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Wet Weather Competition
Fitting in all the events of a Formula SAE competition if the weather intervenes has been a topic of discussion by the Consortium and the Rules Committee for several years. We have had rain at the Silverdome over the last couple of years, and it has had a significant impact on the competition. That we were unable to have all the teams attempt the Endurance Event this past May, made some form of action critical.
Therefore, the FSAE Consortium and the Rules Committee have decided that provision must be made to allow us to run in the rain, or on a wet track, if required. This decision has not been an easy one. Defining how it might be accomplished in a safe manner is now the task.
To run in the rain or on a wet track, "rain tires" will be required. The exact definition of what will qualify as a "rain tire" is being finalized. This will be published within the next couple of weeks as "Supplementary Event Regulations", along with some of the procedures that will be required to implement this provision. The final details of some of these procedures, such as when and where teams will be allowed or required to change their tires, may take a little longer to finalize. However, all teams will be informed before the competition next May.
As this procedure does not effect the design of the cars, the Rules Committee believes that it is entirely appropriate that this measure be announced and introduced in this manner.
November 17th, 2002
Michael Royce,
Chairman,
FSAE Rules Committee
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