Formula 500 Specifications 2008/2009
General Dimensions
Wheelbase - maximum of 1676mm - minimum 1520mm
Wheel Track - Front 1400mm maximum, Rear 1450mm maximum
No duel Wheels permitted.
No restriction on tyre profile
Wheels - maximum diameter 10" (254mm), no duals. Tyres unrestricted, but must have tread.
Overhead Wing
Maximum height to highest point 2000mm.
Maximum width 920mm.
Maximum length (aerofoil) 1000mm.
Maximum length side panels 1100mm.
Maximum depth side panels 700mm.
Engine
Two Stroke or Four Stroke, number of cylinders unrestricted, maximum capacity 525cc. State of tune unlimited. (No forced induction,eg. turbocharging or supercharging). Remote controlled engine management systems not permitted.
Engine alternative, maximum capacity 625cc Four Stroke only, must be sourced from Australian registered motorcycle.
Carburettors/inlet tract restrictors of 35mm on 600cc engines only.
Engine Position
Is unrestricted. Can be rear mounted, left or right side mounted, front mounted.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATIONS
CHASSIS & ROLL CAGE
Chassis, no restriction on type of construction. Must be of sound engineering principle, suitably braced and constructed of tubing (square or round) of the minimum size of 19mm x 1.6mm wall thickness. Chassis must have webbing between top and rails and be of a minimum of 13mm x 1.6mm wall thickness tube.The maximum distance between the uprights to be 450mm. Any material may be used in the construction of the frame provided that it is in strength and size as laid down by the Standards Association of Australia, to 19mm x 1.6mm wall thickness mild steel tube.
Overall Length is not restricted, however a suggested maximum length of approximately 2.74m is a guide.
Roll Cage
To be constructed of round hard steel tubing of a minimum size 25.4mm x 2mm wall thickness seamless drawn or welded and drawn tube. High carbon steel tube must not be used, similarly water, steam or exhaust tube must not be used. Bracing materials will be of a similar material and size as above. Chrome molly 4130 steel tube may be used (25.4mm x 1.6mm wall thickness minimum size).
Height with the driver seated correctly in the car, the top of the helmet must be a minimun of 50.8mm below a straight line between the top of the front and rear arch members of the roll cage, and at no stage to come in contact with or protrude above the top framework of the roll cage.
Rear Arch member to be splayed at the top a minimum of 50.8mm wider than the mounting point at chassis. If the chassis is a wider construction than normal, the splaying may be amended in consulation with machine examiner.
Bracing of rear arch member to rear of chassis will be with tubing 19mm x 1.6mm wall thickness minimum (or chrome molly equivelent), to be mounted at least two thirds of the distance up the arch member and one third of the height back along the chassis.
Cross bracing of the rear arch ("A" frame) 15.8mm x 2mm wall thickness steel tube minimum (or chrome molly 4130 steel tube 15.8mm x 1.6mm wall minimum), to be constructed in a triangulated style. A head restraint must be included to prevent the driver's head prutuding backwards through the arch.
Front Cage legs to be mounted to the chassis at a point no closer to the rear arch than the driver's hands on the steering wheel in a normal straight forward position. Cage legs to be no narrower than than the width of top chassis rail.
Gusseting of top inside corners of the roll cage minimum 1.6mm steel attached for a minimum of 37.6mm along each edge. All gussets to have open corners.
Safety Side Rail optional extra. Must not extend beyond 200mm from trackline of car (measurement is taken from the trackline inwards). May be diagonal. Must not be any higher than than the mid point between driver's shoulder and elbow when seated in normal driving position. No sharp edges. May have support braces to the top chassis rail only.
Head Bar optional. Minimum distance forward of rear arch member 200mm. Must not restrict driver's access. Minimum clearance between bar and driver's helmet when correctly seated in car 50mm.If bar is bent by design and protudes above roll cage, then bar must have suitable bracing to rear arch member. (This bar is not used to determine helmet to roll cage clearance). Must be constructed with same material as roll cage.
Mounting of roll cage to chassis must be welded. All welding to be electric or oxy. Roll cage may be made integral with chassis.
WEIGHT
Race ready less fuel only, minmium 180kg, maximun 270kg.
SUSPENSION, AXLES
Suspension must be on front and rear wheels. No restriction on type of suspension. Suspension tubing sizes shall be a minimum of 12.7mm x 1.6mm wall thickness, front and rear.
Rod ends (heim joints) for suspension or steering 9.5mm minimum.
Stub axle spindles on steer wheels 15.8mm diameter minimum regardless of material used.
Wheel studs 9.5mm high tensile minimum.The welding in of headless studs is prohibited.
Front beam axle to be constructed of seamless cold drawn tubing or equivalent, 32mm x 3mm wall thickness minimum. Chrome Molly of equivalent strength may be used, 32mm dia. minimum.
Rear beam axle to be constructed of round steel minimum of 30mm solid/hollow x 5mm wall thickness. Aluminum tube of equivalent or better strength may be used.
Rear beam axles fitted with clamp type hubs must have quick release pins 3mm thick minimum to prevent hub sliding off axle. Splined axles with right and left hand nuts securing wheel hubs have the option to use quick release pins in axle ends.
Axle shaft (including "R" clips) not to protude past the outside edge of the rim.
TRANSMISSION
Rear wheel drive only
Clutch. Each car must be fitted with a suitable clutching device, permitting driver to positively engage and disengage the engine from final drive while the engine is running. Variable speed clutch device may be used.
Chain guards. All drive chains and all belts (not just primary chains) must be fitted with guards to prevent damage to fuel lines, brake lines and plug leads IN ALL CASES, minimum size of suitable material 2mm thick, 35mm wide.
Any car in which the driver sits over or is close proximity with an exposed drive shaft or chain etc must be fitted with a suitable protective cover.
BRAKES must be fitted (either hand or foot operated) operating on the rear wheels only.
STEERING
All types of steering wheels are permitted with the exception of wire spoked wheels. Half steering wheels permitted. Must be made in unbroken line and have center brace fitted or to be of a commercially manufactured type. NO SHARP EDGES.
Approved, removable steering wheels mandatory.
Steering column steel tube 19mm x 1.6mm wall thickness minimum. (no aluminum).
Steering tie-rods shall be 12.7mm x 1.6mm wall thickness steel tube minimum.
THROTTLE. Cable operated accelerators with positive return on the carburettors do not need a return spring. Rod operated accelerators must have a return spring on the pedal.
IGNITION
Each car must have an ignition switch or magneto cut out switch in good working order located within easy reach of the driver. Switch to be clearly marked ON/OFF, to be located on left hand upper side of cockpit in a triangular patch of contrasting colour. A triangle of contrasting colour a minimum size of 75mm x 75mm showing ON/OFF markings to be on exterior of body in close proximity to switch.
FUEL SYSTEM
All cars must have a quick action shut off tap in fuel lines or between the header tank (if used) and the carburettors, located in an unobscured accessable position and clearly marked ON/OFF. Size of letters to be 20mm x 4mm thickness minimum.
All fuel tanks must be firmly fixed to the frame or roll cage. No part of fuel tank to be higher than roll cage.
No plastic fuel lines to be used except nylon reinforced or neoprene.
All fuel lines must be securely clamped. No wire to be used.
Fuel caps must be metal screw caps or metal spring clip type. Spring clip type caps to be pinned or wired to prevent opening in the event of an accident.
Breather hoses to be fitted to fuel tanks and arranged to prevent spillage from rollovers or collisions. Breather hose must go to bottom chassis rail.
Alcohol or methanol fuels with lubricant additives ONLY may be used.The use of Nitro, Nitros-oxide, supercharging, turbocharging, or any chemical or mechanical forced induction prohibited.
Petrol is not permitted as a fuel.
Whenever fuel is collected and tested, half the sample shall be sealed and given to the home association.
PENALTY. The use of illegial fuels or oversize engines shall carry an automatic suspension of a minimun of two years, any further offences by the same competitor shall carry suspension for life.
Please try to keep all fuel system components completly seperated from driver so as to allow driver maximum protection possible from fires.
BODY
Car must be fitted with a sturdy cowl, nose peice and body protecting the driver, to be constructed to allow driver to enter/exit the car easily. All cars must have a rear body piece/tail so as not to detract from the appearance of the car.
Adequate cockpit room is required.
A metal firewall must be fitted between the motor and the cockpit completly separating the driver from the motor, minimum thickness 1.6mm. The seat in rear engine cars may be part of the firewall provided the seat is metal.
All unnecessary holes/openings to be sealed with metal or flameproof material.
All cars must have steel or aluminium floorpan extending the full length of the drivers compartment to the front of the driver's seat if the seat is aluminium. Any non-metal seat must have floorpan to rear of seat.
Floorpans can have a maximum of four holes (maximum 38mm dia) in the driver's compartment for cleaning purposes only.
Cars equipped with bellypans made of fibreglass or other breakable materials must have metal sub-floors.
Underpans enclosing engine compartment must contain suitable drain holes behind the firewall in case of fuel leakage.
Seat must be mounted so it cannot pass between chassis rails in the event of floorpan being lost.
Carbon fibre and/or kevlar wing protectors, body panels, rear body/tail peices and bonnets are permitted.
Either a secure type bonnet fastener or two bonnet straps to be fitted. Any fastener on bonnet to be hand operated. Tool operated bonnet fasteners permitted on front engined cars only.
Visors or cover peices are optional. Must not cover the whole of the top of roll cage (no more than half), do not come down in front as to impair visibility, and to be constructed of non-breakable material.
SEAT BELTS
Must be a full sholder, lap and submarine (crotch) harness minimum (Five Point Harness) and shall have:
An approved nonslip buckle. Press button release buckles must not be used.
The whole belt system to be connected to one quick release buckle.
Belts must be three inch minimum, crotch belt two inch minimum. (Sternum belt is optional, no restriction on size).
Belts must be approved by State Assn. and be fitted as per manufactures specification.
Sholder belts to pass over restraining bar 19mm x 1.6mm wall thickness minimum tube level with or 50mm below sholder height. This bar to be full width between rollcage uprights- does not have to be one piece. Belts may be anchored to or below this restraining bar. Belts to be a maximum of 100mm apart at this point.
Seat belts that are not wrap around/lock type to be mounted to steel plate 37.5mm x 3mm thick minimum, welded on both sides of plate, belts to be bolted in by 10mm bolt minimum with "nyloc" locknut or 10mm minimum HT eye bolts.
EXHAUST PIPES
Must be fitted , interior or exterior, in such a manner as to direct exhaust gasses out of the body, to the rear or front, away from driver, fuel tank and tyres.
OIL DRAIN OUTLETS
To be directed down toward the track, not up in the air or towards a following driver.
NUTS, BOLTS
And any component parts on each car's suspension system, chassis, steering and running gear must be secured with either lock nuts, nuts and spring washers, nyloc nuts or castellated nuts with split pins, with one full thread showing through the nut. (Approved, quick release shock absorber mounts may be used). Bolts using threaded spuds MUST have Loctite or equivalent as locking device.
COOLING SYSTEMS
All hoses must be clamped. (no wire to be used).
Pressure relief cap must be used. (Recovery system allowed).
Overflow hoses to go to lower chassis rail minimum.
All cooling system components should be mounted so as to afford the maximum protection possible in the event of an accident.
It is in your own interest to keep all cooling system components completly seperated from driver, thus minimising risk to scalding of driver.
RACING NUMBERS
Will be issued by the respective State Bodys and a record kept. Numbers 1, 2 and 3 will be reserved for the three placegetters in any State Championship for their use throughout the year they hold those positions.
Numbers A1, A2, and A3 will also be reserved for the three placegetters in the Australian Speedway Championship to be used throughout the year they hold those positions.
Fractional numbers are not permitted, nor may letters be appended except to designate State, section, or Country.
Numbers shall be a minimum 203mm high, 50mm wide, clearly positioned on the nose (Cars with front wing must have number clearly visible on front wing center section) and one on each side of the body or aerofoil sides.
A LAP SCORING NUMBER
Must be positioned on the upper rearmost corner of the aerofoil on the inside of the left hand panel (or outside of right hand panel if higher). (This number is viewed from right side or outside of car)
This lap scoring number to be white on solid black background.
BUMPER BARS
Extending beyond the front and rear wheels must be fitted. (Minuimum size 12.5mm x 1.6mm wall thickness tubing or equivalent).
Front bumper to follow contour of body with a minimum width of 400mm, maximum 610mm. Any car with a sharp nose (ie, a "wedge") must have a double bar front bumper with rails 76mm apart minimum.
Rear bumper bar to be constructed so as to offer protection in the event of a rear end collision. No pointed sections to be attached to bottom of bumpers.
KNURF BARS
To be constructed of steel tube minimum 18mm x 1.6mm wall thickness. Other metals may be used but must not be stronger than 20mm x 1.6mm wall thickness steel.
Single bar type must be center height of rear wheel at rear of bar.
Double bar type must be between 225mm minimum and 250mm maximum distance between the bars at rear of bar. (One above and one below axle height). Front of bars maximum 125mm apart. Only one upright spacer allowed , must be at rear of knurf bar.
All bars front mounting point 150mm minimum behind rear edge of front tyre in straight ahead position, and between bottom chassis rail and front axle height.
All bars rear mounting points must be one above and one below rear axle height.
All bars rear clearance between leading edge of rear tyre and trailing edge of bar 25mm minimum to 125mm maximum.
All bars side clearance, rear distance of bar in from outer edge of tyre 25mm minimum, 125mm maximum.
All bars front mounting point, distance out from chassis where bar is attached and then going directly rearward, 125mm. maximum. Where bar is around side mounted fuel tank or steering drag link, 250mm maximum. Where bar is around side mounted motor, 350mm maximum.
Minimum chassis size at mounting point 19mm x 1.6mm wall thickness.
All corners must be radiused.
WINGS
Front wing.
Maximum aerofoil section width 920mm.
Maximum aerofoil section length 400mm.
Maximum side panel depth 220mm.
Maximum side panel length 550mm.
Minimum material thickness aerofoil and side panel 0.4mm.
Position - over the front of the car and securely attached to the frame.
Must not protude past front bumper bar.
Four mounts required, 2front, 2 rear.
Mounts - front mounts minumum 2 - 18mm x 1mm wall round tube or 19mm x 3mm aluminum strap.
Rear mounts minumum 2 - 19mm x 3mm aluminum strap. Rear mount may be adjustable for height only if vision is not impaired.
Front wheels must not be able to contact wing through full travel of suspension and steering.
No sharp edges.
Overhead wing.
Maximum aerofoil section length 1000mm.
Maximum aerofoil section width 920mm.
Maximum aerofoil section depth 150mm.
Maximum side panel depth 700mm.
Maximum side panel length 1100mm.
Front mount (top of roll cage to underside of cord taken at mounting point) 100mm minimum, 350mm maximum.
Maximum height (heighest point of side panel to ground level) 2000mm.
Minimum thickness, material for construction of side panels and aerofoil, 0.4mm.
Front mount, 2 x 19mm x 1.6mm wall round, steel or equivlent.
Rear mount, 2 x 13mm x 4mm flat aluminium, or 2 x 12mm x 1.6mm wall round steel tubing.
Rear mounting points must allow wing to swing rearward and clear top of cage when front retaining pins are removed.
Four mounting points required, 2 front, 2 rear.
Must not impair driver's vision.
Must not extend past rearmost part of car.
Front mounting to chassis must be hand operated quick release type.
Driver must be able to easily enter/exit through the side of the cockpit with the wing in racing position.
Minimum mounting bolts 6mm high tensile.
Whichever side you enter the car, the side panel must not go below the bottom of top of the roll cage.
Aerofoil must be contained within the side panels.
May be offset to either side of car, but must not extend past outside of rear tyres.
No sharp edges.
If adjustable wing slider is used, wing not to exceed specifications throughout full travel.
No overhead wing is permitted to be manually adjusted while racing where any portion of the body extends outside the roll cage to make the adjustment.
A rear wing cannot be used as an overhead wing.
Rear wing
Optional for rear engine cars only.
Must not be more than 1150mm wide overall, sidepanels included. Centered to allow 575mm either side of car's centerline. Either side of centerline may be shortened to give offset effect.
The position of the leading edge of the rear wing if on a roll cage may be over the top of roll cage but no further forward than 150mm of the rear arch member's center of tube width. Minimum height between the top of roll cage and aerofoil 80mm.
Maximun depth center section, including tip plates, fore and aft 600mm. May be split into two parts, thus forming a secondry wing. However, the split wings may only total the maximum depth prescribed. (For example-main wing could be 336mm depth and secondry wing 254mm depth, thus totaling the maximum depth 600mm).
May form an integeral part of body.
Must not extend past the rear bumper bar (within an imaginary vertical line).
Must be secured to the frame by aluminium or steel braces of sufficient strength and quality (at least 2 front and 2 rear), must be at teast equivalent to A.S.A. 20mm x 1.6mm.
Aerofoil may be constructed as a flat section or a hollow section or semi-hollow section of aluminium , fibreglass or plastic. Aluminium 1.6mm thick minimum. (Same material allowed for side panels).
Maximum height off ground to highest point of aerofoil, 1675mm.
Sidepanels must not exceed 200mm forward of aerofoils leading edge, and must not exceed 200mm rearward of aerofoils trailing edge.
Sidepanel maximum depth (top to bottom) 700mm.
Maximun tilt of sidepanel 30 degrees.
Maximum height off ground to highest point of sidepanel, 1900mm.
Sidepanels may go forward of rear arch member provided they do not impair the driver's vision, or restrict the driver's entry/exit to the cockpit.
