72 replies to this topic

[IRRA Retro Racing]

Q: Will inline frames be allowed to compete in the new IRRA® anglewinder class?

A: No. Just as Anglewinders and full Sidewinders are not allowed in the Inline classes, Inlines and full Sidewinders are not allowed in the Retro Anglewinder Class.

Of course, what might be allowed at any individual raceway for a local race is beyond the control of the IRRA® Board, but our position is that these drive configurations should not be mixed.

(Posted for the IRRA® BoD by Dennis Samson)

[IRRA Retro Racing]

Q: The JK Spec rules say that the axle tube must pass through the motor bracket. Do I have to use axle tubes or may I place the bushings directly in the mounting holes in the bracket?

A: Rear axle bushings may be soldered directly to the motor bracket without the use of axle tubes, if desired, and minor reaming of the holes in the motor bracket to allow the installation of axle bushings in this manner will be permitted.

(Posted for the IRRA® BoD by Greg Wells)

[IRRA Retro Racing]

Q: Can the windows be cut out of the body in the Retro Stock Car Class?

A: While it may be realistic in some cases, it has been decided that in the interest of keeping things simple for the racer and for the safety of marshals, the removal of windows from these bodies will not be allowed.

Q: How will clearance be checked for cars with drop arms since they will drop down if placed on a test block on all four wheels without the guide.

A: Cars with drop arms will/should be tech'd on a test block having a guide area that is typical of the depth of the track for the race where the car can be placed on the block with the guide in and the four wheels touching. For example, at the Sano, any cars having drop arms will have the clearance checked on a Backtrack guide block that has multiple depths. It is anticipated that the .015" guide slot will be used there as this is announced braid depth for the race. Other regions should be prepared to do the same thing and ensure racers are aware of the braid depth prior to a race.

(Posted for the IRRA® BoD by Joe Neumeister)

[IRRA Retro Racing]

Q: I have two sets of front tires/wheels from two different manufacturers that claim 5/8" diameter, however both sets are smaller than 5/8" diameter. This apears to be the accepted manufacturing standard but by the letter of the rules, these wheels are not legal.

A: It is a well-known fact that the 5/8" front wheels from one prolific slot car parts manufacturer typically measure quite a bit smaller than 0.625". The USRA revised their rules to spec .600' diameter front wheels some years ago and after discussion, it has been decided to implement the same standard in the IRRA® rules.

Note that the revised 0.600" diameter specification ONLY applies to O-ring fronts used in the Flexi GT class.

The IRRA® rule set will NOT be revised simply to make this minor change; however the specification is applicable immediately and will be incorporated into the IRRA® rules during the next revision.

(Posted for the IRRA® BoD by Greg Wells)

[IRRA Retro Racing]

Q: When building an Iso chassis, is it permissable to use a transverse hinge to allow movement of a solid front axle independent of the main chassis rails?

For clarity's sake, here's an example of a chassis with that style of movement, built by Keith Van Atta.

Iso Chassis

A: The applicable regulation from the IRRA® rules is:

"Hinged Movements: Other than a drop arm, all hinged movements must be oriented in only one direction on any individual chassis. A chassis may have transverse hinges (examples: Iso-fulcrum hinges and plumber hinges) OR it may have longitudinal hinges (example: side pan hinges) but the chassis may not have both types. The number of individual hinges is not restricted."

In the chassis shown, the plumber and the Iso hinges are oriented in the same direction. The plumber rails could have side pans solidly attached but cannot have side pans hinged from them, as that would constitute hinging in a second direction, which is not allowed.

Keep in mind that the front wheels must support the front of the chassis at or above the mandated front clearance.

(Posted for the IRRA® BoD by Greg Wells)

[IRRA Retro Racing]

Q: I have a question on the bracket of a JK Spec Chassis. What does "minimal trimming or notching to facilitate chassis assembly" actually allow? I have a standard bracket and cannot decide how to use it. Can you attach the motor and then trim the bottom of the bracket at the motor area to let the motor drop on the endbell end, so as to lower the CG, but maintain the gear mesh? The trimming would be the side of the bracket that the motor is attached, and the sides near the motor. The motor will not be perpendicular to the track, just slightly angled. The motor would remain in the unchanged mounting holes.

If this is not legal, can the bracket be trimmed to drop the motor to the location if a hypoid bracket was used?

A: According to the JK Spec class rules:

"The motor bracket must be used as-is, in unaltered shape and form, but minimal trimming or notching to facilitate chassis assembly or to accommodate bracing is permitted."

The IRRA® Board's opinion is that the modifications described are in excess of what is allowed in the rule, as the trimming would change the position of the motor in the chassis from the stock position and the lowering of the holes would change the position of the motor in the bracket.
These modifications will therefore not be allowed for the JK Spec class, but are of course legal for cars entered in Can-Am or Coupe classes. The use of the JK hypoid bracket (also in unmodified form) is legal for the JK Spec class, so this provides an alternative to the process requested.

(Posted for the IRRA® BoD by Dennis Samson)

[IRRA Retro Racing]

Q: There seems to be a conflict with the wheelbase rule for Retro Stock Car and rule 19 requiring the centering of the wheels in the wheel arches.

A: Correct, as we have learned that with certain approved bodies it is not possible to meet both of these requirements. Therefore, for clarification purposes, the word "Minimum" has been added to the 4.50" wheelbase requirement. This will align it properly with rule 19 that requires the centering of the wheels in the wheel arches. The guide lead requirement of .750" Maximum remains the same.

The IRRA® website has been updated noting this.

(Posted for the IRRA® BoD by Joe Neumeister)

[IRRA Retro Racing]

Q: Now that January 1, 2009 has past, will there be a rule change on the use of Flexi guide tongues?

A: We will post the following on the IRRA® website today:
"As a reminder please note that steel tongues cut from the Flexi chassis are no longer allowed in the Can-Am, F1, and GT Coupe classes where they were previously allowed up until January 1, 2009"

Q: Is a brass tongue cut from a commercial chassis (Parma Brass Kar, Brass Womp, etc.) allowed? Limits to size of piece that can be used, etc??

A:They are allowed and there are no dimensional limits in any of the scratchbuilt classes.

(Posted for the IRRA® BoD by Joe Neumeister)

[IRRA Retro Racing]

To further clarify the tire rule, the following is effective immediately and will be inserted in the appropriate sections at the next full rules revision for all classes.

"Speed Rubber is NOT allowed in IRRA® competition".

The original wording of the rule was meant to mean the same thing but it has become necessary to make this specific statement. Anyone found to be using Speed Rubber at an IRRA® sanctioned event will be banned from competing in IRRA® events in the future. Its use is extremely detrimental to other racers.

(Posted for the IRRA® BoD by Greg Wells)

[IRRA Retro Racing]

After careful review, the IRRA® BoD has determined that the following announcement on a rule change is in the best interests of those participating in racing under IRRA® rules.

Therefore, effective immediately:

No motor or tire changes will be allowed during a race except as defined below. For those races where there is a move-up from one main to another, motors and tires can be changed and the car will go through a full tech inspection.

Should a racer encounter a damaged tire/wheel (stripped screw, bent hub, or chunked tire), the racer will be afforded the opportunity to make the repair under the green and present the car to the tech inspector at the end of the heat for checking before the racer will be allowed to continue.

As a reminder, those racers making a move-up from one main to another and not choosing to change a motor or tires will still be subject to tech inspection for legal tire diameter and clearance.

The previous rule allowing motor changes under the "green" is no longer allowed.

(Posted for the IRRA® BoD by Greg Wells)

[IRRA Retro Racing]

New seal for Pro Slot sealed motors

Dan DeBella at Pro Slot is changing the tamper-resistant seal applied to the sealed Pro Slot motors approved for use in IRRA® racing.

The foil seal material previously used is being replaced with a new polymeric material that is much more resistant to being removed and reinstalled.

Pro Slot has supplied sample motors for IRRA® testing and the Board is pleased to report its approval of the new seal. Motors carrying the new seal will be allowed under IRRA® rules from this date.

Please note that at some undetermined point in the future, approval for motors sealed with the old foil Pro Slot seal will be rescinded.

(Posted for the IRRA® BoD by Greg Wells)

[IRRA Retro Racing]

Q: Are the Slick 7 and FX Retro chassis kits legal for use in IRRA®? They are being sold as Retro chassis.

A: The FX kit was submitted as required to the members of the IRRA® Board. By a vote, the IRRA® Board has determined that the FX kit will not be allowed to run in the established classes because it does not reflect the organization's vision or the spirit of a Retro racing scratchbuilt chassis. The BoD will in the future explore the interest of its use in either a separate class within IRRA® or perhaps another organization running similar type frames.

The Slick 7 kit has not been submitted for approval and therefore should not be considered approved for use. If one is submitted as required, a full review and vote will be conducted and the results shared here on the blog and on the IRRA® website.

(Posted for the IRRA® BoD by Joe Neumeister)

[IRRA Retro Racing]

Q: Does the entire diameter of a rear tire have to meet the stated specification?

A. Yes. The tire diameter must meet or exceed the minimum specification across the entire width of the tire.

(Posted for the IRRA® BoD by Greg Wells)

[IRRA Retro Racing]

Q: Are silicone-coated or silicone tires IRRA®-legal?

A: No, only natural rubber foam tires are allowed. Tires made from, or coated with, silicone, urethane, or other similar compounds, may not be used in any IRRA™ class.

(Posted for the IRRA® BoD by Greg Wells)

[IRRA Retro Racing]

The IRRA® Board of Directors has voted to restrict permissable chassis for the IRRA® Stock Car class to centered-motor designs ONLY, beginning on January 1, 2010. Additionally, the motor bracket specification will also be revised at that time to require U-shaped motor brackets incorporating the rear axle supports.

Offset-motor chassis designs will continue to be allowed under the current IRRA® rules through December 31, 2009.

This prior notice of forthcoming revisions to the IRRA® rules is being given in order that racers can adjust their plans and chassis builds for a smoother transition to the more restrictive rules.

(Posted for the IRRA® BoD by Greg Wells)

[IRRA Retro Racing]

Q: What work, if any, is allowed to be performed on the motor prior to sending it to the refurbisher? Here are a few things I like to do to all my motors before I race them. Would you please either qualify or disqualify the proceedures.

- Deburr endbell, align hardware, and epoxy in bushing
- Straighten can and solder or epoxy bushing
- Match magnets, align and epoxy (super glue) magnets in place
- Zap the magnets
- Adjust magnet air gap and hone magnets
- Check armature resistance and cut comm to a more performance-oriented diamenter
- Have the armature stacks cut to .513" if needed

A: The IRRA® refurb program is a SEALED MOTOR refurb program. None of the procedures mentioned are allowed to be performed on a motor to be used in IRRA® racing before it is sent to be processed by an IRRA® refurb center.

Please note that there are many other non-IRRA® racing programs available where this type of motor work is allowed.

(Posted for the IRRA® BoD by Greg Wells)

[IRRA Retro Racing]

The IRRA® Board of Directors has received and assessed the following submission from R-Geo for use in races using IRRA® rules:

Samurai II Pan



Based on our assessment of the structures and dimensions we have concluded that this chassis component can be used to make a legal IRRA® chassis for various classes (except JK Spec of course). Final determination of the legality of a completed frame is up to the person constructing it.

Any changes in this item will require another submission for assessment.

It should be noted that this is not any previously made and sold version. This is a NEW version.

(Posted for the IRRA® BoD by Joe Neumeister)

[IRRA Retro Racing]

Q: I understand no glue is allowed but can tires be treated with other compounds such as Zip Grip, Sticky Fingers, etc.

A: Yes, they can but at no time can a racer use such items and leave the tires wet so that there is residue evident on the track.

To add further clarification to the Track Condition section of the General Rules, racers cannot leave any residue on the track from either braid juice or oiling of the car. Braid juice is to be used sparingly on the car's braid and is not allowed to be placed on the track's braid. Racers should not oil their cars over the track's surface or use excess amounts that can leave a residual amount on the track's surface.

It should also be noted that No Glue means No Glue at all. A previous decision was posted noting that glue boards are not allowed.

Anyone found to be in violation will be disqualified.

(Posted for the IRRA® BoD by Joe Neumeister)

[IRRA Retro Racing]

Q: Can the Chicagoland "Backagra" piece be used in build a JK Spec car?

A: No, not as configured for its intended use. While the JK Spec class does allow for strips of brass to be used within the confines of the bracket for weight/bracing, this piece would be considered taking the level of the intended simplicity of the class to a more high tech area which the BoD feels is not the intention for this class. It is also not part of the JK Kit. Now some may say strips aren't but then again neither are the pin tubes and a legal JK Spec chassis can be built by just buying the the bracket and the pan while using your own piano wire to make the main rails.

(Posted for the IRRA® BoD by Joe Neumeister)

[IRRA Retro Racing]

The IRRA® BoD recently encountered an arm from an approved motor which did not meet the winding specifications as listed in the IRRA® rules. Due to this it was decided to conduct a "spot check" of equivalent motors on the approved motor list. A selection of motors and arms was gathered from multiple sources around the country and the armatures were dewound by multiple BoD members to confirm the number of winds on each armature pole. Here are the results:

Falcon 7, six motors tested: every arm had 65 turns of wire on all three poles.

TSR, five motors tested: every arm had 65 turns of wire on all three poles.

Pro Slot 4002B (American-made), two armatures tested: every arm had 75 turns of wire on all three poles.

Pro Slot 4002 (Chinese-made), two armatures tested: every arm had 80 turns of wire on all three poles.

Therefore all the motors and arms tested during this "spot check" were found to be in compliance with the IRRA® specifications regarding the number of winds on each pole. The IRRA® BoD will continue to conduct similar winding spot checks on an infrequent schedule in the future.

(Posted for the IRRA® BoD by Greg Wells)

[IRRA Retro Racing]

Please note that the following has been added to the IRRA® website in the Latest News, Decisions, and Rules section since we realize there are some new folks who may not know the old rules and wanted specific clarification.

• 8/10/10

For clarification purposes, please note that steel tongues cut from the Flexi and wing car chassis are not considered "commercial guide tongues" and are no longer allowed in the Can-Am, F1, and GT Coupe classes where they were previously allowed up until January 1, 2009. All legal steel tongues must be purpose-built as steel tongues and meet all IRRA® measurement specifications.

(Posted for the IRRA® BoD by Joe Neumeister)

[IRRA Retro Racing]

As an added point of clarification, it should be noted that the same rule noted above applies to ALL scratchbuilt classes.

(Posted for the IRRA® BoD by Joe Neumeister)

[IRRA Retro Racing]

Q: When racing under IRRA® rules, can rear tires be cleaned and/or treated during a race or a lane change?

A: Tires may be cleaned during the race, in between heats, and during lane changes. Racers and their pit crews may only clean tires using the supplied cleaner (lighter fluid/naphtha) provided by the hosting raceway/race director/series director. The approved cleaner and supplied rag(s) that will be placed in a designated area prior to the race and tires must be cleaned in that designated area only.

Any racer transferring tire cleaner to the track surface will be disqualified.

Tire treatments such as Zip Grip, Sticky Fingers, or any other tire treatment may only be applied before the car is teched-in. No treatments will be allowed at any time after tech. The rear tires must be dry when the car is presented at tech.

Any racer or pit crew found applying tire treatments after tech, or cleaning tires with anything other than the supplied cleaner and rags, will result in racer disqualification.

(Posted for the IRRA® BoD by Greg Wells)

[IRRA Retro Racing]

Rick Bennardo made the following suggestions:

Q) Allow masking, strapping, Scotch, etc., tape to be used on the bottom of any chassis from behind the front axle to the front of the motor box. No conductive tape would be permitted, e.g. lead, tin, etc.

A) Taping a damaged body to a pan to finish a heat is now permitted. The body must be repaired, and the tape removed, before the start of the next heat of racing. Otherwise, the prohibition against the use of tape of any kind on the bottom of the chassis remains in place.

Q) Permit tires changes during any race.

A) This suggestion has been logged for consideration during the next rules revision. The present rules prohibiting tire changes except in certain limited circumstances remains in place.

Q) Go back to the prior rule of allowing the cleaning of tires, with lighter fluid only using your own can of fluid. As long as no residue is left on the track.

A) This suggestion has been logged for consideration during the next rules revision.

(Posted for the IRRA® BoD by Greg Wells)

[IRRA Retro Racing]

Due to an incident in a recent race where a racer's hand-out motor failed during his qualifying run, the IRRA® Board is adding the following regulation to the rules. This regulation goes into effect immediately and will be added to the full IRRA® ruleset when clarifications and additions since the last major rules revision are rolled in.

Should a racer's hand-out motor fail during the qualifying run or the warm-up, the racer will be given the opportunity to change to another hand-out motor without penalty, if a second hand-out motor purchased by the racer is available.

(Posted for the IRRA® BoD by Greg Wells)