Formula

SPECIFICATION FOR 2006

A car made to Formula Catapult Specifications will be designed to cover a level and straight 200 metre distance in as short a time as possible. It will be made to essentially go safely in a straight line as fast as possible. The specification has been set to encourage the use of re-cycled parts in order to keep the cost as low as possible.
1. Power Source: One conventional 12-volt car starter motor, powered by one conventional lead/acid 12-volt car battery. 2. Size: Maximum Length Maximum Width Minimum Track of a Pair of Wheels (Front or Back) -

2500mm 1200mm 800mm

3. Wheels: A minimum of THREE wheels will be used on each car, with the track of one pair to be no less than 800mm. The type and size can be of the entrant's choice. However, the scrutineers will have the power to disqualify cars whose wheels are deemed to be of insufficient strength for the purpose. 4. Drive: The transmission system must be through the rear wheel/s of the car but, if two rear wheel configuration is used the drive must be through both wheels. The actual method of transmitting the power is up to the entrant but all moving parts must be within the body of the car and be safely guarded and the driver must be protected from them. 5. Brakes: The car must have a fully functional braking system that will hold the car when stationary and reduce its speed to standstill within 100 metres after crossing the finishing line. The braking system WILL BE augmented with a parachute that will be deployed as the car crosses the finishing line. The parachute to be a minimum of 500mm in diameter or 500mm square and must be deemed to be functional. 6. Steering: The car will have a fully functional steering system operated directly by the driver through a wheel, handlebars or side levers. It will operate on the front wheel/s. Rear wheel steering is not permitted. 7. Driver: The driver must be over 16 years of age on the day of the race. The driver will be in a feet to the front position either sitting or prone. No driver will be allowed positioned in a head first lying or kneeling position. 8. Safety: 8.1 The driver must sit within the chassis/body of the vehicle. 8.2 A full safety harness will be worn. (3-point attachment) that will take note in its fitting of how the driver is positioned. 8.3 The main roll bar must be higher than the top of the helmet of the driver. 8.4 There must be a front roll bar to provide protection for the legs.

8.5 The driver must be fully clothed and wear leather gloves and shoes and wear a crash helmet of motor cycle or motor racing type. 8.6 The car must carry a small fire extinguisher suitable for electrical fires. 9. Electrical: The car must be fitted with adequate protective fusing and must have a master power isolation switch clearly marked and easily accessible to the driver and from outside of the car. All electrical connections and wiring must of the correct size and securely fitted. 10. General: 10.1 The car must be built from materials appropriate to the function and must be, in the eyes of the scrutineers, strong enough for the purpose. 10.2 The vehicle must be capable of making a large number of 'runs' without the replacement of vital components (Batteries however may be changed after each run). 10.3 No flywheel or energy storage devices may be fitted. 10.4 No drive assistance to power is allowed either of a mechanical or electrical sort. 10.5 An accurate bicycle type speedometer must be fitted and functional, to allow maximum speeds to be recorded. 11. Competition Format: 11.1 Each car will compete in a number of 'runs' against one other car. 11.2 They will start together when a hooter sounds. At this point the power will be engaged and the cars, without any other assistance, will move away. 11.3 Each run will be over 200 metres in a straight line, the first to the finishing line to be deemed the winner of that 'run'. 11.4 The number of 'runs' will depend on the number of cars entered in an event. 11.5 Events will be held from time to time either as part of a Formula 24 race day or as a unique stand-alone meeting depending on the entry level. Full information will be posted on the website. 12. Changes to Specification: Changes may occur from time to time to the Catapult Specification and these will be announced on the website. The Future: Greenpower want to grow Formula Catapult nationally to the point where it will stand alone as an annual competition with its own regional events and National finals. By using a simple, easily available power source such as a car starter motor we hope to create a large field of followers who will run both these cars and their more complicated F24 and F35 racing machines. With only the 200 metres to cover and in a straight line as well, we hope to have removed many of the problems that challenge the teams in the other Formulas although, we believe, there is tremendous scope for development in Catapult - it is just easier to make a working car initially. For other information about the Formula, or to ask any questions about these regulations please contact us at: helpline@greenpower.co.uk or telephone 01903 715915

These Regulations are issued by: Greenpower - C2, Modern Moulds Business Centre, Harwood Road, Littlehampton, West Sussex BN17 7AU Telephone - 01903 715915 E-mail - info@greenpower.co.uk These regulations are the intellectual property of Greenpower, and cannot be used without the permission of Greenpower.