The primary objective of Vintage and Historic Automotive racing is to promote the preservation of these cars in a racing format for friendly wheel–to-wheel competition with vehicles prepared faithfully to their era.  All racing is dangerous and only the proper attitude of the driver and careful preparation of care will diminish the danger and enhance our appreciation of this sport. – VSCDA Board of Directors, Feb., 2021.

 

The VSCDA Drivers’ Committee is tasked with investigating any car-to-car contact, car to track contact and any circumstance of “over driving” resulting in an unsafe situation or not within the “vintage racing spirit”.

 

What invokes a Drivers’ Committee inquiry?

 

Any on track incident resulting in wheel to wheel contact no matter how minor, car to track contact, even if no damage results, and unsafe driving.  Unsafe driving may be an overly aggressive pass, not driving the racing line, multiple spins or other exhibited lack of car control, including:  repeated failure to follow flag directives, crossing the blend line, or driving too slowly.  All situations that create a hazard to the driver or other drivers on the track.

 

Your VSCDA Drivers’ Committee (DC) strives to gather complete factual information, and consistency of review leading to the safety of all of us.  The DC consists of five permanent members, with a minimum of three members at each VSCDA event.

 

SPINS, SINS, GRINS and WINS:

 

Most car-to-car contact occurs during three common situations:  passing, spinning or overly aggressive driving.

 

SPINS:  An occasional spin during racing – even at 8/10s may occur.   As stressed at VSCDA’s Driving School, “when in a spin two feet in.”  By depressing the clutch pedal, power is cut to the drive wheels, and a stall may be prevented.  By depressing the brake pedal the spinning car should be brought to a quicker stop.  If a spin occurs in a group of cars contact may be unavoidable.  If there is no contact the DC’s jurisdiction is not invoked.  If there is contact, then the DC investigates.

 

SINS:  Unsafe, dangerous driving will not be tolerated at VSCDA events.  Repeated overly aggressive driving – driving not in the “vintage racing spirit,” including diving into a turn, cutting off other drivers, driving outside of the accepted racing line, crossing the blend line when coming onto the track, blocking, jumping the start, not demonstrating “situational awareness”, repeated flag violations – particularly passing under a yellow flag, and other situations that may be observed by Race Control (Tower) and reported to the DC – even without contact – may invoke the DC’s jurisdiction.

 

GRINS:  Racing wheel to wheel, side by side, through a turn or a succession of turns is as fun and as good as it gets.  Many DC inquiries occur when the two drivers approach slower, “back marker” racers.  When the back marker is driving the racing line and one of the two, faster, side by side, racers must yield the turn contact may occur.  Likewise, when one car pulls ahead and passes the back marker and the back marker moves in – still on the racing line, contact may occur with the second passing car.

 

The overtaking driver always has the responsibility to make a clean safe pass.  As a general guideline, if the contact occurs from the middle front of the overtaking car to the middle rear of the car being passed and, absent some evidence to the contrary, the assumption is that the passing driver is at fault.

 

Yield the line to the slower car, wait three seconds, and the faster driver should regain any advantage lost.  In any event, there are no points, prize money or trophy to be won – and, the costs of body damage and mechanical repairs are avoided.

 

WINS:  When we all “play nice”, drive with the “vintage racing spirit”, and drive at 8/10ths we all win by bringing the car home in the same condition as when it was brought to the track.  Driving in the “vintage racing spirit” means always leaving a margin for error and anticipating the unexpected when competing.  Friendly, safe, wheel to wheel competition should be everyone’s goal. The comradery of the paddock is only slightly less rewarding than the thrill of going side by side through turns with your best racing friend.

 

What happens if there is contact or if you are approached by members of the DC?

Any contact, no matter how slight, requires both drivers to report to the DC immediately after the conclusion of the session and upon the driver’s return to their paddock

 

If involved in any contact you must locate the DC and complete a Driver’s Incident Report.  One or more members of the DC will interview you to get your full statement and explanation of what occurred.  The DC then gathers written statements from any other affected drivers, other driver witnesses and corner station workers.  If there is any in car video, it is sourced and reviewed.  The DC committee then meets and determines if the contact was a “racing incident” or a result of overly aggressive driving or driving “not within the vintage racing spirit”.

 

Remember, all members of the DC are fellow racers, volunteer their time and experience to our club, and are usually also racing at the event.  Showing courtesy of coming to the DC and not forcing them to come to find you is responsible and another demonstration of the “vintage racing spirit”.

 

Off track behavior after the incident is also taken into consideration.  Reporting to DC after an incident and completing an incident form is the responsibility of the drivers involved.  Ignoring this responsibility and making the DC come and find you or provoking a verbal or physical altercation with another involved driver may enhance any penalty assessed

 

When a driver is determined to be “at fault” the DC follows Penalty Guidelines that are included in each driver’s event packet.

 

The DC confidentially informs the “at fault” driver if there is a penalty.  If there is no penalty assessed, then the DC closes the matter.  Due to confidentiality provisions the other drivers are not informed of the penalty that is imposed upon the “at fault” driver.  When a penalty is either a three or more-month probation, or any suspension, the DC reports the sanction to the Vintage Motorsports Council.

 

DC findings are unanimous and final.  In every situation the DC strives to be considerate, courteous and consistent.  DC members are here “for you” and are not “against you”.

 

Self-policing of VSCDA drivers is critical for the VSCDA to obtain affordable insurance coverage.  Without insurance the VSCDA is not able to rent the track and none of us can race.

 

When you see us in the paddock or at an event say “hi”, we don’t bite.  Contact us at:

 

driverscommittee@vscda.org

 

Gary Kropf, Roger Heil, John Kennelly, John Salisbury, Charlie Hall

 

Standard Race Operation Procedures

1. Only the VSCDA approved and registered Driver for the entered vehicle is allowed on the race track!
2. Rookie Drivers must display “Xs” on their car. Open wheel cars on 2 sides and closed wheel cars on all 4 sides.  After the completion of 3 races with VSCDA the Drivers may remove the “Xs”.
3. unsafe or dangerous driving ON THE TRACK will not be tolerated. Sanctions will be imposed, by the Drivers Committee, on Drivers who are found at fault.  Drive safely without incident.
4. if you are involved in an incident that causes any damage TO YOUR CAR, ANOTHER CAR, OR ANY PART OF THE TRACK YOU MUST REPORT TO THE CHIEF STEWARD AND THEN DRIVERS COMMITTEE TO FILL OUT A WRITTEN REPORT. if you do not report and fill out the written documentation your driving privileges may be be suspended.
5. if you go off course or spin and can continue do not rejoin the field until instructed to do so by a corner worker. If no Corner Worker is present, you may rejoin only when there is an interval in the field such that if you should stall, your position can be clearly seen from a distance by oncoming cars.  When in doubt, wait!  If you go four wheels off during a warm up, practice or qualifying session, you must come into the pit lane and report to the tech representative and/or steward.  Failure to do so will result in a black flag. You may be black flagged for a major on-course spin as well.
6. passing: The responsibility for a clean pass rests with both Drivers.  Primary responsibility is with the over-taking car.  Corner stations will advise slower cars with Blue Flag (passing flag).  Watch your mirrors.  The over-taken Driver should clearly indicate to the over-taking Driver on which side the pass should be made while maintaining a predictable racing line.
7. Any driver found to be endangering or abusing to other drivers, any track personnel, or persons in the paddock will be immediately suspended from the event.

flags:

1. white flag: Open, may be displayed at all corners and start, at the beginning of warm-up and practice sessions. Passing allowed – you may encounter slower cars.
2. black flag: Open, displayed at all corners means the session has stopped. All cars shall proceed cautiously to the pits.  no passing.  An “ALL” sign will be displayed at the Starter’s Stand.  Individual driver black flags may be accompanied with a car number.  Report to Steward in pit lane or Tech Rep for a technical “meat ball”.
3. red flag: Means extreme danger – the session has been stopped. Come to an immediate controlled stop at the side of the race track, preferably in line of sight to a staffed Corner Station.  When released by an Official, proceed cautiously to the pits or as otherwise instructed.
4. yellow flag: There is no passing from the point of the yellow flag until you are in sight of the next clear, manned station not displaying a yellow flag.

 

standing – a situation exists that warrants your attention and caution.  no passing!

waving – a hazardous situation exists that warrants your attention and extreme caution.                            Slow down and no passing!  You will probably have to deviate from and modify your driving line.

double – when you see a station displaying two yellow flags, a full course yellow exists –                        no passing!  A Pace Car may be used.

Note –  passing under a yellow flag will not be tolerated!  Penalties and potential Drivers Committee actions will be imposed.

 

grid positions and starts:  Cars arriving at the false grid after the five minute signal forfeit grid position.  Do not attempt to regain your original grid position during the pace lap.  You may improve position only after green flag is displayed by Starter.  This rule also applies for Drivers who loose their position during a pace lap i.e., engine kills but restarts after the field has passed.  If you improve your position or do not stay in line and maintain an appropriate (1-2 car lengths) interval prior to display of the green flag, you MAY be black flagged.

 

pace car:  If the Pace Car enters the circuit slow down and follow in single file.  Do not change position and do not pass the Pace Car unless waved by.

cool-off lap:  The Cool-Off Lap is considered to be under racing conditions.  Do not remove gloves, belts, helmet, etc.  Remain alert as passing could occur.  Passing is discouraged during cool-off lap.  If you do pass during cool-off lap, total responsibility for a very slow, clean and safe pass rests with the passing Driver.

 

 

official race control is through the Chief Steward and the staff.  It is imperative that you comply with their instructions.  Should any serious infraction of conduct occur VSCDA will follow their recommendation for action.

 

VSCDA is a member of the Vintage Motorsports Council (VMC) and has adopted the following philosophy for racing:

“The primary objective of the sport of Vintage and Historic Automobile racing is to promote the preservation of these cars in a racing format which emphasizes driver safety and etiquette.

            The sport is intended to provide a format for friendly wheel-to-wheel competition with vehicles prepared faithfully to their era.

            All racing is dangerous and only the proper attitude of the driver and the careful preparation of cars will diminish the danger and enhance our appreciation of this sport.”

 

schedule:  The Steward and Race Director may alter the program and schedule in order to balance the competition and to ensure participant safety.  The event will continue in inclement weather, but may be shortened and/or modified.

 

Crew credentials:  Credentials for track entry may be obtained ONLY during scheduled registration hours.  Please advise your crew and guests that if they are not present to register during registration hours, they will not be admitted.  Please remember that all race entrants, touring entrants, crew members and guests must sign in at registration and obtain wrist bands before they are allowed to enter the track.  Crew members and guests not listed by the driver on the registration entry form will not be admitted until the driver physically or in writing gives their authorization to registration.  Without authorization, any unlisted crew members or guests will be required to purchase an over-crew wrist band to gain admittance.  Drivers are responsible for the conduct of their crew and guests.  Children must be under the direct supervision of an adult at all times.

 

drivers meetings:  all drivers meetings are mandatory

 

technical inspection:

• Your technical inspection sheet will be issued to you at VSCDA registration. Both sides must be completed, signed and presented with your log book at time of technical inspection.  These are the only items required if you already have obtained a VSCDA (or approved affiliate) approved annual technical inspection.
• All cars must remove or cover previous technical stickers.
• All cars entered in warm-ups, practice, qualifying, race or touring sessions must be registered, pass technical inspection and display a technical sticker and group number before they are allowed on the track.
• All race cars must display their assigned race number at technical inspection. After the car has been issued its technical sticker the number may not be changed without official approval from VSCDA registration and technical inspection.
• All camera mounts must be approved at technical inspection.
• All driver safety equipment must be presented at technical inspection. This requirement is waived for those with current VSCDA annual technical inspection approvals. Certain approved affiliate organization annual technical inspections are acceptable.  Check with Chief of Tech.  All race Drivers must wear two layers of Nomex or an equivalent.  Helmets must be rated Snell 2010SA or later.  Drivers should have their name and date of birth (blood type is also recommended) on the back of their helmets.  Head and Neck Restraints are mandatory as of  September 1, 2017

 

 

2020

Drivers Committee Penalty Guidelines

(For Drivers found to be ‘At Fault’ in On-Track Incidents)
Single Race Incidents	Action Taken at This Event		Action Taken for Future Events
Damage Level		Minimum	Maximum
NONE	Probation	NONE	NONE*
SLIGHT	Probation	(1-3) VSCDA Race Probation	4-5 VSCDA Race Probation
MODERATE	Probation**	4-5 VSCDA Race Probation	13 Month VSCDA Probation
HEAVY	Suspension***	13 Month VSCDA Probation	VSCDA Suspension****
PERSONAL INJURY	Suspension***	13 Month VSCDA Probation	VSCDA Suspension****

 

* = Further Action Considered for Repeat Offense or Serious Driver Error
** = Race Car must be re-inspected by Tech

*** = Driver must report to Medical for evaluation; Race Car must be re-inspected by Tech
**** = Appeals of sanctions are to be directed to the Drivers Committee (driverscommittee@vscda.org) for reconsideration and finalization.  Suspension vs Probation at the Discretion of the Drivers Committee