Paul Barton, ARC Newsletter Editor, 26 Summerhill Grange, Summerhill Lane, Lindfield, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH16 1RQ PBarton@tandridgedc.gov.uk

ADMIN

 

UPDATE ON ARC 2000 INTERNATIONAL RALLY - Hants & Berks Rover Owners Club

The planning for ARC2000 marches forward. The very latest news is that following negotiation difficulties with English Nature, the Hants and Berks Rally Management Team have decided to relocate the rally to another military land venue at Bordon about 7 miles from Long Valley, where conservation is not an issue. Agreement has been reached with the Military to use 3 co-located training areas plus adjacent camping grounds and a former barracks area for the ARC2000 International Rally. The reasons for the change are complex, but essentially due to the substantial amount of work needed to satisfy the interested conservation bodies, English Nature in particular, the club have decided that the task of running the Rally is large enough, without having to face an extended workload due to conservation pressures.

The new location features land that Hants and Berks Rover Owners are very familiar with, having held many Club events on it over the years. There is more than enough competition ground, extensive camping areas (200 flat acres) and substantial trade and arena space including a tarmac area for arena events. The site is easily accessible from the A3 or A31/M3, and there are good local services, superstore and facilities. It is now full steam ahead to fix all the arrangements for the event, and the management team is being spurred-on by the increasing flow of entries being received.

Latest information is being captured and published on the event web site: www.4x4web.co.uk/ARC2000 and progress updates will be included with every issue of ARC news.

Further information for any Day visitors wishing to enter events.

You are most welcome to come along for the day to watch the competitive events or to enter the Concours D'Elegance, Gymkhana or Trailer reversing events or to drive non- competitively off road on the "scenic drive" which will operate throughout the weekend.

Concours D'Elegance

Following consultations with potential entrants, the entry fee for the Concours D'Elegance has been set at £5 + ARC levy of £2 for each entrant and it is confirmed that the Concours competition will take place and be judged on Sunday 28th May 2000. All potential entrants for the Concours are asked to please note that the organisers have secured the use of a large tarmac area for the arena events and so car owners need have no worries that they will have to drive over any mud or ruts! HBRO and ARC want to encourage a return to a strong entry for both the car and Land Rover Concours competitions and you will be made most welcome.

To help the organisers to plan the event with their sponsors, "Land Rover Monthly", HBRO would welcome Concours entrants sending in their entries beforehand please. This is to ensure sufficient space can be allocated. At this stage HBRO have not yet set entry fees for either the "Trailer reversing" or "Gymkhana" events.

HBRO will shortly be sending out formal invitations to all clubs and would welcome confirmation of club stand requirements from interested clubs so that sufficient space can be allocated for club displays close to the arena area.

Sponsors For ARC 2000 INTERNATIONAL RALLY

Hants and Berks are pleased to announce the following sponsorship arrangements;

* Rally programme - Sponsored by Land Rover World
* The National Trial - Sponsored by Land Rover World
* Road Taxed Vehicle Trial - Sponsored by Goodyear
* Team Recovery - Sponsored by Intamech Power Drive
* Winch Recovery - Sponsored by Intamech Power Drive
* Concours D'Elegance - Sponsored by Land Rover Monthly - Chief Judge James Taylor

Non-Concours Awards At The (INTER) NATIONAL RALLY

Chris Savidge has reminded me that I didn't publish details of the winners of the non Concours awards at this Year's ARC NATIONAL hosted by Yorkshire Rover Owners Club and that by doing so it might encourage a stronger entry for the forthcoming National.

THE WILLIAM FARVIS TROPHY For the best Series II or IIA normal-control Land Rover resident at the rally, but not entered in the Concours

1999 Winner: Keith Gissing (Series Two Club) for his 1961 88" Truck Cab - YTH 293

THE GILL FLOYD FORWARD CONTROL CUP For the best Series IIA or IIB forward-control Land Rover at the rally, but not entered in the Concours

1999 Winner: Tony Arnold, (Forward Control Register) for his 1969 IIB 110" F/Control - YBU 387H

THE TONY HUTCHINGS SALVER Presented to the owner/user of the most unusual vehicle at the National Rally

1999 Winner: Paul Harwood, (Range Rover Register) for his 6-Wheel Range Rover Paramedic - JXD 101K

THE FARVIS SPIRIT OF THE EVENT AWARD Awarded to the person, team or club who has done most to display the traditional spirit of the A.R.C. National Rally

1999 Winners: Charles Darby and Debbie Aldridge - (Southern Rover Owners Club)

THE ASSOCIATION OF ROVER CLUBS WOULD ALSO LIKE TO EXPRESS THANKS TO THE
FOLLOWING FOR THEIR KIND DONATION OF TROPHIES FOR PRESENTATION AT THE
NATIONAL RALLY.

* ROSS AND GILL FLOYD: (W.J. FARVIS & SONS LTD - BRISTOL)
* PHILIP BASHALL: (DLR - DUNSFOLD, SURREY)
* MERLIN LAND ROVER - NOTTINGHAM
* THE DUNSFOLD COLLECTION - DUNSFOLD, SURREY
* THE SERIES TWO CLUB - (IN MEMORY OF THE LATE FRANK MYATT)
* THE SAVIDGE FAMILY

DISCOVERY SERIES 2 TOWING BRACKETS

ARC members who also belong to the Caravan Club may have seen an article in the Caravan Club Magazine about towing problems experienced by some members using Discovery Series 2 models. It seems that that the new suspension is more sensitive and provides more feedback to the driver with the result that some drivers may over-correct the steering in certain circumstances. Land Rover have also recognised that the two options for the accessory fit towing brackets, (it is no longer to possible to specify a factory fitted bracket) did not fully meet the needs of all customers. Additional new towing bracket designs have therefore been introduced. Dealers have also recently been provided with new information on towing with Discovery S2 to enable them to better assist and advise customers with the selection of the appropriate design of bracket for their needs. Members contemplating the purchase of a bracket should take care to ensure that the bracket's towing limit suits their purpose as not all brackets are rated at 3500kg, some are 2500kg - a fact known to some traffic Police officers who have been taking an interest in the rating of brackets fitted to Discovery S2 models towing heavy loads. Your editor's local dealers (Testers of Edenbridge) have advised that some 2500 kg brackets may have towing limits uprated by Land Rover very shortly. For up to date information, please check with your nearest franchise dealer.

THE VERY LAST FIFTY

Well very nearly almost. We still have a few copies of the very special video produced by Rover, showing the History of Land Rover from conception and testing on that farm in Anglesey to the present day. Get your orders in now (this is a great Christmas present idea) to Andrew Neaves, 8 East House Drive, Atherstone, Warwickshire, CV9 2HB. The cost is £14.95 including p&p for the U.K. and £15.95 for overseas. Cheques payable to "Association of Rover Clubs Ltd" please

NEW ARC RADIATOR BADGES

New supplies of ARC radiator badges have been secured and are now available from ARC Non Competitive Clubs Co-ordinator, Chris Savidge. The badges are in stainless steel with polished stainless steel lettering over a maroon background to the ARC Viking Ship design. Fixing holes are provided. Priced at £7.50 plus £1 for post and packing you can obtain yours by sending a cheque made payable to "Association of Rover Clubs Ltd" for £8.50 to:

Chris Savidge, Wicketwood House, 86, Spring Lane, Lambley, Nottingham. NG4 4PG
Club Shop co-ordinators should contact Chris for details about "bulk" supplies.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Please would Club Competition Secretaries/ Event organisers notify the Editor of Inter-club or Open to ARC Club events. Non-competitive events organised by/for Car Club and other non-competitive members particularly welcome.

UK EVENTS

Southern ROC Charity Comp Safari - 23 JANUARY 2000

Southern Rover Owners Club is to hold another Comp Safari in aid of Charity at Mereworth, near Wrotham, Kent on Sunday 23rd January 2000. This event is open to all ARC Clubs, and all funds raised will go to support the local Air Ambulance. The course is on mud and gravel tracks and promises to be an exciting start to the 2000 season. Details available from Clerk of Course - Tony Howland 64 Stockett Lane, Coxheath, Maidstone, or E-Mail Capt@landrover93.freeserve.co.uk

OVERSEAS EVENTS

The Polar Express Event - MARCH 2000

Join the Swedish Land Rover Club on a journey to the "Scandinavian Roof "and Russia as per Land Rover Owner articles in the May and June 1999 issues a trip "to hell and back". This year we do it in March to avoid the minus 40 period - that was a bit heavy for the cars, normally the factory tests them down to minus 20 and a lot happens below minus 30. This year we have 4 or 5 brand new cars lent by BMW/Rover Norway. Some 4 or 5 people are coming over from Solihull to test some special projects on the trip. In addition a group of private cars will take part in some of the legs including our own racetrack on a frozen lake. During all legs there will be a complete programme of social events and activities every day , You are welcome to join us on our full time programme either in your own car or as a passenger, flying in or out of the airports. Prices to be finalised depending on sponsors, For budget reasons work on NOK 1000, for the whole trip. If you sleep in your car and bring your own food then will be about half price, Chance of a lifetime for a memorable winter trip up on the European roof with a bunch of funny, wild bunch of friendly people.
* Check out the web page at http://www.micromarketing.no/express/

Cape To Cape 2000

The unique challenge of Cape to Cape 2000 gives motoring enthusiasts driving standard production vehicles the opportunity to take part in a non-stop drive of a lifetime from the most northerly part of Europe, the Nordkapp, Norway to the most southerly point, Cape Tarifa, Spain. Teams (3 or 4 persons) can attempt to break the existing record for the drive, raise the club profile and enjoy the experience. There is friendly rivalry between teams and the sense of competition gives a challenge second to none. Participating teams can also raise money for a charity of their choice.

* Further details from Tony Stubbs on 01252 837414.

OFF ROAD MOTORPORT - Proposed New Publication

Many competitors will be aware (frustrated?) by the lack of sustained coverage on the part of the three current monthly "Land Rover" Magazines of off road motor sport. Things are about to change with the proposed launch of a new fortnightly newspaper format If you agree that this is what the sport needs - a dedicated journal covering, trails, safaris, French Tout Terrain, desert raids, jungle events, fixture lists, event reports, technical articles etc then the next move is yours. It will only be viable if competitors and those with an interest in off road motor sport sign up for it. Commit yourself to £5.00 for four issues posted directly to you each fortnight. Give your support by sending a cheque to Off Road Motor Sport dated 1.3.2000 to P.O. Box 57712, Hinckley, LE10 2YZ.

No cheques cashed until the presses are rolling. The respected team involved in setting up the new publication includes Diana Andrews (Commentator and Sports writer). Send your cheque together with a note of the address you would like Off Road Motor Sport to be delivered to as soon as possible. Go on - Give them the green light!

News From The Sub-Committee For Competitive Matters
(Formerly the Scrutineering Committee but now renamed to reflect its role in dealing with all competitive matters, not just vehicle eligibility)

Fire Extinguishers. News items from MSA Club Bulletin number 5, 1999.: -
"The Motor Sports Council has extended the use of existing Halon (BCF) fire extinguishers in British motor sport until 1 January 2003."

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Fire: - Strangely, petrol isn't the greatest danger; brake, clutch and power-steering fluids are the worst culprits. Many drivers lag the exhaust manifolds as a heat shield and noise deadener. This absorbs oil, petrol and brake fluid and acts as a wick for a fire to be based on. The meeting decided that such absorbent wrappings (as opposed to high temp paint and similar non-absorbent finishes) should be prohibited.

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An ARC club recently had their 4 event extinguishers professionally examined and they all failed as the operating mechanism had fallen apart inside. The meeting's view was that all clubs should have at least an annual check by a specialist company and obtain certification (not just a sticky label) for each of the main extinguishers that they use at events. Clubs could be sued for negligence if the extinguishers fail to work when required and it is discovered that no maintenance or checking has been carried out

Please note that the technique for the use of AFFF is different from BCF. Club members will need training on this different type as and when the clubs buy them in.

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Rescue from overturned vehicles.

Undoing of harnesses:- Concern was expressed over the use of latch and pin type harness fastenings. These are often sold as "NASCAR" or "Off-Road" type harnesses. They are difficult to undo when the occupant is hanging in them in an overturned vehicle. The rotary latch type is much safer in this respect. Consequently, the Committee strongly recommends the use of the rotary latch type fastening, not the latch and pin type.

Harness knives. This is a special shielded-blade knife for cutting harnesses / seat belts in serious emergency situations. All marshals on duty should have one (but concentrate on higher risk events like comp safari etc.) These are available from First Aid Equipment suppliers and motorsport accessory catalogues.

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Fuel spillage prevention: - The practice of running a loop of fuel vent pipe around the roll-bar is inadmissible as it could still siphon fuel out of the tank and constitutes an exposed fuel line anyway. A small loop inside the fuel tank enclosure would serve the same purpose.

At the January 18th 1997 meeting, the committee decided to use the MSA Yearbook definitions in Q.6. and Q.14.1.2., with the accent on the last sentence of Q.14.2.1. which says, "Vents should be designed to avoid spillage if the vehicle becomes inverted." This decision was minuted at the time but does not appear to have been publicised until now. The MSA only recommends a non-return valve. So if drivers want to use a valve, there are suitable ones available such as the Range Rover fuel vent pipe valve P/N 575865. Screen washer system valves are not suitable.

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A couple of Scrutineering Committee members are MOT testers and stated that where bump-stops are factory-fitted items, their absence will cause a failure at a MOT test. Consequently, we have now decided that for RTV events, vehicles must have a full complement of bump-stops. In order to allow for specials where the chassis and axles are from different vehicles, these bump-stops must be complete items that match either the chassis or axles in use. (So if you are using Range Rover axles on a series 3 chassis, then the bump stops must be Range Rover or series 3 items.) We agreed that the rule should be changed but this will have to wait until next year now. The proposed new wording will be "A.10.2. Axle check straps are not mandatory. A full complement of factory-specification bump-stops must be in place. These bump-stops must be complete items that match either the chassis or axles in use." Meanwhile, this is to be considered to be a strong recommendation.

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Track-rod ends.

Recent failures have raised a few issues. It's possible that someone with little engineering knowledge might be tempted to do the nut up very tightly in order to get the split pin in. Standard engineering practice is to use different washers and / or nuts to achieve the required torque figure (30 lb-ft on a RR for instance) and split pin alignment at the same time. If the washer is too thick then use a thinner one (or vice versa). Self-locking nuts are supplied with some brands. If the fitting is not tightened adequately (or comes loose in use) then the taper fitting may wobble about and open up the hole or wear the tapered shank. This could result in a couple of problems. (a) The taper part comes too far through the steering arm with the result that the washer / nut will bear on the shoulder of the tapered part. (b) The fitting wobbles and puts a bending load on the thread end that is designed to take only a tensile load.

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Log Book and Roll-cage Tag practices: -

· The tag should be removed by the event Scrutineer after accident damage. It will be replaced after repair, replacement and re-inspection by a logbook Scrutineer.
· If the vehicle specification is overtaken by rule changes that are retrospective, the vehicle must be updated, re-inspected and re-tagged by a logbook Scrutineer.
· The tag should not be removed just because there is doubt as to eligibility.
· Event organisers must retain the logbook until after the event in order to prevent the owner of a damaged vehicle taking it home with the tag still in place.

These definitions will go in the Log Book Guide and the ARC Handbook.

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Illegal steering gear parts:-

Steering gear parts are defined as "All the parts that move when the steering wheel is turned except the wheel in the hand and the wheel on the ground."
Discussion between the Scrutineering Committee and the Council have decided that all welded / jointed shafts must be replaced by the end of 1999.
An issue was raised at the Scrutineering meeting as to the precise definition of "welded". Many steering gear parts are welded in the factory and obviously those parts are acceptable. So the rule needs to be clarified to define whom it is that does the welding. We agreed to state that "Post-manufacture welding of steering gear parts is not permitted".

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It is the responsibility of competitors to present their vehicles in a condition ready to compete. The checks they should do are clearly laid out in the ARC Handbook. It is NOT the task of the Scrutineer to "wet-nurse" the driver and vehicle through the event. The Scrutineers should need to check only for eligibility and to carry out principal safety checks. Matters of reliability are up to the competitor.

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Damage to vehicles: -

If a boulder or log is pulled up or onto the section during an event, should it be moved away for safety or fairness reasons? If the section / course is no longer as designed, then any such obstruction should be removed. How we deal with "wear and tear" is another matter! Common sense should apply but discuss the matter with the CoC. If a re-run is requested, do consider discussing the matter with the other competitors.

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Metal ball-joints (commonly referred to as Rose-Joints) on radius arms.

Although previously publicised in ARC News, further clarification is needed. The original query related to these joints on radius arms. Following further discussion, the Committee decided that ball-joints of this kind are not permitted as substitutes for rubber bush fittings on any radius arms or panhard rods.

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Hood sticks for RTVs.

Following recent clarifications on this subject, we need to consider the matter of the SV90, which has a tilt and "cage" rather than the traditional tilt-frame. This is acceptable as it a factory standard set-up.

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Following an enquiry at a General Meeting, the Committee has decided that the new style prop-shafts with the rubber doughnuts can be used on other vehicles.

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Disabled drivers / co-drivers /. navigators. If they are participating in an event that requires a competition licence, then they will need the disabled competitor identifier on the vehicle per MSA reg. E.2.11.4.

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Steve Kirby - Hon. Sec. ARC Sub-Committee for Competitive Matters If you have a competitive query please contact your club scrutineer (names and numbers in the Green Book) or Steve on 0181-287-0377

ARC COUNCIL NEWS

ARC Executive Committee 1999-2000

Please detach and insert in the front cover of the Green Book

AMENDMENTS

Treasurer AMEND Andrew Stavordale
ADDRESS 14 Evesham Road, Cheadle,
Cheshire. SK8 2LR
Tel: 0161 428 3071

Caravan Secretary DELETE Jim Campbell
ADD Chris Hodson, 3a Rede Hall Road
Smallfield, Horley, Surrey, RH6 9PY
Tel: 01342 844266

ARC News Editor ADD Paul Barton, 26 Summerhill Grange
Summerhill Lane, Lindfield,
Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 1RQ

Press & Publicity Officer DELETE Geoff Miller
ADD Nick Chinery, 11 Main Street,
Broughton Astley, Leicester. LE9 6RE
Tel: 01455 285304

Scrutineer DELETE Dennis Chamberlain
ADD Ray Sykes

Please note that "The Scrutineering Committee" has been renamed and shall now be known as
"THE SUB-COMMITTEE FOR COMPETITIVE MATTERS"

ARC News Distribution

Just a reminder that address updates are only done three times per year. The closing dates for clubs to send information are 1st March, 1st July and 1st November. If you change your address you need to ensure your club has registered your change of address and has then passed that change on in your club's next update to the ARC. The responsibility for getting any change of address to the ARC rests with your club. Any club, which has missed two updates, will be removed from the circulation list until a new address update is received. Please be aware that with the exception of duplicates, (which may arise if you belong to more than one club) all address errors should be directed towards your club. With a circulation list of over 10,000 addresses, the ARC cannot handle address changes. Club member address lists/updates to Andrew Neaves please - address as above in previous item. Thank you.

IMPORTANT - Participation at any competitive event or show is at your own risk. Although the ARC is happy to publicise such events it does not act as an agent for the organisers. Statements or opinions expressed in ARC News are not necessarily those of the ARC Council. You are advised to obtain independent advice on matters involving safety, finance or legislation.

Last Updated:
30/12/2005