CLUB PROFILE


The aim of the Club is to organise low cost single seater racing for the club racer. With this in mind we promote classes for the traditional Monoposto competitor who is broadly a "Do it Yourself" man or woman. The Monoposto Championship is for cars which are at least four years old. The engine size dictates the class into which a car falls. This is reflected in the class names.

The emphasis in the Monoposto Clubs' championships is on the amateur owner driver. Most of the cars being raced in the Monoposto championships are prepared by their owners and their friends. As a result the club has a reputation for producing cars which are prepared to a very high standard by their enthusiastic owners.
Depreciation is a crippling cost in many categories of racing because the pace of development means that the very latest designs tend to dominate. The Monoposto Racing Club rules are specifically framed to prevent this happening in Monoposto racing. One of the reasons why racing the Monoposto Club way is relatively inexpensive is that competitors do not have to sell their cars at a huge loss at the end of each season in order to invest in the latest equipment to remain competitive. Frequently, a car may be raced for several seasons and show zero depreciation when sold.

One of the great strengths of Monoposto Racing is that it is specially formulated so that owners of a wide range of single seater racing cars can compete and still enjoy close, exciting racing. The class structure is such that a wide variety of cars can compete on equal terms. In Mono2000, Mono1800 and Mono1600, all commercially built cars racing in Monoposto Racing must be built for the 2004 season or earlier. However you can enter a home made or "one off" car of any age.

The MRC's 1200 class is a championship for motorcycle engined cars . The Mono1200 Championship is aimed at those who want to compete in cars which can be bought "off the shelf" as well as home prepared ones. Unlike the other Monoposto classes new cars can be raced in this class. Despite this change of emphasis, Mono1200 is still firmly focussed on the enthusiast rather than the career driver.
The MRC Classes for 2008
Mono2000 caters for cars that were originally used in the entry level "slicks and wing" formulae. They must have standard 2 litre ferrous blocked engines from a series production car. These should run on carburettors, unless they are Formula Vauxhall or Formula Renault Sport cars which may use their original fuel injection. Typical cars raced in Mono 2000 include F3, F2000, Formula Vauxhall, Formula Renault Sport.

New for 2008 is the introduction of the Mono2000 Classic Championship. With this championship, the club recognises that a modern Dallara is probably capable of outpacing some of the older machinery and the latter merit their own championship.

Mono1800 is for ferrous blocked production engines. Commercially built chassis must be of 2004 or earlier design. Typical cars eligible for Mono1800 include Formula Vauxhall Junior 16v, FF1800 Zetec and FF2000. Mono1600 is for ex FF1600 cars, Formula Renault 1700, Formula Vauxhall Junior 8v ,and home-made cars powered by either a standard FF1600 Kent engine, or a similar engine slightly modified to Monoposto Club regulations. Typical cars include Van Diemen, Royale, Swift, Lola and Reynard FF1600 cars. Mono1200 is aimed at those potential competitors who want inexpensive off the shelf racing rather than building and preparing their own cars. This is the only Monoposto class allowing new commercially built cars. Type approved chassis of any age powered by 1200 cc Motorcycle engines are permitted in Mono1200. Chassis that lack type approval may be used in Mono1200 if they conform to the 2004 rule.

Which cars can compete in the MRC Championships ?
Virtually any! If you own a Single Seater racing car over three years old then it is highly likely that one of our classes will have been formed to accommodate it. A summary of the principal types of cars racing in each class is given below:

Class Typical Chassis Typical Engines

Mono2000
* 2003 or earlier Formula Three cars
* Formula Vauxhall cars *
* Formula Renault Sport Cars*
* F2000 cars*
* Formula Ireland
* may compete with formula pattern fuel injection
* Vauxhall 2.0l 16v
* Ford Zetec 2.0l
* Renault 2.0 l

Mono1800
* 2003 or earlier FF1800 Zetec
* 16v Formula Vauxhall Junior
* FF 2000

Mono1600
* 2003 or earlier FF1600 car
* Formula Vauxhall Junior 8v
* Formula Renault 1700
* FF1600 engines may use the Monokent camshaft

Mono1200
* OMS, DJ Engineering
* Jedi
* VanDiemen Project 281, Force Engineering
* Speads
* Re-engined commercial chassis built before 2004
One off homebuilt cars of any age may compete in any class. Weight limits have been introduced for all classes
NB This overview is given for guidance purposes only. Please consult the 2008 Technical Regulations or the Monoposto Club for definitive information before making any commitments.

How little it really costs
Car. average purchase price £3,000 - £7,500

Typical cost of a season
* MSA competition licence £ 40
* Annual medical examination £55
* race entries (12 rounds at £157*) £1880 * an average figure, race costs vary. Range £135-200
* fuel for meetings £ 240
* travel to meetings £ 800
* x 2 sets of tyres £ 80
* Repairs & replacements £500 - £1,500

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do Monoposto Racers compete ?
The Monoposto Club races at motor racing circuits throughout the UK. Circuits at which the we will compete in 2008 include: Silverstone, Anglesey, Snetterton, Mallory Park, Cadwell Park, Oulton Park, Rockingham & Donington Park. Circuits that we frequently visit but will not be visited in 2008 include: Brands Hatch, Pembrey, Castle Combe and Croft.
How many races are there each year ?
There are twelve rounds in the championship, of which the best ten results count for championship points
Do I have to compete in all twelve rounds ?
No, you can do as many or as few rounds as you like.
If I only want to do one or two races can I compete as a guest ?
Guest drivers are offered a discounted Guest Membership of £45 for up to two races, amount refundable against full membership.
I have not raced before, can I start racing Monoposto ?
Single seaters are the ideal way to start racing. Because they are designed to be raced they are easy to learn to drive on the track, and do not require adaptation to be used for racing. As a beginner Monoposto Racing will allow you to concentrate on your track craft, rather than worry about your car. That is why so many of the Motor Racing Schools such as Jim Russell and Silverstone Driving Centre teach newcomers in single seaters. The MRC recognises that the greatest expense in racing falls on the newcomer. An initiative for 2008 is that the club is waiving the Championship Registration Fee for all bona fide newcomers to the sport.
Isn't single seater racing very expensive ?
Well no form of motor sport is cheap, but surprisingly single seater racing are one of the cheapest forms of circuit racing. "Pre enjoyed" (!) single seaters are less expensive to buy than cars for most production based formulae. Because single seaters are designed and built as race cars, there is no need to spend money on expensive one off modifications to prepare the car for circuit use. Monoposto racers use standard engines, keeping down the need to buy special engine parts. Also there is a thriving trade in second hand tyres and spare parts, which have plenty of life left in them, from the professional teams.
How much will I have to pay for a car ?
How long is a piece of string ?! A basic but reliable Mono1600 car could cost as little as £2500. A good Formula Renault 1700 car should be available for about £4,500, whilst a complete Formula Vauxhall car for Mono2000 would cost about £6000. But expect to pay £20 000+ for a recent F3 based Mono2000 Dallara.
I have competed in a road car based series, but will I be able to cope with a single seater?
Certainly ! In many ways single seaters are less complicated than road cars to prepare for the circuit. They only have components which are actually needed to race, so you do not need to waste time and effort on non essential items such as complex electrics and extensive enclosed bodywork. Because single seaters are born to race, their handling and performance are totally suited to the track. As a result they are much more satisfying to drive and once you get acclimatised your driving will improve too.
Will I be able to get spare parts?
Apart from the thriving trade in second hand parts from professional teams there are a large number of specialists who can supply new parts or repair/recondition used parts. A good place to start looking is on our On Line market place.
Am I too old for Monoposto Racing?
Although the semi professional, single seater formulae are the preserve of mere children, Monoposto competitors vary widely in age. The majority seem to be in their late thirties and forties, but several of our most successful competitors are in their sixties! And, whisper it, one or two are a decade older.
I am a female racing enthusiast, but I am not sure that Monoposto racing would be suitable for me ?
Well Amanda Whitaker, our champion for three years has "made it" in style in Monoposto racing, proving that you don't have to be a Macho Man to succeed in Monoposto Racing.

How do I get started ?
Join the Monoposto Club as either a competing member or a supporter if you don't want to race this year.
You will then need to get a racing licence if you haven't competed in any form of racing before. Details on this can be found on the MSA website.
The Club will help you find a suitable car, and put you in touch with an experienced competitor who can offer advice and encouragement as you prepare for your first race.

Championship Scrutineers Brief

Introduction
A championship eligibility scrutineer is appointed to verify that competitors conform to the championship technical regulations.
Since the 2002 season, the Championship Scrutineer has been John Atkinson. He has built up a significant body of knowledge about our championship, its regulations and the general standard of preparation of cars, usually evident.
For the 2008 season John Atkinson has once again been appointed as Championship Scrutineer and will be present at as many meetings as possible.

Aims
To ensure that as far as possible, all competitors in the Monoposto Championship comply with the technical regulations at all times.
To monitor compliance with the regulations in a consistent, fair, open and transparent manner.
To operate the scrutineering process with as little inconvenience to competitors as is practical and consistent with the achievement of the above aims.

Application of Regulations
It is the intention of the MRC Board that the technical regulations of the championship will be applied in full in order to be fair and equitable to all competitors.
All vehicles should comply with the regulations at all time of competition.
Compliance with technical regulations will be monitored by the eligibility scrutineer by random inspection pre and/or post qualifying and race.
It is at the scrutineer's discretion, and under the direction of the Clerk of Course to select vehicles for inspection and this may include all or any vehicles entered in the competition.
Normal inspection will check compliance with minimum weight regulation, chassis dimensions including ride height and wing dimensions, and compliance with any other technical regulation.

Competitors who are below the specified minimum weight, subject to the tolerance of the weighing appliance, or who's vehicle infringes the dimension limits when checked post qualifying session or race, will be reported to the Clerk of Course. It is at the Clerk of Course discretion to take appropriate action and apply penalties as per MSA and Championship Regulations.

The scrutineer will be a judge of fact and therefore will determine absolutely, whether a vehicle is compliant or not. Discretion may only be applied where failure to comply with weight or dimension regulations is considered to be solely the result of damage occasioned during the immediately preceding track session.

It is the intention of the MRC Board that a random sample of engines will be sealed for inspection at any time during the championship season. The selection of those engines to be sealed or inspected is at the sole discretion of the eligibility scrutineer. Resulting inspections may be of the entire engine or specific components, dimensions, weights or settings. Engines may be released from sealing without having been checked, on the sole authority of the scrutineer.
The MRC Board reserves the right to publish the data gathered at scrutineering sessions.

Penalties
The scrutineer has no authority to impose or remove penalties. This is a matter for the Clerk of Course and the Championship Stewards. Where penalties are imposed, these will be in accordance with the Championship Sporting Regulations and/or MSA Regulations.

MRC Board 2008