Extract from the minutes of the Victorian Rally Scrutiny Group held on 2^nd of JUNE 2008.

Note to Scrutineers and advice to competitors 

The freedoms that are granted to motor sport vehicles are an important factor in our enjoyment of the sport. With freedom comes responsibility, and in this context, that means complying with those requirements where freedoms have not been granted. Two specific areas of current concern are Catalytic converters and HID lights. 

Catalytic Converters
Catalytic converters must be fitted and operational. No exemptions have been given to vehicles originally designed to comply with the unleaded fuel requirements that came into effect 1 February 1986. There is no technical reason why a high performance engine cannot operate with a catalytic converter fitted so there is no justification in seeking an exemption. The authorities have already indicated that such an exemption would not be granted.

HID Headlamps
HID headlamps are covered by design rules and registration standards when used in motor vehicle headlamp systems. The effectiveness of HID’s is also their greatest downfall in that they produce so much light that they can be hazardous to other road users, hence the following requirements that are specifically targeted at low or dipped beam. The requirements include control of the beam shape and alignment as well as mandatory light cleaning systems and automatic self leveling. Vehicles that have HID’s as standard equipment in Australia will have all the mandatory elements to enable compliance.

There are however two areas of concern: 
Grey Import vehicles that had factory systems fitted that did not comply with Australian requirements were converted to standard systems and the HID light assemblies were sold. The non complying systems are being fitted to local vehicles.
Conversion kits are being sold for retro fitting HID globe assemblies to existing halogen lights. The focal length and effective filament position are different between the two systems. As a result the lens and reflector do not create the correct light pattern. The light is therefore non compliant and their use has been shown to create enormous glare problems for other road users.

Both these issues are easily identified and non compliance can bring the sport into disrepute as well as causing financial damage to the driver.

THE ROLE OF THE CAMS Liaison OFFICER 

Dear Competitors,
If your licence is going to expire within 6 weeks you will need to contact CAMS on the competitor hotline 1300 653 529 and organise a renewal. If, once you have filled in the renewal and sent it to CAMS, with payment, and have not received your new licence back 1 week from the next event you are to enter, CONTACT CAMS and find out where it is. They will issue you with a temporary licence to cover the event until your new licence arrives. It is not the clubs CAMS liaison persons’ job to sort out your licence problems. I would also advise you all to keep a copy of any paperwork sent to CAMS and the date that you posted it. If you do not have the right documents for viewing at an event, you will be told to go away until you produce it.
The CAMS liaison persons’ job is to liaise between the club and CAMS in relation to event permits and any paperwork related to events.
Competitors and Officials need to contact CAMS with any problems with their own licences and DON'T expect someone else to sort out your own problems.

For Officials the CAMS hotline is 1300 657 673. CAMS website is www.cams.com.au  and most of the info you need can be found there, or MAKE TIME to ring whichever number is applicable to your need. Regards Wendy

Private Practice at SEAC Park

Members wishing to conduct Private Practice at SEAC Park must abide by the following:

1.   All Cars to be used must comply with the relevant standards i.e. they must be safe, have the 
      approved safety equipment and approved helmets must be worn.
2.   All drivers must have the appropriate licence.
3.   No person at the private practice will be under the influence of alcohol or drugs and alcohol is not 
      permitted on the site at this time.
4.   Passengers must not be carried.
5.   A working mobile phone must be on the site.
6.   An appropriate fire extinguisher and first aid kid must be on hand.
7.   A separate car must be on hand in case of an emergency.
8.   A senior member of the club must be on hand to oversee the practice and to ensure that
      safety is paramount.
9.   Only one car is to be on the track at any one time.
10.  No more than six drivers are to be at a private practice session and no more than three drivers
       in any one car. These sessions are for tuning, practice etc and are not an Autocross in disguise.
11.  Each driver must only complete two consecutive laps before leaving the track. He/She may
       immediately join the queue to await their next run.
12.  The SEAC Park key can be obtained from the President, Secretary or Treasurer one of whom must 
       be aware of the practice session.
13.   Any members who do not abide by these rules or who behave in a manner that is not in the best
       interest of the club or the sport, will be appropriately dealt with by the committee.
14.  All persons at private practice must sign a sign-on sheet which must be returned with the key.
15.  There shall be a fee for private practice which shall be set by the Executive.