ABOUT EVENTS

Text Box: A motorkhana is a cheap and enjoyable form of motorsport and at the same time is one of the most competitive. It is an event in which youcan use almost any vehicle (standard road cars can be very competitive) and is primarily a test of driver skills. Cars compete against the clock, one at a time, with drivers negotiating a set course which is defined by (non-damaging) markers such as plastic cones. The course must be negotiated in the correct sequence, with penalties applied for going the wrong way or hitting markers etc. Part of the course may have to be negotiated in reverse.  The winner is the person who completes all of the courses in the shortest time. Events are normally held on smooth grass or tarseal venues such as farm paddocks or carparks. Because the venue is usually a wide open space and the speeds involved are low (more tests are completed using 1st and/or reverse gear ), the risk of vehicle damage while competing is low. Depending on the number of entries, competitors may be divided into classes thereby providing greater competition. Opportunities exist to enter a maximum of two events prior to gaining membership of a member club. Minimum requirements (for club level competition) A safe car to at least WOF standards (especially brakes, steering and seat). The driver must be at least 12 years old (Ref #1), and be a member of a MotorSport NZ club.

motorkhanas
Text Box: NORTHLAND

CAR CLUB

autocrosses

Autocross is the ideal environment in which to learn or improve car control skills while at the same time having a lot of fun. It is an event that favours driver skill over outright horsepower, but at speeds higher than those experienced in motorkhanas. The Autocross course is usually laid out (using hay bales, drums or plastic cones) on a large grass or gravel area such as a farm paddock or a car park, although some clubs have purpose built Autocross circuits. Competitors compete in Autocross events individually against the clock with the winner being the person who completes the course in the shortest time. Because the event venue is usually a wide open space, the risk of vehicle damage is low.  As for motorkhanas, it is a cheap event in which to participate and perfectly standard road cars can be very competitive.

 

Minimum requirements (for club level competition)

A safe car to at least WOF standards (especially brakes, steering and seat). A fire extinguisher is recommended but is not required (there will be fire extinguishers at the start and finish lines). The driver must be at least 12 years old (Ref #1), wear an approved crash helmet (Ref #2) and fire retardant overalls (Ref #3) and belong to a MotorSport NZ member club. Opportunities exist to enter a maximum of two events prior to gaining membership of a club.

hillclimbs

Text Box: Hillclimbs are generally the highest form of motorsport that can be competed in using a normal road car. They are so named because the finish line must be at a higher altitude than the start line and the course must be mostly uphill. It must be remembered that they are considered high speed events, and with higher speeds also comes a higher "incident/accident" risk. The Hillclimb course can be on a private or public road, with either a gravel or tarsealed surface. Competitors compete in   Hillclimb individually against the clock with the winner being the person who completes the course in the shortest time. Because the venues used vary so much, those competitors wishing to compete in a standard car (without full harness seat belts and/or roll cage), should check before the event with the organiser to ensure that such a vehicle is appropriate for the venue. Minimum requirements (for club level competition) A safe car to at least WOF standards (especially brakes, steering and seat), equipped with a fire extinguisher (Ref #4). The driver must be at least 12 years of age (Ref #1), wear an approved crash helmet (Ref #2) and fire retardant overalls (Ref #3) belong to a MotorSports NZ member club and be a holder of a ClubSport licence and civil drivers licence.

sprints

Text Box: Sprints are a relatively inexpensive form of motorsport and yet very competitive. All sprints are primarily a test of the vehicle's performance and the drivers ability to control the vehicle. Dependant on the venue and the driver's ability to control the vehicle. Dependant on the venue, vehicles start either on their own or paired side by side. The winner being the competitor with the fastest time and speed over the measured distance. Sprints are distinguished in two categories. Category Two are basic entry level events which the competitor is not required to hold a competition licence with the minimum driving age being 12 (Ref #1). These sprints are described as: Minimum requirements A vehicle prepared to MotorSport NZ Safety Schedule A (AA for genuine Historic/Classic vehicles). The driver must wear an approved crash helmet (Ref #2) and fire retardant overalls (Ref #3).

references

 

 

NCC membership rules booklet

#1

12 - 15 year old drivers can only compete on private venues or roads closed under Section 3.4.2(b) of the Local Government Act. The member club will advise further on this aspect.  And must have a tutor who is competent (organizers discretion), and has held a full licence for the minimum of 2 years or hold a national Motorsport licence.

#2

Your Club Scrutineer will check and advise if your crash helmet is acceptable.

#3

Minimum standard is cotton with close fitting cuffs.

#4

See your Club Scrutineer before purchasing to ensure the type is acceptable and to gain knowledge of where and how to install in the car.