For those of you who are reading this that compete in any historic rally discipline in the UK, be aware that the Rallies Committee at the MSA has issued a consultation paper on some regulation changes which you should read and respond to. Check their website for the full details. I came by this tenth hand, so I can’t help thinking that this is consultation by stealth in the hope that most wouldn’t know about it as its been so badly publicised, but consultation it is nonetheless.
The tyre debate continues, with the possibility of banning for road use any tyre which is not either E or BS marked – this is dreadful news for any driver of a car which needs 15 inch tyres in 165 to 185 section at 70 profile, as the introduction of this rule would outlaw all the various Dunlop tyres which are the only thing genuinely available that can withstand driving on the loose on modern events, such as the HRCR series. I’m sure there are other tyres and manufacturers which would fall foul so look carefully at what you use …… what on earth is this proposed rule about ? Im told that it’s to stop the use of competition tyres on road events …. Well I don’t see any in use and basically the Construction and Use regulations and MoT rules cover that point so why try to reinforce it with an ill thought out proposal which will cause anything but an Escort or Porsche owner to struggle to get tyres Over 13 inch diameter ? This is not the right way to go about solving this issue. A prohibited tyre list is what is required.
Similarly, non original gear sets are to be banned …… Well that means that any reproduction gears which are not cut quite as OE spec (which none of them are) so I guess we will all need to use modern gearbox parts ….. Oh wait we can’t because it’s not period. So that means we can’t use the cars at all: my car certainly wont go without gears in the box. Well that’s the end of historic rallying for all but popular stuff which OE manufacturers still support ….. Count them, they are all German ! Perhaps that’s what the MSA is trying to achieve, if not its they are very well on the way to doing so by even considering rules like this. Old cars need new bits and new bits are NEVER like they were in their days for all sorts of reasons. Again if this is about using morn 6 speed sequential boxes in Escorts and the like then that’s what the rule needs to say. Using a late 60’s box in an early 60’s Porsche 911 because it will not fall to bits in a day is not the same game, nor is a using a straight cut box in a 70’s Mini or for that matter a set of Bastuck gear bits in a TR for that matter.
One thing is for sure here, there is obviously a need to regulate usage of various modern components so that both costs and performance are contained, but a one size fits all rule just will not work. My view is that what is required is some courageous rule setting, identifying quite specifically the parts or issues in question and a bullet proof argument for any proposal to limit or prohibit their use. The ability to do this is there, but it needs some very pointy and well targetted words. What is not required is a watery catch all, which will do no more than cause dissent, disobedience and muttering amongst the historic rally community, none of which does anyone any good, least all the MSA.
End of rant. Doubtless more to follow.
Blue Beastie 
Hi Tony, Certainly not a rant but a measured and unfortunately accurate account of the way the MSA and it seems one person in particular want things to go. If they really want a boring one make (Escort) championship they are going the right way about it. The fact that they make it very difficult to find out in advance says it all! You probably know my feelings already.
I do not have an eligible car anyhow but even if I did I would still be at the mercy of the various organizing clubs as to whether or not they want to bother applying for the various waivers ie 6 cylinders, 6 chocks (triple webers) etc etc. What was started as an interesting and relatively inexpensive (in motorsport terms) sport had been turned into a very rich mans club where you need a £75,000+ Ford to join.
Then you have to run the gauntlet of an eligibility mob boss who makes the rules up as he goes along. (I am sure I have already related the Eric Carlson story to you) Then you come to my pet hate, the nonsense about hydraulic handbrakes! Again this Don ignores fact and reason.
Fact: as a scrutineer in the 70’s almost everyone bar mini’s had them, works and clubmen. Reason: apart from the spectacle (anyone can go down to a car park and watch idiots preforming poor 3 point turns). There is the important safety issue, a little too hard into a square and nip the HH and you should be ok. Do that with a cable and you will almost certainly be off! I think it was interesting to find how the other Paul, the sensible one who actually competes, was treated when after the explanation about ignoring his concerns about HH’s and being advised yet again it was not in period. He suggested (quite correctly) that then cable ties should be banned as they were not in period! He was told his argument was futile and this weakened his HH case!
Clearly the MSA need a kick up their stagnating arses because if they continue to ignore the wishes of the competitors they may find their overbearing presence being usurped by a new regime.