Enduring the Enduro  …

The recent Endurance Race meeting was quite disappointing on a few counts.

Firstly we were very short on Flaggies, and were thus struggling to get numbers into the flag points. A number of officials from other disciplines were drafted into flagging duties … even Raymond Shaw (the Secretary of the Meeting) ended up flagging with me on Flag Point 11 … which was quite interesting for me, as he spent a lot of time on his mobile phone coordinating activities in the race office, and thus gave me a little insight as to some of the activities that go on “behind the scenes” in running a race meeting.

Secondly, the day was very long and just dragged on, with lots of significant delays for various reasons, starting with delays due to official’s numbers and medical staff being late, to major accidents and mechanical problems causing delays with vehicle recoveries.

Derek has been in touch with the WASCC regarding the impact to Flaggies of such a long day, and had an immediate response from WASCC GM Peter Thornell offering apologies and appreciation to those that helped out.

So a huge thanks to everyone who was able to attend and flag, as your assistance was appreciated, particularly in light of the demands of the day.

Coming events  …

The last race meeting of the season is almost upon us …

the Night Masters will be run on Saturday November 15. You should have received the Supp Regs in the mail by now – sign on time is 1300 hrs (1pm) to be in position trackside at 1345 hrs.

This will be a day/night event using the Short Track … however, as we would have struggled to field enough Flaggies even for Short Track duties at the last event, please try to attend this last event of the season if at all possible.

The WASCC are looking to make this a big event to celebrate 40 years of racing at Wanneroo, with free rides for kids and fire works. There will be a prize draw for officials, with the prize being a day at the Fastlane Racing Driver School driving Formula Fords.

AGM  …

The AGM will be on Sunday 23^rd at Hogs Breath Mindarie at 4:30pm.

Milo has allowed us entry prior to the normal opening time so we can hold the AGM. Therefore proceedings will commence at 4:30pm, to be followed by dinner. The meal will be covered by the WFMA, however you will need to pay for your own drinks. This event is only for financial WFMA members and immediate partner.

Please RSVP by the NightMasters (ie Sat 15^th), so that we can finalise numbers with the restaurant.

AMENDMENTS TO THE YELLOW FLAG RULES - 2008

As of 1 January 2008, the rules for the usage of Yellow Flags in Australian motor racing will change to bring it into line with the FIA International Sporting Code (ISC).

This comes partly via instructions received from the FIA indicating that the use and meaning of signalling flags continues to vary from country to country, and that all ASNs must make every effort to bring national, as well as international events into line with Appendix H of the ISC which contains the standard code of usage for flag signals.

In its current format, the rules governing track control and flag signalling in the CAMS Manual of Motor Sport includes a clause stating the following in relation to yellow flags:

"To allow drivers to brake in good time, this being necessary because of the presence of an obstacle in the sector where the yellow flag/s is/are being waved, the preceding flag post will give a warning signal in the form of a yellow flag being shown motionless, ie, a warning signal shall be given at the two posts preceding a hazard."

This clause will now be removed and the use of a motionless yellow flag will be discontinued.

CAMS is obliged to keep the yellow flag rules in line with the ISC, so a new clause will be added stating that the Clerk of the Course has the authority to order waved yellow flags to be shown at more than one marshals’ post preceding an incident (as opposed to motionless yellow flags).

CAMS will issue a Bulletin to this effect shortly with the new wording to be as follows:

3.1.2 Flag signals to be used at flag posts:

(b) Yellow flag: This is a signal of danger and should be shown to drivers in two ways with the following meanings:
Single waved: Reduce your speed, do not overtake and be prepared to change direction. There is a hazard beside or partly on the track.
Double waved: Reduce your speed, do not overtake and be prepared to change direction or stop. There is a hazard wholly or partly blocking the track.

Yellow flags should normally be shown only at the marshals’ post immediately preceding the hazard.

In some cases however the Clerk of the Course may order them to be shown at more than one marshals’ post preceding an incident.

Overtaking is not permitted between the first yellow flag and the green flag displayed after the incident.

Yellow flags should not be shown in the pit lane unless there is an incident of which the driver should be made aware.

CAMS will be liaising closely with the relevant competitor and official groups in each state to ensure full understanding and consistency with the implementation of this rule change.