Grid Sizes 2008

[Andrew Bull]

Colin Hilton, MSA Chief Executive, said:
"In recent years, we have significantly reduced the number of championship permits awarded, and the panel has decided that from 2008 the minimum grid level will be raised from 16 to 18 cars. By making the retention of a championship permit more difficult, the onus is even more on the clubs to ensure that their championships are attracting strong numbers by providing good value for their competitors."

Found on MSA News Site

[Trevor Williams]

Bully
That was announced a month ago in Motorsport News.

This year, the club is averaging 17.8 cars per race. It is only because of the 24 hour race that we get near that figure

[Trevor Williams]

Also,
it seems that we will be made to use FIA homologated rain lights next year. Wait til this is confirmed in the Blue Book before spending upwards of £50 on an overpriced fog light!

[Andrew Bull]

Seems a good enough reason to maintain the 24hr as a championship round!

[Geoff Archer]

maybe lets maintain a championship first

[Andrew Bull]

It doesnt matter a light cost £5 or £50 you still cant see them when slip-streaming if they are in the wrong place.  Although thats more pertenant to brake lights.

[David Sullivan]

As the incident at the hairpin at mallory proved!

[Trevor Williams]

Just heard a rumour that the MSA is not going to make us all have FIA homologated rain lights next year. I will try and confirm this if I get a chance.
At least that's one less expense for everyone

[Paul Robertson]

Confirmed trevor

[Trevor Williams]

Thanks Paul, at least a bit of sanity seems to prevail at Colnbrook occaisionally

[Chris Yates]

Yeah - word on the street is they've rescinded this - they're not going to make them compulsory for '08. Too much confusion I think :)

[Derek Coghill]

Good!

A new Demon Tweeks catalogue arrived today; have you seen the price of said lights? For a bunch of 10p LEDs and a bit of plastic.....

Maybe we should ensure that all rain/brake lights are well placed - self-policing before things are forced upon us would give more of a leg to stand on when negotiating.

[Trevor Williams]

Derek
You don't get much chance to negotiate with the MSA. Point in case the requirement for catalytic converters in the new blue book for production cars from a certain year. Imposed because the MSA want to be seen to be green

[Bob Rice]

I use these

http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?ModuleNo=12696&doy=4m12

Scrutineers seem happy with them, they appear to be the same as Demon Tweeks, obviously you have to sort out the wiring yourself.

[Trevor Williams]

Bob,
They look very good, and the cost is unbeatable when compared to DT or GPR. However, do they comply with the blue book? Unfortunately, all the ones that DT and GPR sell are "MSA Approved" or FIA homologated. If the scutes get as finicky as they could do, they could refuse to give your car a ticket.