AMSAG Modern/4wd 2008

[Jme]

There was a meeting today to discuss the future direction of AMSAG, and one of many outcomes was that AMSAG (as a motorsport provider) is in a position to offer rallying to ALL rally competitors, not just those competitors which fit into the AMSAG Classic class structure.

This year we've had a sprinkling of modern entries in AMSAG events, and have used a "split" outright classification system which provides 2 seperate outright podiums. This in theory, protects the interests of competitors in pre-1990 2wd vehicles, but still allows 4wd/Modern competitors to enjoy AMSAG's BS free style of rallying.

There is a meeting being planned in western Sydney next Friday night for competitors interested in competing in an AMSAG Modern Series in 2008.

The AMSAG series offers 6 events, of which 4 will most likely be 1 day events and 2 will be 2 day events.

Entry fees range from $120 to $440 depending on the event.

AMSAG Club membership is approx $50. You can join on the day of the rally.

There is no competition licence fee.

There are no log book/administration fees.

There is no series registration fee.

You do not need to wear driving suits/ race boots/ gloves etc.

All events are fully route-charted, roads closed with police and council permission etc. These are "true" special stage rallies, not a touring assembly.

AMSAG is a real alternative to CAMS, and if we don't make moves now to support it- we risk losing the opportunity AMSAG provides for all of us. At the moment I have 4 competitors committed to running this series. I'd like to get 10.

It's a step in the right direction, in my opinion. AMSAG has operated as an "enthusiast club" for the past 15 or so years, providing for classic rallying, but potentially AMSAG can be so much more. Everything is in place. In 07 AMSAG averaged 25 or so entries per event. I'd like to think we can get at least 40 or so entries per event in 08.

Call me on 0432 919800 if you are interested in attending the meeting or email jamie.neale@education dot nsw dot gov dot au

Proposed AMSAG Dates 08

April 5
April 26- Jenolan
May 24- Bathurst
June 28
August 2
September 6
September 27

Jamie

[JS]

Jamie location of events and event distances in km might generate some more interest?

js

[Mathew Boorman]

Well I am planning on running the events closer to canberra in 2008. Since I don't care about series/classifications, I would not go down to Sydney for the meeting

For the events I would take whichever car is available, either a 'modern' charade or the 'classic' 323. Mind you I would be very happy if the 323 could run a rotary, simply because thats by far the easiest thing to fit.

[Jme]

Originally Posted by JS

Jamie location of events and event distances in km might generate some more interest?

js

I don't think the executive have "locked" in the events 100% so I was reluctant to post too many details in that regard. That will happen in the next couple of weeks. We have been given dates and location for the first 3 events, so this is me just trying to figure out/guess.

Apr 5- will be a "rallysprint" (AMSAG can run passed the CAMS 7K limit) last year it was a 15K stage. This event will most likely be in the western region/ jenolan area. Note: the HDCC Rallysprint on Sunday 6th... that wouldn't be a coincidence.

June 28- Port Macquarie 2 day rally? maybe 180K.

August 2- Cowra? Shire stages- not sure.

September 6 - likely to be Oberon 2 day rally, 200K+ competitive

September 27- two options at I've heard of at the moment I believe. Cowra 1 day rally - all shire roads (maybe 130K or so I'd guess) or Cowra 2 Day rally, 200K+ competitive including forest and shire stages.

Early 2009- Captains Flat Rally.

Had a couple of calls already. At the moment we were just going to get together at Frank's house, but if I get a few more numbers I'll probably move it to the Dunheved Golf Club.

[1inarow]

Now this is what we need. I have AMSAG'd for a few years and it is a great atmosphere. Still bloody competitive, but all the right attitudes.

This would mean you can have a go with a modern car and still have that relaxed (no not unsafe, just relaxed) feeling.

Lets do it, I'm in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Jme]

Ok, the response has been incredible- it has far exceeded my expectations. I think the 10 car field may have even been an understatment.

Everyone is basically saying the same thing. BS free rallying... lets do it. I'm in, we are sick of this crap... if a group of us are gunna walk- count me in!

The support isn't just from potential competitors. It's from some of the biggest names in motorsport.

At present I have 2 or 3 interested 2wd modern competitors. This isn't just about 4wders. If you have a car which doesn't comply to AMSAG Classic regs and are interested in competing in AMSAG in 08 then call me or shoot me off an email. Don't PM. I can't get to the PM's from work.

I'm confident that in the next few weeks we will have something in concrete. A real alternative...

[Matt Dyne]

Crib notes on AMSAG modern entry criteria?

Like Schedule R? Or like Group N?

[Jme]

Schedule R... or maybe GpG 2wd and GpB 4wd's (potentially) are more accurate???

If it's got 4 wheels, is registered and meets the AMSAG safety requirements- it's good.

We've always just ran the 4wd cars in the same spec as CAMS events... kept the restrictors in etc, but there is nothing stopping you building a 700hp flame-throwing monster!

The thing is... no licence fees, no logbook fees, no driving suits, no expiration of seatbelts every couple of years or hans devices. You CAN run them if you want... it's just that you don't HAVE to.

Obviously when the series grows we may need to consider a few aspects of it all... but the beauty of that is that the competitors will have a direct say in the direction of the class/events/series. Remember we do live in a country which supports democratic principles... I believe, in theory, that rallying ran by rally people will be successful. This isn't about what a few of us want, it's about setting up an alternative- kickstarting it and then putting it into the hands of the competitors.

All the recent talk about CAMS etc, to this point, has largely been talk. We need to get competitors entering and running non-CAMS events. 10 would be a good start.... if we get 10 we will get 12, then 15 etc. In time, I hope, everyone will benefit.

It's time to take our cars and money away from these blokes... I am. I'll support my car clubs events (NDDC) in 08 and that will be it. I doubt that I'll run a CAMS event, or official on a CAMS event. I don't like what they have done to the sport and will continue to do in the future.

[Mike Cherry]

Jme! Clear your pm's.

[crowleyaj]

Originally Posted by Jme

The thing is... no licence fees, no logbook fees, no driving suits, no expiration of seatbelts every couple of years or hans devices. You CAN run them if you want... it's just that you don't HAVE to.

Jme,

Back from the honeymoon and so many interesting topics I've missed to start wading through........

If that's true about the seatbelt expiry I'll be a very happy man. Very dis-heartening that my 3 inch 6 point Whillans that still look the same as they did when they came out of the box 5 years ago are no good for CAMS events as of the end of 2007. If you only do 1 or 2 events a year (budget restraints, hopefully better in 2008 ) and the cost of 2 harnesses is approx 1 entry fee what's the point?

I can definitely see myself doing Batty's rally at Jenolan this year, probably get Nicole and my Dad in the drivers seat for the rallysprint as well if they want.

In the 9 years I've been involved with AMSAG I've always had a lot of fun. Get along and try it, or nav for a friend in an event and get a taste of an alternative service provider with no BS.

You'll be pleasantly surprised.

[CHAPPO]

This is what I have been looking for to get back behind the wheel.

Count me in.

[Shabby]

Looks good Jamie.


Shab

[Woody]

Originally Posted by Jme

... no expiration of seatbelts every couple of years ...

I'm with AJ - can you confirm this?

[Gribble]

Originally Posted by Woody

I'm with AJ - can you confirm this?

I dont think you need FIA cage padding either, actually there seems to be a whole host of things that dont need the highest level spec to compete, you dont even need a suit, just sleeves and pants.

There are a whole host of reasons AMSAG is better for me personally. It allows alot more creative freedoms with the car than PRC does.

[Damo]

JME - what about post 1990 2wd cars? (ie, something like an Excel).

Are they lumped in the same class as the 4WD turbo thingys?