The goal and purpose of  SOVREN  shall be restoration, preservation, and competition with pre-war, vintage, and historic automobiles.  This goal and purpose shall embody the "Vintage Spirit" of authenticity and integrity in preparation and good sportsmanship in competition.  To this end the society offers the SOVREN Annual Participation Championship.  It is open to all SOVREN members in good standing for participation at recognized events.  Ten (10) points are awarded for entering an event and passing technical inspection.  An additional one (1) point is awarded for each lap completed (for one car per event) in the race(s).

At the Maryhill Hill Climb points will be awarded as follows:  10 points for registering at the event, 10 points for passing technical inspection, 10 points for entering the concours/car show, and 2 points for each completed timed run.  To encourage the assistance of active drivers during the Novice Day, 10 points will be awarded for signing in at Novice Day and assisting the Novice Committee as needed.

SOVREN may elect to modify, delete or promulgate additional rules governing its members, events and activities.  Only those members of SOVREN holding current racing licenses recognized by SOVREN may vote on these rules and any modification thereto.  These rules are intended as a guideline.  Any driver or entrant found to be attempting to or deliberately circumventing rules or not acting in the spirit of the SOVREN rules and goals may be excluded from participation in SOVREN events and activities.

VEHICLES:  There shall be three categories of vehicles for automotive competition: Pre-war, Vintage, and Historic.  At selected events a fourth category - Exhibition - may be added.  These shall be defined as follows:

PRE-WAR:  Those automobiles produced on or before and in a configuration as raced prior to December 31, 1940.  These automobiles must be in as near to original configuration as possible.

VINTAGE:  Those automobiles produced after December 31, 1940 and on or before December 31, 1962.  These shall include cars that are built beyond this date providing it is of a continuing and unchanged model and conforming to the  appropriate 1962 or older FIA or SCCA "point in time" regulations.  In no case may the automobile have been manufactured after December 31, 1969.  These automobiles may be in the configuration as allowed by the appropriate FIA or SCCA "point in time" regulations or in the case of formula racing cars, age, eligibility and configuration shall be as allowed by the Monoposto Register Rules and Regulations governing Formula B, Formula Ford, Formula Junior and Formula Vee.

FIA Category A (recognized production cars) Groups 1 through 4 will be treated the same as SCCA production cars and sedans.  Competitors will be allowed to modify a production vehicle with no racing provenance to either FIA Group 1 through 4 or SCCA production or sedan configurations but not a combination of FIA and SCCA.

HISTORIC:  Those automobiles produced after December 31, 1962 but on or before December 31, 1969.  These shall include cars that are built for the 1970 model year of a continuing and unchanged series and conforming to the appropriate 1969 or older  FIA or SCCA "point in time" regulations. If a 1970 model year car is presented for competition, it must meet the 1969 or earlier SCCA or FIA configuration, including engine displacement, regardless of its 1970 production configuration including engine displacement. In the case of formula racing cars, age, eligibility and con-figuration shall be as allowed by the Monoposto Register Rules and Regulations governing Formula B, Formula Ford, Formula Junior and Formula Vee.  A vintage automobile's "point in time"  may be upgraded to the 1969 regulations but shall then be designated as an historic automobile.

FIA Category A (recognized production cars) Groups 1 through 4 will be treated the same as SCCA production cars and sedans.  Competitors will be allowed to modify a production vehicle with no racing provenance to either FIA Group 1 through 4 or SCCA production or sedan configurations but not a combination of FIA and SCCA.

FIA CATEGORY B & C ( special and racing cars) Group 5 and up will be treated the same as SCCA modified/sports racing/formula vehicles.  They must be original vehicles with racing provenance, and competitors will not be allowed to modify production street vehicles or build "new" vehicles to these configurations.

Modified cars: In order for an Historic car to be eligible to run as a "modified" or Sports racing" car (per SCCA period regulations) and compete in SOVREN events, it must have a period history of having raced with such modifications.  Street cars modified in the current era will only be allowed to run as production cars with the changes that were allowed in the era PCS's and NOT with the additional changes that would have been allowed in the "modified" or "Sports racing classes."  In no case shall a car accepted under this rule as a "modified" or "sports racing" car have modifications which were not available in the era.

EXHIBITION:  Significant purpose built race cars which do not fit into SOVREN classes produced on or before December 31, 1979 may be allowed to run in an Exhibition grid at some SOVREN events.  In the case of formula racing cars, age eligibility and configuration shall be as allowed by the Monoposto 70 Rules and Regulations governing Formula 5000, Formula Atlantic, F2, and Formula SV. FF70 Formula Fords as allowed by Monoposto 70 Race Class-Group IV: Formula Fords from 1973 through 1981 are EXCLUDED fro mthe Exhibition category. In the case of sports racing cars, the eligibility and acceptance shall be as allowed by the attached “Exhibition Grid Eligible Sports Cars” list.   The Competition Chairman may consider later cars, but in all cases he/she shall have sole discretion on a car by car and race by race basis.  Production based cars built prior to Dec. 31st, 1969 must adhere to our existing rules and not be permitted to race in the Exhibition class.

ADVANCED LICENSE: For the following EXHIBITION CLASS purpose built race cars -

1. Sport Racers over 1800cc\

2. FSV,FB, F2, FA

3. F5000

4. CanAm

5. Formula 1

6. All other exhibition class cars

In view of the advanced driving ability that the above cars require, and advanced license will be required by SOVREN. Item sof consideration include previous racing experience in SOVREN cars, advanced racing school experience, race test days in the cras listed, and professional coaching in the cars listed. Review and approval for the advanced license will be made by the Competition Chairman and Competition Committee. Upon approval by the Competition Committee, the new advanced driver will be under a three race weekend probation period for observation and then final oicensingl Additionally, first time acceptance into either the pacific Norhtwest HIstorics or Columbia River Classic will also be approved by the Competition Chairman and Committee.

NO REPRODUCTION OR REPLICAS OF ANY SORT OR KIT CARS PRODUCED AFTER DECEMBER 31, 1969 SHALL BE PERMITTED.

There shall be no special dispensation for any vehicles except for exhibition type categories at selected events.  The burden of proof relating to authenticity of all vehicles, equipment, and modifications shall always rest with the person presenting the vehicle for competition.

The Competition Chairman along with other E-Board appointees to a Competition Committee will divide the cars for competitive events generally based on their being Pre-war, Vintage, Historic, or Exhibition category cars with emphasis on running race groups as period correct as possible with cars of similar classification.  However, this committee may move cars from one group to another because of safety issues, to even out group sizes, or any other reason as they see fit.

The following general guidelines are to assist the competitor in preparing the vehicle for competition.  Reference must be made to the appropriate FIA or SCCA regulations for particulars.  No modifications are permitted except those modifications specifically authorized by the appropriate SCCA  or FIA rules.

LOGBOOKS: Each vehicle shall have a logbook which shall be properly maintained and presented at technical inspection for each event and kept with the vehicle at all times.

SEATBELTS: Each vehicle shall have a minimum of a 3" wide nylon web racing type seatbelt with a metal to metal buckle and 2" wide shoulder belts securely mounted to the vehicle.  A minimum 5 point harness is required except in those cars which are exempted from installing rollbars.  All driver restraint systems (seatbelts) shall meet SFI Specifications 16.1 (and shall bear a dated "SFI Specification 16.1" label) or FIA specification #8853/1985 including amendment 1/92. The SFI/FIA certification indicated by these labels shall expire on December 31st of the fifth year after the date of manufacture as indicated by these labels. Some FIA belts indicate a fifth year expiration date from date manufactured. Arm restraints are strongly recommended in all open cars.  Either window side arm restraint or window net are strongly recommended in all closed cars.

ROLLBARS: Each vintage and historic vehicle shall be equipped with a padded rollbar appropriate to the size and weight of the vehicle per the current FIA or SCCA regulations for pre-1970 cars.  Rollbars must be padded per the 1977 GCR requirements.  The padding must be such as to prevent the drivers helmet from impacting the rollbar and must be non resilient.  Prewar and, under certain circumstances, pre 1960 Grand Prix and World Championship automobiles may participate without rollbars only with the specific written permission of the Competition Chairman.

MIRRORS: Each vehicle shall have at least one securely mounted rear view mirror of at least 8 square inches capable of providing visual coverage of the course sufficient to ensure adequate warning of an overtaking vehicle.

FIRE EXTINGUISHER: Each vehicle shall have a dry chemical or Halon fire extinguisher of at least 2 lbs. capacity securely mounted in the cockpit within easy reach of the driver.  An onboard Halon type fire system of at least 2 1/2 lbs. capacity is strongly recommended in place of the fire extinguisher.

ELECTRICAL CUTOFF SWITCH: Cut off switches are required for Sports Racing and Formula cars and strongly recommended for Production cars.  If one is installed it shall have a clearly visible marking.

BODYWORK: No modifications from the selected "point in time" per the appropriate FIA or SCCA rules will be allowed.  Only cars prepared to FIA specification will  be allowed to use flares, spoilers, or air dams as described in the original FIA homolgation document for their particular make and model.  Paint schemes must be appropriate to the original period.  Contemporary commercial advertising is not permitted.  Historically authentic markings, including advertising, are permitted and encouraged.  Headlights, bumpers, and certain interior trim, including passenger seats, may be removed for certain historic vehicles so long as it is done in conformance with the appropriate FIA or SCCA regulations and results in a neat and finished appearance.  Required passenger seats may be substituted with seats similar in style and color to the driver's seat.  "Gutted" interior shall not be permitted.  Glass headlights, turn signals, taillights, markers, etc. shall be taped. The original glass windshield side and rear windows may be replaced with one of Lexan poly-carbonate plastic as long as it is securely attached and retains the original appearance.  Straps or clips for retaining windshields and rear windows in place are authorized and recommended.

RECONSTRUCTION: All parts that are remanufactured or reproduced must conform with and be appropriate to the model of vehicle, and shall be constructed of the original type of materials.  The original fender openings and contours shall be retained in the "as raced" conformation.

WHEELS: Each vehicle shall be equipped with wheels of the appropriate width, diameter, offset, and appearance for either the vintage or historic periods described in the appropriate FIA or SCCA regulations.

TIRES: Tires must approximate as closely as possible the original size(s) per the appropriate FIA or SCCA regulations for the vehicle.  Vintage vehicles shall use a minimum 70 series tire with full width tread (no asymmetrical tread pattern as of January 1, 1993) and Historic vehicles shall use a minimum 60 series tire, unless an alternative series tire is otherwise approved by the Competition Committee.  All tires shall have a molded tread pattern with a minimum depth of 1/16th inch.  Slicks will be allowed only where originally used on certain  Exhibition category vehicles (FIA, Can Am, Formula, etc.) but not in the regular Pre-war, Vintage or Historic categories. Racing recaps and vintage racing tires are allowed.  Radial tires which are within 10% of the original tire size but not less than 60 series may be used, unless an alternative series tire is otherwise approved by the Competition Committee.  Should larger tire sizes than original be allowed per the appropriate regulations, all other modifications to the suspension required to safely handle the additional loading must also be in place.

ENGINE:  Each entrant shall certify that the engine in place for competition is of the correct displacement.  The engine shall be of the original type as fitted to the chassis series or as allowed per the appropriate FIA or SCCA regulations and should be the original year if possible.  No engine shall have a greater displacement than originally fitted or allowed per the appropriate FIA or SCCA regulations (maximum overbore allowance, from stock, of 1.2 mm or .0472 in.). If a 1970 model year car is presented for competition, it must meet the 1969 or earlier SCCA or FIA configuration, including engine displacement, regardless of its 1970 production configuration including engine displacement. In the vintage spirit of authenticity, integrity, and good sportsmanship, entrants will assume the responsibility for keeping their engines as period correct as possible. Dry sump oiling systems shall be permitted only where they fit the specified "point in time" per the appropriate FIA or SCCA rules for the individual car.  Oil accumulators (i.e. Accusumps) may be installed on all vehicles so long as they are mounted out of sight.

IGNITION:  Ignition is free as long as triggering is done from inside the distributor housing, the cap and rotor distribute the spark, and the distributor is the original type as came with the car or as allowed by our rules.  Electric RPM limiters are free.  This does not supersede Monoposto rules.

CARBURETION:  Substitution may be permitted by the Competition Committee on a case by case basis for documented situations where original parts are not available.  The replacement carburetor(s) shall be the same number (one, two, three, etc.), type (down draft, side draft, etc.), configuration (size, operating system, etc.) and fit the original intake manifold with only minor modification.

SUSPENSION: All steering and suspension
components shall be checked and properly fitted with no excessive wear or play.  No additions or modifications to the suspension shall be permitted unless shown in appropriate FIA or SCCA regulations.

BRAKES: Disc brakes are permitted only when it can be shown that they were an option or original equipment per the appropriate FIA or SCCA regulations.  Brakes must be of the original size and type for the vehicle and shown in appropriate FIA or SCCA regulations.  Slotted or cross drilled rotors are not permitted.  Bias adjusters may be installed on all vehicles so long as they are mounted out of sight and are not adjustable during competition.

WEIGHT:  Each vehicle shall meet or exceed the minimum weight specified in the appropriate FIA or SCCA rules for the "point in time" selected.

MODIFICATIONS: All modifications from the original not otherwise permitted by these rules will be declared upon the membership or entry application and are subject to the approval of the Competition Chairman.

GENERAL: The following general items are covered in greater detail in the appropriate FIA or SCCA regulations.

a.  Catch tanks, securely fastened, and a minimum of one (1) quart capacity each are required for both engine oil and radiator water overflow (if used).

b.  Each carburetor shall be equipped with a return spring in addition to the single linkage return spring or internal spring.

c.  Fuel cells are strongly recommended.

d.  A firewall shall be provided between the cockpit, engine, and fuel tank.  Selected Formula cars are excepted.

e.  Undertrays shall have drain holes.

f.  Wheels shall be securely mounted and free of cracks or faults.  Spokes on wire wheels must be properly tensioned and none may be missing.  Bolt-on Rudge Whitworth spline adapters are not permitted.

g.  Suspension and steering shall have no excessive play or wear.  It is strongly recommended that all suspension components be magnafluxed or crack checked by some other method once a year.

h.  An eyebolt or equivalent tow cable attachment point is recommended both front and rear on the car.

i.  Oil, fuel and water leaks of any kind will not be tolerated.  Any entrant having more than one substantial fluid leak may be removed from the event by either the Chief Scrutineer or the Competition Chairman.

j.  At least one working brake light shall be fitted to all cars.  Prewar, and under certain circumstances, pre-1960 Grand Prix, Formula 1 and World Championship automobiles may participate without brake lights with the specific written permission of the Competition Chairman.

k.  Fuel filler caps shall be safety wired or securely fastened so as not to open on impact (Monza type caps shall be drilled and wired closed).
l.  Hoods, doors, deck lids and all body panels shall be securely fastened.

m.  Drain plugs shall be safety wired or paint striped.

n.  Batteries shall be securely fastened and the terminals shall be insulated.  Batteries located in the cockpit shall be covered or have leakproof caps (a marine type battery case is recommended).

o.  It is strongly recommended that wooden steering wheels not be used for racing.

p. Downloadable data acquistion, traction control, digital readout gauges and other modern electronics not in the spirit of "Vintage Racing" are not permitted.

q. Race cars with driver side and passenger front windows that open will have those windows totally down or totally open when on the racetrack. All removeable windows will be removed from the racecar.

Vehicles shall be presented for technical inspection in neat and finished condition.  All interior and exterior trim required shall be in place.  Engine compartment, chassis, suspension and drive train must be clean and properly fitted.  Cables, wires, hoses, etc.  shall be taped tied or otherwise secured to prevent flapping or chafing.  All vehicles shall display legible numbers (three digit maximum) on both sides with a minimum numeral size of ten (10) inches high with a 2 inch brush stroke.  All vehicles shall display legible numbers on the top of the hood of the vehicle or the top of the nose in the case of an open wheel vehicle.The number will have minimum height of six (6) inches with a recommended 1-inch brush stroke. Numbers on the rear of production cares are recommended. All SCCA and appropriate FIA vehicles shall also display legible "point in time" class designations on both sides with a minimum height of 5" and a minimum 1" brush stroke.

Any car which the Chief Scrutineer or his assistants determine to be inadequately prepared for the racing event shall be excluded unless and until the problem areas have been corrected.  However, it is the entrant's responsibility to ensure that the car and all its components are mechanically suitable to sustain the severe stresses imposed by racing.  The brief inspection of an entrant's race car by a SOVREN volunteer cannot reasonably be substituted for the hundreds of hours of labor and inspection which is required to prepare a car for racing.  The entrant's obligation is to present a car which is both safe to race in and safe for other entrants to race with.

DRIVERS: The goal and purpose of vintage road racing shall be safe and courteous competition in the "Vintage Spirit."  Competitors are expected to exhibit exemplary sportsmanship at all times and to this end there shall be no special recognition for finishing position within any racing group.

A license or proof of proficiency is required.  A medical evaluation is also required.  Either a medical card or a license which requires a medical examination must be presented prior to participation in an event.

It is strongly recommended that all drivers participate in a driver training course.  It is required that new drivers participate in a recognized driver training course unless they have had documented road-course racing experience within the last 10 years.

DRIVER RESPONSIBILITY: It is the responsibility of the overtaking driver to initiate and execute a safe pass.  However, it is the responsibility of every driver, including the driver(s) being overtaken, to avoid a racing incident.  A safe pass is when ALL cars involved have adequate room to race when an overlap exists, even if one or all of the cars involved have to deviate from the "normal racing line" to avoid an incident.  Drivers being overtaken are expected to be reasonably aware of the other cars around them and shall not inhibit a pass once it has begun.  NO BLOCKING IS ALLOWED.  The fundamental part of driving a car in competition is the use of the driver's head in conjunction with his mirrors.  These should both be used often.  In the event of an incident, the Chief Steward, Competition Chairman, and Infraction Committee shall review the circumstances surrounding the incident and decide on appropriate action to be taken concerning the drivers involved. Racing contact between vehicles is forbidden and may result in removal from the event and suspension or revocation of the offenders competition license.  Driving infractions such as ignoring flags, repeated spinning or overly aggressive or unsportsmanlike driving shall lead to either a reprimand and/or immediate removal from the event.  Flagrant violations will result in removal from the event and suspension of the driver's rights as a member of SOVREN, and revocation of SOVREN membership.

When a car has been involved in an incident on the track such as:

                *a single car or multiple car off course or on course incident and is drivable

                *non-vehicle contact where either driver must go off the track to avoid contact

             *vehicle contact with a permanent or temporary track fixture(s); cones, tire barriers, curbing, k-rail, or Armco

             *vehicle to vehicle contact to the extent that all or some of the race cars involved are disabled on or about the racing surface

the driver(s) will report to the black flag station or a designated impound area for evaluation from tech and Race Chairman or Race Steward or appointee.

Should no black flag notification be shown, driver and car shall be required to report to black flag or impound.  In cases where a black flag or meatball flag is given and acknowledged, driver will report to the black flag station or the designated impound area for evaluation of the issue involved.  The driver and the car are not allowed to leave impound without permission of the Race Chairman or appointee.

To encourage appropriate driver behavior SOVREN has determined that the following infraction policy be instituted based upon a firm but fair approach.

The Steward of the Event may, at his discretion, remove any car from the course which presents a hazard to the competitors due to driver conduct, vehicle safety, speed or any other factor.  At the end of each day's racing activities the Chief Steward, his officials, and eyewitnesses to dangerous or unsportsmanlike conduct shall meet to discuss and evaluate events which have occurred.  If it appears that such conduct was a negligent or intentional demonstration of inappropriate driver behavior and in violation of the goals set forth, points may be imposed upon the driver(s) involved according to the established schedule by an Infractions Committee composed of three members appointed by the Competition Chairman.  At least two of the appointees on that committee shall be current active vintage race car drivers to ensure that a driver's perspective of the events is maintained.

Infractions Schedule:
 
 

Offense	Points
Failure to respond appropriatly to any flag thrown	3
Unsportsmanlike conduct on or off the track, including disputes with SOVREN or a member of SOVREN	5
Damage to vehicle due to a racing incident	5
Dangerous Driving -- no damage	5
Dangerous Driving -- minor damage	8
Dangerous Driving -- major damage and/or injury	15

The Infractions Committee may in its sole Discretion impose less or more points than the above schedule.

Penalties for points accumulation:

* For 3-7 points - thirteen(13) months of probation. Points given to a driverw ill expire after thirteen (13) months from the date the infraction is committed. If there are additional points added during the thirteen-month period, then the new total of points will expire after the thirteenth month from the last addition of points.

* For 8-14 points- probation for thirteen months and suspension for one SOVREN points event at which the sanctioned party shall work under the direction of the Competition Chairman. Points given to the driver will expire after thirteen (13) months from the date the infraction is committed.  If there are additional points added during the thirteen-month period, then the new total of points will expire after the thirteenth month from the last addition of points.

* For 15 points or more- suspension for thirteen (13) months and probation for thirteen (13) months following the suspension. .  Thirteen (13) month suspension expires 13 months from the date of the infraction resulting in the accumulation of 15 points or more.  Probation expires twenty-six (26) months from the date of the infraction resulting in the accumulation of 15 points or more.

Points will also be assessed for confirmed (by letter, telephone call, or email from sanctioning body official) infractions occurring at other sanctioning bodies' such as VMC, VRC of BC, NWVRG, SCCA, CSRG, SVRA, VARA, HMSA,RMVR etc. events.

Drivers wishing to appeal the Infraction Committee’s point assessment will present their case with new evidence at a Competition Committee meeting with sufficient notification.  New evidence required may include videos, photos, or witnesses or witness statements.  The Committee chairs will appoint an appeals panel to hear the appeal and may participate in the hearing if not involved in the original decision.  No hearing will occur without new information.

Probation, for the purposes of the foregoing, shall include but not be limited to, increased scrutiny by any SOVREN committee member or official working a SOVREN event, as well as turn workers or others supporting the operation of the event.  Drivers on probation must meet with the Competition Chairmen before each SOVREN race weekend.  The meeting will occur immediately following the first Drivers’ Meeting of the race weekend, prior to the driver going to pre-grid.  Alternate meeting times may be arranged in advance with the approval of the Competition Chairmen.

Points given to a driver will expire after thirteen (13) months from the date the infraction is committed.  If there are additional points added during the thirteen month period, then the new total of points will expire after the thirteenth month from the last addition of points.

Flagrant violations or multiple instances of probation or suspension, regardless of point accumulation, shall be cause for termination of driver’s rights and/or SOVREN membership at the sole discretion of the infractions committee, in conjunction with the Board of Directors, regardless of the type of membership or membership status.
 

DRIVER EQUIPMENT: ALL DRIVER EQUIPMENT SHALL BE IN EXCELLENT TO NEW CONDITION.  There shall be no holes, soiled areas or damage of any sort to any of the equipment.

a.  Helmets.  All drivers must wear an approved safety helmet with an SA 2000 or later Snell Safety Foundation sticker. A bandanna or balaclava of an approved fire resistant material is strongly recommended.  Closed face helmets are strongly recommended for drivers of open cars.

b.  Clothing.  All drivers must wear a driving suit of an S.F.I. approved fire resistant material, including socks of an approved fire resistant material, (Nomex, Kynol, Durette, F.P.T., P.B. I., etc.).  Additional layers either in the form of fire resistant underwear or multi-layered suits are strongly recommended.

c.  Goggles.  Shatterproof goggles or a protective face shield shall be worn in open cars and are strongly recommended for all cars.

d.  Gloves and shoes: All drivers shall wear gloves of leather or approved fireproof material (without holes) and shoes with uppers of leather and/or an approved fire resistant material.

Supplemental regulations for each event, or as may be required, will have the same authority as these rules.

(revised 2/18/08 for website)