Rules
IX. VEHICLES
- Definition
- [GREAT RACE only] Vehicle entries must have been manufactured in 1969 or earlier. Generally, any vehicle manufactured
in 1969 or earlier as originally manufactured and/or modified in its year of manufacture is eligible for entry. A Hot Rod or
Muscle Car that because of its power train, suspension, equipment, or other modifications would be considered a post-1969
vehicle for purposes of applying an age factor may be accepted for entry on an individual review basis based on Great
Race’s determination that it complies with the spirit of encouraging the participation of vehicles whose body styles are 1969
and earlier. - [Regional Rallies only] Vehicles of any model year
- [GREAT RACE only] Vehicles may be:
- As originally manufactured
- As modified in their era of manufacture (documentation required)
- Custom, one-off, vehicles of historical significance, Hot Rods, and Muscle Cars that are considered to be within the
Spirit of the Event may be accepted, or rejected, for entry on an individual review basis.
- [GREAT RACE only] Re-Bodied Vehicles: Reasonable re-creations of historical vehicles may be accepted for entry. A
vehicle manufactured in 1969 or earlier may be re-bodied to resemble a pre-1970 racer, or a pre-1970 one-off, rare, or
limited-production vehicle. It is not possible to address all the requirements here, so if there is any doubt, request
clarification from our Technical Committee.- All vehicle documentation is the entrant’s responsibility. Documentation of an actual vehicle, including pictures and
specification sheets, is ideal. If actual pictures and specification sheets are not available, submit scale drawings to
our Technical Committee of all components of the proposed vehicle that are to be reconstructed, including the side,
front, and rear of the body. - There are a number of sources for vehicle specifications, including the National Automobile Museum in Reno,
Nevada; the Henry Ford Museum in Southfield, Michigan; and the Sloan Museum in Flint, Michigan. - Maintain vehicle integrity; e.g., if it’s a Ford, use all Ford parts, including chassis, drive train, and accessories.
Historical documentation is required to allow a variance here. - Construct the vehicle as it would have been constructed in its era, with materials and procedures that are of that era.
E.g., don’t use extruded aluminum; the material is permissible but the extrusion technology is inappropriate.
5. Vehicles must be in excellent road-worthy condition and present a good appearance.
- All vehicle documentation is the entrant’s responsibility. Documentation of an actual vehicle, including pictures and
- [GREAT RACE only] Vehicle entries must have been manufactured in 1969 or earlier. Generally, any vehicle manufactured
- Required
- Unless otherwise stipulated in these regulations, mechanical components of the competing vehicles must be of the same
make, model, and vintage as originally delivered by the manufacturers unless otherwise stated in these Regulations
Performance and aftermarket equipment for modification of the engine and drivetrain is permitted if it was available during
the year of manufacture of the vehicle. The use of a performance component of a later year than the manufacture of the
vehicle will cause the team to be scored based upon the year of manufacture of that component. The burden of proof of the
year of availability of performance components is upon the entrant. [GREAT RACE only] With the exception of Hot Rods
and Muscle Cars allowed by IX.A.1, performance equipment developed after 1969 is prohibited. - All vehicles must have the required equipment for lawful operation on public roads and highways in their State/Province/
Country of registration. - [GREAT RACE only] Windshields, when applicable, must be of laminated safety glass. Side windows, when applicable,
must be of safety glass. - At least two working tail lights, two working stop (brake) lights, and two red reflectors on the rear of the vehicle, one on each
side - Electrical lighting, legally acceptable for night driving
- Electrical turn signals, front and rear
- Operating shock absorbers at each wheel if the vehicle was originally manufactured with shock absorbers. If the vehicle
was not manufactured with shock absorbers and is considered safe and roadworthy by our Technical Committee, operating
shock absorbers are recommended but not required. - Lap seat belts are required for both driver and navigator.
- One operational fire extinguisher, dry chemical, at least 2½ pounds A/B/C.
- Miscellaneous equipment: This equipment is required for Great Race events and recommended for VCRA Regional events.
- One first aid kit
- One tow rope or chain, at least sixteen feet in length
- Emergency flares or reflectors
- One gallon container of drinking water
- One flashlight
- Unless otherwise stipulated in these regulations, mechanical components of the competing vehicles must be of the same
- Authorized Modifications
- The authorized modifications listed below are subject to review by Great Race or VCRA. These modifications are allowed in
the interest of safety, reliability, and the preservation of historical vehicles. All modifications must be done in good taste,
hidden from view where possible, and should not detract from the original appearance of the vehicle. All modifications must
be noted on the Entry Form. - Any part of the vehicle damaged by accident, rust, or wear may be replaced by one of identical design and material.
- Replacement sub-assemblies, such as ignition coils, magnetos, plug wires, fuel pumps, and wiper blades may be replaced
by normally available units identical in function to the original parts. - Internal engine modifications and engine repairs may utilize parts and materials of unrestricted origin provided the part or
parts used for replacement are identical in purpose to the part or parts replaced and do not alter the outward appearance of
the original engine; e.g., aluminum pistons.- An engine of vintage other than original equipment may be used if it was considered a factory replacement. Original
type cylinder head(s) and manifold(s) must be used. - An engine other than original vintage may be used on an individual review basis, with written approval of our
Technical Committee required. IX.B.1 will apply.
- An engine of vintage other than original equipment may be used if it was considered a factory replacement. Original
- The addition of auxiliary oiling, filtering, pressurization, and/or lubrication systems
- The addition of an oil filter
- Carburetors: Carburetors must comply with IX.C.4.a. Vehicles of Model Year 1948 and earlier may use any carburetor
manufactured before 1949. Vehicles of Model Year 1949 through 1969 may use any carburetor manufactured before 1970 Hot Rods and Muscle Cars allowed by IX.A.1 may use any carburetor. - Electric fuel pumps and pressure regulators are permissible.
- Fuel capacity may be increased.
- Auxiliary tank(s) may be added provided they are not in the passenger compartment, meet Federal and State/
Provincial/National requirements, are properly vented, and do not detract from the appearance of the vehicle.
Auxiliary tanks are allowed only under the vehicle and/or in the trunk. - Gasoline containers are not allowed outside the vehicle (on running boards, bumpers, etc.). All gasoline containers
must meet applicable federal safety standards. - At refueling stops, racers may choose to refuel at other locations. Great Race or VCRA takes no responsibility for
any fuel used by race cars. - A FUEL RANGE OF 200 MILES IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED.
- Auxiliary tank(s) may be added provided they are not in the passenger compartment, meet Federal and State/
- Magneto or point-coil ignition systems are allowable. Breaker points may be replaced with an electronic pick-up.
- Electrical charging systems (6- or 12-volt) including generator/alternator and battery may be added.
- Drivetrain
- Any friction clutch assembly may be used.
- Transmission must be "original type" and year model and may be modified internally to improve reliability and
performance. Transmissions other than original will be accepted or rejected on an individual review basis, in which
case IX.B.1 applies. - Any add-on overdrive unit is permitted, along with drive shaft, U-joint, and frame alterations required to install the
overdrive unit only. - The rear axle housing shall be original or a replacement that has the appearance and function as close to the
original as possible and cleared by the Technical Committee or the Executive Committee. - Gear ratio change is permitted, but IX.B.1 applies.
- Brakes
- Disc brakes are allowed on cars/trucks only if original equipment. Disc brakes are allowed on motorcycles.
- Conversion from mechanical to hydraulic brakes and the addition of vacuum assist units is permissible. The
modifications that are required to the front axle and rear axle housing to convert to hydraulic brakes are permissible
but must be cleared with the Chief Technical Inspector or the Executive Committee. - Conversion from two-wheel brake system to four-wheel brake system is permissible.
- [GREAT RACE only] On an individual review basis and for reasons of safety, with the exception of Hot Rods and Muscle Cars allowed by IX.A.1, for the purpose of adding front brakes, the front axle assembly may be of any model
year manufactured before 1970. The replacement axle should closely resemble the original in appearance and form
(e.g., tubular for tubular; I-beam for I-beam). The modifications must be done in a manner that allows the vehicle to
be easily returned to its original condition.
- The addition of modern hydraulic shock absorbers is permissible.
- The addition of modern vacuum or electric windshield wipers is permissible.
- The addition of a self-starter is permissible.
- Headers, dual exhaust pipes, and "cutouts" are permissible.
- Cooling systems
- Auxiliary electric fans are permissible if located under the hood.
- Auxiliary water pumps and radiators are permissible but must be concealed.
- Pressurized radiator and/or overflow tanks are permissible.
- Tachometers are prohibited. If the vehicle had an original tachometer it must be disconnected and will be sealed at
Technical Inspection. - Any steering gear assembly that appears in likeness to the original, mounts in the same location, and performs the same
function is permissible. - Speedometer: Each competing vehicle may have one speedometer as defined in II.H.1.h.
- Tires: Radial tires are allowed, but they must be mounted on wheels in compliance with IX.C.23.
- A 1950 or newer vehicle may use radial tires with no adjustment to Age Factor.
- A 1949 or older vehicle may use Bias Ply or "Nostalgia" style Radial tires (as industry defined) with no adjustment to
Age Factor. - A 1946 through 1949 vehicle with tires other than as defined in IX.C.22.b will be scored as a 1950 vehicle.
- A 1945 or older vehicle with tires other than as defined in IX.C.22.b will receive a 5-year adjustment to a newer Age Factor (example: a 1937 model year vehicle with other radial tires is scored as a 1942).
- Wheels: If other than original equipment, replacement wheels must be of the era of the vehicle in function and appearance,
and cleared with the GREAT RACE/VCRA Technical Committee in writing. Replacement Wheels must not have a variance
of more than 2 inches in diameter from the original equipment and must retain the appearance of the original wheel.
- The authorized modifications listed below are subject to review by Great Race or VCRA. These modifications are allowed in
