Rules

Type R Club of America Rules and Regulations

For any questions related to the Rules & Regulations below, please contact the Safety Steward.

Please print the Expo Tech Inspection Form and bring it with you to Tech Inspection.

Sections Updated for 2017:
2.3 C Added: "Following an instructor sign off request, a check ride with a designated instructor may be required."
3.2 C Clarification: Harness condition, operation and mounting requirements.
3.2 E Removed: SA 2005 helmet

Sections Updated for 2016:
2.3 C: Signing off Students: Added "Sign Offs are REQUIRED to allow a student on track without an instructor"
2.7 A "Tech Inspection is Required for ALL CARs" has been updated. Instructors and sponsor cars must pass tech
2.7 B "Note" added - No handheld devices on track
2.7 C Added: Loose/missing lug nuts, Loose/missing lug studs, Floor mats not removed, loose items in car or glovebox, Hood pins not secure or installed properly (if applicable)
2.7 D "What if I fail tech?" - Entirely new text.
2.7 E Added: "Any passenger/guest who is going on track must have signed a waiver and have a wristband, and must abide by these rules."
3.2 C New text: Suggestion to add safety wire or cotter pins per the Schroth Harness Mounting Instructions. Pins and/or safety wire will be available at tech.
3.2 D New items A through E. VIR has track specific rules for convertibles. If you are unsure if your car complies, please contact Safety@itrexpo.com.

3.3 Windows: Clarification

General
1. Acceptance of the Event Rules
Event Conduct
1. Event Rules
2. Driver Responsibility
3. Run Groups
  - Run Group Assignments
  - Changing Run Groups
  - Signing Off Students
4. Novice / Intermediate Tire Rule
5. Driving Other Vehicles on Track
6. On-Track Conduct
  - Understanding The Rules
  - Rules for Spins and Going Off Track
7. Tech Inspection
8. Passengers
Safety Requirements
1. Equivalent Protection for Driver and Instructor
2. Safety Equipment
  - Roll Bars and Roll Cages
  - Seats
  - Harnesses
  - Convertibles
  - Helmets / Clothing
3. Windows

1 General
The ITRCA Integra Type-R Expo (Event) is an instructional driving event. Drivers are required to operate their vehicles within the rules specified in this document, as well as any additional instruction or rule given before or during the Event by any Event organizer. Novice and Intermediate drivers are expected to safely follow the instructions given by their instructors. All drivers are expected to drive within their limits and the limit of their cars, as well as being mindful of the surroundings, both on and off the track. Failure to abide by the rules set forth in this document, at the sole and final discretion of the Event organizers, may result in penalties such as loss of driving privileges or expulsion from the Event. High performance driving demands alertness and concentration. In order to ensure that all drivers are well rested and alert, please be respectful of each other's right to a peaceful night's sleep.

Note: Anyone found to be breaking or circumventing the rules will be expelled from the Event without refund. Also, anyone expelled from the Event may be prohibited from returning to future events held by ITRCA.

1.1 Acceptance of Safety Rules
By registering for this Event, as well as signing the required waivers in your registration packet, you are accepting the Event rules and any Track specific rules.

2 Event Conduct
Drivers and Guests are expected to conduct themselves according to the highest standards of conduct and treat each other with courtesy, dignity, and respect. This applies to all Event locations, which include, but are not necessarily limited to the racetrack facility, banquet hall, and hotel. It is the policy of ITRCA that harassment is unacceptable conduct. For purposes of this policy, "harassment" is defined as unwelcome conduct, whether verbal, physical, or visual, that is malicious or abusive, and may include inappropriate comments or conduct based on a person's race, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other status, including but not limited to harassment that violates federal, state, or local law. Sexual harassment, as it relates to this policy, is defined as either unwelcome sexual advance by a Driver or Guest, or other unwelcome verbal, physical, or visual conduct of a sexual nature by either a Driver or Guest when the purpose or effect of such conduct creates, in the Organizers' sole discretion, an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. Harassment of all types is subject to immediate discipline at the Organizers' discretion, up to and including expulsion from the Event.

Alcohol Use
While the Event provides an opportunity for friends to socialize, a ZERO TOLERANCE policy will be in effect for drunken and disorderly conduct. Our behavior at the track as well as at the banquet and hotel should reinforce our good reputation that we have built over the years with track staff and the nearby towns.

The expectation is that drivers have not been drinking for a minimum of 8 hours before the first track session. Any driver who is under the influence of alcohol/drugs, is perceived to be under the influence, or is exhibiting loss of alertness, awareness, or mental acuity will lose their driving privileges for all or part of the Event.

Since many people may be camping, it is important to mention: no drinking while the track is hot, by Drivers or Guests.

Drug Use
Drug use for recreation is strictly prohibited during the Event. Drivers or Guests found in violation of this restriction will be expelled.

Explosives
Fireworks, explosive or incendiary devices are strictly prohibited.

2.1 Event Rules
The Lead Instructor and Safety Steward or their designate are responsible for all determinations made before or during the event.

Drivers must:

Be at least 18 years old
Hold a current valid state drivers license
Attend all required meetings: Driver's meetings, classroom sessions
Pass a safety (tech) inspection
Have the proper safety equipment
Pay the Event Registration Fee
Follow the rules set forth in this document, in addition to any rules given before or during the Event by the Event organizers
Submit and sign the required waivers and tech inspection form before driving in the event
Abide by any and all rules of the hosting facility/track

Track specific: Participants may not use jacks or jack stands, nor do any refueling, nor create holes of any kind on any asphalt surface. Participants shall place wood or some other material under jacks and jack stands so as to protect the ground surface from damage. Participants may not paint any paved surface, and shall remove all trash, vehicle parts and debris. All waste fluids must be disposed of in the appropriate containers provided by the track. The cleanup of spilled fluids is very expensive, and it is expected that the track will charge ITRCA for all damages and costs of cleanup. Any charges incurred by ITRCA as a result of Participant's actions will be charged to the offending Participant. (even after the event has concluded)

2.2 Driver Responsibility
As this Event is instructional, the primary focus is education and safety. Dangerous behavior on or off track will not be tolerated. Attendance at the driver's meetings and classroom sessions is mandatory. An unexcused absence will result in the loss of driving privileges. Aggressive driving, risky maneuvers, excessive off-course excursions, or discourteous driving are strictly prohibited. Each driver will receive a meeting card at the conclusion of the driver's meetings and classroom sessions. If this card is not given to the Grid Staff, you will not be allowed on track.

2.3 Run Groups

Run Group Assignments
Each driver shall be assigned to a group by the lead instructor based on their driving history, feedback from past instructors and conduct at past Expo Events (if applicable). If the group you select during registration is different from the group you are assigned, you will be contacted by the lead instructor or safety steward.

Changing Run Groups
If you believe you are in the wrong run group during the Event, please contact the Lead Instructor or Safety Steward.

If you are in advanced and would like an instructor, please contact the Lead Instructor or Safety Steward.

The Lead Instructor and Safety Steward reserve the right to change group and instructor assignments based on instructor and student feedback, other driver feedback, as well as feedback from track staff.

Signing off Students
Instructors - if you wish to sign off your student, please contact the Lead Instructor. Sign offs should be taken seriously. The requirements for a sign off will be discussed at the instructor meeting before the first track session. Novices should be receiving instruction for most if not all of the Event. Following an instructor sign off request, a check ride with a designated instructor may be required. If a signed off driver has an incident on track (spin, off, etc), an instructor will be required to go out with them for at least one session. Sign Offs are REQUIRED to allow a student on track without an instructor.

2.4 Novice / Intermediate Tire Rule
No R Compound tires (examples: Nitto NT01, Toyo RA1) are allowed unless approved by the Lead Instructor and safety steward. If you are planning to use an R Compound tire and have been assigned to Novice or Intermediate, or you are unsure if your tire is allowable, please contact the Lead Instructor or Safety Steward.

2.5 Driving Other Vehicles on Track
A driver may only drive the car they registered for the Event, unless approval is obtained from the owner of the car, and the Event Organizer, Lead Instructor, or Safety Steward.

* Unless the two parties have a separate agreement, the terms of the General Release and Waiver of Liability for the Event shall govern and restrict the owner's claims for any and all injuries and damages which are caused by negligence, whether active, passive, ordinary, or gross, or otherwise, by the driver of the owner's car.

2.6 On-Track Conduct
All on-track rules must be followed. Track rules will be discussed at the morning driver's meeting.

You must show an understanding of the following items If you do not show an understanding to any of these items, you will be black flagged to discuss with Grid Staff and/or the Lead Instructor and Safety Steward.
1. Track Flags
2. Passing Signals
  1. Do not under any circumstance pass without receiving a passing signal
    1. The passing flag from a corner worker is not a passing signal
    2. A passing signal must be given for EACH separate car that you intend to let by
  2. Typically, the slower car stays on line, while the faster car moves off line to execute the pass. The specifics of this will be discussed at the driver's meetings.
  3. Fully extend your arm when giving a passing signal (ensuring that it is clearly visible)
  4. SLOW DOWN when giving a passing signal (remove your foot from the gas, do not use the brake unless absolutely necessary)
3. Allowing faster cars to pass as soon as possible
4. Leaving a safe distance when you are behind a slower car
5. Proper speed on the grid and in the paddock.
6. If you are entering the track for your first lap, DO NOT CROSS THE BLEND LINE
7. Paying attention and following the flags
8. Driver/Passenger arms and hands may not be outside the vehicle at any time while you are on track. They must remain INSIDE the door at all times, except when giving a passing signal.
9. Do not exit the vehicle on track at any time unless instructed to do so by track staff, or if your car is on fire.
10. If you notice something is wrong with your car while on track, pull off track in a safe and predictable manner and move slowly towards a flag station.

Spins and Going Off Track
Going off track or spinning does not get rewarded at this Event. Going off or spinning usually indicates that you are driving too fast or are not in full control of the car.

In some situations, it is best to let the car go straight off track or allow the car to spin, rather than fight the car and possibly create a more dangerous situation. If you find yourself in an uncontrollable situation put 'both feet in' (clutch and brake) and attempt to drive the car straight off the track and stop as safely as possible.
1. If you go off track with all four wheels, or a majority of your car is off track, or you spin but remain on track, you will be black flagged. Your car will then be inspected underneath for grass/etc. Also, you will be visited by the Lead Instructor, Safety Steward, or Grid Staff to discuss the incident.
2. If you have two offs/spins in a day, you may be asked to sit out a session or the rest of the day, depending on the circumstances and severity of the spin/off. The decision to suspend your driving privileges for a period of time or the entire Event is entirely up to the Lead Instructor and Safety Steward.

2.7 Tech Inspection

Tech Inspection is Required for ALL CARS
On-site tech inspection is REQUIRED for all participants who will be driving on track (instructors, students, staff, and sponsors). Failure to pass tech inspection will result in forfeiting track time.

Tech Requirements
Please bring your car to tech as it will be driven on track. This includes the tires and pads you will use on track. Take all items out of the car, and bring your helmet and any device that will be secured to the car during the Event. You must demonstrate that any device that will be attached to the car (inside or out) is secured properly. Any device secured to the outside of the car will also be checked by Grid Staff prior to each session.

Note - There are no handheld devices allowed on track. All devices must be secured to the car.

Issues With Your Car / Negligence If you knowingly have an issue with your car before or during the Event, please inform the Lead Instructor or Safety Steward as soon as possible. Do not continue to go out on track with any known issue. Doing so may result in a loss of track privileges, as well as lost track time to everyone else. Also, tracks can and do charge drivers for track damage - this includes but is not limited to: fluid clean up on the track surface, damage to the barriers, as well as damage to the track facility. If you are found to be knowingly tracking your car with a potentially dangerous issue, you will be asked to fix the issue before being allowed on track.

Here are some examples of issues that should be addressed prior to going to tech, or going on track for your session:
- Corded tires, or tires rubbing on suspension arms/fenders
- Loose/missing lug nuts
- Loosing/missing lug studs
- Floor mats not removed loose items in the car or glovebox
- Hood pins not secured or installed properly (if applicable)
- Brake lights not working
- Excessive play in the brake or clutch pedal
- Loose throttle cable
- Play in the steering wheel
- Loose bolts - please torque ALL bolts to spec before going through tech
- Warped or cracked rotors
- Loose/bad wheel bearings
- Fluid leaks of any kind (windshield washer fluid, oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid)
- Brake pad thickness less than the recommended minimum thickness
- Loose body panels/wings
- Loose objects in the car
- Loose dipstick tube
- High or low oil pressure, high coolant/water temperature
- Check engine lights (All CELs must be investigated and resolved in order to pass tech - other than a CEL due to a bad catalytic converter or use of a test pipe)
- Engine / Rod knocking
- Frayed belts
- Loose/missing gas cap
- Excessive valve train noise
- Surging idle
- Battery not tied down properly
- Exposed wiring
- ECU not properly secured
- Low tire pressure
- Low oil levels
- Noise level (if the track has a Decibel limit)
- Lack of exhaust - Running open header at this Event is not allowed. You must have an exhaust or at minimum, a b-pipe with a turn down.

What if I fail tech?
If any changes are required as a result of your tech inspection, you must complete an additional inspection to ensure the changes are compliant. You will not be able to register until you have passed tech. The Lead Instructor and/or Safety Steward will discuss why your car failed tech, and may be able to give some recommendations on how to best address the issue.

Please ensure that you bring adequate tools, as well as extra fluids, pads, and spare parts. This is recommended for any track event, and will help ensure that you maximize your track time.

If you cannot pass tech, you will not be able to drive on track. Complying with the safety rules and ensuring your car is in good mechanical condition will ensure that you pass tech. There are no exceptions for passing tech.

Responsibility
The responsibility of ensuring that the vehicle is safe and in proper mechanical condition to participate in the Event falls exclusively upon the driver.

2.8 Passengers
The ability to take a passenger on track is a revocable privilege, not a right.

Passengers for Novice and Intermediate drivers are not allowed.

Advanced and Instructor drivers may take passengers without special permission. Any passenger/guest who is going on track must sign a waiver and have a wristband, and must abide by these rules.

3 Safety Requirements
All safety requirements must be met in order to pass tech inspection, as well as to participate in the Event. If there are any issues or questions about these safety rules, please email safety@itrexpo.com

3.1 Equivalent Protection for Driver and Instructor
All cars shall have equivalent protection (seats, belts, padding) for both driver and passenger. For Novice and Intermediate drivers, if you do not have equal protection, you will not be able to participate on track, since you are required to have an instructor until you are signed off. Please ensure this is addressed before the Event.

Any advanced or Instructor car that does not have equal protection will not be able to have any passengers.

3.2 Seats, Harnesses, Roll Bars and Roll Cages

Roll Bars and Roll Cages - Requirements
If you have a roll bar or roll cage, you must have a fixed back (non-reclining) seat.
1. The bar/cage must be appropriately secured to the vehicle in the suggested mounting points
2. The bar/cage must be adequately padded with the correct material (SFI 45.1 Padding). The padding must be applied anywhere there is a possibility of contact between the driver/passenger and the roll bar/cage.
3. Cusco and similar style cages are not allowed
4. Allowable materials for roll bars and cages
  1. Seamless Alloy (4130)
  2. Seamless Mild Steel (CDS Mechanical)
  3. DOM
  4. ERW is allowed but not recommended
5. Minimum tubing wall thickness and tubing diameter
  1. 4130, CDS, DOM
    - Cars under 2500lbs - 1.500" diameter x 0.098" tube wall thickness
    - Cars over 2500lbs - 1.500" x 0.120", or 1.750" x 0.095""
  2. b. ERW (not recommended)
    - i. Cars under 2500lbs - 1.500" x 0.120"
    - ii. Cars over 2500lbs - 1.750" x 0.120"

Autopower 4pt roll bar (Street Roll Bar, Street-Sport Roll Bar, Race Roll Bar)
Autopower 6pt roll cage
Kirk 4pt roll bar
Kirk 6pt roll cage

Seat Requirements
Fixed back (non-reclining) seat / race bucket
- 5 or 6 point harness
- 4 point harnesses are NOT allowed
- Roll bar or roll cage
Stock / Reclining Seat
- OEM seat belts must be used in their factory configuration
- 4 point harnesses are NOT allowed
- 5 or 6 point harnesses are not allowed with stock / reclining seats
All seats must be securely fastened to the structure of the car.

Harness Requirements
- Shoulder belts must be 3" unless used with a head and neck restraint.
- Harnesses must be in working condition without frays, tears or color fading. Essentially they need to look brand new.
- The release mechanism must be in working condition.
- The release mechanism must release all belts simultaneously with one release mechanism.
- Please see the Schroth harness mounting instructions for the approved harness mounting. This applies to the mounting of the lap belts, sub belts, as well as the shoulder belts.
- Harnesses must be used with a fixed back seat and a roll bar or cage.
- Harness guide bars must not be used as anchor points for belts.
Per the Schroth Harness Mounting Instructions , please ensure that the snap hooks on the harness belts are correctly clipped to the eye bolts with the latch towards the bottom, and we suggest that they are secured with safety wire or a cotter pin . (See Schroth harness mounting instructions, page 2, Lap Belt Column, fifth item)

Convertibles
All convertibles must meet the following requirements:
1. Convertibles must have either an aftermarket rollbar (and therefore comply with 3.2 A Roll Bars and Roll Cages Requirements), or have factory rollover protection.

2. Convertibles with “Pop up rollover protection” require an aftermarket rollbar.

3. ALL convertibles must pass the broomstick test with 2” clearance. The driver must have their helmet on during the test.

4. ALL convertible passenger MUST comply with the 2” clearance rule.

5. Removable hardtop cars are considered Convertibles and must abide by the above rules.

If you have fixed back seats, 5 or 6 point harnesses, roll bar and/or roll cage, you must comply with all the rules in the Seats, Harnesses, Roll Bars and Roll Cages section.

If you have stock seats and belts, we strongly suggest installing a roll bar and using arm restraints. A roll bar is REQUIRED for the Mazda Miata.

Convertibles with factory rollover protection (using stock seats and belts) are allowed, however an additional waiver must be signed that acknowledges that the driver assumes and understands the risk associated with relying on the factory rollover protection in lieu of accepted HPDE safety standards for convertibles.

The top of the driver/passenger helmet must be below the top of all bars of the halo in a roll cage. For a roll bar, the broomstick stick may be used as a guide to determine if the driver/passenger are properly protected. If this is an issue, please contact the Lead Instructor or Safety Steward before the Event. In the event that the instructor assigned does not meet this requirement, a new instructor will be given to the driver.

If an instructor is not comfortable with the convertible's safety equipment, they reserve the right to request another student/car to instruct. The Lead Instructor and Safety Steward will attempt to swap instructors in this situation.

Helmets / Clothing
Requirements:
1. Helmet - A proper fitting, closed-face, SA 2010 or 2015 helmet
2. Clothing - non-synthetic fabric clothing (i.e. Cotton)
  1. Pants
  2. Socks
  3. Long-Sleeved Shirt
  4. Shoes must be closed

3.3 Windows
Windows must be down while you are on track at all times.