I've been asked to put the rocker cover racing rules up on the site. The VMCI will be having rocker cover racing at the Mini At Mt Cooper show and shine on Sunday 13 November 2005. WE would like to see a large turnout of rocker cover racers for this event. WE have tried running this event a couple of times previously, with very little interest. I know the Qld Mini Owners Club runs rocker cover racing at its annual show in June (I'll be going up there this year - so the challenge is on for the Interstate Rocker Cover Championship.
Now, I think the Qld club rules differ a bit from the Victorian rules. Our rules were written about 5 years ago, based on the rules for the Picnic At Hanging Rock Rocker Cover Challenge (no, seriously - which Watto racing has been second outright in for the past two years), but limiting rocker covers to those from an A-Series engine (there is now a seperate class for new MINI rocker covers, with an outright challenge - if anyone is going to go to the expense of making a racer froma MINI rocker cover).
So, here are the rules:
Rocker Cover Racing for beginners (and others)
The rocker cover is the very top cover on your A-series engine, which covers, oddly enough, the rocker gear. The two main purposes of this cover are to keep oil inside the top of the engine and to keep dirt, water, etc., out. The third, and no less important, purpose is to use in ROCKER COVER RACING.
If you would like to know the history of this exciting sport, its origins, champions and supporters over the years, don't ask me! I haven't got a clue.
Rules for the competition vary according to the organising committee, vehicle club running the event and types of vehicles expected to be supplying the rocker covers for each event. Size of the track is a major contributing factor to the allowable dimensions of the rocker cover racer.
To simplify the situation, the VMCI has adopted the rules set out below in an effort to provide fair and, above all, fun competition for all Mini enthusiasts. As this is an event run by the Mini club for Mini enthusiasts, we have allowed only Mini/A-series rocker covers to be entered. The track for this event has been constructed in a way to easily accommodate Mini rocker covers, and to be transported in a Mini.
At special request, we have also allowed the provision for rocker covers from new MINIs, if anyone has the incentive to actually sacrifice one in the name of the sport.
So what is a rocker cover racer, exactly? Well, it's a rocker cover with wheels, the faster the better. Take a rocker cover, add some wheels (minimum of three if you expect it to go anywhere), put on any extra bit required by the rules (bumper bar etc.) and Robert's your father's brother, you have a rocker cover racer.
Now if you paint it up really nice and personalise it a bit more it will look good too. I'm told that, like Ferraris and Minis, red ones go faster.
Wheels could be those from skateboard/roller skate, toy car, or any other round type moving bit. Some people use CDs or machined aluminium discs (be careful about rule #1) mounted on roller bearings.
If your still a bit puzzled about how to go about it, speak to an experienced racer constructor, but don't expect too many secrets to be given away. I've heard a rumour, but can't be sure of its authenticity, that this is how Jack Brabham got started.
So, get cracking and building those rocker cover racers. This could be the start of something big (or small).
Rocker Racing Rules (Supplementary Regulations)
1: This is a fun event. Any person found to be taking it too seriously will be soundly flogged.
2: Any constructor who enters a protest will be automatically disqualified. Oh, that's a bit harsh. Okay, they'll be given a stern talking to, asked to smile more and lighten up a bit.
3: Cars (that's the rocker cover racing variety, not the real things) must be recognisably from a Mini or A-series engine.
3a: A special class will be established for owners of rocker cover racers, constructed from the rocker cover from a new (BMW) MINI.
4: Cars must retain at least 75% of the original rocker cover.
5: Cars must not have any form of mechanical propulsion or steering.
6: Cars must weigh no more than 4 kg.
7: Cars must not be wider than 200mm
8: Cars must not be longer, with all fixtures, than 500mm
9: While the judges' decision is final, all bribes will be gratefully accepted and paid to the VMCI Executive Holiday Fund.
10: Sponsorship logos, racing stickers and car names are all encouraged.
11: Constructors wishing to wear racing clothes, fireproof overalls, helmets, etc., do so at their own risk of being laughed at.
12: Downforce wings, spoilers, air dams, etc., are all permitted provided they come within the nominated maximum dimensions of the car. They probably won't do any good, but we will all get a good chuckle out of them.
13: There is no rule 13. (Superstitious, who me?)
14: Cars must have a bumper bar, or external rigid spoiler or fixture, the full width of the car, no more than 40mm above the track and protruding no more than 3cm from the front of the car. This is for starting and timing purposes.
15: There are no more rules.
So get cracking, but above all, have fun!
Cheers, Watto.
