Vehicle Eligibility Requirements

The following is a summary of the vehicle eligibility requirements for 2008 Great Race events. Please note the following reflects the 2007 event regulations and are subject to minor changes. Please download a copy of the current Event Regulations, available in December 2007, to learn more.

Two classes of vehicles are allowed in 2008 Great Race Events, classic cars and modern cars, powered by renewable fuel or hybrid technology.

Great Race Classic Division:
Classic Cars and motorcycles at least 25 years old, or older are eligible. Additionally, vehicles may be:

1. As originally manufactured
2. As modified in their era of manufacture (documentation required)
3. Custom, one off, and vehicles of historical significance that are considered to be within the Spirit of the Event may be accepted, or rejected, for entry on an individual review basis.
4. Re-bodied vehicles: Reasonable re-creations of historical vehicles may be accepted for entry. A vehicle manufactured in 1983 or earlier may be re-bodied to resemble a pre-1983 racer, or a pre-1983 one-off, rare, or limited production vehicle. It is not possible to address all the requirements here, so if there is any doubt, request clarification from our Technical Committee.
5. All vehicle documentation is the entrant’s responsibility. Documentation of an actual vehicle, including pictures and specification sheets, is ideal. If actual pictures and specification sheets are not available, submit scale drawings to our Technical Committee of all components of the proposed vehicle that are to be reconstructed, including the side, front, and rear of the body.
6. There are a number of sources for vehicle specifications, including the National Automobile Museum in Reno, Nevada; the Henry Ford Museum in Southfield, Michigan; and the Sloan Museum in Flint, Michigan.
7. Maintain vehicle integrity; e.g., if it’s a Ford, use all Ford parts, including chassis, drive train, and accessories. Historical documentation is required to allow a variance here.
8. Construct the vehicle as it would have been constructed in its era, with materials and procedures that are of that era; e.g., don’t use extruded aluminum; the material is permissible but the extrusion technology is inappropriate.
9. Vehicles must be in excellent road-worthy condition and present a good appearance.
10. Unless otherwise stipulated in these regulations, mechanical components of the competing vehicles must be of the same make, model, and vintage as originally delivered by the manufacturers. Performance and aftermarket equipment for modification of the engine and drivetrain is permitted if it was available during the year of manufacture of the vehicle. The use of a performance component of a later year than the manufacture of the vehicle will cause the team to be scored based upon the year of manufacture of that component. The burden of proof of the year of availability of performance components is upon the entrant.
11. For Classic Division vehicles, performance equipment developed after 1983 is prohibited.

Innovation Division: For modern-day, alternative fuel or hybrid vehicles.

For all participating vehicles (Safety Equipment):

1. All vehicles must have the required equipment for lawful operation on public roads and highways in their State/Province of registration.
2. The windshield must be of laminated safety glass. Side windows, when applicable, must be of safety glass.
3. At least two working tail lights, two working stop (brake) lights, and two red reflectors on the rear of the vehicle, one on each side
4. Electrical lighting, legally acceptable for night driving
5. Electrical turn signals, front and rear
6. Operating shock absorbers at each wheel if the vehicle was originally manufactured with shock absorbers. If the vehicle was not manufactured with shock absorbers and is considered safe and roadworthy by our Technical Committee, operating shock absorbers are not required.
7. Lap seat belts are required for both driver and navigator.
8. Please note the Event Regulations regarding electronic equipment. Cell Phones MUST be in a sealed bag and stored out of site. They may only be used for emergencies.
9. Additionally all teams must carry the following safety equipment:

• One operational fire extinguisher, dry chemical, at least 2 pounds A/B/C.
• One first aid kit
• One tow rope or chain, at least sixteen feet in length
• Emergency flares or reflectors
• One gallon container of drinking water
• One flashlight

Performance Requirements:

All vehicles must be of good appearance and maintenance, as well as meet the following requirements:

1. Able to maintain a speed of 55 MPH / 85, km/h.
2. Travel approximately 200 miles / 325 km between fuel stops.
3. Start and operate in all driving conditions and temperatures.
4. Operate in unpredictable terrain conditions.
5. Meet typical vehicle safety requirements required for licensing in North America, China, and Europe;, e.g. braking systems with minimum stopping distance, lights and signals, wheels and tires, horn, fuel system integrity, occupant safety, and safety of the public. Special emphasis will be placed on safety aspects of advanced technologies such as high voltage systems. All high voltage systems must demonstrate isolation from the vehicle at all times and follow commonly accepted standards of labeling components and identifying high voltage cables.
6. Must meet vehicle exhaust emissions standards in the team’s country of origin.
7. Each vehicle must be capable of carrying no less than two people and have a seat for each occupant.
8. The vehicle must be registered in the team’s country of origin. The vehicle’s owner must obtain and carry current registration information (i.e.: license plates, Vehicle Identification Number and/or inspection sticker).
9. Trailers or external device(s) with wheel(s) that extend beyond the “footprint” of the vehicle may not be used.
10. Must meet other reasonable vehicle safety and roadworthiness requirements as determined by Great Race.

Regional Races only: Vehicles of any year model.