Which vehicles are eligible?

Basic Guide to Targa and Historic Road Rally Vehicles

Introduction

The event is open to any vehicle that complies with either Section R.18 or Section R.19 of the MSA Technical Regulations. Those regulations are available here:
https://www.msauk.org/assets/293-338specificregulationsforrallyingr-1.pdf

Before the start of any event the car will be checked by the Scrutineer who will check the car for safety and compliance with the regulations.

The MSA regulations are reasonably straightforward but guidance may be required. If in doubt contact the organisers or the event Scrutineer who will provide additional guidance. The following notes may be helpful to assist the understanding of the basic requirements to ensure compliance.

Targa

Bodywork & Interior

  • Should represent the original silhouette of the car and may include optional extras available from the manufacturer.
  • Bumpers must be fitted
  • All interior trim must be in place although the front seats can be improved or replaced.
  • Full Harness seat belts may be fitted
  • Sump, tank guards and other underbody protection may be fitted
  • Advertising is permitted but must not exceed 1250 sq cm

Engine

  • Maximum of four cylinders
  • Maximum of two carburettor chokes (two single or one double).
  • Maximum of one camshaft per bank of cylinders
  • Two camshafts per bank of cylinders is permitted where the engine was originally fitted with fuel injection. The plenum chamber and throttle body must be as original.
  • Turbos are only permitted on engines (petrol or diesel) under 1500cc actual capacity. All induction components must be as standard.

Noise

  • All cars must comply with noise regulations of maximum 98db at two thirds maximum revs measured at 0.5m from the exhaust outlet by the Environmental Scrutineer

Transmission

  • Only H shift pattern is permitted with selection by gear lever only. (unless the manufacturer provided an alternative)
  • Automatic Gearbox is permitted provided it is to original specification.

Wheels and Tyres

  • Must always be legal for use on the public road. 1.6mm minimum tread at any time.
  • Wheels and tyres are free but must fit in the original wheel arch.
  • Tyres must be E marked
  • Tyres marked for “Competition Use Only” are not permitted.
  • Some events permit E marked Road pattern and snow tyres only. Check the Supplementary Regulations

Electrical

  • LED or gas discharge lights are not permitted. Only exception is where the vehicle was manufactured using these technologies.
  • Auxiliary lights must be fitted in accordance with the construction and use regulations.
  • Battery positive terminal must be covered.

Environmental

  • A Small MSA specification spill kit must be carried.

 Brakes

  • Brakes are free but must meet Construction and use regulations.
  • Hydraulic handbrakes may be fitted but requires to use the original pivot point.

In Car Cameras

  • These are not permitted. No form of video recording of the route or tests will be permitted.

General

  • If required the car must have a Valid MoT Certificate
  • The car must be taxed for use on the public road.
  • The car must be insured for use on the public road and carry the addition insurance required for competition either via the entrants insurance company or the organisers arrangements,
  • Vehicles must be registered as private vehicles.

 Historic

The regulations for Historic cars are similar in many regards to those for Targa but with a few notable differences.

Historic Cars are set out in 4 different classes and only period modifications used in rallying on any one particular model at any one time are permitted.

The primary differences are;

Body

  • Wheel arch extensions are prohibited

Engine

  • Certain discretionary waivers may be granted by the MSA (via the organisers) for vehicles fitted with engines comprising more than 4 cylinders
  • Certain discretionary waivers may be granted by the MSA (via the organisers) for vehicles fitted with more than two carburettor chokes
  • Certain discretionary waivers may be granted by the MSA (via the organisers) for vehicles fitted with more than two carburettor chokes
  • Forced induction is permitted if fitted as original equipment by the manufacturer.
  • Engine must be of a type fitted to the model by the manufacturer.

Wheels and Tyres

  • Wheel size may not differ from that of those originally fitted by more than 10% on normal diameter and by 25mm on normal width
  • Rims must not exceed 6”
  • Tyres with an aspect ratio of less than 65% are not permitted.

Brakes

  • Hydraulic Handbrakes are prohibited
  • Brake bias valves are not permitted
  • Dual master cylinders may be fitted