. No kart will be permitted to enter the circuit until documentation and scrutineering has been completed, transponders have been fitted and track pass stickers have been issued. 2.9.             Medical personnel will be present during the entire event, please make use of their services in case of need. 2.10.          A body of marshals will be present during the entire event; this is for your safety.  Competitors must at all times obey their instructions and take any disputes with the marshals to the Clerk of the Course.  Please give them your full co-operation. 2.11.          All competitors and Team Managers will attend drivers briefing, no substitutes will be allowed.  The time and place will be listed in the Supplementary Regulations.  Failure to attend drivers briefing will incur the imposition of a R100.00 fine. 2.12.          All competitors will wear protective clothing, which covers the entire body; overall, gloves and full face approved helmet.  In case of rain, additional waterproof clothing can be worn but not instead of the clothing already specified. 2.13.          Any competitor caught under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be excluded for the rest of the season.  This may also lead to the exclusion of the team.                   3.            ENDURANCE/SAFETY AND CIRCUIT RULES 3.1.             Documentation and pre-event scrutineering is held on the morning of the event. 3.2.             No kart may travel in the reverse direction to the traffic flow, either on the pit lane, pit area or on the circuit unless specific regulations are published. 3.3.             The following rules apply in the pit area, pit lane, refuelling and weighing areas: 3.3.1.              Alcohol or smoking is strictly prohibited. 3.3.2.              Scooters, roller blades, skateboards, motorised skateboards or bicycles are prohibited. 3.3.3.              No speeding in these areas, approx. 15km/hr (Walking pace). 3.3.4.              No fuel may be kept in these areas, apart from the fuel pool.  Refuelling is only allowed in the demarcated official refuelling area. 3.3.5.              Children under 16 years of age are not allowed on the pit apron or in the signalling area. 3.4.             The Organisers reserve the right to allocate pits. These will be posted on the official notice board. 3.5.             For races/events held after dark, additional safety regulations will be issued in the Final Instructions. A 12 / 9 hour event will form part of these series. 3.6.             Any work, repairs, adjustments requiring tools, will only take place in the team's pit area. 3.7.             If a kart breaks down on the circuit, it must be removed to a safe position immediately, no repairs are allowed on the circuit. 3.8.             If the race is stopped by means of a "Red Flag", all karts will proceed to the start/finish line at a slow speed and positions must be held (No overtaking). 3.9.             Five minutes before the due start time of the race; all karts will be lined up on the grid.  3.10.          One minute before the due start time, engines will be started.  Only officials are allowed onto the circuit from this point.  Any kart unable to line up on the grid from this point; will start the race from the pit lane after the last kart has passed the pit exit on the warm-up lap, but must take up position at the back of the field, or join the race once the last kart passes the pit exit after the start of the race. 3.11.          Timing will be done by an electronic timing system and every team will be loaned a transponder for each event.  It is the responsibility of the team to keep this unit in a good condition and return it at the end of the event, on the day.  Failure to do so will lead to an R2250.00 replacement fee. Personal transponders maybe purchased, contact the Organiser. 3.12.          Flag signals will be the same as used in international motor sport.  It is the responsibility of every driver to know these flag signals. 3.13.          Ignoring flag signals will lead to a penalty/s. 3.14.          Drivers are asked to take into account the safety of everyone on the circuit. If it is clear that a driver is a danger to other drivers, he/she will be penalised. 3.15.          Experienced drivers are however asked to be patient with new/slower drivers. 3.16.          Obvious blocking or dangerous driving will lead to a penalty/s.    4.            PIT STOPS/REFUELLING/DRIVER CHANGES    4.1.             PITSTOPS 4.1.1.              Any kart wishing to enter the pit area for any reason, at all times, must signal his intention by raising a hand above helmet height/and. 4.1.2.              The Kart must be weighed before entering the pits and paddock area. 4.1.3.              The number of mandatory pit stops will be advised in the Final Instructions for each event. 4.1.4.              Penalties do not count as official pit stops, no refuelling or driver changes are allowed during STOP GO Penalties). 4.1.5.              The weighing marshal will record the time, weight and the kart number each time the kart enters the pits.  Should a kart be underweight, it may be moved off the scale, and re-weighed. Should the kart and driver still be underweight, the recorded weight will be valid. 4.1.6.              Should the driver not wait to be reweighed in case of underweight reading, then the reading recorded will be taken as the weight the kart was, on entering the pits. 4.1.7.               Any work to be carried out on the kart will be done in the team's pit. 4.1.8.              From the weigh bridge to the pit exit, the speed limit is 15 Km/hr. 4.1.9.              Entry onto the circuit is only via the official pit exits. 4.1.10.           Driver changes/weight changes may be done in the demarcated driver change area or in the team's pits should the kart require repairs. 4.1.11.           No driver/weight changes are allowed directly after the weigh bridge or on the circuit. 4.2.             REFUELLING 4.2.1.              Refuelling is only permitted in the designated refuelling area. 4.2.2.              No smoking or fires are allowed in this area. 4.2.3.              The driver/Team will comply with the following rules. 4.2.4.              Only the current drivers are allowed in the refuelling area. The refuelling area is defined as follows; within a 2 meter radius around the kart. 4.2.5.              The refuelling procedure is as follows: ·                Drive slowly into the refuelling area ·                Stop by the refuelling marshal and switch the engine off before opening the fuel cap or commencing with refuelling. ·                Refuelling will only commence once the driver is out and clear of the kart and the engines switched off ·                The fuel cap must be closed before the driver may get into the kart or start the engine. 4.2.6.              Fuel spillages during refuelling will be penalised. 4.3.             DRIVER CHANGES 4.3.1.              The timing of driver changes is at the discretion of the team, except in cases where the Final instructions advise otherwise. 4.3.2.              Specific allocated timed pits stops are calculated as follows: ·                The moment your kart passes the start line, on your "in" lap to the pits, the clock starts counting ·                The time you spend in the pits will be monitored by the time keeping system. ·                The total time at your next passing of the start finish line must be greater than or equal to the time required for your pit stop. ·                A 1 lap penalty will be applied for every 30s or part thereof you cross the line too early. 4.3.3.              Driver changes may be carried out in the following areas: ·                In the area outside the refuelling paddock. ·                On the paved area before the first covered pit (Off the pit lane). ·                In the team's pit. ·                Inside the pre race paddock. ·                No driver changes are allowed on the Pit Lane or the circuit. 4.3.4.              Any adjustments to ballast or weights, are to carried out in the following areas only: ·                In the area outside the refuelling paddock. ·                On the bricked area before the first covered pit (Off the pit lane). ·                In the team's pit. ·                Inside the pre race paddock          4.3.5.              Any driver changes will only be effected once the kart is stationary. 4.3.6.              Entry onto the circuit is only via the official pit exit.   
5.            PENALTIES    FROM THE START OF THE EVENT, EVERY COMPETITOR IS BOUND BY THESE RULES AND REGULATIONS. EACH COMPETITOR WILL OBEY THE INSTRUCTIONS OF AUTHORISED OFFICIALS.  THE CLERK OF THE COURSE MAY ACT UPON REPORTS RECEIVED FROM THE COURSE MARSHALS OR APPOINTED JUDGES OF FACT.  THE CLERK OF THE COURSE HAS THE FINAL DECISION ON APPLYING PENALTIES FOR INFRINGEMENT/S UNDER THESE RULES AND REGULATIONS, HIS/HER DECISION IS FINAL.  WRITTEN NOTIFICATION WILL BE POSTED ON THE NOTICE BOARD BEFORE ANY PENALTY IS APPLIED.   5.1.             PENALTIES (The following infringements will attract a 30 seconds stop go penalty, or 1 lap if the penalty if served after the race 5.1.1.              Failure to make the required pit stops. 5.1.2.              Bypassing the scale. 5.1.3.              Loss of ballast or weights through negligence. (plus any additional underweight penalties) 5.1.4.              Speeding in the pit lane. 5.1.5.              Overtaking under the yellow or red flags. 5.1.6.              Dangerous driving. 5.1.7.              Blatant obstruction / blocking / weaving. 5.1.8.              Ignoring flag signals. 5.1.9.              Disobeying / abusing officials. 5.1.10.           Failure to complete registration before the event. 5.1.11.           Other or additional penalties / may be added to the above. Eg. Exclusion 5.2.             PENALTIES (The following infringements will be cause to start from the back of the grid 5.2.1.              Underweight during official timed practice. (start from the back of the grid) 5.2.2.              Failure to attend drivers briefing. (start from the back of the grid) 5.3.             PENALTIES (The following infringements will attract fines) 5.3.1.              Late entry fee. (R175.00 late entry charge) payable to the F400 club. 5.3.2.              Failure to return a transponder. (R250.00) payable to the organizer. 5.4.             EXCLUSION (The following infringements will result in exclusion from the event): 5.4.1.              Any modification not allowed in the rules as part of the technical regulations. 5.4.2.              Serious disregard for flag signals which may endanger competitors or officials. 5.4.3.              Travelling in the reverse direction to traffic flow. 5.4.4.              The consumption or use of alcohol or drugs during the event. 5.4.5.              Tampered with engine seals. 5.4.6.              Any kart that does not comply with the technical regulations. 5.4.7.              Teams found to be more than 5KG underweight they will be excluded from the result for that heat. 5.4.8.              Any serious misconduct or variation of the rules as deemed by the Clerk of the Course. 5.5.             UNDERWEEIGHT 5.5.1. F400 entrants have to conform to a minimum weight of 175kg. Any driver combination found to weigh less than 175kg at any time during the event will result in a penalty being imposed. 5.5.2. The time penalty will be calculated using the formula 1kg or part thereof = 20 sec  (to be served as a stop go penalty or ½ a lap per 20sec if the penalty is served after the race) 5.6.             TIRES 5.6.1.              A set of tyres is to be used for a minimum of two races; the penalty for not adhering is the deduction of 1 Lap for each hour raced or part thereof. 5.7.             GENERAL The Clerk of the Course may impose a heavier or lesser penalty if he deems the infringement to be of a more serious or minor nature, if circumstances warrant. He/she may however impose a combination of penalties for any infringements of a serious or dangerous nature, or for repeated infringements during any event or series. He/she may not however impose any other penalty other than that laid down for technical Infringements or any other penalty as lay down above.  
6.            PROTESTS    6.1.             The decision of the Clerk of the course and Race Directors will be final, no protests are allowed.    7.            TECHNICAL RULES   7.1.             Chassis: 7.1.1.              Only CIK homologated Kart Chassis' will be allowed to participate as supplied by the Organisers, or Homologated by the CIK. Any chassis, not homologated, entering the Series must be sanctioned by the Technical Committee.   7.2.             Seats: 7.2.1.              Seats may consist of any material, but must be CIK approved, or the Kevlar Kart seats, as supplied by Action Karting.   7.3.             Engine Throttle Control Mechanism and Cable routes: 7.3.1.              Free   7.4.             Engine cut off switches: 7.4.1.              Maybe diverted forward for driver access.   7.5.             Side pods, bibs and nose cones:  7.5.1.              All karts will be equipped with the regulation side pods, bibs and nose cones. CIK homologated units. They shall remain in position at all times.   7.6.              Kart Numbers: 7.6.1.              The kart number will be displayed on the front and back of the kart at all times. 7.6.2.              Numbers must conform to the minimum sizes and coloured backing plates, as supplied by the Organisers. 7.6.3.              Any team not conforming may be black flagged. 7.6.4.              All novice drivers are required to wear and "X" on the back of their crash helmets and, the rear number plate, for at least two races. At the discretion of the Clerk of the Course. 7.6.5.              Numbers will be provided be white on a red backing.   7.7.             Rear Axle: 7.7.1.              The rear axle will be of hollow steel as homologated by the CIK. 7.7.2.              No differential in any form is allowed.   7.8.             Rear Bumpers: 7.8.1.              Rear bumpers must be fitted at all times. The rear bumper is free, provided the following specifications are adhered to: 7.8.1.1.              The rear bumper will cover at least half the width of the rear tyres. 7.8.1.2.              The bumper is constructed from steel tube with a maximum diameter of 20mm (14 Gauge). 7.8.1.3.              The bottom of the bumper must be 60mm above the ground. 7.8.1.4.              It must be secured in two places on the chassis. 7.8.1.5.              It must be constructed to withstand a substantial impact. 7.8.1.6.              The Organisers reserve the sole right to not accept bumpers.   7.9.             The following are NOT allowed: 7.9.1.              Special tyre changing equipment. 7.9.2.              Tyre warmers or tyre chemicals. 7.9.3.              Pit to driver communications. 7.9.4.              On board tuning devices. 7.9.5.              Fuel additives.   7.10.          Mechanical changes and allowances during an event. 7.10.1.           Only one kart (chassis) may be used per team in any one event. 7.10.2.           Any components may be changed during the race, including the motor/s.  
7.11.          Repairs, rebuilding and maintenance of engines. 7.11.1.           All engines will be sealed, at all times, by the Chief Technical Consultant. 7.11.2.           Should an engine/s need to be worked on, parts replaced, or a general check be done to the motors, the following procedure will be adhered to: 7.11.3.           Any seals will only be broken in the presence of the appointed Chief Technical Consultant for that Class. All work will be carried out in hisher presence, after which the motors will be resealed. 7.11.4.           A numbered seal will be fitted to each engine prior to delivery. It must remain intact. (A broken seal will result in exclusion) 7.11.5.           Only authentic original Honda engine parts may be used as replacement Engine parts. 7.11.6.            Any parts requiring further machining will be presented by the official engine builder to the F400 sanctioned engineering company who will carry out refurbishment. During this stage the balance of the motors will remain in the custody of the Chief Technical Consultant until such time as the refurbished parts are returned and the motor re-assembled and sealed. 7.11.7.           The only person allowed to strip and reassemble any motor/s is the Chief Technical Consultant / Official engine builder. 7.11.8.           Each team is allowed 3 valve grinds per motor per season, which will be documented and recorded by the official engine builder.   7.12.           Tyres and Rims. 7.12.1.           The maximum permitted width of wheel rims measurement to inside of the rim flange shall be: 7.12.1.1.           Front Maximum 135mm with Dunlop 10X4, 50 - 5, Compound rating SL 1. 7.12.1.2.           Rear Maximum 215mm with Dunlop 11X7, 10 - 5, Compound rating SL1. 7.12.2.           It is prohibited to use any chemical treatment, or other means, to artificially enhance   the performance of tyres, during official practice or racing. 7.12.3.           All tyres must be registered and marked by the Chief Technical Adviser. 7.12.4.           Marking will take the form of an encoded marker/impression or suitable indelible colouring configuration as deemed prudent by the technical committees. A register will be kept, noting all team tyre markings and event dates. 7.12.5.            One set of new Dunlop SL1 tyres, must be used for a minimum of 2 (two) race meetings (events taken part in). However, they may be used for more than two events. 7.12.6.           Should tyre/tyres be rendered unusable, during an event, only in the opinion of the Clerk of the Course and the Technical Consultant may those damaged tyre/s be replaced. They must be replaced with used tyres, whether previously marked or not. No penalty applies if this procedure is followed. 7.12.7.           Wet weather tyres are allowed. 7.12.8.       In the event of a wet race, the COC in conjunction with the leading drivers will assess the conditions. 7.13.          Fuel 7.13.1.           Participants will provide their own fuel (subject to fuel regulations) 7.13.2.           Only 93 and 95 Octane pump fuel is allowed. 7.13.3.           No fuel additives are allowed whatsoever. 7.13.4.           Fuel samples may be taken for testing at any time during the event.   7.14.          The broader spectrum of Technical Control: 7.14.1.           The Organisers reserve the right to inspect or halt, any kart which is deemed to have been illegally modified, in any way. If the motor has to be dismantled, the cost of reassembly is for the account of the owner of that kart. 7.14.2.            Where not specifically mentioned in these technical rules, any change to the technical specifications of any kart is disallowed. 7.14.3.            Only homologated /approved parts are accepted, except where specifically allowed, any variations are deemed to be illegal. 7.14.4.           ALL MEASUREMENTS ARE DEEMED TO BE, AS SUPPLIED, ON STANDARD PARTS.  UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED.  ANY MODIFICATIONS ARE DEEMED TO GAIN AN ADVANTAGE.  ALL, GASKETS AND MOVING PARTS ARE CONSIDERED STANDARD AS SUPPLIED BY THE ORGANISERS; ANY VARIATIONS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE AND WILL RESULT IN PENALTIES AND OR EXCLUSION.    
8.            SPECIFIC TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS.