Motorsport is controlled worldwide by two governing bodies: the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) responsible for all forms of automobile sport, and the Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), responsible for all categories of motorcycling. The Commission Internationale de Karting (CIK), forms part of the FIA.
Both the FIA and FIM recognise only one National Federation in each country, with such Federation in turn being responsible for the control and administration of the sport in its own country. In South Africa, the FIA and FIM have transferred their sporting powers to Motorsport - South Africa (MSA) and all motorsporting events in the country are held in accordance with FIA and FIM Sporting Codes. South Africa is one of only a few countries responsible for the control of both car and motorcycle sporting events, with most other countries having separate governing bodies for the two disciplines.
There has never been any discrimination in motorsport, and before any club’s application for affiliation to MSA is considered, the club has to provide a copy of its Constitution to MSA, wherein it must be clearly stated that there will be no discrimination between race, colour, creed or religion within the club. The MSA Handbook further specifies this in the “Introduction” Section.
The control of motorsport in South Africa is divided into six regions, namely Northern Regions; Kwazulu Natal; Western Province; Eastern Province; Border and FS/Northern Cape.
MSA has three permanent offices:-
Head Office and Secretariat
First Floor
108 Monza Close
Kyalami Business Park
Midrand
e-mail: msa@motorsportsa.co.za
Tel: 011 466-2440
Fax: 0866 111 050 / 011 466 2450
Western Province
Killarney Race Track,
Pots Dam Road
Killarney
7441
e-mail: ctn@motorsportsa.co.za
Tel: 021 556-1026
Fax: 0866 123 465 / 021 556-1487
In view of their relatively small sizes, secretarial services for the Eastern Province, Border and FS/Northern Cape regions are undertaken by the MSA Secretariat. Apart from being a full member of both the FIA and FIM, MSA is also affiliated to the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC)
WHAT IS MOTORSPORT - S.A?
Motorsport - S.A. (MSA) is the sole governing body of all forms of motorsport (cars, karting and motorcycles) in South Africa and is recognised as such by both the FIA and FIM internationally and the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC), Ministry of Sport and Sport and Recreation South Africa.
CATEGORIES OF MOTORSPORT UNDER CONTROL OF MSA
Motorsport South Africa is responsible for the control of the following facets of motorsport:
CIRCUIT RACING:
Wesbank Super Series :
Wesbank V8 Supercars – Bridgestone Production Cars – Superbike and Supersport Motorcycles – Engen Volkswagen Cup
Pro Tour: Shelby Can Am – Formula Ford Zetec – Formula Vee
Other National Categories: Drag Racing; Karting; Oval Racing
Regional Categories: Formula Vee – Formula Ford – Porsche Challenge – VW Challenge – Supersaloons – Historic Touring Cars – Historic Sports and GT Cars – 250cc Superkarts – Lotus Challenge – Silvercup – Formula Libre – Formula M – Superhatch – Pre 66 Legends Saloon – Alfa Romeo Trofeo – Sports Racing – BMW Boxer Cup – Thunderbikes – Protour Motorcycles – MG Challenge – Trans-Am Racing Saloon – Short Circuit Motorcycles – Karting
NON-CIRCUIT RACING:
Rallies (Special Stage, Regularity, Blind Navigators) - Rallysprints - Off Road Car Racing – Off Road Motorcycle Racing - Enduro Motorcycling – Quad Racing – Snr Motocross – Jnr Motocross - Supermoto - Trials - Hillclimbs – Gymkhanas – Motorcycle regularity trials – 4 x4 Challenge – Quad MX – Oval Racing – Drag Racing.
ORGANISATION OF EVENTS
Motorsporting events are organised by various clubs affiliated to MSA. These Clubs submit draft regulations of the event to MSA some six weeks before an event, and if MSA has satisfied itself that all International and National regulations have been complied with in the draft regulations, it issues an organising permit, authorising the club to stage the event.
After each event, organisers are required to submit full results and other reports (such as Accident Report Forms), and details of any problems which may have occurred during the event, to MSA. This is required to ensure that the event was run properly, that the necessary medical and safety facilities were in place, and that all technical and sporting regulations were complied with. All events held without MSA having issued an organising permit for same, are considered as “unauthorised events” by MSA, and any MSA licensed competitors and officials taking part in an unauthorised event, or working at such an event, are subject to disciplinary action against them by MSA.
By doing so, MSA ensures that all its licence holders receive the required and maximum medical and safety protection, and that both the organisers and the competitors, are covered under MSA’s 10 million Rand Public Liability Policy.
HOW TO START IN MOTORSPORT
Motorsport by its very nature, is an expensive sport, and all aspirant competitors are required to have their own car or motorcycle. Irrespective of the facet of motorsport newcomers wish to compete in, they are required to have a competition licence. There is no test involved in obtaining the licence, but the following procedures must be followed and requirements are necessary before any competitor can compete in a MSA sanctioned event:
a) Become a member of one of the MSA affiliated clubs and/or associations. A detailed list of all registered clubs appear on the website or contact MSA Secretariat for details. Select a club closest to your place of residence catering for the facet of the sport you are interested in, and contact them.
b) Obtain a competition licence from MSA, valid for the facet of the sport you wish to compete in. When applying for a licence, the following documents must be produced:
i) Club or association membership card or proof of having paid club fees.
ii) Medical Certificate signed and stamped from a registered medical practitioner stating that the individual is in good health and fit to compete in motorsport and that he/she does not suffer from a weak heart, diabetes, fainting spells and/or any other ailment or disorders which could adversely affect his/her ability to compete.
iii) Complete the necessary Licence Application Form and sign an Indemnity. If the applicant is a minor, his/her parents and/or guardian/s are required to counter-sign the application and indemnity.
iv) Minors wishing to compete in certain junior classes, where the age of the competitor determines the class in which he/she may compete, will be required to either produce their original birth certificate or a certified copy of same (i.e.ID Book).
v) MSA has arranged a medical/accident insurance cover for competitors at an extremely low annual premium, which cover is compulsory and all applicants are therefore required to pay the premium when applying for a licence, irrespective of the category of sport they wish to compete in. Details of the cover and benefit provided as well as the premium payable, are available from MSA.
vi) Pay a licence fee, the amount of which depends on the category of sport the applicant wishes to compete in, and the status of the licence. For grass root level type events (club and regional), a club licence will suffice, while a regional licence is required for regional championship events. Most categories require the competitor to compete in four to eight events before being able to “upgrade” their licences to National status. For categories having no regional events and being of national status only, first-time competitors will be issued with a National licence.
When obtaining a licence, the competitor is issued with a copy of the MSA Handbook and a copy of the technical and sporting regulations applicable to the facet of the sport he/she chooses to compete in. The General Section of the Handbook contains the GCR’s (General Competition Rules). These are the governing rules applicable to all forms of motorsport and same is divided into 11 Parts, namely:
GENERAL COMPETITION RULES (GCR’S)
Part I Interpretation
Part II Administration of rules
Part III Rights to Organise, Permission, Approvals and Permits
Part IV Documents, Declarations, Sup. Regs & Entries
Part V Entrants, Competitors/Drivers - Responsibilities, Medical Certificates and Licences
Part VI Powers and Responsibilities: Promoters/Organisers
Part VII Officials
Part VIII Penalties
Part IX Protests
Part X Appeals and Enquiries
Part XI Applicable to MSA : Sanctioned Events
APPENDICES
Appendix “A” Homologation
Appendix “D” Courses, Road, Tracks and Records
Appendix “H” Flags
Appendix “L” Medical and Rescue Code
Appendix “R” Fees
No fee is payable for the Handbook or sporting/technical regulations when obtaining a licence.
A copy of the motor sport calendar, listing all the events run under the auspices of MSA for the year, is also issued to competitors at no cost when they obtain their licence. The calendar provides details of the date, status and type of event, as well as the region in which the event is being held.
While standard road cars and motorcycles will suffice for certain categories of motorsport, some others allow extensive modification to be made and for some categories, specially built vehicles such as the Karts, Formula M, Off Road cars, etc., are used. The Chairmen of the various associations and clubs, or commissions, will be able to assist competitors regarding contact names and telephone/fax numbers of individuals for these categories.
c) Ensure that you have adequate, prescribed protective clothing (helmet, gloves, overall, shoes, etc.).
When acquiring clothing and helmet, remember that their main function is to protect you in the unfortunate event of an accident. It is therefore essential that you ensure that the helmet is of an approved type and fits you properly and that your overall is made from fire retardant fabric. Newcomers to motorsport (car events) who are unable to purchase a proper overall, initially may compete in normal long-sleeved shirts and pants, provided the fabric is not nylon. For motorcycle circuit events, either a leather jacket and breeches or a leather one piece racing suit is required. Competitors must further have boots affording adequate protection to feet and ankles, and leather gloves. Enduro, motocross and supercross competitors are not required to wear leathers, but adequate protective clothing (such as mx pants, chest protectors, mx boots, etc.) must be worn.
It is highly recommended that you do not ever purchase a second-hand helmet, as any helmet which was dropped, knocked or could have been damaged during an accident, will not afford proper protection. It is therefore essential that these items are acquired through a reputable dealer and contact names and address can be obtained either through the MSA Secretariat, one of its regional offices, or through the various clubs and/or associations.
YOUR INVOLVEMENT IN MOTORSPORT
Clubs and Associations play a major role in motorsport - its members can call upon a wealth of experience, and will provide assistance and encouragement in your early days of competition. Remember also to enjoy the social side of membership - most clubs regularly organise meetings and other social gatherings, fun events, club championships, etc. Whether you decide to become a competitor or assist in the administrative side of motorsport (i.e. marshalling, timekeeping, scoring, etc.) clubs offer a tremendous number of outlets for your interests in the sport.
MARSHALLING
For those wishing to become involved in motorsport but not as a competitor, there can be no better introduction than to volunteer as a marshal or as an official (scrutineer, timekeeper, lap scorer, etc). To organise any event requires a small army of volunteers, usually many more than the number of competitors. These volunteers carry out a wide range of duties, all of which contribute to the overall efficiency and success of the event.
There is no doubt that without the voluntary officials, it will be impossible to run any motorsporting event. As an official, one is able to enjoy and become involved in motorsport, without the necessity of having to own a car or a motorcycle. Marshal Associations, the scrutineers and timekeepers also have social events for their members, and this affords the opportunity of learning more about another facet of the sport and getting together with individuals who all share the same interest - motorsport.
Many individuals start off as officials and then decide to compete in motorsport - in most cases being extremely successful. Whether you decide to become a competitor, official or administrator in motorsport, you can look forward to a vibrant, exciting form of sport which will provide you with many happy memories in years to come.
Choose a club or association close to your home and telephone the “contact person” listed in the list of clubs, to establish whether they cater for the specific facet of the sport in which you wish to compete, and they will gladly assist you and answer queries you may have. Alternatively, contact the MSA Secretariat for further details.
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