As the 2016 CEE championship wraps up, the winners were handed their tickets for the Grand Finals and the organizers are already making preparations for the next year. We’ve had a result-rich year, with 256 registered competitors, from 26 Countries, taking part in 5 weekends. We’ve never had so many drivers take part in the series. The event at Adria proved to be highly popular – more than 150 drivers entered the race. The record figures can be traced back to all the hard work that has put in, over the past years. Let us summarize what these efforts and activity consists of, as well as some of our plans for the future. Last year we’ve achieved a major milestone, whereby MNASZ and the Hungarian Gokart Federation struck a long-term agreement, authorizing the MGSZ (Hungarian Gokart Federation) to organize MNASZ sponsored, National Karting Championships, in the next four years. In the past, the two federations would sign only one year contracts, which made it difficult to plan for the long term. The 4 year deal came through thanks to the newly elected MNASZ president, Mr. Gyárfás Oláh.
Camera system: In the past, many arguments arose from whether the marshals saw a given race sequence. When a complaint is filed, only eyewitnesses’ testimonies are taken into account, which made it difficult for the marshals and stewards to do their work, and often produced results that were unsettling for the drivers. This changed once the mobile camera system was developed and 16 cameras introduced. Today, there is no such race, where you couldn’t review, analyze any sequence, from the air-conditioned camera room. Every event and race is being recorded. The last three races are always available for review. Since the new system was introduced, the number of disputes was significantly reduced. Upon reviewing recordings, 99% of drivers accept the official standpoint.
Led display system: Lack of marshals on Fridays and Saturdays, used to cause major problems, as the practice rounds couldn’t be held safely. This is where the led display system came into play. Using the led lights, the marshals can now perform flagging tasks, such as turning the lights on and off, switching between yellow , green and red lights, throughout the whole track, without ever leaving the control room. Free practices became much safer since the introduction of the led lights.
As of 2016, each marshal’s location is occupied by two marshals. In the past, only one marshal occupied the designated marshal’s location, making it difficult to help drivers who crashed or sled off the track and complete the flagging tasks at the same time. As a result, clearing the track took a longer while and it took the drivers longer to continue the race. This year, a noticeable difference and efficiency was witnessed in this respect. We are now using standardized signaling system above the starting grid. It shows the red light start sequence, number of laps and time left (in case of free practice).
We’ve introduced plastic card identification, a practice common in International series. The driver, mechanic and team leader are each provided with an ID card, allowing them access to all areas. As a result, large crowds were eliminated from the preparation room, identification at the gates is smoother, and visitors cannot enter closed areas.
MGSZ and CEE have brand new websites. New pages are visually more pleasing, easier to browse, and contain more information. We used feedback from drivers to make the competitions more transparent. In 2016 we introduced the EVA system, developed by Rotax. Enrollment is now going through this system. Every driver uploads their data at the beginning of the year (what races he or she is taking part in, photography, copy of their license, team license, etc.) The system, including the barcode reader, makes sure that the data is recorded properly and reinforces the error-proof procedure. We’ve introduced the money transfer option, ensuring a clear overview of the enrolled competitors. As it often happens (and it is likely to happen in the future) that more drivers submit applications for the race, then there are available spots, we are able to accept applications in the order of their received payment. In case someone is not able to take part in the race, we make sure to notify them in advance, saving them the trouble of traveling for nothing. Fortunately, this scenario never occurred before, however with the current rate of the CEE expansion, it is bound to happen in the future. If a driver would like to secure a spot for the whole year, the simplest way to do so is to choose the discounted yearly enrollment. (Entry)
Furthermore, we’ve unified the CEE and GOB rules and regulations, hence eliminating any potential disputes related to race rules. This is especially important to those, who compete in both series. Since 2016 the detailed summary of rules and regulations is available in English language as well. It’s been brought to our attention earlier this year that some drivers are not using the approved type of fuel mixture. Due to strenuous nature of the task, and high expenses associated with controlling the fuel, in 2016 Micro and Mini series participants will be provide fuel centrally. This way we will make sure that every driver starts the race with identical fuel.
Live timing: From 2016, fans, friends and relatives can follow real time results on our website and cheer from the comfort of their homes. System development around the track now makes it possible to serve 500 devices through the Race Monitor. The system strength has also been increased, making wifi accessible even in the tents.
In the Micromax category a drawing system has been introduced, making the races much more balanced and exciting. Also it would be in Rotax’s interest and long-term goal to introduce it in as many categories as possible
Know-how is much more important than technical specs. True, renting engines costs money, but it’s still cheaper than renting ’top engines’ from the specialized companies, as we’ve seen in the upper categories.
The reform of the technical examination: We’ve introduced a draw-based examination system, meaning that upon the end of the race the top three drivers, as well as the driver with the best lap time, are automatically examined, by drawing a list of examinable items, to be performed by the technical staff. Naturally, that doesn’t preclude anyone or anything else from being examined. There are no such areas that don’t fall under the examinable items. The drawn lists contain all mechanical parts.
We have come up with the new timeline design, which is much more aesthetically pleasing, more detailed and more precise. A big thanks to Tuzson Ádam for his help. Starting in 2016, we have introduced new, customized trophies, while the younger age groups received customized, premium-quality medals as well. In the future, each season will feature unique trophy design. Our goal for the future is to secure top quality racing tracks. Our first step in that direction was the Adriatic race. Securing such level tracks is challenging though, due to professional track availability in this region – however we will do our best in making this vision a reality. Where possible, briefings from the track sidelines were redirected into more appropriate space, designed for this purpose. Screens and panels are used to make sure no one misses it. In 2016 we’ve started introducing international experts to the series. This year, on more than one occasion, Mr. Martin Lainer from Germany, served as the race director, while Mr. Jiri Janovec took part in the race supervisor role as Steward.
Our plans for 2017
It is our objective to work on further developing the technical examination. Although we’ve made a significant progress in this field, we feel there is further room for improvement.
For the Stewards, we would like to appoint three independent experts. Mr. Jiri Janovec fits these criteria, which we hope to amend with two additional Stewards.
The penalties will be implemented through a two degree process. Upon the disputed situation, the race director will bring a decision about the penalty. If complaint is filed, a three-member supervising board may listen to the disputed sides, may review the recordings, and bring a final decision accordingly. The decision can be appealed firstly at MGSZ and secondly at MNASZ.
Starting in 2017, centrally allocated fuel will be introduced in all categories. Furthermore, we are bound to clarify the penalties, especially cutting in, squeezing out, and spot securing regulations. Naturally, additional changes might be made. We invite each team to send their suggestions and feedback, by the end of October. In case of constructive ideas, we will include them in next year’s rules and regulations.
We look forward to seeing all drivers and teams in the series.
Best regards
Hungarian Gokart Association