These rules are intended to be simple, easy to read and brief. It has never been the intent of the administrators of BMW CCA Club Racing to write an epistle similar to the General Competition Rules of the SCCA. It is our wish that competitors follow the charter of BMW CCA Club Racing and adhere to the spirit of competition that has developed.
The stock class is intended for those cars typically seen at drivers schools owned by an enthusiast who has done simple modifications to improve the basic performance of a stock, street driven BMW. As outlined in the rules, suspensions may be modified by adding performance components. The engine may only be modified in that chips for the fuel injection system may be changed. All other modifications to the vehicle are intended for safety purposes only.
The prepared class is intended to invite vehicles prepared for SCCA Improved Touring competition into BMW CCA Club Racing. In order to accommodate those enthusiasts with modified, street driven vehicles, some compromises beyond the SCCA regulations have been incorporated into these rules. The intent of this class is to allow the more progressive enthusiast and the experienced racer to participate in BMW CCA Club Racing with a higher level of preparation that is still street licensable, street driveable and in keeping with the spirit of the "original" vehicle.
Those wishing to build 'full blown" race cars have a place in the modified class where differentiation is by engine displacement only. Vehicles in the modified class are "full" race cars, having the option of tube frames, full race suspensions, unlimited modifications to the BMW motor, transmission, drive line and chassis.
The intention of BMW CCA Club Racing is to offer a fair and equitable competitive class for every enthusiast in the BMW CCA to compete without compromising safety. There is a class for every car.
1. The BMW CCA Club Racing Program is designed to be fun, safe and competitive. Good sportsmanship, honesty, and a sense of fair play should exist at all times.
2. Conduct which jeopardizes safety or results in dangerous or damaging situations will not be tolerated. The BMW CCA Club Racing Steward shall exercise judgment and discretion through the use of the BLACK Flag to control all on track performance (Spins, wheels off incidents, passing under yellow, blocking). In addition to the normal discretion of the BMW CCA Club Racing Chief Steward to deal with unsafe conduct during all club racing sessions, the "13/13 rule" of vintage racing will be in effect at all BMW CCA Club Racing Program events. Under this rule, any incident which results in car damage, will cause, at the discretion of the BMW CCA Club Racing Chief Steward, the following:
B. Any driver who is found to be at fault in an incident will be:
2. Subject to suspension from the next BMW CCA Club Racing Program event.
3. Placed on probation for a thirteen (13) month period. If during this probation period the driver is involved in another incident, his competition privileges will be suspended for thirteen (13) months.
3. Only BMW CCA Club Racing Program "licensed" drivers are eligible to compete.
4. Any modification not specifically listed is not allowed. In other words, if the don't say you can do it - DON'T.
5. Stock classes are based on factory published horsepower, torque, weight and gearing. All cars must conform to these figures, if tested. The BMW CCA Club Racing Stewards reserve the right to test any car for conformance.
6. Only BMW manufactured automobiles, using BMW manufactured chassis (tube frames allowed in modified classes), engine case and transmission case, and factory approved race cars and modifications are eligible. (Documentation of factory approval is the responsibility of the car owner.)
7. CAR NUMBERS, CLASS IDENTIFICATION: All cars must display easily readable numbers and class designation for identification. These must be displayed on each side and front (hood) of the vehicle, of significant size and color differentiation from the body color so as to be clearly seen by timing and scoring officials. Numbers shall be a minimum of 8 inches high with a 1-1/2 to 2 inch stroke. Class identification shall follow the numbers and be a minimum of six inches high. Class identification will consist of 2 letters, i.e. A-Modified = AM, I-Prepared = IP, J-Stock = JS.
Competitors may request assigned numbers from the National Registrar. The goal will be to allow racers to use requested numbers. Where duplications exists, deference will be given to the racer with the lowest Club Racing license number (as long as he/she is a paid registrant at least two weeks before an event date). Race officials reserve the right to assign car numbers for specific events..
8. Any decisions of the BMW CCA Club Racing Stewards concerning safety, eligibility, acceptance, etc., are binding. Vehicles entered in the program must, in addition to meeting safety and classification rules and regulations, be presented in an attractive and eye pleasing manner. The BMW CCA Club Racing Stewards reserve the right to refuse to accept any vehicle which they feel does not "conform to the spirit" of the BMW CCA Club Racing Program.
9. In order to promote careful adherence by all competitors to the car classification and preparation rules, the BMW CCA Club Racing Stewards reserve the right to conduct impound and inspection of the first three cars in each class immediately at the conclusion of each race. Cars found to be at variance with the class rules will be denied their finishing positions, and the variances will be recorded in the individual log books.
10. BMW CCA Club Racing National officials reserve the right to reclassify a car and driver based upon a review of previous performance.
11. All competitors should be prepared to meet a maximum dB level of 106 at all events. Restrictions may vary from track to track across the country.
12. Use of an ethylene glycol (coolant) substitute (e.g. "Water Wetter") is encouraged for all competitors. Ethylene glycol may be used when deemed necessary for climatic reasons.
13. Vehicles must compete in the class to which they are classified to be eligible for awards.
These safety regulations are adapted from various racing organizations. If you are in doubt as to an interpretation, ask, of follow SCCA specs for an IT, production or GT class car. If you are going to err, do so on the side of being too safe!
1. All cars must be comprehensively prepared and inspected prior to arrival at the track. At the track. all cars must pass a grid tech inspection of all safety equipment and meet all the safety requirements of the BMW CCA Club Racing Program.
2. Any vehicle deemed unsafe by the BMW CCA Club Racing Stewards will not be allowed to compete.
3. Helmets rated with a SNELL automotive rating of SA-90 or newer are required. (Snell M rated helmets are not allowed). Drivers of vehicles without full windshields are required to have either full face helmets with shield in place or use protective goggles. It is strongly recommended that all drivers compete with either full helmets with shield in place or protective goggles. Driver information required on helmet: Drivers name, blood type, allergies, and date of last tetanus.
4. All cars must have metal to metal mounted roll bars of approved materials and tubing size as outlined in Appendix A. It is strongly recommended that cars competing in ALL CLASSES be fitted with a roll cage. Any car competing on full race tires must have a full roll cage.
Effective April 1, 1997, all modified and prepared class cars must have a full 6 point (front and rear hoop) roll cage. See Appendix A as a example. It is strongly recommended that stock class cars install full cages as well (Important note: Stock class competitors choosing not to compete with a full-cage will be required to carry a decal on the roll bar signed by the owner of the vehicle, acknowledging understanding of the additional risks involved in racing with limited safety equipment. A second hard copy signed by the owner and all drivers, where different, will be retained by BMW CCA Club Racing). Additional to the main cage, two supplemental mounting points may be added between the front hoop and firewall to add protection to the leg and feet area in the event of a side impact. These mounting points, bringing the total maximum mounting points allowed in prepared to eight, may not pass through the firewall in prepared class. Side impact "doorbars" may be added to any cage and the drivers door panel may be modified accordingly. These side impact bars may be bolt-in or removable configuration. Modified class roll cages may extend from "bumper to bumper" inside the original bodywork. All cages must be mounted metal-to-metal, of approved materials and of proper size as listed in Appendix A.
5. A 2 lb. or larger fire extinguisher with a 10 B/C rating. securely metal-to-metal mounted in the cockpit in a safe location convenient to the driver while seated and restrained, is required. An on-board fire system is strongly recommended. Cars with on-board fire systems require E decals. Any car competing on full race tires must have an on-board fire system.
6. Sunroofs must remain completely closed.
7. Door windows must be completely down and an approved window net and attachment system must be fitted to the drivers window. (See Appendix D)
8. Floor mats must be removed. Drivers side carpet can be removed.
9. All hubcaps must be removed.
10. Lugnuts must be original manufacturer specification with engagement at least equal to the diameter of the wheel lug studs.
11. All oil lines on the pressure side of the oil pump must be tread-on connections equal to or better that the factory, i.e. NO slip-on oil lines to coolers, gauges, etc.
12. Five or six point 3" competition harness (with 2" sub belt), 1990 or newer and meeting SFI-16.1 standards, properly mounted, are required. Harness cannot be mounted to the seat or seat rail. Mounting must be to the chassis backed by large diameter washers or to the roll bar. No two harness straps can be attached to a single mounting bolt. No Y-type shoulder harnesses are allowed. The angle of the shoulder harness cannot be above nor exceed 40 degrees below the horizontal plane of the shoulders. Modifications to or replacement of the driver's seat may be necessary to meet this requirement. If the height or width of the seat back prevents the shoulder harness straps from remaining securely on the shoulders in all situations, the seat must be modified or remedy this condition. (See Appendix B)
13. A one piece fire retardant driving suit is required. (Minimum requirement: Two layer or one layer plus fire retardant underwear. Three layer or the special two layer with SFI rating of 3.2A/5 strongly recommended. Military flight suits are not acceptable substitutes for fire retardant driving suits.) Fire retardant socks and gloves are required. Driving shoes of a fire retardant material are strongly recommended. Tennis shoes with all leather uppers are acceptable. Drivers with mustaches and/or beards must wear a balaclava.
14. Open cars must be equipped with approved arm restraints.
15. Headrests, either integral with the seat or separate, are required. The headrest must extend above the midpoint of the back of the helmet on the vertical plane of the seatback with the driver in the normal seating position.
16. An electrical cut-off switch, with standard approved decal, mounted externally - preferably on the drivers side - is strongly recommended for all cars. The switch must disconnect the battery from all circuits, (except an electronically operated fire system) and must shut off the engine (and alternator) while it is running. Method of operation can be by pull wire, requiring no external body modification. (See Appendix C)
17. All cars must be equipped with a metal firewall separating the driver compartment from the engine compartment capable of preventing the passage of flame and debris.
18. Air bags may be removed or disabled for competition. The system should be enabled prior to leaving an event if the car is to be driven on the street.
19. Catch tank for radiator overflow and oil breather (if vented into atmosphere) is mandatory.
NOTE:
No express or implied warranty of safety or fitness for a particular purpose shall result from publication of, or compliance with, these rules and/or regulations which are intended as a guide for the sport and are in no way a guarantee against injury or death to participants, spectators or others.
Stock and Prepared - Classes H through Q
Any vehicle in the stock and prepared classes must compete with full road equipment and, with the exception of exhaust/emissions, be street legal, and capable of being registered for street use in the condition of the car when presented at scrutineering, and be capable of being driven to and from the event.
Cars in these classes are to factory equipped vehicles as delivered to the general public through United States dealerships. No special order performance enhancements are allowed as stock. Evolution parts are considered modifications and may only be interchanged with stock parts as allowed in class rules. Eurospec cars will be classified a minimum of one stock or prepared class up from an American spec model.
1. Engine
A. As delivered from factory. No modifications after the air filter or before the exhaust port.
B. Stock, for the year, fuel injection must be retained, except carburetors may be substituted for mechanical fuel injection. Carburated cars may substitute up to maximum of 40mm downdraft.
C. Control module chips are free in all classes.
D. Exhaust system must be in stock configuration and function as intended for make, model and year. Catalytic converters must be intact (if originally so equipped). Headers are prohibited.
E. Machining for balancing purposes only if allowed.
F. All pistons must be factory replacement spec and match factory dome, dish, valve relief configuration, ring geometry, weight, wrist pin height and compression must meet factory replacement specifications. A maximum of .020 (.5mm) overbore is allowed.
G. Air conditioning belts and air injection systems may be removed.
H. Oil coolers are free.
2. Suspension
A. Suspension pick-up points must remain in stock location and type.
B. Shock absorbers are free providing they are of the same type, using the same pick-up points, as supplied by the factory.
C. Any suspension setting not requiring machining or modification to factory parts is allowed (adjustable coil overs, ie., Carrera, are prohibited).
D. Spring type must remain as supplied by the factory.
E. Spring rates are free.
F. Sway bar sizes and configurations are free.
G. Suspension bushing materials are free.
H. Any bolt-in shock tower brace is allowed.
3. Tires and Wheels
A. Any DOT approved, nationally marketed, generally available, "road race version" tire is allowed. "V" or higher speed rated tires are required for all cars, except those for which "V" rated tires are not universally available. In all cases, the speed rating of the tire must be equal to or greater than the speed potential of the vehicle. No "autocross spec" tires allowed.
B. Tread must be a minimum 2/32" over 2/3 of the tire at the start of each session (practice, qualifying, race). There must be visible tread remaining on the contact surface of the tire at the end of each session.
C. Any tire deemed "unsafe" by the BMW CCA Club Racing Stewards will be disallowed.
D. Wheel type and style is free, providing wheel meets or exceeds factory safety specifications (except for width restriction - see E).
E. One inch wider than originally supplied wheel and any tire combination which fits under the stock body without modification exceeding "rolling" or "grinding" of the outer fender lip is allowed.
F. Any diameter wheel/tire combination with does not significantly (more than 3% reduction) reduce the effective rolling radius is allowed.
4. Brakes
A. Brake pad material is free.
B. Brake calipers and rotors must be equivalent to those supplied by the factory for the year and type of vehicle.
C. Grooving/slotting/cross drilling of rotors is allowed.
D. Ducting of air to rotors is allowed.
E. Removal of dust shields (backing plates) is allowed.
F. Brake fluid is free.
G. Master Cylinders must be as supplied by the factory, except that early production cars may update to tandem master cylinder for the safety of the dual circuit system.
5. Differential
A. Ratios of ring and pinion, individual gears sets and case must be as supplied by the factory.
B. Factory limited slip differentials are allowed.
6. Transmission
A. BMW OEM transmission, as originally equipped or factory option for the vehicle must be used. No changes to the case or internals are permitted.
B. Transmission coolers are free.
C. Modification to, or substitution of, the shifter mechanism which reduces the range of motion is allowed.
7. Body/Chassis/Interior
A. Removal or substitution of components which alters weight distribution or reduces weight of vehicle is not allowed. Vehicle must meet minimum weight specification.
B. Chassis/body, with the exception of spoilers, must be the same material as supplied by the factory.
C. Seats are free providing minimum weight of vehicle is met. Any ballast to meet weight, because of seat substitution, must be placed entirely in the driving compartment and be securely bolted to the chassis.
D. Steering wheels and shift knobs are free.
E. Spoiler are free providing the do not exceed maximum body width nor one inch more than the maximum factory body length.
F. Modifications to the underside of the vehicle for the purpose of improving aerodynamics are not allowed.
G. Interiors, with the exception of seats and the panels affected by the installation of the roll bar or roll cage, must be intact.
Updating or backdating is allowed provided the converted vehicle meets all specifications of vehicle to which it is converted.
Allowed Modifications in addition to those allowed in Stock Classes
1. Engine
A. A single carburetor may be substituted for fuel injection on 4 cylinder engines, two carburetors on 6 cylinder engines. Addition of a carburetor over original equipment or as stated above will result in the car being elevated one class. Throttle bodies must be as delivered from the factory.
B. Camshaft lift and duration may be changed from stock. Cam gears are free. No other internal engine changes are allowed.
C. Non-OEM ignition systems.
D. Turbocharged cars cannot exceed factory specified maximum boost. Factory method of boost control must be retained. Non-factory turbo cars will run in MODIFIED CLASSES.
E. All pistons must be factory replacement spec and match factory dome, dish, valve relief configuration, ring geometry, weight, wrist pin height and compression must meet factory replacement specifications. A maximum of .040 (1mm) overbore is allowed. Compression ratio may be changed only within the tolerances effected by resurfacing for trueness.
F. Exhaust systems are free.
G. "engine swap" cars will be classed based upon the engine. Providing that the car meets the weight minimum for the vehicle which the engine was originally designed. If unable to met the weight requirements the car will be reclassified within the prepared classes based upon power to weight ratio, if possible. Otherwise the car will be moved to the modified classes.
2. Suspension
A. Slotting to achieve suspension settings. Pick-up points cannot be welded or machined.
B. Coil-over setups mounted in the original location are permitted.
3. Brakes
A. Free except the number of master cylinders must be as supplied by the factory.
4. Differential
A. Ratio of the ring and pinion may be changed.
B. Non-factory limited slip of any type is allowed.
5. Transmission
A. BMW OEM transmission. as originally equipped or factory option for the vehicle, must be used. No changes to the case or internals are permitted.
B. Transmission coolers are free.
C. Modification to, or substitution of, the shifter mechanism which reduces the range of motion is allowed.
6. Body/Chassis/Interior
A. Ducting for additional coolers allowed provided it doesn't change size and shape of factory panels.
B. Fender flaring is allowed.
C. Interior may be removed except front passenger seat and stock door panels providing the car "conforms to the spirit" of the BMW CCA Club Racing Program, i.e., it is aesthetically pleasing. Drivers side door panel may be altered to accept side door impact bars.
D. Effective no later than April 1, 1997 full roll cages with a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 8 mounting points are required.
Any car which exceeds the modifications for the "STOCK" and "PREPARED" classes will compete in the MODIFIED CLASSES. The cars in these classes do not have to be street registerable, however, they must meet accepted safety requirements and the decision to be allowed to run rests entirely with the BMW CCA Club Racing Program personnel. Class for competition will be based on engine size.
1. Engine
A. Must retain a BMW OEM engine block or case. Other changes or modifications are free.
B. Engine must run on approved gasoline. Nitrous oxide is not allowed.
C. Turbocharging/Supercharging - For the purpose of engine size determination, turbocharging or supercharging increases engine size by a 1.5 factor..
2. Suspension
A. Free.
3. Tires and Wheels
A. Any tire and wheel combination meeting the safety requirements of the BMW CCA Club Racing Program technical inspectors is allowed.
B. Tire and wheel package must be completely covered by the bodywork and have sufficient clearance to prevent rubbing with could be considered dangerous.
4. Brakes
A. Free.
B. Brake lights must be as bright and as easily seen as stock brake lights.
5. Differential
A. Free.
6. Transmission
A. Must use BMW OEM transmission case except as installed in factory authorized race cars. All other modifications are free.
7. Body/Chassis/Interior
A.. Fenders may be flared to cover wheels and tires.
B. Doors, fenders, hood, bumpers, and decklids may be replaced with fiberglass.
C. Windows, with the exception of the windshield, may be replaced with break-resistant plastic.
D. Removal of interior is allowed providing the car "conforms to the spirit" of the BMW CCA Club Racing Program, i.e., it is aesthetically pleasing.
E. Effective April 1, 1997 full roll cages are required. 1996 Rules apply through April 1, 1997.
F. Windshield retaining clips are recommended.
G. On-board fire systems are strongly recommended. Any car competing on full race tires must have an on-board fire system.
This class is designed to be run under vintage "exhibition" rules. Passing will be held to a minimum, done only in designated zones and only with proper signaling from the driver of the car being overtaken. Cars in this class may be exempt from some safety regulations found in other racing classes, but will still be required to undergo a compete tech inspection. Drivers must meet all series standards for licensing and safety equipment.
MODIFIED |
PREPARED |
STOCK |
| A: 3.5L and up | H: M5, M6, 540, all 12 cyl, 745 Turbo, M3 Lightweight | H: 3.1 liters and up |
| B: 3.0L - 3453cc | I: M3 (E30 and E36 except Lightweight) |
I: 2.6 to 3.0 liters |
| C: 2.7L - 2985cc | J: '77 and later 'big' 6 cyl over 3.1 L (3.0csi, 3.0si, 3.0v8) |
J: 2.1 to 2.5 liters |
| D: 2.2L - 2697cc | K: '92 and later 'little' 6 cyl | K: 2.0 liters and under |
| E: 1800cc - 2180cc | L: pre '92 'little' 6 cyl under 2.5L | |
| F: 697cc - 1773cc | M: Pre '81 'big' 6 cyl under 3.1L (exclude CSI, Si) 325e, 528e |
|
| G: Historic | N: 318is (E30), 318ti, Z3 | |
| O: 2002Tii, 320i(2L), 318is(E36) | ||
| P: 1600, 1800, 2002, 320i (1.8L), 318i(84-85) |
NOTE: For STOCK and PREPARED CLASSES the number of cylinders shall agree with the body type. For the MODIFIED CLASSES, displacement shall be no more than .75L larger than original for the stated model, exclusive of the turbo multiplication factor
All vehicles competing in the BMW CCA Club Racing program must be equipped with an approved roll bar. The roll bar must be securely mounted to the floor and/or longitudinal members of the unibody with the top of the main hoop at least 2" above the drivers helmet when the driver is seated in the normal driving position. The mounting area of the "bolt-in" roll bars must be backed by a plate of a size equal to that of the upper mounting plate with a minimum thickness of 3/16". Bolts must be grade 5 or higher. The roll bar must be mounted directly to the metal of the chassis and any padding, carpet, upholstery, etc., must be removed to satisfy this requirement. The roll bar must be full cockpit width, except as originally supplied by the factory for open race cars, and have two fore/aft braces of tubing size equal to the main hoop. The brace must be mounted as near the top of the hoop as possible and at an included angle of at least 30 degrees. Additionally, the roll bar assembly must contain a transverse (left to right side) brace. An inspection hole 3/16" in diameter must be provided in a non-critical area for verification of tube thickness. Any portion of the roll bar which may come in contact with the driver's helmet must be covered with high density foam 1" thick held in place with electrical or duct tape or tie wraps.
Minimum Tubing Sizes
Under 1500 lbs Over 1500 lbs
Mild Steel 1.5" x .120" 1.75" x .120"
Alloy Steel 1.375" x .090" 1.625" x .095"
For cars with roll cages, the main and front hoops and fore and aft braces must have the following minimum diameter and wall thickness':
Under 2500 lbs Over 2500 lbs
Mild Steel 1.5" x .095" 1.75" x .095" or 1.50" x .120"
Alloy Steel 1.375" x .095" 1.50" x .095"
Other components of the roll cage need not have the same diameter and wall thickness as that of the required components.
It is strongly recommended that full roll cages be installed in all cars for the additional safety which is provided in the event of an accident.
ALL cars competing in the BMW CCA Club Racing Program must be equipped with a five or six point harness system, 1990 or newer and meeting SFI-16.1 standards. The lap belt is required to be 3 inches wide. The shoulder straps can be 2 inches wide, although 3 inch straps are strongly recommended. The anti-submarine belt may be 2 inches wide. The shoulder harness straps must be mounted such that the angle of the straps from the driver's shoulders to the anchor point must not be above horizontal nor at an angle greater than 40 degrees below horizontal. The anti-submarine straps should be mounted such that they will not allow upward vertical movement of the lap belt due to "crushing" of the front seat cushion in any situation.
The design of some seats can, in many cases, render the shoulder harness straps ineffective as they slide from the shoulders under lateral loading. It is, therefore, mandatory that seats which do not allow the shoulder harness straps to remain on the shoulders in all situations be modified with a slot for the harness straps to pass through, or be replaced with a racing seat which has provisions for routing the straps. This is a mandatory modification which must be completed before the vehicle will be eligible to compete. A "sternum strap" or similar solution will not be allowed!
A standard electrical disconnect (battery cut-off) switch is strongly recommended on all cars competing in the BMW CCA Club Racing program. This switch must be wired such that electrical power to all circuits including alternator, except an electrically operated on-board fire system, is disconnected. In the interest of convenience, the switch may be mounted in the compartment near the battery and operation effected by a pull wire passing to the outside. The preferred location of the pull wire is on the driver's side. It must be clearly visible and its position marked with an approved decal of "lightening bolt" and the word "OFF". The decal can be placed on the window glass as opposed to the bodywork, as close as possible to the pull wire. It is recommended that the pull wire be painted red for visibility. Those vehicles with a permanently mounted switch or pull wire in another location will be allowed that alternate location providing the position is clearly marked with the approved decal and the switch or pull wire is easily accessible from outside the vehicle.
This requirement does not have to be viewed as a difficult one with which to comply and can very easily be accomplished with the fabrication of a simple bracket to hold the switch near the battery. Braided wire can be used for the pull and it should pass through a small bracket mounted inside the compartment. A loop in the end of the cable completes the installation. Pulling the cable rotates the switch and disconnects the battery from the circuit (see illustration).
All vehicles competing in the BMW CCA Club Racing program must be equipped with a window net covering the driver's window of either the string or strap type. The net must be mounted securely at the top or bottom with provision for easy removal at the opposite edge in the event of an accident. The use of plastic tie wraps or straps is allowed.
