Cars, Numbers and Transponders

Each year I try to prompt members to put legible numbers on their cars and to be sure you have a working transponder. Number requirements are in the 2008 GCR on page 86 under 9.3.28 Identification Markings.

A. Numbers and Class Letters: Numbers shall be placed on the front and both sides of the car so that they are legible. All Formula cars with a rear wing shall have legible numbers on each rear wing side plate. Numbers shall be no more than two (2) digits, and shall meet the approval of the Chief of Timing and Scoring. Three (3) digit numbers may be used when individually approved in advance by the Chief of Timing and Scoring. Class letters shall be placed on both sides of the car so that they are legible. Rear numbers and class letters are recommended.

B. Size of Numbers and Class Letters: Numbers shall be at least eight (8) inches high, with a 1.5 inch stroke on a contrasting background (rear winged Formula cars shall have as large a number as possible on their rear wing side plates). Metallic (reflective) numbers and class letters are prohibited. The distance between two (2) numbers shall be at least as wide as the stroke of the numbers. Class letters shall be at least four (4) inches high, with a half (1/2) inch stroke on a contrasting background.

On page 77 of the GCR, 9.3.3 Advertisements and Graphics: Advertising and graphics (names, symbols and logos) may be displayed on cars provided they are in good taste and do not interfere with identification marks and SCCA logos.

Now I would like you to picture yourself driving down the front straight past T&S. How fast are you going, 50 miles an hour, 70 or even 90? Do you think an 8 inch number can be seen easily? I know sponsors are important, but if your car cannot be identified it may cause you not to be scored. Please try to keep your number isolated from your graphics, maybe your sponsor can see you on the track as well as on the results! You know, we are not sitting in T&S looking for ways to pick your car apart – we want to be able to identify you easily so that you can be scored. Now I know you are going to remind me that we now have transponders and you shouldn’t need a legible number. At every race at Heartland Park last year I heard corner workers calling in bad numbers. They must be able to read the numbers, too, as well as medical, start and ES. So you see, BIG numbers, contrasting with the background, are your friend as well as the volunteers giving their time so you can go racing! Try to keep your numbers plain and simple in contrasting colors.

OK let’s talk about the transponders. I know some of you have gotten messages like low hits. What exactly does that mean? When you cross the timing line the loop reads the transponder many times any where from 1 to 180 or more. When the number of hits falls below 40 the loop tells the computer that something is not right with your transponder and we inform you of low hits. It most likely indicates your transponder is not mounted in the best place. The transponder must be within 3 feet of the track, with no metal or carbon fiber between the track and the transponder. There needs to be sufficient space around the transponder, a 4 to 6 inch circle. The detection loops emits a frequency in “V” shape and the transponder picks it up in an inverted “V” shape. If there is something blocking the signal is cuts the signal from reading and receiving your information. The transponder cannot be affixed with metal wire or hose clamps at the bottom of the transponder, since that will reduce and block the signal coming out of the transponder. If you get this message from T&S, you should visit with your friendly competitors to see how and/or where they have located their transponders. The correct transponder for SCCA racing is the Tranx260 and is RED in color. The yellow transponders are for go cart racing and need to be extremely close to the loop. By the way, as close to the front bumper is best – that is what crosses the timing line first, hopefully! If you are told that your battery is low, that indicates you should charge it now as you are in the last 12 hours and the battery could quit at any moment! The sups at most tracks state that if your transponder is not working you may not be timed and that is true. However, T&S is not sitting there saying ha, ha, ha! We now have to recognize your car and push a button to give you a manual time. Of course that time will not be as accurate as one read by the loop and we might be busy and miss your car entirely. So I would suggest when you get a message from T&S regarding your transponder you seek advice from other drivers, tech, or even T&S. We want you to have fun and enjoy your race and we want to share that fun with you and our volunteers!

Gini Ragan,
Midwest Division
DA for Timing and Scoring