Welcome to the second Motor Racing Legends technical newsletter. We welcome comments, suggestions and pointers for areas that should be covered in future newsletters: eligibility@motorracinglegends.com

GENERAL PRINCIPLES

Wherever possible, we require that all cars have an International Historic Technical Passport (HTP) issued by the FIA, or at least a pending application. Scrutineers and members of the organisation will be available throughout the weekend to assist you in the process of obtaining an HTP.

Motor Racing Legends is committed to always seeking a solution to help a car deemed non-compliant to participate in the race, and to assist its owner and/or preparer in bringing it into compliance for the next event.

For cars without a Historic Technical Passport, proof of period-fitment for any components identified as non-compliant may be requested.
For certain cars that deviate significantly from period specifications and for which no period evidence of configuration can be provided, an additional time penalty may be added during the mandatory pit stop, and this for all series.
We are currently preparing specific technical bulletins for certain cars (Jaguar E-Type Pre ’63 & Pre ’66, Shelby Cobra 260 & 289, Ford Cortina Lotus, etc.).

ACTION PLAN FOR DONINGTON HISTORIC FESTIVAL AND ONWARDS

• Reinforced scrutineering team:
  John Hopwood, Chief Eligibility Scrutineer
  André Barolle, Eligibility Scrutineer
  Howard Corbally, Eligibility Scrutineer
  Nigel Jones, Eligibility Scrutineer
  Henri Pluton, Eligibility Scrutineer
  Jacques Berger, GT3 Legends Eligibility Scrutineer
  Jean-Marc Petinger, GT3 Legends Eligibility Scrutineer

• Scrutineering tools:
  Engine capacity measuring device / Weight scales / Measuring tools

• Technical inspection procedure – Thursday May 1st:
  All cars (except GT3 Legends) will be checked in the scrutineering bay, from 1pm to 5:30pm
  GT3 Legends cars will be checked in the garages, from 1pm to 5:30pm
  Generally speaking, will be check clutch operating system, track, wheel base, weight, tyres and wheel size

• Log book:
  We are exploring the possibility of implementing a logbook system for each vehicle, in order to ensure full monitoring and traceability of the car’s “sporting” life
  This logbook will include comments from technical inspectors during each check, any non-conformities observed, and the compliance actions required for the next event

• Working Groups:
  We have begun discussions with some preparers and competitors regarding the technical regulations and car specifications
  We are now entering a more active phase, with the effective establishment of working groups for each series. Some of you will soon be invited to join these groups and begin working together on the 2026 regulations

SPECIFIC ACTIONS FOR EACH SERIES

• Pre-War Sports Cars
  In accordance with the series regulations, all cars must be presented in “road” configuration, with wings/fenders and signal lights.
  Technical inspections will primarily focus on carburettors, inlet and exhaust manifolds, wheels and tyres dimensions, differential and gearbox. 

• Royal Automobile Club Woodcote Trophy / Stirling Moss Trophy
  Technical inspections will primarily focus on dampers, body material, type of carburettors, type of gearbox, clutch operating system.

• HMRN Pre ’63 GT
  Technical inspections will primarily focus on exhaust manifold, dampers, gear linkage, gearbox.
  Examples: Jaguar E Type adjustable anti roll bars, adjustable rear ride height, double adjustable dampers, all forbidden; Shelby Cobra 260 rose joints on gear linkage at gearbox end, different exhaust manifold from HTP, all forbidden.

• Royal Automobile Club Pall Mall Cup
  Technical inspections will primarily focus on engine bloc material, type of carburettors, dampers, gearbox.

• U2TC
  Technical inspections will primarily focus on steering column position, driver seat position, engine capacity, engine position, dashboard.

• Historic Touring Car Challenge / Tony Dron Trophy
  We want to be able to monitor and, if necessary, limit the performance of turbocharged touring cars, in order to bring their performance closer to that of naturally aspirated cars. We will take advantage of Donington to test a pop-off valve system on one car, designed to limit turbo pressure. We will share the results of these tests with you after the race, and if the outcome is positive, we will assess the feasibility of mandating this system for all turbocharged cars by mid-season. 

• GT3 Legends
  Technical inspections will primarily focus on the respect of the BOP.
  Each car must be presented alongside a completed Technical Passport issued by the organisation and must comply with the BOP specifications available here.

PENALTIES FOR TECHNICAL NON-CONFORMITIES

From Donington, we wish to establish a penalty system for technical non-conformities. The goal is to allow you to continue enjoying your racing weekend even if your car is deemed non-compliant, by adding an additional time penalty.

Depending on the feedback we receive from Donington, we will determine whether we need to evolve and modify this table.

If you were unsure about your car’s compliance and wished to discuss it with us, our team is available to talk and agree together on what would be acceptable. Honesty should be rewarded!