News from the 2015 Mintex MSA British Historic Rally Championship

Press release – 21 August 2015

Changes to asphalt tyre regulations for historics

The Motor Sports Association (MSA) has announced regulation changes that widen the range of eligible tyres for use on asphalt events in historic stage rallying. The changes take effect immediately, ahead of the next round of the 2015 Mintex MSA British Historic Rally Championship, the Rally Isle of Man Classicagh (17-19 September).

The issue of the availability of tyres meeting existing regulations instigated a meeting of the chairmen of Historic and Rallies Committees, the Stage Rally Tyre Working Group, representatives from the Roger Albert Clark Rally Motor Club, tyre manufacturers/suppliers and the MSA Executive. Proposals from that meeting have now been approved for immediate implementation.

Rob Jones, MSA Chief Executive, said: “This regulation change will give competitors a wider choice of suitable and eligible tyres, and will make the administration and application of the regulations easier to understand and apply. Mindful of the need to address this fundamental issue, we have expedited this for immediate implementation ahead of the final asphalt round of this year’s Mintex MSA British Historic Rally Championship, the Rally Isle of Man.”

BHRC championship manager Colin Heppenstall said: “We are delighted that this situation has been resolved for the good of the competitors. I’d particularly like to thank John Cooper and Alan Walker from the BHRC team for all their work on this. We can now look forward to some great competition on the asphalt roads of the Isle of Man next month.”

The new regulations are as follows:

Wheels, Tyres and Brakes
49.10.1. Wheels and tyres must be fitted in compliance with L3., 49.6. except as follows, 48.5.1., 48.5.2., 48.5.4., 48.5.6-8. and 48.5.10.-14. and;

49.10.2. For Categories One, Two and Three the diameter of wheel may not differ from that originally fitted by more than 10%.

49.10.3. For Categories One, Two and Three the complete wheels (flange + rim + tyre) are free providing that they are housed within the permitted bodywork and that they do not exceed the following widths in relation to the cubic capacity of the car:
Up to 1150 cc: 7in
Over 1150cc and up to 1600 cc: 8in
Over 1600 cc: 9in.

49.10.4. For Category Four, and vehicles competing under 49.2., wheels and tyres must comply fully with FIA Appendix K Regulations for Cars in Rallies.

49.10.5. The fitting of a dual master cylinder or any other type of device providing a simultaneous action on all four wheels and divided action on two wheels is permitted, provided the original brake pedal and pivot point are used and they cannot be adjusted to affect brake balance by either the Driver or the Co-Driver when normally seated in the car.

-ends-

More details about the Mintex MSA British Historic Rally Championship can be found at www.historicrallying.org
Follow the championship on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MSABHRC and on Twitter: @MSABHRC2015

Issued by Paul Lawrence, tel 01952 510382 (e: paul@tfmpr.com)