As they say in the classics, hawk, I have some good news and some not so good news.
I was saving this up for a news release in the near future, but seeing as how the question has been asked, now is as good a time as any
Firstly let me say that what has been decided was not done in haste, there was several committee meetings, a general meeting and the concept was put out there in the newsletter, on the forum and Facebook for members to comment. After that lengthy process we have had to make several decisions based on all that feed back, because there is a whole heap of other work that falls out from that, particularly the 2019 Rulebook which we are finalising as we speak and new volunteers and procedures for them.
As you say, to start again from scratch and have all records open would be a huge headache as for 2019 every vehicle would end up in impound and on it goes from there. After being mentioned, this was never considered by the committee or any other group as an option.
I did put forward knocking off 5 or 10 mph from existing records, put this was resoundingly condemned as being an insult to existing record holders.
There were only 2 emails received where competitors were citing hardship if we rolled over existing to be the qualifying speed for 2-run average records. One bike and one car, so the objections were hardly seen to be overwhelming. Both of those people have already moved on and are planning their campaign for 2019, one will be competing in a new class, the other with a new vehicle.
Where possible we have based the new rules for Australian (two-run averaged) records on the SCTA-BNI process. So as to make it as familiar as possible and also to let comparisons be made, even though there are other things that are different as we all know.
The main change that was as a result of feed back, will be unique to us is where there are multiple riders or drivers of a vehicle, they will have the option to forgo the night in impound and and make their record attempt in the same day. They will still have to go to impound, get their vehicle checked and then go to pre-stage, they will not be permitted to return to their pit.
I've already had one nomination for an Impound Officer.
http://www.dlra.org.au/tasks/task-techn ... fficer.htm
With the change to Australian (two-run average) records comes the introduction of an impound, so for the 12-15 odd competitors who do break a record each day, their processes will change. I have already prepared a job description for our Impound Officer and reading that should give you a good idea of how it will run.
I have also been working with the timers to identify what changes will be required to the timing system. The programming for this has now been spec'ed and approved.
There may be some minor changes for Pre-Stage for team vehicles.
With the SCTA-BNI rules the two runs must be consecutive runs, we haven't decided yet if we will adopt that or allow entrants to use the speed from a third run combined with there first run for a record. This may make it a bit easier for some.
I will be repeating this and more information via all our communication channels when the 2019 rulebook is published.
Here is the wording that will be included in the Rulebook.
1.G. RECORD RUNS:
• Records are established by a two-run average over the same relative or physical mile, depending upon course conditions.
• Only the fastest average speed will be used for record calculation.
• The same engine block shall be used for the two-run average of each record attempt.
• Qualifying runs that exceed the existing class record are considered to be the first leg of the record attempt.
• A qualified vehicle shall proceed directly to the designated impound area and report to the impound official within 15 minutes of the time stamp on the timing slip.
• Qualified entrants may have 4 hours from the time of check-in to perform necessary maintenance on the vehicle.
• Entrants should be cognizant of pit closing time and be careful not to run late in the day if a full 4 hours are needed for maintenance.
• All impounded vehicles shall make the second leg of the record attempt at a time to be determined at the event.
• The only exception to the 4-hour rule is where there are multiple entrants using the same vehicle. In this case the entrant must still return to impound for inspection and upon clearance and receipt of a pass, they may return to pre-stage to attempt a record
run. Under no circumstances are they to return to their pit.
• If for any reason a vehicle is removed from the impound area, the record attempt is forfeited, and the vehicle must re-qualify. In the event that record runs are cancelled for that day, eligible vehicles need not re-qualify.
• After a vehicle leaves the starting line on a record run, any interruption, such as spin, loss of engine power, etc., will terminate the record attempt.
• All tanks will be sealed by an DLRA official or designee for all qualifying and record runs. Vehicles competing in fuel classes are exempt from this requirement. A technical station may be used to assure compliance of the gasoline/diesel fuel.