New Production Vehicle class announced

New production vehicle class in 2002 Bankfin Off Road Championship

A new Production Vehicle class is to be introduced in this year's Bankfin Off Road Championship, which this year will also see the introduction of power restrictions in the Production Vehicle category.

The new class will accommodate front engine two wheel drive bakkies and SUV's. The category has been designated Class F.

"Class F caters for vehicles that do not conform to any of the existing Production Vehicle classes," said MSA Off-Road Car Racing Commission president Piet Swanepoel. "These include a number of stadium off road trucks which were brought into South Africa from the United States.

"It is important that the Bankfin Off Road Championship cater for all vehicles, and the new class adjusts an imbalance."

The introduction of power restrictions in Classes T, D and F brings the Bankfin Off Road Championship into line with the FIA Cross-Country Rally Championship, with the MSA Off-Road Car Racing Commission also reserving the right to introduce restrictors in the Special Vehicle category at a later stage. Vehicles in Class T will be fitted with 40-45mm restrictors and vehicles in Class D with 32-35mm restrictors. Restrictor sizes for Class F will be decided upon following inspection of prospective entrants in the new class.

"While the introduction of restrictors in Classes T, D and F brings us into line with the FIA Cross-Country Rally Championship, it has safety connotations and also levels the playing field in the three classes," said Swanepoel.

Restrictors will become obligatory with effect from the O'Hagan's / Kopanong Hotel Mmabatho 500 in July.

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