BOND NEWS

Safety Cages

It is unlikely that there will be no changes made for 2005 in relation to pre-existing Safety Cages, or for new Safety Cages made from mild steel and not requiring homologation. However, I will foreshadow that this situation will change in 2006. As anyone who has homologated a Safety Cage in 2004 will know, the new FIA requirements have considerably boosted the strength and complexity of such homologated cages. As has been pointed out to CAMS time and again by many people, this has produced a very large gap between the requirements of a basic cage and that of an homologated cage.

The FIA have recognised this as well and a series of amendments will be introduced under article 253 for 2005. This will include mandatory cross bracing in the main hoop and roof, although no A pillar reinforcement is planned at this time. It is anticipated that these changes will flow through to Schedule J in 2006, or possibly earlier if this is seen as necessary. Keep an eye on the next Magazine for more details.
Whilst on the subject of Homologated Safety Cages, the revised homologation process, and the appropriate forms to go with them have now been approved by the FIA. This will see the introduction of a common form for most ASN’s, making the job of the scrutineers a lot easier. The new process will require that the constructor to contact CAMS to obtain a homologation number early in the piece. Unlike the process in place for the last 15 years, the manufacturer is required to produce the identification plate, with each plate bearing the CAMS Homologation number, and a unique serial number.

One thing that has only recently come to light is the fact that ASN’s like CAMS are only able to homologate structures based on drawing 253-4, with extra bars and different materials. Only car manufacturers can homologate different designs, and only through the FIA. Remember this before you decide to copy a “works” cage. Further information, including copies of the revised forms should be on the CAMS web site in the near future (at last I hear you say!).
Competitors who intend to enter Rally of Canberra, Rally Australia or any V8 Supercar event are reminded that their cages must meet FIA Article 253.8, and their attention is drawn to those regulations. Schedule J does not necessarily apply to those events.