Paul Barton, ARC
Newsletter Editor,
26 Summerhill Grange, Summerhill Lane,
Lindfield,
Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH16 1RQ
home@ukgateway.net
ARC Secretary: Caroline Flanders, tel/fax:
01689 878105
|
Each edition of ARC NEWS can
be found on the ARC website www.the-arc.co.uk If you
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log on to arcnews@tesco.net
CHAIRMANS
CHAT
At last, we have had a whole month without a new
case of foot and mouth disease and perhaps we can now
start to believe that an end to restrictions is in
sight. A.R.C. Council will be reviewing the FMD
position at the next Council Meeting in November.
The next Extraordinary General Meeting of the
Association of Rover Clubs will be held on Saturday 8th
December 2001 at the Presentation Suite, Lode Lane,
Solihull.
Denis Bourne
A.R.C. Chairman.
LAND ROVER
NEWS - LAND ROVER LAUNCHES NEW MOTOR INSURANCE
PRODUCT (UK)
Gaydon, Warwickshire, Tuesday 16th October, 2001:
Land Rover, in conjunction with Royal & Sun
Alliance has announced the launch of a brand new Land
Rover Motor Insurance scheme, which is set to benefit
Land Rover owners across the UK. Designed to suit
Freelander, Discovery, Defender and Range Rover
owners, Land Rover Motor Insurance, which is
underwritten and administered by Royal & Sun
Alliance, includes a number of special features.
These include "off-road" cover at no extra
cost, windscreen and other glass breakage with no
excess, £275 personal effects cover and trailer
liability cover included as standard*. Furthermore,
all damage repairs will be carried out by approved
Land Rover repairers using genuine Land Rover parts.
If required, a courtesy car with a minimum of a 1600cc
engine will be provided for the duration of the
repairs.
In addition, customers who buy a new Land Rover which
is registered before 31 December 2001 will receive 14
days complimentary comprehensive insurance cover.
Robert Brady, Brand Director, Land Rover Financial
Services comments:
"Land Rover Motor Insurance has been developed
to support all current and future Land Rover drivers.
It is not only highly competitive in terms of cost
but is the most innovative motor insurance product
available in the 4x4 sector today. Early indications
show that our customers welcome this exciting new
product."
Land Rover Motor Insurance will recognise the No
Claims Bonus history of previous company car drivers,
and will provide customers with a dedicated Land
Rover claims team, available 24 hours a day. A number
of flexible payment options will also be available
including credit card, cheque or a monthly direct
debit plan.
For further information on this exclusive motor
insurance package, or for a quotation guaranteed for
90 days, contact any Land Rover dealer or call free
on 0800 072 4450.
* Applicable whilst the trailer is attached to a Land
Rover vehicle.
STUCK FOR A
CHRISTMAS PRESENT?
Something shiny for Christmas sir? Now that I have
your undivided attention, I will tell you what all
this talk of Christmas is all about. Why not buy
yourself a little present, or, your wives/husbands/partners,
why not buy your "other-half" one? I can
post out to you, a new type of stainless steel A.R.C.
Radiator Badge for the miserly sum of £8.50
including post and packing (U.K.) - £9.00 Europe and
£9.20 elsewhere - both these later by air mail.
Overseas orders in sterling please by either
international Money Order, International Giro Cheque
or a cheque drawn on a British Bank.
Orders received here by the following dates will
be posted prior to the relevant "Last Posting
dates for Christmas". I will even send out
badges in plain envelopes, provided you ask nicely,
so you can surprise your other half on Christmas
Morning! Please order from: Chris Savidge (Snr) 86,Spring
Lane, Lambley, Nottingham, NG4 4PG
ALL ROVER
WEEKEND AT THE TOWN AND COUNTRY FESTIVAL, STONELEIGH,
WARWICKSHIRE
Saturday
Saturday dawned clear, warm, and bright, and at 6:30
am I was later getting up than I wanted to be. After
some rushing about I managed to set off at 7:15 and (as
much as you can in a Series I) pushed the vehicle
quite hard. Some hard cornering or braking was met by
a little green light and a clattering from the
engine, but I got to the showground without mishap.
Once there I hoisted the Union Jack on the LR's
flagpole (having made sure it was the right way up),
and received instructions from Chris Savidge on what
he wanted me to do. A short while later the vehicles
started to roll up - both cars and Land Rovers, and
the ARC 'marshals' organised them into a display. As
usual with these events the RRR was out in force.
They always put on a good show and this year was no
exception. As in previous years they had organised
the charity rides on the off-road course there so
many were in use showing the public that a Range
Rover is not just a status symbol!
There were several different LR's from the Midland
ROC, and the Discovery OC made a good show as well.
Some other Series LR's, lightweights, 101's and Camel
Trophy vehicles completed the LR line-up. Ironically,
a Series II from Tallyllyn was there - it's driver
with the Tallyllyn display in the Model Engineering
section of the show, while many Series 1's were
having a good time at Tallyllyn! The last of the Land
Rover collection was filled with a fine collection of
radio controlled models, which were displayed in
action as well as statically throughout the weekend.
On the car side was a superb early P5, which stayed
for all three days supported by a range of P2's
covering both hard and open-top versions. All were in
a lovely condition. A tidy but unrestored black Rover
10 which had recently been bought arrived with a
delighted couple who were amazed that the car had
brought them a hundred miles without a problem. Much
of their day was spent comparing their pride &
joy with the other vehicles, discussing how to make
repairs, and talking about what was missing on the
vehicle. Their enthusiasm and excitement was
infectious. It was a shame they couldn't stay for the
whole weekend.
The ARC stand was ably "manned" at all
times with the willing helpers taking turns to go off
to see other displays at the show, with those on
'duty' welcoming many enquirers and giving out advice
on who to contact for membership as well as answering
a wide variety of other questions.
Sunday
Sunday is usually the busiest day. The LR's found
their own spots, but the cars were out in force, soon
outnumbering the "Series" Land Rovers.
Every type from P1 to P6 were represented except for
the P3, and to complete the set was a Marauder which
proved to have less ground clearance that a Series I
LR! Some of us LR types got quite concerned about
being outnumbered, but decided that if we included
the coil sprung types and Lightweights (but not
discos etc) we still had numbers on our side!!! One
member persuaded the St. John's Ambulance crew to put
their 110 on the stand for a while just to make sure!
The Rover Sports Register put up their club stand
and as usual there were a lot of conversations
catching up on the latest bits done to the cars, and
looking at differences. As a LR chap I spent much of
the day with the car owners gaining some knowledge of
the vehicles, how to tell the difference between
them, and some of the changes that came in during the
production of the vehicles - I just hope I don't
forget too much before I next see them. It was quite
a revelation to find that so many of the owners lived
within a 20-mile radius of me.
The cars certainly generated as much interest as
the LR's, with the Marauder taking the lions share of
the interest. We were entertained all weekend by the
owner of the early P5 with tales of some of his
antics with his vehicles - including towing a Scammel
with the P5!
Monday
It was a lazy kind of day which ended quietly and
goodbyes were said, along with many, many a "See
you next year if not before."
The All Rover Weekend has become a fixed calendar
event with many ARC members, and that doesn't
surprise me at all. If you're only in the ARC for
competitive eventing then perhaps it wouldn't suit
you (though I'd be surprised). If you're in the ARC
because you are enthusiastic about the Rover Company
vehicles then it is an ideal show. As well as the
company of other ARC members there is the rest of the
Town & Country show with everything from
traditional crafts and sports to Formula One
engineering. You can learn about some of the country
pastimes through watching demonstrations; the Pony
Club are eventing for the whole of the three days.
The steam people let you see how their machines were
used in past times, baling hay and cutting wood for
example. There is a large military presence there -
both the Army and the collectors of vehicles and
memorabilia! There are the pets, and working animal
sections; the fairground; the miniature railway;
helicopter rides; arena displays; hundreds of stalls
selling a huge variety of things; the model
engineering and hi-tech engineering sections; many
other vehicle clubs...The list goes on, or it would
If I could remember everything!
The RRR spent all three days running the off-road
course, taking people around and then asking for a
donation to the Air Ambulance Service. Over the three
days they raised £3,710, and the ARC extends thanks
to the drivers who give of their time and vehicles
for this cause. Their dedication to the cause goes as
far as even refusing some money to cover their fuel
costs, and on top of this the person at the show who
is in charge of the off-road course said how pleased
he was with the responsible way in which the RRR were
doing their driving. Because of his or her refusal of
any reimbursement, the RRR organised a raffle, giving
each off-road driver a ticket. The A.R.C. 's thanks
go to Alan Baldwin of Southam Tyres who donated a set
of tyres to the raffle, in recognition of the work
done by the chaps from the RRR.
Their are many others who should be thanked, whose
names have disappeared from my mind in the numbers of
people met during the three days, so I'll only
mention two by name. These are Chris and Bonny
Savidge. Bonny spent much of her time assisting
visitors to tea, coffee, biscuits and cake (mostly
home made too). Chris organised the event and without
him it would not be the good time that it is. Despite
having had some recent operations he was looking fit
and insisted in making his presence known throughout
the ARC area and clubs present. It was hard to get
him to take the necessary rest which he needs to help
recover from the latest of the operations.
Whatever your interest, the All Rover Weekend
event is a must for any member who can make it. You
do not have to be tied to your vehicle for the whole
time (or even any of it) if you don't want to be -
the rest of the Town & Country Festival sees to
that. There is something for everyone, no matter what
sized kid you are, and while you may get tired, you
won't be bored. And remember, it is an event for all
ARC members, both cars and Land Rovers (oh, and their
owners & families!), so let's meet you there next
year.
Nick Chinery (ARC Press, Publicity &
Sponsorship, & Webmaster)
FORTHCOMING
A.R.C. CLUB EVENTS
SOUTHERN ROVER
OWNERS CLUB CHARITY COMPETITIVE SAFARI, MEREWORTH
WOODS, SEVEN MILE LANE, WROTHAM, NR. MAIDSTONE. KENT
- Sunday 24th February 2001
Booking forms for this event are now available
from Tony Howland 01622 745461. Event opens to all A.R.C.
Clubs, Entry £20. Clerk of the Course is Tony
Howland and the grid reference is 188 643 554.
SCRUTINEERING
NEWS
Eligibility
Scrutineer.
An Eligibility Scrutineer should be
appointed at open or inter-club events. He / she
could be called in to help when there is a specific
problem. He / she will assist in the adjudication on
the issue. Safety issues come first - eligibility
issues can come after the event. Organisers of large
events will need to nominate an ARC Eligibility
Scrutineer. The competitors should be advised on the
SRs or at sign-on that this official is available.
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Chassis alterations.
On a Standard Class vehicle, the
chassis SECTION must not be cut away; i.e. the
rectangular cross-section of the chassis must be
retained throughout its length above and between the
axles. A "cut-and-shut" chassis is still
permitted but again, the rectangular chassis section
must be continuous throughout its length. The PROFILE
above and between the axles must also remain as per
the original design.
Consequently, the Scrutineering & Off Road
Committee have agreed upon the following definition
pending a change to the rules:-
"The use of a Land Rover design chassis is
permitted on condition that the profile and
rectangular cross-section above and between the axles
remains as per the original design. Rules A.12.5 and
C.6. still apply"
This replaces the previously published clarification
in ARC News 23 in November 98.
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Handbrakes:-
The Handbrake must be independent.
MSA regulation:- "H.36.13.2. Comply with all
Statutory Regulations as to Construction and Use and
lighting of vehicles (especially regarding brakes,
lighting, tyres, warning devices, rear view mirror,
silencer, speedometer, wings and windscreen) unless
the SRs specify otherwise."
Road Vehicles Construction & Use Regulations
clearly require the handbrake to be independent. It
may be hydraulically operated by a separate master
cylinder with a line-lock, but must not share system
components with the footbrake system.
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Drilled radius arms
This matter was discussed at length in 1996 / 7 and
the outcome was a decision that any radius arms that
have been welded to, drilled or cut into,
deliberately notched or bent up / down / sideways
will not be allowed in ARC events. This was not
publicised further at the time but we are publicising
it now as a safety issue.
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Recommendations for
Petrol Injection fuel system installations.
1) Standard Class Vehicles:-
90, 110, Range Rover. Discovery. All vehicles must
use original fit fuelling systems, or better.
2) Special Class Vehicles:-
Any flexible hoses used must be steel-braided fuel
lines to BSAU/108 and quality hose finishers to
connect tank, fuel pump, filters and fuel rail. Fuel
pump, filters, ECU etc are free.
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Drivers' briefings.
Blue Book See:-
E.5.1.3. Competitors must attend any meeting or
briefing where this is required by the SRs....
C 5.4.10. Impose a fine of not more than £100 on any
competitor who fails to attend, or who reports late
at, a scheduled drivers' briefing, or on any driver
who has not raced at the circuit before, and who
fails to report for a pre-practice briefing [J 4.2.1.].
So drivers must attend a scheduled meeting. If it
isn't scheduled, then drivers cannot be penalised for
not attending!
Should drivers sign on when they attend the meeting?
This is at the discretion of the club. If they choose
to do so, then this should be mentioned in the SRs.
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Guidelines For
Retirements
This is in the Blue Book:-
H.2.7.2. To be classified as a finisher, a competitor
must have attempted at least three quarters of the
total number of Observed Sections and arrive at the
finish within 20 minutes of the preceding vehicle.
The MSA Regs for Comp Safaris, Time Trials, etc all
refer back to this so we have a clear ready-made
definition. So to qualify as a finisher, you must
complete 75% of the runs. In a comp, 3 out of 4 runs
started need to be attempted. If there are 12
sections in a trial, you need to attempt 9 of them.
The definition of how much effort constitutes an
"attempt" will be a matter of judgement by
the organisers!
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Log Book second sheet
update.
The spaces in the Log Book are for failures on log-bookable
items only, i.e. anything that takes the vehicle
outside the log-booking specifications. These spaces
are not to be used for general wear-and-tear items.
If these spaces are filled up with failures on log-bookable
items, then the vehicle must have had a very hard
life and should be investigated to see what's going
on! It's highly probable that the vehicle will need a
full re-check if it gets this far! If this is a the
case, then a new Log Book must be applied for.
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Exhaust wraps.
MSA Safety Committee currently looking at this. The
ARC has issued a clarification banning the used of
fabric exhaust wrap heat-proofing on the grounds that
the oil-soaked material can act as a wick in the
event of a fire. However, the MSA feel it's a safety
item to have, as it keeps the engine bay temperatures
down. If you have this material fitted you should
keep it clean and oil-free and read the
manufacturer's conditions. If a sealing spray is
required then to do it under their recommendations.
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Handbrakes:-
Any road-legal vehicles must also comply with the
Road Vehicles Construction and Use Regulations, of
course. The current status within the ARC is :-
Standard Class vehicles.
The Handbrake must be independent iaw Road Vehicles
Construction and Use Regulations.
Special class vehicles;
Road legal - The Handbrake must comply with the
Statutory Road Vehicles Construction and Use
Regulations, i.e. it must be independent. It must be
a mechanical system, not a hydraulic one.
Not Road legal - The braking system is free and so a
system using an auxiliary master cylinder or a line-lock
in the footbrake system is OK.
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Scrutineering
issues from the 2000 ARC Rally: -
Security of rear
mounted tanks and batteries. These
are often bolted to the floor of the load area but on
more than one vehicle, the floor was cut away around
the roll-cage feet severely weakening it and reducing
its ability to carry the tank and battery if the
vehicle were to be inverted. Scrutineers should watch
out for this and reject vehicles if they feel that
the level of security is inadequate.
Sharp edges. There
were numerous vehicles with unacceptable amounts of
cut and jagged edges on bodywork. Finger-size holes
are lethal but many vehicles did not have them
covered. Don't the owners get their clothes snagged
on their own cars? This really isn't safe for
marshals and other helpers to have to handle such
hazardous metalwork. The rules are quite clear about
sharp edges. Scrutineers should watch out for sharp
edges and holes and reject vehicles if they feel that
the level of protection is inadequate. Drivers are
advised to equip themselves with Gaffer tape or Tank
tape to cover sharp edges that occur as a result of
damage during an event.
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Steve Kirby - Chairman ARC Scrutineering Committee.
IMPORTANT - Participation at
any competitive event or show is at your own risk or
that of the organisers. Although the A.R.C. is happy
to publicise such events it does not act as an agent
for the organisers. Statements or opinions expressed
in A.R.C. News are not necessarily those of the A.R.C.
Council. You are advised to obtain independent advice
on matters involving safety, finance or legislation.
This Newsletter is compiled
and edited by Paul Barton, ARC Newsletter Editor, for
the Association of Rover Clubs Contact Editor at 26
Summerhill Grange, Summerhill Lane, Lindfield,
Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH16 1RQ e-mail: PaulBarton.home@ukgateway.net
ARC Secretary: Caroline
Flanders, 124 Crescent Drive, Petts Wood, Orpington,
Kent. BR5 1BE. Telephone: 01689 878105 e-mail: arcsec@ledburn253.freeserve.co.uk.
Association of Rover Clubs
Ltd. Limited by Guarantee Registered in England No.
1806788 Registered Office, 124 Crescent Drive, Petts
Wood, Orpington, Kent, BR5 1BE
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