Motor Sports Council:
Rallies Committee to reconsider K37 proposals
At yesterday's meeting of the Motor Sports Council (Thursday
9 February), representatives of the MSA Rallies Committee
presented their initial findings, following a period of consultation
into the proposed revision of rule K37 - the technical regulations
for special stage rally cars.
The original proposal had been submitted in an attempt to
bring UK regulations closer in line with internationally accepted
regulations established by the FIA.
The Committee reported that the extensive and welcomed feedback
from the rallying community had confirmed that there is a
need for a thorough review of these regulations. However,
the original proposals as set out for consultation have not
been endorsed by the subsequent feedback and will be reconsidered.
The members of the Motor Sports Council endorsed the principle
of moving the sport towards standard production touring cars
and low volume specialist production cars.
However, it was agreed that any regulation changes concerning
new cars will not be brought into effect any earlier than
2008, while all existing vehicles will remain eligible to
compete until at least 1 January 2010.
"We have rigorous and established regulatory procedures,"
explained Graham Stoker, Chairman of the Motor Sports Council.
"The consultation process is the ultimate safeguard that
ensures that no regulations make it into the Blue Book without
very careful analysis. On this occasion, the Committee went
in one direction and the sport itself - those very people
that the Committee represents - made its feelings known. That
is right and proper and a good example of the process in action."
"We have established that these regulations do need
attention," confirmed John Richardson, Chairman of the
Rallies Committee, "and we remain committed to moving
the sport towards production vehicles, but over a longer timeframe
than was at first envisaged.
"We must acknowledge that a number of issues have been
raised and on behalf of the Rallies Committee, we would like
to thank everyone who has contributed to the debate, but we
would also like to apologise for any confusion that may have
been caused. We will report back to Council with our proposals
in June, after which it will again go out to consultation."
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