BSCRA Annual Council Meeting – 30 October 2022 (Zoom meeting)
Those present -
Chairman's Report
Mark Witham thanked all the officials and volunteers. He congratulated new World Champion James Cleave and Will Stemman on his first National title.
Racing has returned to something near normal both National and at most clubs, although numbers still haven't recovered to pre Covid levels for many races. The Association and clubs face significant financial pressure because of much higher energy prices and inflation generally.
Treasurer’s report
Although we still have a few events to take place this year it is expected that the
Association income will approximately cover its costs in 2022 with perhaps a small
contribution to future track reserves. However it is expected that the steep rise
in energy costs will hit the Association shortly.
Our main expenditure is the National
centre and track. The largest other single expenditure item is race controller expenses
which with rising fuel costs is likely to become much larger in 2023. Once again
we benefited from trophy sponsorship which as always is much appreciated. Overall
the pre-
We've managed to absorb the costs during the COVID period when there
was no event income without raising fees for the main events on our return to racing.
However due to anticipated higher energy prices and inflation generally coupled with
anticipated future maintenance on the track unfortunately it is necessary to pass
on some of the increased costs moving forwards. Membership fees for 2023 will be
£13 Adult & Club & £6.50 Junior. Entry Fees for National events starting with December
2022 Production Challenge and National Club Team Championship will be £24 per person
per class adult : £12 per class junior: £96 for the team of 4 in the club team
event. As always these are the fees for advanced payment, 25% extra will be added
to all fees if paid on the weekend of the event.
Racing Rules
Brushless Motor policy
Brushless motors will continue to be eligible for the BSCRA
classes with unrestricted motors (1/24 Eurosport ,1/32 F1 and sports/GT)
Trophies
for the best brushless results in the BOC championships will be introduced to encourage
the running of more brushless cars.
BSCRA is closely monitoring developments in brushless motor slot car technology.
The membership will be consulted on possibly allowing sub class for brushless
powered saloon cars to running alongside the normal BSCRA saloon class.
The Development
Officer is looking into hand out brushless motors and e comms as a potential introductory
class. It seems likely that at least a year's further development of the technology
will be needed before that becomes viable.
Controller Eligibility
Controllers has been scrutineered by tests during qualifying
and racing at the major 2022 events on the Nationals track. All the controllers
measured have met the rules. There will be similar testing at future events.
Supplementary Rules
It was agreed that rules on such things as penalties for unjustified
track calls, late marshalling etc. that are currently applied as supplementary rules
at each national event should become a more permanent addition to the rules.
Rules Stability
It was agreed that a proposals would be put forward at the next round of rule changes (July 2023) to extend the Freeze on car/track standards, to stop failed proposals being repeatedly being reintroduced and to increase the scope of things frozen. However, it must be clear that emergency changes to rules are still permissible for example when product essential to a class is no longer available or new technology comes in.
National Track and National Centre
The track braid has worn to the point where maintenance is needed. Inevitably there
is more degradation of the braid in some parts of the track that others. Some areas
of the track need repainting, slight colour differences to the existing surface is
inevitable unless the whole track is repainted. While re-
Competitors are generally doing a good job of cleaning up their pit spaces at the
end of meetings. However, the drivers rostrum and floor round the track has been
left in an unsatisfactory state. Competitors will be encouraged to help clear up
these areas as well
Nationals Organisation
1 Clubman Nats – After reviewing the membership comments and the likely number if entries it was decided not to run the Clubman Nationals as a separate event in 2023. The clubman classes will be run as part of the main Mayday 1/32 Nationals weekend and the March date reserved for the Clubman Nas will not be used.
2 1/32 Nats – 29 April-
The same qualifying procedure as 2022 will be used .
3 24 Hour race 10/11 June The international attempt on the long standing 24 hour flat track world world record for 1/24 cars. A number of National teams are interested, Graham Woodward will be writing to them with the full information, inviting them to enter, assuming we receive sufficient confirmed entries the race wi1l go ahead on
1/32 We will be confirming which club tracks meet the Laycok rules and selecting the most suitable track for an attempt on the long standing world record. The 9/10 September 2023 has been reserved for a shorter enduro leading on to a 24 hour record attempt in 2024.
4 Club Team / Production Challenge – 15/16 July -
5 1/24 Internats – 26-
6 British Open Championship –Following the successful restarting of the 1/32 and 1/24 BOC in 2022, the championships will be run in 2023. The restricted class in the 1/32 BOC was successful and will be a permanent part of the championship.
The venues are being finalised and will be published shortly.
Future Meetings
The meeting ran successfully using Zoom.The next Annual Council Meeting is scheduled for 5 November 2023 but interim meetings may be called by the chairman.
BSCRA Published 8 November 2022
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The eligability of Brushless Motors was discussed by the BSCRA Council.
Other countries, and ISRA in particular are planning discussions on the use of brushless motors later this year. Before making any proposals in this area, it was decided that BSCRA should wait until feedback from these discussions was received, and more experience of running with, and competing against brushless cars, had been gained in the UK.
There is currently not enough evidence for the BSCRA Council to make a judgement on what effects this major change to slot racing might have in the UK. The BSCRA Council will continue to follow these discussions closely, as the results of them may influence the future direction our membership wish to take in this area.
The current interpretation of BSCRA rules is that brushless motors will be eligible for both the 1/32nd and 1/24th 2022 BOC series along with the 1/32nd Nationals in May 2022, without restriction.
January 2022
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