REQUIREMENTS:
MACHINE PREPARATION
MANX GRAND PRIX


I would like to take this opportunity to help all riders and mechanics to get through Technical Inspection efficiently by letting everyone know what we require in terms of machine preparation at the Manx Grand Prix.

Some of the requirements may appear to be idiosyncratic but every regulation has a reason based on many years’ experience of checking racing machines used on the Mountain Course. I know that many of our requirements are not necessary on short circuits but anyone who races on the Mountain Course regularly will tell you that the long, high speed sections can give rise to problems that will not show up in a full season of short circuit racing.

  1. It is an FIM and ACU requirement to have the separation of the front brake lines at or above the lower fork clamp. Hoses must not be fastened to the front mudguard.

  2. A front brake lever guard must be installed on all machines, they must be robust, suitable for
    purpose and properly fitted. It is recommended that brake caliper attachment bolts are lock wired.

  3. Tyres must be correctly fitted according to the rotation arrows.

  4. Short valve stems are a must, as the long rubber stems that are used on car wheels will deflect quite appreciably at sustained high speed and must be changed. Metal stems and metal angled valve fittings are acceptable but must be securely fitted so as not to move.

  5. Metal valve caps, or the latest moulded plastic racing caps which include a pressure seal, must be fitted. The valve core can lift off its seat on long, fast stretches and the rubber seal in the cap provides additional sealing against pressure loss. Do not use the extractor type with the slot in the top as, should this come off, it could puncture a tyre.

  6. Wheel spindle nuts and wheel spindles must be pinned or lock wired. Where the spindle is flush with the fork legs, lock wiring both pinch bolts on both fork legs is acceptable. Where spindles are retained by bolted or pivoting caps e.g. 350 Honda classic or RC30 the retaining nut must be securely wired or the stud end drilled for wire/split pin. Rear wheel spindles that are captive at one end do not need additional retention, but the nut does. Spindles using a castellated nut and an R-lip must have lock wire or a cable tie on the open end of the R-clip to secure it.

  7. Oil containment is required on ALL four stroke machines so please keep a very close eye on the belly pan which should be solid WITHOUT any drain holes or bungs. Any holes must be properly repaired with fibreglass before the machine is allowed into the holding area. Duct tape or silicone is not an acceptable repair. Unfaired machines must be fitted with a reservoir beneath the engine and the front lip must extend upwards to within 50 mm of the base of the cylinder barrel to guide any oil down into the reservoir in the event of engine failure.

  8. The lower rear chainguard (or shark fin) MUST cover the point at which the chain runs on to the rear sprocket when viewed from the side. Moving the rear wheel back as far as possible to lengthen the wheelbase and the smaller sprocket used for TT course gearing means that a guard that was OK on short circuits could be a long way from a position where it is effective. The guard must not be more than 40mm laterally from the face of the chain.

  9. Provision of riding numbers and backgrounds are the responsibility of the competitor. Numbers should be the correct size and backgrounds must be the correct class colour and matt to avoid reflection from sunlight. Putting the background inside the screen and the numbers on the outside s not acceptable. Shiny backgrounds and a low sun make a bike coming down Glencrutchery oad look like it has a headlamp on! If it is not possible to put the number in the centre of the fairing then it should be on the right hand side when sitting on the machine. Side numbers must be visible from the side. These should be on the fairing or belly pan. Any numbers or backgrounds that are not acceptable will have to be replaced. Please read the regulations and ensure you resent your machine with the correct colour plates and numbers fitted and ‘ready to race’.

  10. Random inspection of clothing will be carried out along with ensuring that identity discs are being worn and the correct helmet sticker is in place.

  11. Red rear warning lights are compulsory on all machines and in addition to the requirements of the ACU Handbook, the rear light needs to be must be clearly visible from behind and positioned within 100mm forward of the rear axle and to the rear of body work of the machine (Supplementary Regs Section 6 page 20 and Appendix G page 79). This will be checked at Technical Inspection. Many of the lights fitted in previous years have not been robust. Please ensure that not only is the
    light correct, but fitted such that it will survive the rigours of the mountain course!

  12. Fuel tanks must have a vent pipe which terminates in a plastic catch bottle of at least 250ml. Standard Monza caps with open vents are therefore not acceptable. These must be sealed and a separate vent pipe provided along with an R clip installed. Bottles should be positioned where the contents are easily visible. Similarly coolant overflows must have a catch bottle of at least 250ml. Only water is permitted for coolant.

  13. Competitors should note that the requirement for drilled and lock-wired drain plugs is extended to include all external oil drains and lower gearbox detent covers, and MUST include ALL oil ressure sensors or their replacement threaded blanking plugs. Canister oil filters must be fitted with a jubilee type clip, which is to be restrained with locking wire or retained against the engine casting.

  14. Only FIM homologated helmets according to FRHPhe-01 with a valid homologation label will be accepted.

  15. Back Protectors & Chest Protectors are compulsory for all competitors.

    a) Back protectors must conform to European Standard EN 1621-2: CB or FB

    b) Chest protectors must conform to European Standard EN 1621-3 single or divided are
    permitted.

  16. Please bring Pit lane/fuellers/fireman clothing when you sign on.

  17. Transponders must Not be fitted on the fork leg between the yokes. They must point downwards (horizontally mounted transponders are not permitted).

  18. Podium finishers will have their engines measured. This can be after the competitors last race of the week on that machine. Engines will be sealed after earlier races. If you are having your engine built in advance of the Manx Grand Prix, you can get it measured by an ACU licenced measurer. Bring his/her signed results with you.

  19. Random breath tests will be carried out throughout practice and race weeks. The permitted level of alcohol is 0.000 g/L.

If you have any comments or questions, I can be contacted through the Race Office.

Trevor Denning
Chief Technic






al Official