BSB clarifies crash-restart ruling

Riders who fall on the warm-up or sighting lap will be permitted to start the race, provided they pass an inspection.

16 Sep 2014

The MCRCB has confirmed a revision to the rule stating that any British Superbike rider that comes off their bike during sighting or warm-up laps will be allowed to start subject to approval.

As it stands, any rider that falls during racing conditions is not permitted to rejoin, a ruling that was introduced to prevent potentially damaged bikes depositing oil, water, debris or fluids onto the circuit to compromise other competitors.

However, a clarification has been enacted to cover riders that fall during the warm-up or sighting lap after Josh Brookes slipped off in the lead up to the second Cadwell Park race. Though he went on to start, he was subsequently black flagged and forced to stop.

As such, the MCRCB has introduced the following ruling in case a similar event occurs:

1. After the crash, and before continuing, the machine must be inspected by the marshals, including the chief marshal of the section who will make a determination and report the situation by radio to the Race Director.

2. Subject to approval being granted by the Race Director, who will take into account the report of the marshal, the location of the incident and any risk to delaying the start of race - the rider may remount and continue around the circuit and ENTER THE PIT LANE, keeping off of the racing line.

3. Once the rider has reached the pit lane/pit box, further repairs may be carried out under the supervision of a technical official. Once cleared by technical control the rider may exit the pit lane if the sighting laps period is still in progress, or else start the warm up lap from the pit lane in which case the rider will start the race from the back of the grid, or start the race from the pit lane exit. The last option to start the race from the pit lane exit expires when the leader crosses the finish line to complete the first racing lap.

4. The decision of the Race Director and instructions of the marshals is final. Penalties will be applied for disregarding these and any actions that prejudice safety or the start procedure.