GROUP 600
601 RACE RULES - GENERAL
601.01
All Thundercat Racing classes shall be offered at
Thundercat Racing events. All classes shall not necessarily be offered
prize money or trophies. Classes may be run together but shall be
scored separately. When the prize purse is split evenly between all
competitors, all classes shall be included.
601.02
The Race Director, hereinafter referred to as the RD,
shall not limit the total number of entries for any event and shall,
if necessary, run elimination heats for any class in which more than
the permissible number of entries have been received.
601.03
No driver or co-driver will be allowed to compete in a
National or Titled Event unless both have A-grade licenses, or they
have been exempted by the TRA-NZ.
601.04
A competitor registered on the entry form for an event
as the driver, must remain the driver for the duration of that event.
The driver registered for the event may at no time be replaced. Only
one competitor per team may be registered as the driver on the entry
form.
601.05
A briefing of all drivers and co-drivers prior to the
first heat, or race, is compulsory. Drivers and co-drivers who do not
present themselves when requested, with out a valid excuse, may be
disqualified of penalized.
601.06
At the start of a heat or race, only the driver shall
start the motor.
601.07
The second
kill switch key may be attached to the boat or carried by the
co-driver whilst racing.
601.08
Where there
is a floating start, the RD has the option of allowing the motors to
be started in or out of gear, but must inform all drivers of the
decision at drivers briefing.
601.09
The lead boat
has the right of way until an overlap is established. An overlap can
only be established when the two boats are on the same course and the
tip of the nose on the overtaking boat, if overtaking from the inside,
is amidships of the overtaken boat. In this event, the boat being
passed must yield and offer the line to the overtaking boat. If the
overtaking boat is inside the course they have NO right of way. Boats
inside the course must re-enter the course at transom to nose or
better five boat lengths before the buoy, OR MUST YEILD. When
overtaking from the outside, an overlap is established when the
overtaking boat has passed the overtaken boat sufficiently to change
lanes without contact. While overtaking, the overtaken boat on the
inside should yield when coming to a buoy to prevent a T-bone
situation.
601.10
An overtaking boat shall keep clear of the boat that is
being overtaken, leaving sufficient room to prevent any contact
between them. The leading boat shall not alter their course so as to
obstruct an overtaking boat when passing (i.e. no swerving). The
overtaking boat must keep their line to the buoy and not swerve to
obstruct the overtaken boat.
601.11
No person shall provide or receive assistance from the
air or by radio during a race. Assistance from the air is only
permitted in the case of injury. Failure to observe this rule will
result in disqualification.
601.12
Any boat that is towed along any portion of a leg and
subsequently finishes the leg under its own power will be disqualified
from the race.
601.13
Tuning or starting of boat motors out of the water will
only be allowed if the propeller has been removed.
601.14
Three (3) starters or no race, four (4) starters or no
second prize, five (5) starters or no third prize, except in
Championship Races allocated by the TRA-NZ.
601.15
Boats disqualified from either a heat or race cannot be
awarded points for that event.
602 WET WATER RULE.
602.01
If any competitor lands in the water during a
Surf-cross Race, or a Speed-circuit Race, then other competitors are
compelled to acknowledge the incident by raising a hand in the air and
the race will be stopped immediately, with or without a red flag being
raised. All competitors are compelled to stop, clear the course, and
if there is to be a re-start, proceed with extreme caution to the
re-start area. Crews may not refuel or make any changes to their
equipment and must be ready for an immediate re-start of the heat. Any
competitor refueling or making changes will be disqualified from that
heat.
602.02
The offending
team referred to in Rule 602.01 can not rejoin the heat, and will not
be permitted to take part in any re-start or re-run of that heat.
603 SURF-CROSS & SPEED-CIRCUIT RACING - GENERAL
Any Titled or National event will be held over five (5)
days. There will be a minimum of three (3) heats and a final on each
day where conditions permit. All points will be counted on the day
for each heat including half points for the final. Points are added
up at the end of the series. Highest points wins.
Six (6) laps should be run, seven (7) for finals where
conditions permit.
All boats are to have raced an equal number of times,
any race day that is cut short will only have points allocated to each
completed round.
603.01
There will be minimum of three (3) and a maximum of ten
(10) boats allowed per qualifying heat for Surf-cross and
Speed-circuit racing.
The top ten (10) qualifying boats will take part in a
final heat.
603.02
The maximum
number of laps for any qualifying heat will be nine (9), the number to
be announced at drivers briefing.
603.03
Where there
are no more than ten (10) boats, heats may be run as follows: The
boats must compete in a minimum of four (4) heats. On completing all
the heats, points are to be awarded as in Rule 702. The points are to
be accumulated to determine the final positions for the day.
603.04
When there
are more than ten (10) boats in any class, qualifying heats shall be
run as follows. The boats must be divided up into equal groups and
each group will run a minimum of three (3) qualifying heats. On
completing all the heats, points are to be awarded as in Rule 702. The
points are to be accumulated to determine the top ten (10) boats to go
forward to the final heat. The final heat will be one (1) lap longer
than the qualifying heats. Competitors that start in the final heat
will all receive a placing for points regardless of whether they
complete the heat or not. In the event that more than one boat does
not complete the heat then the positions will be determined by who
pulls out first (gets last place) pulls out second (gets second last
place) and so on. Grid positions for the final will be determined by
the highest number of points scored in the qualifying heats 1-10.
603.05
If for any
reason a finalist cannot compete, the position will be offered to the
next qualifying boat.
603.06
A random computer operated programme will draw all the
grid positions for the qualifying heats.
603.07
If any final heat position is equal (tied points) there
will be a count back on positions for the days racing, or if
applicable back to the previous National points seeding.
603.08
Only in the event of an injury, accident, or at the
discretion of the RD, may the co-driver drive the boat. In any
situation Rule 601.04 will apply.
603.09
Co-drivers only may be replaced at the RD’s discretion
providing they have the appropriate licence.
603.10
On any start for Surf-cross and Speed-circuit races,
all competitors must keep their allotted line, up to and around the
first turning buoy. Competitors may not change lanes in front of or
behind other competitors until they have passed and rounded the first
buoy, or they will be disqualified from the heat.
603.11
Competitors are not permitted to race in another boats
rooster tail or wake when coming off waves. A competitor following
within 6 metres behind another boat in the same line will receive a
warning and possible disqualification from the heat.
603.12
Bumping of a
buoy will result in the competitor incurring a 50% penalty. If the
competitor is forced onto the buoy, RD’s discretion will apply as to
who is penalised.
603.13
If a competitor rides over a buoy they will be
disqualified from the heat and be liable for the replacement or repair
cost if the buoy is lost or damaged. If the competitor is forced onto
the buoy, the RD’s discretion will apply as to who is disqualified.
603.14
If a competitor misses a buoy, they will be
disqualified from that heat. If forced to miss a buoy, the RD’s
discretion as to who is disqualified and/or penalised. For safety
reasons, competitors are not allowed to round the buoy again after
rounding it the wrong way. A competitor who rounds a buoy again will
be disqualified from the heat.
603.15
If any competitor collides amidships with another
competitor (T-bone) this will result in immediate disqualification of
the offending competitor from the heat.
603.16
The offending party or parties where one boat lands on
another will be disqualified from the heat.
603.17
Deliberate bumping of another competitor will result in
disqualification from the heat.
603.18
If a boat should burst during a heat for any reason,
that boat will immediately cease racing and clear the course.
603.19
If a competitor should lose their helmet during a heat
for any reason, that competitor will immediately stop racing and clear
the course.
603.20
Any boat having mechanical or structural repairs will
be required to be re-examined before starting in another heat. Rule
206.
603.21
The standard course for Surf-cross racing is drawn in
APPENDIX A. This layout is recommended but the final layout will be
determined by the RD after considering the venue and conditions. All
races will be a shore start.
603.22
For Surf-cross racing there must be a minimum depth of
at least 600mm approximately halfway between the shore buoy and the
shore.
603.23
The standard course for Speed-circuit racing is drawn
in APPENDIX B. This layout is recommended but the final layout will be
determined by the RD after considering the venue and conditions. All
races will be a shore start.
603.24
For Speed-circuit races all competitors must do the
“long lap” as a first lap (i.e. first lap to include an equalizer
lap). This lap does not count as one of the compulsory equalizer laps.
603.25
For Speed-circuit races all competitors must complete
two (2) laps of the equalizer circuit during each heat. These must be
completed after the 1st lap and before the start of the final lap.
Failure to do these two (2) laps will result in the competitor being
disqualified from that heat.
603.26
Any boat which stops on the course and is not a danger
to other boats can restart and carry on racing.
604 SURF-CROSS & SPEED-CIRCUIT RACING - SHORE START
604.01
Prior to the start of a heat competitors will be
notified preferably by loudspeaker, when they must immediately take
the water. On this announcement the “Blue Peter” shall be raised for
three minutes, or as the Starter may decide.
604.02
The boats must be held in the water by the driver and
co-driver both standing next to the boat.
604.03
The boats will be held in a line, spaced no closer than
two (2) metres apart.
604.04
One (1) minute before the start of the heat the “Blue
Peter” will be lowered and the Green Flag raised. Any competitor not
on the start line before the Green Flag is raised may not start in
that heat, or any re-start of the same heat.
604.05
Before the start of the heat the Green Flag will be
raised for at least fifteen (15) seconds.
604.06
At this time, the driver must raise in his/her hand the
kill switch key at full arms length over his/her head.
604.07
The official start of the heat will be given by
dropping the Green Flag, at which time a horn may be sounded.
604.08
When the Green Flag is dropped, or the horn sounded,
the driver will be allowed to install the kill switch key and start
the motor.
604.09
Only after both members of the crew are within the
centre line of the pontoons (being the rope) may the boat get under
way.
604.10
The heat is live when the last boat has completed the
first lap by crossing the start/finish line.(E buoy)
604.11
In difficult conditions the RD may allow extra boat
handlers to assist with the holding of the boat. In the event of a
boat not starting immediately, the extra boat handlers must withdraw
from the water before the lead boat passes the finish buoy for the
first time, or the boat can be disqualified from that heat.
604.12
Where conditions permit there may be a “LE-MANS” shore
start. The Starter will place a diagonal line of the drivers in such
a way that the driver of the furthermost boat (outside grid position)
runs the shortest distance while the driver of the innermost boat
(grid position 1) runs the longest distance. An approximate angle of
15 degrees will be set.
605 SURF-CROSS RACING - FINISH
605.01
The White Flag will be waved at the start of the final
lap.
605.02
Where the last turning buoy is “E” Buoy, the
competitors may beach anywhere. Finishing boats that collide with any
other beached boat will be disqualified. Any boat which crosses
through the finish line will be disqualified.
605.03
Where the last turning buoy is “D” Buoy, the
competitors may beach anywhere. Finishing boats that collide with any
other beached boat will be disqualified. Any boat which crosses
through the finish line will be disqualified.
605.04
All drivers must retain control of their boats by
holding on to the tiller until the boat has come to rest and stay in
their boats until the last boat has completed the heat, if the driver
is thrown out they must get back in their boat. All competitors must
leave their helmets on until the race is completed. If any competitor
fails to comply with this rule, they will be disqualified from that
heat. The co-drivers must run to the FINISH LINE and the Chequered
Flag.
605.05
When ‘beach
trolleys’ are supplied, boats may not re-enter the water. All boats
are to be transported back to the boat pit area.
605.06
The FINISH LINE must be at least eight (8) metres wide,
and far enough up the beach to allow the co-drivers a minimum of 10
metres to run, but no more than 25 metres.
605.07
A heat will be deemed completed when ALL the nominated
laps have been completed, and the last boat has been beached, or in
the case of race stoppages and after a maximum of three re-starts a
TECHNICAL FINISH will be declared. Rule 612.
606 SPEED-CIRCUIT RACING - FINISH
606.01
The White Flag will be waved at the start of the final
lap.
606.02
As the competitors cross the start/finish line after
completing the final lap they shall be acknowledged by the Chequered
Flag. After finishing a heat all boats must proceed around the next
buoy beyond the start/finish line and wait for a red flag before
returning to shore. If any competitor fails to comply with this rule,
they will be disqualified from that heat.
606.03
A heat will be deemed completed when ALL the nominated
laps have been completed.
607 SURF-CROSS RACING - RE-STARTS
607.01
In the event a heat has to be stopped prior to the
first lap being completed by all boats, then all remaining boats are
to begin the race again using the same start format and grid
positions. Rule 604.
607.02
In the event a heat has to be stopped after the first
lap has been completed by the last boat, but prior to half the
designated laps being completed by the first boat, there will be
either a Deep-water (Rule 609), or an Inshore (Rule 610) re-start. All
heats are to be re-started until half the designated laps have been
completed by the leading boat, or there have been three re-starts. The
RD shall advise on re-starts at the drivers briefing.
607.03
The maximum number of re-starts for any heat shall be
three.
607.04
Competitors who create or cause an incident that stops
the race will be disqualified from any re-start of that heat.
608 SPEED-CIRCUIT RACING - RE-STARTS
608.01
In the event a heat has to be stopped prior to the
first lap being completed by all boats, then all remaining boats are
to begin the race again using the same start format and grid
positions. Rule 604.
608.02
In the event a heat has to be stopped after the first
lap has been completed by the last boat, but prior to half the
designated laps being completed by the first boat, there will be
either a Deep Water, or an Inshore re-start. Rules 609 and 610. All
heats are to be re-started until the required amount of full laps are
completed. The RD shall advise on re-starts at the drivers briefing.
608.03
The maximum number of successive re-starts for any heat
shall be three. If the heat is not completed in that time, it will be
run later in the meeting.
608.04
Competitors who create or cause an incident that stops
the race will be disqualified from any re-start for that heat. Any
competitor deemed to have been a third party and not at fault, subject
to the RD’s discretion, will be allowed to re-start.
609 RE-START - DEEP WATER ROLLING
609.01
If the boat running last has completed one full lap,
and there is an incident causing the heat to be stopped, and a Deep
Water rolling re-start is called for, all remaining boats are to
proceed carefully to the first turning buoy and wait for the Marshal
Boat which will become a Start Boat.
609.02
The Race Marshal will advise competitors of their new
grid positions. The new grid position should be in the same order in
which boats crossed the start/finish line on the previous full lap
prior to the stoppage of the respective heat.
609.03
Boats must
form up in the new grid positions, in a slow rolling line out from the
Start Boat.
609.04
The Starter should wait until the boats settle into a
reasonable line prior to re-starting the heat with the drop of the
Green Flag.
610 RE-STARTS - INSHORE ROLLING
610.01
If the boat running last has completed one full lap,
and there is an incident causing the heat to be stopped, and an
inshore rolling re-start is called for, all remaining boats are to
proceed carefully to the first beach turning buoy and wait for the
Flag Marshall or another Race Official to advise them of their new
grid positions. The new grid positions should be in the same order in
which boats crossed the start/finish line on the previous full lap
prior to the stoppage of the respective heat.
610.02
Boats will form a rolling line in position along the
front straight leading up to the start/finish line. They must form a
line and stay two (2) metres away from the next boat but within
fourteen (14) metres of the boat in front of them. Once the Starter is
satisfied of the line he/she will re-start the heat on the drop of the
Green Flag.
611 LONGHAUL RACING - GENERAL
611.00
An extended list of rules for each long-haul racing
event shall be provided. This will include safety equipment - start -
race in progress, compulsory fuel stops - finish, and will be read in
conjunction with the Thundercat Racing Rules.
611.01
National long–haul points are based on a maximum of 450
points = 4 x Surf-cross heats + final or 350 points = 3 x Surf-cross
heats + final, with a minimum of 50 points for any boat that completes
the first leg of the long-haul
611.02
To determine final placings, all long-haul races must
be run on a time basis and points allocated as rule 702. The race will
be deemed to be finished after the first boats time + 60% has elapsed.
611.03
Having determined final placings, points are to be
awarded as in Rule 702. Competitors who complete the first lap or leg
in a long-haul will all receive a placing for points regardless of
whether they complete the event or not. In the event that more than
one boat does not complete the race then the positions will be
determined by who pulls out first (gets last place) pulls out second
(gets second last place) and so on. Such positions will be determined
in the order boats completed the previous lap or leg.
611.04
In long-haul racing, if a competitor falls from the
boat, all following competitors must exercise caution and render
assistance to fellow competitors if they are in immediate danger.
SAFETY IS A PRIORITY.
611.05
Competitors who fall from, and regain their boats, are
allowed to continue the race without further penalty.
611.06
Competitors who deviate from the set course will be
disqualified from the race.
611.07
Competitors who fail to complete the required number of
beach stops, fuel stops, or legs, will be disqualified.
611.08
A boat must complete each leg on the water, under its
own power, or by paddle power, within the cut-off time to receive an
elapsed time for that leg. Boats not completing the leg will receive
the last boats time, plus a penalty of ten (10) minutes.
611.09
Boats arriving at the beach stop must beach on the
starboard side of any/all beached boats under the supervision of a
marshal.
611.10
At all beach stops the motor must be killed until such
time as the co-driver returns to the boat. Back-up crews may assist at
the discretion of the RD.
611.11
Once a competitor has crossed the finish line, they may
not cross back and re-enter that leg until the finish line is
officially closed. Re-entering an open leg will result in
disqualification.
611.12
Where the driver and co-driver each hold dual licenses,
they may change positions during a long-haul event without penalty.
612 TECHNICAL FINISHES
612.01
A technical finish is the point when the heat is deemed
to be completed after an earlier incident on the course has forced a
re-start.
612.02
In the case of a Deep Water Rolling re-start, all
competitors must travel up to and around the start/finish buoy. Laps
will be recorded, and added to the previous completed laps, for each
completed lap thereafter until the full amount of laps for the heat
have been completed.
612.03
In the case of an Inshore Rolling re-start, all
competitors must travel past the start/finish buoy. Laps will be
recorded, and added to the previous completed laps, for each completed
lap thereafter until the full amount of laps for the heat have been
completed.
612.04
If there is a further incident causing a stoppage. The
heat will be technically finished if the boat running first has
completed 50% of the designated laps for that heat, or if there has
already been three re-starts for that heat. The results will be taken
in the order the boats last passed the finishing buoy. Competitors who
create or cause an incident that stops the race will be disqualified
from that heat.
615 SURF-HAUL RACING -
GENERAL
615.01
A briefing of all drivers and co-drivers prior to the start of the
race, is compulsory. Drivers and co-drivers who do not present
themselves when requested, with out a valid excuse, may be
disqualified of penalized.
615.02
At the start of a heat or race, only the driver shall start the motor.
615.03
The second kill switch key may be attached to the boat or carried by
the co-driver whilst racing.
615.04
Where there is a floating start, the RD has the option of allowing the
motors to be started in or out of gear, but must inform all drivers of
the decision at drivers briefing.
615.05
An extended list of rules for each Surf-haul racing event shall be
provided. This will include safety equipment - start - race in
progress, compulsory fuel stops - finish, and will be read in
conjunction with the Thundercat Racing Rules.
615.10
Surf–haul points are based on a maximum of 450 points = 4 x Surf-cross
heats + final or 350 points = 3 x Surf-cross heats + final, with a
minimum of 50 points for any boat that completes the first leg of the
long-haul
615.11
To determine final placing, all Surf-haul races must be run on a time
basis and points allocated as rule 702.
615.12
Having determined final placing, points are to be awarded as in Rule
702. All competitors will receive a placing for points regardless of
whether they complete the event or not. In the event that more than
one boat does not complete the race then the positions will be
determined by who pulls out first (gets last place) pulls out second
(gets second last place) and so on. Such positions will be determined
in the order boats completed the previous lap or leg.
615.20
In Surf-haul racing, if a competitor falls from the boat, all
following competitors must exercise caution and render assistance to
fellow competitors if they are in immediate danger. SAFETY IS A
PRIORITY.
615.21
Competitors who fall from, and regain their boats, are allowed to
continue the race without further penalty.
615.22
Competitors who deviate from the set course will receive a penalty
equal to 50% of their points for that timed leg or at R.D’s
discretion.
615.23
Competitors who fail to complete the required number of beach stops,
fuel stops, or legs, will receive a penalty equal to 50% of their
total points or at R.D’s discretion.
615.24
A boat must complete each leg on the water, under its own power, or by
paddle power. Boats not completing the leg will be as rule 611.03
615.25
No person shall provide or receive assistance from the air or by radio
during a race. Assistance from the air is only permitted in the case
of injury. Failure to observe this rule will result in
disqualification.
615.26
Any boat that is towed along any portion of a leg and subsequently
finishes the leg under its own power will be disqualified from the
race.
615.30
On any start for Surf-Haul all competitors must keep a minimum of 2
metres between boats up to and around the first turning buoy.
615.31
Competitors are not permitted to race in another boats rooster tail or
wake when coming off waves. A competitor following within 6 metres
behind another boat in the same line will receive a warning and
possible disqualification from the heat.
615.32
Bumping of a buoy will result in the competitor incurring a 20%
penalty for that timed leg. If the competitor is forced onto the
buoy, RD’s discretion will apply as to who is penalized.
615.33
If a competitor rides over a buoy they will receive a penalty equal to
50% of their total points for that timed leg or at R.D’s discretion
and be liable for the replacement or repair cost if the buoy is lost
or damaged. If the competitor is forced onto the buoy, the RD’s
discretion will apply as to who is penalized.
615.34
If a competitor misses a buoy, they will be penalized. If forced to
miss a buoy, the RD’s discretion as to who is penalized. For safety
reasons, competitors are not allowed to round the buoy again after
rounding it the wrong way. A competitor who rounds a buoy again will
be penalized.
615.35
If any competitor collides amidships with another competitor (T-bone)
this will result in immediate disqualification of the offending
competitor from the event.
615.36
The offending party or parties where one boat lands on another will be
penalized at RD’s discretion.
615.37
Deliberate bumping of another competitor will result in
disqualification from the timed leg.
615.40
Boats arriving at the beach stop must beach on the starboard side of
any/all beached boats under the supervision of a marshal.
615.41
At all beach stops the motor must be killed until such time as the
co-driver returns to the boat. Back-up crews may assist at the
discretion of the RD.
615.42
All fuel
tanks must removed from the boat and exchanged with a fresh one. No
pouring of fuel on the waters edge
615.43
Once a competitor has crossed the finish line, they may not cross back
and re-enter that leg until the finish line is officially closed.
Re-entering an open leg will result in disqualification.
615.44
Where the driver and co-driver each hold dual licenses, they may
change positions during a Surf-haul event without penalty.
615.45
A race may be stopped short due to weather conditions,
technical difficulties or at the R.D’s discretion for any other
reason. A red flag will be flown from all Marshal Boats/ Stations and
at the Start/ Finish Line and all racing is to cease and all boats to
make their way to the closest time-keeping Marshal and await further
instructions.
615.46
Where a race is stopped short then the placing will be
taken in the order the boats last passed the start/ finish line or a
time keeping Marshal and/or boat.
Link
to GROUP
700
701 GENERAL
702 POINTS SYSTEM
703 SEEDING OF COMPETITORS
704 CLUB POINTS
705 THE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR TROPHY
706 ENTRY FEES & TRA-NZ ENTRY FEE LEVY
707 REFUELLING
708 FLUSHING OF MOTORS
709 THUNDERCAT RACE RULE CHANGES
