Sporting Regulations 31/05/2002 ARTICLE 6 RACING RULES 6.1 PASSING It is the responsibility of both the overtaking and overtaken Drivers to assure safe passing at racing speeds. A car traveling alone may use the full width of the track. Passing may be either right or left depending on the conditions of the moment. 6.2 PIT ENTRY/EXIT Throughout the periods of practice, qualifying and racing, access to the pits must be made through the designated pit entrance. The deceleration zone before pit entrance and acceleration zone at pit exit shall not be considered as part of the pits, and no work shall be performed on cars in these areas. IMSA or the Race Director may impose penalties for driving in the pits which is deemed dangerous, erratic or of inappropriately excessive speed for the circumstances. IMSA will impose a speed limit of 60 kilometers/hour in pit lane. 6.3 FLAG SIGNALS The following signals are used both to advise Drivers of various conditions and to direct Drivers to obey various specific instructions. Cloth flags are normally used, but may be replaced with similarly coded rigid signaling boards or with lights. Steady light is equivalent to a motionless flag; flashing light to a waved flag. 6.3.1 GREEN FLAG Start of race, or cancellation of a danger previously signaled. Track is clear. 6.3.2 BLUE FLAG 6.3.2.1 Motionless: Another competitor is following you and may be trying to pass you. 6.3.2.2 Waved: Make way for another competitor who is trying to pass you. Blue flag will normally be used in a case where the overtaken Driver is obviously unaware of the following car, or is clearly obstructing another car. 6.3.3 YELLOW FLAG 6.3.3.1 Motionless: Danger, no passing, slow down. Motionless yellow flag is generally used to advise of an obvious danger or to forewarn of a more serious danger ahead. Drivers should stop racing until they are past the danger zone. 6.3.3.2 Waved: Extreme danger, no passing, slow down, be prepared to stop. Waved yellow flag may mean imminent and serious danger such as a partial track blockage, fire on or near the track, or a crowd control hazard. 6.3.3.3 Double stationary yellow flag: Safety car. 6.3.4 WHITE FLAG 6.3.4.1 One (1) lap to go. When the Official Starter displays a waving white flag just prior to the scheduled conclusion of the race, it means the leader has started his/her last lap regardless of the elapsed time or distance. The Official Starter will also normally hold up one finger at this time. 6.3.4.2 Otherwise, the display of a stationary white flag anywhere on the circuit denotes an ambulance, fire truck, wrecker or other service vehicle is on the circuit, or a slow-moving race car is ahead. 6.3.5 YELLOW FLAG WITH VERTICAL RED STRIPES Slippery surface and/or debris on course. 6.3.6 BLACK FLAG 6.3.6.1 Furled: WARNING. You have committed a dangerous or unsportsmanlike action. Desist or you will be penalized. 6.3.6.2 Waved: Stop in the pits for a consultation next lap. This flag is usually displayed along with the number of the car concerned for infraction of rules of the circuit or act of poor sportsmanship. 6.3.6.3 If a competitor should fail to obey the black flag after it has been displayed to him/her, the Race Director may instruct the Timekeeper to stop timing and scoring the car (see also Article 6.3.10). 6.3.7 BLACK FLAG WITH ORANGE DISK Your car has a mechanical fault of which you may not be aware. Stop at your pit next lap. 6.3.8 RED FLAG (see also Article 4.17) 6.3.8.1 The race is stopped. 6.3.8.2 This flag is used exclusively at the discretion of the Race Director to stop the race and displayed exclusively by the Official Starter. All other corner stations shall display a black flag. 6.3.8.3 When the red flag is shown, Drivers will slow down to a slow speed and be prepared to stop at any time. No passing. They will proceed in a line, slowly and carefully around the circuit to the pits where they will be directed further. 6.3.8.4 Unless it is specifically authorized by the Race Director and announced to all competitors, no service of any kind may be performed on any cars from the time the red flag is shown until the race is restarted. This includes cars which may already be in the pits. 6.3.9 BLACK AND WHITE CHECKERED FLAG End of a session or end of a race. Return to the pits at reduced speed and stop at the pits. 6.3.10 BLACK FLAG ALL 6.3.10.1 Interruption of practice or qualifying session. Return to the pits at reduced speed and do not overtake any other car during your slow lap back to the pits. 6.3.10.2 The Official Starter will display a stationary black flag, all corner stations shall display a stationary black flag, a waving yellow flag will be displayed at and/or leading up to the scene of the incident. 6.3.11 SAFETY CAR 6.3.11.1 The Race Director may dispatch the safety car at any time during an event in order to correct a hazardous situation. Drivers will be warned that a safety car will be used when all turn stations display two stationary yellow flags. No passing will be permitted anywhere on the circuit. The safety car will take the course ahead of the current leader, if possible. All contestants will then follow the safety car in single file. 6.3.11.2 The primary purpose of using the safety car is to create a traffic interval on the circuit so that marshals may handle emergencies quicker and more safely; therefore, it is essential that stragglers catch up with the field as quickly as possible. It is forbidden for a contestant to pass the safety car unless he/she is instructed to do so by an IMSA official. 6.3.11.3 Competitors may enter the pits while the safety car is on course, but they may not re-enter the racing circuit unless directed by a marshal. They must fall into line at the rear of the field after it has passed the pit area. 6.3.11.4 The safety car will pace the field for a minimum of two laps. 6.3.11.5 The Race Director will instruct the safety car to extinguish its safety lights to indicate that the end of safety car intervention is about to occur. The safety car will exit the course at the entrance to pit lane. 6.3.11.6 On the restart, the green flag will be displayed at the Start/Finish line, the yellow flags dropped, and racing may begin again. 6.3.11.7 Special safety car procedures for a given event will be discussed at the Drivers’ briefing. 6.3.12 RAPID RESPONSE MEDICAL VEHICLE (R.R.M.V.) While the R.R.M.V. is in motion on the race circuit, it is forbidden for a contestant to pass the R.R.M.V. unless he/she is waved by specifically. 6.4 RULES WHEN AWAY FROM THE PITS Only a Driver may perform work on an automobile within the first line of protection on the circuit. It is not permitted for the crew or any other person to render physical assistance in performing such work. Marshals or other officials may push or tow a disabled car to a safe location without penalty. It is not permitted for a Driver to push his/her car except in the pits. 6.5 RULES OF THE GRIDS AND PITS 6.5.1 UNIFORMS Crew members shall wear clean uniforms or other appropriate and safe attire at all times during practice, qualifying and the race in order to present the best possible appearance to the public. Tank tops, shorts and similar attire will not be permitted. Whenever Prototypes and/or GT cars are being refueled in pit lane during practice, the refueler must wear fire-resistant clothing, including gloves and balaclava or helmet with face shield and goggles. During a race, if the race is of a length such that refueling is anticipated, crew members, industry support people and all other individuals over the pit wall must wear full fire-resistant clothing on their exterior. Industry support people must be clearly identified as non-Team members. 6.5.2 FUELING All fueling in the pit lane during a race must be done using IMSA approved gravity fed fueling rigs. Refer to the Supplementary Regulations for the individual series for specific refueling regulations. 6.5.3 OTHER EQUIPMENT 6.5.3.1 General: Compressed air tanks, air lines, hoses, fuel barrels, refueling equipment, tools, spare parts, spare body panels and any other equipment or materials stored in the pits must be situated behind the pit wall and may not block or infringe upon fire lanes or other designated safety zones. 6.5.3.2 Carts: Motorized carts and similar 3- or 4-wheeled vehicles may not be driven into pit lane. Use of such vehicles in the paddock/garage areas must be for legitimate purposes only. Excessive speeds in these areas will not be tolerated. Participants may be required to abide by state regulations regarding the licensing and use of these vehicles. Such vehicles may be prohibited at certain events by local ordinance. 6.5.3.3 Air Tanks: Air tanks must be securely fastened or anchored once their protective caps are removed. A protective cage or guard around the regulators and fittings must be in place at all times. 6.5.3.4 Sparks: No electric-driven tools or other equipment which may generate sparks are permitted in the pits. 6.5.3.5 Face Masks: It is recommended that crew members changing tires wear protective face masks to prevent inhalation of certain materials. 6.5.3.6 All structures or fixtures extending over pit lane must be at least 6’ 7” above the road surface. 6.5.4 PIT LANE REGULATIONS 6.5.4.1 A maximum of two (2) people per car will be permitted at the wall which separates pit lane from the track depending on the layout and track regulations. The Race director may further limit this number. Crossing pit lane must be done under a pit marshal’s supervision during a race and should be kept to a minimum at all other times. Just before the start of the race, until all cars have passed the pits on the first green flag lap, no one except authorized Officials and fire marshals may be at the signaling wall. 6.5.4.2 During a race one (1) person may go over the pit wall just prior to a scheduled pit stop to signal the race car to its pit. This person may talk to the Driver or crew members, but is not allowed to perform any other function. All other Team members and all equipment must remain behind the wall until the car has come to a stop in its designated pit. At that time a total of five (5) Team members are permitted over the pit wall to perform service on the car. Not counted in this total are: a. A Driver seated in the car. b. A Driver entering or leaving the car. c. Industry representatives examining a car’s equipment, tires or other components. d. The Team member manning a fire extinguisher. All other Team members over the wall will be considered working on the car, as will a Driver if he/she performs any work on the car. 6.5.4.3 Whenever a Team member is working under a car in pit lane, jack stands or safety supports must be in place under the automobile. 6.5.4.4 Before leaving its assigned pit box, the race car must be completely free of all hoses, tools, etc. At no time may a car be driven over its own air line, tool or part. Lines, tools, parts, wheels, etc. must not be allowed to encroach upon, roll into, or otherwise be propelled into the fast pit lane or adjacent pits. This regulation may be modified in certain pit configurations. At the conclusion of the pit stop, Team members should promptly carry all equipment back behind the pit wall. 6.5.4.5 During official practice and qualifying sessions, these same regulations are in effect except that the Team is not restricted to a total of five Team members performing service on the car. 6.5.5 PIT TRAFFIC 6.5.5.1 It is strictly forbidden to drive a car in reverse or against traffic under its own power in pit lane. A Driver who overshoots his/her assigned pit must either complete another lap or he/she may be pushed by his/her crew to his/her pit in reverse direction. 6.5.5.2 A car may be pushed in the pits by its Driver, its crew or by officials. 6.5.6 REMOVAL FROM PITS Cars may be removed from the pits during a race only with the approval of the Race Director. The Race Director may assign a marshal to observe the work done. 6.5.7 GRIDDING OF AUTOMOBILES All automobiles must be gridded at a time designated in the Supplementary Regulations. Any automobile arriving after the published time may, at the discretion of the Race Director, be placed on the back of the grid; it must not attempt to regain its original starting position. The running of engines during pre-race ceremonies will not be permitted. 6.5.8 OVAL TRACK PROCEDURES These procedures will be used when IMSA classifies a race as an oval race on the SR. 6.5.8.1 OVAL TRACK YELLOW FLAGS/LIGHTS Any yellow light or flag displayed is to be considered a full course yellow. a. During Practice or Qualifying: As soon as a yellow light/flag is observed, all Drivers must reduce speed and enter the pits as soon as possible. b. During a Race: As soon as the yellow flag or light is observed, speeds must be reduced with the leader slowing the field gradually in anticipation of the safety car entering the circuit. 6.5.8.2 OVAL TRACK RACE START On the final pace lap, the pace car will turn off its lights in Turn 2 and accelerate from the field. The pole car brings the field gradually up to speed for the start. 6.5.8.3 OVAL TRACK RESTARTS AFTER A CAUTION Safety car will extinguish its lights and exit the circuit. Leader will gradually bring the field back up to speed in anticipation of a restart. When the green flag is displayed, all yellows will be immediately withdrawn and racing may resume. 6.5.9 SOUND ENFORCEMENT 6.5.9.1 It is the responsibility of the Entrant to ensure that his/her car meets the current IMSA sound regulations as published in the event Supplementary Regulations. IMSA may, at its discretion, monitor sound levels or have others monitor sound levels, and will employ enforcement as needed. 6.5.9.2 Local sound regulations beyond IMSA control may require additional procedures or penalties for noncompliance. IMSA reserves the right to modify this procedure at any time. ARTICLE 7 OFFICIALS The officials responsible for conducting an IMSA event are organized as follows: RACE DIRECTOR STEWARDS OPERATING STEWARD/CLERK OF THE COURSE CHIEF COMMUNICATOR EMERGENCY SERVICES COORDINATOR TECHNICAL DIRECTOR CHIEF STARTER FLAG MARSHALS COMMUNICATION MARSHAL CHIEF REGISTRAR CHIEF PIT MARSHAL CHIEF PADDOCK MARSHAL CHIEF TIMEKEEPER RAPID RESPONSE TEAM MEDICAL DIRECTOR SAFETY CAR TEAM SAFETY COORDINATOR Except for the Stewards, the above officials may delegate part of their duties to assistants. 7.1 SUPERVISION In addition to these officials, IMSA reserves the right to appoint a person to evaluate and report on the event. 7.2 APPOINTMENT OF OFFICIALS The Race Director and Stewards are appointed by IMSA. Other officials are appointed subject to approval of IMSA. 7.3 CONDUCT Every official is expected to conduct him/herself in a manner which will reflect credit on the sport of automobile racing and on IMSA. IMSA may remove an official’s appointment and may penalize him/her if he/she fails to conduct him/herself properly. 7.4 SEPARATION AND PLURALITY OF DUTIES An official may have no responsibility or authority beyond that attached to his/her appointment. However, except for the Race Director and Stewards, a person may hold more than one official position. 7.5 RACE DIRECTOR 7.5.1 The Race Director is the chief executive at an event and is responsible directly to IMSA for the conduct of the event. Accordingly, he/she has the duty and authority to: 7.5.2 Keep order in cooperation with civil authorities responsible for public safety. 7.5.3 Execute the program of competitions and other activities punctually by directing the Drivers and their cars, officials and their assistants and other participants. 7.5.4 Prevent ineligible cars and Drivers from taking part in an event. 7.5.5 Order inspection of any car in order to verify its eligibility. 7.5.6 Refer protests and disputes to the Stewards. 7.5.7 Determine, in consultation with the Stewards, whether conditions are safe to continue the event, or else postpone a competition, modify the SR or alter the schedule for reasons of safety or forces beyond his/her control. 7.5.8 Assess penalties in accordance with the IMSA CODE. 7.5.9 Replace any official not able to perform his/her duties. 7.5.10 Supervise the distribution of awards to eligible competitors. 7.5.11 Compile a report on all aspects of the event as requested by IMSA. 7.5.12 Assign certain responsibilities and/or authorities to the Stewards or other IMSA officials. 7.5.13 Also serve as Operating Steward/Clerk of the Course in certain cases. 7.6 OPERATING STEWARD/CLERK OF THE COURSE 7.6.1 Operating Steward: The Operating Steward normally acts as the clerk of the course for IMSA events. Duties described in Article 7.5 may be delegated by the Race Director to the Operating Steward. 7.7 STEWARDS 7.7.1 The stewards of the meeting shall sign and send to the ASN a closing report as soon as practicable after the close of the meeting. This report will include the results of each competition together with particulars of all protests lodged and exclusions they may have made with their recommendations as to any decisions which may have to be taken for a suspension or a disqualification. In a meeting comprising several competitions, there may be different stewards of the meeting for each competition. 7.7.2 The stewards of the meeting shall have supreme authority for the enforcement Of the International Sporting CODE, the IMSA CODE, the Sporting and Technical Regulations of the Series and the Event Supplementary Regulations. a. They shall decide what penalty to enforce in the event of a breach of the regulations. b. In exceptional circumstances, they may amend the Supplementary Regulations. c. They may authorize a change of Drivers. d. They may accept or refuse any correction proposed by a judge of fact. e. They may access penalties for fines. f. They may pronounce exclusions. g. They may amend the classifications. h. They may prohibit from competing any Driver or any vehicle which they consider to be dangerous or which is reported to them by the Race Director as being dangerous. i. They may exclude from any one competition or for the duration of the meeting any Entrant or Driver whom they consider as, or who is reported to them by the Race Director or by the organizing committee as being ineligible to take part, or whom they consider as being guilty of improper conduct or unfair practice. j. Furthermore, they may order the removal from the course and its precincts of any Entrant or Driver who refuses to obey the order of a responsible official. k. They may postpone a competition in the event of force majeure or for serious safety reasons. l. They may modify the program as to the position of the starting and finishing lines, or in any other manner, if requested to do so by the Race Director or the organizer in the interests of competitor and public safety. m. In the event of the absence of one or several of the stewards of the meeting, they may appoint one, or if necessary, several substitutes, especially when the presence of three stewards is indispensable. n. They may take the decision to stop a race. o. In addition, matters my be submitted to them by the Race Director so that they may impose the sanctions or penalties. p. They may act as a court of inquiry when request by the Race Director, to consider protests and other disputes. They may call and hear witnesses, consider evidence and make recommendations to the Race Director for solving such disputes and assessing penalties. q. They may advise the Race Director on any matter which they feel will improve the conduct or safety of the event. 7.8 STARTER The Starter operates directly under the Race Director and controls the competing Drivers from the time the cars take their starting positions until the competition is ended and all cars have left the racing circuit. 7.9 TIMEKEEPER (TIMER AND SCORER) The Timekeeper and his/her staff are responsible for the accurate timing and scoring of the event. They prepare the official results, maintain official qualifying times for competing automobiles and furnish timing and scoring information requested by the Race Director. 7.10 TECHNICAL DIRECTOR (SCRUTINEER) The Technical Director is responsible for checking all competing cars for safety and eligibility. The Technical Director and his/her assistants will conduct inspections at the Race Director’s request, and will report any cars which he/she finds are unsafe or ineligible. 7.11 FLAG MARSHAL The Flag Marshal is responsible for recruiting, training and assignment of race control personnel at corner stations. 7.12 COMMUNICATIONS MARSHAL The Communications Marshal is responsible for the operation of the system used for transmitting and receiving information between central control and the corner stations. 7.13 COURSE MARSHAL The course marshal is responsible for final preparation and maintenance of the racing circuit, and other related duties assigned by the Race Director. 7.14 MEDICAL DIRECTOR The Medical Director is responsible for staffing and operating the event medical establishment with qualified physicians, nurses and first aid personnel. Their primary responsibility and purpose is the treatment and disposition of any injuries incurred by the participants in the event. 7.15 OTHER OFFICIALS IMSA may establish such other officials as it deems appropriate. ARTICLE 8 PENALTIES 8.1 Any Driver, Entrant, official or other participant who a.) violates the CODE or the SR of an event, b.) attempts to bribe anyone connected with an IMSA event or activity, or c.) is party to a fraud or other act prejudicial to IMSA or to the interests of any competitor or to the interests of motor sports generally may be penalized according to the nature of the offense by IMSA or the Race Director of an event. Drivers may be penalized for technical and other violations committed by their Entrant. 8.2 IMSA shall have the right to publish notice that it has imposed a penalty and the reasons therefore, and a person or body referred to in such notice shall have no right to act against IMSA or the person publishing the notice. 8.3 RANGE OF PENALTIES Penalties which may be imposed, in order of their severity, are: 8.3.1 Probation 8.3.2 Fine 8.3.3 Time/Lap 8.3.4 Loss of race points 8.3.5 Disqualification 8.3.6 Suspension 8.3.7 Loss of accrued points 8.3.8 Expulsion 8.3.9 More than one penalty may be imposed for the same offense. 8.4 PROBATION The Race Director/Stewards or IMSA may impose a definite or indefinite period of probation. 8.5 FINE 8.5.1 A fine may be imposed in proportion to the offense. A member’s competition privileges are automatically under suspension until the fine is paid. All fines shall be remitted to: International Motor Sports Association, 14175 Icot Boulevard, Suite 300, Clearwater, Florida 33760. 8.5.2 IMSA may withhold prize monies owed to Entrants responsible for outstanding fines or reduce the amount of the prize money owed up to the amount of the outstanding fine. 8.6 TIME/LAP A lap penalty during or after a competition, or time penalty during a competition by calling a car into the pits and/or by holding a car already in the pits may be imposed. 8.7 LOSS OF RACE POINTS Loss of championship Driver, Team and/or manufacturer points may be imposed. 8.8 DISQUALIFICATION A Driver, an Entrant or an automobile may be disqualified from competition, in which case his/her rights to any award in the competition are forfeited, and the official results will advance the next competitors accordingly. 8.9 SUSPENSION A member’s privilege to take part in competition may be suspended for a definite or indefinite period. 8.10 LOSS OF ACCRUED POINTS Loss of accrued points earned by a competitor may be imposed. 8.11 EXPULSION IMSA or a court appointed by IMSA may expel a member for serious offenses. 8.12 STANDARD PENALTIES Except when the Race Director/Stewards determines that there are extenuating circumstances, the following standard penalties will be assessed for the following rules violations: 8.12.1 The Race Director will assess these standard penalties. Repeat infractions will result in greater or cumulative penalties at the discretion of the Race Director/Stewards. 8.12.2 This article shall in no way be construed to limit the authority of IMSA or the Race Director/Stewards to assess additional or different penalties for these or other violations of the IMSA CODE or SR. ARTICLE 9 PROTESTS 9.1 RIGHT TO PROTEST 9.1.1 Except as otherwise provided in the CODE, any IMSA Entrant participating in an IMSA sanctioned event may protest (except as stated in 9.1.2): (a) any competition related action, decision or penalty imposed by IMSA and/or an IMSA official or, (b) conduct of another IMSA member in conjunction with such event which is believed to be a violation of the CODE or Standing Regulations. IMSA members, other than Entrants, may only protest in cases specifically involving actions, decisions, or penalties arising out of their own actions or conduct. 9.1.2 Matters stated as being non-protestable in this CODE are not subject to protest and all actions, decisions, rulings or penalties made or taken with respect to such matters shall not be subject to protest or appeal. A decision that a matter is not subject to protest is final and not subject to appeal. If a CODE infraction is determined to have occurred, the decision to assess or not to assess a penalty or the nature of an assessed penalty is protestable and appealable only by the party against whom the penalty or ruling is assessed. 9.1.3 Failure to submit any action, decision, conduct or penalty described in Article 9.1.1 above for adjudication in accordance with the protest procedure set forth in this Article 9 shall constitute a waiver of any right of protest or appeal as to such action, decision, conduct or penalty. 9.2 SUBMISSION OF PROTESTS 9.2.1 Protests shall be submitted in writing and signed by an authorized representative of the Entrant or member and must be delivered to the Race Director within the following time limits: 9.2.1.1 Against the validity of an entry, qualification of an Entrant, Driver or car: Prior to scheduled closing time for Technical Inspection. 9.2.1.2 Against an automobile: Prior to the start of the race. 9.2.1.3 Against handicap or starting position: Immediately upon their announcement. 9.2.1.4 Against a mistake or irregularity during a competition: Thirty (30) minutes after the end of the competition. 9.2.1.5 Against the results of a competition: Thirty (30) minutes after posting of the provisional race results. 9.2.2 Each protest shall be accompanied by a protest fee of two thousand dollars ($2,000). The fee may be retained or returned in whole or part at the discretion of the Stewards of the Meet, provided that if a properly submitted and allowed protest is not sustained or is withdrawn after being submitted, no part of the protest fee shall be refunded to the protesting party. 9.2.3 The protest shall identify the specific action, conduct or ruling being protested in sufficient detail to enable the Stewards to determine whether the matter is protestable and to identify the parties involved and facilitate timely procurement of all documents and other evidence that may be relevant to the protest. 9.3 HEARING OF PROTESTS 9.3.1 Protests shall be heard by the Stewards of the Meet, generally at a protest hearing. The time and place for the hearing shall be set by the Stewards and shall commence as soon as reasonably possible after the written protest is properly filed. The protest may alternatively be heard through the submission of written evidence and documentation at the Stewards’ discretion. 9.3.2 The Stewards shall regulate the conduct of the protest hearing. The parties (as determined by the Stewards) involved in the protest may only appear in person or through their authorized Entrant representatives. They may not be represented by legal counsel. Other interested parties may be heard at the Stewards’ discretion. There shall be no right of cross examination at the hearing, nor shall the proceedings be recorded. The hearing shall not be subject to any formal rules of evidence or procedure contained in any state, province, or federal arbitration act. Failure of the protesting party to appear at the hearing (unless otherwise excused by the Stewards) shall result in dismissal of the protest and forfeiture of the protest fee. 9.3.3 In deciding the protest, the Stewards shall act by way of a majority consensus and may take whatever action they deem appropriate to further the interests of fairness and finality in competition results. Under no circumstances may the Stewards order an event or any portion thereof to be rerun. 9.3.4 At the conclusion of the hearing, the Stewards shall deliberate and and try to reach a decision as soon as reasonably possible, but in any event, no later than the end of the next event or business day. The decision shall be written and communicated to the protesting party, IMSA and the Race Director. Subject only to the right of appeal provided in Article 9, the decision of the Stewards shall be final, binding and not subject to litigation in any civil court. 9.4 PROTESTS AGAINST CARS 9.4.1 When a protest is made against a car’s technical compliance, the protestor must post with the Race Director, in addition to the forms and fees specified in Article 9.1, a cash bond adequate to cover the costs of any disassembly, inspection and assembly required. The amount of this bond will be determined by the Race Director and Technical Director. 9.4.2 If the car is found to conform to the rules and the protest is disallowed, this bond will be forfeited and will be used to cover the costs involved. 9.4.3 If the car is found to be in violation of the rules and the protest is allowed, this bond will be returned to the protestor and the protested party will stand all expenses involved in the inspection, and additionally, is subject to penalties assessed by the Race Director. 9.4.4 If an Entrant or Driver of a protested car does not allow inspection under these terms, he/she will be disqualified by the Race Director. 9.4.5 All other provisions of Articles 9.2 - 9.3 above shall apply to protests against cars. 9.5 INFORMAL INQUIRY 9.5.1 Prior to filing a protest, all Entrants and/or IMSA members are encouraged to resolve any dispute informally. Immediately upon acquiring knowledge of any facts that could potentially be the subject of a protest, but in no event after the posting of the official race results, affected party(ies) may verbally request an informal inquiry, which shall then be conducted in any manner deemed appropriate by the Race Director. There shall be no fee payable for such informal inquiry. 9.5.2 If the informal inquiry does not resolve the dispute, the time limitation for filing a formal protest shall commence as soon as the informal inquiry is terminated, or as otherwise provided in Article 9.2.1. 9.6 DISPOSITION OF PROTESTS The Race Director will, as soon as practicable, either personally hear any parties and witnesses involved in the dispute and/or other evidence, or else he/she may request the Stewards to conduct such a hearing to consider testimony and/or other evidence. The Race Director will dispose of the protest and will advise all parties concerned of his/her decision. If a decision cannot be made immediately, he/she will advise the time and place the judgment will be announced. All parties concerned shall be bound by the judgment given, except in case of a valid appeal. 9.7 AWARDS The prizes and other awards may be distributed when the protest period has elapsed, or at such time as all protests affecting the standings have been settled. 9.8 MALICIOUS PROTESTS IMSA may penalize the originator of a protest judged to be malicious, spiteful or who otherwise acts in bad faith. 9.9 RIGHT OF REVIEW The Race Director or IMSA may re-open and review a judgment that they rendered if previously unknown facts or evidence are discovered. ARTICLE 10 APPEALS 10.1 RIGHT TO APPEAL 10.1.1 Provided that all Protest or other procedures specified by the IMSA CODE have been properly completed, an IMSA member shall have the right to appeal any decision or penalty issued under authority of the CODE against that member, except as otherwise prohibited. 10.1.2 Issues that are not subject to protest and all rulings, decisions, and any action taken by an IMSA official with respect to such issues shall not be subject to appeal. Appeals of protest decisions shall be limited to the subject matter of the protest. The decision to dismiss a protest may be appealed only by the party originally submitting the protest. 10.1.3 Except where determined by IMSA officials for good cause, there shall be no stay of any decision or penalty pending disposition of the appeal. Payment of prizes and/or point awards may be withheld pending final disposition of the appeal. 10.2 APPEAL PROCEDURE 10.2.1 The appellant must give written notice of his/her intention to appeal a decision or penalty to the President of IMSA, or if applicable, the Race Director or Stewards of the Meet, within one hour of the announcement of such decision or penalty. 10.2.2 Contingent upon compliance with Article 10.2.1 above, an appeal must be filed in writing and received by IMSA at its headquarters not later than 5:00 PM of the second business day after the announcement of the decision or penalty being appealed. The appeal may be brought by fax or any other electronic means of communication with confirmation of receipt, must be signed by the appellant personally, and must specifically identify and address the decision or penalty being appealed. 10.2.3 The appeal must be accompanied by an appeal fee of $5,000. The fee is not returnable should the appellant not follow up his/her declared intention to appeal or for the grounds set forth in Article 10.3.5 below. 10.2.4 If the appeal involves a decision or penalty imposed by the Race Director and/or Stewards of the Meet, the Race Director and/or Stewards shall submit a written statement to the Appeal Review Board (with a copy to the appellant) which shall include a summary of the background of the proceedings and actions taken by the Stewards, the background of any formal investigative inquiry and/or the protest procedures, and any other information which they wish for the Appeal Review Board to consider. 10.3 HEARING OF APPEALS 10.3.1 Appeals shall be heard by the IMSA Appeal Review Board (“Board”). The IMSA President shall appoint a Board Chairman and two additional members for the specific appeal to be heard. In the event that a Board member is factually involved in the appeal or, the Board member shall disqualify him/herself from participating on the Board and the IMSA President shall select a replacement. 10.3.2 The Board will establish the most appropriate procedure for hearing a particular appeal and shall notify the parties of such procedure. In conducting a hearing and deciding an appeal, the Board shall not be bound by technical or formal rules or procedures, but shall conduct its proceedings in the manner best suited to ascertaining the relevant facts and the merits of the parties’ respective positions. The Board must conduct its hearing and announce its decision no later than 30 calendar days after IMSA’s receipt of the appeal (unless otherwise mutually agreed by the Board, IMSA and appellant). 10.3.3 The Board may summon either orally or in writing and at its sole discretion, any IMSA member to testify at a hearing or otherwise submit relevant evidence. Any member who is summoned and refuses to so testify or submit evidence may be subject to disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by IMSA. 10.3.4 The appellant and any members must testify in person or submit evidence personally. Attorneys or other representatives of appellant and any such members are not permitted at oral hearings. 10.3.5 Any appeal which fails to comply with the procedures set forth in this Article 10 may be dismissed by the Board Chairman at his sole discretion. Similarly, if the Chairman determines that the appellant has failed to identify any issues properly subject to appeal or if the appeal has been brought without reasonable grounds, the appeal shall be dismissed and the subject matter of the appeal shall for all purposes be deemed null and void and not subject to a right of further appeal. Failure of the appellant to appear at the time and place set for oral hearing or to otherwise fail to respond to any investigatory request of the Chairman or Board may also result in the dismissal of the appeal with prejudice. In all such instances, the entire appeal fee shall be forfeited and additional penalties may be imposed by the Board without further right of appeal. 10.4 APPEAL JUDGEMENT AND PUBLICATION 10.4.1 The Board may affirm, modify or reverse a decision or penalty imposed by the Race Director or the Stewards including but not limited to reducing or increasing a previously imposed penalty and/or assessing a new or different penalty and will also determine the disposition of the appeal fees unless otherwise addressed elsewhere in this Article 10. However, the Board may not order a competition to be rerun. 10.4.2 IMSA shall have the right, without recourse brought against it, its agents or its publisher, to publish any decision, penalty or judgment imposed by IMSA, the Race Director, Stewards or the Board, including publication of the names of the involved parties. ARTICLE 11 AUTOMOBILES IMSA will publish rules and specifications for various classes of cars eligible to compete. 11.1 AUTOMOBILE The automobile or car shall be defined throughout the IMSA CODE as consisting of the bodyshell/chassis unit, and the IMSA approved engine block or crankcase, neither of which may be replaced during a race. In the case of rotary engines the cylinder block shall consist of the front, intermediate and rear housings. It must have at least four wheels not in a line, two of which must effect the steering and two that effect the propulsion. 11.2 TIRES 11.2.1 IMSA will regulate the eligibility of tires in its sanctioned competitions in order that no competitor shall have any tire advantage in qualifying or a race. IMSA may require a competitor to use the same tires as he/she used in qualifying or restrict the number of tires used during qualifying. 11.2.2 It is prohibited to use traction compound or any substance which might alter the physical properties of a competition tire as supplied by its manufacturer. 11.2.3 Tire warmers and any other means of artificially warming tires are prohibited. 11.3 FUEL 11.3.1 IMSA reserves the right to have all cars use the same brand and designated grades of gasoline in a given event. When this right is exercised, it will be stated in the event Supplementary Regulations or in other IMSA bulletins for that event. Fuel used for practice, qualifying and the race will be supplied by the “Official Fuel” supplier and must be used exactly as supplied by the “Official Fuel” supplier. An approved lubricant may be added to the fuel for some engine types with the prior approval of IMSA. 11.3.2 In the case of any event where an “Official Fuel” has been named, IMSA may sample the actual fuel(s) provided by the fuel supplier and those samples will become the benchmark from which all competitors’ samples will be judged. IMSA reserves the right to check any fuel at any time during a competition. 11.3.3 Competitors are responsible for the proper handling, transportation and security of their fuel from the time it is dispensed to them and for the proper disposal of unused fuel and/or fuel drums afterwards. 11.3.4 Competitors are specifically requested not to leave any fuel at the circuit after the event. 11.4 DISTRIBUTION OF THE FUEL 11.4.1 The official fuel supplier will establish an ecologically-sound disbursement area at each IMSA event. All fuel will arrive in a special series tank truck. Fuel can be dispensed in any quantity into 55 gallon drums or directly into the race car (contestants may need an adapter for fuel cells). A maximum allotment per Team may be established to avoid shortfalls. 11.4.2 Payment arrangements should be made directly with the official fuel supplier. 11.5 TECHNICIAN ASSISTANCE In addition to the special series tanker, the official fuel supplier will provide technical support in the disbursement area at each event to lend technical assistance and answer competitors’ questions about fuel. 11.6 TECHNICAL INSPECTION/MANDATORY SAFETY REQUIREMENTS Each entered car must be inspected and approved by the Technical Director or his/her delegated assistant(s) before it will be allowed to participate in competition or practice. No expressed or implied warranty of safety shall result from this inspection or approval. It is the responsibility of the Entrant to have his/her car free from mechanical defects and in safe racing condition. Cars damaged or altered after they have been approved at inspection are subject to re-inspection and approval. IMSA will make the final decision on the safety and eligibility of an accident-damaged vehicle. Major body components must be maintained in normal position throughout the competition. Questionable cars are subject to approval by the Technical Director. Cars shall present a neat, clean and professional appearance. 11.7 INSPECTION 11.7.1 IMSA at its sole discretion, reserves the right to impound and inspect cars competing in an event. 11.7.2 The timing, location, method and type of car inspection, and the number of vehicles to be inspected at any event will be determined by the Technical Director. 11.7.3 It is the responsibility of the Driver or Entrant to prepare a car for inspection when requested to do so by the Technical Director or his/her assistant(s). Any expense incurred, except in the case of a protest, shall be the liability of the Entrant. Preparation of a vehicle for inspection must be performed in a timely manner as determined by the Technical Director. Any part that does not comply with the IMSA CODE may be indefinitely retained by IMSA. 11.7.4 Admittance to any area in which inspections are being made is controlled by the Technical Director. 11.7.5 Each car entered must submit to Technical Inspection during scheduled hours and display an official Tech sticker. 11.7.6 Eligibility under IMSA rules: a. Both metric and English dimensions may be given in the IMSA CODE. In such cases, when the two systems do not equate exactly, measurements for compliance during inspection will normally use the system most advantageous to the Entrant. b. The IMSA Technical Director may establish tolerances for measurements taken during inspection; may require components on the car to fit IMSA templates; may require IMSA monitoring devices to be fitted to a car; and/or may require IMSA limiting devices to be fitted to a car. 11.7.7 Safety of the design and construction per inspection form. 11.7.8 Appearance: Clean and neat, no old damage. 11.7.9 Identification numbers must be placed on both sides and front, and must be legible to the satisfaction of the Chief Timekeeper. Specific requirements may be provided in event Supplementary Regulations. 11.7.10 Racing Tires: Mandatory, unless Supplementary Regulations provide otherwise. 11.7.11 Leakage: Not allowed. 11.7.12 Driver Safety Equipment: Per Article 5.14. 11.7.13 Compliance with sponsor advertising requirements. 11.7.14 Mandatory safety requirements listed below. 11.7.15 Mandatory safety modifications for all cars except as specified in the Supplementary Regulations for a specific series. 11.7.15.1 A 3" wide, six point Driver restraint system of approved design must be installed. The effectiveness and longevity of a seat harness is directly related to the way in which they are installed and maintained. The belts must be replaced after a severe collision and whenever the webbing is cut, frayed or weakened due to the action of chemicals or sunlight. They must also be replaced if any buckles are bent, deformed or rusted. Any harness which does not function correctly must be replaced. 11.7.15.2 All cars must be equipped with two master electrical circuit breakers, one accessible from inside (accessible by the Driver when normally seated and fitted with the mandatory safety harness), and the second outside the car, that control all electrical power (except electrically actuated fire systems). The preferred outside location is the passenger side cowl area. The circuit breakers must be clearly marked by a spark in a blue triangle. 11.7.15.3 All cars must have at least two operating red brake lights and two taillights. Amber brake lights will not be permitted. (During a competition, the Race Director may accept one functioning headlight, one functioning taillight and one functioning brake light due to damage or equipment failure.) 11.7.15.4 Headlights must be protected against breakage. Headlights may be taped. 11.7.15.5 Two external rear-view mirrors must be installed. Minimum dimension of each external mirror: 100 cm2. 11.7.15.6 Safety fuel cell of an approved type meeting FIA Spec FT-3 is required, must be mounted outside the Driver’s compartment, separated by firewalls, flame and leakproof, and protected as far as practicable by the roll cage. Steel or steel braided fuel lines with appropriate fittings, fuel cell check valve, and vent line check valve are mandatory. The fuel cell vent system on the car must be designed so that all fuel vapors released during refueling are returned to the overhead tank via the 2" ID refueling vent hose. NO SPILLAGE WILL BE TOLERATED! Refueling equipment protruding into the Driver’s compartment must be shielded so as to prevent hazard to the Driver in the event of rupture. Dry break fuel fillers and vents are required on all “LM”P/”LM”GTP and “LM”GT cars. They must be located away from the engine compartment and exhaust. The bodywork may be modified to install fillers and vents so they do not protrude beyond the plane of the outside mounting surface. All fuel cells less than 20 cm from the lateral flanks must be protected by an adequate crushable structure. 11.7.15.7 Hoods, deck lids and movable body sections must be secured with supplemental pins or fasteners. Latches may be deactivated. On cars where a key is required to open the trunk lid, the lock must be deactivated or may be removed. 11.7.15.8 Supplemental pins used to secure movable body sections (such as hoods, doors, fenders, lids and removable tops) must have attaching cables to prevent accidental loss of pin. 11.7.15.9 No concealed pressure type containers, feed lines or actuating mechanisms are permitted, even if inoperable. 11.7.15.10 Full roll cages of approved design are mandatory. Material and construction specifications and recommended designs are contained in FIA Sporting CODE, Appendix J, Article 253, Section 8 and in these rules. a. Competitor must be prepared to drill inspection hole(s) in the roll structure for verification. b. See the technical regulations for “LM”P/”LM”GTP and “LM”GT material and dimension requirements. 11.7.15.11 A fire extinguisher of the following type and size is required for the respective categories and must be carried and in certified working order at all times. All “LM”P/”LM”GTP and “LM”GT cars must have an on-board fire extinguisher system with an approved extinguishing material that is in accordance with the FIA Sporting CODE, Appendix J, Article 258.14.1. Trigger must be marked with a red circle with the letter "E" and be operable by the Driver and also from outside the car. Outlets must be directed into the Driver, engine and fuel compartments. 11.7.15.12 All cars must be fitted with one front and one rear towing eye, painted red, accessible without the use of tools. They must be securely fitted to the chassis of the car by means of a metallic rigid element (cable loops are forbidden). They must be strong enough to allow recovery of a car lying on its flat bottom in a gravel bed. Should the towing eye break, the track marshals will pull the car to a safe position using any element of the chassis or of the bodywork whatsoever, which they consider strong enough, and the car may be excluded from the race. In the event that a car is damaged as a result of these actions, IMSA will accept no responsibility for any damage caused, however it may have been caused. 11.7.15.13 In all cases, the Driver must be able to easily exit the car through both the Driver side and the passenger side in an emergency. 11.7.15.14 An on-board starter and energy source must remain functional at all times, except when deactivated in an emergency by the master electrical circuit breaker (Article 11.7.15.2) 11.7.15.15 During periods of darkness, up to three (3) identification lights are permitted on the top or on the side, provided they do not face rearwards, flash or blink. They may not be yellow, blue or excessively bright red, and all identification lights are subject to approval by IMSA. 11.7.15.16 All cars must conform to current IMSA regulations for sound enforcement regulations. These regulations may be superceded by local ordinances. 11.7.15.17 An "arrow" decal denoting tow hook location, window net release and door release must be affixed in each of these locations. 11.7.15.18 Evaporative-loss Freon cool-suits are not permitted. 11.8 If the Technical Director determines prior to the race that a car does not meet the applicable specifications, the car will not be allowed to compete unless, in the discretion of the Technical Director, the deficiency a. Will not affect safety; b. Cannot be corrected in time for qualifying or the race (if no qualifying); c. Will not provide the competitor a significant competitive advantage over other competitors; and d. Is so insubstantial as not to warrant a determination that the car is ineligible to race. If the Race Director permits the car to compete under these circumstances, the Technical Director will apprise the competitor in writing of the deficiency, and the car will be prohibited from competing in any future events if the deficiency has not been corrected. 11.9 On an individual basis, IMSA may approve equipment to be fitted to race cars and/or Drivers or waive certain procedural requirements for the sole purpose of enhancing the television coverage of the event. Copyright ©2000-©2023 TotalMotorSport