[section last updated 09.09.08]
Section XVI.
There may be situations where a vehicle requires a quick-fix or repair done during the course of competition. In regards to these incidents, there is the “3-minute rule” that basically gives drivers 3 minutes in order to repair or resolve the situation. These situations should be dealt with depending on when, during the course of an event, an emergency situation arises:
A. Any and all emergency repairs are to be done OFF the track. Pull the car away from the driving line, and remove the car from the track.
B. During qualifying, in the event that a vehicle requires attention, the driver will be allowed to do any repair that can be done without tools. This includes popping on tie rods, fixing a loose battery strap, etc.
1. The qualifying driver who needs the emergency repair must get their vehicle back on the course before their group is finished.
2. If the driver is back on the track and their group is still qualifying, then the driver will be allowed to complete their qualifying laps.
3. If the emergency situation occurs in the middle of qualifying, and the driver cannot repair their vehicle in time before their qualifying group is finished, the driver will only receive any qualifying points earned up until the time at which they had to remove their vehicle from the track.
4. If the driver is not on the track when their qualifying group is finished, the driver will receive 0-points for qualifying.
C. A discharged battery is NOT considered an emergency situation during qualifying, because a driver should have a charged pack ready to go before their qualifying run begins. Unfinished qualifying laps will not be repeated, and the driver will only receive any qualifying points earned up until the time at which they had to remove their vehicle from the track.
D During Tandem Battle If the incident occurs during the warmup lap BEFORE tandem battle, the driver will be allowed 3 minutes to correct the problem. If the driver is not ready or the vehicle is not repaired at the 3 minute mark, then the driver with the damaged vehicle will be disqualified and, thus concede the battle. The other driver will advance.
1. If the incident occurs DURING a tandem battle lap, the driver will receive 0/10 points (for that lap only) due to a DNF (Did Not Finish), and the other driver that completed the lap will earn 10 points simply because they were able to complete the lap.
2. In tandem battle, any driver who encounters a vehicle problem that cannot be corrected within the specified time limit may elect to run a substitute vehicle to complete qualifying or tandem battle, with the following restrictions:
a. Driver must inform the staff that they are switching vehicles.
b. Substitute vehicle must be ready to go within the 3-minute time frame.
c. Substitute vehicle must be legal for the class that it is being used in.
d. After using a substitute vehicle, the driver may (during down time, or in between battles) repair their vehicle in order to run their vehicle for the rest of the event.
E. Judges have the final say on allowing any vehicle substitutions during the course of an event.