The ‘Astrogate’ story continues today as an official announcement from IFMAR has been made regarding the surface rules for the 2015 IFMAR 1/10 World Championships at Yatabe Arena. The controversy as to whether or not the event can be held on an all astro covered track has been decided by majority vote.
The existing IFMAR rule states:
“5.1 SURFACE
Pack able rock free dirt – preferably sifted top soil/clay compound with minimum amounts of sand. Surface should be able to be easily broken and repaired to ensure a consistent and wide racing line. Such conditions have shown to yield excellent racing due to width and consistency of the racing line. Additionally qualifying is fairer as the ability to maintain a consistent surface gives all competitors an equal track that can be enjoyed by those in heats before as well as after his own.”
IFMAR then issued a ‘revised’ ruling for the surface of the track which states:
“5.1 SURFACE
The track surface can be dirt, or else partially or entirely covered with artificial turf. (Commonly referred to as Astro turf) Other materials can be used in sections of the track such as table tops and jumps to assure the durability of those sections for the entire event. Such other materials must be limited to less than 20% of the total track length. Dirt sections should be of screened top soil / clay free from rocks and debris with only a minimum amount of sand and hard packed to provide a durable consistent racing surface for the duration of the event.”
(Photo by Masami Hirosaka)
The revised ruling was sent to the various sanctioning blocs to be voted on whether or not it should replace the existing surface rule. No surprise (as there are very few astro tracks in North America) ROAR voted against the rule change, however, EFRA, FAMAR, and FEMCA all voted ‘YES’ to changing the rules. IFMAR decided by majority vote that the rule will in fact be changed, and allows for what could become the first all astro offroad Worlds in 2015 at Yatabe Arena.
