A Guide to Modern Regularity

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Are you interested in using your car for more than driving to work? If so, Modern Regularity may be the competition for you.

What is Modern Regularity?

Modern Regularity is a relatively new competition that is a variation of the Historic Regularity rules (the main changes are that later model cars are allowed), it is where the driver nominates a lap time and endeavours to maintain that time over a number of flying laps (usually 4) of a racing circuit. Each tenth of a second away from the nominated time scores penalty points. The driver with the least number of points wins, or the driver with the most points i.e. furthest from their nominated lap time comes last! (You see, you get excited and forget what you’re doing).

It is a relatively safe form of competition, as outright speed or lap time is not a consideration in scoring.

Therefore, you don’t need to buy an expensive ‘rocket’, the family ‘shopping trolley’ can be just as competitive as the latest sports car. A car passing you on the track is not perceived as beating you. This has the effect of competitors not trying to block or ‘dice’ with each other, as in racing or sprinting, and generally much safer competition results. In fact, blocking and dicing is not tolerated and will attract a penalty from the officials of the event.

Modern regularity is a great motor sport event for the beginner or the seasoned campaigner in motor sport.

You may like to read an article by Robert George on his experience in competing in Historic Regularity.

What do you need to do to your car?

You need to make sure that your car is mechanically sound and safe, and doesn’t leak oil. Additional requirements are: (note this is a guide only, the requirement of CAMS must be adhered to).

• A blue triangle with sides of 150mm needs to be put on the external bodywork to indicate the position of the battery. Blue contact material is fine.
• A transparent adhesive film must cover all external forward facing glass components, except for the windscreen.
• Each throttle, whether butterfly, slide or other type, must be fitted with a return spring which, in the event of the throttle linkage becoming detached, in all cases will return each throttle to the closed position.
• Cruise control may not be used.
• The bonnet must be fitted with at least two independent fastening systems, of adequate strength and limited extensibility, which simultaneously hold the bonnet or panels closed. The fitment of bonnet pins will cover this but if you don’t wish to drill your car, a possible solution is a dog chain and clip attached behind the grill. ‘Octopus straps’ are not permissible.
• An ‘in-date’ fire extinguisher with a minimum capacity of 900g, complying to AS1841 (extinguishers which meet AS1841.2 are not permitted) must be fitted to the car.
• A competition number, (allocated by the organisers), shall be displayed on each side of the car. White boot polish is surprisingly effective. A black number 280mm high with 50mm line thickness in ’Arial Bold’ with a white background on the doors is preferred. These cost about $15 from a sign shop. In any case, the numbers must be readable by the timekeepers

Your car will need to comply to Schedule A and B of the General Requirements of Automobiles as listed in the CAMS Manual of Motor Sport. This publication can be bought from CAMS. Note that automobiles registered for road use will not be required to comply with many of the items of Schedule B, as listed in the last paragraph of Schedule B. The above list is a quick guide for registered automobiles.

What do you need?

• You will need a current membership of a Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS) affiliated club, eg The Austin 7 Club of SA Inc. A CAMS L2S (or higher) competition licence is required. L2S licences can be issued to you by your CAMS affiliated club.
• Neck to wrist to ankle clothing must be worn eg jeans and jumper or cotton overalls. Clothing and footwear of flammable synthetic material, such as nylon, is unacceptable.
• An approved helmet must be worn.

What does it Cost

Event entry fee costs depend on the number of runs held, as well as if it is a one or two day meeting. A typical 1 day event costs around $110 You will need to lodge an entry form and payment before the day of the event. These can be found at the club web site or will be posted to you if you wish.

A L2S licence costs around $100 for twelve months. See Joining the Austin 7 Club of SA Inc for the clubs annual membership fee.

Click here to join the Austin 7 Club of SA Inc.

What to do on the day.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions; the atmosphere is very friendly between competitors at motor sport. At most events there will be a person designated as a Competitor Relations Officer (CRO). He will be happy to help you with your questions and offer guidance. Once at the track, empty your car of all loose items, taking out the spare wheel can also be a good idea. Don’t forget to check your tyre pressures. They must be correctly inflated. Usually a few more psi than for road use is recommended.

You will be given some time to practice on the track and then you must nominate your lap time to the secretary of the meeting before the first event. Usually you can change your nominated time between events as you become more proficient in lapping the track.

Other information.

Bring along a picnic lunch if you wish, but generally the race circuit kiosk will be open.

If you would like to get involved contact the competition secretary racing@austin7clubsa.com.au.

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