In order to encourage billycarts to enter events all over Australia the ABA is encouraging event organisers adopt the National Billycart Class (NB Class) regulations for their events - either on their own or alongside local classes and categories. This will allow for carts to be built to a standard specification and then be able to race anywhere and everywhere - meaning more races for everyone!
The NB Class is currently being formed and will be for 4 wheeled carts with a feet first driving position. Safety will be the number one priority however the regulations are being designed with an eye not only on safety but on speed and with enough 'room' to make really attractive, aerodynamic carts. There will be a maximum combined weight limit AND a maximum cart weight limit imposed to ensure a level playing field amongst racers.
The ABA is currently investigating existing event regulations from across the country before finalising the NB Class specification - more info soon
UPDATE 28 APRIL 2009
After a couple of weeks of consultation the first draft rules are now up. The rules have been developed in such a way to maximise their acceptance at all billycart events nationwide. Comment is welcome via the forum.
National Billycart Class Technical Regulations
These are based on a general specification of vehicles raced throughout the country. Safety is the main priority in these regulations, along with ensuring that a spirit of ingenuity is retained to allow designers as much freedom as possible.
1.1 Vehicles must be single seat machines
1.2 Vehicles must have a minimum of four wheels arranged in a front and rear pair
1.3 Drivers must be seated in the vehicle in a traditional feet first driving position
2.1 Maximum length 3500mm
2.2 Maximum width 1500mm
2.3 Minimum ground clearance 20mm (although more may be recommended at some venues due to surface irregularities)
2.4 Minimum track 750mm
2.5 Maximum racing weight 200kg
The maximum racing weight refers to the total weight of vehicle, driver and ballast, and will be weighed both before and at the completion of each vehicle’s run. Vehicles which will exceed 200kg with driver aboard may not run with any removable ballast and must weigh in under 100kg
3.1 Brakes must operate on a minimum of two wheels
3.2 Brakes must operate on both wheels of a ‘pair’ – i.e. either both front or both rear wheels
3.3 Brakes must be of the calliper, disc, drum or scrub type
3.4 Any braking system that relies on contact with the ground is forbidden
4.1 Maximum wheel diameter 24”
4.2 Tyres must be pneumatic
5.1 Vehicles must be equipped with a triangulated rear rollbar and a front rollover structure forward of the steering wheel
5.2 No part of the driver may be above an imaginary line drawn from the top of the rear roll bar to the top of the front roll structure whilst in the normal driving position, with helmet and belts on
5.3 Vehicles require a minimum three point ‘lap-sash’ seatbelt although a four point seatbelt is recommended
5.4 Vehicles with enclosed cockpits must have an easily identifiable external release system that can be operated from outside the cockpit without the need for tools
6.1 At all times whilst in the vehicle, the driver must wear full length clothing, enclosed shoes, gloves, and a helmet to minimum AS1698 standard
6.2 The driver must wear eye protection of some sort whilst driving. This can be either a helmet’s visor or safety goggles
7.1 The no BS rule is left to be vague for the guy that is looking for a loophole in the rules to gain an unfair advantage. Just because every possibility was not covered does not mean you should go on and do it. We reserve the right to DQ your car for any reason. We will be fair, Veteran drivers keep in mind your long tenure does not confer any special treatment, everyone is subject to the rules, please follow them.