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Invitational Home Page

RULES & REGULATIONS

SERIES OVERVIEW

The Desert Invitational Intramural Series, sponsored by Safe Life Defense, is designed as a benefit to the members of Apex Motor Club and Spring Mountain Motor Resort, offering a fun, gentleman’s race series that travels between the clubs. The two clubs collectively wanted to provide a new experience for all the members, to enhance the benefits of your membership. The goal is to host fun, competitive races at both tracks with class variety for GT cars and Radical/Prototype models, to include as many members as possible. This series will offer points in each race, each event weekend but the points will not be cumulative for the series at this time. The points accumulated will not affect or be included in a driver’s point standing in either club’s respective annual race series.

The Race Officials will include the Chief Executive Officer of Spring Mountain Dave Petrie, Chief Race Director, Richard Hearn and Apex Race Steward and TrackRekord Founder and professional driver, Kai Goddard.

The Desert Invitational Series coordinators will include Spring Mountain Membership Director, Elizabeth McGee and Apex Director of Operations, Brittany Stotler.

DISCLAIMER

Racing of any form is dangerous, and all drivers/participants assume all risks associated with racing and related activities. While these rules serve to run an orderly event, it cannot be assumed that participation in this type of event carries no risks. These rules are intended as a guide for the conduct of this sport and are in no way a guarantee against injury or death to a participant or spectator. Spring Mountain reserves the right to change, add, or alter these rules at any time during the race year. In the event changes are made, drivers shall be notified as stated above.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Driver

  • Must be at least 18 years of age and be an active member at either Spring Mountain or Apex Motor Club.
  • Any competition license (SCCA, NASA, Porsche Owners Club, etc.) or be cleared by another Motorsport Private Club.
  • Members wishing to participate without a racing license will be asked to participate in two Time Attack weekends and then will be cleared at the discretion of the Race Director.
  • Any driver deemed at any point to be a danger or an issue on track during these multi-class events will be removed from the track immediately.
  • If a Driver has been reprimanded multiple times, the driver may be suspended from being able to compete in competition events indefinitely.

Vehicle

  • All cars will be required to fulfill the SCCA General Competition Rules safety requirements. These requirements can be found online at: www.scca.com/pages/cars-and-rules.
  • All drivers will be required to wear ALL safety equipment recommended in the SCCA GCR. Racing is a demanding activity, and as a driver competing within the series, one must be physically fit to handle the stresses involved.
  • All drivers are required to use the following safety equipment:
  1. Approved helmet; see table below for details. You must see the Club Coordinator in order to obtain an approval sticker.
  2. Hans Device or similar neck support system must be within valid date.
  3. Approved suit, gloves, and shoes; see table below for details.
  4. Safety belts must be within valid date.
  5. Fire suppression system must be charged and within valid date.
  6. Fuel cell must be within certification.

Driver Safety Equipment Table

  • We recommend that all suits be worn with SFI rated underwear; however, it is only required for those who only have a one-layer suit.
  • All vehicles will be required to be in good working order. Any car that is questionable in operational safety, or has past history of unsafe operation, will be asked to fix any issues before being allowed on track.
  • Yes, ALL cars should have a transponder operating during any track session beginning Friday morning. If your car does not have a transponder, you may rent one from the club for a fee of $45 per day ($70 for the weekend) and you may only rent one twice. Every car in competition should have an operational transponder on it.
  • All vehicles will be asked to maintain a good appearance with body parts/panels being securely mounted. This will be at the discretion of the Race Director. We would like to have cars that appear similar to or better than other major amateur racing events.
  • Front windscreens shall be mounted on any vehicle with a windshield frame, likewise for all windows that are framed on any vehicle. Both driver and passenger front windows may be removed and glass may be replaced with polycarbonate.
  • Window nets will be secured UP during competition events.
  • Every car shall have a forward-facing camera recording during the competition event. An additional rear facing camera would be beneficial, however, not required. Operation failures of race recordings could result in the incident being deemed your fault. Spring Mountain and Apex have the right to use all camera footage for race reviews and media usage.
  • ALL Drivers are required to use raceceivers for all races.
  • ALL Radical 1300s are required to run Hankook tires.
  • ALL Radical 1500s are required to run Michelin tires.

DECALS

All participants of the Desert Invitational must adhere to the following decal guidelines, regardless of custom liveries. Any cars found not complying, will receive a D.Q.

  • Plate/Placard: A number plate/placard will be provide by Spring Mountain/Apex. All numbers are first-come-first-serve.
  • The plate/placard is to be placed on both driver and passenger doors.

QUALIFYING

  • Each competitor will have an opportunity to set a qualifying time in that morning’s qualifying session for Race One. Race Two qualifying will be based on the driver’s fastest lap times in Race One.
  • The grid will be staged based on time set during one of the Friday morning open sessions, regardless of class.
  • If you do not participate in the open sessions or qualifying, your car will be positioned at the back of the grid for the race.
  • If you did not race in Friday’s race, your car will be positioned at the back of the grid for Saturday’s race.
  • If multiple cars do not post a time in qualifying, grid position will be determined by combined practice times. If no times are available, the grid position will be determined by Race Stewards.
  • If qualifying is rained out, grid positions will be determined by combined practice times.

MULTCLASS RACING FORMAT

Competitors in the race weekend will need to register prior to the track going hot (schedule lists registration times) on the day of their participation. The registration fee for members is $350 for the weekend, which does not include track support. Registration closes one hour after the track goes hot. If a driver registers after registration closes, they may do so but the race fee for that day increases to $500. The registration sheet will need to be filled out completely and honestly to ensure proper classification. Please refer to the classing information to figure correct power figure and calculation for class.

  • Weight figures are minimum weight after race/qualifying with driver in place.
  • The Race Director holds authority to dyno, weigh, or inspect any vehicle they deem out of bounds in terms of classing. Refusal to submit to requests will result in loss of points for that weekend and possible suspension of future competition events.
  • Races will be 30 minutes from green flag.
  • Competitors exiting the track may be chosen at random for impound inspections.
  • All competitors will be required to park in impound area until cleared to return to garages.
  • The Race Director will indicate when the grid closes in the morning Drivers’ Meeting. A driver missing the meeting or failing to be on grid prior to closing will be required to start in the back of the grid.

DRIVERS’ MEETINGS

All participating drivers must attend the mandatory drivers’ meetings. A drivers’ meeting will be held prior to the first official race at a place and time specified in the weekend schedule. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of the meeting. Any drivers who are late or do not attend will result in grid penalties.

ON TRACK CONDUCT

This is country club racing and conduct on track is aimed at a SAFE, RESPECTFUL, and FUN environment. Any competitor observed putting these goals at risk will be removed from the track.

  • Car on Car contact is NOT permitted at all.
  • If contact is serious resulting in damage, the driver deemed at fault will be expected to pay for damages.
  • Drivers on track will be expected to be comfortable and aware with other varying paced vehicles.
  • If drivers have been observed not aware of other vehicles or track safety flags, they will be immediately black flagged.
  • Faster vehicles are responsible for overtaking slower vehicles in a safe manner. If there is contact, the faster vehicle will be most likely at fault unless the Race Director observes there is an uncommon circumstance.

FULL COURSE CAUTIONS AND PASSING

  • If a driver passes another driver during a full course caution, that driver must give the position back before the restart.
  • If driver does not give position back and the Race Director immediately calls it, driver will receive an open black flag.
  • If it is determined post-race via video, the driver will receive a 10-second penalty on their race results.

JUMPED STARTS

  • If a driver passes another driver during the warm-up lap before the green flag is given, he will receive a 5-second penalty on his race results.

INCIDENTS

At the end of every race weekend, a Driver’s Log Report will be sent out describing any and all incidents during each race. It will include a basic description of the incident, the drivers involved, the ruling of fault and how many points involved drivers will receive against their license.

If a driver was not involved in race review prior to a ruling, the driver will be allowed to submit a one-time appeal to have the incident and ruling reviewed again.

POINTS AND SCORING SYSTEM

Points will be awarded to participating drivers within their respective classes. Each class must have a minimum of 4 drivers competing in the class in order to receive trophy recognition at podium. Points will still be awarded to drivers even if they don’t qualify for a trophy. Classified finishers will receive points as followed:

  • Any driver who qualifies for a race but does not participate will not receive any points. Drivers who start the race, but do not finish at least 50%, will receive a DNF and will earn one point. Full positioned points will only be awarded to drivers who finish at least 50% of the race.
  • There will be an additional point given to the fastest driver in each class in the qualifying session, as well as an additional point for the driver that achieves the fastest lap during the race.
  • Points will be accumulated for the weekend to achieve a weekend Champion. Trophy presentation will be Saturday at the end of the day for the champion of the weekends race.

TIE-BREAKERS

  • In the event there is a tie at the end of a weekend, the winner will be determined by whomever has a higher placing finish in the last completed race.
  • In the event there is a tie at the end of the series, an overall winner will be determined in the respective class based on the number of times the driver finished in first position in the same class during the race year.

THE SCHEDULE

  • At Spring Mountain Motor Resort – September 30 – October 1, 2022
  • At APEX Motor Club – March 24 – March 25, 2023

CLASS SPECIFICATIONS

The Desert Invitational will consist of three separate racing divisions. Each division will be scored separately.

  • Prototype Division One (P1) – Radical SR8, SR8SX and Radical SR10.
  • Prototype Division Two (P1) – Radical SR3, SR3RSX, SR3XX 1300cc and 1500cc sealed engine by Powertec America or Radical Performance Engines.
  • GT2, GT4 America, GTU and MX-5 Cup Car Classes.

Classes will be power to weight based. The power figure will be wheel horsepower on a Dynojet dynamometer. EVERY car will need to submit a dyno sheet to the race director with a few exceptions. Power figures will be verified on the Spring Mountain Racing dyno if needed. Cars with a “sealed” engine and ECU will not be required to submit a dyno sheet. An example of a sealed engine is the 2016-2019 Mazda MX5 Global Cup car. Stock OEM cars (example: Camaro, GT3RS street car) that have not been modified may also be exempt at the discretion of the race director. Weight will be factored as minimum weight after a race or qualifying session with driver IN place.

Examples:

  • 2400 lbs / 155 WHP = 15.48 / GT4 class
  • 2900 lbs / 400 WHP = 7.25 / GT1 class

GT4 AMERICA CLASS

Valid at the Desert Invitational Race Weekends:

  • 9:1 power to weight limit.
  • While GT4 is not a spec class, it is intended that competitors keep their cars close to the specifications intended by the manufacturer. For example, the addition of aerodynamic aids that differ significantly from those provided by the manufacturer are not permitted.

GT2 CLASS

  • 8:1 power to weight or more.
  • Aerodynamic devices cannot extend more than 4 inches from the furthest protruding body panel.

MX-5 CLASS

  • All cars are allowed to run up to a 225-width racing slick type tire.
  • Maximum wheel width is 9 inches.
  • No aerodynamic devices allowed including and not limited to spoilers, splitters, wings, canards, etc.
  • You may install hood vents to assist with cooling as long as they are not deemed aerodynamic-enhancing devices.
  • Dampers are restricted to 2-way adjustments.
  • OEM body panels only.

Minimum Weight Restrictions

  • ND1 MX5 cup car minimum weight: 2350 lbs. Must not be modified from delivery specification.
  • ND2 MX5 cup car minimum weight: 2475 lbs. Must not be modified from delivery specification.
  • NC MX5 minimum weight: 2450 lbs. Recommended that car build follows the national spec MX5 modification list with the exceptions to the above overall class rules. Modifications must follow spirit of the class. No altering of suspension pickup points or extensive fabrication resulting in modifying the unibody structure. Internal engine modifications are limited to a MAXIMUM of the national spec MX5 engine package. NC MX5s are allowed to run a front bumper lip or skirt so long as it does not protrude from the outline of the bumper looking down.

If you have an MX5 that has been run in the Spring Mountain Race or Apex Motor Club Series these past seasons and it does not comply with the updated rules, please contact Brandon Chappell for a grandfathering homologation. We will analyze the car to assign a weight, and from there the car cannot be modified further. If the car is modified excessively outside the spirit of the class, the vehicle will be assigned to the GT4 class.

This class is designed to make various MX5 race cars work together to provide safe, fun, and fair racing. The class will be analyzed throughout this season to ensure that the key objectives are met. If changes are made, it will be by an agreement via an experienced panel with data to ensure the goals are upheld and fair.

GTU CLASS

  • Unlimited class.
  • Must have fully enclosed wheels.
  • No Prototype vehicles.

RACE DESCRIPTION

Races are 30 minutes in duration. The time begins with the first attempt or first green flag, whichever occurs first. The race has begun when the first car crosses the timing line after completion of the formation and pace laps (usually one and 7/8ths laps). Any specialty races will be discussed in the drivers’ meeting(s).

  • Finishing the race on yellow will be permitted.
  • Passengers are not allowed during practice, qualifying or a race. See schedule for passenger permitted groups.

RACE STARTS

All starts are rolling starts and will be “double file.” Cars will be lined up in two lanes with the pole sitter assigned the inside (inside being determined by the first corner after the start line) lane. All cars will remain in the assigned lane and position until they have received the green flag/light. Both lanes will be aligned nose to tail (with 5-10 feet between cars) and each row will be aligned evenly.

During the formation/pace lap(s), cars are permitted to warm tires and brakes safely and cannot pass other cars. When the pace car turns its lights off, all drivers must stop warming up procedures and form into starting position until the green flag/light. When the pace car driver pulls away, the field is under control of the respective pole sitter.

The pole sitter is responsible for maintaining the speed the pace car sets until the green flag/light. In the event there is a disabled car in front of you, you may pass this car when deemed safe. After the pace car pulls away, weaving will no longer be permitted. Although racing begins prior to the START/FINISH line, timing and scoring does not. Individual timing begins as each car crosses the START/FINISH line.

  • If a grid position in front of you opens up, please fill the gap.

PACE CAR

A singular pace car will be used for all division classes. Racecars will be positioned according to qualifying times and gridding procedures behind the pace car.

All drivers are required to maintain even spacing between one another and the pace car. There should be no large gaps. The field should come into perfect alignment towards the end of the pace lap (in double or single file formation/restart). Once the pace car leaves the track, the lead car (pole) will be responsible for maintaining a steady pace with the field until the green flag is shown.

  • Once the pace car establishes the pace, it is to be maintained, even after the pace car has left. There is to be NO acceleration OR deceleration prior to green flag. No falling behind. No large gaps in grid.
  • At any point during the pace lap, if there is an excessive gap as deemed by the Race Director, you will be warned and may be penalized.

ABORTED START / RESTART

If the group does not receive the green flag/light at the end of the formation laps, the pace car will pick up the grid requiring the group to align in the original double file assigned.

Should there be a full course caution in the race and a restart is required, the group will line up in single file order to receive a green flag/light.

FLAGS / LIGHTS

At Spring Mountain, a lighting system is used in conjunction with traditional flags. In the event the lighting system is inoperable for any reason, traditional flags will be used and clarified to drivers prior to race start. See end of document for flag/light definitions. Traditional flags will always take precedence over lighting system.

RACING

Racing is a non-contact sport. In rare circumstances, some contacts may be ruled as unavoidable. Any contact may be black flagged and/or penalized. Competition is encouraged with a philosophy of co-existence on the track taking precedence.

During any qualifying and/or race situation where a competitor receives a black flag, they are to report to pit area immediately. If a driver ignores the black flag and does not report to pit area within five laps, their timing will stop and will result in a DNF.

  • If at the time of receiving the black flag there are less than five laps remaining, the driver is still required to report to pit area as soon as possible. If the driver does not report to pit area, they still could face a DNF, which will be determined by the Race Director.

PASSING

The passing driver is responsible for the decision to pass another car and to accomplish it safely. The driver being passed is responsible to be aware they are being passed and not block the overtaking car. A driver who does not use his rear-view mirror or who appears to be blocking another car attempting to pass may be black flagged and/or penalized.

PASS UNDERWAY

A pass is underway when the passing vehicle has a front wheel even with the driver of another car. When a pass is underway, both cars are required to allow sufficient room for each car. Sufficient room is defined as allowing room for both cars to race without being forced to put a wheel off track to avoid contact.

PASS COMPLETED

A pass is complete when the rear wing of the overtaking driver’s racecar is in front of the front splitter of the overtaken driver’s racecar.

BLOCKING

Blocking is prohibited. The leading driver sets their line once. The leading car may change their normal line ONCE per corner. Any subsequent line change is blocking. Weaving is blocking. Altering their racing line based on the actions of pursuing competitors is blocking.

PASSING DURING PRACTICE / QUALIFYING SESSIONS

Passing is allowed without a point-by during all practice and qualifying sessions. However, it is highly recommended to give a point-by when possible, as qualifying sessions are not vehicle exclusive and/or championship exclusive. Please pay attention to all blue lights as they indicate when a faster car is approaching.

PASSING DURING RACE

  • A point-by is not required or needed during the race. It is the responsibility of both the overtaking driver and the driver being overtaken to assure safety at racing speeds. The driver must realize that they have an advantage over the overtaken driver. The overtaking driver has a better view of the car in the lead than the driver in the lead car has of the overtaking car. The driver of the car in the lead has an obligation to remain as aware as possible of passing cars and conduct themselves in a safe and sportsmanlike manner. A pass is defined as being completed when the rear wing of the overtaking driver’s racecar exceeds the front splitter of the overtaken driver’s racecar.
  • On a straightaway, the overtaken driver shall remain aware of all passing cars and shall not attempt to block or impede the passing car. In the corners, the car in the lead at the “turn-in point” of a corner has the right-of-way to the apex. Overtaking drivers that “dive” into a corner late, after the turn in point, will likely be held responsible for any incident unless it is proven that the overtaken driver had the ability to see the overtaking driver’s car and could have avoided contact.
  • If a car establishes position (equal side by side) with another car before the “turn-in point,” then the cars share the corner; they must coexist and give racing room to each other. If a car establishes partial position (less than splitter to splitter) with another car before the “turn-in point,” then the overtaken driver will leave racing room if possible.
  • Most corners and most situations allow coexistence when the overtaking car has established reasonable, but not complete position. However, the overtaking driver is responsible to know which corners and which situations are reasonable for coexistence, and which are not. The overtaking driver must be cautious and understand the potential risk of the driver in the lead possibly not seeing them. The overtaking driver must realize they are ultimately responsible for a safe pass and ready to “back out” if necessary, to avoid contact.
  • If a slower car is being lapped by faster traffic, it is courteous for the driver in the slower car to point the faster car(s) by and give racing room in the corners. The overtaking driver must be cautious and understand the potential risk of the slower driver not seeing them or misjudging the speed differential. The overtaking driver must realize that without a point-by, they are ultimately responsible for the safe pass.

AVOIDABLE CONTACT

Any driver who initiates avoidable contact with another competitor or causes a competitor to deviate from the racing surface in order to avoid contact, whether or not such contact interrupts the other competitor’s lap times, track position, or damages other competitor’s cars, and whether or not such actions result in actual contact, may be black flagged and/or penalized.

  • An example of avoidable contact is a driver initiating a pass after the leading car has passed the traditional “turn-in point” that results in contact is guilty of avoidable contact.

UNJUSTIFIABLE RISK

Any participant who engages in any behavior deemed to represent an unjustifiable risk or reckless engagement may be warned or penalized.

POSSIBLE PENALTIES

Possible penalties for being at fault (defined by Race Director) for an incident include, but are not limited to:

  • Fine: Payment for damages done to another driver’s car; payment cannot be forced, only requested. If payment is refused, other consequences may be assigned.
  • Probation: Definite or indefinite period of probation.
  • Disqualification.
  • Time/Lap: A lap penalty during or after a race may be imposed or time penalty during a race by calling a car into the pits and/or holding a car in the pits may be imposed. A time penalty may be imposed by adding time to a car’s finishing position after the race.
  • Loss of Race Points: Points normally awarded during race events may be revoked from any driver.
  • Exclusion: A driver may be excluded from a race in which case any award or points in the race are forfeited and next competitors will be advanced.

TRACK DAMAGE

Competitors are responsible for all costs relating to any damage they do to track property, including barriers.

PROTEST PROCEDURE

After any race session, a driver may protest any actions that may have occurred.

  • Examples of protestable actions during a race: being passed under yellow, being blocked or contact.
  • Protests of any competitor’s vehicle or actions, for good cause, must be filed within 30 minutes after the completion of a race or qualifying session with the Race Director. They will submit a protest form and give $500 cash to the Race Director as the administration fee. If the driver/car in question is found guilty, that competitor will lose all applicable points for that weekend and will be placed on a full-year probation.
  • If it is necessary to put the car on the SMR dyno or be evaluated by a technician, the party who is out of compliance will have to pay the fees accrued to determine compliance.
  • If the accused driver refuses to have his/her car evaluated, they are banned from racing at Spring Mountain until their car is evaluated. Frivolous and “nuisance” protests may result in some type of action against the protesting party.
  • The Protest Committee consists of the General Manager (Chief Steward) of the Spring Mountain Racing Series, Race Director, Racing Facilities Manager and other qualified instructors. The Protest Committee will either confirm or deny the protested action. If the protest is upheld, any of the possible penalties may be imposed on the driver at fault.

Revised 9.23.22

Appreciate