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The Road Race Commission, in conjunction with clubs hosting rounds of this years Road Race Championship events and with the approval of the MNZ executive, have developed an improved championship format for the coming season.
With Official qualifying and practise session times being used for setting grid positions the new format allows for two fifteen minute practise sessions instead of the previous three 10 minute sessions. This means competitors will retain the same amount of track time while allowing organising officials extra time for event turnarounds.
A new Auditing System to replace the old machine examinations is being refined by the MNZ Stewards commission for use at this seasons championship. Details will be contained in the Supplementary Regulations for the series. Riders safety gear will continue to be checked at each venue.
Warren New, MNZ Road Race Commission Director, believes that these changes \"will make the series more user friendly and will add the qualifying factor to the practise sessions - and add more value to the event as a whole...\"
The Sports Production Classes have had rule modifications to ensure close competition this season, and to ensure a consistent rule base for the class.
The 750V Twins have been included in the 600 Sports Production Class but the weight limit remains - this will add heat to an already smouldering competition for both riders and machines.
Accessory or aftermarket air filters can be fitted provided the original standard fittings inside the airbox are used and that only the part that can be removed is the element itself. Master brake cylinders must be manufacturer supplied and have the same piston diameter as the standard part.
The advisory group has also allowed cam timing to be altered - the cam sprockets must be the standard item, but they may be slotted or pressed off and pressed back into place. Standard brake lines may be replaced as required.
The use of carbon fibre in fairings will be restricted to the reinforcing of mounting points only. Unless the machine is fitted with standard fairings it must not have carbon fibre fairings fitted, this includes front fender, front section, belly pan, and rear seat cowlings. Valve seats must be the original material as supplied by the manufacturer and maintained as per manufacturers specs.
In the electrial area, two rule issues that have been under consideration and the outcome of the recent advisory groups tele-conferencing has seen confirmation that no alteration will be permitted to the wiring loom and that the battery must be capable of starting the motorcycle before, and after a race.
It has also accepted a reccommendation to allow titanium exhausts for the 1999-2000 competition season. No after-market titanium exhaust systems will be permitted after the conclusion of the season in June 2000.
All machines in the Sports Production class will be sealed at the Teretonga meeting to ensure machine integrity.
While the process of focusing the rules has been challenging, Warren New is confident defining and clarifying the rules for the coming season will result in a better race format.
\"We wanted to create a series that had all the elements of good racing, closely matched machines with similar performance characteristics... where the knowledge and skill of the rider would also play a big part in the success formula for competitors and I think we\'ve achieved that while making allowances in some areas to get uniformity and conformity.
I can\'t wait for the season to get under way so that we can see some really challenging racing...\" says Warren.
Spomsorship details for the New Zealand Championship series are currently being finalised and an announcement will be made soon.
For more information on the rule changes please contact:
Warren New
MNZ Road Race Commisson Director
Phone or Fax (09) 813 0155
