GETTING INVOLVED
WHAT IS IMPROVED PRODUCTION RACING?
Each State runs it’s own IPRA Championship and once a year, the Improved Production Nationals are held on a rotational basis. There is also an Interstate challenge series run throughout NSW, Victoria and South Australia, giving all competitors the chance to put their skills against other tracks and drivers. National title events are hotly contested and are a form of positive rivalry between the states, to see who is the quickest.
THE CARS + THE CLASSES + THE REGULATIONS
All mass produced, Australian sold, Touring cars are eligible to compete in IPRA. Some imported cars may also be eligible should they the owner be able to convince CAMS these were touring car (Group A) homologated. A list of imported cars already approved can be found at 1.1 of the technical regulations. Category 3J regulations.
Mazda RX7 and Toyota Starlet
Datsun, Torana and WRX
With such a wide variety of cars and engines, clearly it isn’t an level playing field. To enable reasonably competitive racing, IPRA is split into 4 classes, each with their own championship. These classes are based on ‘effective’ engine capacity and are:
Under 1600cc (U1.6L)
Under 1601- 2000cc (U2L)
2001cc-3000cc (U3L)
3001cc-6000cc (O2L)
Forced induction (Turbo/Supercharged) engines and Rotaries run a multiplier to determine the effective engine capacity. e.g a 2ltr turbo or turbo rotary race in the O2L class.
The category allows for a significant number of modifications and freedoms, these can be found in the following link Category 3J regulations. The car must also comply with the general CAMS requirements (Schedules A through N). This requires the car to be fitted with a Schedule J compliant roll cage, a FIA approved seat and safety harness (which will probably effects the cars ability to remain road registered).
Once the car complies, it is required to be inspected by a authorised CAMS inspector. The Pre Logbook inspection and document is sent to CAMS to enable issuing of the Cars Logbook and Roll Cage certification.
To ensure each person presents an eligible car, each category has a eligibility officer. In WA at the start of each race season, you are required to complete an annual safety/eligibility inspection.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
IPRA is a circuit racing category, Therefore you are required to have, as a minimum, a Circuit racing licence issued by CAMS. The details on obtaining a CAMS Circuit licence can be found here – CAMS Licence requirements. This process will require you to complete a medical, online test and an on track observed licence test prior to being issued with a provisional licence.
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT
The equipment must meet curtain regulations, these can be found within Schedule D. In short, you will require:
Helmet – Motorcycle helmet compliant to AS1698 meets the min standard, but probably won’t accept a frontal head restraint
Frontal head restraint – Compulsory (e.g Hans device)
Flame retardant Overalls – i.e Race suit
Flame retardant Underwear – optional but recommended.
Flame retardant Balaclava – Required if wearing AS1698 helmet, optional with FIA helmet.
Footwear – FIA standard
Gloves – FIA standard
Socks – FIA standard
FIA compliant helmet with Frontal head restraint attachment points.
Frontal head restraint – Hans device.
Example of a 3 layer race suit.
Racing shoes – meets FIA 8856-2000
Racing Gloves – meets FIA 8856-2000
Racing socks – meets FIA 8856-2000
Balaclava – meets FIA standard
AT THE TRACK
Race day is always an exciting and busy day at the track. The day usually kicks off with sign on which will include licence and logbook checks, followed by the drivers’ briefing. Once that’s done, the track opens according to the race schedule, starting with qualifying — and then it’s time to go racing.
IPRA is all about good, clean grassroots racing, and you’ll find a great atmosphere in the pits with competitors always willing to help each other out. Whether it’s your first race meeting or you’ve been racing for years, the focus is on fair competition, having a great time, and enjoying the sport.
Most competitors bring a small selection of tools to the track. A jack and jack stands are invaluable for working on the car between sessions. It’s also a good idea to bring a supply of oils (engine, gearbox, and diff) and other fluids such as radiator, brake, and fuel.
Some other handy items include fold-up chairs, a small table, rags, paper towels for cleaning up spills, and window cleaner for the front and rear windscreens. Being comfortable and prepared makes the whole day more enjoyable.
Most importantly — relax, enjoy the day, and be part of what makes IPRA such a great grassroots racing community.