Rolling starts - how to do.......Posted by Carlo Chermaz, 15 March 2010, 9:28 AM |
Had a few calls recently about the start procedure hopefully this will clarify it.
Ra c e M e e t i n g S t a n d i n g Re g u l a t i o n s Q u a r t e r 1 / 2 0 1 0 6
Step 4. Starting the Race – Rolling Start
For a rolling start, Step 1 or Step 2 will be applied up until the “1 Minute” signal is given as detailed in the relevant regulations.
Prior to the “1 Minute” signal being shown to the field, an official vehicle will be positioned at the front of the field. At the one minute signal its flashing roof lights will be turned on.
The “1 Minute” signal will be shown to the field and the grid will be cleared of all personnel. When 30 seconds remain before the formation lap, a warning will be sounded and a “30 Second” board will be displayed by the Starter. When the green flag is displayed by the Starter, all vehicles may then proceed on the formation lap, led by the official vehicle (with flashing lights) followed by the vehicle on pole position. During the formation lap, vehicles will maintain their starting order with the pole position driver leading, keeping the 2x2 formation as tight as possible. Passing is only permitted if a vehicle is delayed when leaving its grid position or a vehicle has obvious problems and a vehicle behind cannot avoid passing it without unduly delaying the remainder of the field. In this case, drivers may only overtake to re-establish the original starting order.
Any driver who is delayed leaving the grid may not overtake another moving vehicle if his vehicle was stationary after the remainder of the vehicles had left the grid, and must start the race from the rear of the field. If more then one driver is affected in this way, they must form up at the rear of the field in the order they left to complete the formation lap.
The speed of the official vehicle will be approx. 80 km/h during the formation lap, and each vehicle in the field must maintain position within five automobile lengths of the automobile in front, Should this speed be different, drivers will be advised at the drivers’ briefing.
Drivers must not stop and do “burn outs” at any time during the formation lap.
Any driver who is unable to start the formation lap must indicate this by raised hand and, after the remainder of the vehicles have crossed the Starting Line on their formation lap, may be removed into the pit lane or to another safe position. Vehicles entering pit lane will be permitted to start from pit lane exit as detailed below.
Unless the Clerk of the Course instructs otherwise, as the field approaches the end of the formation lap, the official vehicle will turn off its flashing lights, then enter pit lane or other designated position.
The field will proceed on, led by the vehicle on pole. Each automobile must maintain its position, with no overtaking or overlapping permitted, until after the signal to start is given. The lead vehicle must maintain a speed of between 75 and 85 km/h until the signal to start has been given.
If the Starter is satisfied that all vehicles are correctly positioned as the vehicles approach the start line at the end of the formation lap he will indicate the start of the race by waving the green flag to the field, or if lights are to be used, until the red lights are switched off.
If a problem arises as the vehicles are approaching the starting line at the end of the formation lap and/or before the official vehicle has withdrawn from the track, the green flag/light will not be displayed to the field, and the field behind the official vehicle will complete a second formation lap before completing the start procedure as above. If the official vehicle has withdrawn, the field led by the pole vehicle will complete a second formation lap at the same speed, prior to starting the race. Flashing yellow lights and/or waved yellow flags at all marshal posts will indicate a delayed or aborted start. The race will be shortened by one lap for by each extra formation lap completed.
Any driver not following this procedure may be penalised by a pit lane penalty as determined by the Clerk of the Course / RD and/or by some other penalty as may be determined by the Stewards of the Meeting.
