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TRA-NZ RULE BOOK 2007/08
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THUNDERCAT RACING
ASSOCIATION OF
NEW ZEALAND
(INCORPORATED)
RULES AND
REGULATIONS FOR THUNDERCAT RACING
SEASON 2007 -
2008
FOREWORD
It is clearly not
possible to cater for every possible contention in a set of written
rules. These rules set out the defined basis for determining a
dispute. The determination of a protest will lie in the hands of the
race jury and finally with the National Authority. What we are
trying to achieve is a fair set of practices. Our intention is to
maintain the sport as a standard class following safety,
modifications and repairs. We want competitors to know that they are
taking on the opposition with an equal chance of winning.
They all came home!
Also included in
this booklet are some extracts from the UIM and the NZPBF rules
applicable to inflatable boat racing.
TRA-NZ requires
drivers and co-drivers to know and understand the rules of the
sport. There is no allowance for ignorance and “unwitting”
infringements conferred upon the participants. Minimum penalties of
being de-classified or disqualified for the heat/event will apply.
The driver & co-driver are responsible for the condition of their
equipment as raced. Errors on the part of the manufacturer,
technician or a previous owner do not justify non-conformity with
the rules and cannot be accepted as an excuse.
TRA-NZ, NZPBF and
UIM or any sporting body frowns on disputes taken to court. It is
believed that this is not sportsmanlike because no sporting body has
any prejudices. Please accept and abide by the decision taken by the
controlling bodies.
NOTE: Should there
be a discrepancy between the rules of TRA-NZ and those of the NZPBF
and the UIM, the rules of TRA-NZ will take preference.
MISSION STATEMENT
TRA-NZ encourages
members to participate in, and promote the sport of “Inflatable Boat
Racing” hereinafter called “Thundercat Racing” and TRA-NZ requests
the Thundercat Racing Rules are based on the following guidelines:
Members are encouraged to take ownership of the Thundercat Racing
Rules.
1) Fun.
2) Safety.
3) Lowest cost as
feasible to get into racing and to continue racing.
4) Competitive
racing.
5) Ease of putting
together a race boat and team.
6) A large
selection of commercially available motors and boats to race
competitively.
7) Use of the boat
for social occasions as well as for racing.
There shall be two
classes referred to as the “Bandit” and “S-750”, the later of which
shall emphasize entry participation.
These rules are to
be interpreted on the intent of the rule not literally.
The following rules
have been amended and accepted as the Thundercat Racing Rules. These
rules apply to all inflatable boat races run under the auspices of
the Thundercat Racing Association of New Zealand. Any queries as to
the interpretation of these rules must be addressed to the Secretary
of TRA-NZ
TECHNICAL REP /
ENGINE SEALING OFFICAL
Cameron Adshead
David Davis
Jason Prescott
RACE LICENCE
EXAMINERS
To be Advised
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
2007 NATIONAL RACE
CALENDAR & 2007/8 CLUB EVENTS
GROUP 100
101 RACING
LICENCES
102 LICENCE CLASS
& GRADINGS
103 OBTAINING A
PROVISIONAL LICENCE & RELEVANT RESTRICTIONS
104 FULL LICENCE
(A-Grade)
105 RESTRICTED
FULL LICENCE (RA-Grade)
106 DAY LICENCES
107 BOAT REGISTRATION
108 SPONSORSHIP
GROUP 200
201 HELMETS
202 LIFEJACKETS
203 EYE WEAR
204 SAFETY
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR RACE BOATS
205 PENALTIES FOR
LACK OR LOSS OF SAFETY EQUIPMENT
206 BOAT
EXAMINATION
207 FLAGS
208 STOPPED RACES
209 MARSHAL BOATS
GROUP 300
301 FUEL
302 SPECIALTY
FUELS & ADDITIVES
303 FUEL TANK
304 NOMINATED
FUEL SUPPY
GROUP 400
401 PROPELLER
GUARD
GROUP 500
501 CLASSES
502 HULL
503 PROPELLERS
504 MOTOR -
GENERAL FOR ALL CLASSES
506 MOTOR
“S-750” CLASS
507 MOTOR
“BANDIT” CLASS
508 REPLACEMENT
BOATS & MOTORS
509 SEALING OF
MOTORS
GROUP 600
601 RACE RULES -
GENERAL
602 WET WATER
RULE
603 SURF-CROSS & SPEED-CIRCUIT
RACING - GENERAL
604 SURF-CROSS &
SPEED-CIRCUIT RACING - SHORE START
605 SURF-CROSS
RACING - FINISH
606 SPEED-CIRCUIT
RACING - FINISH
607 SURF-CROSS
RACING - RE-STARTS
608 SPEED-CIRCUIT
RACING - RE_STARTS
609 RE-START -
DEEP WATER ROLLING
610 RE-START -
INSHORE ROLLING
611 LONGHAUL
RACING - GENERAL
612 TECHNICAL
FINISHES
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
GROUP 800
801 RACE
INFRINGEMENT PROTESTS
802 DETERMINATION
OF RACE INFRINGEMENT PROTESTS
803 TECHNICAL
PROTESTS
804 DETERMINATION
OF TECHNICAL PROTESTS
805 OBSERVERS TO
TECHNICAL INSPECTIONS
806 TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS – MOVED TO 504/507
GROUP 900
901 DRUGS &
ALCOHOL
APPENDIX A
STANDARD COURSE FOR
SURF-CROSS
APPENDIX B
STANDARD COURSE FOR
SPEED-CIRCUIT
APPENDIX C
PROPELLER GUARD
SPECIFICATIONS
NOTES
NATIONAL RACE CALENDAR/CLUB EVENTS
SCHEDULED
EVENTS – CLUB DAYS 2007/8
SEE
WEB SITE WWW.thundercatracing.co.nz
GROUP 100
Race Examiners are
to be appointed by the Executive prior to the first race meeting of
the new season.
101 RACING
LICENCES
101.01
All drivers and
co-drivers must be in possession of a current racing license issued
by the TRA-NZ with the indemnity form signed. The TRA-NZ Secretary
will issue all licenses. The license application indemnity form and
the medical declaration form are to be renewed annually. Minimum age
for holding a racing license shall be fifteen (15) years. Any
competitor being a minor under twenty (20) years of age must have
their license application indemnity form countersigned by a parent
or guardian.
101.02
All Racing License
applicants must be members of the TRA-NZ.
102 LICENCE CLASS
& GRADINGS
102.01
There are two
classes of license: Driver License, and Co-driver License. A member
holding both classes of license shall only be required to pay the
one license fee.
102.02
Both driver and
co-driver licenses are graded: - B-grade (Provisional License), or
A-grade (Full License). Members not wishing to compete in National
or Titled Surf-cross events may be issued a RA-grade (Restricted
Full License).
103 OBTAINING A
PROVISIONAL LICENCE & RELEVANT RESTRICTIONS
103.01
Applications for a
racing license are to be made on the official form, which can be
obtained from the TRA-NZ Secretary and other approved outlets. The
application form must be completed and signed by the applicant who
must be a member of the TRA-NZ and have attained the age of 15
years. If applicant is under the age of 20 years the application
must also be countersigned by a parent or guardian. The application
is to be witnessed by an adult who is not related to the applicant.
All applications are to be returned to the TRA-NZ Secretary.
103.02
The applicant will
be tested by an appointed examiner with a random 20 point verbal
questionnaire based on the Thundercat Racing Rules as well as 5
questions on local boating laws with particular attention to speed
restrictions and minimum distances to other members of the public.
The applicant must achieve a minimum passing result of 80% on the 25
questions.
103.03
After the applicant
has satisfied the examiner of his/her knowledge with the above, the
applicant must then be observed driving, or where applicable,
co-driving a race boat around a properly laid short course, before
being issued a provisional license (B-grade License).
103.04
A Provisional license holder will not
be entitled to compete in a National or Titled Event without
obtaining an exemption from the TRA-NZ.
103.05
Each time a
provisional license holder completes a race or heat and shows
competence, they should have the Race Director (RD) of the day
validate their provisional license as proof of their participation
in the event. The onus is on the provisional license holder to
ensure this is done.
104 FULL LICENCE
(A-grade)
104.01
Provisional license
holders who have completed a minimum of four (4), TRA-NZ approved
events, three (3) of which must have been Surf-cross events, and had
them validated by the Race Director (RD), may then apply to the
TRA-NZ Secretary to have their license upgraded to a Full License
(A-grade).
104.02
An A-grade driver
or co-driver that has missed one full season of racing must reapply
as per 103.01 (fill in the required form). On payment of the
required fees they will be assessed by a TRANZ approved Race
Director who will ascertain their competence and reissue their A
Grade license where appropriate.
105 RESTRICTED
FULL LICENCE (RA-grade)
105.01
Provisional license
holders who have completed a minimum of four (4), TRA-NZ approved
events, and had them validated by the Race Director (RD), may then
apply to the TRA-NZ Secretary to have their license upgraded to a
Restricted Full License (RA-grade).
105.02
An RA-grade driver or co-driver may
compete in a National or Titled Speed-circuit or Longhaul event, but
not in a National or Titled Surf-cross event without first obtaining
an exemption from TRA-NZ.
105.03
An RA-grade driver
or co-driver that has missed one full season of racing will have to
re-qualify under Rule 103.
106 DAY LICENCES
106.01
Persons wishing to
race on the day and who do not hold a current license may at the
discretion of the RD complete a one day racing license application
and indemnity form and pay the prescribed license fee. All one-day
license holders must receive a special briefing from the RD.
106.02
Day licenses are not valid for
National or Titled Events without an exemption from TRA-NZ.
106.03
Only three Day licences will be
allowed per person at a cost of $30 per day.
107 BOAT
REGISTRATION
107.01
Only boats
registered with TRA-NZ can participate in Thundercat Racing events.
New competitors must obtain a one off temporary registration at
scrutineering.
107.02
Application forms
for boat registration and membership can be obtained from the TRA-NZ
Secretary, and other approved outlets. Applications for registration
of boats must be made annually and are to be presented to the TRA-NZ
Secretary.
107.03
Upon receipt of the
properly executed application for registration and membership, the
TRA-NZ shall assign said racing number and boat name, or inform the
applicant of the lack of availability of that number and/or name,
and issue an alternative.
107.04
All boats are
required to display Thundercat Racing decals, which are available
from the TRA-NZ.
107.05
Race boats must
carry a boat name selected by the owner, but such name shall be
subject to the approval of the TRA-NZ. Should such approval be
withheld and until such time as such approval is forthcoming, that
boat shall be ineligible to compete in any sanctioned event until
cleared by the TRA-NZ.
107.06
It will be the
responsibility of the member requesting any name to ensure they have
the legal right to the use of any name they may request.
107.07
The assignment of a
racing number and boat name in no way guarantees the boat is
qualified in any specific class. Technical specifications to
determine class as set out in these rules will determine that
qualification.
107.08
Numbers must be
affixed to both sides of the motor cowl, in a way that is readily
visible by officials and spectators. Their colour will be black
letters on a white background for S-750 class and yellow letters on
a black background for Bandit class. The letter and numbers shall be
not less than 10cm high x 20cm with a 2cm border. No other number
can be shown or displayed that may be confused as being a boat
registration number.
107.09
The registered name
is to be affixed on both sides of the boat in such colours, style
and position, so as to be able to be read clearly from the shoreline
by officials and spectators. Boats competing at National or Titled
events must be sign written.
107.10
Team Race Rule
Once a team has a
registered name no other team or boat can be registered with the
same boat name. Team boats must have a distinguishing ID to satisfy
Race Officials.
107.11
Registered racing
numbers and boat names will be reserved in the name of the person
who registered them for as long as the registration is current.
Racing numbers and boat names not re-registered will be deleted and
may be re-allocated.
107.12
The boat trailer
must bear a www.thundercatracing.com
sticker and the Boat’s Name in a conspicuous position. The height of
the lettering must be at least 50mm high and written on a vertical
flat surface facing forward.
107.13
Race numbers 1-10
in S-750 class and 1-5 in Bandit class will be reserved for NZ
Championship placings each season. Members original numbers will
not be reallocated.
107.14
Bandit boats must
display their respective class on both sides of the motor cowl.
108 SPONSORSHIP
108.01
Sponsoring of
boats, competitors and racing teams is encouraged. Sponsorship is
open and will be market driven.
108.02
Competitors must
supply details of their sponsors.
108.03
Sponsors will be
considered as team members and as such must conform to the
Thundercat Race Rules where they apply.
108.04
Sponsor’s tents,
banners and other promotional equipment before being placed at a
venue must first have the approval of the organizers or Race
Director.
108.05
Event Promoters or
sponsors of events may request that boats have signs attached as a
condition of entry into certain events. The ‘bow windows’ are to be
reserved for that purpose and made available when requested. Rule
502.16.
GROUP 200
201 HELMETS
201.01
The wearing of
helmets is compulsory for all drivers and co-drivers for all racing.
201.02
Helmets must be
open-faced or full-face motorbike type helmets, which protect the
base of the skull and cover the ears. The colour of which must be at
least 75% Standox Fluorescent Orange 2005 - STN 75229, Day Glow
Orange or Aircraft Recognition Red..
201.03
All helmets must
meet the standards approved by the Land Transport Safety Authority (ECE
22 or AS-NZS 1698) or be approved by TRA-NZ.
201.04
Helmets that are
not full-face must have an approved guard fitted to protect the
mouth and chin area.
201.05
Approved visors are
optional.
202 LIFEJACKET &
PFD (Personal Floatation Device)
202.01
The wearing of
lifejackets is compulsory for all Drivers, Co-drivers, and Marshal
Boat and Starting Boat personnel for Long-haul & Surf-haul events.
202.02
All life jackets
used by Thundercat Racing drivers and co-drivers must have leg or
crutch straps fitted, or a nappy.
202.03
All life jackets
worn by competitors must have a neck collar, and show the
manufacturers label/stamp specifying the maximum buoyancy capacity.
A competitor must be within the range specification stated.
202.04
Buoyancy vests PDF
may be used in any Surf-cross event provided they are manufactured
to meet the NZ Standard 5823/2005 or approved equivalent.
202.05
Clothing that
absorbs water and reduces buoyancy is not allowed. IE. Jeans, coats,
shirts, polo fleece, shoes etc.
202.06
The use of
wetsuits, spring suits, booties, rash vests, board shorts and
additional flotation devices are recommended.
203 EYE WEAR
In both Surf-cross
and Speed-circuit racing, both the driver and co-driver may wear eye
protection. This protection may take the form of glasses, goggles or
a helmet visor.
204 SAFETY
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR RACE BOATS
204.01
All boats must
carry or be fitted with the following safety equipment at all times
during Surf-cross, Speed-circuit, and sheltered long-haul events,
and where practical have each item marked with the boats race
number:
One (1) designated
righting rope. Rule 502.13.
One (1) designated
bowline. Rule 502.14.
Two (2) kill switch keys, one of which
must have a lanyard. Rule 504.09
A Propeller Guard.
NOTE: The Propeller Guard will not be mandatory for Speed-circuit
events unless specified on the entry form, or for any
long-haul events. Group 400.
204.02
When a long-haul
event takes boats out into open water, all boats must carry or be
fitted with the following safety equipment, and such other equipment
as may be specified for a particular event, and where practical have
each item marked with the boats race number:
One (1) designated
righting rope. Rule 502.13.
One (1) designated
bowline. Rule 502.14.
Two (2) kill switch
keys, one of which must have a lanyard. Rule 504.09
Two (2) paddles,
minimum length 650mm.
One (1) anchor rope
of 25m x 8mm (additional use – towing).
One (1) safety
sausage to be carried on the person of each competitor.
One (1) yellow or
orange “V” sheet of 3 square meters.
205 PENALTIES FOR
LACK OR LOSS OF SAFETY EQUIPMENT
All safety
equipment as specified in the official Thundercat Racing Boat
Examination Report for the specific discipline of racing must be
carried at all times. Failure to do so will result in a ten (10)
minute time penalty per item of equipment missing. For Surf-cross
and Speed-circuit racing, a penalty of one (1) lap per item of
equipment missing will be applied.
206 BOAT
EXAMINATION
206.01
No boat shall be
permitted to start in any heat or race until it has been scrutinized
and the appropriate examination and indemnity forms have been signed
off.
206.02
It is the driver
and co-driver’s responsibility to have the boat and themselves ready
for racing and at the pre-race scrutiny location at the time
required in the race program.
206.03
The boat
examination is primarily designed as a safety audit although hull
and motor eligibility will be determined, and motor seals checked at
National and Titled Events.
206.04
It shall remain the
driver and/or the boat owner’s responsibility to ensure the boat is
fit and seaworthy before racing and to decide whether or not to
start in the race or to continue racing.
207 FLAGS
207.01
BLUE FLAG (Blue
Peter). 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.
207.03
WAVING WHITE FLAG.
The white flag being waved indicates that boats are entering the
last lap of a heat or race.
207.04
GREEN FLAG. Before
the start of the heat, or a race, the blue flag will be lowered and
the green flag will be raised for at least fifteen (15) seconds. The
official start of the heat, or race, will be given by dropping the
green flag, at which time a horn may be sounded. The green flag
shall only be used for starting and re-starting heats, or races.
207.05
CHEQUERED FLAG. The
waving of a chequered flag will denote the finish of a heat, or
race. The chequered flag will remain raised after the first
competitor crosses the finish line to denote the finish of the heat,
or race. The position of all following boats is to be recorded.
207.06
RED FLAG. This flag
must be observed at ALL times. The display of a Red Flag from either
the shore or from any Marshal Boat denotes the closing of the water.
Competitors must cautiously return to their designated areas and
await instructions. Failure to observe this procedure can incur a
period of license suspension.
207.07
All competitors
must acknowledge all flag signals by raising a hand to the official
giving the signal. Failure to comply with this rule will render the
competitor liable for penalties. The penalty is to be announced at
Drivers Briefing.
208 STOPPED RACES
208.01
A race or heat
shall be considered stopped when it is interrupted by the Racing
Officials after the start. The stoppage of a race will be indicated
by the display of the Red Flag.
208.02
A race will be
stopped in the event of a blow over, roll, submarining, accident or
other incident, which could endanger the safety of competitors,
spectators or boats.
208.03
A race may be
stopped in the event of a buoy sinking or drifting out of position.
208.04
Competitors
responsible for a heat being stopped will not be permitted to
compete in the re-start. Only competitors who were still racing at
the time the race was stopped will be permitted to compete in the
re-start.
208.05
Any competitor
deemed to have been a third party and not at fault, subject to the
RD’s discretion, will be allowed to restart.
209 MARSHAL
BOATS
209.01
At all Thundercat
Race Meetings there will be at least one Marshal Boat on the water
and such boats must carry a green and a red Flag for display in
terms of Rule 207.06, 207.07, 609.
209.02
Children under the
age of 15 must not be allowed to officiate in any Marshal Boat or
Start Boat during a Thundercat Race event
GROUP 300
301 FUEL
301.01
Fuel must be a
commercially available grade of automobile fuel, to a maximum of 98
octane, which is freely available from any normal service station
outlet i.e. from the pumps on any forecourt.
301.02
The driver may not
withhold the type of fuel/oil used and the mixing ratio of fuel/oil
if requested by race officials.
301.03
The Race Director
has the right to inspect any competitor’s fuel at his/her
discretion, and has the right to request a competitor to exchange
their fuel for that of a nominated fuel supplier (petrol only).
Failure by competitors to use the nominated supplier will result in
disqualification from the event.
302 SPECIALTY
FUELS & ADDITIVES
Special racing
fuels, methanol, nitro methane, avgas, hydrazine and the likes
thereof are expressly forbidden. The use of additives aimed at
increasing the power of the motor is prohibited to either the fuel
or the air intake. In addition the use of nitrous oxide injection
units is also totally prohibited.
303 FUEL TANK
Only approved
manufactured fuel tanks or collapsible fuel cells are permissible.
304 NOMINATED
FUEL SUPPY
At National or
Titled Events, the organizers of the event reserve the right to use
a nominated fuel supplier (petrol only). Failure by competitors to
use the nominated supplier will result in disqualification from the
event.
GROUP 400
401 PROPELLER
GUARD
401.01
All inflatable
boats racing in Surf-cross, and specified Speed-circuit events must
have an approved propeller guard fitted to the outboard.
For specifications
for propeller guards see APPENDIX C.
401.02
Guards with either
missing rails, broken rails, or without all 5 attaching bolts being
in effective use will be declared “unable to race”.
GROUP 500
501 CLASSES
“S-750” CLASS
Capacity - 551cc to 750cc
Length - 3.8 metres (minimum)
Width - 1.7 metres (minimum)
Weight - 75kgs (minimum)
“BANDIT” CLASS
Length - 3.8 metres (minimum)
Width - 1.7 metres (minimum)
Weight - 75kgs (minimum)
Approved
motors - See Rule 507.01
* All Classes
shall be contested by a team comprising of a specifically
designated driver
and co-driver.
** Before a team
can compete in the National Championships or any Titled Events they
must both hold A-grade licenses.
*** The
above-mentioned weights apply to the dry weight of the boat, without
any accessories, and without the motor. To reach the minimum weight
ballast may be added. This must be screwed or bolted to the boat,
but must not exceed 10% of the weight of the boat without ballast.
**** A motor of
less than 551cc may not be re-bored so as to allow it to compete in
the “S-750” Class.
***** A Class
cannot be deleted without first giving one full season of notice to
TRA-NZ Members via this Race Rule Book.
502 HULL
502.01
Boats must conform
to the model of the official catalogue of the manufacturer.
502.02
A minimum of two
(2) boats must be built before homologation is requested. Rule
502.03.
502.03
Boats that take
part in competitions must be listed in an official catalogue of the
manufacturer. NZ Manufacturers must submit homologation papers for
their boats to the TRC, in which they must furnish valid, audited
proof that two (2) boats have been manufactured, been advertised and
are commercially available in the open market to any person.
In the case of
imported boats, imported after January 1999, proof must be submitted
to the TRC the boats have been homologated in the country of origin,
with audited proof that two (2) boats have been manufactured, been
advertised and are commercially available in the open market to any
person.
Boats not
manufactured in NZ, and not homologated in their country of origin,
may be homologated in NZ as per this rule.
All boats must
comply with TRA-NZ rules 501 and 502.
502.04
Boats must be
inflated only with atmospheric air, each individual pontoon must
have two (2) independent compartments. The boat must be able to
float even if one compartment is out of service. Flexible foam
highjackers are allowed.
502.05
Boats with an
inflated keel or rigid keel are allowed. The keel must form part of
or be associated with the floorboard units. Boats with a rigid
underwater body made of glass resin or any other type of rigid
underwater body are not allowed. At no point may the width of keel
exceed 15% of the width of the boat.
502.06
The boat should be
able to deflate, be collapsible, foldable or be able to be rolled
up, so that no dismantled part has a length greater that one third
(1/3) of the full length of the inflated boat excepting the floor
boards whose largest individual piece must not exceed two thirds
(2/3) of the total length of the floorboards. Any suitable material
may be used to manufacture floorboards.
502.07
The shape of the
hull is free. The keel, inflatable or rigid, must extend along the
whole floor length of the boat. No rigid element is to be attached
or fixed to the underside of the keel. No materials other than air
may be inserted in or attached to or placed between the floorboards
and the keel. No adjustable wings or aerodynamic appendages are
allowed.
502.08
Modifications above
the waterline are allowed. A waterline is defined as the line taken
when a boat is at rest in the water with no persons in the boat, but
at full race trim with the motor fitted. The waterline will be
deemed to be below the bottom of the transom.
502.09
A splash plate may
be fitted to the back of the transom as long as it complies with
Rule 502.08 and the following dimensions: if this plate runs the
full length of the transom, i.e. from pontoon to pontoon, then the
width of this plate is restricted to 100mm. If the width of this
plate exceeds 100mm then its length is restricted to 150mm across
the back of the transform, but may protrude as far back towards the
motor as required.
502.10
No modifications
below the water line are allowed.
502.11
Construction spray
strakes are permitted anywhere on the outside of the highjacker
cover.
502.12
Motors larger than
the inflatable boat manufacturer’s recommended maximum horsepower
rating at the time of hull manufacture will | 
