Technical
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Balance of Performance?
Balance of Performance (BoP) is a process that aims to level the playing field between vehicles and sometimes drivers’ performance.
BoP parameters can include any number of adjustments, some common methods include adjustments to: ride height, weight, boost, aerodynamic efficiency, air restrictor size, and engine mapping.
Who sets the parameters for BoP?
Each category determines the measures by which BoP will apply to each eligible vehicle in the category. Motorsport Australia does not dictate BoP criteria or methodology, but determines if its application meets fairness, transparency and safety expectations.
How are BoP measures calculated?
In most instances, the category’s technical experts will create a criteria that a vehicle must exceed to trigger a BoP change. When that trigger is exceeded, a known adjustment is incremented for the next race meeting.
Where can I find a category’s BoP measures?
The BoP used in some categories are proprietary and as such they are not published or detailed, even to the competitors in that category.
In Australia, most BoP details are published within a category’s Sporting and Technical Regulations, as approved by Motorsport Australia. Prior to the commencement of each round, the BoP decisions (derived via the BoP methodology) are provided to all competitors.
To find category specific BoP information, you should read the relevant Sporting and Technical Regulations as published by Motorsport Australia.
Where can I find the regulations regarding fire extinguishers for Motorsport Australia events?
The Motorsport Australia Manual (Technical Appendix: Schedule H – Fire Extinguishers) details the requirements for each discipline and competition level.
Further requirements may be applied by specific Championship/Series Sporting and Technical regulations, Category Regulations or Supplementary Regulations.
What is the purpose of a fire extinguisher in a motorsport vehicle?
A fire extinguisher installed in a competition vehicle is primarily designed to delay the development of a fire, giving the occupant more time to exit the vehicle.
In Rally/Road and Off Road disciplines it also serves as a first response aid in case of an incident.
In exceptional circumstances, extinguishers in competition vehicles may reduce the severity of a fire at an incident, allowing a competitor to assist with a vehicle fire.
Why have Motorsport Australia implemented the compulsory use of fire extinguishers for circuit racing from 2024?
The changes have been implemented following reviews into incidents across all motorsport disciplines. The changes to the fire extinguisher regulations now align with the FIA and other ASNs around the world.
Do the recent changes to fire extinguisher requirements for circuit race affect my historic logbooked vehicle?
Please refer to Motorsport Australia Manual (Historic Appendix) for specific requirements for Historic log booked vehicles.
What are some of the benefits of a plumbed-in extinguisher system compared to a hand-held fire extinguisher?
- Faster activation.
- Extinguishant is discharged in multiple locations around the vehicle simultaneously.
- The system can be triggered from inside or outside the vehicle in a single action.
- Once triggered, it will continue to discharge extinguishant.
- Increased flexibility with mounting location.
What are the costs of a hand-held extinguisher compared to a plumbed-in extinguisher system?
A 1 kg ABE Dry Powder fire extinguisher with a suitable bracket can be purchased for approximately $50-$60.
FIA Technical List 16 compliant mechanically triggered extinguisher systems are currently available from around $650 for the system itself.
What is a Frontal Head Restraint (FHR)?
A Frontal Head Restraint (FHR) is a system designed to reduce injury by limiting forward head movement during periods of rapid declaration.
Examples of these devices include the HANS device and the Simpson ‘Hybrid’ harness style device. It is important to note, for a FHR to be used in Motorsport Australia events, the FHR needs to be FIA compliant.
What are the benefits of a FHR?
A FHR is of most benefit in a frontal or rearward impact incident, however there is no type of incident in which the use of a FHR will be disadvantageous.
A FHR system is designed to reduce injury by limiting forward head movement during periods of rapid declaration. In doing so, the risk of serious spinal cord injury at the level of the neck, which can result in quadriplegia or death, is greatly reduced.
What is the cost impact?
FHRs have been on the market for a number of years and there are a wide variety of suitable options available from various manufacturers.
Prices start from as low as $500, right through to $1600. As with helmets, competitors will ultimately choose a FHR that meets their requirements, and budget.
Why has this change been necessary?
There is a wide range of compelling medical evidence as to the effectiveness of FHRs, which has been analysed as part of the AIMSS review into rallying and formed a key element of the recommendation.
The World Rally Championship has mandated the use of FHRs for more than a decade, and reviews of incidents worldwide have demonstrated their value. Motorsport Australia has already recognised the value of FHRs in higher level events, so this change simply applies the highest standard of safety to Club and Multi Club level events.
Is my helmet compatible with a FHR?
The helmet must be equipped by the helmet manufacturer or agent with FIA homologated FHR fixation points and the helmet must be manufactured in accordance with one of the required standards. Providing the helmet meets these requirements, tether points for the FHR are able to be retro fitted.
Motorsport Australia recommends contacting your specific helmet supplier if you are uncertain, or require any further clarification on compatibility of your helmet. Many suppliers are offering competitive package deals for both a FHR and compatible helmet, so you may be able to upgrade your helmet at the same time.
We advise that you also refer to Schedule I in the Motorsport Australia Manual to ensure your harnesses comply with the requirements as listed in Type A, which have been required since 2019, as a part of the overall implementation of FHRs.
Who can I contact to find more information?
If you need to discuss this with someone at Motorsport Australia, please call the Motorsport Australia hotline on 1300 883 959 or email technical@motorsport.org.au.
Where can I purchase a suitable fire extinguisher?
FIA approved handheld extinguishers are available from motorsport equipment suppliers across the country who can provide service and after-sales support.
Suitable AS 1841 ABE Dry Powder extinguishers are available from most hardware or automotive retail stores.
Can I install a Fire Stryker, Fireball, or similar extinguishant device?
These devices do not meet the minimum requirements for Motorsport Australia events, although they are permitted to be installed in addition to the minimum requirements detailed in the Motorsport Australia Manual (Technical Appendix – Schedule H).
How do I install my handheld extinguisher?
An FIA approved extinguisher should be supplied with a mounting bracket and must be installed according to manufacturer instructions and FIA Sporting Code; Appendix J – Article 253.
AS 1841 ABE Dry Powder extinguishers must be installed according to Motorsport Australia Manual; Technical Appendix -Schedule H – Fire Extinguishers Article 1.1.
Can I use the bracket supplied with a AS 1841 ABE Dry Powder extinguisher?
Handheld fire extinguishers are sold for use in a variety of different applications and some brackets supplied will be suitable and some will not meet the installation requirements detailed in Schedule H.
Examples of suitable brackets are indicated above which include anti-torpedo retention and metal over-centre clips.
How often should my hand-held extinguisher be serviced?
Each FIA standard fire extinguisher compliant with FIA Sporting Code; Appendix J – Article 253 must be serviced every two years in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
AS 1841 ABE Dry Powder extinguishers must be serviced every three years from the date of manufacture in accordance with AS 1851, alternatively it is often more cost effective to replace the extinguisher.
Will a service tag be accepted as proof of service?
No, a service report completed by the service agent must be provided to scrutineers when requested as evidence of a completed service.
Where can I dispose of my out-of-date hand-held fire extinguisher?
In many cases, a handheld fire extinguisher over three years old which requires a service for motorsport use can be suitable for use around the home.
Alternatively, please contact your local recycling centre for further information on how to recycle.
Which plumbed-in extinguisher systems are approved for use by Motorsport Australia?
Motorsport Australia applies the FIA requirements for plumbed-in extinguisher systems and permits the use of FIA standard extinguisher systems detailed in Technical List No 16 and Technical List No 52.
- Technical List No.16: Extinguisher systems homologated by the FIA according to the FIA standard for plumbed-in fire extinguisher systems in competition cars.
- Technical List No. 52: Plumbed-in fire extinguisher systems homologated according to FIA standard 8865-2015.
Where can I find the FIA Technical Lists?
All FIA technical lists can be found here.
Click here to view FIA Technical List 16, and click here to view FIA Technical List 52.
The homologation end date for each extinguisher system detailed in the FIA Technical List represents the final date which the product may be manufactured. These extinguishers can continue to be used subject to meeting manufacturer servicing requirements.
Where can I purchase a suitable plumbed-in fire extinguisher system in Australia?
Most manufacturers of approved plumbed-in fire extinguisher systems have authorised sales and service agents within Australia. Please refer to each manufacturer’s website for further information regarding agents within Australia.
How should my extinguisher system be installed?
The installation requirements are detailed in Motorsport Australia Manual; Technical Appendix – Schedule H, which references the requirements of FIA Sporting Code; Appendix J – Article 253: Safety Equipment for Cars of Group N, A (and Extensions) and R-GT.
The FIA requirements also refer to the manufacturer’s instructions which should be supplied at the time of purchase or can be found by following the link at the top of each FIA Technical List. The manufacturers and their agents are the experts in regard to the fitment of the systems they supply. When fitting a system, it is best to seek their advice further regarding any issues.
How often does my plumbed-in extinguisher system need to be serviced?
All plumbed-in extinguisher systems must be serviced every two years to remain in compliance with the FIA standard.
Do I need to return my plumbed-in extinguisher system to the manufacturer for service?
A service must be carried out by the manufacturer or a manufacturer’s approved service agent who will install a service label indicating that the system has been serviced to the manufacturer’s specifications and remains in compliance with the FIA standard.
It is the competitor’s responsibility to ensure extinguisher systems are serviced by approved agents. Please refer to each manufacturer’s website for further information regarding approved service agents within Australia.
A service carried out by anyone other than the manufacturer or their approved service agent will not meet the requirements of the relevant FIA standard and will not be permitted for use in a Motorsport Australia event.