The FIA has rolled out fresh Technical Guidelines focused on entry-level touring car racing, aiming to lend a hand to the grassroots motorsport scene in developing countries. These guidelines offer a flexible structure that FIA Member Clubs can use to set up club-level racing that’s easy on the wallet, all while ensuring essential safety standards are met.
What’s great about these guidelines is that they don’t put a cap on power or vehicle specs. Instead, the emphasis is strictly on safety, covering everything from safety cages and windows to fuel systems and driver gear. Even aspects like the cockpit, driver access, brakes, and tyres are included. This gives FIA Member Clubs the freedom to tweak performance details in a way that aligns with local circumstances.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem explained, “The FIA’s mission is to double motorsport participation and open it up globally, starting with a strong foundation at the grassroots level, where safety is crucial.” He emphasized that providing these blueprints empowers Member Clubs to bolster their domestic touring car races.
Alan Gow, Chairman of the FIA Touring Car Commission, further elaborated, “Our job at the FIA is to share our expertise and up the standards for grassroots and club-level racing. At the same time, we understand that accessibility and adaptability are critical. By honing in on safety, the guidelines let FIA Member Clubs design their championships while keeping core safety measures intact. Even countries with a vibrant motorsport history, like the UK, stand to benefit. This is a significant stride towards making touring car racing both popular and accessible.”
These guidelines have been welcomed with open arms by FIA Member Clubs. Andrew Fraser, President of Motorsport Australia, stated, “Setting clear safety guidelines for entry-level touring car racing is crucial. They ensure driver safety while giving ASNs a flexible framework to adapt to local markets and boost grassroots racing.”
Sunil Vohra, CEO of Motorsport Australia, added, “Safety is Motorsport Australia’s top priority, and clearly laying out these standards protects the motorsport community, ensuring consistency and fairness across the board.”
Australia’s diverse touring car scene ranges from grassroots contests like the Hyundai Excel one-make series to the prestigious Supercars Championship. The beauty of these guidelines is their universal applicability, allowing clubs from all motorsport backgrounds to benefit.
Miguel Tiago, Director at the Automobile and Touring Club of Mozambique, pointed out, “In Mozambique, where motorsport is still evolving, we have to make it accessible and affordable. Safety standards are our foundation.” He spoke about the necessity of a standardized document to strike a balance between cost and accessibility, making racing more appealing.
Tiago also appreciated the adaptability of the guidelines to various vehicle types. “By tailoring our regulations to fit the local market, we ensure relevant safety standards for cars seen every day in Mozambique, encouraging wider participation from drivers who might not have high-end racing machines but can race safely modified everyday cars.”
With the release of these technical guidelines, the FIA continues fulfilling its pledge to boost global participation in motorsport, especially in regions where racing has been a rare opportunity. The program not only nurtures a more inclusive club-level racing environment but also provides competitors with a clear path to advance into higher classes like TC Lite, TCR, or GT Racing.
