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Guide for Record Observers V. 2.0 (June 2008)
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Guide for Record Observers V. 2.0 (June 2008)
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Table of Contents
I. SCOPE OF GUIDELINES II. DEFINITIONS III. LAND SPEED RECORDS IV. TO BEGIN... V. OBSERVER REQUIREMENTS VI. INSURANCE VII. WAIVERS VIII. EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS IX. COURSE REQUIREMENTS X. OBSERVER COURSE RESPONSIBILITIES XI. COURSE LAYOUT XII. HPV INSPECTION XIII. WIND REQUIREMENTS XIV. TIMING AND WIND VELOCITY MEASUREMENT XV. OBSERVATION DURING RECORD ATTEMPT XVI. REPORTS APPENDIX A. CURRENT WORLD RECORDS FOR LAND VEHICLES APPENDIX B. SAMPLE SURVEYOR INSTRUCTIONS APPENDIX C. SAMPLE REPORTS |
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INTRODUCTION Being an official observer is a serious responsibility. Your first responsibility is to the athletes, designers and builders. They are putting out their maximum effort and are counting on you to know the rules, to carefully observe the event, to accurately record and to verify the results. A simple infraction or omission can nullify their efforts and the efforts of the whole support team. At the other end of the scale, you also need to protect previous and future record holders from inaccurate results or unfair practices of present record entrants.
The following guidelines are intended to supplement the Competition Rules of the IHPVA (revised March 1989) for land speed records and are valid as of June 15, 2008. Changes to these guidelines will be made when the IHPVA approves changes to record requirements. In the case of conflicting procedures, the Competition Rules of the IHPVA will prevail, except where specifically noted in these guidelines. Numbers in parentheses refer to the applicable section of the Competition Rules of the IHPVA. Observer guidelines for non-land events will be added when available.
Class Definitions - See 3.2.1.1 through 3.2.1.3. of Competition Rules for single rider, multiple rider and arm powered definitions. Speed Trial Records - Records for the fastest time for a set distance. Some speed trial records are from a flying start, others are from a standing start (see list below).
Time Trial Records - Records for greatest distance traveled in a set period of time. Time trial records are from a standing start. Start Definitions - See 3.2.3.1 (Standing Start) and 3.2.3.2 (Flying Start) of Competition Rules. Miscellaneous - The words below are used often in these guidelines and the following definitions apply to these guidelines only: Record Attempt - a vehicle running with the specific intent of setting or breaking one or more records. Run - the actual attempt itself, from start to finish. Course - The area upon which a vehicle is attempting the record. Includes both run-up distance (for flying starts) and timing traps distance. Timing Traps - (for speed trial records) the measured length between two marked points whereby the timing system records Time1 (upon the vehicle entering the trap) and Time2 (upon the vehicle exiting the trap). Speed trial records are known by the distance within the timing traps (e.g. 200 meters, 500 meters, etc.). Closed Course - A course where the HPV travels a loop, passing by the start area one or more times. The vehicle does not need to return to the start area or complete its last lap after the conclusion of its timed event (e.g. An Hour time trial on a large circular course) Hence the total elevation gain on the course is equal to the total elevation loss.
Currently the IHPVA recognizes land speed records in the following categories:
Currently the IHPVA recognizes records for the following distances and time Intervals:
As of 1998 the IHPVA recognizes the above land speed records divided into two categories: high altitude and low altitude. Currently the altitude division is at 700 meters above sea level. Check the IHPVA website at http://www.ihpva.org or HPVA.US and check with the IHPVA Rules Committee for the most current record list before commencing any record attempt. As of November 1997, the IHPVA approved the following amendments:
This means that if the low altitude speed is faster than the high altitude speed, then the low altitude speed is the "official record". If an HPV at high altitude then goes faster than the "official record", the new speed becomes the "official record" and the old record, if set at low altitude, becomes "the low altitude record". Effective November 1997, For speed trial records only, a mandatory back-up run that is within 5% of the speed of the record run is required within 10 days (either before or after) the record run. This back-up run is required for distances of 4,000 meters or less.
The first step in preparing to be an observer is to check with the IHPVA Rules and Records Committee to make sure you have the most recent version of this guide. When the record seeker has more information about where and when the attempt will be made, the next step is for them to notify the IHPVA Rules and Records Committee Chair and IHPVA Board of Directors of the record attempt 30 days in advance (an application form may be required). This is necessary in order to 1) Confirm your position as observer, 2) Make sure the team has the appropriate permissions, and 3) Allow sufficient time to apply for insurance, if the team requires assistance with insurance. Failure to give adequate advance notice could mean that the team may not have prepared to meet all the requirements for a record.
A. IHPVA must appoint two official observers for any record attempt. (Note: Competition Rules say one, but at least two are needed). B. Official observers must be a member of an IHPVA-affiliate organization, must not be associated with any competitor/ team member or organizer, and must have some prior experience with racing HPVs. The observer must be in no way connected with the ownership, design or operation of the HPV (7.0) C. The observers must remain impartial and ensure that all Competition Rules of the IHPVA and these procedures are followed. Any changes to procedures must be documented in writing and submitted with the Record Attempt report. Documentation should include the reason for the change and the effect (if any) on the record attempt. Note: At a record attempt there is always some friendliness and helpfulness between the observers and the record-seeking team. However any help should absolutely stop before the record attempt begins. The observers’ full attention must be given to his/her responsibilities to ensure that the record attempt conforms to the IHPVA rules and requirements. D. During record attempts observers must have with them a current copy of the Competition Rules of the IHPVA and these guidelines. E. When questions arise where no rules or guidelines exist, the observer will make decisions with safety and fairness foremost in mind. Observers should confer with the chairman of the IHPVA Rules Committee when unsure of how to proceed or to verify if a variation to these guidelines is permissible.
Insurance is required for three purposes:
All record attempts must have liability insurance that covers the IHPVA, the landowner, and any group or organization that may be hosting the record attempt. The liability insurance should be for no less than US$1 million per record session. It is also highly desirable (but not required) that the athletes have adequate health insurance. If the record seeker crew does not have liability insurance, they should contact the IHPVA in advance for current costs and insurance application procedures. There are sources of relatively inexpensive insurance for record attempts in many countries. The IHPVA has finalized an agreement in the United States with the American Bicycle Racing Association (ABR), who will provide insurance under their policy for land and water HPVs only. If the record seeking person or team wants the ABR insurance option, at least one official observer must become an "ABR Official", which includes paying the $20 membership fee and taking a short "open - booklet" test on ABR rules. Note: The ABR procedures are set up for regular bike racing competitions; the HPVA has added a special Appendix for HPV racing. The only way they can insure an HPV record attempt is to treat it as if it were a regular HPV competition, with attendant fees and requirements. Please have the team bear this in mind when filling out forms and ABR applications. The record person or team, if they want the ABR insurance option, is responsible for paying for their ABR memberships, the ABR sanction fee, and the "per-competition-day" insurance fee for the riders. They will need to contact the IHPVA for the actual cost of these items.
At sanctioned competitions, all contestants must sign a waiver releasing the IHPVA, their IHPVA-affiliate organization, and the organizers from liability for the competition (6.0). This has been interpreted to include record attempts. A standard liability waiver form will be created in the future and made available as part of this Guide.
Note: The timing equipment used by the IHPVA is available for rent for IHPVA sanctioned events. Rolls of twisted pair wire are also available. An anemometer is included with the rental of the IHPVA timing equipment. The rental for the IHPVA ALGE equipment is $50/day, plus shipping and insurance. Per day means "per-day-actually-used", not from the day you receive it. Any time spent in setup and learning is free. One-way shipping is usually about $60 within the USA. Since the total value of the equipment is over US$5,000 insurance is required. Contact the Rules and Records Committee or the IHPVA Board of Directors regarding equipment rental.
Appendix B is a sample of the wording of a surveyor's certificate for a speed trial course. B. Surveyor will:
For tracks where the observer can see the record HPV at all times, the distance should be measured at the same line throughout the course. Preferably this should be a visible line, since the observers need to make sure the HPV does not go below that line during the attempt. For large tracks, the distance line must be the innermost distance. For a prior hour course that was an auto-proving track with banked turns, the observers and team determined the "neutral steer" position on the turns, and had the survey based on this "line". The intent was that "neutral steer" should give the least rolling resistance. For speed trial records, the surveyor should mark start and finish lines with temporary or permanent landmarks for each set record distance. For time trial records, the surveyor should mark the start line, then leave temporary or permanent landmarks at known distances on the inside shoulder of the course for later use in determining distances. This allows the observer to make the final distance measurement using a long tape measure from the nearest known distance marker. For large tracks, see "Timing and Wind Velocity Measurement" below.
X. OBSERVER COURSE RESPONSIBILITIES
Official observers will provide a written verification of the following: 1. RIDER/TEAM - The observer will verify that each HPV owner or manager and each rider have signed all appropriate waivers and is a current member of an IHPVA-affiliate organization (for insurance purposes). Observer will also inspect and verify that the proper approvals, proof of insurance, permission to use course, surveyor’s reports, etc. have been collected (see "Report" below). 2. POWER, ENERGY STORAGE, BRAKES AND CONTROLS - Verify HPV complies with sections 3.1.1. through 3.1.4 of the Competition Rules. Each rider must present his/her Snell-approved helmet for inspection (3.2.7). Helmets must not have been altered in a way that decreases protection. Modification To Helmet Rule - The Competition Rules of the IHPVA state that only a Snell-approved helmet can be worn, however it is well-known that currently the Snell certification is not the sole valid helmet certification. Because the competition rules have not yet been revised to update the helmet rule, in practice the Records Committee will accept the following rule modification: Helmets can be either Snell or ANSI- approved helmets, or must have passed a National Certification test in the country of the rider. Helmets must not have been altered in any way that decreases protection. An approved helmet must be worn during the entire record attempt and any time the bike is being ridden. A ruling was made at the time of the Colorado Speed Challenge (1993) regarding the use of bottled oxygen. The problem was that in its unused form oxygen is stored energy, yet when breathed it becomes normal allowable "fuel" for the rider. It was ruled that the rider could breathe bottled oxygen while sitting stationary inside the fairing as long as the mask was held tightly against his face so that oxygen was not released into the fairing or any container inside the fairing. Before the rider was taped or secured inside the fairing, the oxygen mask had to be removed (the bottle was always outside the fairing). This required that an observer monitor the oxygen mask at all times during this procedure. HPVs may be disqualified due to inadequate braking capability, lack of stability, poor visibility, presence of dangerous protrusions, or other unsafe design features. (3.2.7) HPVs deemed to be unsafe may be modified and re-inspected after safety modifications are complete. Observers should document the re-inspection.
See section 3.3.4 of Competition rules. These restrictions apply to closed as well as straight courses. (3.3.4) Explanation: Wind can aid an HPV by providing thrust in the direction of travel, especially if the HPV is designed to take advantage of wind. An airfoil shape in a cross wind can act like a sail and provide propulsion ice boats and land sailors use this effect to go over 100 mph! A tail wind can also increase speeds for HPV’s. Limiting the wind velocity minimizes the effect of the wind assisting HPVs and helps to ensure that records are broken in (relatively) comparable conditions. Note: For many parts of the world, the least amount of wind occurs very early in the morning and again in the evening, around sunset.
XIV. TIMING AND WIND VELOCITY MEASUREMENT A. Speed trials with a flying start from any distance (3.2.2.1 through 3.2.2.3 and 3.2.2.6). 200m, 500m, 1km and 1 mile Two timing tapes are used: the first one at the beginning of the time trap and the second, final one at the end of the timing trap where a second observer monitors the ANR and the TMP which is connected to both tapes. An observer certifies that the start complies with the Flying Start requirements (3.2.3.2.). When the HPV crosses the first tape, the end observer hears the TMP being tripped and he starts the ANR. When the HPV crosses the second, final tape, the observer hears the TMP printing the elapsed time and he/she stops the ANR and reads the quantity of wind recorded on the ANR during the timed run. A simple calculation will express the number of meters of wind per second during the duration of the record attempt. If the course is legal the entire distance and the timing system is capable, an HPV can attempt the 200m, the 500m, the 1km and the 1mile records all on the same run. If this is desired each event has a timing tape at the beginning of its own timed interval and the four intervals end at the same line, where there is a fifth timing tape. The observer located at the last tape starts the ANR when he hears the TMP being tripped by the HPV passing the first tape. He records the meters of wind on the ANR each time he hears the TMP being actuated by each one of the remaining tapes. Calculation is needed to find the elapsed time for each interval and then the number of meters of wind per second for each interval. Note: If a course is being used for standing start records as well as flying start records, a start line tape will be needed when timing standing start records. See A) above and C) below. B. Speed trials with a standing start (3.2.2.4), (3.2.2.5) 4km, 10km, 100 km, 1, 000 km and MegaMeter.
Two tapes are used: the first one at the start line where an observer monitors the TMP and certifies that the start complies with the Standing Start requirements (3.2.3.1). The second timing tape is at the finish line where another observer operates the ANR. The observers are linked by radio. When the HPV crosses the first tape and trips the TMP, the second observer is notified and he starts the ANR. The first observer then unplugs the TMP from the first timing tape and, and with the timer clock still running, proceeds by car (don’t cross the timing tapes with the car!) to the finish line where he/she joins the observer monitoring the ANR. The first observer then plugs the TMP to the finish timing tape. At the end of event, the total amount of wind is recorded to calculate the average wind velocity for the entire duration of the event.
C. Speed trial with a standing start (3.2.2.8) 1/4 Mile Elapsed Time
Two timing tapes are used: the first one at the start line where an observer certifies that the start complies with the Standing Start requirements (3.2.3.1); a second, final tape at the end of the ¼ mile distance, where a second observer monitors the ANR and the TMP which is connected to the two tapes. When the HPV crosses the first tape, the end observer hears the TMP being tripped and he starts the ANR. When the HPV crosses the second, final tape, the observer hears the TMP printing the elapsed time and he/she stops the ANR and reads the quantity of wind on the ANR. A simple calculation will express the number of meters of wind per second during the duration of the record attempt. D. Time trials (3.2.2.9), (3.2.2.10) and (3.2.2.11) 1 Hour, 12 Hour and 24 Hour Only one timing tape is used, and it is connected to the TMP, which is at the starting line. All observers and assistants first synchronize watches. The first observer certifies that the start complies with the Standing Start requirements (3.2.2.1). A second observer operates the ANR. When the HPV crosses the starting line, the TMP is actuated and the second observer is notified to start the ANR. On the next to last lap (may be earlier on short circuits), the starting line observer disconnects the TMP from the start tape. Then he, with a flour or chalk bag and a helper with the TMP, proceeds in a chase car to follow the HPV and mark the spot attained when the time interval expired by tossing the bag. In order to do this method, the helper, who has a radio, counts down loud and clear the last twenty seconds. The observer watches the HPV so he can note its location when the helper counts down to zero...and the other observer records the amount of meters of wind when the end of the time trial is announced (in case of communication failure, he would use his synchronized watch). The chase vehicle should be driven far enough from the HPV in order not to help nor harm it (see below). If the Time Trial takes place on a smaller track (such as a velodrome) where the HPV is in view at all times and there are numerous, accurate distance markers, the observers may fix the location of the vehicle at the end of the time trial by noting its location by its proximity to the distance markers. Note: It is very important that the observers and any assistants practice the intended method of marking the end of the time trial! E. Speed trial with a flying start from a given distance (3.2.2.7) 200m time trial - 600m start
Three timing tapes are used: the first one at the start line where an observer certifies that the start complies with the Standing Start requirements (3.2.3.1); a second tape at the beginning of the time trap and a third, final one at the end of it where a second observer monitors the anemometer (ANR) and the time meter-printer (TMP) which is connected to the last two tapes. When the HPV crosses the second tape, the end observer hears the TMP being tripped and he starts the ANR. When the HPV crosses the final, third tape, the observer hears the TMP printing the elapsed time and he/she stops the ANR and reads the quantity of wind on the ANR. A simple calculation will express the number of meters of wind per second during the timed portion of the record attempt. Timing Notes
Average wind speed in meters per second = Total volume of air divided by the total time of run (in seconds).
B. PLACEMENT OF WIND MEASUREMENT EQUIPMENT - For speed trial records, the anemometer should be placed alongside the finish line at a height 2 meters above the course. For time trial records, the observer should estimate where the existing record would be surpassed on the course and then place the anemometer where he/she estimates the finish will be. There is some leeway in exactly where the anemometer should be placed, but it should be in a location fairly representative of the wind conditions over the course as a whole and it should be positioned to measure the prevailing wind.
C. Timing equipment should record every lap time to verify lap count. This information should be kept as a printout. Timing report should also include time of day that the record attempt started and finished. D. The HPVA ALGE timing equipment can be unplugged from the tape & reconnected on any tape as required. The inputs are "normally open", and the unit is battery operated Timing tapes are to be held down on the course with tape in such a way that an automobile will not pick them up and destroy them. Timing tapes are fragile and must be stored rolled up in large diameter circles to prevent kinking. E. By blending time trials timing procedures with those of speed trials with a standing start, observers can work on a run where an HPV is attempting both the 1-hour and the 100 km (or 24 hours and 1,000 km) records. The start for both would be at the same time. If the finish of the 100k is not at the same position as the start, then a tape switch can be laid out at the 100k finish to capture the HPV time on the timer. After the start, the observer will disconnect the timing equipment from the start tape (leaving the clock running) and after the hour (or 24 hours) has passed and been logged, move the timer to the 100km (or 1,000km) finish line tape before the last lap of the 100km (or 1,000km). It would be normal that the TMP does not record one or two lap times of the 100km (or 1,000km) event, since the equipment would be in the chase vehicle when the 1 hour (or other time interval) is concluding.
F. To make the record attempt measurement and timing as clear as possible, it is best if only one HPV is attempting a record at a time. However if necessary observers can work on a run where one HPV is attempting the 1 hour (or 24 hours) record while another HPV is attempting the 100km (or 1,000km) record. In this case, observers should mark the printout to note each separate HPV passing over the timing tape. Otherwise procedure is essentially the same as listed above. G. In all cases, the timing observer must mark each timer printout with the record event type, date, time of day, HPV name, rider name, total amount of wind accumulation in meters and finally, he or she must sign the tape.
XV. OBSERVATION DURING RECORD ATTEMPT
Record data for all attempts during the session, but submit only the record run and the back-up run (back up required for speed trials of 4km or less) to the IHPVA Records Committee. However you should retain your copies or originals of the documentation and timing printouts of all attempts in case questions arise then or in the future. Information or documents to be supplied include:
Documentation of the record attempt must be forwarded to the IHPVA Rules & Records Committee within 30 days after the attempt has taken place.
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APPENDIX A CURRENT WORLD RECORDS FOR LAND VEHICLES
Please refer to the Records Page on the IHPVA website. |
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APPENDIX B SAMPLE SURVEYOR INSTRUCTIONS Surveyors Statement The following wording is adapted from the surveyor’s letter and report for 1993 Colorado Speed Challenge. For this competition, the surveyor measured the course for all record distances of one mile or less.
This page is offered as a sample document and should be altered as necessary for the specific record attempt and location.
The course was marked with P-K nails set 1’ South of the North Shoulder line along (name of road). Points were set at the end of the ¼ mile run-out area, the finish line, at 200 meters, ¼ mile, 500 meters, 800 meters, 1 kilometer, 1 mile, 4 kilometers and at the beginning of the run-up area. The point for the beginning of the run-up area was chosen as close as possible on the West side of a cattle guard which the racers would probably not want to cross. The point for the end of the ¼ run-out was chosen because of rough pavement just to the west of it which could also cause difficulties to the riders.
I, (name of surveyor), measured a course along (name of road). The results of this survey are as follows:
Beginning at a point which I set for the Finish Line of all timed events, I measured to the East 200.00 meters, ¼ mile, 500 meters, 800 meters, 1 kilometer, 1 mile, 4 kilometers and at the beginning of the run-up area and set points in the asphalt surface of the roadway to mark these positions, with a total length from the beginning of the run-up area to the finish line of 15,219.75 feet and a total rise of 91.44 feet. In accordance with the IHPVA instructions, several points along this line were measured and in no instance did the path rise above a line of 2/3 of 1% drawn from the point designated as the finish to the point designated as the beginning of the run-up area. As a duly registered Professional Land Surveyor in the State of xxxxxxxx, I hereby certify that the above stated results are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.
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RECORD ATTEMPT REPORT - GENERAL INFORMATION
This page is offered as a sample document and should be altered as necessary for the specific record attempt and location.
The observers read all the information they could locate about record requirements, and to the best of their ability made sure all known rules were respected.
The track for the record attempt is a xx,xxx.xx meter describe type of track. It is the property of (name of owner). Permission to use the course was granted by (name).
The course slope is within the record requirements (see official surveyor's report). The track used was essentially flat, without banked corners. The facility has two tracks: alpha and bravo. The outer track, named alpha, was used for all record attempts. The track surface was bumpy from many filled and unfilled cracks, although there were no potholes. (Note: this portion of the report is only to report the current condition of the track surface. In no way should it be taken as a criticism of the track, which is a world class facility.) The surveyor measured the entire course, and marked finish lines for a variety of distances, with a starting line always the same. For the hour record attempts the wind speed indicator was placed at 2 meters above the track at approximately 79-km from the start line. For the distance record attempts, the wind speed indicator was placed at 2 meters above the track at the finish line of the specific distance. Wind speed was determined by dividing the total amount of wind during the duration of the record attempt by the number of seconds elapsed during the record attempt. The observers verified that each HPV had no dangerous protrusions, that the brakes worked, and that each pilot had a SNELL or ANSI-approved helmet that had not been modified (brand name). The observers further verified there were no non-human powered apparatus in the HPVs except for the battery-powered standard bicycle computer used for computing speed, cadence, distance, etc. Insurance and waivers: The officials were verbally assured by the riders that each had adequate health and personal liability coverage. Event liability coverage was through (name). All necessary waivers were signed. The timing tapes for the speed trial distances (mile, kilometer, 500 meters, 200 meters and finish) were laid down on (date) by ____________ All distance tapes were tested and verified to be operational. All riders were informed of the new requirement for a back-up run for speed trial records, with the back-up run to be within 5% of the new record.
Signed: ______________________________ Date: ___________________
RECORD REPORT - SPECIFIC INFORMATION This page is offered as a sample document and should be altered as necessary for the specific record attempt and location.
REPORT: The attempt began at approximately xx.xx am/pm. Observer name operated the timer at the starting line while Observer name remained with the anemometer at the finish line on the back straightway. They were linked by radio. After Rider name crossed the start line, Observer name started the anemometer upon Observer name's signal. Observer name then disconnected the timer from the start line tape and brought it to the finish line (in a vehicle driven by Observer name) proceeding on the track in the same direction as the HPV, about two hundred meters behind. Observer name then plugged in the timer to the finish line tape at the 10,000-meter mark. The anemometer was two meters above course surface. ____________________________________________________ (Signed by all observers) |
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Rev. June 15, 2008 [ACK, CCB] |