Cookham Dean Gravity Grand Prix

Rules and Regulations 2011

Introduction

These Rules and Regulations apply to all entries; they have been designed for your safety and the safety of others around you. They enable us to run the event effectively for the maximum benefit of all, so, please ensure you read them carefully and comply with the details.

 If you have any comments or concerns please contact, by email or by phone:- peter_bartlett@btinternet.com. 01628 485 224

The Course

The course will be from the junction of Church Road and Spring Lane to Uncle Tom’s Cabin with a length of 700m and a drop of 32m. It should be noted that the course has some very tight corners; drivers can expect to reach speeds of 30-40mph.

The S bend is sharp and the gradient at Uncle Tom’s is steep; your cart MUST HAVE EFFICIENT BRAKES.

 

The Rules Every team must accept these Rules in full. A team will consist of a maximum of four persons. A maximum of two people in cart and two pushing. Pushing, by up to two team members will be allowed from The Start to a line near The Jolly Farmer. Any infringement will preclude the team from the fastest time awards. Participants must be over thirteen. Anyone under eighteen must have signed consent from a parent. Each team must finish their carts at least two weeks before the event to allow for programme photography. The Organisers reserve the right to refuse entry or participation to any team, at any time. Their decision will be final. No head first driving. Carts must be fitted with strong eyelets front & back to accept the towropes provided by the Kaffirs. Numbers provided at registration must be prominently displayed on the front of each cart. The organisers reserve the right to disqualify any and all participants that demonstrate inappropriate conduct. The official’s time is final, even if it’s incorrect. There will be two runs down the course; Run One:    An opportunity to show off the carts and set the pace. Run Two:    The Gravity Grand Prix.   After the Grand Prix all entrants will be towed to prize giving on the village green.

 

Technical Design All carts must be constructed with pedestrian and spectator safety in mind. Sharp edges for instance will not be permitted. No glass or other materials that would shatter or cause injuries to drivers, passengers or spectators in the event of a crash can be used in the construction of the cart. Maximum width 1.2m measured from outside to outside. Maximum eye height 1.2m measured from driver’s or passenger’s eye-line, when seated, to the road surface. No protuberances outside these dimensions will be allowed Once seated, drivers and passengers must remain seated. Carts must have a minimum of three wheels. All wheels should be in road contact during normal running. Good brakes are essential and will be checked. Wheel braking must operate on at least two wheels on the same axle and be effective. Road braking should not damage the road surface. Seats must be securely bolted to the cart. Carts must be designed to carry no more than three persons, in a feet first direction. Any steering column, brake lever or other protrusion must be designed and fitted such that the risk of injuries is minimised. Bodywork and controls must not impede the driver / passengers in exiting the vehicle unaided. Any doors or hatches required for access must be readily operated from both inside and outside the vehicle without the use of tools. Steering must not have excessive free play or any characteristic tending to promote instability. Gravity propulsion only – i.e. no motors, no pedals & no stored potential energy. Seatbelts are not mandatory, but if seat belts are used they must be of a minimum four point fixing and only on carts with a roll-bar. It is recommended that drivers and passengers should wear a safety helmet and appropriate gloves. Clothing must be capable of withstanding a spill on tarmac or concrete. No bare limbs please.          The Organisers may change or make exceptions to the design criteria at any time

 

Important Safety Info and Conduct on the Day The purpose of the event is to have fun, but the safety of the team, supporters and spectators is paramount throughout the day, and accordingly, the organisers reserve the right to amend these rules or go above and beyond their guidance.  Registration will commence at 11:00 am on the day of the event.  Racing is expected to start at 1:30 pm All drivers and passengers must walk the course. All drivers and passengers must attend the Drivers Briefing in the village hall at 12:30. All members of the team will be issued a wrist band when they sign the indemnity. Only entrants wearing wrist bands will be allowed on the course. After crossing the finishing line drivers will need to apply their brakes and quickly depart from the track under the Marshal’s instructions. An uphill towing service will tow the carts up hill. Please make sure that your cart is strong enough to tow 10 other carts. (tip: use a rope slung under the cart) No expressed or implied warranty of safety shall result from the publication of or compliance with these rules and / or regulations. This publication is in no way a guarantee against injury.