What's the race format?
There's one race at each round and it lasts for an hour. Each team usually
consists of two drivers (one driver can drive both stints subject to
restrictions regarding the pit stop) and there's a driver changeover during the
race. It's a rolling start with the cars driving around behind a pace car which
then pulls off leaving them heading towards the start line. The lights go green,
the crowd are deafened, and they're away!
What is a GT Car?
Big cars, big engines
|
A GT car is determined as a closed car, with no more than one door on each
side and no more than four seats. It must be fully legal for European road use
yet be suitably modified for use on the track. The car must be standard spec,
with no optional extras.
It may not include ABS, adaptive suspension systems or four wheel steering.
Semi-automatic gearboxes are permitted only if they are fitted on the original
road vehicles as homologated by the FIA. The basic body dimensions and shape
must remain the same. Panels may be replaced but only by the same number of
panels made of a similar material. There are regulations controlling how much
bodywork may be added below the waistline of the cars and to the front and rear
of the wheels. Spoilers may be mounted subject to strict measurements.
What's the difference between GT and GTO?
Two classes of car race in the British GT Championship. It effectively makes
it into two races running at the same time (and that's what can make it very
confusing!). Points are awarded in each class independently.
Although both types must comply to a common set of rules, they also have
separate regulations splitting them into the two distinct groups of cars. The
basic difference is in weight. The GT cars must be heavier and have fewer
restrictions on engine placement generally resulting in larger cars with larger
engines. The regulations are very detailed, but here's a summary.
GT Cars
- Must weight at least 1100kg.
- The underside of the car must be constructed of flat panels - one under
the body and sloping panels to the front and rear.
- The engine must be the same as in road cars. The precise mounting isn't
too strict, provided it's location and orientation remain the same.
- Four wheel drive is permitted if it was on the stock car.
GTO Cars
- Must weight at least 1000kg.
- No changes permitted to the platform underneath the car and no parts may
be added underneath for the purposes of aerodynamics.
- Boot space must be accessible and capable of carrying a 'Pilot's Case'.
- The engine must remain in the original position.
- Four wheel drive is forbidden
Class indicator and fluorescent pit-stop rip-off
|
How do I tell GT from GTO?
GT cars are numbered 1-39 (black numbers, white background) and GTO cars 41
to 99 (white numbers, black background).
The organisers have made it easier to distinguish this year by putting 'GT'
and 'GTO' on the side of the cars.
Restrictors limit intake of air
|
What are Restrictors?
In order to even out the field the organisers have a table relating engine
size to the weight of cars. They then provide inlet restrictors to the teams to
control the amount of air entering the engine. It's used to even up the field.
Sometimes mid-season they are changed on certain cars to allow them to compete
better or to slow down cars that are significantly faster than the rest of the
field.
How does the pit stop work?
The pit window is the period of time from 20 minutes to 35 minutes into the
race. During that period the first driver must enter the pits, come to a
complete standstill and hand the car over to his codriver. The team assist with
the changover, which normally takes 10-15 seconds. Repairs may be made to the
car but it's not permitted to refuel it.
Once the second driver is in the car, the orange velcro tag is removed from
the car so that spectators can work out who has pitted and who hasn't.
What is Success Ballast?
To make the racing more exciting, the winning cars are laden with weights for
the next race in the hope of slowing them down and bunching up the field.
Any advice on watching GTs?
Familiarise yourself with the different classes and try to follow both the GT
and GTO leaders (commentary is difficult to hear because the cars are so loud).
The lead often changes in the GTO class but you'll have to have your wits about
you to keep track of it. Do that and it's a lot more interesting!