Events and rules
Listing of events:
200m sprints run from Friday evening to Sunday morning, in the early morning and evening when wind conditions are usually best. For IHPVA 'legal' record speeds, the wind speed in any direction must not exceed 6 (six) kilometers per hour (1.67 meters per second).
Sat am - Flying 200m & 1k drags - On main runway, about 1.3 mile long
Sat pm - Three Hour Race - Course about 4 miles.
Sun am - One Hour Time-Trial - Fast flat course about 2 miles.
Sun pm - Criteriums- A short, 1.3-mile course.
Vehicle classes
Vehicle classes are as follows:
Rules
The following information is general and guideline.
Helmets
All riders must wear (on the head) a helmet approved by a recognised national standards authority (e.g. Snell, ANSI, TUV, etc.). The sole exception to this rule is for a faired machine where the rider's head is enclosed, in which case any helmet designed to protect the head (such as a leather "hairnet" type helmet) may be used.
Brakes
Machines must have an adequate means of stopping. This is not just for your well being, it is for the protection of other competitors. In mass races, if something goes wrong, you must be able to STOP!
For racing this doesn't mean you must have two independent brakes, though this is recommended, but if a single brake is fitted it must be suitable for the purpose. As a general rule this means that the brake should act on the front wheel and MUST be both suitable and in good condition. A single rear brake MAY be acceptable for certain events, e.g. Flying 200m, but this should be confirmed with the Race/Event Organisers before taking part.
The Race/Event Organisers have, as with other safety aspects, the last word on this and WILL stop machines from competing if they are seen to be unsafe; so if in doubt, ask.
Two independent brakes are a legal requirement for riding on British public roads.
Chainguards
Machines may not have any forward pointing sharp points or edges. The chainring must be covered by either a fixed shield or by a strong rotating chainguard (including those with a single chainring). Any guarding must be free from sharp edges. Any doubts or question, get in touch with the Race Committee. A machine deemed unsafe will not be allowed to compete.
Internal Protrusions
In the interest of rider safety, machines with sharp, protruding bits on the inside or on the frame which could hurt the rider in the event of a collision or fall, will be deemed unsafe and not allowed to compete. We'll do our best to work with competitors on this, for example it may be possible to wrap a sharp part in foam or other protective material. Still, we have experience in these matters, and we are not inclined to take chances. Make sure your machine is safe, both for others and for yourself. Any doubts or question, check with the Race Committee.
Riding Behaviour
As international competitors most of you know how to behave when racing. So the rules here are simple: any competitor seen to be riding without regard for the safety of others or deliberately obstructing other competitors will be given one warning, and for a second offence, excluded from the event. If you are good enough to win, you are good enough to ride clean!
The following are not requirements but are recommended
Arm/elbow guards
Riders of Unfaired and Part-faired machines are advised to wear arm guards in case of a spill. This is not a requirement, but as a racer, you know that falling at speed on tarmac can result in nasty 'strawberry' burns for unprotected flesh. Take a little insurance by wearing arm/elbow guards. Besides, they will make you look fierce!
Rear-view mirror
A rear-view mirror, helmet mounted or otherwise, is strongly advised for mass start events.
All Comers Records
The BHPC recognises All Comers HPV performance records set under IHPVA Competition Rules. An all comer is anyone competing in British territory. The intention here is to bring back the fun of setting performance records at IHPVA championship events, as used to happen until those clever lads Gardner Martin and Fast Freddy Markham broke the 65 MPH barrier by racing at a high altitude venue in the USA. Today, the bar has been raised to a fantastic near-82 MPH by Sam Whittingham in the Varna Diablo, but of course, only at Battle Mountain, USA, a very special venue with a unique IHPVA-legal 5-mile run-up. Fine fun, but Battle Mountain is a long way to go for a speed record attempt. Recognising All Comers HPV records will make it possible for many more competitors to mount speed record attempts. We hope that other countries will do the same.
Can a record be set at WC2008? Depends on you, and luck! Subject to confirmation, the course is IHPVA-legal. But it does have a rise in the middle, and even 1.3 miles is short for very fast machines. A very lightweight faired HPV might have a chance. Of course, the BHPC recognise Unfaired and Part-faired machines, and in these classes, if nature smiles with legal winds and a rider has a truly fast machine and the heart and limbs to move it, then a record should be possible!
The Criterium circuit