Read the following article carefully to avoid problems and/or penalties at the events.
The first race of the year always offers an extra challenge because everyone involved (organisation, officials, teams and drivers) is a bit “rusty” or for others, it is their first race. Here are some of the observations made during the first round.
1 – Incorrect or incomplete entries
We had several errors in the selection of the category. For example: leave the first choice by default (Briggs Cadet) when it is not your category, choose a category but with a number of another one (ex. registration in Briggs Senior but with a number of the category of Briggs Masters). Write “coming soon” in the section of the license and/or transponder but do not give these numbers during the accreditation.
When you register, you create your entry in the event database. This same database is then imported into the timing software as well as for the tire control. If you make a mistake in your form, that mistake is reflected everywhere.
A good way to facilitate your registration is to take a picture of your license and transponder. If you are doing this for someone else, make sure you have the correct number and category.
2 – Transponders
We had many problems with transponders. Errors in entering the number in the registration form (numbers reversed or missing), registered “to come” in the form but not giving his number at the accreditation. We also had pilots who forgot to renew their subscription, not to mention the usual problem “I forgot to charge my transponder”.
The transponder is an essential part of your event. Without it, we can’t give you any time. Pay special attention to it and check its condition before each session.
During the events, we make sure that at least one practice per category is timed to test the system and to detect a possible problem with your transponder. This test is not necessarily done during the last practice. We remind you that it is mandatory to have your transponder on your kart at all times on Saturday. It would be a pity for you to know only at the time of the qualifying that your transponder does not work. Check the Race-Monitor or Mylaps applications during practice to see if your class has been timed and if so, if you have a time.
3 – Schedule not followed at the event
It is your duty to consult the event schedule. There are times defined in the detailed event schedule (version 2 or higher) that are strictly enforced. These include the drivers’ meeting, the time when you can get your tires and/or have them marked, production of the technical declaration, etc. Failure to follow the schedule can lead to penalties and even disqualification if you have not marked your tires or filed your technical declaration. Consult the schedule yourself to avoid surprises.
4 – Marking of dry and wet tires
We have drivers who did not register any tires during the 1st round. As mentioned above, it is important to follow the schedule because we cannot leave people waiting unnecessarily. There are always two times when you can have your tires marked, either on Friday at the end of the day or on Saturday at the beginning of the day. There is no marking outside of these two times. Failure to mark can lead to a penalty or even disqualification depending on the session where the tire check is done.
Rain tires: we do not systematically mark rain tires in order to speed up the marking/distribution. However, when the probability of rain is high during an event, please bring your rain tires so that they can be marked. If the forecast changes or unexpected rain occurs during an event, we can set up a special rain tire marking session. This is one of the reasons to check the official posting board regularly.
5 – Karts numbers
Track officials have reported that many drivers do not respect the technical regulations regarding the numbers on your kart and that it is very difficult for them to see them properly. If you don’t know, the size, colour and even the font of the numbers and background are regulated in the technical regulations. Make sure your numbers are in compliance so you don’t have to change them in a hurry at the event or received a penalty. Also, make sure your numbers are clearly readable on all four sides and that they are not damaged, even during practice. Replace them if necessary.